August 4, 2016
On Lying Down. .... He makes me to lie down in quiet pastures. (Psalm 23)
The last thing you want to hear as a kid is someone telling you it's time to 'lie down' ... in fact it's the last thing in the world you want to do - there's so much fun to be had by staying up!
As Gods children however 'lying down' seems to be part of the rhythm he has for our well being ... David, the psalmist, had it right there at the top of the description of God as our shepherd. ' he makes me to lie down in green pastures' psalm 23:2
There are many different interpretations of what it means to 'lie down' ... Last week the Lord showed me an additional way to understand those words. God spoke to me while I was sitting in the stands at the Agrium building during the Calgary Stampede. Below me the 'Stock Dog' competition was under way and it wasn't to long before I heard the words 'lie down' called out continually as part of the action happening below.
The stock dog competition works like this... At one end of the arena a farmer and his dog stand patiently while three sheep are released at the other end of the rink. The sheep huddle together without much ambition to explore this larger 'pen' they have been released in to. Through a series of whistles by the farmer, the dog responds to its master in herding the three sheep through a series of obstacles until the sheep are led into a pen near the farmer and a gate is closed behind them. In this competition four minutes was allowed for the task to be completed... with the dog being the star of the show.
By placing itself strategically behind or beside the sheep who, for the most part travel together, the dog can dictate the speed and direction in which the sheep will travel together. The dog is wired and highly energized for this task ... It seems to come so naturally but obvious to the audience that hours of training the dog, by its master, has occurred. Remember that sheep don't have the highest IQ in the animal kingdom and often don't do what makes sense in the process of the competition ... therefore often the farmer calls out to the dog 'lie down - lie down' telling his four legged companion to literally lie down - be still and quiet until things to settle down related to the landscape of sheep making progress towards the pen.
My observations revealed the farmer used his lie down signal when the dog was getting out of sync with the pace necessary to complete the task at hand.
The dog's passion nor obedience was never in question ... But from time to time an order to 'lie down' was called out and even 'barked' at the dog not only allowing the dog to recalibrate its pace, but for the farmer, who at all times seemed in total control of the bringing the sheep 'home,' to complete the challenge within the time frame provided.
It was at this point that the soft and tender voice of the 'Good Shepherd' reminded me of a spiritual principle based on what I was watching unfold before me...
Having God encourage or even exhort me to 'lie down' whether in green pastures or busy pastorates might be the very necessary 'time out' to recalibrate our lives and field of vision before we re-engage in the task of leading lost souls towards the Good Shepherd... It probably is also a good reminder that all the 'running around' we do in ministry accomplishes nothing of value unless it is carried out with a listening ear to the Lord, our shepherd, as well... a shepherd whose heart is bent towards seeing his sheep brought into the fold.
On Lying Down. .... He makes me to lie down in quiet pastures. (Psalm 23)
The last thing you want to hear as a kid is someone telling you it's time to 'lie down' ... in fact it's the last thing in the world you want to do - there's so much fun to be had by staying up!
As Gods children however 'lying down' seems to be part of the rhythm he has for our well being ... David, the psalmist, had it right there at the top of the description of God as our shepherd. ' he makes me to lie down in green pastures' psalm 23:2
There are many different interpretations of what it means to 'lie down' ... Last week the Lord showed me an additional way to understand those words. God spoke to me while I was sitting in the stands at the Agrium building during the Calgary Stampede. Below me the 'Stock Dog' competition was under way and it wasn't to long before I heard the words 'lie down' called out continually as part of the action happening below.
The stock dog competition works like this... At one end of the arena a farmer and his dog stand patiently while three sheep are released at the other end of the rink. The sheep huddle together without much ambition to explore this larger 'pen' they have been released in to. Through a series of whistles by the farmer, the dog responds to its master in herding the three sheep through a series of obstacles until the sheep are led into a pen near the farmer and a gate is closed behind them. In this competition four minutes was allowed for the task to be completed... with the dog being the star of the show.
By placing itself strategically behind or beside the sheep who, for the most part travel together, the dog can dictate the speed and direction in which the sheep will travel together. The dog is wired and highly energized for this task ... It seems to come so naturally but obvious to the audience that hours of training the dog, by its master, has occurred. Remember that sheep don't have the highest IQ in the animal kingdom and often don't do what makes sense in the process of the competition ... therefore often the farmer calls out to the dog 'lie down - lie down' telling his four legged companion to literally lie down - be still and quiet until things to settle down related to the landscape of sheep making progress towards the pen.
My observations revealed the farmer used his lie down signal when the dog was getting out of sync with the pace necessary to complete the task at hand.
The dog's passion nor obedience was never in question ... But from time to time an order to 'lie down' was called out and even 'barked' at the dog not only allowing the dog to recalibrate its pace, but for the farmer, who at all times seemed in total control of the bringing the sheep 'home,' to complete the challenge within the time frame provided.
It was at this point that the soft and tender voice of the 'Good Shepherd' reminded me of a spiritual principle based on what I was watching unfold before me...
Having God encourage or even exhort me to 'lie down' whether in green pastures or busy pastorates might be the very necessary 'time out' to recalibrate our lives and field of vision before we re-engage in the task of leading lost souls towards the Good Shepherd... It probably is also a good reminder that all the 'running around' we do in ministry accomplishes nothing of value unless it is carried out with a listening ear to the Lord, our shepherd, as well... a shepherd whose heart is bent towards seeing his sheep brought into the fold.
June 21, 2016
Reflections on 24 hours in Fort McMurray – June 13-14, 2016
As I stepped off the plane the smell of smoke filled my lungs – like I had just turned up to a campfire site in which the fire has recently been extinguished… as I made my way down to the baggage claim, emergency kits for residents returning home were on hand being handed out by Red Cross representatives… cases of water were everywhere it seemed as a good portion of the city is still under a boil water advisory. Signs galore welcomed home those who’d been away for the past month – displaced as evacuees because of ‘the beast’ … a fire that still burns six weeks later.
Large billboards lined highway 63 into the city with words of welcome, encouragement and the resolve of the city to rebuilt in a safe and resilient manner.
The drive from airport into town showed the remnants of the super 8 and Denny’s restaurant where Dexcom had stayed two years previously – in fact there seemed no rhyme nor reason as patches of burnt out blackened trees and structures dotted the landscape – entire neighborhoods were fences off with hug bags of white ash dotted the sidewalks. Reps from Samaritans Purse sifted through sites where homes once stood as the owners looked on from the other side of the chain linked fence as ‘their ash rubble’ was sifted through looking for anything that was recognizable – to connect them to a piece of their past, and memories of what had been.
Along the way forested areas had been bulldozed to clear the terrain back from the roads and highways…
Our Fort City church never closed its doors throughout the evacuation – while the congregation was dispersed and met in Edmonton (Beulah Alliance) for worship – Lucas Welch (a Fire Fighter who is also licensed with the district ) held services for the First Responders… Ours was the first church back up and running when people returned home.
Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham evangelistic center have established their command post on the property of Fort City Church – and use the facilities to sleep over night and use of kitchen and washrooms during the day – the sanctuary and Sunday school rooms are now make shift dorms for the volunteers from all over Canada. The relief effort is a fine tuned machine. Pastor Ralph Light who just completed a season as pastor of our Fort Macleod Alliance was on
hand wearing the bright orange SP T shirt … he had just arrived for a two week volunteering stint. I toured the Samaritan’s Purse disaster mobile unit – a well stocked trailer with back up vehicles and supplies. You could tell they had done this many times before.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association also has a trailer, counselling center on the Fort City parking lot. I had the opportunity to engage several of the counsellors and pray with them as well.
Doug Doyle, lead pastor of Fort City Church took me on a tour of meaningful stops along the way. First, we stopped in at the Salvation Army corps where the line of people flooding in for water, clothing and a word of encouragement never stopped during the time we were there… Major Stephen Hibbs was on site and gave a warm word of thanks to the Alliance volunteers who had recently left the Fort after serving at the various welcome centers throughout Fort Mac as residents made their way home. ‘They were a good caring lot’ said Major Hibbs – hard workers and in his estimation some of the women even out worked the men!
The dozens of photos I took tell the rest of the story – of a city that is digging deep as it rebuilds from the ground up in many areas of the city… the manner in which foliage has already grown back against the dark backdrop of the darkened hillsides was a stark reminder of the life that still remains in Fort McMurray.
In the midst of all that is going on – opportunities abound for the local church to embrace its community with the love of God at people’s point of need.
Staff and others gathered at the Doyle’s for a bbq supper sponsored by the District. Some had just returned home 3 days before – others (fire fighters) had rarely left town since the beginning of May. Steaks sizzled and conversation was animated as stories where shared amidst kids laughter and play. And when there was a lull in the conversation we considered the opportunities that now faced the church and faith community to make the most of the opportunities to be ‘ambassadors’ for Christ in the coming months. Prayer followed with a blessings upon those gathered… an then more laughter and goodwill all around.
Tuesday AM found me dropping in on our Native Christian Fellowship building that now served as the headquarters for the Southern Baptism Disaster relief initiative. Our pastor Clay Hilton has deep roots with the Baptists and they were a joyous group of kind people who had travelled up from Oklahoma to serve in a compassionate manner as long as needed.
All in all our churches are an important central part of the relief infrastructure – and our people are slowly getting their lives back to a new normal with an awareness of the needs of those around them.
Reflections on 24 hours in Fort McMurray – June 13-14, 2016
As I stepped off the plane the smell of smoke filled my lungs – like I had just turned up to a campfire site in which the fire has recently been extinguished… as I made my way down to the baggage claim, emergency kits for residents returning home were on hand being handed out by Red Cross representatives… cases of water were everywhere it seemed as a good portion of the city is still under a boil water advisory. Signs galore welcomed home those who’d been away for the past month – displaced as evacuees because of ‘the beast’ … a fire that still burns six weeks later.
Large billboards lined highway 63 into the city with words of welcome, encouragement and the resolve of the city to rebuilt in a safe and resilient manner.
The drive from airport into town showed the remnants of the super 8 and Denny’s restaurant where Dexcom had stayed two years previously – in fact there seemed no rhyme nor reason as patches of burnt out blackened trees and structures dotted the landscape – entire neighborhoods were fences off with hug bags of white ash dotted the sidewalks. Reps from Samaritans Purse sifted through sites where homes once stood as the owners looked on from the other side of the chain linked fence as ‘their ash rubble’ was sifted through looking for anything that was recognizable – to connect them to a piece of their past, and memories of what had been.
Along the way forested areas had been bulldozed to clear the terrain back from the roads and highways…
Our Fort City church never closed its doors throughout the evacuation – while the congregation was dispersed and met in Edmonton (Beulah Alliance) for worship – Lucas Welch (a Fire Fighter who is also licensed with the district ) held services for the First Responders… Ours was the first church back up and running when people returned home.
Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham evangelistic center have established their command post on the property of Fort City Church – and use the facilities to sleep over night and use of kitchen and washrooms during the day – the sanctuary and Sunday school rooms are now make shift dorms for the volunteers from all over Canada. The relief effort is a fine tuned machine. Pastor Ralph Light who just completed a season as pastor of our Fort Macleod Alliance was on
hand wearing the bright orange SP T shirt … he had just arrived for a two week volunteering stint. I toured the Samaritan’s Purse disaster mobile unit – a well stocked trailer with back up vehicles and supplies. You could tell they had done this many times before.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association also has a trailer, counselling center on the Fort City parking lot. I had the opportunity to engage several of the counsellors and pray with them as well.
Doug Doyle, lead pastor of Fort City Church took me on a tour of meaningful stops along the way. First, we stopped in at the Salvation Army corps where the line of people flooding in for water, clothing and a word of encouragement never stopped during the time we were there… Major Stephen Hibbs was on site and gave a warm word of thanks to the Alliance volunteers who had recently left the Fort after serving at the various welcome centers throughout Fort Mac as residents made their way home. ‘They were a good caring lot’ said Major Hibbs – hard workers and in his estimation some of the women even out worked the men!
The dozens of photos I took tell the rest of the story – of a city that is digging deep as it rebuilds from the ground up in many areas of the city… the manner in which foliage has already grown back against the dark backdrop of the darkened hillsides was a stark reminder of the life that still remains in Fort McMurray.
In the midst of all that is going on – opportunities abound for the local church to embrace its community with the love of God at people’s point of need.
Staff and others gathered at the Doyle’s for a bbq supper sponsored by the District. Some had just returned home 3 days before – others (fire fighters) had rarely left town since the beginning of May. Steaks sizzled and conversation was animated as stories where shared amidst kids laughter and play. And when there was a lull in the conversation we considered the opportunities that now faced the church and faith community to make the most of the opportunities to be ‘ambassadors’ for Christ in the coming months. Prayer followed with a blessings upon those gathered… an then more laughter and goodwill all around.
Tuesday AM found me dropping in on our Native Christian Fellowship building that now served as the headquarters for the Southern Baptism Disaster relief initiative. Our pastor Clay Hilton has deep roots with the Baptists and they were a joyous group of kind people who had travelled up from Oklahoma to serve in a compassionate manner as long as needed.
All in all our churches are an important central part of the relief infrastructure – and our people are slowly getting their lives back to a new normal with an awareness of the needs of those around them.
May 26, 2016
The Great Escape - Fort McMurray Video
Clay Hilton, pastor of Native Christian Fellowship, one of two Alliance churches in Fort McMurray, is featured with his family on a short video about their journey as they escaped the raging fires of Fort McMurray. A great inside look at their personal story! Please click the following link for the video:
https://vimeo.com/167491160
The Great Escape - Fort McMurray Video
Clay Hilton, pastor of Native Christian Fellowship, one of two Alliance churches in Fort McMurray, is featured with his family on a short video about their journey as they escaped the raging fires of Fort McMurray. A great inside look at their personal story! Please click the following link for the video:
https://vimeo.com/167491160
February 1, 2016
Kairos Course Review
Kairos Promo Video 2016 from Global Vault on Vimeo.
Course Attendance and Experience (January 3 - 8, 2016)
I had the opportunity to take in the Kairos course offered at the Bowridge site of RockPointe Church. The commitment of taking in the 9 to 5, Monday to Friday course (plus evening homework) is a big chunk of valuable time but was thorough worth the investment.
Through Ron Brown’s continual ramblings about ‘Kairos,’ I realized (upon his suggestion of Kairos attendance) that beyond having a basic awareness of the existence of the ‘program,’ I didn’t have a working knowledge of its content nor personal experience of this movement that continues to grow and find support within our church constituency.
Participants
The course found me joining a group of 25 participants… including the Mid West Leadership Team (Al, Ron and Paul – new missions guy)… most of the Rock Pointe staff including Matt, Ron, Dave, Brammer, Irene … and within our district staff or lay people representatives from Westside Chinese, River of Life Filipino, Rock Pointe, … and Rick and Patti Love from Foothills. The remaining six participants drove in for the week from Saskatchewan.
Participants sat in groups of 4-5 at round tables. The entire group was divided up into different ‘conversational groups’ that met once to twice a day to review learning and application.
Towards the end of the course we also participated in role play, worship and focused prayer times and shared a common meal.
Leadership
A highly committed group of 6 facilitators rounded out those present… including three of your wives who function well together as part of the team… led by Terri on this occasion.
Leaders ‘facilitate’ the course curriculum and are held accountable to somewhat of a strict schedule by the rest of the facilitation team.
Facilitators sit together while throughout the course – they also meet before/ during/after the daily course for planning purposes and share lunch together as well.
Course Structure
The structure of the course is mainly content driven through readings, videos, completion of worksheets and then reflective small group experiences to stress not only personal learning but more importantly ‘application’ of things learned. Most of the learning is done in private (working on worksheets and application outcomes) with an hour or so of homework each night. Worksheets are handed in and read over by facilitators and returned with notes of encouragement. Worksheet questions are designed to ensure you read the content of each of the 8 chapters.
Participants are invited to consider becoming facilitators of future events and financial offerings are received at the end of the week to help reach the lost, and to cover ongoing costs associated with the germination of the Kairos movement in the future.
Course Content
The course is based on the biblical truth that God has a plan for the world, and for his mighty power to reach throughout the world (Isaiah 14:26) … the theme throughout the course is to understand ‘the big picture of God, His mission and His world.’
A 118 page ‘reader’ is the basic tool and outline that is followed throughout the week.. the content starts with a biblical/theological focus and then emanates out towards living a lifestyle as with a biblical worldview in being a ‘world class Christian’ who gets the big picture and challenge of living out the Great Commission.
By the end of the course one is well educated, inspired and motivated to live life with a ‘big picture’ perspective of history past, present and future – seeing ourselves as a fundamental tool and asset in God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
In reflection of the week’s experience… the more people we can expose to this course the better… for several reasons.
1. Most of our people aren’t operating from a holistic biblical worldview – and the course will educate and then challenge them as to what it means to live as a ‘world Christian.’
2. While most of the course work is done personally, it is processed in small group and community whereby the stories and testimonies of others serve to affirm that we are all in the same boat and need to tighten up our focus (personally and ecclesiastically) to fulfill God’s plan for our life.
3. I see Kairos as en effective experience and vehicle for leadership development and discipleship development through the focus on growth in Christ and fulfill God’s will.
4. It captures accurately what is happening in the world; the shifting of the world stage as it were, as God continues to reposition ‘people groups’ as he has throughout history, presenting opportunity for the propagation of the gospel to nations (people groups). The reality, this time around however, is found in the reality that the nations are at our doorstep (literally) and no longer can we simply view missions as ‘sending people over there.’
Thanks for the referral Ron!
Kairos Course Review
Kairos Promo Video 2016 from Global Vault on Vimeo.
Course Attendance and Experience (January 3 - 8, 2016)
I had the opportunity to take in the Kairos course offered at the Bowridge site of RockPointe Church. The commitment of taking in the 9 to 5, Monday to Friday course (plus evening homework) is a big chunk of valuable time but was thorough worth the investment.
Through Ron Brown’s continual ramblings about ‘Kairos,’ I realized (upon his suggestion of Kairos attendance) that beyond having a basic awareness of the existence of the ‘program,’ I didn’t have a working knowledge of its content nor personal experience of this movement that continues to grow and find support within our church constituency.
Participants
The course found me joining a group of 25 participants… including the Mid West Leadership Team (Al, Ron and Paul – new missions guy)… most of the Rock Pointe staff including Matt, Ron, Dave, Brammer, Irene … and within our district staff or lay people representatives from Westside Chinese, River of Life Filipino, Rock Pointe, … and Rick and Patti Love from Foothills. The remaining six participants drove in for the week from Saskatchewan.
Participants sat in groups of 4-5 at round tables. The entire group was divided up into different ‘conversational groups’ that met once to twice a day to review learning and application.
Towards the end of the course we also participated in role play, worship and focused prayer times and shared a common meal.
Leadership
A highly committed group of 6 facilitators rounded out those present… including three of your wives who function well together as part of the team… led by Terri on this occasion.
Leaders ‘facilitate’ the course curriculum and are held accountable to somewhat of a strict schedule by the rest of the facilitation team.
Facilitators sit together while throughout the course – they also meet before/ during/after the daily course for planning purposes and share lunch together as well.
Course Structure
The structure of the course is mainly content driven through readings, videos, completion of worksheets and then reflective small group experiences to stress not only personal learning but more importantly ‘application’ of things learned. Most of the learning is done in private (working on worksheets and application outcomes) with an hour or so of homework each night. Worksheets are handed in and read over by facilitators and returned with notes of encouragement. Worksheet questions are designed to ensure you read the content of each of the 8 chapters.
Participants are invited to consider becoming facilitators of future events and financial offerings are received at the end of the week to help reach the lost, and to cover ongoing costs associated with the germination of the Kairos movement in the future.
Course Content
The course is based on the biblical truth that God has a plan for the world, and for his mighty power to reach throughout the world (Isaiah 14:26) … the theme throughout the course is to understand ‘the big picture of God, His mission and His world.’
A 118 page ‘reader’ is the basic tool and outline that is followed throughout the week.. the content starts with a biblical/theological focus and then emanates out towards living a lifestyle as with a biblical worldview in being a ‘world class Christian’ who gets the big picture and challenge of living out the Great Commission.
By the end of the course one is well educated, inspired and motivated to live life with a ‘big picture’ perspective of history past, present and future – seeing ourselves as a fundamental tool and asset in God’s plan for the salvation of the world.
In reflection of the week’s experience… the more people we can expose to this course the better… for several reasons.
1. Most of our people aren’t operating from a holistic biblical worldview – and the course will educate and then challenge them as to what it means to live as a ‘world Christian.’
2. While most of the course work is done personally, it is processed in small group and community whereby the stories and testimonies of others serve to affirm that we are all in the same boat and need to tighten up our focus (personally and ecclesiastically) to fulfill God’s plan for our life.
3. I see Kairos as en effective experience and vehicle for leadership development and discipleship development through the focus on growth in Christ and fulfill God’s will.
4. It captures accurately what is happening in the world; the shifting of the world stage as it were, as God continues to reposition ‘people groups’ as he has throughout history, presenting opportunity for the propagation of the gospel to nations (people groups). The reality, this time around however, is found in the reality that the nations are at our doorstep (literally) and no longer can we simply view missions as ‘sending people over there.’
Thanks for the referral Ron!
November 19, 2015
The Relative E’s of Disciple Making!
E-E-E-E
The Relative E’s of Disciple Making!
Over the past months we have been focusing on better understanding and positioning our lives and church ministries to become more intentional in disciple making. The Lord’s invitation to ‘come follow me’ leads to the reality that He will ‘make us into fishers of men… able to ‘go into the world and make disciples’
The majority of our churches are now honing in on declaring the pathway steps they follow that now finds people coming to Christ and then maturating as Christ followers (or as one of our churches calls them… Apprentices of Jesus!) We have accepted a goal of working together to declare our disciple making plans by the end of the year.
Some churches who are busy in making disciples are having struggles in formatting their experience… and to those churches the following four headings are provided to give focal points that provide structural flow in making sense of how all of their activities are actually working towards a common goal…
I had lunch with a pastoral couple this past week who were experiencing such a frustration. By offering them four simple E words, everything they were doing in the church not only fit under a category but seemed to tie their entire disciple making experience together.
Here are the four E words for your consideration and use in these days…
E-N-G-A-G-E
… How we relationally connect with those in our community, influencing residents with Christian love and acts of service. (Matt 25)
E-S-T-A-B-L-I-S-H
… How we develop relationships with community members allowing our friendships to be used by God to draw people into a personal relationship with Jesus and a sense of belonging to our church family. (Matt 28)
E-Q-U-I-P
… How we help all believers (new and old) grow in Christ and find their place in the body of Christ. (Eph. 4)
E-M-P-O-W-E-R
… How we create opportunities and release believers to serve in the church and community and world… living as salt, light and Ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5)
If you haven’t yet come to peace of mind or heart over how you personally or your church collectively is involved in making disciples, I would invite you to consider the “E’s” of the experience.
Simply put all activities under these four areas, present in your life and church – and reflect on your responses, understanding the flow of God’s life and work in you and your church in fulfilling his invitation to ‘come follow Me’ and his commission to ‘go into all the world and make disciples.’
The Relative E’s of Disciple Making!
E-E-E-E
The Relative E’s of Disciple Making!
Over the past months we have been focusing on better understanding and positioning our lives and church ministries to become more intentional in disciple making. The Lord’s invitation to ‘come follow me’ leads to the reality that He will ‘make us into fishers of men… able to ‘go into the world and make disciples’
The majority of our churches are now honing in on declaring the pathway steps they follow that now finds people coming to Christ and then maturating as Christ followers (or as one of our churches calls them… Apprentices of Jesus!) We have accepted a goal of working together to declare our disciple making plans by the end of the year.
Some churches who are busy in making disciples are having struggles in formatting their experience… and to those churches the following four headings are provided to give focal points that provide structural flow in making sense of how all of their activities are actually working towards a common goal…
I had lunch with a pastoral couple this past week who were experiencing such a frustration. By offering them four simple E words, everything they were doing in the church not only fit under a category but seemed to tie their entire disciple making experience together.
Here are the four E words for your consideration and use in these days…
E-N-G-A-G-E
… How we relationally connect with those in our community, influencing residents with Christian love and acts of service. (Matt 25)
E-S-T-A-B-L-I-S-H
… How we develop relationships with community members allowing our friendships to be used by God to draw people into a personal relationship with Jesus and a sense of belonging to our church family. (Matt 28)
E-Q-U-I-P
… How we help all believers (new and old) grow in Christ and find their place in the body of Christ. (Eph. 4)
E-M-P-O-W-E-R
… How we create opportunities and release believers to serve in the church and community and world… living as salt, light and Ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5)
If you haven’t yet come to peace of mind or heart over how you personally or your church collectively is involved in making disciples, I would invite you to consider the “E’s” of the experience.
Simply put all activities under these four areas, present in your life and church – and reflect on your responses, understanding the flow of God’s life and work in you and your church in fulfilling his invitation to ‘come follow Me’ and his commission to ‘go into all the world and make disciples.’
October 26, 2015
Who is ‘Watching the Door’ of Your Church?
disciple-making thoughts on leaving a legacy to the next generation.
I invite you to reflect on the following poem by Sam Shoemaker related to his warning not to get ‘too far into the church’ that we forget those who are yet to find a relationship with God.
This poem continues to challenge and motivate me to blend the balance of enjoying the privileges of ‘being in Christ’ with the passion of the lost and responsibility of leading them to Christ. The poem is based on Psalm 84:10.
I recently shared this poem at a congregational meeting at Pleasantview Community Church in Camrose on the eve of launching their church restart.
I Stand at the Door
I stand by the door.
I neither go to far in, nor stay to far out.
The door is the most important door in the world -
It is the door through which men walk when they find God.
There is no use my going way inside and staying there,
When so many are still outside and they, as much as I,
Crave to know where the door is.
And all that so many ever find
Is only the wall where the door ought to be.
They creep along the wall like blind men,
With outstretched, groping hands,
Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door,
Yet they never find it.
So I stand by the door.
The most tremendous thing in the world
Is for men to find that door - the door to God.
The most important thing that any man can do
Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands
And put it on the latch - the latch that only clicks
And opens to the man's own touch.
Men die outside the door, as starving beggars die
On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter.
Die for want of what is within their grasp.
They live on the other side of it - live because they have not found it.
Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it,
And open it, and walk in, and find Him.
So I stand by the door.
Go in great saints; go all the way in -
Go way down into the cavernous cellars,
And way up into the spacious attics.
It is a vast, roomy house, this house where God is.
Go into the deepest of hidden casements,
Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood.
Some must inhabit those inner rooms
And know the depths and heights of God,
And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is.
Sometimes I take a deeper look in.
Sometimes venture in a little farther,
But my place seems closer to the opening.
So I stand by the door.
There is another reason why I stand there.
Some people get part way in and become afraid
Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them;
For God is so very great and asks all of us.
And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia
And want to get out. 'Let me out!' they cry.
And the people way inside only terrify them more.
Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled.
For the old life, they have seen too much:
One taste of God and nothing but God will do any more.
Somebody must be watching for the frightened
Who seek to sneak out just where they came in,
To tell them how much better it is inside.
The people too far in do not see how near these are
To leaving - preoccupied with the wonder of it all.
Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door
But would like to run away. So for them too,
I stand by the door.
I admire the people who go way in.
But I wish they would not forget how it was
Before they got in. Then they would be able to help
The people who have not yet even found the door.
Or the people who want to run away again from God.
You can go in too deeply and stay in too long
And forget the people outside the door.
As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place,
Near enough to God to hear Him and know He is there,
But not so far from men as not to hear them,
And remember they are there too.
Where? Outside the door -
Thousands of them. Millions of them.
But - more important for me -
One of them, two of them, ten of them.
Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch.
So I shall stand by the door and wait
For those who seek it.
'I had rather be a doorkeeper’, so I stand by the door.
With my hand on the door…. Tim Beadle
Who is ‘Watching the Door’ of Your Church?
disciple-making thoughts on leaving a legacy to the next generation.
I invite you to reflect on the following poem by Sam Shoemaker related to his warning not to get ‘too far into the church’ that we forget those who are yet to find a relationship with God.
This poem continues to challenge and motivate me to blend the balance of enjoying the privileges of ‘being in Christ’ with the passion of the lost and responsibility of leading them to Christ. The poem is based on Psalm 84:10.
I recently shared this poem at a congregational meeting at Pleasantview Community Church in Camrose on the eve of launching their church restart.
I Stand at the Door
I stand by the door.
I neither go to far in, nor stay to far out.
The door is the most important door in the world -
It is the door through which men walk when they find God.
There is no use my going way inside and staying there,
When so many are still outside and they, as much as I,
Crave to know where the door is.
And all that so many ever find
Is only the wall where the door ought to be.
They creep along the wall like blind men,
With outstretched, groping hands,
Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door,
Yet they never find it.
So I stand by the door.
The most tremendous thing in the world
Is for men to find that door - the door to God.
The most important thing that any man can do
Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands
And put it on the latch - the latch that only clicks
And opens to the man's own touch.
Men die outside the door, as starving beggars die
On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter.
Die for want of what is within their grasp.
They live on the other side of it - live because they have not found it.
Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it,
And open it, and walk in, and find Him.
So I stand by the door.
Go in great saints; go all the way in -
Go way down into the cavernous cellars,
And way up into the spacious attics.
It is a vast, roomy house, this house where God is.
Go into the deepest of hidden casements,
Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood.
Some must inhabit those inner rooms
And know the depths and heights of God,
And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is.
Sometimes I take a deeper look in.
Sometimes venture in a little farther,
But my place seems closer to the opening.
So I stand by the door.
There is another reason why I stand there.
Some people get part way in and become afraid
Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them;
For God is so very great and asks all of us.
And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia
And want to get out. 'Let me out!' they cry.
And the people way inside only terrify them more.
Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled.
For the old life, they have seen too much:
One taste of God and nothing but God will do any more.
Somebody must be watching for the frightened
Who seek to sneak out just where they came in,
To tell them how much better it is inside.
The people too far in do not see how near these are
To leaving - preoccupied with the wonder of it all.
Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door
But would like to run away. So for them too,
I stand by the door.
I admire the people who go way in.
But I wish they would not forget how it was
Before they got in. Then they would be able to help
The people who have not yet even found the door.
Or the people who want to run away again from God.
You can go in too deeply and stay in too long
And forget the people outside the door.
As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place,
Near enough to God to hear Him and know He is there,
But not so far from men as not to hear them,
And remember they are there too.
Where? Outside the door -
Thousands of them. Millions of them.
But - more important for me -
One of them, two of them, ten of them.
Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch.
So I shall stand by the door and wait
For those who seek it.
'I had rather be a doorkeeper’, so I stand by the door.
With my hand on the door…. Tim Beadle
October 14, 2015
I Just Became A Grandpa!!
It’s been seven long years, but this past Thursday morning at 3:47 am, I finally became a grandpa! The little tyke, Levi Brian, weighed in at 8 lbs. 13 oz. and mom and dad are doing well. Just so you know, I’m not doing too bad either!
The reality of seeing my family tree extended to the next generation is breaking new ground for me. While I’ve been pondering adding a new branch to the family tree over and over in my mind and heart for some time, now that the reality of my grandchild is ‘reality,’ my life has been changed forever by a little bundle of joy!
What will the future hold for this little one? His fingers are long enough to be those of a pianist. Family heritage might find him pursuing a career in music, engineering or even standing behind a pulpit in the decades to come.
I tell people he’s got my good looks, because his grandma still has hers! More importantly, I’ve made a commitment to the Lord to pass on something else… my faith! That is the best gift I could ever hope to model and pass on to this new little life that bears my family name.
I start at a disadvantage in my new grandfatherly role because while I was growing up both sets of my grandparents lived in Europe. I only saw them collectively 3 times during my childhood/youth before they died. When it came to my kids, my parents and in-laws lived ‘down east’ and for the past 22 years we’ve lived in Calgary, the impact of grand ‘parenting’ on my kids consisted of a lot of ‘distant prayers’ an annual visit, occasional phone calls and monetary gifts we used to purchase things ‘from them’ for the kids at birthdays and Christmas. From this point of disadvantage, it’s now up to me to gain, grasp and develop a sense of something I haven’t experienced for practically my entire life.
A central part of my ‘grand parenting’ regimen in the days to come will be found in becoming accustomed to the developmental stages of my grandson… I have to know what is to be expected each step along the way – in the same manner I need to spend time in thinking through how Heather and I can pass on the same faith we passed on our kids… to their kids.
Deuteronomy 11 is a good starting place… “You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. “You shall teach them to your sons (and grandsons!), talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens remain above the earth.”
The birth of my grandson Levi finds me recommitting myself to intentional living – as a model and mentor to my kids and their kids in the years to come! Indeed, I want to pass on a Christ centered legacy to those who will outlive and outlast me!
The fact God reveals himself as our Father in Scripture, and that we find ourselves as brothers and sister in Christ reminds us of the need to extend to the branches of our spiritual family tree with the same commitment and priority to make disciples who make disciples… a legacy to be passed on to the next generation!
I Just Became A Grandpa!!
It’s been seven long years, but this past Thursday morning at 3:47 am, I finally became a grandpa! The little tyke, Levi Brian, weighed in at 8 lbs. 13 oz. and mom and dad are doing well. Just so you know, I’m not doing too bad either!
The reality of seeing my family tree extended to the next generation is breaking new ground for me. While I’ve been pondering adding a new branch to the family tree over and over in my mind and heart for some time, now that the reality of my grandchild is ‘reality,’ my life has been changed forever by a little bundle of joy!
What will the future hold for this little one? His fingers are long enough to be those of a pianist. Family heritage might find him pursuing a career in music, engineering or even standing behind a pulpit in the decades to come.
I tell people he’s got my good looks, because his grandma still has hers! More importantly, I’ve made a commitment to the Lord to pass on something else… my faith! That is the best gift I could ever hope to model and pass on to this new little life that bears my family name.
I start at a disadvantage in my new grandfatherly role because while I was growing up both sets of my grandparents lived in Europe. I only saw them collectively 3 times during my childhood/youth before they died. When it came to my kids, my parents and in-laws lived ‘down east’ and for the past 22 years we’ve lived in Calgary, the impact of grand ‘parenting’ on my kids consisted of a lot of ‘distant prayers’ an annual visit, occasional phone calls and monetary gifts we used to purchase things ‘from them’ for the kids at birthdays and Christmas. From this point of disadvantage, it’s now up to me to gain, grasp and develop a sense of something I haven’t experienced for practically my entire life.
A central part of my ‘grand parenting’ regimen in the days to come will be found in becoming accustomed to the developmental stages of my grandson… I have to know what is to be expected each step along the way – in the same manner I need to spend time in thinking through how Heather and I can pass on the same faith we passed on our kids… to their kids.
Deuteronomy 11 is a good starting place… “You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. “You shall teach them to your sons (and grandsons!), talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens remain above the earth.”
The birth of my grandson Levi finds me recommitting myself to intentional living – as a model and mentor to my kids and their kids in the years to come! Indeed, I want to pass on a Christ centered legacy to those who will outlive and outlast me!
The fact God reveals himself as our Father in Scripture, and that we find ourselves as brothers and sister in Christ reminds us of the need to extend to the branches of our spiritual family tree with the same commitment and priority to make disciples who make disciples… a legacy to be passed on to the next generation!
October 5, 2015
Zoom Zoom - What’s Driving Your Church?
…disciple-making thoughts on leaving a legacy to the next generation.
I must admit that for most of my ministry career, I believed the ‘mission’ of the church was the central driving force that would carry the church towards her destination.
I have spent countless hours over the years crafting mission statements that reflected Glorifying God, Loving those in the Church, and Serving the World. I have posted such mission statements on the front of bulletins, and created banners that have hung proudly in church lobbies and sanctuaries.
I have noticed that such mission statements, while vitally necessary, only provided an intended direction in which the church was to head organizationally. In the long run they did little to address the underlying ‘ministry preoccupation’ that the Lord himself called his church towards.
Just as wheels of a vehicle are steered in the desired direction, so too, mission can only help position the church to head in a certain direction. It doesn’t ultimately provide the spark and surge that will see the journey through to completion.
The experience of following Jesus to the point of actually becoming a ‘follower’ or disciple of Jesus is to be understood as the ‘driving force’ (engine) of the church. The illustration above (Mike Breem) provides a helpful understanding in the relationship between discipleship and mission. Both are necessary. Discipleship, however, is primary.
An exercise I have found helpful in understanding the extent to which disciple making is primary in the life of the church is to write down the ministries of the church and draw lines between them related to influence and importance. In most churches, discipleship has been contained within the understanding it is the ‘program’ of bible study (small) groups ministries.
Another exercise is to look at the programming of your church and estimate how many man hours per week are invested to ensure that program/event takes place… It won’t surprise you that WORSHIP comes out on top. Where we spend most of our time and money is usually an accurate reflection of its priority in the life of the church.
Here’s a thought…. what would it take and look like in your church for DISCIPLESHIP to become the central theme and focus? In such a church experience, every other ministry and activity (worship, fellowship/small groups, children and youth ministry, ESL) would become secondary outcomes of the underlying ‘engine’ that motivated church ministry?
I believe it isn’t that we have to start doing different things (programs) in our churches. I believe we have to start doing THINGS DIFFERENTLY related to understanding the priority and importance of becoming disciple making churches.
September 21, 2015
Thoughts on Passing on My Faith
…disciple-making thoughts on leaving a legacy to the next generation.
Over the years, an image used to impress upon my heart the need to pass on my faith to the next generation was that of the relay race.
Throughout high school, I used to run the 4 x 100 relay. I wasn’t fast enough to run the anchor leg, but had the opportunity to start the race for my team. In training, I was forever coached and reminded of the importance of passing off the baton to the next runner. Unless I paid attention to the ‘hand off,’ the race was over, even before it had started.
While I spent time privately improving my 100 meters, the majority of ‘team time’ was spent simply walking and then running through the repetitive motion of the hand off. The final result found a streamlined pass that became a natural part of the experience of the team in preparation for the next race.
In Hebrews 12:1 we are instructed to run with perseverance ‘the race’ set before us. Unfortunately that race for many, including myself, has been misunderstood either as a sprint to the finish or a marathon pace in which the experience was solely between me and the Lord.
Indeed, we are to ‘fix our eyes on Jesus, and consider him so that we do not grow weary and lose heart’ (vs. 3) but let us never forget that the ‘race set before us’ was designed as a relay in which the experience of our lives was designed to include the ability and intention to pass on the ‘baton of our faith’ to those we come in contact with.
His call to go into the world and make disciples of all nations will only be realized by viewing ‘the race set before us’ in this manner. On this point I invite you to join me in pausing, pondering, praying, and then rethinking the strategy and trajectory of the race you are running.
Christine Cain suggests, ‘I believe that every baton God gives us, no matter what it might be, puts into practice either the Greatest Commandment (to love) or the Great Commission (to make disciples) or both.’
In running the first leg of my relay race, I had the opportunity to watch the race progress and unfold before me. Running the first leg gave me enough time (around 35 seconds) to sprint across the infield in time to see that same baton sequentially passed on by my team mates now crossing the finish line.
What a thrill to see the surge to the finish line with the knowledge the race had been run to the best of our collective ability.
The prayer on my heart today… Dear Lord help me to be intentional in passing on my faith. Whether planting a seed or watering a seed previously planted by someone before me, let me pass on the baton of faith into the hands and hearts of those around me in a manner they understand how, they too, must pass on their faith to the next generation. Amen.
Thoughts on Passing on My Faith
…disciple-making thoughts on leaving a legacy to the next generation.
Over the years, an image used to impress upon my heart the need to pass on my faith to the next generation was that of the relay race.
Throughout high school, I used to run the 4 x 100 relay. I wasn’t fast enough to run the anchor leg, but had the opportunity to start the race for my team. In training, I was forever coached and reminded of the importance of passing off the baton to the next runner. Unless I paid attention to the ‘hand off,’ the race was over, even before it had started.
While I spent time privately improving my 100 meters, the majority of ‘team time’ was spent simply walking and then running through the repetitive motion of the hand off. The final result found a streamlined pass that became a natural part of the experience of the team in preparation for the next race.
In Hebrews 12:1 we are instructed to run with perseverance ‘the race’ set before us. Unfortunately that race for many, including myself, has been misunderstood either as a sprint to the finish or a marathon pace in which the experience was solely between me and the Lord.
Indeed, we are to ‘fix our eyes on Jesus, and consider him so that we do not grow weary and lose heart’ (vs. 3) but let us never forget that the ‘race set before us’ was designed as a relay in which the experience of our lives was designed to include the ability and intention to pass on the ‘baton of our faith’ to those we come in contact with.
His call to go into the world and make disciples of all nations will only be realized by viewing ‘the race set before us’ in this manner. On this point I invite you to join me in pausing, pondering, praying, and then rethinking the strategy and trajectory of the race you are running.
Christine Cain suggests, ‘I believe that every baton God gives us, no matter what it might be, puts into practice either the Greatest Commandment (to love) or the Great Commission (to make disciples) or both.’
In running the first leg of my relay race, I had the opportunity to watch the race progress and unfold before me. Running the first leg gave me enough time (around 35 seconds) to sprint across the infield in time to see that same baton sequentially passed on by my team mates now crossing the finish line.
What a thrill to see the surge to the finish line with the knowledge the race had been run to the best of our collective ability.
The prayer on my heart today… Dear Lord help me to be intentional in passing on my faith. Whether planting a seed or watering a seed previously planted by someone before me, let me pass on the baton of faith into the hands and hearts of those around me in a manner they understand how, they too, must pass on their faith to the next generation. Amen.
September 14, 2015
Would you Settle for an Arranged Marriage?
…disciple-making thoughts on leaving a legacy to the next generation.
My neighbors, Zahir and his family, come from Pakistan. Part of their tradition will see their three sons enter into ‘arranged marriages.’ In fact, two already have. Over the past five years, I have watched his two eldest travel ‘home’ to bring back their new brides; sight unseen!
In speaking with Mohammed the eldest son, how he felt about entering into an arranged marriage, he shared talk of respect for family tradition, trust in his parents’ choice, and the realization that while he would never meet his bride in person until his wedding day, they would learn to love each other by spending time with each other, first as friends, and then as lovers and life partners.
Such an experience probably seems quite foreign to us. Before leaving the subject however, can I interject my growing suspicion that too many Christ followers are treating their relationship with Jesus and their commitment to discipleship (follower ship) with striking similarities to an ‘arranged marriage’ scenario. Let me explain…
In our journey of faith, when we pass from this life into the next, we are going to find ourselves as participants in a wedding feast. And we aren’t invited there as spectators. As part of the church, described in the Bible as Christ’s bride, we will meet Jesus face to face, the bridegroom, and at that point will probably be overwhelmed by the experience (even as I am just thinking about it!).
Meeting Jesus for the first time will expose whether we have settled in life for an arranged marriage mentality, or have invested our lives, this side of heaven, in not only following Jesus as His disciples, but having fallen deeper and deeper into a personal love relationship with Him.
If you were to evaluate your current relationship with Jesus with ‘arranged marriage’ at one end of the experiential spectrum and ‘total intimacy’ with Jesus at the other end, towards which response would you find the pendulum of your heart and soul swinging?
Initially, the Ephesians seemed to have gotten it so right in their relationship with Jesus. Paul’s prayer (3:17-19) reminded them of God’s inexhaustible love and their ability to be filled to the very measure of all the fullness of that same loving God. However, something tragic happened along the course of their lives to the point John described them as having ‘walked away from their first love.’ (Rev 2:4-5)
He went on to ask two pressing questions: ‘What’s going on with you – anyway?’ And, ‘Do you have any idea how far you have fallen?’ I believe we have to be confronted with at least his first question in these days, if not the second as well.
In obedience to Jesus, if we are to pass on to the next generation a legacy in which we model what it means to be disciples who make disciples, it will only occur to the extent we live our lives as a reflection of a deepening love relationship with Jesus.
It’s not in our commitment to the ‘church’ (albeit important) but through intimacy with Jesus that will find us in a ‘head over heels’ love relationship with Him. ‘Crazy love’ as my friend Randy MacDonald calls the experience!
Jesus’ call to ‘follow Him’ won’t find its fulfillment in becoming busy within a church family, any more than my commitment to completing chores around the house can be used as a measure of intimacy I share with my wife!
I would encourage you, as I have, to take time in these days to reconsider Jesus’ heart for you personally. Also hear again His invitation to a life of intimacy with Him. It is to be a love relationship designed to bear fruit naturally, in finding others coming to follow and fall in love with the same Savior we claim as the Lord and Lover of our life.
And in as much, that’s a great ‘arrangement.’
Would you Settle for an Arranged Marriage?
…disciple-making thoughts on leaving a legacy to the next generation.
My neighbors, Zahir and his family, come from Pakistan. Part of their tradition will see their three sons enter into ‘arranged marriages.’ In fact, two already have. Over the past five years, I have watched his two eldest travel ‘home’ to bring back their new brides; sight unseen!
In speaking with Mohammed the eldest son, how he felt about entering into an arranged marriage, he shared talk of respect for family tradition, trust in his parents’ choice, and the realization that while he would never meet his bride in person until his wedding day, they would learn to love each other by spending time with each other, first as friends, and then as lovers and life partners.
Such an experience probably seems quite foreign to us. Before leaving the subject however, can I interject my growing suspicion that too many Christ followers are treating their relationship with Jesus and their commitment to discipleship (follower ship) with striking similarities to an ‘arranged marriage’ scenario. Let me explain…
In our journey of faith, when we pass from this life into the next, we are going to find ourselves as participants in a wedding feast. And we aren’t invited there as spectators. As part of the church, described in the Bible as Christ’s bride, we will meet Jesus face to face, the bridegroom, and at that point will probably be overwhelmed by the experience (even as I am just thinking about it!).
Meeting Jesus for the first time will expose whether we have settled in life for an arranged marriage mentality, or have invested our lives, this side of heaven, in not only following Jesus as His disciples, but having fallen deeper and deeper into a personal love relationship with Him.
If you were to evaluate your current relationship with Jesus with ‘arranged marriage’ at one end of the experiential spectrum and ‘total intimacy’ with Jesus at the other end, towards which response would you find the pendulum of your heart and soul swinging?
Initially, the Ephesians seemed to have gotten it so right in their relationship with Jesus. Paul’s prayer (3:17-19) reminded them of God’s inexhaustible love and their ability to be filled to the very measure of all the fullness of that same loving God. However, something tragic happened along the course of their lives to the point John described them as having ‘walked away from their first love.’ (Rev 2:4-5)
He went on to ask two pressing questions: ‘What’s going on with you – anyway?’ And, ‘Do you have any idea how far you have fallen?’ I believe we have to be confronted with at least his first question in these days, if not the second as well.
In obedience to Jesus, if we are to pass on to the next generation a legacy in which we model what it means to be disciples who make disciples, it will only occur to the extent we live our lives as a reflection of a deepening love relationship with Jesus.
It’s not in our commitment to the ‘church’ (albeit important) but through intimacy with Jesus that will find us in a ‘head over heels’ love relationship with Him. ‘Crazy love’ as my friend Randy MacDonald calls the experience!
Jesus’ call to ‘follow Him’ won’t find its fulfillment in becoming busy within a church family, any more than my commitment to completing chores around the house can be used as a measure of intimacy I share with my wife!
I would encourage you, as I have, to take time in these days to reconsider Jesus’ heart for you personally. Also hear again His invitation to a life of intimacy with Him. It is to be a love relationship designed to bear fruit naturally, in finding others coming to follow and fall in love with the same Savior we claim as the Lord and Lover of our life.
And in as much, that’s a great ‘arrangement.’
July 9, 2015
Are we Building a DYNASTY or Leaving a LEGACY?
Have you ever considered the difference between those who build dynasties and those who leave legacies? Those who build a dynasty strive to make a name and reputation for themselves; those who leave legacies consider others who, one day, will benefit from the work and cause committed to in the here and now.
Dynasty’s have been around and built since bricks were being baked in Babel. As we read in Genesis 11 till this very day, the mindset of dynasty dynamics hasn’t changed very much… ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (vs. 4)
The evidence and impact of such thinking and focus continues to be seen and felt around the world in political empires, corporate giants and sports franchises. Now don’t get me wrong, a dynasty displays many traits of organizational excellence, loyalty to an institution, and the fervent pursuit of goals. However, as we have seen recently in the collapse of the Conservative government in Alberta after ruling for more than 40 years, there is a price to pay for apparently losing touch with one’s constituents. Also, the apparent grasping for the fruit of entitlement, based on positional authority, has never led to a prosperous future nor a fruitful outcome.
Jesus never instructed us to build a dynasty on his behalf, although to some extent it appears many have ended up traveling that trail. By replacing the word ‘church’ for ‘city’ in Genesis 11:4 you will intuitively recognize the path you are on! History would testify to the unfortunate reality that many of the most amazing cathedrals erected around the world and dedicated to the glory of God, today stand as little more than monuments to the past and museums for tourists.
Jesus was far more focused on entrusting to the world a full and abundant life experience (John 10:10) and a living kingdom message based on love that was to be passed down from one generation to the next. (2 Tim 2) Jesus said that he, himself, would build his church (Matt 16:18) and the gates of Hell wouldn’t stand against it. His building design and strategy found its genius in relational communal connectivity rather than religious regulations and constitutions. Imitation (Eph 5) of the lifestyle Jesus entrusted to us, empowered by His Spirit based upon the authority of His word, formed and forms the basis of the legacy entrusted to us to pass on to those who will outlive and outlast us!
His original invitation (Matt. 4:19) for people to follow him, to the extent he would make them into fishers of men, set into motion a legacy we are now called to embrace not only for His glory, but for the very salvation of the world.
Based on this call to live and leave such a legacy, churches in the Western Canadian District are now linking arms in designing and declaring the strategy they will own in making disciples who make disciples! You too are invited to join with us in leaving such a legacy!
Are we Building a DYNASTY or Leaving a LEGACY?
Have you ever considered the difference between those who build dynasties and those who leave legacies? Those who build a dynasty strive to make a name and reputation for themselves; those who leave legacies consider others who, one day, will benefit from the work and cause committed to in the here and now.
Dynasty’s have been around and built since bricks were being baked in Babel. As we read in Genesis 11 till this very day, the mindset of dynasty dynamics hasn’t changed very much… ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (vs. 4)
The evidence and impact of such thinking and focus continues to be seen and felt around the world in political empires, corporate giants and sports franchises. Now don’t get me wrong, a dynasty displays many traits of organizational excellence, loyalty to an institution, and the fervent pursuit of goals. However, as we have seen recently in the collapse of the Conservative government in Alberta after ruling for more than 40 years, there is a price to pay for apparently losing touch with one’s constituents. Also, the apparent grasping for the fruit of entitlement, based on positional authority, has never led to a prosperous future nor a fruitful outcome.
Jesus never instructed us to build a dynasty on his behalf, although to some extent it appears many have ended up traveling that trail. By replacing the word ‘church’ for ‘city’ in Genesis 11:4 you will intuitively recognize the path you are on! History would testify to the unfortunate reality that many of the most amazing cathedrals erected around the world and dedicated to the glory of God, today stand as little more than monuments to the past and museums for tourists.
Jesus was far more focused on entrusting to the world a full and abundant life experience (John 10:10) and a living kingdom message based on love that was to be passed down from one generation to the next. (2 Tim 2) Jesus said that he, himself, would build his church (Matt 16:18) and the gates of Hell wouldn’t stand against it. His building design and strategy found its genius in relational communal connectivity rather than religious regulations and constitutions. Imitation (Eph 5) of the lifestyle Jesus entrusted to us, empowered by His Spirit based upon the authority of His word, formed and forms the basis of the legacy entrusted to us to pass on to those who will outlive and outlast us!
His original invitation (Matt. 4:19) for people to follow him, to the extent he would make them into fishers of men, set into motion a legacy we are now called to embrace not only for His glory, but for the very salvation of the world.
Based on this call to live and leave such a legacy, churches in the Western Canadian District are now linking arms in designing and declaring the strategy they will own in making disciples who make disciples! You too are invited to join with us in leaving such a legacy!
May 7, 2015
The Western Canadian goes NDP
The Western Canadian District goes NDP*
*New Disciple-making Priority
At our five district conferences held throughout Alberta over the past week, a new resolve has been shared and a new focused commitment has been articulated… We are going ‘NDP’ related to a New Disciple-making Priority we are embracing.
This emphasis is based on the 2014 General Assembly motion that calls for every Alliance church to complete and forward a church plan for disciple making to their District Superintendent by the end of the year.
In no way is this to be regarded as a ‘task to be done for the sake of the district office’… in fact, it is the very opposite, as staff and resources from the district are released in coming alongside churches and leaders in assisting them complete this desire unanimously approved by Alliance members last summer in Ottawa.
The ‘new priority’ aspect we are embracing will find us accomplishing this challenge ‘TOGETHER, as a district family of churches.’ At this point only 23% of our churches have a disciple-making plan worked out. We are inviting these churches to work with their sister churches who are still on the journey towards laying tracks necessary to understand how their church members can make disciples who make disciples.
Our desire in this will be to find all of our local churches ‘crossing the finish line’ together in just over 7 months from now.
To assist church leaders get started, a ‘Disciple Making’ web page has been constructed, full of disciple making resources, plans from churches that have completed their plans to date, and the invitation to contact your church coach to see how Don, Ken and Tim can come alongside you in the coming days. The power point presentation shared at District Conference on disciple making is also provided (with teaching notes) for use in local churches.
Take time to consider the journey before us … and then join the NDP* at your church in the coming days!
In leaving a legacy to the next generation…
The Western Canadian goes NDP
The Western Canadian District goes NDP*
*New Disciple-making Priority
At our five district conferences held throughout Alberta over the past week, a new resolve has been shared and a new focused commitment has been articulated… We are going ‘NDP’ related to a New Disciple-making Priority we are embracing.
This emphasis is based on the 2014 General Assembly motion that calls for every Alliance church to complete and forward a church plan for disciple making to their District Superintendent by the end of the year.
In no way is this to be regarded as a ‘task to be done for the sake of the district office’… in fact, it is the very opposite, as staff and resources from the district are released in coming alongside churches and leaders in assisting them complete this desire unanimously approved by Alliance members last summer in Ottawa.
The ‘new priority’ aspect we are embracing will find us accomplishing this challenge ‘TOGETHER, as a district family of churches.’ At this point only 23% of our churches have a disciple-making plan worked out. We are inviting these churches to work with their sister churches who are still on the journey towards laying tracks necessary to understand how their church members can make disciples who make disciples.
Our desire in this will be to find all of our local churches ‘crossing the finish line’ together in just over 7 months from now.
To assist church leaders get started, a ‘Disciple Making’ web page has been constructed, full of disciple making resources, plans from churches that have completed their plans to date, and the invitation to contact your church coach to see how Don, Ken and Tim can come alongside you in the coming days. The power point presentation shared at District Conference on disciple making is also provided (with teaching notes) for use in local churches.
Take time to consider the journey before us … and then join the NDP* at your church in the coming days!
In leaving a legacy to the next generation…
January 15, 2015
Part 1: Practices of a Thriving Rural Church
Over the coming weeks I will be exploring potential practices that constitute a thriving rural church. Over the years there has been a plethora of materials and diagnostic tools that define church health and a set of metrics to measure growth and development... but to date I have yet to find one specifically geared to rural churches.
Through visiting Duke Divinity School’s Thriving Rural Community Program and considering the qualitative based principles of the Natural Church Development (NCD) movement, the leadership of the Rural Church Pastors Network (RCPN) is exploring 9 potential practices of rural churches that seem to lend themselves to a healthy thriving rural ministry.
You are invited along for the journey in the coming weeks as we break ground and explore together in this area of rural church consideration and understanding.
Practice 1 - Respecting Church History ‘If These Walls Could Talk’
One of the primary characteristics of a thriving rural church is the practice of respecting the foundational and endearing value of its 'relational history.' This historical perspective continues to have a deeply ingrained and ongoing relational influence on the life and culture of the average rural church.
A thriving rural church family holds a respect for its church history that, in essence, 'holds them.' As the strength of rural experience is recognized as being primarily relational in nature, a enduring legacy of memory carries with it an appreciative realization their history is linked to their ongoing and unveiling 'story.'
I recently hosted a focus group of rural pastors in Tofield, Alberta. One topic we discussed was considering shared and common language to capture a sense of the practices of a thriving rural church. A characteristic considered was the place and importance of a rural church that 'respects its history.'
Early in the discussion a Lutheran pastor spontaneously shared the moving story of his church’s history that brought this principle to life... His church was founded by Norwegians who had settled in the area outside of town in the mid 1890’s. Over the years the church building burned to the ground not once, but twice. Church families rallied around to rebuild the church, and in the 1960's moved the church into town and to this day their fellowship is still referred to by townsfolk as the 'Norwegian' church, even though such a designation doesn't have as much cultural application. However, the history of the church is so rich in heritage that its past story still follows the church till this very day.
Exploring rural church history uncovers rich stories of early settlers and those who cultivated not only the surrounding land, but who developed a sense of community from which churches became the center of their community and culture for decades yet to come.
Understanding and respecting rural church history provides insight into the strong family ties that still have strong influence in the same congregations several generations along the family tree.
Respecting and keeping the story of rural church history alive, through using it as a reference point for embracing its future, will honour the values and enduring principles that both honours God and celebrates the people He has used throughout the decades for his purpose and glory!
Part 1: Practices of a Thriving Rural Church
Over the coming weeks I will be exploring potential practices that constitute a thriving rural church. Over the years there has been a plethora of materials and diagnostic tools that define church health and a set of metrics to measure growth and development... but to date I have yet to find one specifically geared to rural churches.
Through visiting Duke Divinity School’s Thriving Rural Community Program and considering the qualitative based principles of the Natural Church Development (NCD) movement, the leadership of the Rural Church Pastors Network (RCPN) is exploring 9 potential practices of rural churches that seem to lend themselves to a healthy thriving rural ministry.
You are invited along for the journey in the coming weeks as we break ground and explore together in this area of rural church consideration and understanding.
Practice 1 - Respecting Church History ‘If These Walls Could Talk’
One of the primary characteristics of a thriving rural church is the practice of respecting the foundational and endearing value of its 'relational history.' This historical perspective continues to have a deeply ingrained and ongoing relational influence on the life and culture of the average rural church.
A thriving rural church family holds a respect for its church history that, in essence, 'holds them.' As the strength of rural experience is recognized as being primarily relational in nature, a enduring legacy of memory carries with it an appreciative realization their history is linked to their ongoing and unveiling 'story.'
I recently hosted a focus group of rural pastors in Tofield, Alberta. One topic we discussed was considering shared and common language to capture a sense of the practices of a thriving rural church. A characteristic considered was the place and importance of a rural church that 'respects its history.'
Early in the discussion a Lutheran pastor spontaneously shared the moving story of his church’s history that brought this principle to life... His church was founded by Norwegians who had settled in the area outside of town in the mid 1890’s. Over the years the church building burned to the ground not once, but twice. Church families rallied around to rebuild the church, and in the 1960's moved the church into town and to this day their fellowship is still referred to by townsfolk as the 'Norwegian' church, even though such a designation doesn't have as much cultural application. However, the history of the church is so rich in heritage that its past story still follows the church till this very day.
Exploring rural church history uncovers rich stories of early settlers and those who cultivated not only the surrounding land, but who developed a sense of community from which churches became the center of their community and culture for decades yet to come.
Understanding and respecting rural church history provides insight into the strong family ties that still have strong influence in the same congregations several generations along the family tree.
Respecting and keeping the story of rural church history alive, through using it as a reference point for embracing its future, will honour the values and enduring principles that both honours God and celebrates the people He has used throughout the decades for his purpose and glory!
December 30, 2014
In 2015, Let's Get Messy – A Call for Passionate Living
Passion, once ignited and unleashed creates movements among mankind that literally changes the very landscape of human experience and expectation around us. From John Newton's pursuit of the abolition of slavery to those in our day who, motivated by a passionate cause, are standing against the regimes of evil around the world.
Passion acted upon can open new vistas and horizons for even the average person. Think of Susan Boyle, the frumpy 47 year old from an obscure Scottish village who made her way onto the stage of Britain Has Talent a few years ago as competitor 432 and wowed the world with her rendition of 'I have a Dream.' For Boyle, that life changing performance only occurred when the passion within her to 'go for it' outweighed her inner doubts and hesitations that held her back from realizing her dreams. Check out her performance on YouTube. Over 12 million people have viewed the clip to date and left inspired by viewing the personification of an average person who stepped out on her passion to become a singer on the big stage.
Passion, however, that never sees the light of day, results in a life that is rich in a legacy of unfulfilled dreams and hollow intentions.
What passion has God placed in and on your heart that needs to be acted upon in 2015?
Becoming convinced of and committed to that which inspires you is the first step in living a passionate and productive life.
Second, imagine what it will look and feel like when your passion comes to life and is applied to your lifestyle. What difference will it make to you and the world around you if your passion were to spill out throughout the next twelve months?
Finally, fine an appropriate expression, vehicle or cause through which your passion can become productive in allowing you to express all that is bottled up within.
Won't you join me in passionate living in 2015? – But a word of warning... when you unleash your passion for God, things might get just a little bit messy!!
Peace Be the Journey - Tim Beadle
In 2015, Let's Get Messy – A Call for Passionate Living
Passion, once ignited and unleashed creates movements among mankind that literally changes the very landscape of human experience and expectation around us. From John Newton's pursuit of the abolition of slavery to those in our day who, motivated by a passionate cause, are standing against the regimes of evil around the world.
Passion acted upon can open new vistas and horizons for even the average person. Think of Susan Boyle, the frumpy 47 year old from an obscure Scottish village who made her way onto the stage of Britain Has Talent a few years ago as competitor 432 and wowed the world with her rendition of 'I have a Dream.' For Boyle, that life changing performance only occurred when the passion within her to 'go for it' outweighed her inner doubts and hesitations that held her back from realizing her dreams. Check out her performance on YouTube. Over 12 million people have viewed the clip to date and left inspired by viewing the personification of an average person who stepped out on her passion to become a singer on the big stage.
Passion, however, that never sees the light of day, results in a life that is rich in a legacy of unfulfilled dreams and hollow intentions.
What passion has God placed in and on your heart that needs to be acted upon in 2015?
Becoming convinced of and committed to that which inspires you is the first step in living a passionate and productive life.
Second, imagine what it will look and feel like when your passion comes to life and is applied to your lifestyle. What difference will it make to you and the world around you if your passion were to spill out throughout the next twelve months?
Finally, fine an appropriate expression, vehicle or cause through which your passion can become productive in allowing you to express all that is bottled up within.
Won't you join me in passionate living in 2015? – But a word of warning... when you unleash your passion for God, things might get just a little bit messy!!
Peace Be the Journey - Tim Beadle
December 22, 2014
Why... O Little Town of Bethlehem and not the Splendor of Jerusalem?
Do you ever wonder why God chose to enter humanity, wrapped in a bundle of swaddling clothes in a rural town’s stable where more animals were present than people?
I found the following thought by John Piper helpful in fully appreciating the setting in which Jesus, the Messiah, Immanuel was born...
Bethlehem is scarcely worth counting among the clans of Judah, yet God chooses to bring his magnificent Messiah out of this town. Why? One answer is that the Messiah is of the lineage of David and David was a Bethlehemite. That's true, but it misses the point of verse two. The point of verse two is that Bethlehem is small--not that it is great because David was born there. (That's what the scribes missed in Matthew 2:6). God chooses something small, quiet, out of the way, and does something there that changes the course of history and eternity.
Why? Because when he acts this way we can't boast in the merits or achievements of men but only in the glorious mercy of God. We can't say, "Well, of course he set his favor on Bethlehem, look at the human glory Bethlehem has achieved!" All we can say is, "God is wonderfully free; he is not impressed by our bigness; he does nothing in order to attract attention to our accomplishments; he does everything to magnify his glorious freedom and mercy." ...
God chose a stable so no innkeeper could boast, "He chose the comfort of my inn!" God chose a manger so that no wood worker could boast, "He chose the craftsmanship of my bed!" He chose Bethlehem so no one could boast, "The greatness of our city constrained the divine choice!" And he chose you and me, freely and unconditionally, to stop the mouth of all human boasting. This is the point of Romans 11 and this is the point of Micah 5.
The deepest meaning of the littleness and insignificance of Bethlehem is that God does not bestow the blessings of the Messiah--the blessings of salvation--on the basis of our greatness or our merit or our achievement. He does not elect cities or people because of their prominence or grandeur or distinction. When he chooses he chooses freely, in order to magnify the glory of his own mercy, not the glory of our distinctions. So let us say with the angels, "Glory to God in the highest!" Not glory to us. We get the joy. He gets the glory.
Excerpted from "From Little Bethlehem Will Come a Ruler in Israel" by John Piper.
Why... O Little Town of Bethlehem and not the Splendor of Jerusalem?
Do you ever wonder why God chose to enter humanity, wrapped in a bundle of swaddling clothes in a rural town’s stable where more animals were present than people?
I found the following thought by John Piper helpful in fully appreciating the setting in which Jesus, the Messiah, Immanuel was born...
Bethlehem is scarcely worth counting among the clans of Judah, yet God chooses to bring his magnificent Messiah out of this town. Why? One answer is that the Messiah is of the lineage of David and David was a Bethlehemite. That's true, but it misses the point of verse two. The point of verse two is that Bethlehem is small--not that it is great because David was born there. (That's what the scribes missed in Matthew 2:6). God chooses something small, quiet, out of the way, and does something there that changes the course of history and eternity.
Why? Because when he acts this way we can't boast in the merits or achievements of men but only in the glorious mercy of God. We can't say, "Well, of course he set his favor on Bethlehem, look at the human glory Bethlehem has achieved!" All we can say is, "God is wonderfully free; he is not impressed by our bigness; he does nothing in order to attract attention to our accomplishments; he does everything to magnify his glorious freedom and mercy." ...
God chose a stable so no innkeeper could boast, "He chose the comfort of my inn!" God chose a manger so that no wood worker could boast, "He chose the craftsmanship of my bed!" He chose Bethlehem so no one could boast, "The greatness of our city constrained the divine choice!" And he chose you and me, freely and unconditionally, to stop the mouth of all human boasting. This is the point of Romans 11 and this is the point of Micah 5.
The deepest meaning of the littleness and insignificance of Bethlehem is that God does not bestow the blessings of the Messiah--the blessings of salvation--on the basis of our greatness or our merit or our achievement. He does not elect cities or people because of their prominence or grandeur or distinction. When he chooses he chooses freely, in order to magnify the glory of his own mercy, not the glory of our distinctions. So let us say with the angels, "Glory to God in the highest!" Not glory to us. We get the joy. He gets the glory.
Excerpted from "From Little Bethlehem Will Come a Ruler in Israel" by John Piper.
December 15, 2014
Part VII: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Church Communities
Over the past seven weeks I have invited you to journey with me as I identified and reviewed various types of rural church communities. It has been my experience that we seldom take time to realize the diverse types of community life and church expressions that lay throughout our province, starting just beyond the shadows of our urban cities.
Through the past weeks we have seen that just as apples come in various varieties. Just as the sound of McIntosh, Granny Smith, Royal Gala or Spartan, brings different pictures of colour and taste to your palate, so too rural communities and their churches have similar diverse lifestyles and expressions. To date we have identified Corridor, Country, Resource Base, Remote, Resort and Industry rural communities.
Today we consider a final type of rural community and the potential such a place offers its church family and pastor. It goes by the name of a ‘Small Sibling’ community.
Small Sibling Communities relate to smaller towns villages and hamlets that surround resource base rural centers. This would describe places like Irma, Carseland or Wimborne, to name a few. To a certain extent, their very existence is dependent on those who live outside their rural community, and provide the resources and decisions necessary to keep the community functional. For Irma that would be Wainwright, Carseland – Strathmore and Wimborne – Olds.
The term ‘Small Sibling’ is used to describe this type of rural community in that they are in relational proximity to a larger center they would related to and have a certain level of affinity, whether it would for schooling or sporting options, or even to enjoy an evening out over a nice restaurant meal, something just possible in their home town.
In such communities there is often only one church that serves the residents and those in the surrounding region in a parish pastor relationship. Because there isn’t a lot of infrastructure in town, the church has a wondering opportunity to be active in all aspects of town life (whether activities are have a religious focus or not)
Successful pastors in such ‘small sibling’ communities have strong pastoral and relational skills with the understanding that visitation and hospitality are two of the most essential gifts they can offer their parishioners. They are often on the road driving or visiting members from the community who need hospitalization.
They also get involved in the decision making body in town as well. Whether a town council, Ag society, or simple event planning committees, their voice is welcome and respected as a community leader. Rural values shape the identity of this community – values usually handed down generationally from a former rich heritage that put the town on the map in the first place.
In conclusion... while over 80% of Albertans live in one of our seven urban centers... over 90% of our geography is cared for by those in rural ministry... so let that sink in and expand your understanding of a vital part of our province who are literally ‘outstanding’ in their field!
Part VII: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Church Communities
Over the past seven weeks I have invited you to journey with me as I identified and reviewed various types of rural church communities. It has been my experience that we seldom take time to realize the diverse types of community life and church expressions that lay throughout our province, starting just beyond the shadows of our urban cities.
Through the past weeks we have seen that just as apples come in various varieties. Just as the sound of McIntosh, Granny Smith, Royal Gala or Spartan, brings different pictures of colour and taste to your palate, so too rural communities and their churches have similar diverse lifestyles and expressions. To date we have identified Corridor, Country, Resource Base, Remote, Resort and Industry rural communities.
Today we consider a final type of rural community and the potential such a place offers its church family and pastor. It goes by the name of a ‘Small Sibling’ community.
Small Sibling Communities relate to smaller towns villages and hamlets that surround resource base rural centers. This would describe places like Irma, Carseland or Wimborne, to name a few. To a certain extent, their very existence is dependent on those who live outside their rural community, and provide the resources and decisions necessary to keep the community functional. For Irma that would be Wainwright, Carseland – Strathmore and Wimborne – Olds.
The term ‘Small Sibling’ is used to describe this type of rural community in that they are in relational proximity to a larger center they would related to and have a certain level of affinity, whether it would for schooling or sporting options, or even to enjoy an evening out over a nice restaurant meal, something just possible in their home town.
In such communities there is often only one church that serves the residents and those in the surrounding region in a parish pastor relationship. Because there isn’t a lot of infrastructure in town, the church has a wondering opportunity to be active in all aspects of town life (whether activities are have a religious focus or not)
Successful pastors in such ‘small sibling’ communities have strong pastoral and relational skills with the understanding that visitation and hospitality are two of the most essential gifts they can offer their parishioners. They are often on the road driving or visiting members from the community who need hospitalization.
They also get involved in the decision making body in town as well. Whether a town council, Ag society, or simple event planning committees, their voice is welcome and respected as a community leader. Rural values shape the identity of this community – values usually handed down generationally from a former rich heritage that put the town on the map in the first place.
In conclusion... while over 80% of Albertans live in one of our seven urban centers... over 90% of our geography is cared for by those in rural ministry... so let that sink in and expand your understanding of a vital part of our province who are literally ‘outstanding’ in their field!
December 10, 2014
Part VI: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
Over the past five weeks I have shared on the diversity of rural communities by focusing on different type of rural churches, along with the challenges and opportunities that each one face. My purpose in this is to offer encouragement to consider and appreciate the diversity of rural ministry around us. To date, we have considered rural churches that are... remote, resort, resource based, corridor and country. While terms are given to various types of churches, it is understood that every rural church context is different, and some characteristics of various ‘types’ of church may in fact describe a specific church and its pastor and congregation in place and time.
Today I share a final type of rural church that I call ‘industry based’ in that the community in which the church finds itself came into existence and is supported primarily through a sole industry. Whether ag, oil or manufacturing, such communities rise and fall on the economic well-being of the industry that forms the basis of the town’s identity.
As one can imagine, when times are tough the entire community suffers and the church is looked upon as serving its citizens in a benevolent manner. Several years ago in Brooks Alberta, the primary industry, Lakeside Packers, went into a prolonged strike that developed into a heated battle over management and worker issues. The entire town sagged under the strain - with increased pressure on families to make ends meet when resources became slim.
In such situations the pastor of the church and its congregation reach out (beyond their normal serve) to serve the town and those disadvantaged by the industrial shut down. It is here the church lives out their faith and the values of community in a climate of tension and at times prolonged frustration and despair. On another scale one needs to imagine and appreciate the social ramifications when, within a church family, there are those who are employed in both management and general labour positions sitting in the same congregation during work slowdowns or lay- offs.
Pastors of such industry based rural churches are seen as community leaders, upholding faith as the fabric of a community that can stand the storms of life and prove resilient in reaffirming the values upon which the community is built, beyond the industry in which the town finds its economic identity.
Until next week ... remember to choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life!
Part VI: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
Over the past five weeks I have shared on the diversity of rural communities by focusing on different type of rural churches, along with the challenges and opportunities that each one face. My purpose in this is to offer encouragement to consider and appreciate the diversity of rural ministry around us. To date, we have considered rural churches that are... remote, resort, resource based, corridor and country. While terms are given to various types of churches, it is understood that every rural church context is different, and some characteristics of various ‘types’ of church may in fact describe a specific church and its pastor and congregation in place and time.
Today I share a final type of rural church that I call ‘industry based’ in that the community in which the church finds itself came into existence and is supported primarily through a sole industry. Whether ag, oil or manufacturing, such communities rise and fall on the economic well-being of the industry that forms the basis of the town’s identity.
As one can imagine, when times are tough the entire community suffers and the church is looked upon as serving its citizens in a benevolent manner. Several years ago in Brooks Alberta, the primary industry, Lakeside Packers, went into a prolonged strike that developed into a heated battle over management and worker issues. The entire town sagged under the strain - with increased pressure on families to make ends meet when resources became slim.
In such situations the pastor of the church and its congregation reach out (beyond their normal serve) to serve the town and those disadvantaged by the industrial shut down. It is here the church lives out their faith and the values of community in a climate of tension and at times prolonged frustration and despair. On another scale one needs to imagine and appreciate the social ramifications when, within a church family, there are those who are employed in both management and general labour positions sitting in the same congregation during work slowdowns or lay- offs.
Pastors of such industry based rural churches are seen as community leaders, upholding faith as the fabric of a community that can stand the storms of life and prove resilient in reaffirming the values upon which the community is built, beyond the industry in which the town finds its economic identity.
Until next week ... remember to choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life!
December 2, 2014
Part V: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
This week we consider what I call ‘country rural churches’ as part of our series on rural church diversity. Country rural churches are those white steeple churches you notice that dot the landscape and skyline when travelling along country roads and highways. They are unique in that they don’t seem connected to any physical community – they are ‘stand alone’ buildings without any visible context of the surrounding community. Often you will find the pastor’s manse on the same property and on occasion, a community hall may be located within close proximity to the church building. At times you will also find a church cemetery as part of the church property.
To fully understand the presence and purpose of such country churches would entail learning the heritage and hearing the story of those who built the church in decades past. Such stories will find a person or small group of kindred spirits who viewed the importance of having a church building and faith community they could rally around. As such churches are not within the scope of formal communities, they serve as points of reference for celebrating faith and finding fellowship in regions where isolation comes with the landscape. Occasionally such churches are located in very tiny settlements or hamlets where the church is surrounded by a handful of houses or community buildings.
The pastors of country rural churches serve areas that become their ‘parish’. They are seen as the ‘pastor’ by those who might note affiliate with the church or have any profession of faith. Country pastors are often found working alongside farmers or anyone who needs a hand for that matter. They are astute in building community where no community exists and have strong relational skills and giftedness that serves to bond people together.
Relationships and reliability of being available to lend a helping hand are the strong virtues and values associated with country rural churches and the pastor who serves the surrounding parish.
Until next week ... remember the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence!
Part V: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
This week we consider what I call ‘country rural churches’ as part of our series on rural church diversity. Country rural churches are those white steeple churches you notice that dot the landscape and skyline when travelling along country roads and highways. They are unique in that they don’t seem connected to any physical community – they are ‘stand alone’ buildings without any visible context of the surrounding community. Often you will find the pastor’s manse on the same property and on occasion, a community hall may be located within close proximity to the church building. At times you will also find a church cemetery as part of the church property.
To fully understand the presence and purpose of such country churches would entail learning the heritage and hearing the story of those who built the church in decades past. Such stories will find a person or small group of kindred spirits who viewed the importance of having a church building and faith community they could rally around. As such churches are not within the scope of formal communities, they serve as points of reference for celebrating faith and finding fellowship in regions where isolation comes with the landscape. Occasionally such churches are located in very tiny settlements or hamlets where the church is surrounded by a handful of houses or community buildings.
The pastors of country rural churches serve areas that become their ‘parish’. They are seen as the ‘pastor’ by those who might note affiliate with the church or have any profession of faith. Country pastors are often found working alongside farmers or anyone who needs a hand for that matter. They are astute in building community where no community exists and have strong relational skills and giftedness that serves to bond people together.
Relationships and reliability of being available to lend a helping hand are the strong virtues and values associated with country rural churches and the pastor who serves the surrounding parish.
Until next week ... remember the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence!
November 24, 2014
Part IV: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
This week we focus on what I refer to as ‘remote’ rural church communities... places off the beaten track, at the end of the trail, and barely making it on the map! Such places are remote for a reason – they don’t mind the isolation, the backwoods life in nature, where hunting and fishing are part of the natural rhythm of life and nature; and the conveniences of urban sprawl aren’t a high priority. Rugged terrain and lifestyle is pattern for life and ministry.
The greatest challenge for pastors of such congregations is the reality of isolation – one needs to have a strong resolve and call from the Lord to commit to a ministry setting where many times ‘you are it’ related to pastoral leadership, realizing you don’t have any direct access to additional resources or ministry support! Such pastors display diverse resourcefulness. They hold strong relational skills in which they serve to bring a sense of community into an isolated community. Such residents have an independent lifestyle and outlook on life, are self-dependent and are comfortable living lives disconnected from society for the most part.
Such pastors hold deep faith and a mature walk with the Lord – realizing while forgotten by the world, they mean the world to God. His calling on their lives to settle down in mostly northern isolated communities assures them that while they may live in the middle of nowhere – they find themselves in the center of His will for their lives!
Remote living isn’t equated with the lifestyles of the ‘rich and famous,’ in fact those who live in remote areas usually suffer from lack of opportunity, which relates to a lower standard of living related to income and education.
Remember those who serve in remote areas – taking the word and love of God to those who are forgotten for the most part by the masses.
Until next week... turn over a new leaf in your commitment to pray for those who serve in rural remote ministry!
Part IV: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
This week we focus on what I refer to as ‘remote’ rural church communities... places off the beaten track, at the end of the trail, and barely making it on the map! Such places are remote for a reason – they don’t mind the isolation, the backwoods life in nature, where hunting and fishing are part of the natural rhythm of life and nature; and the conveniences of urban sprawl aren’t a high priority. Rugged terrain and lifestyle is pattern for life and ministry.
The greatest challenge for pastors of such congregations is the reality of isolation – one needs to have a strong resolve and call from the Lord to commit to a ministry setting where many times ‘you are it’ related to pastoral leadership, realizing you don’t have any direct access to additional resources or ministry support! Such pastors display diverse resourcefulness. They hold strong relational skills in which they serve to bring a sense of community into an isolated community. Such residents have an independent lifestyle and outlook on life, are self-dependent and are comfortable living lives disconnected from society for the most part.
Such pastors hold deep faith and a mature walk with the Lord – realizing while forgotten by the world, they mean the world to God. His calling on their lives to settle down in mostly northern isolated communities assures them that while they may live in the middle of nowhere – they find themselves in the center of His will for their lives!
Remote living isn’t equated with the lifestyles of the ‘rich and famous,’ in fact those who live in remote areas usually suffer from lack of opportunity, which relates to a lower standard of living related to income and education.
Remember those who serve in remote areas – taking the word and love of God to those who are forgotten for the most part by the masses.
Until next week... turn over a new leaf in your commitment to pray for those who serve in rural remote ministry!
November 17, 2014
Part III: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
Just as apples come in varieties, such as McIntosh, Delicious, Royal Gala and Granny Smith (each with individual tastes and textures) so too, rural communities come in different shapes and sizes. The church and pastoral demands and challenges in each type of rural framework are diverse as well.
To understand such rural diversity, I invite you to track with me in the coming weeks as I consider a different ‘type’ of rural community each week and consider the implications for rural pastors who are called to, and call each rural community ‘home.’
This week we focus on what I call ‘resource base communities’ and their rural churches. Such communities function as centers and communities that service the surrounding resource based economy and related lifestyle. Places like Camrose, Vegreville, Lamont and Lacombe would be examples of such communities. In Alberta such centers support the agricultural sector and in other locations such centers support the fishing, mining and lumber industries.
In resource base communities citizens see their towns as ideal places to live, as services are provided that cover their basic needs in living a meaningful life (education, medical, building and equipment/supply companies that service the resource based needs of the region). They also provide sports and recreation teams, clubs and activities for children and youth, eliminating the need to travel into larger urban centers an hour or two down the highway.
Resource based communities are relied on by surrounding smaller towns and villages for the basic services, supplies and provisions that, in turn, support their local economies. These communities find their identity in the surrounding resources they rely on for their existence. In the past decade diversification and growth of small industry has occurred to bring economic diversification. The influx of immigrants to Alberta finds greater presence and expression from year to year in such communities.
Churches in resource base communities can develop nicely within a family based church where everyone knows each other and the talent pool is usually deep enough for a shared ministry experience where all ages can get involved. It’s a type of church where the pastor needs strong pastoral skills, but also can lead the church into the future in an ever changing community context. In such communities, pastors need to collaborate with other churches in tackling social problems and cooperative faith based community events.
Until next week ... remember you reap what you sow!
Part III: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
Just as apples come in varieties, such as McIntosh, Delicious, Royal Gala and Granny Smith (each with individual tastes and textures) so too, rural communities come in different shapes and sizes. The church and pastoral demands and challenges in each type of rural framework are diverse as well.
To understand such rural diversity, I invite you to track with me in the coming weeks as I consider a different ‘type’ of rural community each week and consider the implications for rural pastors who are called to, and call each rural community ‘home.’
This week we focus on what I call ‘resource base communities’ and their rural churches. Such communities function as centers and communities that service the surrounding resource based economy and related lifestyle. Places like Camrose, Vegreville, Lamont and Lacombe would be examples of such communities. In Alberta such centers support the agricultural sector and in other locations such centers support the fishing, mining and lumber industries.
In resource base communities citizens see their towns as ideal places to live, as services are provided that cover their basic needs in living a meaningful life (education, medical, building and equipment/supply companies that service the resource based needs of the region). They also provide sports and recreation teams, clubs and activities for children and youth, eliminating the need to travel into larger urban centers an hour or two down the highway.
Resource based communities are relied on by surrounding smaller towns and villages for the basic services, supplies and provisions that, in turn, support their local economies. These communities find their identity in the surrounding resources they rely on for their existence. In the past decade diversification and growth of small industry has occurred to bring economic diversification. The influx of immigrants to Alberta finds greater presence and expression from year to year in such communities.
Churches in resource base communities can develop nicely within a family based church where everyone knows each other and the talent pool is usually deep enough for a shared ministry experience where all ages can get involved. It’s a type of church where the pastor needs strong pastoral skills, but also can lead the church into the future in an ever changing community context. In such communities, pastors need to collaborate with other churches in tackling social problems and cooperative faith based community events.
Until next week ... remember you reap what you sow!
November 10, 2014
Part II: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
As a district denominational family we have just enjoyed a week in rural Alberta! Some may be surprised by my statement in light of enjoying an inspirational prayer retreat at the Chateau Lake Louise, but the truth is Lake Louise comprises one of Alberta’s rural resort towns we have all come to love and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation!
Just as apples come in varieties, such as McIntosh, Delicious, Royal Gala and Granny Smith (each with individual tastes and textures) so too, rural communities come in different shapes and sizes. The church and pastoral demands and challenges in each type of rural framework are diverse as well. Each week I place another type of rural ministry ‘on the table’ and consider the implications for rural pastors who are called to, and call each rural community ‘home.’
Rural resort communities and their churches face a very unique existence. In Alberta that would refer to places like, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Waterton and Sylvan Lake. While millions of visitors annually come within their boundaries to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, the day to day life of the residents of such towns is rarely considered by those who love to drive in and out for a day or week, getting away from the rat race of life!
Pastors in such rural communities have a ministry that often takes place behind the scenes of the beautiful scenery ... take Banff example – the town entertains three million visitors a year, has four thousand temporary workers at any one time, and five thousand residents who call Banff home. One can soon imagine the social demands that are placed upon the local churches that has to deal with those who fall through the social safety net related to homelessness, addiction fall out, unwanted pregnancy, to name a few...
Congregations are small and struggling in such rural areas, as those who come and go never stay long enough to put down many relational roots, or spend time in rural resort areas to meet their own recreational needs. As most rural areas in national parks are closed to new urban and residential development, there isn’t a large influx of new residents.
In our district, through our Calgary based River of Life Filipino Church, pastors travel to Banff each week and hold a church service/fellowship for Filipino temporary workers at the YWCA. Many of those who attend work in the hotels in Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise, some of whom may have made our beds at Prayer Retreat this past week!
So as many of you reflect upon our retreat experience in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, take time to remember and pray for those who serve in rural resort communities in our province.
Until next week ... why not remember rural as your ‘last resort!’
Part II: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
As a district denominational family we have just enjoyed a week in rural Alberta! Some may be surprised by my statement in light of enjoying an inspirational prayer retreat at the Chateau Lake Louise, but the truth is Lake Louise comprises one of Alberta’s rural resort towns we have all come to love and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation!
Just as apples come in varieties, such as McIntosh, Delicious, Royal Gala and Granny Smith (each with individual tastes and textures) so too, rural communities come in different shapes and sizes. The church and pastoral demands and challenges in each type of rural framework are diverse as well. Each week I place another type of rural ministry ‘on the table’ and consider the implications for rural pastors who are called to, and call each rural community ‘home.’
Rural resort communities and their churches face a very unique existence. In Alberta that would refer to places like, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Waterton and Sylvan Lake. While millions of visitors annually come within their boundaries to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, the day to day life of the residents of such towns is rarely considered by those who love to drive in and out for a day or week, getting away from the rat race of life!
Pastors in such rural communities have a ministry that often takes place behind the scenes of the beautiful scenery ... take Banff example – the town entertains three million visitors a year, has four thousand temporary workers at any one time, and five thousand residents who call Banff home. One can soon imagine the social demands that are placed upon the local churches that has to deal with those who fall through the social safety net related to homelessness, addiction fall out, unwanted pregnancy, to name a few...
Congregations are small and struggling in such rural areas, as those who come and go never stay long enough to put down many relational roots, or spend time in rural resort areas to meet their own recreational needs. As most rural areas in national parks are closed to new urban and residential development, there isn’t a large influx of new residents.
In our district, through our Calgary based River of Life Filipino Church, pastors travel to Banff each week and hold a church service/fellowship for Filipino temporary workers at the YWCA. Many of those who attend work in the hotels in Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise, some of whom may have made our beds at Prayer Retreat this past week!
So as many of you reflect upon our retreat experience in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, take time to remember and pray for those who serve in rural resort communities in our province.
Until next week ... why not remember rural as your ‘last resort!’
October 28, 2014
Part I: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
When the word ‘rural’ is mentioned, what picture comes to your mind? Perhaps peaceful pictures of rolling hills of yellow canola, bales of hay spotting the horizon, or as Scripture describes, the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalm 50:10)
The reality is however, there are various types of rural communities. Just as apples come in varieties, such as McIntosh, Delicious, Royal Gala and Granny Smith (each with individual tastes and textures) so too, rural communities come in different shapes and sizes.
To understand such rural diversity, I invite you to track with me in the coming weeks as I consider a different ‘type’ of rural community each week and consider the implications for rural pastors who are called to, and call each rural community ‘home.’
Corridor Communities relate to smaller towns that surround larger urban cities. This would describe places like Cochrane, High River, Leduc & Morinville to name a few. To a certain extent, they function as bedroom communities to the neighbouring urban center. It is here tensions between urban and rural life comes into play.
Churches found in corridor communities continually find themselves in a state of tension and transition. There is ongoing potential for growth and development, but not without the price associated with change. And most people don’t like change if they don’t know where it is leading them. Churches who find themselves in corridor communities have to regularly reinvent themselves. Their reality is challenging because, over time, the eyes of the congregation begin to focus on the magnetism of the big city to the point they lose sight of the uniqueness of their own cultural distinctives and heritage.
As new subdivisions are constructed, there is a large influx of ‘outsiders’ who snatch up real estate and never put down their relational roots because they are forever travelling the ‘corridor’ into the big city to take in shopping and entertainment options not available in their home community.
Sadly, residents from corridor communities get ‘sucked’ into the allure of the resources and programing large urban city churches have to offer. I say ‘sadly’ because the consequence is seen in many residents ending up disconnected relationally with churches and church goers in their own town. Can you imagine the continual sense of frustration in pastors who see their people heading down the corridor to the big city church each weekend, when vital leadership positions remain vacant in their own community church.
While people are free to worship where they are led to – wouldn’t it be amazing if leaders of large city churches openly partnered with the ‘corridor churches’ surrounding them in that they encourage church members to identify and practically support the church in the communities they call ‘home.’
Such is the reality and some of the challenges of leading a ‘corridor community’ church – one of the many varieties of rural churches that spot our landscape. Next week we’ll consider ‘Agri-Community’ rural churches.
Until then – keep your face to the sun and your hand to the plow!
Part I: Understanding the Diversity of Rural Communities
When the word ‘rural’ is mentioned, what picture comes to your mind? Perhaps peaceful pictures of rolling hills of yellow canola, bales of hay spotting the horizon, or as Scripture describes, the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalm 50:10)
The reality is however, there are various types of rural communities. Just as apples come in varieties, such as McIntosh, Delicious, Royal Gala and Granny Smith (each with individual tastes and textures) so too, rural communities come in different shapes and sizes.
To understand such rural diversity, I invite you to track with me in the coming weeks as I consider a different ‘type’ of rural community each week and consider the implications for rural pastors who are called to, and call each rural community ‘home.’
Corridor Communities relate to smaller towns that surround larger urban cities. This would describe places like Cochrane, High River, Leduc & Morinville to name a few. To a certain extent, they function as bedroom communities to the neighbouring urban center. It is here tensions between urban and rural life comes into play.
Churches found in corridor communities continually find themselves in a state of tension and transition. There is ongoing potential for growth and development, but not without the price associated with change. And most people don’t like change if they don’t know where it is leading them. Churches who find themselves in corridor communities have to regularly reinvent themselves. Their reality is challenging because, over time, the eyes of the congregation begin to focus on the magnetism of the big city to the point they lose sight of the uniqueness of their own cultural distinctives and heritage.
As new subdivisions are constructed, there is a large influx of ‘outsiders’ who snatch up real estate and never put down their relational roots because they are forever travelling the ‘corridor’ into the big city to take in shopping and entertainment options not available in their home community.
Sadly, residents from corridor communities get ‘sucked’ into the allure of the resources and programing large urban city churches have to offer. I say ‘sadly’ because the consequence is seen in many residents ending up disconnected relationally with churches and church goers in their own town. Can you imagine the continual sense of frustration in pastors who see their people heading down the corridor to the big city church each weekend, when vital leadership positions remain vacant in their own community church.
While people are free to worship where they are led to – wouldn’t it be amazing if leaders of large city churches openly partnered with the ‘corridor churches’ surrounding them in that they encourage church members to identify and practically support the church in the communities they call ‘home.’
Such is the reality and some of the challenges of leading a ‘corridor community’ church – one of the many varieties of rural churches that spot our landscape. Next week we’ll consider ‘Agri-Community’ rural churches.
Until then – keep your face to the sun and your hand to the plow!
October 14, 2014
Big Fish in a Small Pond
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
In Malcolm Gladwell’s most recent book, David & Goliath, he shares the following story that has direct bearing to an approach and mindset rural leaders must adopt to have a sense of wellbeing in a world that too often overlooks them.
Impressionistic art was not welcome in the French art community in 1860 because its artists literally painted 'outside the lines' relative to what was deemed and appreciated as acceptable. Approved art was acknowledged and affirmed by those works displayed in the major galleries around the world in that day. Today, however, Impressionistic art is found in each one of these same galleries, with virtually every piece holding incredible value, many considered as masterpieces. The question begs to be asked, ‘what caused the change in the plight of these artists and their art, once regarded as societal outcasts in both public and professional life?’
The answer is found in those within the impressionistic camp who realized they couldn't compete against the 'Establishment.' Therefore, they stopped doing so and created a smaller ‘establishment’ of their own to promote and display their diverse and unorthodox work.
The painters decided to express life from a different mental operating system that saw them understand their artistic work differently in comparison with the traditional and established art community and culture around them. Rather than continuing to regard themselves, or for that matter, be regarded as 'small fish in a big pond' compared to the rest of the traditional art community, they created and projected a new reality for themselves and their art. They decided to view themselves and act like 'big fish in a small pond.' In time this mental shift created a new culture surrounding their approach to artistic expression that today is accepted around the globe and admired for its own merit.
The principle at hand challenges leaders in rural locations not to be pigeon holed by the institutional establishment simply because you are smaller or do things differently. The challenges and opportunities in allowing your creative juices to flow through new channels of expression, communication and community are unlimited. Living life with the expectation of fitting into someone else’s agenda, or being squeezed into a mold that you simply don’t fit can no longer be standard practice when it comes to rural ministry experience. Going with the flow because that is what everyone else is doing isn't reason enough to join in following the crowd halfheartedly. Within our national vision prayer, there is ample flexibility to discern and display how God’s transforming work looks and feels in a rural ministry setting.
With the move of the masses into urban cities and lifestyles over the past generation, rural life and living has not only been left behind by many, but subsequently looked down upon as being passé. The rapid pace of urban existence when compared to the more relaxed rhythm of rural life isn’t a fair comparison, however, through the lenses of efficiency and effectiveness. While to some, rural is seen as ‘slow and somewhat backwards’ in approach, such thinking is uninformed and ignorant in the same manner the impressionists were viewed 150 years ago.
Rural ministry and pastors have no reason to hang their heads. They have things to ‘boast’ about! A relational based lifestyle is a common thread that not only sets rural lifestyle apart from city dwellers, but remains the elusive element that so many urban dwellers desire. In their haste to create an urban life experience, people are too busy to let their relational roots sink into the soil of their new lifestyle environment.
Because of rural pastors’ varied and diverse locations, they have never had the opportunity to speak with ‘one voice’ in educating the ‘urban masses’ as to the unique and significant role held by pastors in rural communities. Rural life and ministry has no need to compete or self-compare with its urban counterparts. It needs to do things in its own way, in a ‘different and unique expression’ of a lifestyle that is truly wholesome and worth preserving. Becoming self-aware of all that is good about rural life and ministry is the basis for experiencing and expressing life and ministry in ways that promote and protect a sense of community and relational unity.
So, to my rural ministry colleagues, I invite you to view yourselves and minister in these days and in the days to come, as ‘Big Fish in a Small Pond!’
Until next time... keep casting your bread upon the water!
Big Fish in a Small Pond
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
In Malcolm Gladwell’s most recent book, David & Goliath, he shares the following story that has direct bearing to an approach and mindset rural leaders must adopt to have a sense of wellbeing in a world that too often overlooks them.
Impressionistic art was not welcome in the French art community in 1860 because its artists literally painted 'outside the lines' relative to what was deemed and appreciated as acceptable. Approved art was acknowledged and affirmed by those works displayed in the major galleries around the world in that day. Today, however, Impressionistic art is found in each one of these same galleries, with virtually every piece holding incredible value, many considered as masterpieces. The question begs to be asked, ‘what caused the change in the plight of these artists and their art, once regarded as societal outcasts in both public and professional life?’
The answer is found in those within the impressionistic camp who realized they couldn't compete against the 'Establishment.' Therefore, they stopped doing so and created a smaller ‘establishment’ of their own to promote and display their diverse and unorthodox work.
The painters decided to express life from a different mental operating system that saw them understand their artistic work differently in comparison with the traditional and established art community and culture around them. Rather than continuing to regard themselves, or for that matter, be regarded as 'small fish in a big pond' compared to the rest of the traditional art community, they created and projected a new reality for themselves and their art. They decided to view themselves and act like 'big fish in a small pond.' In time this mental shift created a new culture surrounding their approach to artistic expression that today is accepted around the globe and admired for its own merit.
The principle at hand challenges leaders in rural locations not to be pigeon holed by the institutional establishment simply because you are smaller or do things differently. The challenges and opportunities in allowing your creative juices to flow through new channels of expression, communication and community are unlimited. Living life with the expectation of fitting into someone else’s agenda, or being squeezed into a mold that you simply don’t fit can no longer be standard practice when it comes to rural ministry experience. Going with the flow because that is what everyone else is doing isn't reason enough to join in following the crowd halfheartedly. Within our national vision prayer, there is ample flexibility to discern and display how God’s transforming work looks and feels in a rural ministry setting.
With the move of the masses into urban cities and lifestyles over the past generation, rural life and living has not only been left behind by many, but subsequently looked down upon as being passé. The rapid pace of urban existence when compared to the more relaxed rhythm of rural life isn’t a fair comparison, however, through the lenses of efficiency and effectiveness. While to some, rural is seen as ‘slow and somewhat backwards’ in approach, such thinking is uninformed and ignorant in the same manner the impressionists were viewed 150 years ago.
Rural ministry and pastors have no reason to hang their heads. They have things to ‘boast’ about! A relational based lifestyle is a common thread that not only sets rural lifestyle apart from city dwellers, but remains the elusive element that so many urban dwellers desire. In their haste to create an urban life experience, people are too busy to let their relational roots sink into the soil of their new lifestyle environment.
Because of rural pastors’ varied and diverse locations, they have never had the opportunity to speak with ‘one voice’ in educating the ‘urban masses’ as to the unique and significant role held by pastors in rural communities. Rural life and ministry has no need to compete or self-compare with its urban counterparts. It needs to do things in its own way, in a ‘different and unique expression’ of a lifestyle that is truly wholesome and worth preserving. Becoming self-aware of all that is good about rural life and ministry is the basis for experiencing and expressing life and ministry in ways that promote and protect a sense of community and relational unity.
So, to my rural ministry colleagues, I invite you to view yourselves and minister in these days and in the days to come, as ‘Big Fish in a Small Pond!’
Until next time... keep casting your bread upon the water!
October 6, 2014
Practices of a Thriving Rural Church
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
Over the past week the Rural Church Pastors' Network (RCPN) leadership team went on a field trip to observe Duke Divinity School’s thriving rural church (TRC) program in North Carolina. The experience included on-site meetings at Duke and field visits to five rural churches considered to be ‘thriving.’ I’ve taken Duke’s list of 13 common elements* of a thriving church and re-framed them into the following seven practices I believe can lead to a holistic understanding of what describes a ‘thriving’ rural church. You will note the practices are qualitative in nature. Similar to the principles offered by the Natural Church Development (NCD) movement, I hold to the strong belief that viewing rural ministry through a qualitative lens is vital in understanding a rural church’s condition of well-being which, in turn, determines its health and ability to thrive.
As you reflect on the following seven practices, I invite you to picture in your mind’s eye such a thriving church community that functions, as the body of Christ, throughout our rural landscape.
I – RESPECTS ITS HISTORY
The church reflects on its historical roots and uses its heritage as a relational backdrop to embrace its unfolding mission and ministry; living ‘in community’ with its community.
II – RESILIENT TO CHANGE
The church remains resilient in navigating through the reality of change and conflict by weathering the challenges of shifting culture and changing demographics.
III – MEANINGFULLY CONNECTED TO ITS COMMUNITY
The church identifies with its surrounding community through practical expressions of authentic Christian love, faith and practice.
IV – EXHIBITS SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
The church celebrates its faith in worship, is undergirded by earnest prayer, and finds empowerment through the Holy Spirit in leading its family towards spiritual maturity.
V – PRACTICES BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP (KOINONIA)
The church shares life together and stands by its family through good times and bad.
VI – EQUIPS FOR MEANINGFUL MINISTRY
The church equips its family for ministries that reflect their spiritual gifts, values and resourcefulness.
VII – LEADS WITH COMMITTED LEADERSHIP
The church is led by a relational pastor with the support of an engaged, spiritually discerning leadership team.
As this description of a thriving rural church is still a work in progress, I invite you to email me, speaking into the seven practices I have outlined. Consider... What is missing? What might practical actions or expressions look or feel like in each ‘thriving rural church practice?’
Until next week... keep your hand on the plough!
Practices of a Thriving Rural Church
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
Over the past week the Rural Church Pastors' Network (RCPN) leadership team went on a field trip to observe Duke Divinity School’s thriving rural church (TRC) program in North Carolina. The experience included on-site meetings at Duke and field visits to five rural churches considered to be ‘thriving.’ I’ve taken Duke’s list of 13 common elements* of a thriving church and re-framed them into the following seven practices I believe can lead to a holistic understanding of what describes a ‘thriving’ rural church. You will note the practices are qualitative in nature. Similar to the principles offered by the Natural Church Development (NCD) movement, I hold to the strong belief that viewing rural ministry through a qualitative lens is vital in understanding a rural church’s condition of well-being which, in turn, determines its health and ability to thrive.
As you reflect on the following seven practices, I invite you to picture in your mind’s eye such a thriving church community that functions, as the body of Christ, throughout our rural landscape.
I – RESPECTS ITS HISTORY
The church reflects on its historical roots and uses its heritage as a relational backdrop to embrace its unfolding mission and ministry; living ‘in community’ with its community.
II – RESILIENT TO CHANGE
The church remains resilient in navigating through the reality of change and conflict by weathering the challenges of shifting culture and changing demographics.
III – MEANINGFULLY CONNECTED TO ITS COMMUNITY
The church identifies with its surrounding community through practical expressions of authentic Christian love, faith and practice.
IV – EXHIBITS SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
The church celebrates its faith in worship, is undergirded by earnest prayer, and finds empowerment through the Holy Spirit in leading its family towards spiritual maturity.
V – PRACTICES BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP (KOINONIA)
The church shares life together and stands by its family through good times and bad.
VI – EQUIPS FOR MEANINGFUL MINISTRY
The church equips its family for ministries that reflect their spiritual gifts, values and resourcefulness.
VII – LEADS WITH COMMITTED LEADERSHIP
The church is led by a relational pastor with the support of an engaged, spiritually discerning leadership team.
As this description of a thriving rural church is still a work in progress, I invite you to email me, speaking into the seven practices I have outlined. Consider... What is missing? What might practical actions or expressions look or feel like in each ‘thriving rural church practice?’
Until next week... keep your hand on the plough!
September 29, 2014
Can Anything Good Come Out of... Beaverlodge? (Part II)
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
In my last blog, I discussed an unfortunate stereotype that lingers to this day. It is summed up in Nathaniel’s words in considering Jesus as the Messiah coming out of a rural environment. He asked, ‘Nazareth, can anything good come from there?’ (John 1:46) I invited readers to re-consider their understanding of and appreciation for those who serve in places beyond the shadows of Albertan urban sprawl.
A reminder that our beloved Mel Sylvester ‘came out’ of rural Beaverlodge, and the fact the founder of the Alliance, A.B. Simpson ‘came out’ of Cavendish, a small rural town in P.E.I., should be reason enough to appreciate and acknowledge that God uses those from outside the ‘big city’ to accomplish great things that impact the way we express our faith today!
A closer look at Nathaniel’s comments however, beckons us to consider this topic from another angle... how those in rural circumstances consider themselves and others from rural locations. You see Nathaniel, himself, was a rural fisherman from the town of Cana, also in Galilee. He wasn’t an urbanite looking down his nose at a rural outsider. His expression related to Jesus and Nazareth exposes within a rural mindset, a pecking order and reputation related to rural towns and villages.
So it is helpful to consider what those in rural churches and rural pastors think of themselves. I am currently conducting research exploring the relationship between denominational leaders and rural pastors. My work to date continues to uncover a mindset in which rural church members think it only a matter of time before a young pastor with promise is snatched up by a city church, or else who wants out of a smaller pastoral charge. The truth is this is sometimes the case, but for many this simply isn’t true.
Rural pastors often feel misunderstood by those from outside their ministry context. Some have even had to justify their commitment to remain in rural ministry by doing ‘other things’ in additional to pastoral work, to appease the sense of reasonability for staying rural in the eyes and minds of those who ask, ‘why do you stay here,’ or ‘can’t you do better than this?’ This imposed sense of inferiority eventually becomes a mindset that some rural pastors personalize and use in considering their worth and of those who serve in other rural locations.
I maintain that the demands and reality of rural ministry is usually misunderstood. Comparing rural to urban ministry is like comparing apples to oranges... both unique, but so very, very, different. Understanding the wholesome family based values found in rural churches makes the task of understanding the heart of the rural pastor a bit easier. The need to create a rural measuring rod for ‘success’ in ministry is another outcome worth considering... but until that is created, I invite you to consider this, as our default, when it comes to success in ministry... it is remaining ‘faithful to one’s calling!’
Until next time... Tim Beadle (a reformed ‘citiot’)
Can Anything Good Come Out of... Beaverlodge? (Part II)
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
In my last blog, I discussed an unfortunate stereotype that lingers to this day. It is summed up in Nathaniel’s words in considering Jesus as the Messiah coming out of a rural environment. He asked, ‘Nazareth, can anything good come from there?’ (John 1:46) I invited readers to re-consider their understanding of and appreciation for those who serve in places beyond the shadows of Albertan urban sprawl.
A reminder that our beloved Mel Sylvester ‘came out’ of rural Beaverlodge, and the fact the founder of the Alliance, A.B. Simpson ‘came out’ of Cavendish, a small rural town in P.E.I., should be reason enough to appreciate and acknowledge that God uses those from outside the ‘big city’ to accomplish great things that impact the way we express our faith today!
A closer look at Nathaniel’s comments however, beckons us to consider this topic from another angle... how those in rural circumstances consider themselves and others from rural locations. You see Nathaniel, himself, was a rural fisherman from the town of Cana, also in Galilee. He wasn’t an urbanite looking down his nose at a rural outsider. His expression related to Jesus and Nazareth exposes within a rural mindset, a pecking order and reputation related to rural towns and villages.
So it is helpful to consider what those in rural churches and rural pastors think of themselves. I am currently conducting research exploring the relationship between denominational leaders and rural pastors. My work to date continues to uncover a mindset in which rural church members think it only a matter of time before a young pastor with promise is snatched up by a city church, or else who wants out of a smaller pastoral charge. The truth is this is sometimes the case, but for many this simply isn’t true.
Rural pastors often feel misunderstood by those from outside their ministry context. Some have even had to justify their commitment to remain in rural ministry by doing ‘other things’ in additional to pastoral work, to appease the sense of reasonability for staying rural in the eyes and minds of those who ask, ‘why do you stay here,’ or ‘can’t you do better than this?’ This imposed sense of inferiority eventually becomes a mindset that some rural pastors personalize and use in considering their worth and of those who serve in other rural locations.
I maintain that the demands and reality of rural ministry is usually misunderstood. Comparing rural to urban ministry is like comparing apples to oranges... both unique, but so very, very, different. Understanding the wholesome family based values found in rural churches makes the task of understanding the heart of the rural pastor a bit easier. The need to create a rural measuring rod for ‘success’ in ministry is another outcome worth considering... but until that is created, I invite you to consider this, as our default, when it comes to success in ministry... it is remaining ‘faithful to one’s calling!’
Until next time... Tim Beadle (a reformed ‘citiot’)
September 22, 2014
Can Anything Good Come Out of... Beaverlodge? (Part I)
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
In Bible times, nothing much ever happened in Nazareth, an obscure rural village tucked away in the hills of Galilee. In our day, the world is filled with places like that; where seemingly nothing much happens, where there is no great university, towns without much commerce, places off the beaten path, tiny villages and hamlets where few people live. Surprisingly, that’s the type of place that Jesus called home for his entire life. At times he went into the ‘big city’ for the sake of celebration and sacrifice, but for the most part Jesus spent his time living and ministering in rural towns and villages. (Matthew 9:35)
Nathaniel held a strong view toward the town of Nazareth, and had no problem letting his view be known. Upon hearing of Jesus' connection to it, he blurted out, ‘Nazareth, can anything good come from there?’ (John 1:46) To him, it seemed highly unlikely the Messiah would come from a place like that. If you were looking for the ‘one’ the prophets spoke about, go to Jerusalem. Go to the capital city. Go to the place of so called sophistication. Go to where the important people were.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Since the time of Jesus to this very day, people have held similar stereotypes towards places that present with less than significant circumstances. They are towns with names you’ve probably never heard of, and if you have, you’ve never had reason to give them a second thought. Places like Wimborne, Carseland, Daysland or Irma, whose importance to you seems as insignificant as the pinpoint that marks their location on the provincial map.
Many of those living in urban cities hold similar views towards those who reside in such rural towns and villages. Throughout the years their view of ‘rural folk’ has been based on little more than current episodes of Duck Dynasty or reruns of the Beverly Hillbillies. In an ever increasing urbanized culture they’ve come up with names for places like that: Backwoods. Boondocks. Hicksville. Redneck. Backwards. Behind the times. And those are the nice names.
This is so unfortunate. Those who venture beyond urban sprawl and intentionally spend time in rural communities, soon realize they’ve been out of touch with a sense of reality and pace of life that Jesus chose to spend most of his time in. For me personally, the experience of lingering in rural Alberta has changed my perception on a healthy pace of life and what God-honouring priorities in ministry look and feel like.
Philip's reply to Nathaniel, 'Come and see,' is the same invitation I extend to any who, by the nudging of the Spirit, are confronted with an ingrained negative stereotype towards those who don’t claim an urban postal code. Realize, God makes it his practice to upend human prejudice and overthrow faulty preconceptions. He doesn’t always align to popular opinion nor pander to personal expectations. Can anything good come out Nazareth... out of Alberta Beach or Edson or Valleyview? Come and see!
Oh yes, back to my title, ‘Can anything good come out of... Beaverlodge?’ Just ask Dr. Mel Sylvester, the first president of the Canadian Alliance, and chancellor emeritus of our denominational school. Well into his 70s, Mel is still preaching and drawing a crowd from pulpits around the province. Why not invite him out for a weekend and see for yourself! Not only will Mel tell you that Beaverlodge is where he came ‘out of,’ but will gladly point to dozens of others like himself who have changed the course of our history from humble beginnings like his!
Can Anything Good Come Out of... Beaverlodge? (Part I)
Meanwhile... Back on the Farm ... A Blog on Rural Ministry
In Bible times, nothing much ever happened in Nazareth, an obscure rural village tucked away in the hills of Galilee. In our day, the world is filled with places like that; where seemingly nothing much happens, where there is no great university, towns without much commerce, places off the beaten path, tiny villages and hamlets where few people live. Surprisingly, that’s the type of place that Jesus called home for his entire life. At times he went into the ‘big city’ for the sake of celebration and sacrifice, but for the most part Jesus spent his time living and ministering in rural towns and villages. (Matthew 9:35)
Nathaniel held a strong view toward the town of Nazareth, and had no problem letting his view be known. Upon hearing of Jesus' connection to it, he blurted out, ‘Nazareth, can anything good come from there?’ (John 1:46) To him, it seemed highly unlikely the Messiah would come from a place like that. If you were looking for the ‘one’ the prophets spoke about, go to Jerusalem. Go to the capital city. Go to the place of so called sophistication. Go to where the important people were.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Since the time of Jesus to this very day, people have held similar stereotypes towards places that present with less than significant circumstances. They are towns with names you’ve probably never heard of, and if you have, you’ve never had reason to give them a second thought. Places like Wimborne, Carseland, Daysland or Irma, whose importance to you seems as insignificant as the pinpoint that marks their location on the provincial map.
Many of those living in urban cities hold similar views towards those who reside in such rural towns and villages. Throughout the years their view of ‘rural folk’ has been based on little more than current episodes of Duck Dynasty or reruns of the Beverly Hillbillies. In an ever increasing urbanized culture they’ve come up with names for places like that: Backwoods. Boondocks. Hicksville. Redneck. Backwards. Behind the times. And those are the nice names.
This is so unfortunate. Those who venture beyond urban sprawl and intentionally spend time in rural communities, soon realize they’ve been out of touch with a sense of reality and pace of life that Jesus chose to spend most of his time in. For me personally, the experience of lingering in rural Alberta has changed my perception on a healthy pace of life and what God-honouring priorities in ministry look and feel like.
Philip's reply to Nathaniel, 'Come and see,' is the same invitation I extend to any who, by the nudging of the Spirit, are confronted with an ingrained negative stereotype towards those who don’t claim an urban postal code. Realize, God makes it his practice to upend human prejudice and overthrow faulty preconceptions. He doesn’t always align to popular opinion nor pander to personal expectations. Can anything good come out Nazareth... out of Alberta Beach or Edson or Valleyview? Come and see!
Oh yes, back to my title, ‘Can anything good come out of... Beaverlodge?’ Just ask Dr. Mel Sylvester, the first president of the Canadian Alliance, and chancellor emeritus of our denominational school. Well into his 70s, Mel is still preaching and drawing a crowd from pulpits around the province. Why not invite him out for a weekend and see for yourself! Not only will Mel tell you that Beaverlodge is where he came ‘out of,’ but will gladly point to dozens of others like himself who have changed the course of our history from humble beginnings like his!
September 15, 2014
Confessions of a Reformed Citiot*
Meanwhile, Back on the Farm (A Blog on Rural Ministry)
As the fields turn golden throughout Alberta in preparation for harvest in the coming weeks, I see this as a ‘golden’ opportunity to start a series of blogs about our rural pastors who are ‘outstanding in their field.’
I’ve been on a journey these past few years, and more than the literal one of driving from church to church as a Church Coach throughout the province. As I have come alongside rural pastors and their church leaders, I have come to realize that for most of my life, I was nothing more than a ‘citiot.’ A *citiot is a term rural folk use to describe those who live in urban areas who are totally ignorant about rural matters!
When I first heard this term earlier this year, I realized it totally described me. After all, I’ve lived in large cities my entire life: London, England; Toronto, Ontario; and for the past 22 years, Calgary, Alberta. Before being entrusted with coaching rural pastors, the only true experience I’ve had in the rural landscape comprised of plans in the summer of ’74. As a 14 year old, with my best pal Phil Williams at my side, we set off for a summer on the McLeod farm in Sunderland, Ontario. We thought it would be a great fun experience. Well, it was quite the ‘experience’ let me tell you! Phil lasted a week and I was back home in the big city a few days later. Fortunately, I used my flaring hay fever as my excuse for going home, but the truth was, we were fish out of water and we were simply not prepared for the unique demands of the rural lifestyle.
Over these past few years, I have gained a deep and growing respect for those who make our rural landscape their home – who hold family values high – who have time to stop and chat – who are in rhythm with God and the changing seasons around them – and take seriously the covenant of God with mankind to be stewards of the earth and care for it.
So if you find yourself as I did a while back realizing for most of your life, you have been a ‘citiot,’ realize there is a whole new world to discover of those who faithfully live off the land and tend the flocks of God’s people. While over 80 percent of Albertans live in one of our seven urban centers, over 90 percent of our geography is cared for by those in rural ministry. So, let that sink in, and as you do, accept this invitation to track with me in the coming days as I blog about a group of pastors who are very close to my heart and in many ways are ... ‘outstanding in their field!’
“The Lord says... for every animal of the forest in mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills, I know every bird in the mountain, and the creatures of the field are mine...” (from Psalm 50)
Confessions of a Reformed Citiot*
Meanwhile, Back on the Farm (A Blog on Rural Ministry)
As the fields turn golden throughout Alberta in preparation for harvest in the coming weeks, I see this as a ‘golden’ opportunity to start a series of blogs about our rural pastors who are ‘outstanding in their field.’
I’ve been on a journey these past few years, and more than the literal one of driving from church to church as a Church Coach throughout the province. As I have come alongside rural pastors and their church leaders, I have come to realize that for most of my life, I was nothing more than a ‘citiot.’ A *citiot is a term rural folk use to describe those who live in urban areas who are totally ignorant about rural matters!
When I first heard this term earlier this year, I realized it totally described me. After all, I’ve lived in large cities my entire life: London, England; Toronto, Ontario; and for the past 22 years, Calgary, Alberta. Before being entrusted with coaching rural pastors, the only true experience I’ve had in the rural landscape comprised of plans in the summer of ’74. As a 14 year old, with my best pal Phil Williams at my side, we set off for a summer on the McLeod farm in Sunderland, Ontario. We thought it would be a great fun experience. Well, it was quite the ‘experience’ let me tell you! Phil lasted a week and I was back home in the big city a few days later. Fortunately, I used my flaring hay fever as my excuse for going home, but the truth was, we were fish out of water and we were simply not prepared for the unique demands of the rural lifestyle.
Over these past few years, I have gained a deep and growing respect for those who make our rural landscape their home – who hold family values high – who have time to stop and chat – who are in rhythm with God and the changing seasons around them – and take seriously the covenant of God with mankind to be stewards of the earth and care for it.
So if you find yourself as I did a while back realizing for most of your life, you have been a ‘citiot,’ realize there is a whole new world to discover of those who faithfully live off the land and tend the flocks of God’s people. While over 80 percent of Albertans live in one of our seven urban centers, over 90 percent of our geography is cared for by those in rural ministry. So, let that sink in, and as you do, accept this invitation to track with me in the coming days as I blog about a group of pastors who are very close to my heart and in many ways are ... ‘outstanding in their field!’
“The Lord says... for every animal of the forest in mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills, I know every bird in the mountain, and the creatures of the field are mine...” (from Psalm 50)
January 10, 2014
As You Consider 2014...How’s Business?
Shortly before his death not only did Jesus show his disciples the ‘full extent of his love’ (John 13:1) but also reminded his followers of their roles and relationship with him and each other. He reminded them that they were to be ‘educated’ followers not ignorant servants.
To His followers, Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant doesn’t know about his Master’s business. Rather, I call you friends because everything the Father has entrusted to me I have shared with you."
Jesus’ words aren't telling us not to assume an attitude of servanthood. Jesus had just washed his disciples feet and told them he had set for them an example that they do for others ‘as’ he had done for them. The example of being a servant was affirmed….But here in these words Jesus tells his followers ‘as friends’ (those in the ‘know’) about his Father’s business…The business of LOVE! Reflect on John 15 this week and draw your own ‘strategic plan’ on how your life and ministry will be fashioned around the Father’s love in 2014!
Oscar Hammerstein put it this way in the following lyrics... A song’s not a song till it’s sung – a bell’s not a bell till it’s rung. Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay – love isn’t love till it’s given away!
As we enter a new year... as you project and plan what a ‘good year will look like’...I encourage you to reflect on the words and posture of Jesus in John 15 – who invites us into his Father’s Business...the business of Love!
As You Consider 2014...How’s Business?
Shortly before his death not only did Jesus show his disciples the ‘full extent of his love’ (John 13:1) but also reminded his followers of their roles and relationship with him and each other. He reminded them that they were to be ‘educated’ followers not ignorant servants.
To His followers, Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant doesn’t know about his Master’s business. Rather, I call you friends because everything the Father has entrusted to me I have shared with you."
Jesus’ words aren't telling us not to assume an attitude of servanthood. Jesus had just washed his disciples feet and told them he had set for them an example that they do for others ‘as’ he had done for them. The example of being a servant was affirmed….But here in these words Jesus tells his followers ‘as friends’ (those in the ‘know’) about his Father’s business…The business of LOVE! Reflect on John 15 this week and draw your own ‘strategic plan’ on how your life and ministry will be fashioned around the Father’s love in 2014!
Oscar Hammerstein put it this way in the following lyrics... A song’s not a song till it’s sung – a bell’s not a bell till it’s rung. Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay – love isn’t love till it’s given away!
As we enter a new year... as you project and plan what a ‘good year will look like’...I encourage you to reflect on the words and posture of Jesus in John 15 – who invites us into his Father’s Business...the business of Love!
February 20, 2013
'Accept the Invitation' before 'Obeying the Command' I have a growing sense that when it comes to taking seriously Jesus’ call of making disciples, we have unknowingly put the proverbial cart before the horse. In doing so, we can easily find ourselves living out of sync with the Spirit’s work in transforming us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). I believe we need a gentle but timely nudge in reminding us that the disciple making call of Jesus commences with an invitation and concludes with a command. ‘FOLLOW ME,’ always precedes ‘GO AND MAKE’ in the scriptural narrative (Matthew 4:19 and 28:19). It appears, however, in church practice the priority of ‘evangelizing’ with the gospel message at times seems to be far more pressing than the practice of ‘internalizing’ the teaching of Jesus through personal application. Let’s face it, it’s far easier to observe what we desire Christ to do in the lives of others, than it is to oblige in obedience to the work He intends to perform in our own life experience, right here, right now. The design in Jesus’ calling before commanding reveals a timeless principle in spiritual transformation: You can’t lead others further than you yourself have allowed Christ to lead you into the experience of spiritual renewal. That’s the primary intention in His invitation. His call isn’t toward blind obedience. Rather, the invitation to follow, leads to an understanding that He plans to make something out of us! The apostle Paul said it like this, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..." (Philippians 1:6) Max Lucado puts it this way, "Jesus accepts you the way you are – but He doesn’t plan to leave you in that condition!" The invitation from Jesus to follow Him in time transforms us into followers who, in turn, make disciples of others. Listen to His words: "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!" Following Jesus (the essence of discipleship) leads us naturally toward His command to ‘go into all the world and make disciples.’ The great commission command of Jesus is always responsive to the Spirit’s proactive transformational work in our life. Failure to follow Jesus’ strategic spiritual rhythm results in, as noted by Andy Crouch, finding us trying to ‘fix people’ by making them into something they currently are not. Those committed to ‘go-and-make’ without first submitting to the invitation to be made into something by Christ, act like it’s all in our power, and all we have to do is ‘finish the task.’ When we stand back, however, and look at the big picture, that approach simply reinforces the illusion that spiritual transformation is it’s about us, it’s all up to us, and the outcome rests on how good we are at ‘going and making.’ Conversely, obeying Christ’s command as an outcome of a commitment to first follow Him, finds the ‘going and making’ as the natural outworking and fruit of His transformational work within us. |
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December 6, 2012
The Lament of Advent
O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
While this season of advent calls us to remember and relive a sense of anticipation for the coming of Christ, the context of advent is cast against a backdrop of the human experience of darkness, despair and bondage. In our eagerness to get on with the Christmas narrative, we all too often forget this truth. I admit this has been an oversight in my own observance of advent this year.
The fact remains that before those who were walking in darkness ‘saw a great light’ (Isaiah 9:2) their experience was one of walking in the ‘deep despair’ of discouragement, despair and despondency. One can’t ignore the reality of the sense of lament in the words, ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel….'
Things were not good on the home front in Israel. Many had lost hope as God had seemingly been silent for one generation after another after another. The same words in Isaiah and Micah that we readily rally around as proof of God’s promise had seemingly lost their allure and luster in the hearts of those who were waiting for God to 'show up.'
Beneath the sentiments of our seasonal celebrations remain those living this advent season with a spirit of lament. Within each of our churches are those facing deep despair and discouragement in this season of goodwill. They celebrate along with the rest of us, yet their specific circumstances find them with a heavy heart and a burdened spirit. Their emotion at this time of year will find a tear running down their cheek rather than a smile breaking out across their face.
I invite you to take note of those within our midst and offer them the gift of a listening ear rather than a cup of good cheer. Take time to reach out and linger with those living in lament; not only will it lighten their load, but will serve to enrich our experience of advent.
The Lament of Advent
O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
While this season of advent calls us to remember and relive a sense of anticipation for the coming of Christ, the context of advent is cast against a backdrop of the human experience of darkness, despair and bondage. In our eagerness to get on with the Christmas narrative, we all too often forget this truth. I admit this has been an oversight in my own observance of advent this year.
The fact remains that before those who were walking in darkness ‘saw a great light’ (Isaiah 9:2) their experience was one of walking in the ‘deep despair’ of discouragement, despair and despondency. One can’t ignore the reality of the sense of lament in the words, ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel….'
Things were not good on the home front in Israel. Many had lost hope as God had seemingly been silent for one generation after another after another. The same words in Isaiah and Micah that we readily rally around as proof of God’s promise had seemingly lost their allure and luster in the hearts of those who were waiting for God to 'show up.'
Beneath the sentiments of our seasonal celebrations remain those living this advent season with a spirit of lament. Within each of our churches are those facing deep despair and discouragement in this season of goodwill. They celebrate along with the rest of us, yet their specific circumstances find them with a heavy heart and a burdened spirit. Their emotion at this time of year will find a tear running down their cheek rather than a smile breaking out across their face.
I invite you to take note of those within our midst and offer them the gift of a listening ear rather than a cup of good cheer. Take time to reach out and linger with those living in lament; not only will it lighten their load, but will serve to enrich our experience of advent.
October 2, 2012
A Thanksgiving Thought
At Thanksgiving we will pause again to ‘give thanks’ for the bounty of the land and the blessings of God. But let’s face it – the experience of ‘giving thanks’ can feel like being told as a child to ‘say thank you’ to a relative who has given us a birthday present. Our attention is momentarily diverted from ripping the wrapping paper to shreds, as we take our eyes off our good fortune to halfheartedly acknowledge the giver.
Growth into spiritual and emotional maturity takes places when the full experience of receiving a gift is matched with an equal expression of genuine thanks to the one who has thoughtfully sent the gift our way. In that moment of true ‘thanks’ the present becomes a ‘gift’ and the relationship of love between two people is cherished and valued. The principle is plain – keep your eyes on the giver as well as the gift! Be as grateful toward the giver as you are thrilled by the gift you’ve received.
Roman philosopher Cicero said “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” An ungrateful person focuses on what they don’t have and is unhappy, discontent, impatient, unkind, proud (thinks he deserves better), and reluctant to help others. But a grateful person is happy and content. From gratitude flow patience, kindness, humility, generosity, and love.
David must have learned this lesson because when you read his expressions of thanks they don’t seem shallow nor awkward; they flow from a heart full of gratitude…it is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Ps 92:1
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him. Ps 95:2
In Psalm 100 David invites us into the thanksgiving experience….. On your feet now – applaud God. Bring a gift of laughter, singing yourselves into His presence. Know this: God is God. He made us; we didn’t make Him. We are His people, His well-tended sheep. Enter with the password: Thank You! Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank Him. Worship Him. For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love and faithfulness that lasts forever! (Message)
Now that’s something to ‘give thanks about!!
A Thanksgiving Thought
At Thanksgiving we will pause again to ‘give thanks’ for the bounty of the land and the blessings of God. But let’s face it – the experience of ‘giving thanks’ can feel like being told as a child to ‘say thank you’ to a relative who has given us a birthday present. Our attention is momentarily diverted from ripping the wrapping paper to shreds, as we take our eyes off our good fortune to halfheartedly acknowledge the giver.
Growth into spiritual and emotional maturity takes places when the full experience of receiving a gift is matched with an equal expression of genuine thanks to the one who has thoughtfully sent the gift our way. In that moment of true ‘thanks’ the present becomes a ‘gift’ and the relationship of love between two people is cherished and valued. The principle is plain – keep your eyes on the giver as well as the gift! Be as grateful toward the giver as you are thrilled by the gift you’ve received.
Roman philosopher Cicero said “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” An ungrateful person focuses on what they don’t have and is unhappy, discontent, impatient, unkind, proud (thinks he deserves better), and reluctant to help others. But a grateful person is happy and content. From gratitude flow patience, kindness, humility, generosity, and love.
David must have learned this lesson because when you read his expressions of thanks they don’t seem shallow nor awkward; they flow from a heart full of gratitude…it is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Ps 92:1
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him. Ps 95:2
In Psalm 100 David invites us into the thanksgiving experience….. On your feet now – applaud God. Bring a gift of laughter, singing yourselves into His presence. Know this: God is God. He made us; we didn’t make Him. We are His people, His well-tended sheep. Enter with the password: Thank You! Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank Him. Worship Him. For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love and faithfulness that lasts forever! (Message)
Now that’s something to ‘give thanks about!!
May 25, 2012
...On Connecting the Dots
Over the past two years I have had the privilege of participating in an exercise of 'connecting the dots' and, upon reflection, have found it a fulfilling activity I continue to invest my time in and energies towards. I have also found it to be an enriching spiritual experience of being reminded of God's leading in my life, and the part He intends me to play in the lives of others. Let me explain...
When I joined the C&MA in 2005, I believe it was upon the leading of the Lord to serve alongside pastors who were alienated and isolated in their ministry settings. My role as a church coach has allowed me to come alongside over one hundred pastors in three dozen churches throughout Alberta and into the Northern Territories. About two years ago I took note of a re-occurring theme in the hearts and lives of at three of my rural pastors. All of them felt the same leading of the Lord to do something for those in isolated ministry settings. Their burdens caused mine to go even deeper into considering a more focused ministry expression to ensure pastors in every community felt 'noticed and necessary' in their Kingdom calling.
The three pastors (Andy, Paul & Wayne) had no idea that God was laying on each other’s hearts the same burden they carried on their own. I had the privilege of 'connecting the dots' in bringing these three pastors together and joining with them in prayerfully creating a Rural Church Pastor's Network.
In a world that so easily finds us leaning towards isolation from others rather than association with them, it is through the discipline of living with eyes open and a heart ready to 'connect the dots' in the lives of those around us that I believe God has work for each of us yet to do.
The beauty of God’s design for ‘connecting the dots’ is that He continues to provides more dots to connect! A couple of weeks ago over forty pastors from eight denominations took part in four RCPN events throughout Alberta. It was moving to learn some pastors drove up to four hours to be part of the events! In bringing rural pastors together I believe they will continue to experience the principles and truths of becoming connected to each other as found in Eccl. 4:9-12:
Two are better than one for they have a good return for their labour; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. but pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lay down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
I would invite and challenge you, in these days, to pause and consider potential ‘dots’ God would like you to connect to His glory!
...On Connecting the Dots
Over the past two years I have had the privilege of participating in an exercise of 'connecting the dots' and, upon reflection, have found it a fulfilling activity I continue to invest my time in and energies towards. I have also found it to be an enriching spiritual experience of being reminded of God's leading in my life, and the part He intends me to play in the lives of others. Let me explain...
When I joined the C&MA in 2005, I believe it was upon the leading of the Lord to serve alongside pastors who were alienated and isolated in their ministry settings. My role as a church coach has allowed me to come alongside over one hundred pastors in three dozen churches throughout Alberta and into the Northern Territories. About two years ago I took note of a re-occurring theme in the hearts and lives of at three of my rural pastors. All of them felt the same leading of the Lord to do something for those in isolated ministry settings. Their burdens caused mine to go even deeper into considering a more focused ministry expression to ensure pastors in every community felt 'noticed and necessary' in their Kingdom calling.
The three pastors (Andy, Paul & Wayne) had no idea that God was laying on each other’s hearts the same burden they carried on their own. I had the privilege of 'connecting the dots' in bringing these three pastors together and joining with them in prayerfully creating a Rural Church Pastor's Network.
In a world that so easily finds us leaning towards isolation from others rather than association with them, it is through the discipline of living with eyes open and a heart ready to 'connect the dots' in the lives of those around us that I believe God has work for each of us yet to do.
The beauty of God’s design for ‘connecting the dots’ is that He continues to provides more dots to connect! A couple of weeks ago over forty pastors from eight denominations took part in four RCPN events throughout Alberta. It was moving to learn some pastors drove up to four hours to be part of the events! In bringing rural pastors together I believe they will continue to experience the principles and truths of becoming connected to each other as found in Eccl. 4:9-12:
Two are better than one for they have a good return for their labour; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. but pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lay down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
I would invite and challenge you, in these days, to pause and consider potential ‘dots’ God would like you to connect to His glory!
May 7, 2012
Practice makes Perfect
‘…that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.’ (1 Col 1:28)
The thought of being made ‘perfect’ in Christ seems elusive to most believers. As soon as we see that word ‘perfect’ our daily experience readily appeals to our reasoning that as we will never become ‘perfect’ until our arrival at the pearly gates, this term must simply be a carrot dangling in front of us to keep us un the spiritual straight and narrow!
Most modern translations have replaced the work perfect with ‘maturity’ which is more relevant to our current understanding. Not only that, it removes from us any excuse to simply coast through life, settling along the way on a lack luster level of spiritual life.
In these days, a focus on pathways toward spiritual maturity is central to our ministry emphasis in the Western Canadian District. We are learning together that ‘discipleship’ doesn’t commence with a strategy we’re planning for ‘someone else’ but a personal submission and surrender to the understanding that God wants me to see myself as the focal point of His work. Discipleship isn’t simply something I do for/with others, it is something God desires to complete within me as I surrender to his will.
This isn’t an ‘either/or’ choice but more a ‘both/and’ proposition. Paul expressed this to the church in Colossae when he shared, ‘We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.’ (1 Col. 1:28-29)
As I work with multiple church ministries in developing discipleship plans and pathways towards spiritual maturity, I am seeing a deeper awareness and development of a new paradigm that I believe holds the key to fruitful, effective ministry for years to come.
I see several churches describing and promoting ‘practices’ of the Christian life that aren’t driven by church ministry. These practices describe a lifestyle focused on the example of Jesus. They offer and promote flexibility in creating meaningful life patterns (practices) that lead a person to become responsible for their part in their journey toward spiritual maturity. Take a moment and visit St. Albert Alliance’s website. Or, speak to staff at Southview Alliance related to their LOL (Life on Life) Application of core practices they will focus on later this year.
Our journey toward spiritual maturity is one that will never end until the return of our Lord (Phil 1:6) Developing lifestyle ‘practices’ based on the teachings of Jesus places us in a position for God to complete his work in us. In this sense I suppose you could say, ‘practice makes perfect!’
Practice makes Perfect
‘…that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.’ (1 Col 1:28)
The thought of being made ‘perfect’ in Christ seems elusive to most believers. As soon as we see that word ‘perfect’ our daily experience readily appeals to our reasoning that as we will never become ‘perfect’ until our arrival at the pearly gates, this term must simply be a carrot dangling in front of us to keep us un the spiritual straight and narrow!
Most modern translations have replaced the work perfect with ‘maturity’ which is more relevant to our current understanding. Not only that, it removes from us any excuse to simply coast through life, settling along the way on a lack luster level of spiritual life.
In these days, a focus on pathways toward spiritual maturity is central to our ministry emphasis in the Western Canadian District. We are learning together that ‘discipleship’ doesn’t commence with a strategy we’re planning for ‘someone else’ but a personal submission and surrender to the understanding that God wants me to see myself as the focal point of His work. Discipleship isn’t simply something I do for/with others, it is something God desires to complete within me as I surrender to his will.
This isn’t an ‘either/or’ choice but more a ‘both/and’ proposition. Paul expressed this to the church in Colossae when he shared, ‘We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.’ (1 Col. 1:28-29)
As I work with multiple church ministries in developing discipleship plans and pathways towards spiritual maturity, I am seeing a deeper awareness and development of a new paradigm that I believe holds the key to fruitful, effective ministry for years to come.
I see several churches describing and promoting ‘practices’ of the Christian life that aren’t driven by church ministry. These practices describe a lifestyle focused on the example of Jesus. They offer and promote flexibility in creating meaningful life patterns (practices) that lead a person to become responsible for their part in their journey toward spiritual maturity. Take a moment and visit St. Albert Alliance’s website. Or, speak to staff at Southview Alliance related to their LOL (Life on Life) Application of core practices they will focus on later this year.
Our journey toward spiritual maturity is one that will never end until the return of our Lord (Phil 1:6) Developing lifestyle ‘practices’ based on the teachings of Jesus places us in a position for God to complete his work in us. In this sense I suppose you could say, ‘practice makes perfect!’
March 2, 2012
The Principle of The Lattice and the Vine
In John 15 we learn a great deal about organic life related to a vine and the well-being of its branches. The foundational principle for branches to remain fruitful being found in their need to remain ‘in’ or ‘united’ to the main source of growth - the vine! This remains a foundational reality and truth for any organic growth, including the development of a healthy church.
There is another important principle we need to learn related to the well-being of a healthy church. It’s the principle of the ‘Lattice and the Vine’. Gardeners committed to healthy growing plans realize the importance of paying attention to not only the health of the vine, but also the structure they supply for it to grow into a mature fruit bearing plant. Pastors need to pay attention to this principle! They need to realize the important relationship between creating just enough ‘organization’ in the church to nurture growth organically through being ‘rooted’ in Christ.
Creating a structure for growth to flourish and spread is an important principle. Just as ‘Jello’ needs a mold to prevent a mess from resulting, so too in church leadership we need to create a basic supportive ministry structure that allows the church to grow naturally as it develops into a mature fruit bearing plant. In Acts 6 the apostles soon realized the implications of ignoring this principle. As they hadn’t created adequate organization in the daily distribution of food, they were subsequently subjected to ‘grumbling’ throughout the fellowship when it came to feeding their church widows. A wise decision to increase the ’serve capacity’ of their organization through delegation soon had the church back on its missional track and scripture records ‘the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly!’
In the generation I grew up in, churches designed structure based on specific ‘programs’ they felt necessary for people to attend in accomplishing the mission of the church. Over the years however, church leaders exchanged the need to continually case new vision and simply relied on their past practices to suffice in keeping the church healthy and growing. Their good intentions of trying to preserve things that ‘worked in the past,’ saw church structure change from providing vision a place to blossom into finding church programming taking on a life and importance of its own.
The primary function of church organization is to remain flexible in supporting new shoots of life trying to find a place in the pattern of church life. For those churches where activity seems to serve the well -being of the organization has caused many churches over the years to strangle the very life out of its natural organic church development.
As you regard the design and structure of your current church programming, consider if it acting as a ‘lattice’ that allows the very life of Christ to flow and flourish through the people/branches in your church to the point of fruitfulness.
If not, where do you need to erect a new lattice, or renovate the current one to allow the life of the vine to flourish to the point of ‘fruit on the branch?'
The Principle of The Lattice and the Vine
In John 15 we learn a great deal about organic life related to a vine and the well-being of its branches. The foundational principle for branches to remain fruitful being found in their need to remain ‘in’ or ‘united’ to the main source of growth - the vine! This remains a foundational reality and truth for any organic growth, including the development of a healthy church.
There is another important principle we need to learn related to the well-being of a healthy church. It’s the principle of the ‘Lattice and the Vine’. Gardeners committed to healthy growing plans realize the importance of paying attention to not only the health of the vine, but also the structure they supply for it to grow into a mature fruit bearing plant. Pastors need to pay attention to this principle! They need to realize the important relationship between creating just enough ‘organization’ in the church to nurture growth organically through being ‘rooted’ in Christ.
Creating a structure for growth to flourish and spread is an important principle. Just as ‘Jello’ needs a mold to prevent a mess from resulting, so too in church leadership we need to create a basic supportive ministry structure that allows the church to grow naturally as it develops into a mature fruit bearing plant. In Acts 6 the apostles soon realized the implications of ignoring this principle. As they hadn’t created adequate organization in the daily distribution of food, they were subsequently subjected to ‘grumbling’ throughout the fellowship when it came to feeding their church widows. A wise decision to increase the ’serve capacity’ of their organization through delegation soon had the church back on its missional track and scripture records ‘the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly!’
In the generation I grew up in, churches designed structure based on specific ‘programs’ they felt necessary for people to attend in accomplishing the mission of the church. Over the years however, church leaders exchanged the need to continually case new vision and simply relied on their past practices to suffice in keeping the church healthy and growing. Their good intentions of trying to preserve things that ‘worked in the past,’ saw church structure change from providing vision a place to blossom into finding church programming taking on a life and importance of its own.
The primary function of church organization is to remain flexible in supporting new shoots of life trying to find a place in the pattern of church life. For those churches where activity seems to serve the well -being of the organization has caused many churches over the years to strangle the very life out of its natural organic church development.
As you regard the design and structure of your current church programming, consider if it acting as a ‘lattice’ that allows the very life of Christ to flow and flourish through the people/branches in your church to the point of fruitfulness.
If not, where do you need to erect a new lattice, or renovate the current one to allow the life of the vine to flourish to the point of ‘fruit on the branch?'
January 20, 2012
Bringing Church Ministry To ‘Life.’
It’s one thing to have a church mission and list of programs ‘on paper.’ It is another thing to see it working functionally in ‘moving people’ along a relational church pathway to maturity in Christ and connectivity to the church family. The following scenario is presented with follow up questions to allow you to develop a ‘working knowledge and application of your church’s vision and mission’ related to Jesus’ commission to make disciples.
SCENARIO
Last weekend a family (parents in their late 30’s, 16 year old son, 12 year old daughter) arrived at your church worship service uninvited and unannounced. In casual conversation following worship they shared they had just moved into your community from another city where they attended a church at Christmas and Easter.
This weekend they will return to your church and, after worship, will share with the pastor they would like to come to your church regularly. They shared they feel something ’is missing in life’ and want their kids to grow up with good morals.
QUESTIONS
As a leadership team, and based on the information shared about this new family who wants to come to your church:
1. Where would you like to see each member of this family in one year’s time related to church involvement/connectivity and spiritual formation? How about in two years time?
2. What processes/pathways are in place in your church so your desires for them actually occur and aren’t left to ‘good intentions?’ (The issue: ‘intentionality’ in bringing vision/mission to life)
3. How are your church ministries designed/configured to help you achieve your desires for this family?
I'd love to hear from you as you consider how you bring 'ministry to life!'
Bringing Church Ministry To ‘Life.’
It’s one thing to have a church mission and list of programs ‘on paper.’ It is another thing to see it working functionally in ‘moving people’ along a relational church pathway to maturity in Christ and connectivity to the church family. The following scenario is presented with follow up questions to allow you to develop a ‘working knowledge and application of your church’s vision and mission’ related to Jesus’ commission to make disciples.
SCENARIO
Last weekend a family (parents in their late 30’s, 16 year old son, 12 year old daughter) arrived at your church worship service uninvited and unannounced. In casual conversation following worship they shared they had just moved into your community from another city where they attended a church at Christmas and Easter.
This weekend they will return to your church and, after worship, will share with the pastor they would like to come to your church regularly. They shared they feel something ’is missing in life’ and want their kids to grow up with good morals.
QUESTIONS
As a leadership team, and based on the information shared about this new family who wants to come to your church:
1. Where would you like to see each member of this family in one year’s time related to church involvement/connectivity and spiritual formation? How about in two years time?
2. What processes/pathways are in place in your church so your desires for them actually occur and aren’t left to ‘good intentions?’ (The issue: ‘intentionality’ in bringing vision/mission to life)
3. How are your church ministries designed/configured to help you achieve your desires for this family?
I'd love to hear from you as you consider how you bring 'ministry to life!'
Dec 20, 2011
It's a Mystery to Me!
In Malcolm Gladwell's latest book, What the Dog Saw, he writes an interesting chapter describing the difference between 'puzzle' and 'mystery.' He maintains people 'solve' puzzles by getting all of the pieces on the table and, through the process of hard work by trying different combinations, the puzzle is eventually solved. No so with a mystery. The reality of a mystery is that you never know if you have all of the 'pieces' at your disposal and therefore in this sense a mystery can never truly be 'solved.'
I wish I had learned this difference 25 years ago when I commenced pastoral ministry. Throughout the years I have met people (usually men) who simply can't accept or express faith in God because they declare belief in God doesn't make sense - and now I realize why. They were considering belief in God as a puzzle to be solved, rather than a 'mystery to be embraced' through faith in a God that you simply can't 'work out' or 'solve.'
Twenty two times in the Bible we read verses in which the 'mystery of God' is mentioned. The mystery started before the world was created. Paul says “we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, which God ordained before the world.” (1 Cor 2:7) Jesus told his followers he was teaching them the 'mystery of the Kingdom' through the use of parables... in speaking of the end times Paul tells believers in Corinth... (1 Cor 15:51) 'Let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I'll probably never fully understand. We're not all going to die - be we are all going to be changed!' (The Message)
For many in the church, I believe they've lost a sense of the 'wonder' in a belief in a 'mysterious' God who simply can't be solved by human reasoning. For those who persist in the need to prove me wrong, I believe the road of reasoning leads them to the same place the Pharisees ended up... with an ability to banter and argue the law to the point of exhaustion, but in the process missed the very coming of the Messiah in their very midst.
We can learn a lot from children about mystery, especially around this time of the year. Spend a couple of minutes with a young child talking 'Santa Claus' and you get a sense of 'mystery personified' .... their belief in the nature of this Jolly Elf simply doesn't make sense. After all, how does he fit down the chimney with those toys when most homes don't have working fireplaces... or visit every house on the planet on one night .... or how does he know when we are 'sleeping/awake' or if we've been 'good or bad?' Children simply submit to the mystery of Santa and get lost in the wonder of the legend. As they 'outgrow' Santa in the following years, I believe it occurs as they strip away the mystery from the experience and turn into a puzzle those things that once were simply 'accepted.' No longer can he travel around the world in a night or have flying reindeer!
My fear is that what we do to 'belief in Santa' as we grow up is mirrored along our path of spiritual formation when it comes to our consideration of the Divine. We lose a sense of the mystery surrounding God. We turning the tough issues of belief into puzzles to be solved rather than part of the mystery of God to be embraced by faith. I'm not advocating 'turning off our brain' in blind belief; rather I'm inviting you to join me traveling the road or mystery, rather than ending up in a dead end perspective of 'puzzlement.'
I don't know how God can hear and answer thousands of prayers at the same time, or whether creation occurred in seven 'literal days' or 'time periods' or for that matter whether or not Adam was born with a belly button... or how he works all things out for the good of those who love him, or why he allows terrible human suffering and poverty.... or... or... or...?
At the end of the day I don't end up deflated faith in a God who simply doesn't 'add up to my expectations.' I simply add quandaries I don't understand to the 'list' I'm making of things I can't get my head around this side of heaven, and chalk them up to part of the 'mystery' of my faith in a God who is 'good all the time!'
I'm not advocating we become extreme 'mystics' in our faith and end up in isolation, removed from society. After all, we are called to live as light and salt in the world. Wouldn't it be wonderful, if Christians could be known as people who live in 'awe and wonder' of God; those whose hearts never stop singing, 'O the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all, just to think that God loves me!'
It's a Mystery to Me!
In Malcolm Gladwell's latest book, What the Dog Saw, he writes an interesting chapter describing the difference between 'puzzle' and 'mystery.' He maintains people 'solve' puzzles by getting all of the pieces on the table and, through the process of hard work by trying different combinations, the puzzle is eventually solved. No so with a mystery. The reality of a mystery is that you never know if you have all of the 'pieces' at your disposal and therefore in this sense a mystery can never truly be 'solved.'
I wish I had learned this difference 25 years ago when I commenced pastoral ministry. Throughout the years I have met people (usually men) who simply can't accept or express faith in God because they declare belief in God doesn't make sense - and now I realize why. They were considering belief in God as a puzzle to be solved, rather than a 'mystery to be embraced' through faith in a God that you simply can't 'work out' or 'solve.'
Twenty two times in the Bible we read verses in which the 'mystery of God' is mentioned. The mystery started before the world was created. Paul says “we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, which God ordained before the world.” (1 Cor 2:7) Jesus told his followers he was teaching them the 'mystery of the Kingdom' through the use of parables... in speaking of the end times Paul tells believers in Corinth... (1 Cor 15:51) 'Let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I'll probably never fully understand. We're not all going to die - be we are all going to be changed!' (The Message)
For many in the church, I believe they've lost a sense of the 'wonder' in a belief in a 'mysterious' God who simply can't be solved by human reasoning. For those who persist in the need to prove me wrong, I believe the road of reasoning leads them to the same place the Pharisees ended up... with an ability to banter and argue the law to the point of exhaustion, but in the process missed the very coming of the Messiah in their very midst.
We can learn a lot from children about mystery, especially around this time of the year. Spend a couple of minutes with a young child talking 'Santa Claus' and you get a sense of 'mystery personified' .... their belief in the nature of this Jolly Elf simply doesn't make sense. After all, how does he fit down the chimney with those toys when most homes don't have working fireplaces... or visit every house on the planet on one night .... or how does he know when we are 'sleeping/awake' or if we've been 'good or bad?' Children simply submit to the mystery of Santa and get lost in the wonder of the legend. As they 'outgrow' Santa in the following years, I believe it occurs as they strip away the mystery from the experience and turn into a puzzle those things that once were simply 'accepted.' No longer can he travel around the world in a night or have flying reindeer!
My fear is that what we do to 'belief in Santa' as we grow up is mirrored along our path of spiritual formation when it comes to our consideration of the Divine. We lose a sense of the mystery surrounding God. We turning the tough issues of belief into puzzles to be solved rather than part of the mystery of God to be embraced by faith. I'm not advocating 'turning off our brain' in blind belief; rather I'm inviting you to join me traveling the road or mystery, rather than ending up in a dead end perspective of 'puzzlement.'
I don't know how God can hear and answer thousands of prayers at the same time, or whether creation occurred in seven 'literal days' or 'time periods' or for that matter whether or not Adam was born with a belly button... or how he works all things out for the good of those who love him, or why he allows terrible human suffering and poverty.... or... or... or...?
At the end of the day I don't end up deflated faith in a God who simply doesn't 'add up to my expectations.' I simply add quandaries I don't understand to the 'list' I'm making of things I can't get my head around this side of heaven, and chalk them up to part of the 'mystery' of my faith in a God who is 'good all the time!'
I'm not advocating we become extreme 'mystics' in our faith and end up in isolation, removed from society. After all, we are called to live as light and salt in the world. Wouldn't it be wonderful, if Christians could be known as people who live in 'awe and wonder' of God; those whose hearts never stop singing, 'O the wonder of it all, the wonder of it all, just to think that God loves me!'
