Blog My Sojourn Live

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5

Ever had a day where it just seems to fall flat?  How bout a day where you are just flat?  I’m into that—just plain flat.  I’m just not myself.  I just don’t have it together.  Funny—when I’m flat it seems—my perception—that not too many people want to be around me.  Maybe I don’t wear my emotions very well.  I really try to have it together—but I may just be too transparent—or maybe—I’m just not settled inside—but I do try to keep it real.

All that to say that in the midst of all the above—I am learning to trust in the Lord.  Really—trusting in the Lord about—circumstances—is that being content?  Trusting in the Lord about direction—is that about being content?  Trusting in the Lord to take care of the details that I am absolutely clueless about—is that about being content?  Interesting that for the first time while reading Hebrews 13.5 reference I noticed something—that God recognizes full well the correlation between “the good life” being content and trusting in Him.

I am convinced that I—in the midst of being flat, not having it together that He, the Lord wants very much to enter in—to be my all, to be near, to be what I need—and want .  True?  Yes—actually for all people that “follow the Christ”.  He wants so much to be what takes care of me, what I need, what is essential.

He says—“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content”  Living in a world that breaths on capitalism, maintains life through money, maintains a standard based on income is the rub.  Then, being content with what you have goes completely against the world we live in—because I am continually bombarded with new, better, cooler and on and on…. Oh, I was flat today—but not anymore—He is right here with me—and I will seek Him all the much more.

|

We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.  Colossians 1:9-10

As I was driving home today from the office—late 7 p.m. on a Friday.  I was thinking about the couple I had just counseled.  I was thinking about many things, particularly how my life has changed dramatically over the years.  How I once sought out help for my life and my marriage.  How at the time, I couldn’t see straight, think straight—I just couldn’t get my head around simple concepts.  Not that they were so simple, but I deep down inside was stuck living on the outside never dealing with my inside—where all the work of Jesus begins—inside.

So here I am sharing that concept with this lovable couple wondering if they understood?  Wondering if I really helped at all.  Helping people is not a quick fix, it takes time to get past the layers, it takes time to admit that doing the outside stuff the way people have done it so long—needs to change.

When did it change for me?  Actually, it has been changing.  It really began changing years ago when I started working on my sobriety.  That’s right, I had to work on something that was killing me on the outside—but the addiction is from the inside.  But most Christians never get that.  They have learned how to mask the outside by doing, and doing and doing.  When they finally find that it is futile, change can take place.

A great read for me over the years has been Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard.  Leading like Jesus is all about becoming like him in every aspect.  Living like Jesus is letting Him rule me on the inside, which then leads to living on the outside like Him.  Yes, being “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God” is all done on the inside out. 

My prayer for my friends today is that they give up trying to manage the outside and learn to live from the inside where Christ lives.

Lord, fill me with the knowledge of Your will so that I may live and lead like Jesus to the only end that You will be pleased with me. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

|

The Scripture emphasizes that much can come from little if the little is truly consecrated to God. There are no little people and no big people in the true spiritual sense, but only consecrated and unconsecrated people. The problem for each of us is applying this truth to ourselves: is Francis Schaeffer the Francis Schaeffer of God?
(Francis A. Schaeffer, No Little People, Ch. 1)

This little quote has meant so much to me over the years.  Actually the whole book No Little People has been a mainstay for me.  Why?  Because who I am.  I know who I am without Christ.  I know who I am with Christ—and that has made all the difference. 

But the quote begs this question.  What does it mean to be consecrated?   

Consecrated:  “to devote or dedicate to some purpose: a life consecrated to…”

Am I consecrated?  Am I dedicated?  To what or to who am I dedicated?  I am dedicated to my wife, I am dedicated to my kids, I am dedicated to ministry.  But that dedication started with my dedication to my God period. 

When did that happen?  It happened when I made a choice to trust the Lord with my life without any expectation that my life would be anything but His.  Really?  Yes, it is true.  I know that when I gave my life to the Lord, I just wanted to be His and His alone.  I didn’t have money in mind.  I didn’t have fame in mind.  I didn’t have a future of all “great stuff’ happening.  I was just committed to pursuing Him with my all.

What has happened over these years is very simple in my mind.  He took my commitment, my dedicated, consecrated heart and used me in the lives of other people.  But, that hasn’t come without a price.  He has worked on me, chastened me, broken me, led me, hurt me, molded me and it hasn’t stopped and for that I am grateful.  I am so glad I am not my own but His alone.  My heart, my life is full because of Him—and even if heaven were not promised, I would without a shadow of doubt give Him over and over my life.  I love this old Hymn, I find it to be more and more a reality.

“I am His and He is Mine”   Words by George W. Ro­bin­son,   1876.

Music: Ev­er­last­ing Love, James Mount­ain 1876. Mount­ain wrote the tune for these lyr­ics so the hymn could be in­clud­ed in the first edi­tion of his Hymns of Con­se­cra­tion and Faith

Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.

Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.
Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.

Things that once were wild alarms cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms, pillowed on the loving breast.
O to lie forever here, doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.

His forever, only His; Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may...

|

Long time it seems since I have put down an entry in my blog—man has it been busy—all good of course, just big time busy.

I turn 50 this week.  Unreal.  Man has this life flown bye!  I’ve been thinking about this thing called “my life”.  Being adopted, growing up in Melrose Park, the neighborhood, my growing up church, my high school, my days of partying, the days of working nights, my time at Moody Bible Institute, my time in the electrical trade, heading out to Denver, meeting Marcie, going back to school, then my internship, my first church--- my first born, my second church, then Fairhaven, my second child, oh man has it flown bye bye!

The big picture?  The big picture at 50 is that I still have so much to do, so much to experience, so much to go for!

I can’t help though thinking about God’s hand in my life—His huge hand—from being born to being placed in the Solin family—to such a great salvation, to meeting the right person for me—to being led and called into ministry.   My life is His and He has had a time with me for sure.  I recognize over and over again the value of this great salvation—for I know, I fully know that it is because of Christ that I am who I am becoming daily

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ²because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

Romans 8.1,2

I am thinking about how great His love for me really, truly is.  How much His Grace has been sufficient, how His call has been so established, how much He has led me—and how undeserving I am.  I am so thankful for this life He has given me.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jer. 29.11

Finally in this short little blog—I can’t help but hold firmly to this—my life verse.

“Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”

2 Timothy 1.12b

He made me who I am—He created me, He loves me period and for that I am a thankful man! 

Thank you God for your unconditional love for me.  Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.  Thank you Jesus for dying for me.  Thank you Jesus for touching my life.  Thank you Spirit for filling me.  Thank you God for leading me—I love you, I worship you, the next 50 years are yours.  5/26/08

Amen

|

I spent some time this morning “doing” worship!  It was awesome!  I read the Word, I read some lyrics of a few of my favorite songs, I prayed and I meditated.  I love to worship.  Here is the thing about this morning—I was all by myself.  No organ playing, no choir singing, no one standing next to me, nobody preaching—just me and the Lord. 

Then I thought about how we leaders of church make worship the focal point of our churches, when in reality, isn't the church about community, worship, reaching people and open all week?  How we have come to believe that the pinnacle of worship is the message.  Today—I did all of it—and each was total worship.  Which leads me to this question, who made us think that worship was 1 thing or another?  Who set the rules?  Why do many come to church to worship and not many are helped to worship daily outside of the 4 walls of a church building?    Hmmmmmmmm

I really enjoy worship because a very long time ago—I can’t say when but someone taught me that this is worship--   

             O for a thousand tongues to sing 
               my great Redeemer's praise,
               the glories of my God and King,
               the triumphs of his grace! 

               My gracious Master and my God,
               assist me to proclaim,
               to spread through all the earth abroad
               the honors of thy name. 

               Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
               that bids our sorrows cease;
               'tis music in the sinner's ears,
               'tis life, and health, and peace.

               He breaks the power of canceled sin,
               he sets the prisoner free;
               his blood can make the foulest clean;
               his blood availed for me.

Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Yes, I worshipped this morning, and just now as I appreciated the words once again of these oldies.  Worship is truly not just a moment, but part of being.

|

I was talking with a “ministry” leader the other day connecting the dots from the book What’s so great about Christianity?  By By Dinesh D'souza.   We were discussing the rise of Christianity in other parts of the world—and of course the discussion led to a debate on evangelism/the great commission.

Interesting that first by background and my history— I have made the great commission a standard—truly the standard for why I do this thing called life.  Whether I am a pastor or not does not change my passion for going out and making disciples.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matt. 28.19-20

Our discussion though focused around this point.  I believe that the local church does a less then good job at reaching people.  My friend believes that the great commission is more about making disciples of those that already know the Christ but aren’t following Him as sold out disciples.  Where as, I believe the right interpretation is that making disciples is part of the process of evangelism or going into the world and reaching all people. 

The bottom line for me—is very simple—training disciples is actually the second part of making disciples.  The first and foremost is reaching them with the Gospel so that they will become disciples.  Interesting that when Jesus approached the first disciples he just asked them to follow Him.  Then He took them on a 3 year journey of discipleship.

But, first things first—making disciples is first about coming to Christ i.e., placing one’s faith in Christ as the Christ and the desire to follow after Him.  The process of discipleship has a beginning.  I must say as gently as I can say this;  Followers of Christ that want to simply train or teach people and call that discipleship falls very short and in my mind and is a cop out to reaching lost people.  That is why I believe the church more now then ever before has a great ministry to accomplish.  Making disciples is reaching people and at the same time training those new disciples to be “great” disciples by placing reaching people as main stay in being a disciple. 

If discipleship ends with discipleship when has the disciple arrived?  When they know everything and keep it to themselves?  When they can quote scripture and love the brothers and sisters?  When they give their tithes and offerings to the local church?  May it never be.  True disciples know that reaching people with the Gospel and helping to make them disciples is “making disciples”.  The great commission is about multiplication period.  

I believe Great Churches care about the above and they do it.  I believe my job as a pastor is to first show present day disciples how to live the great commission and at the same time reach ahead for new disciples.

The church must lead the way at Being the Great Commission period.

|

High Altitude Leadership   Danger   #4    Arrogance

Back to reading High Altitude Leadership tonight.  What a great read for leaders for people like me—in a place called leadership.  Interesting this chapter about what Arrogance brings to leadership.  I have so many things running through my heart and head at this point.  Arrogance when leading a team up Everest is a very large issue—at least I concluded that before I even read the chapter.  After all—if the leader thinks he is on top of his game—isn’t that an obvious problem?  I mean I have been there a zillion times—thinking I’m doing great things and I know so much and I am good with this or that and wham—the street is a great teacher.

“Humility fuels high performance—only solid teams grow stronger when humbled.”   Now that is a mouthful from High Altitude Leadership   Danger   #4    I will be the first to admit that these past 7 months of leading a team—has been a humbling experience for all of my team.  In truth it goes way back for me.  All the way back to the days of being a successful student min pastor at Fairhaven church.  Almost 10 years in the same place is considered a great run for a youth guy.  I though I was ready to take on a Sr.role—but it was soon into my leadership time that I realized—wow, I cannot lead people by being a lone ranger.  I cannot lead people by finessing them.  My leadership skills were all about leading a team of sold out adults to do student ministry and student ministry has built in goals.  Really—students leave after 4 years.  Students grasp giving up everything to follow Christ.  Students are much more pliable than most adults.  Students are teachable.  Students love being led.

I had to find out for myself, that leading is about serving.  And the only way I was going to ready to serve anyone was to be humbled and broken—by going out into the corporate world—possibly to never get a chance to do ministry again.  Ahh but God had a plan—I needed to let it all go, desire the right things and serve a company and a president that didn’t even like me.  I had to go in everyday, make cold calls and sell sell sell.  Would I?  I didn’t have a choice—it was time to put bread on the table and work work work.

"It is doubtful that God can use anyone greatly until He hurts him deeply."

-         A.W. Tozer

It was now my time—my time to be humbled, broken, hurt—so that I would learn to trust in the Lord.  To love Him no matter what.  To obey Him no matter what.  To live for Him in circumstances that were—were less then what I had wanted.  I was broken.

It wasn’t long after I understood the “pit” (Psalm 40) I was in that I let go of my passion to serve in a church and moved my passion to serving the Lord no matter what it was I was doing. 

Now—here I am, almost 3 years later—the only pastor of a church just serving period.  Oh every once in awhile I think “it’s about me”  but I remember.

Tags: httphighaltitudeleadership.com

|

This morning as I prepared to head into the office.  My office called to inform me that a member at Far Hills was in ICU.  I remember like it was yesterday my first hospital visit well over 20 years ago—and how nervous I was, how out of my element I felt—how just plain awkward I must have been.

I so much appreciate the work of being a pastor.  Really.  Hospital visitation is a privilege.  Visiting people is so important because I believe it is truly is a chance to touch the lives of people as the hands, the heart, and the voice of Jesus.  People need so much these days to be visited by those of us that are called Pastor.

Which leads me to this thought as I drove back to the office—When did visitation become such a burden to the pastor?  When did I think that visitation was somebody else’s deal to do?  Have I been listening to all the pastor CEO types?  I have I gotten caught up in the “new” pastor mentality?  Is it because sermons take so much time?  But isn’t the sermon an extension of my life?  I think it is.  If I’m going to preach about touching the lives of people shouldn’t I be doing it?  The answer is yes—and I know it full well—I am to touch the lives of people—not just with a sermon—but with a genuine, physical touch. 

It is easy for me to build relationships with many people, people from all walks of life.  Church people, neighbors, and people I meet.  I constantly speak about reaching out to others, all people—today was a chance to reach out to someone in need and I needed just as much to be with him.  Why?  Why did I need to be there?  Oh I’m a pastor.  That is true—but more than that—it’s because as a follower of Christ, I so desire to be like him.  Then as a pastor, I take seriously the role of caring for people.  And caring for people is FACE time—being with people is part of following Christ and allowing Him to use me in life’s situations.

Yes, being a pastor has many daily tasks and chores— I continue to have this soft voice saying to me—“do as unto me”  and so I do—and it is a privilege.

|

Oh what a day!  It’s Wednesday and that means many things to focus on for the upcoming Sunday.  Wednesday also means all church dinner at 5:30 and the Francis Schaeffer film series “What ever happened to the Human Race”.  I enjoy Wednesday nights.  The all church dinner is a great time for people to interact, touch base with each other, and enjoy company. 

Which leads me to my little blog today called— Community matters.  Community matters because the church is not just a “time” to meet.  Nor is it a just a “place” to meet.  The community is just that—Community.  Dicitonary.com defines community like this:

a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.

The words “social group” stand out in my mind as the key for community.  Social means- again defined in Dictionary.com:

living or disposed to live in companionship with others or in a community, rather than in isolation: People are social beings.

I truly do appreciate companionship rather than isolation.  Yet—there are those in our community that are isolated.  Is it intentional?  Is the isolation due to the community’s lack of reaching out within itself?  Is the community responsible for isolation?  I certainly don’t know why some people are isolated or maybe even choose to isolate.  That being said, I do know that isolation is not a healthy posture long term. 

People were created to be social.  People, all people are created in the image of God.  God is highly relational i.e. the Trinity.  The interaction of God the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.  The 3 parts of God, all seperate and all one--all interact with one another.  Since man was created in His image—interacting with others is part of our inner being. 

As a leader of a church, I so desire to create opportunities for people to interact.  To have many opportunities to enjoy, fellowship, rub shoulders with, care about, touch, embrace others—because that is who we were created to be.

Secondly, if I really believe in Jesus’ commission to reach all people—then isolating will never cut it.  Nor will we be about people outside of  “our community”  if we can’t do it within our community.  Yes,  community matters- because it is a starting place for valuing relationships, valuing others, valuing our creator.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

1 Peter 1:22

|

Wow!  Graduation party on Saturday for Alex with so many guests.  Mothers Day with my 90 year old mom coming in for the party—and of course a big day at church on Sunday.

I just wanted to write my thoughts this morning about Jesus being the “Bread of Life” and the idea that somehow we can "market"  Jesus.  Sometimes we (ministry people) overlook how Jesus at a crusial point in His ministry actually was “weeding” out the true followers from those just hanging out.   There really are  followers who are willing to “hear” and then “do” the hard things.  They are the followers that were “in tune” if you will with Godly, heavenly, spiritual things—not to say at all that following Jesus is not a process-- i.e.  His earnest plea to Simon "Follow me".  There is something to be said about the time to make a choice with all the facts and the placing of one's faith in the person of Christ.  This morning I was reading John 6—what a great passage—

Wow—what powerful words to the people-- 'They will all be taught by God.', "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him”,  “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day”

My thoughts this morning—tough passage—because I am to be a piece of God to people—really?   

1.  'They will all be taught by God.'--  When I teach—am I teaching God?

2. Truth in growth—numbers wise—The Father draws people—my work is to stay in very close touch with God—for He draws people—everything I do in leading is about posturing for God to do His work.  Ministry can be done in the flesh—no doubt about it—but Jesus speaks of His ministry as spiritual and done...

|

Saturday is a big day!  A milestone in my life, in Marcie’s life and in the life of my son Alex—High School is done—actually he graduated early—January 09.   Bottom line—party time at the house on Saturday—and Marcie is cooking for the 90 people attending.

I can’t believe how fast these 18 years have flown – I can’t believe how Alex has grown up.  I can’t believe all the twist and turns and twist and turns over these crazy adolescent years.  Wild, wooly and awesome all in one for sure. 

When Alex was a freshman…oh that freshman year—didn’t like studying, he loved playing hockey--- he was a procrastinator, sometimes lazy, sometimes just, just, well out somewhere else in his head.  I wondered as a father—how do I get this guy motivated?  How do I get him connected to the right things?  Will he follow after the Lord?  Will he commit his ways to Christ?  What will decide to do with his life?

All those questions, all the inner turmoil, all the middle age father angst.  Marcie and I prayed.  Marcie and I talked about strategy.  Sometimes I would chew on him a bit.  Sometimes mom would get in his face.  Sometimes I would reason with him.  Sometimes we would hope he would see our work ethic, our relationship with Christ, our love for one another.  Sometimes we would try and force the square into the round hole.

What we both found out over these High School years—That the Lord was working on him.  That Alex had choices to make—and we needed to allow him to make the choices—and do things his way.  Oh we were committed to be there when he failed.  We were committed to be there with encouragement.  We were committed to love him—just as he was and as he was becoming.

Yes—just as he is—and just how God created him—and just how God loves him—we were and will be the rest of our lives – committed to love him and encourage him and be there for him—just as he is—because—he is my son.

God has been very good to Alex.  He has gifted him.  He has done a great work in him for sure—and now that he has finished this thing called High School- it is good to see that once we committed him to the Lord—He did a great thing in him.  Reminds me of the relationship I had with my dad.  My dad Ray is now gone—but the lessons I learned from him--- did not come from him trying to finesse me, or change me, or mold me.  No, my dad taught me things as I watched him, as he and I argued, as he and I butted heads as he continued to love me through it all.  Yes—my dad taught me some very good things—and I can hear him now saying—I’m so proud of Alex—he has turned out to be quite a young man.  All the time knowing that he had to let me develop and I had to let Alex develop and become Alex and in short—Alex becoming quite a young man—was not only the Lord doing a great work in him, but Alex being determined about Alex.

Yes, we will celebrate Saturday—and I will find some time to take him aside and tell him—how proud I am of him.

|

Interesting this thing called leadership.  I can’t get over how as I am re reading  High Altitude Leadership  I am right in it—Just like the Van Halen song—Right Here Right Now—because it’s true—leadership is Right here Right now! 

Danger #3 when leading people up to a mountain peak--    

                        Tool Seduction 

What is that?  What is Tool seduction?   Simply stated--  Depending on the tools, trusting the tools to pull one through the difficulties of the climb.  “Tools offer hope and they make people feel like they have the right answer.”

You might say then, as followers of Christ we have tangible tools.  Wouldn’t that be good to trust in?  We have the tool of the Word.  We have many tools as followers of Christ.  No doubt I have learned to lean on the Word when in difficult times.  I have learned to trust in God when leading people--   I have learned to live by Faith—for sure.  But…

Tool seduction is really more about believing in keeping things safe.  Trusting in tools when leading high elevation excursions means that leaders will because of their tools get “seduced” into something they should have avoided– example—if a team of climbers has all the right deep cold gear—checks the weather—learns of a cold front ahead—because they have all the right gear—they are seduced in going for the climb, only to find that they will be stuck for days on a summit—when had they used patience or their keen awareness of the environment they would not have gone.  They were seduced by their tools.  Is that about being safe?  Yes—because one has the right gear—that doesn’t mean that is safe—seduced by the tools.

When leading people in ministry—being seduced by the tools – maybe that we trust in the way we have done things.  It may mean we trust in “the pros” that have said it is done this way or that way.  It may mean that we trust in our education, or our own knowledge.  Any one of those could seduce us into thinking we are “safe” when in reality we are headed into a storm that will keep us pinned down rather than sitting still.

Which leads me to this—my leadership is done best when I trust in – not myself, not the way I did it in the past, not the way somebody else did it and that was successful—

No, over the past few years, I am learning to wait on the Lord, seek Him, ask Him for direction—and then—it’s time to go.  Time to move—time to get everybody on board and Trust in the vision He has given—and trust Him to see it through.  I do believe that trusting God for and with His vision may not look like anything done before—but,  I would rather follow Him, then somebody else.  That is not safe—but I refuse to get seduced by all the wrong stuff—and that makes some people following sometimes a little uncomfortable.  "Better safe not sorry" when trusting in tools is not really safe—it can more than not-- lead to sorry.

|

I have the privilege of doing many things in ministry—I had a friend in ministry once tell me that “ministry is not so much about doing tasks, but about doing people.”  I found that to be an excellent portrayal of ministry.  Why?  Because ministry is really all about people.  Of course, you could argue that without tasks ministry wouldn’t get done.  I say that without ministry being about people the tasks are simply just that – tasks.  Think about it…

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."    Luke 10.38-42

Is this story really about ministry?  Yes.  Jesus was doing ministry.  Mary was paying attention, and Martha was working.  Jesus was doing ministry.  Spending time with people and Mary was enjoying Him.

I walked them through several sessions sharing with them the value of Jesus in my life, the value of Jesus in my marriage—never putting pressure on them.  The session before tonight I told them—I’m a pastor, I do weddings and funerals, and all the “stuff” I want you both to know that I would not be a very good pastor if I didn’t talk to you about a relationship with Christ and the value of knowing Him.  That night I asked them both—
do you know Him?  Do you want to know Him?    Then I told them to think about those 2 questions till we meet again.

Tonight we met, I went through some preliminary things and then said—“Remember the 2 questions I asked you?”  They both answered yes.  I asked them both do you know Him?  They both said no.  I asked them, “Do you want to know Him?”  They both with expectancy said Yes!  There in my office I led these 2 wonderful young people in prayer as they confessed their shortcomings to the Lord, asked Him for forgiveness and asked Him into their lives.  What a great wedding present for these 2.  What a great day for all of us.

That is ministry at it’s fullest.  I never approach premarital counseling as a task.  I see it as ministry.  If I saw it as a task—would I care about the “real” issues or would I just want to get to the big day?   My heart sings with Joy—not that I am so good.  No—but that ministry to me is still all about people—and for that I am thankful for the people in my life that never tried to move me into a “corporate” mindset.  “Task” above people attitude is not part of my heart for ministry....

|

“Children are more influenced by sermons you act than by sermons you preach.”

 David McKay

And so goes our discussion yesterday at staff meeting.  We the staff discussed the benefit of relational ministry.  Our jumping off point was of course the quote from

Francis Schaeffer--   

"Doctrinal rightness and rightness of ecclesiastical position are important, but only as a starting point to go on into a living relationship - and not as ends in themselves."

What is true about that statement?  What is it about that statement that we ministry veterans agree?  The main agreement is that we the staff, trench people, the people that do it everyday as a life understand that effective ministry comes out of authentic, honest relationships.  It is true.  We all agree that we INFLUENCE people first by living out what we believe.  Second by how in the midst of difficult of times we trust in the one we say we believe in—and therefore claim to those (by our living) those that we have relationships with that the who and what we are and how we live is based on what we believe. 

Hmmmm you say—that is a huge sentence.  Yes and packed with the words believe and influence.  Just like the above statement from Francis Schaeffer.  It is one thing to believe in doctrinal rightness.  It is much more to own it and add relationships that will thus influence people.  How can we believe in all the right doctrines and not touch the lives of people?  Oh that can be done.   We can manipulate.  We can try and force the issues.  We can guilt people, we can lecture people—but—when it is all said and done—we give at the least dead orthodoxy, doctrine without substance.  You know what that really looks like?  I know—I’ve done it—“believe what I say, not what I do.”  Which leads to mass amounts of people questioning everything about Christianity because of the way we over the years have just believed what we’ve been told without the passion, without the owning it—without obligation to the truth.  That ultimately goes back to a lack of integrity really.  For how many of us will die for something we don’t believe in?  Not many.  Over the years—how many students do I know that during High School could tell me everything “the right” way—headed off to College just to throw it all away?  More than you would want to know.

 Every one of us on staff recognize that the most influential people in our lives lived out what the believed and that made all the difference.

The other nuance that enters into this discussion about influence and relationship development is the importance of viewing Christ’s earthly ministry—if there was 1 person that we all agree to model after would be Christ.  What we all noted the way He interacted with His disciples:

1.  He was interested in them—how do we know that?  He spent time with them.  Ministry is not all about office time and Sunday a.m.’s

2.  Jesus taught them as they ate together, walked together, fished together—did life together.

3.  Jesus was highly influential because He did what He said He would do.

4.  Jesus was there for them.  He didn’t treat them like they were there for Him—Jesus was a servant—and serving is ministry.

5.  Jesus worked with them—He didn’t just pass a book to them—tell them to read it and have them spew it back.  No Jesus was way to interested in them “getting it” and “owning it”

Finally—the above 5 lead to #6 which is simply this—before one can get doctrine in line they best know personally who it’s all about—and excuse my grammar, but it ain’t about me.  It ain’t about them—It is about Him!...

|

"Doctrinal rightness and rightness of ecclesiastical position are important, but only as a starting point to go on into a living relationship - and not as ends in themselves."
--Francis Schaeffer

I was doing some Monday reading—I love the Schaeffer man—just love him.  He was way ahead of his time—but not really.  The church in the 70’s needed to hear him—needed to listen to him.  What is different 30 years later?  Is being right what really counts?  Is being right doctrinally right the “what” to strive for?  Is it?

I will think as I write -- Doctrine is beneficial indeed.  The Doctrine of God, Jesus, the Spirit, Sin, Man, the Church, End times—all good—all important—all beneficial.  Question—what comes first the chicken or the egg?  Or what matters to God?  Having all the I’s dotted?  Having all the T’s crossed?  Getting people all on the same page?  Is that really His heart?  Is that really what stirs His passions?   Does He get overly stoked by people that know it all?  Know so much that—that they feel above others.  Is that good?  To know all the right answers- all the right doctrines, all the right things—and not do much with it?  Is that good?  Is that acceptable? 

That is the point isn’t it?  All sorts of people that claim to know Christ—have all the right answers, can give all the correct doctrinal points—but can’t love each other, can’t love the unlovely, can’t grieve with the down and out, can’t get past fallen man’s big issue—(the doctrine of sin, and man) “that all sin and fall short”  Is it not true that many hide behind what they know—thinking that knowing all the right stuff brings them some sort of righteousness?  And knowing the right stuff means that "they" at least have something to claim regarding-- worth or value.  Isn’t that the issue here?  That followers of Christ have been fed so much, such right thinking, week in and week out that those same people that know so much treat relationships just like they treat their relationship with God—all about knowledge—all fitting in the box—no emotion, no love—oh sorry—that is too harsh- love for God because He fits their image--- isn’t that it? 

Personally-- I remember at some point in my thinking that knowing all the "right" things made me a little worthy.  Is that anyone else?  Then, then the truth came out as I failed, sinned, blew it.  Suddenly, the only thing I could stand on was my faith.  My faith in the savior that lived, died and rose-- the more I came to terms with my utter helplessness-- I began to be set free from the idea that knowing doctrine added to my spirituality.  It does not.  Knowing how many angels dance on the head of a pin does not change the heart of man-- it is by faith in the Son of God.

There are those that could read this and think-- he doesn't care about Doctrine-  that is not true-- I do-- but clearly just as Francis Schaeffer said--"Doctrinal rightness and rightness of ecclesiastical position are important, but only as a starting point to go on into a living relationship - and not as ends in themselves."  Francis Schaeffer a deep, deep man of God-- would never diminish Doctrine-- but he and I both see clearly what standing on Doctrine alone can do to the people of God.  Never forget the Pharisees of Jesus day are still alive and well today.

Imagine a church sold out first on loving God  ummmm that is a relationship—and loving people—that is also a relationship—put those 2 together and you have a great example of doctrine at work— 

Oh to dream—oh to imagine people living outside the box—it would be Awesome!  I think it can happen.  As a leader, it must be modeled.  As a follower relational living out doctrine must have hands and feet—some may not like practical theologians—but in truth— doing it is where, when and how...

|

“Before the deed comes the thought.

Before the achievement comes the dream.

Every mountain we climb, we first climb in our mind.”

     --Royal Robbins, climber and entrepreneur

Team players can never afford to be selfish.  The team matters most.  Is that what you’ve been taught?  Is that the way you or I operate when it comes to the team?  I have been around teams since I was a boy playing little league.  I don’t think I was ever the star of a team—just one of the team.  I never had people watching the team because I was on it—but I do know that I had a position to play and without me playing my best—I might cost the team or the coach would sit me in order for someone else—someone ready, someone focused.  Was that o.k.?  Yes—why?  I understood that the team mattered more than me.

I was watching a hockey game the other night—and the goalie that had won the Stanley Cup for this team was sitting on the bench.  Another goalie was playing in his spot— a  younger goalie, a goalie that had been playing better through the last part of the season was playing instead of the star.  The goalie that was proven, been there was on the bench.  Was that o.k. for him? 

A selfish player would have sulked, squirmed, been uncomfortable on the bench—maybe even made a scene (I have seen this on the sidelines in another sport).  He could have cried out for his job back.  But not this proven veteran of the blue crease.  No he knew his place.  He would choose not to be selfish—in order to benefit the team. 

This principle is the second principle in the book High Altitude Leadership by Chris Warner and Don Schmincke  The title of chapter 2    Danger #2 Selfishness   When leading people it is true—self cannot get in the way—protecting oneself from criticism, or what others may say, or not wanting to deal with people that disagree is centered around selfishness.  “I want it my way, I will do it my way--- does not work with teams.  I once worked for a Sr. Pastor that told me “my job was to make him look good.”  Did I try?  Yes—in the long run as the student ministry grew and people noticed the student ministry growing he took great pride in me—but for the wrong reasons—it wasn’t about the ministry reaching students.  It was about him looking good.  That is a selfish leader.  I know I have much to learn, but that lesson is deep in my gut.  Leading for me is not about me as much as it is about the doing as unto the Lord, the team, the people, the big picture.  This is learned on the street, in the trenches—20 years of team leading—with plenty of times I have led out of selfishness—but learning and relearning—selfishness does not fit leadership.

--Paul said it like this—‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  Phil. 2.3

--Jesus said it like this- a—“I’m the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10.11   

This is the heart of a leader—a leader that is about the people he leads and not at all about himself.  I believe that is a problem in ministry today—my hope is that my leadership will continue to not be about me—but about Jesus and the people that follow Him and will someday follower of Him.

“Before the deed comes the thought.

Before the achievement comes the dream.

Every mountain we climb, we first climb in our mind.”

     --Royal Robbins, climber and entrepreneur

Tags: httphighaltitudeleadership.com

|

I am constantly thinking—thinking about leadership is a thread that continues on and on and on.  Mainly—I think about the benefit of real leadership versus just doing things the way you’re supposed to do it.  Perhaps because that is the way the last leader did it.  (that is not much of a leader)  Maybe because I think leadership is defined by those that follow leaders.  I so enjoy the whole discussion of leadership—fascinating topic.

The reason I am so fascinated is because by call and by vocation I am a pastor.  Is that the same as a leader?  That depends on to whom you are listening and who defines leader.

The role of leader has not always been the role of the pastor.  A pastor was called other things i.e., shepherd, caring for the flock, a highly relational role and then sometimes leader but not in the same sentence.  Today a pastor is by the nature of the job a leader first.   He leads with vision.  He leads with production pressing upon him--pushing him--the numbers matter.  They have to matter—there are big bills to pay.   The pastor today has a staff to lead, a board to lead-- the “flock” can sometimes become the last part or the biproduct of his leadership.  Today "the flock" may only be about the Sunday event.  Things have changed.

I think of the way Jesus led.  He dealt with His 12 men.  He taught them.  He gave them hands on training.  He loved them.  He bonded with them.  Those men became the next leaders after Jesus.  Exactly!  He left the next movement in the hands of the men He spent time with, built relationships with, developed—oh and served.

That word serve is the word of the hour—Pastoral leadership in this day and age is about building relationships with the staff—training, giving vision, direction, care and building the core so that the Pastor can serve in a much needed capacity.  I was thinking about this leadership issue tonight as I watched hockey.  Really—a hockey game brings out leaders.  Leaders lead when it’s time to be the first.  When its time to score.  When its time to battle.  Leaders jump in first.  Why?  Because they know that the core, the team is watching.  The leader knows that without him, the team is leaderless—he must lead the way-- by getting dirty first-- by being the one to go and get it done-- so that others will follow and then do the same.  I am very saddened by the # of pastors I know today that actually lead as if the people he is leading are actually there for him rather than the pastor being there for the people-- that is not right-- and not at all like the leadership of Jesus.  The more I get to know Jesus, the more I appreciate the way he led-- out in front-- living out His vision-- He did it.

Is that serving?  I think it is.  When Jesus showed the extent of His love to His disciple He jumped in and washed their feet.  He was the first to serve.  He took it upon himself to show the team what leadership was about.  It was about doing what His vision called for.  He knew that He would have to show them that leadership was not a title, is not a name, is not just a role to play, is not an entitlement.  Leadership is fulfilling personal vision for the benefit of those he leads-- and Jesus did just that.  Church leadership is not about a title—it is not about sermons first, the worship event the Sunday morning-- those are products of a leadership being lived out.

I am reading a great book--  High Altitude Leadership by Chris Warner and Don Schminke.  What a timely book for leaders--- point 1 Chapter 1 the Fear of Death  Why?  Because those the lead expeditions can not fear...

Tags: httphighaltitudeleadership.com

|

Saturday is here!  After a few rainy dayz the sun is now out which means-- yard work.  Mulching, fixing things-- all that sort of stuff.  It seems to me that there is never enough time in the day to get done what needs to get done.  Well-- at least in my mind.  I have a list, Marcie has a list, the boyz have a list-- (not to much work on that list)  all have a list to accomplish something.

 Hmmmmm  what "needs" to get done?  What is top o the list?  What is important?  House work is important-- keeping up a house matters-- plus huge graduation party next Saturday so there is much to prepare for next week.  Yard work is important-- a neat lawn looks good... but what is important?  What matters on this awesome day?  What is essential?

 Yes-- just a short blog today-- so much to do-- prayer time this morning as I adjust my to do list led me right here--

I am a passionate person-- I love doing things big!  Large!  With all my heart!  I eat with emotion.  I speak with emotion.  I live with much passion.  I will work today with passion!  I will watch the Blackhawks tonight with much passion.  I will live for God today with passion-- why?

^"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 
1 Cor.10.31

I'm going for it today!  All for His Glory!  All 

that is Why-- I go for it!  Watch and Listen!!!!

Tags: httpwww.youtube.comwatchvan6b36yug44

|

I love mowing the yard.  I do.  I can't hear anything but the engine.  I can only think, contemplate, enjoy the outside-- and think, and pray and think and let my mind wander-- that is why I love mowing the yard!

 While I was mowing my thoughts were all over the place-- I thought about my work-- doing ministry with so many hats-- the only staff pastor at Far Hills.   I coach during the week and then a new coach comes in on Sunday's-- the interim-- and then-- in truth, I really don't have much to say about the direction of the church or ministry-- that is the Board's job as they consider themselves the Sr. Pastor until the "new" guy comes in-- this is a very weird situation.  I am not complaining by any means-- its just that it leaves me on the mower thinking-- hmmmm is there more I can do?  Being a natural leader-- this situation is like a V8 running on 6 cylanders-- I want to push-- but its not my place-- others are leading in the realm where I want to lead.  

Which leads to another thought on the mower.  When will it be my time?  Oh I can lead the Student ministry-- there are things about to happen that will push that even more-- but, but, is student min my real passion?  Yes and no-- - but my thoughts are quite simple--   Why am I in this position?  Why do I want to lead-- and at this point leading the staff during the week and the board running the church?  Could it be for lessons on leadership?  Yes.  Could it be to see for myself the pro's and con's of board led churches?  Yes.  Could it be to benefit the next place where I will go?  Yes.        When?

 Ahhhhh that is the real issues-- When?  So for now, it is all about trust.  A work ethic that is not circumstantial-- for there is still so much good ministry to do.   For how long?  How long do I keep keepin on?  As long as the Lord keeps me here.  My character is being tested-- I must trust, I must do right, I must keep leading in the capacity that God has asked me to lead.  Is that good enought answer for me?  Hmmmmm  no cliches--- it is-- because of this little passage that keeps running through my head--

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this..."
Psalm 37.5

Yes-- it is good enough for me!  

No complaining-- reality check-- and the reality is... I keep trusting.

|