“Follow me and I will make you…

…fishers of men” -Jesus

I was seeking a bit of sanctuary on the banks of the Ohio River. It’s a quiet place, except for the occasional barge. I could faintly hear the water lapping against the docks. Behind me, a man played fetch with his canine companion. The pooch surprised me by nudging his nose onto my arm. “Hey pup, that’s a good boy.”  I patted him with approval. A fisherman stood beside me. I endeavored to learn his name. After a few minutes of small talk I asked him, “How long have you been fishing?” Chad replied, “I love to fish, this here is my church. When I tell my family I’m going to church, they know I’m going fishing.” His shirt only confirmed his passion. It read, “gone fishin’.” He was fishing for bait; “Skipjack Shad.” That’s right; he was fishing for fish to aide in catching bigger fish. I guess the catfish love it.  On his first cast he landed a small skipjack. I laughed in disbelief. As a kid, I spent hours fishing without ever feeling a nibble. Chad needed to harvest a lot more.

After the excitement passed, I asked him, “Do you ever talk to God out here?” “Oh yea”, he replied. “I’m not much of a religious man but I do believe in a higher power”, Chad went deeper. “I don’t go to church because they want your money. All of them do.” He continued with some doubts he had about the Bible being the Word of God. I listened intently and countered with some positive aspects of the Church. I also told Him that God could use any means He wanted to get His word out. He could even use us. As I was speaking, Chad’s cousin approached. As he walked towards us, the handle suddenly fell off of his new reel. If the next 20 seconds could have been played over the radio it would’ve sounded like this…“BLEEP! BLEEPITY BLEEEEEEEEP.” He was furious.

My mind kept flashing to a scene in scripture; Jesus calling the first disciples. As I looked at the men beside me, I wondered, would Jesus have invited these fellas to follow him? Certainly. He was calling them in that moment. I could feel it. Chad cast with a rod and reel; his cousin cast with a net. It was my turn to cast…

Chad told me that he was unemployed and struggling to find work. (nibble) “Chad, I believe in God as well and I believe He answers prayer.  I will pray that you find work.” I said. He voiced his appreciation and told me that his father used to be a big church goer. He felt that his dad was taken advantage of because he had a lot of money and skill in carpentry. I empathized with him but told him that pastors are human too; we make mistakes. We need Jesus as much as anyone else. He nodded in agreement. (nibble)

In the distance, Chad’s cousin caught another skipjack and attempted to throw it to us; another 25ft and he would have made it. I got up and found the fish lifeless on the rocks. “Into the bucket ya go.” It would still work for bait.

Things were winding down on the docks. I headed to my bag and grabbed a card with my church’s information. More importantly, the card had the gospel on it. I gave the card to Chad and invited him to read it when he had the chance. I also told him that I’d see him on the docks again soon; perhaps as a fishing buddy.

Jesus knows Chad better than anyone else. Though Chad only nibbled today, perhaps he will bite on another. One thing is for certain, Jesus is casting.  I’m praying that Chad will be caught, as I am, “hook, line, and sinker.”

Painted People. Painted Personalities.

Walk with me down the aisles of your local hobby store. Don’t worry about getting a cart. We aren’t here to purchase anything; just to learn. After being greeted by the smiling cashiers, we make our way pass the fabric, foliage and fall themed décor. “Ah, there they are; just what we are looking for.” This fruit looks great. In fact, it’s better than the stuff in the super market. We are enticed by the perfect shape and gloss of the apples. Do you see how the green and red colors pop? The grapes are plump, ripe, and ready to be savored. The allure is more than I can stand. I reach for a pear and begin lifting it to my mouth, but I’ve been duped; fooled by the sheen of what looks good. Underneath the paint, reality strikes.

People have a proclivity to protect and promote their image. We want to look good. More specifically, we want to look good to others. It’s all too easy to fill social media with witty “status updates” or “tweets.” Post only what promotes your image. These things aren’t real representations of us. They are our own advertisements; our efforts to sell an image to people consumed in the same fiction. If you’ve turned on the local societal spokesperson in your living room, you’ve notice that lines, wrinkles, and imperfections aren’t welcome here. Change it. Look younger, look cooler, for what? A better question would be, for whom?

Imagine the excitement of a starving crowd to see “perfect” fruit on display. Waiting in anticipation for their chance to indulge, reality strikes; we starve on the diet of fake. Perhaps that’s why my generation is hungry and malnourished. We are starving for raw relationships. We’ve seen the painted people; I’ve “photoshopped” some myself. With social media, painted people are turning into painted personalities. What have we traded in exchange for “eye-and-mind candy”? If we are accepted on deceitful premises, isn’t the acceptance itself a sham?

“…reality, however, is found in Christ.”* He is where I find the real me and where you’ll find your true self. Don’t worry about wearing the latest fashions. He’s got a new wardrobe for us. I know you’re going to love how you look dressed in white. Better yet, you’ll love the feeling of knowing that you are genuinely accepted; embraced, not condemned. Let this genuine relationship define the rest and be real.

*Col. 2:17

Learning from Leaders

I attended the Catalyst Atlanta Conference this year. Prior to attending, I had only rumors to run on but I wasn’t disappointed. It was my first time. I was a noob; new to all things that start with C and end with lyst. No doubt about it, I learned more than my brain could wrap itself around. Have no fear, I took good notes; several single-spaced pages worth. This is going to be challenging, but I would like to share 11 things I learned from the sessions at Catalyst Atlanta ’11; one chewy morsel at a time! (side note: if you see any typos or random gibberish, I’m holding my oldest daughter while typing this. She likes technology but doesn’t know how to use it yet. Give her a break, she’s only 18months old.)

Here it goes!

1.) “Your ministry cannot go beyond your prayer life.” M. Batterson/ Pray often and pray big!

2.) “Your heart is the essence of your identity.” M.Hyatt/ Image does not trump reality.

3.) “Living out your faith means getting outside the walls of the church.” J.Reese/ Get out more!

4.) “The methods that awaken hearts are wildly different.” M.Feinberg/ Don’ t expect the same thing to work for everyone.

5.) “We have devised salvation without dedication.” D.Platt/ Preaching a lazy gospel will result in lazy Christians.

6.) “Don’t be fair. Be engaged.” A. Stanley/ Just because you do it for one doesn’t mean you have to do it for all.

7.) “The signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.” J. Collins/ Inconsistent leaders produce inconsistent followers.

8.) “The job is not to impress God or people. The job is to love God and people.” J.Houston/ Enough said.

9.) “You won’t win a derby with a donkey.” D.Ramsey/ Are you on the right team? Are the right people on your team?

10.) “If we become distracted, we become disconnected and produce no fruit.” F.Chan/ Fake fruit looks nice but isn’t real.

11.) “You can be busy but not holy.” M. Driscoll/ Don’t commit yourself to things and people God never asked you to.

So there it is. It’s hard to believe that it’s been about a year since my last blog. I’ll be blogging more and I’ll do my best to be at Catalyst ’12. It is certainly worth it. Thanks for reading!

Here’s a quote just for fun. “Put a cup on kids. We could be here for a while.” M. Driscoll

“Nudge” Review

Today, I finished reading Nudge by author Leonard Sweet.  Concerning evangelism, I have never read a better book. I simply could not put this book down. Sweet calls readers to “Pay attention” to what God is doing all around us; to see the “burning bush” of God’s presence in every encounter, every person, every place and nudge people in His direction.

“Every bush is burning. Can you see it? Fire shows itself as light, the creative energy of God we know as HOPE.

Every bush is burning. Can you hear it? Fire shows itself as sound, the creative energy of God we know as FAITH.”

Every bush is burning. Can you touch it? Fire shows itself as touch, the creative energy of God we know as LOVE.

Every bush is burning. Can you taste it? Fire shows itself as taste the creative energy of God we know as HOME.

Every bush is burning. Can you smell it? Fire shows itself as smell, the creative energy of God we know as Jesus.”

Nudge transforms the way we understand evangelism.”Nudge evangelism is the planting of seeds. With a motivation of love, nudgers meet people in their context and nourish their souls in some way. As in Jesus’ parable of the seeds, planting frees us to be extravagant in love, yet leaves the results for God to germinate and grow. Nudging is an open ended enterprise God may undertake directly. God may use others, and time, and circumstance to grow, or God may even employ a continuing involvement from us. The main thing is that nudgers are free to love without consequences. Nudgers are free to invest in the lives of others through the generosity of life as a conduit of love from God.” , writes Sweet.

On both fronts, culture and evangelism, Leonard brings a lot to the table. There are a lot of things he gets right and some things he gets wrong. It’s very obvious that Leonard doesn’t think too highly of the “Institutionalized Church.” I appreciate his honest opinion. Personally, I’d be a little more careful when talking about the Bride of Christ. I get it though, really I do. It’s evident that several churches are failing at being the Church. Still, it’s unfair to assume that because some are, all are.  Even with my disagreements, this book is worth the read! I’ll read it again for sure and I recommend it!

God Signs

“Sign, sign, ever where a sign. Blocking out the scenery; breaking my mind. Do this, don’t do that. Can’t you read the sign?” -Five Man Electrical Band

Signs, they’re all around us. No doubt, most of them are obnoxiously loud; buzzing like neon. Isn’t that the point? Businesses can’t thrive if they are nebulous. They’ve etched out their territory in the retail world and want you to know about it. Can you see the chants? “Buy my product. Take a chance on me. Come inside. You need me. Even if you don’t, I’ll make you think you do and happily take your money.” My eyes are tired of retail signs. I want to turn to a different channel or use a huge eraser to wipe the skies. Maybe then I’ll notice the clouds. I want to perceive God signs; they are everywhere.

Psalm 19

“The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day to day the pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language where there voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world.”

As a follower of Christ, I should be a sign reading Jedi-Master. I hope to be one day. Great leaders are “defined by their ability to read the signs and follow them.” I’m not so much concerned with “end-times” signs as I am the “now” signs. Present is the tense I want to live in. I want to know what God is up to now and cannon ball right in; with His permission of course. I am grateful for history and learn much from it. I’m also thankful for the hope I have in Christ for the future. Still, in this moment God is signing. What are you up to God? Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind to understand.

*(This blog was inspired by a book that I’m currently reading; “Nudge” by Leonard Sweet.)

 

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” A Consumer’s remix.

I went shopping on Black Friday and was inspired by my fellow citizens to rewrite a classic.

(To The tune of Andy William’s It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”)

It’s the most Wonderful Time of the year…

When retailers dazzle, and people get trampled

In the name of good deals.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

 

It’s the hap-happiest season of all.

With those endless commercials and ridiculous specials

At our beck and call.

It’s the hap-happiest season of all.

 

There’ll be Credit Cards swiping,

Checks that are bouncing,

And collectors ringing our phones.

There’ll be crazy gift stories,

And tales of the glories of

Deals found long, long ago.

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

There’ll be much traffic jamming

and people are cramming

With no regard of who’s near.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

 

Will we lose the reason,

For this great season,

In all of the retailer games?

There’ll be plenty of chances

for countless romances with

Idols grabbing for fame.

 

It’s the most wonderful time…

It’s the most wonderful time…

It’s the most wonderful time…

Of the Year!!!

Gag the Foxes and Preserve the Grapes.

I’m not a stranger to disappointment and we’re not good friends by any means. Lately, we’re getting more acquainted. It enters through the doors of my world completely uninvited, makes a mess, and bids me farewell. I’m left in the wake of murky clutter and emotional tethers. Disappointment is a reality that I can cope with better if served ala carte; not too much please. I can only swallow so much.  I am no glutton for punishment and the Trojan Horse is not welcome into my city walls. But the foxes…the pesky foxes…They will destroy a good crop you know.

The foxes are in the vineyard again eating the grapes of encouragement and wrecking the harvest. I’d love to talk to the foxes, “lets understand each other”, but it seems their mouths speak behind closed doors. I hear only faint echoes of their conversations.  But my heart tells me, “Hold steady, love, and serve. Hold steady, love, and serve until I give you leave.” I’m fatigued with the foxes feasting on the grapes; the juicy fruit of unity and growth.  Foxes prevent the vine from growing.

The tongue can be a wretched thing.  The “Good Book” (Bible) tells me that both cursing and praise depart from the same mouth. How can this be? Do both salt and fresh water flow from the same stream? Brothers and Sisters in arms using their arms against each other. But a house divided against itself will never stand…nope not for long.  I’ll check my weapons in at the altar and leave them there. Will you? Lay your weapons down and pick up the “Spirit of Unity and the Bond of Peace.”  We must fight, but not each other.

With conviction I’ll admit, truth is true! (Thank you captain obvious). But truth can still qualify as gossip. Don’t be a fox; don’t eat the grapes of the harvest.

Proverbs 20:19 “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” (NIV)

National Fine Arts Fest.Detroit 2010

The moment was  tense, everything that the students had worked for was culminating.  We gathered into a circle, held hands and prayed aloud.  The students didn’t pray for victory; not even a good score. They prayed for people to be drawn closer to Jesus through their worship.  It was beautiful; so beautiful, to see the students that I have the honor of pastoring worship Jesus with the gifts He has given them. I’ve got to tell you how proud I am of the Kaio Drama Team and their coach (my lovely wife.) Though the students missed call backs by .87 points, no one seemed too disappointed. Truly, they were more interested in ministering than earning a score. How about that for mature Christian character?

The following days proved to be long, tiring, but most of all, rewarding. Our group had the opportunity to minister at my home church (Woodland) and help organize a VBS at Christian Trinity A/G in Eastpointe, MI.  The days were long, but from set up to clean up I saw students that are used to being ministered to reaching out to others. Every bit of it was more than worth it. We saw people turn their lives over to Jesus!

Often youth pastors catch students doing the wrong things. This week, I caught a lot of students doing the right things; doing God things! I’m very thankful to be a part of the Assemblies of God and to pastor such a great group of students. To God be the glory!

Out of the Frying Pan and into the Church Part 2 (Hypocrisy blah blah blah…)

I have encountered a lot of people that slap the “hypocrite” label on Christians every chance they get.  Last time I checked, Christians don’t claim perfection; we claim redemption. There is a difference!  In fact, becoming a Christian requires humility.  Asking Christ for the forgiveness of our sins means that we realize “we are not perfect.”  If we were perfect people…would we need Jesus? “All have sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God.” Rom. 3:23 Ready for a shocker? Brace yourself, this could get ugly. I’m a pastor. Yep, that’s right a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Thats not the shocking part. I’m a pastor and I fail and fail again.   I am on even footing with every other sinner out there (head bowed, tears flowing, a recipient of mercy).  Isn’t it beautiful?

Is the charge of hypocrisy legitimate?  Perhaps for some, but be careful not to stereotype.  Labeling every Christian as a hypocrite is as ludicrous as labeling every American as a racist.  Most Christians I know are fully aware of humanity’s need of redemption.  Many of them are extending the love of Christ around the world with incredible acts of selflessness.

Before you buy into the “Chrisitans=hypocrites” theory, do the math. You’ll find that Christians “worth their salt” are compassionate, giving, forgiving, humble, loving and passionate about God’s greatest passion; You and I.  If you’re out of the frying pan and into the Church, you’re where God wants you to be!

Out of the Frying Pan and into the Church Part 1

Before you get uptight and think that this is another “body bashing blog”, realize that I love the church; I love the church that I serve. If you wanted to be traditional about it, you could turn in your hymnals to page 148 and sing “I’m so glad to be a part of the family of God.” I’ll sing along with you.
We are a long way separated from the days of selling indulgences. Thankfully, God called a guy named Martin Luther to nail Biblical truth on the door of churches and the hearts of people. It’s a new era and there are new challenges to be met.  I’m humble enough to admit that I don’t have all of the answers. Yet, I’m not naive enough to be a pacifist. People accept Jesus and begin attending church. They begin to see the imperfections of those that serve the Perfect One.  Welcome to Christianity.  It’s true, we Christians need Jesus too! (Are you surprised?)

Lets talk about the cheap shots we take at culture from the comfort of our own pews.  Granted, our culture has issues and so does our “Christian Sub-Culture” that we’ve created (you know the basics; gossip, passing judgment, fear of man, legalism, cheesy music, etc.)    With all of the skepticism toward the Institutionalized Church, making smug remarks hardly seems helpful.  How can one adequately engage the culture they just ran through the pulpit garbage disposal for the last 2 hours? “To hell in a hand basket I say!”  (Note that you can be lovingly confrontational). Jesus told us to be “salt and light.” I guess the big mess that we’ve got to figure out is how to effectively do that.

Matthew 5:13″You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

To be salt and light; kick things up a notch, preserve things, illuminate the darkness.  Can we confidently say that we’re doing those things? I know that our message is unequally relevant. What could be more relevant than the message of Jesus? Sadly, many of our methods are not relevant. Again, it’s hard to be relevant to culture if all one does is bash it from here to Bangkok.  Let’s rethink this…What do you say?