Six Things Church Leaders Over 30 Should Do

In the age of Facebook, when everyone is connected to everyone else, it's hard to know what you should do and what you shouldn't do. Apparently. So I want to help you out. If you're a progressive pastor or worship leader or a conservative preacher or song leader and you are over 30 years old, here's what you should do.

1. Stop reading blogs about what you should do.

2. Stop asking people what you should do.

3. Stop caring about what everybody else thinks you should do.

4. Do what your heart told you to do when God first called you into ministry.

5. Do anything you're inspired to do during your prayer time.

6. Do everything in your power to love people and to love God.

That's it.

If you were writing this list, what would you add?

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Christianity is...

I'm quite sure that if you asked people to complete the phrase, "Christianity is..." no two answers would be the same. We have taken Jesus' original organic idea and created something more corporate and political than life-giving. Something worldly rather than other-worldly.

We have made it about behaviors and issues, while screaming that it's about a relationship. No, dude, we've made it about anything but relationships. We've picked our favorite topics and decided that if you disagree with us regarding those topics you aren't a Christian. We've taken those topics and created seminars, books, websites, songs, and even specific "ministries" around them - at least, around our idea of a Christian response to them. 

 

I'm not sure if this is just an American phenomenon or a modern manifestation, but I suspect it has been around longer than that and is more widespread. I have hopes that times are changing, divisions are reuniting, cliques are disappearing, arguments are lessened, and that the Bride of Christ is starting to look like a bride. However, it's obvious we aren't there yet.

 

Can you imagine attending a wedding where the bride wore labels on her gown? This is the train - I wish it were a little longer. This is the veil which I didn't really want to wear, but it's making my mother happy. This is the bodice, I hope I'm covered. This is the skirt, does it make my butt look big? This is the ribbon - I wish it were more like the lace hem, but I'll put up with it. No bride would ever do that. Imperfections are unnoticed on the wedding day.

 

Yet, we throw labels all over Jesus' bride. This one's immature, do we have to keep him? This one can't seem to find the truth, can we kick her out? This one smokes like a chimney. *cough cough* Isn't the smoking section reserved for the train to hell? This one is gay. Do we have to let him in? We've already forgiven this one twice. Three times will be my limit!"

Have you ever stopped to ask why? Why are we focused on issues? Jesus commissioned us to preach the gospel, not to solve the problems of a society or to create a group of clones. What if we focused on that commission? We might look and sound less buffoonish and be more effective at increasing the real church. I'm overfed with how-to books. It's not like Jesus made it too complicated for us. He gave clear instructions to his disciples with phrases like go, make disicples, preach the gospel, be my witnesses.

 

Since Christianity is supposed to be based on a relationship, let's create that kind of church - the kind that builds relationships with our neighbors so they can build a relationship with God. The church Jesus died to create was the kind that accepted and included those who were mislabeled by society, those who were homeless and friendless, the ones who wouldn't have turned a head on the street. They all have the full attention of Heaven, but often in church they are treated the same as on the street. Let's be the real church, you know, the place full of disciples that the rest of society might reject.

That's My Church!

Dear Transformers and friends of Transformation House,

Last night, we had the first of two classes for some of our leaders - those who are seen up front each Sunday. The class is called Being Upfront about being Up Front. I led this class, but I want to share a bit of what I got from the class.

I first asked for an evaluation of the service this past Sunday. Those who were up front during the service were Kristen, Tim, Derek, Lisa, Zach, Elena, Anna, Darnell, Amber, Tony, and Chris. I wondered, "To those who were first-time guests, who appeared to be in charge of the service?" The answer was "none of the above." Because everyone knows their role and fills it well, the Holy Spirit, who is truly in charge, can move us in any direction. When He is in charge, not one of us needs to take credit, there is a comfortable flow in the service, and everyone has an encounter with a loving God.

Another question that everyone answered was about their first impression of Transformation House. I asked if their first impression was correct or if they've adjusted what they believe about the church since their first visit.

One person answered, My first impression was that I was getting attention because that's what church folk do. They pay attention to first-timers, then it wears off over time. What I found was that the love they showed me on the first Sunday is the same love they show me now, almost two years later.

Another person said, My first impression was that this was different from any other church I had visited. I saw black, white, gay, straight, old, young, and all were accepted and have a place to belong and serve.

Another answer was, In my previous church, relationships were fake. Here, I feel like I fit in. Rather than just being talked to, I am heard.

I won't go on and on, so the final one I'll share was, When I came, I felt the Holy Spirit in this place - during worship and in interacting with others.

What gets me so pumped about these answers is that these all came from people that I had never met two years ago. At the time we were planning to start Transformation House, we prayed for God to send us to those who felt disenfranchised by the church. We prayed that in this place everyone could feel welcome and experience the presence of God. Every time someone spoke last night, I thought, "That's what we prayed for. That's exactly why we started this church!"

If you're not a part of a church that allows you to serve freely, I'm sorry. I've said it before, so I'll say it again, "If your church won't change, change churches."

Don't Rain On My Parade

Just a couple of weeks ago, I flew to California to participate in the 2013 Exodus Freedom Conference. This was my 11th consecutive annual conference. My involvement with Exodus began in 1999 when I timidly made a call to a local Christian counselor and began meeting with him weekly. I was 40 years old, deeply in love with Jesus and my wife, and for the first time in my life was able to talk about my three big secrets: the ongoing results of being sexually molested as a child, my secret struggle with same-sex attractions, and my addiction to pornography.

That counselor led a local Exodus support ministry for men like me. Men like me? Until I met Dan and he introduced me to that group, I never knew there were any other men like me. Finally, I learned that my experience wasn't as isolated as I had thought. There were many Christian men in church pews every Sunday wearing their cloaks of shame and their masks of perfection. I wasn't the only one who cringed every time a pastor made insensitive gay jokes or, even worse, spoke in an unloving manner about "those perverts" that were unworthy of the love of their families, the church, and even God himself. There were other men who wrestled with scriptural interpretations that left them in the line for hell with no hope of redemption all because of something that they were incapable of changing. In this group, I heard stories of men who had mustered the courage to ask their pastors for help only to be met with "I don't know how to help you." Some were banished from their churches. There were men who had been abandoned by their loved ones and men who literally walked through life with their heads low because of the shame heaped on them by their "friends."

Needless to say, through the counsel I received from Dan and the support of the friends I made in that group, my life changed forever. The greatest thing that they offered was a constant reminder that I was a child of God. My attention was always brought back from my own inclinations toward sin and shame and pointed toward the love of God. Over and over, I heard how I could experience true freedom if I ever could recognize who God had called me to be. I was reluctant to believe that message because my expectation was that somehow God had to miraculously change me from a homosexual to a heterosexual. Since I had been praying for that to happen for most of my life and it hadn't occurred, I had little hope that it would happen now. It wasn't until I changed my prayer and my expectation that I began to experience the freedom I was promised. I began to pray that God would draw me closer to himself, that my life would reflect his life, and that my heart would beat with his. I left behind any expectation of change other than simply, "Lord, change all of me."

I began to live out the life Jesus offered me when I accepted his gift of salvation. I started opening up to others in my family and church by sharing my story and by being vulnerable with my heart. It wasn't an easy start. In fact, it was like a trip to a bad dentist. It was hard for me to get the words out at first. Then, in time, I found that once I had shared my story, I no longer cared what that person or group thought about me. Once I had shared it with my church without receiving condemnation, I felt more peace about my relationship with them. I could be "me" with them. And each time I shared with another group, my circle of freedom became wider and wider until now I don't base my life or my decisions on what anyone else thinks of me. I am "me" all the time.

That brings me back to the Exodus Freedom Conference that was held last month. For the past 10 years or so, I served on the Exodus conference staff. I made friends from across the country - even around the world - through these annual meetings. Earlier this year, I was elected to the Exodus Board of Directors. I have been part of the ongoing discussion regarding the future of Exodus for some time, then came to the board in time for the final decisions and, ultimately, the vote to close Exodus permanently. It's a chapter of my life that I entered with reluctance, grew to love, and then joyfully ended. It was right to close this chapter at this time in this way.

Since the close of Exodus it seems that everyone has publicly offered their opinions about the reason it closed, the fallout or the success of its closing, or the pain or joy they feel because of it. I've read many but not all of the blogs, news reports, Facebook posts, etc. Many of them even quoted the statement that I made on behalf of the Board of Directors or other statements that I made.

I have two observations about what others are saying:

• I was surprised to learn that when journalists use quotation marks they are not necessarily indicating that what is included is a direct quote. Go figure.
• I was surprised that Christian writers have basically the same integrity (or lack) as non-Christians. The negativity, false accusations, and outright lies that I have read from people who once called me "brother" are sometimes infuriating. I seriously have to leave the internet for time to cool down.

For me, the result of this is not a change of heart about what I believe or about my belief that closing Exodus was the right thing to do. Rather, I rejoice that before I came to this point, I found a place of freedom from emotional dependence on what others think of me. They can't rain on my parade. My life flourishes through trials and hardships. I don't have to hide who I am or what I feel. While I am sometimes angered, I am not distracted by the words of others. Jesus, not any man or woman, is the Lord of my life. I try to offer back to my detractors the same grace I have received.

More than ever, I am determined to invite others into this life of freedom. The more I see the underbelly of legalists and modern Pharisees, the more I am reminded that God didn't call us to a religious system but to a relationship with a living God. Let the legalists spew the law, let the Pharisees spread their leaven, and let the accusers play into the hands of the master accuser. Meanwhile, I'll be talking to people about Jesus and dancing in the rain.

The Real Gay Marriage Issue

Did you hear that the Supreme Court is hearing a case regarding gay marriage? Well, of course you did, unless you've enjoyed the luxury of a secluded island for the past month. The arguments, confrontations, protests, sermons, passive aggressive Facebook posts, condescending lectures, and bumper stickers have been non-stop loud and proud - from both sides of the debate.

I've generally avoided becoming involved publicly, but I guess today that changes. Here I am writing about it.

 

I have very dear friends who have strong opinions about making gay marriages legal and other very dear friends who say they staunchly oppose any marriage other than one man to one woman for life. Those who are against it have polished their arguments, found scriptures to support their view, and are poised to convince the world that they are right. Those who are for it, have polished their arguments, found scriptures to support their view, and are poised to convince the world they are right. Here's the overwhelming problem I see with this whole debate: everyone is focused on the issue of gay marriage. Meanwhile, the people involved (on both sides) are hostile toward each other, killing each other with their words, and are starving their own spirits. Where is the life in this argument?

 

This is Passion Week for Christians. The week that remembers the week prior to Jesus' resurrection. I cannot believe that Jesus endured what he did over an issue - any issue. He endured beatings, mockings, betrayal, agony, and even death for PEOPLE, not for issues. I personally couldn't care less if my gay friends marry. I have a single daughter that I would love to see in a loving marriage, but more than her finding a husband I want her to experience a fulfilling life in Christ. Marriage - gay or straight - is not what Jesus is about, it's not what His church is about, it's not what my life is about. This Easter weekend reminds us of what Jesus and his church IS about - connecting people to God and His plan for them.

 

I hear some of my church friends saying, "But you're compromising the word of God." Jesus said this, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5:36,37) Don't waste your time searching for a biblical prop for your argument. You can surely find it, but so can those you oppose. Instead, search the scripture to find the life Jesus offers, then, get your nose out of the book and get involved with people around you. Get to know someone that has an opinion that is different from yours. Start a civil conversation. Jesus doesn't live in issues, he lives in us. That's the kind of Jesus people will want to know.

Image Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

An Image of Jesus

Today, Transformation House was featured in the City People section of the Greenville (SC) News. The article was based on an interview that Amber Anderson and I recently gave to a reporter. I thought the writer, Donna Walker, did an excellent job of capturing our message and the heart of our interview with her.

The article started with this statement, "Transformation House aims to be a place where people can connect with one another, or with an image of God that they may not have expected to find." That really caught my attention: "an image of God that they may not have expected to find." I'm sure that's not how we stated it, but it is absolutely true.

We know that many people have a preconceived idea of God based on their past church experience, or their upbringing, or how God is portrayed through various media outlets. Some see him as an angry overlord, some as a sugar daddy, some as a distant, mysterious figure, some as a close, intimate friend.

Our goal in starting this downtown ministry, is to present to the people of Greenville a crystal clear picture of who Jesus really is. We are convinced that when they see him for who he really is, they will find him completely irresistible.

You can read the newspaper article online.

A Pastor's Job

Most Bible folk know that in Ephesians 4:11 Paul wrote that, among other gifts, God gave pastors to the church. This was a fulfillment of a prophecy given in Jeremiah 3:15 when God said, "I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Oh, that churches would be led by welcoming, loving, generous, wise pastors - pastors full of the Holy Spirit and motivated by the undeserved grace they have themselves received.

However, God's gift was not without warning. "Woe be to the pastors who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" (Jeremiah 23:1)

It seems that God has a simple word for those he has called to this ministry: Feed, don't destroy or scatter, my sheep.

It has been my observation that it is possible to feed and destroy at the same time. It happens in many ways in churches.

• Trying to force-feed knowledge into a person
• Portions of spiritual food that are too small to maintain life
• Insistence that church members eat the same diet as the pastor
• A monotonous diet that has no variety

As good, observant parents know, you don't treat all children the same, nor do they all learn the same way. It's the same with feeding God's sheep. Each church member is unique and gains knowledge and understanding in different ways. Some learn from the hymns, others through graphics used in the church bulletin or on the screen. Some grow through a sermon with organized points, others through a casual conversation.

 

I don't know of a church that uses this method, but I wonder what it would be like to organize small groups so that members with similar learning styles were grouped together? I suspect that it works better to have different styles in each group - each learning from the other.

 

Either way, pastors, remember that your way isn't the only way. The gift you have been given is the privilege of feeding - nourishing and growing - people who become wholehearted disciples. By the way, they're becoming Jesus' disciples, not yours.

Why I Like Topical Preaching

There is a very simple reason that I enjoy topical preaching: It makes me look at the scripture from a perspective that I might otherwise miss.

I know there are theologians who insist that expository preaching (using a scriptural text and exploring its original meaning, context, and application) is the only way, or the "right" way to preach. Of course, there are no biblical grounds for that assertion. It's a good way to preach, but not the only way.

I think I prepare for both types basically in the same way. I always start with the scripture to see what it says, what was the context in which it was written, and how was it heard. I understand that what it says, and the context will always be the same, but how it is heard will be different in 2012 than it was when originally spoken or written. I see it as my job to preach it in such a way that the listener will not miss what God is speaking to them through the word today.

If the word was only intended for the original context and for the original hearer, then I could preach from any other book today and leave the Bible on the shelf. The original hearer is dead and gone, and the original context vanished long ago. I just don't believe that the Bible is that irrelevant to 2012.

This week, I had the privilege of preaching from John 4. Our topic was Heroes, and I found that as I read the scripture through the lens of that topic, I saw nuances of truth that would have escaped me otherwise. It was an enriching experience for me, and enlightening for our Transformers.

Do you have a preference of preaching styles?

Wait until your daddy gets home!

Now, to be honest, my mom didn't use that phrase much when I was young.  I respected and obeyed my mom as much as my dad.  She could dish out the punishment and discipline too.  Maybe you heard it more than I did, "Your father is going to wear you out when he gets home."

I've been looking around the family this week - not my children and their children, I mean the family of God.  My Christian siblings have been acting up again, fighting and name-calling, being bossy and arrogant.  I want to pick up the phone, dial Heaven, ask for Jesus, and say, "Would you do something with your kids?" Seriously!

I'm not talking about a squabble over which color to paint the church nursery, but pastors publicly denouncing other pastors.  And on what basis?  The same old stuff that kids always fight over - who's right.

Now, granted, there is plenty of questionable stuff being preached and goofy practices in the name of "church" and I don't agree with everything I hear, but how should it be handled?  Social networking has so invaded our world and our lives - including the church - that I think we assume God was didn't see this one coming and forgot to give us instructions for how to handle it.  Not true.  Consider these instructions in light of voicing your opinion for a worldwide audience.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourself.

Leviticus 19:32 You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.

I Timothy 5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

Even if you completely disagree with what they're doing or saying?

Matthew 23:2-3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  So you must be careful to do everything they tell you.  But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.

I've come across the blogs of  many who speak with great authority. They contend that they have an obligation to point out the errors of others.  If only their authority was backed up by scripture, then I would go back for a second visit to their blogs. 

No, this modern day phenomenon hasn't caught God unaware.  When Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17, he looked past his day and prayed not just for his disciples, but said "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Did you notice that his concern wasn't for unity for the sake of unity, but for the sake of the world.  Jesus isn't concerned about whether his sheep eat facing north or south.  His judgment will be turned toward the shepherds who argue amongst themselves while his sheep wander away, malnourished, and non-productive.

Lord, give us your heart, so that when you return you WILL find faith in the earth. 

The Church and Sexuality

All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.  Proverbs 16:2

Church has always been a part of my life.  I mean, I was in church from Day One, but I don't remember one sermon or Sunday school lesson that taught a Biblical view of sexuality.  Never.  Not in a gentle, G-rated lesson in Junior High, not in a youth group setting, and not even from the pastor in the pulpit.  Never.

I suspect my life could have been different if I could have had an open, honest conversation about God's view of me and His plan for my life.  It may have helped me avoid some of the mistakes, addictions and wrong thinking that kept me in bondage for so long. 

Pastors sometimes are afraid to approach this subject, even though no one else in the world is afraid to talk about it.  Our children's sources of information generally have no concept of righteous living or Biblical principals, so our children grow up with twisted views of themselves and a misunderstanding of God's intentions for them in their intimate relationships.  This should change!

Coming up this Sunday, Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church is holding a Bible conference on sexuality.  I will preach in both morning services on the subject The Church's Battle with Sexual Sin.  Between the services, I will teach an adult class on The Church's Battle with Pornography.

Does your church address the area of sexuality in its teachings?

How would you describe your church's approach to sexuality in general?

What changes would you suggest for pastors in dealing with this issue?

Failure Isn't Final

So, how bad did you mess up?  Bad enough that you want to quit?  Enough to feel disqualified, unworthy, or incapable of fulfilling you dreams and goals?  Have you convinced yourself now that you just don't measure up and you never will?

I'd like to suggest before you throw in the towel, that you give it another go.  Seriously, how bad could it really be?

After all, if everybody who failed just gave up, we'd still be in the Dark Ages - or probably at least somewhere in the Industrial Revolution.  Think of all the conveniences we wouldn't be enjoying if inventors had given up on the first (or second, or tenth) try.

Or how long would it have taken the other 10 disciples to create the Church if Peter had gone back fishing - permanently?  But wait, that wasn't even Peter's first pitiful failure was it?  How many times DID he fail?  Let's see, he failed at walking on water, he failed to understand Jesus' parables, he tried to prevent Jesus from fulfilling His mission, Jesus called him Satan (that one goes in the epic failure category), he failed to see the point of the Transfiguration, he failed the forgiveness quiz, he failed the servanthood test, he failed the anger test, he failed to stay awake during Jesus' most crucial prayer meeting, he failed to keep his word, and maybe worst of all, he denied even knowing Jesus on Jesus' most sorrowful night.

Based on all of that, it seems that Peter would have won The World's Worst Failure of Biblical Proportions.  Or did he?  I think we sometimes confuse these two words: fail and fell.  Actually, Peter succeeded at walking on water until he fell in fear.  He stumbled at Jesus' parables but came to understand them in time... and on and on.  Peter's failures were only momentary, and momentary failures are not failures at all.  There is a difference between a fall and a fail.

Peter was destined for greatness, and it shows throughout his life's story - even when he fell.  It was in God's plan that Peter would be a leader.  After all, who was the first (and only) disciple to say to Jesus, "I want to walk on water with you" and step out of the boat?  Peter.  Who thought he should plan Jesus' itinerary?  Peter.  Who had a sword to lead a charge against Jesus' enemies?  Peter.  Who constantly was at Jesus' coattails, watching every move and listening to every word?  Peter.  And when Peter did decide to go back fishing after Jesus' crucifixion, what did the other disciples do?   They followed him!  (John 21)  Even when he fell, Peter couldn't help but live out his God-given destiny as a leader.

Still, Peter didn't have to live out the rest of his days leading from failure.  Something happened on the Day of Pentecost to transform him forever.  Peter began to live, speak, think and act in the power of the Holy Spirit rather through his own abilities.

From my own experience, I can assure you that the Holy Spirit can still turn a mess into a message.  That's what Transformation House is all about:  We want to see people transformed.  We don't look at anyone as a hopeless failure but believe that there is potential through the transforming power of God to give us all a fulfilling purpose. 

TRANSFORMATION HOUSE

I Hate Museums

Don't get me wrong; I love the arts and have a special affinity for artists who can take a large, blank canvas and create something beautiful - or at least interesting.  I enjoy visiting our local art museum and seeing paintings that have been around for hundreds of years and more recent sculptures. I could spend all day going from floor to floor and exhibit to exhibit.  But, I stand by my statement: I hate museums.

I have a favorite painting at the Greenville County Art Museum, and on my last visit I enjoyed it a little too much.  Well, the security guard thought I got too close to it anyway.  The painting is Girl With Lantern which was painted by Helen Turner in 1904.  The color choices and painting techniques are facinating to me.  The way she creates the lights and shadows just pulls me into the picture.  I was standing with my nose a few inches from the painting when the guard decided I should have an escort for the rest of my visit.

I wondered why Helen Turner painted that girl in that pose with those colors and what she was thinking as she painted.  I wondered if she thought that someday her painting would be secured away from being touched and handled only to be viewed from a safe distance.

Those thoughts quickly turned to the rest of my world.  The Bible tells us that we are God's creation, His handiwork, His masterpiece.  I don't think He created us to be hidden behind a mask of perfection, or to be set on a pedestal and admired for our goodness.  He made us real: humanly real.

Jesus came and demonstrated for us, as His followers, how to express the nature and character of God.  John wrote of Jesus, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life."  (1 John 1:1)  When Thomas the Apostle had a moment of weakness and unbelief, Jesus urged him, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."  (Luke 24:39)

The good news is that Jesus knows when He has been touched!  Remember the woman who touched the hem of his robe because she needed to be healed?  When she finally pushed everyone else aside and made it to Jesus, He said, "Who touched me?"

I hear you saying, "But Pastor Tony, we can't touch Jesus. What are you talking about?"

Oh yes, we can.

Hebrews 4:15 (KJV) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  In other words, Jesus really feels our pain.

Maybe this is common knowledge to you, but let me ask you this:  Are you touchable?  Do you let someone in need get close enough to touch you?  When someone touches you, do you recognize it?  Are they aware that you know they exist?

People who truly follow Jesus can't answer NO to those questions.  I can't think that I'm so special that I belong in a museum to be viewed from a distance and guarded from the needy touch of others.

Did I mention I hate museums?
_____________________
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Steering through Chaos

I have always been fascinated by the intricate details that you can find by reading a map or an encyclopedia. Even as a child, I would pull maps from the glove box to follow a vacation route or sit for hours on a rainy day with the SA-ST volume of the encyclopedia. Now, the age of digital information has me hooked. This may be part of the reason I was originally drawn to Steering through Chaos, a new book by Scott Wilson. After all, the cover pictures a paper map and a GPS!

Based on the subtitle, Mapping a Clear Direction for your Church in the Midst of Transition and Change, I expected to find information that I would shelve until sometime later. I am currently in the initial stages of planting a church, and I was pretty sure that wasn’t the kind of transition he was talking about. However, the stated purpose is this: “We’re addressing God-sized visions, kingdom purposes, and major transitions that shape the future and effectiveness of our churches.” While the book is primarily addressed to leaders of growing churches, I also found that there is so much in these pages that I need right now. I believe I can be a more effective church planter by addressing these issues in the beginning stages.  Rather than steering clear of chaos, I've learned that chaos can be a good thing.

I like to take notes as I read a new book, and I found myself wanting to write everything I read. I ended up with notes from about every page. Here are just a few of my scribbles:

p. 22 Change required hard decisions that would create tremendous pain.

p. 25 The effectiveness of the church’s ministry depends on an accurate analysis of the community.

p. 31 Leading transitions isn’t about changing the direction of the church or changing the staff. It’s about God changing me as a leader.

p. 50 Get solid leadership in place, then be ready for something new.

p. 52 Vision isn’t something I determine, it’s something I discover.

p. 69 Vision atrophies in people’s hearts.

p. 71 Vision is rock solid; strategy is flexible.

I could go on and on. There are lists, questions, examples, stories and so much that I have now included in my planning for Transformation House.

Besides being a map that I can easily follow, Scott, who pastors The Oaks in Dallas, also created a small encyclopedia of church growth. I’ve tried to figure out what he omitted, but I’m pretty sure everything is included. I expected topics such as Vision, Values and Goals, but I’ve never picked up a book that included those while also challenging me in areas of prayer, accountability, story-telling, honesty and multi-tasking. This book does just that – and more.

I would encourage ministry leaders to add this book from Zondervan to their libraries. I bet you’ll find it helpful too.

Created with Purpose Part 2

Tonight, we continued our IN THE BEGINNING series with part two of Created with Purpose.

For anyone trying to discover their purpose in life, here is some advice:

• Make a decision.  Don't wait for writing in the sky before taking a step into your destiny.  I believe God has already put in you everything you need to carry out your purpose.  What are you passionate about? Where are you gifted? What brings you joy?  When you find that answer, you will find your purpose.  God is not waiting for you to "find His will."  He is waiting for you to DO something.  Then, He will bless what you set your hand to do just because you belong to Him.
• Patiently wait for your work and passion to bear fruit.
• Don't waste time on things that don't matter or on things that God won't bless.
• Don't step into a role just because it's the only door open.
• Don't stop pursuing your passion.  Hebrews 12:1-3
• Give up control in areas that you can't control.  Proverbs 16:3
• Find God's will in His word.  2 Timothy 2:15
• Hang out with people smarter than you who have succeeded at what you want to do. 1 Corinthians 11:1

At Transformation House, we believe we should carry out Christ's commission as found in Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 4:16-19.  The church in general, and Transformation House specifically, should find our purpose for existence in Isaiah 61:1-3:

• Anointed - set apart and given the ability and authority to perform the following tasks
• Preach good news - our message is Christ-centered, it is the message of our daily conversation
• Bind up brokenhearted - a place of refuge, arms and words of compassion
• Proclaim freedom for captives - to help those who deal with issues of life find freedom from their struggles
• Proclaim release from darkness for prisoners - to help people who have no hope of change find the way to a transformed life
• Proclaim God's favor and vengeance - point out the truth that grace is available now but judgment waits alternately
• Comfort mourners, provide for the grieving - put our money where our mouth is, don't just tell people that there is hope, give them hope; tangibly interact with those who have suffered loss
• Restore beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning, and praise instead of despair - be different from every other place.  No long faces and no sob stories.  We are all about beauty, excellence, grace, joy, contentment, praise, and encouragement.

Sounds like somewhere I want to be!  Join us.

The above picture is the interior of the building we are praying for.  The Board of Directors for the property is deciding this week if they will approve our proposal.  The room pictured would be the gallery when furnished with a coffee bar and casual seating.  This is the area we would like to have open each evening.  Thanks for praying for us this week.

God Created the Church

At our Transformation House Bible studies, we are looking at what the Bible says about God as Creator.  In our first meeting, we looked at how God created the church. 

One of Jesus' main objectives was to build His church (Matthew 16:18 and Colossians 1:17-18).

Our main point was that everything we do in the church and as the church is ALWAYS relational.  God's very first observation after creating Adam was that it was not good for him to be alone (Genesis 2:18). 

In the Bible, the church is referred to in many different ways, including family, a body, a fellowship, a community, a building, a bride, branches, and sheep.  None of these can function alone.  A family requires at least two members.  A body has many parts.  No one can fellowship alone.  A community is not a community if there is only one house.  A building needs many bricks.  A bride isn't a bride without a groom.  Branches need a vine or trunk.  Sheep need a shepherd.  EVERYTHING IS RELATIONAL.

We determined that the normal functions of the church - fellowship, evangelism, discipleship, and worship - aren't just for Sundays.  Our goal at Transformation House is to incorporate these into our daily routines in a way that exudes life. 

We want to keep our message simple: God loves you and can change your life. 

We want to keep from focusing on one leader, and keep Jesus in the spotlight.

We want everyone to have a place to participate in our activities. 

We want to create and foster community. 

Our homework was to read the following scriptures:
Galatians 6:2; John 13:34; James 5:16; and Hebrews 10:25.

O Come Let Us Adore Him

Since I grew up in church, and I have spent many years as a pastor and worship leader, I kind of think that I've seen it all.  I have worshiped in small, quiet chapels and in stadiums with up to 60,000 people.  I've sat all alone on the beach meditating on God's word, and I've sung and prayed at the top of my lungs while driving down a busy Interstate.  I have stood quietly with tears streaming down my cheeks as I contemplated God's goodness.  Sometimes, I just can't be still or quiet; God's grace is so overwhelming that the joy inside can only be expressed through jumping or dancing or running or clapping or lifting my hands.

As I said, I've been in church for quite a few years.  I've seen it all - and even participating in some of it!  During some of those years, I thought there was a right way and a wrong way to worship God.  I've even heard other ministers ridicule from the pulpit a worship style that was different from theirs.  I read books and heard sermons on the "worship war" - in fact, I think I even preached one myself. 

After all these years, I've come to this conclusion: God loves variety.  If you think one particular style is the only correct one, you probably should read the Book again.  If you can worship only when you're comfortable, you're probably not worshiping God in the first place.  It sounds more like you're worshiping yourself.  I think that's really the only worship war: the war over who we will worship.

Chris and I recently met with a member of my advisory team.  We discussed the kind of music we want to use at Transformation House, and I asked him about the worship at his church.  During the conversation, he said, "I don't think the style is what matters. What matters is that you give people an encounter with God during the worship time."  Exactly! 

FAMILY FUN DAY

Today we had an afternoon in Cleveland Park in downtown Greenville. The kids had a great time on the playground. Gavin fell from the top of the bars and claimed he broke his finger. (He was fine.) But we weren't there just for fun; we had a family meeting to discuss how to carry out the vision God has given us.

We are looking forward to having a place of ministry in downtown Greenville and believe that it is now time to step out in faith to see it happen. We will be having weekly family meetings that will become open Bible studies in time. This is how we believe the Lord is directing us to start Greenville's Transformation House, a church that we hope will eventually have continual ministry 24/7.