HEY! Where'd The Disco Ball Go?

It's all destroyed.  Everything.  They took the sound board.  The lights are all broken.  They slashed the projector screen.  Maybe the projector itself can be saved...if someone knows how to glue a few hundred pieces back together correctly.  Don't even get me started on the fog machine!  What's that you say?  The instruments?  Well, the electric guitar and keyboard are floating in the baptismal pool.  That answer your question?!?  At least the Bible on the pulpit is still there.  A lot of good that will do, though.  How's the preacher supposed to use it with his cool stage stool broken?

If you took away modern technology in my kitchen, I would find someone with a wood burning stove and eat at their house!

If you took away modern technology in my living room, I would read those things with the fancy covers and thin, little pages more.  I might even go for a walk with my wife...probably by the donut shop.  Hopefully, their technology is OK ;)

In other words, we'd survive.  Somehow.  Someway.  We WOULD survive without most modern luxuries in our homes, schools, businesses, etc.  Hospitals, well, not so much anymore.  But, folks made it pretty good "back in the day" so, who knows?  We'd make it somehow.  We'd survive ALMOST everywhere... EXCEPT...in our CHURCHES!

Just think if the opening paragraph's events unfolded in your church.  How many people would show up the following Sunday without all the EXTRAS?  What if you only had a piano to sing with? Or, (DON'T SAY IT, PREACHER!) you had to sing accapella (NOOOO...)?  Oh, don't worry.  You can still sing whatever style of song you like (contemporary, traditional, classic rock...), you'll just have to...what do the kids call it nowadays... "improvise" a little.

"Ugggh!  Well, ok.  I guess we can still hire the best available opera singer/drum major/former cruise ship show tunes singer to lead us.  We'll make it, I suppose.  Hey, wait a second, though.  What about the preaching?  How are we going to follow along without the verses in the pretty fonts and backgrounds up on the screen?  This is getting ridiculous now, preacher!"


It's amazing to think that God EXPONENTIALLY MULTIPLIED "The Church" the first few centuries of its existence, through people who met in small "homes" huddled together with the dim light of candles.  People who loved Jesus SO MUCH, loved hearing more about Him SO MUCH, loved "assembling together" SO MUCH, they were willing to risk, and many ultimately gave, their lives for such a love.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm more than thankful we live in a land and time (for now) that we don't have to risk our lives just to go to church.  I just wonder sometimes what kind of worship services/churches we would have AND how many of us would actually be there, if we did...

THIS IS GOING TO SOUND...

There's no way for this not to sound arrogant but I am tired of putting up with ignorance.

Now, I am in no way saying that there isn't plenty of things I am not ignorant about myself.  So, maybe this won't sound too arrogant after all.  Yet, I try to listen to others and learn about these things and not speak on them as though I am some authority.

But isn't it hard to talk about things with people where their knowledge of the subject is paltry compared to yours?  Ok, that's kind of arrogant, I agree.

Take for example, UT basketball and the game of basketball in general.  I have played (not greatly but that's not the point :) basketball all my life, so I know the game pretty well.  So, when someone starts giving their opinion on what player/coach is good/bad, etc., sometimes its hard not to use FACTS/LOGIC/TRUTH and completely tell them why they are wrong.

Usually, for this or any subject, what happens when you attempt to rationally correct those "someones" is, you spend a vast amount of time, breath, and energy, only to end up frustrated that they won't budge from their "OPINION".

Yes, I realize its a free country, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, blah blah blah, LOL.  But, that HAS to have limits, right?  I mean, you can't have the opinion that the sky is LIME GREEN can you?  Or, is it okay to say its your "OPINION" that the Grand Canyon is not a canyon?

It seems to me alot of us hold opinions out of ignorance to the point where we KNOW its a BASELESS opinion and don't care.  That kind of thinking is dangerous to an individual AND a society, and unfortunately has taken roots in our churches, too.

Or, am I just being arrogant...or ignorant here?  

WHAT IF...

...churches quit measuring success by the numbers of church hoppers and plate droppers and started measuring it based on the quality of discipleship being done...or the quantity of the "least of these" being ministered to "in Jesus' name"...

...all Christians truly meant it when we sang "Wherever He leads I'll go..."

...God, in all His glory, high and lifted up on His throne in heaven, asked for volunteers that He could send to go "for us".  Oh wait, He already did.  Guess we need to respond to that, huh?...

...there was something akin to an "M & M" (Missions & Ministry) Center in every town, where people could receive shelter, food, clothing, health services, crisis pregnancy help, and most importantly spiritual guidance.  Christians from different churches in the community could cooperatively serve together at this type of center and watch as the Master used them to "be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth."  Gosh, seems like we're commanded to do something like that...

...there were no more super talented praise bands...multimedia projectors...multi-million dollar church campuses...ridiculously over-priced church buses...over extended or under used church budgets...

And all we had before us was a question.  The same question that Simon Peter answered before any of the other boys spoke up.  "But who do YOU say that I AM?"

The correct answer is all we NEED isn't it?  To KNOW that He is "The Christ, the Son of the Living God" changes EVERYTHING in and of itself, doesn't it?

As we say around here in good 'ol East Tennessee, "The rest is just gravy."

BACKWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS?

Poems and Songs

Backward Christian Soldiers - Anonymous

Backward Christian soldiers, Fleeing from the fight,
With the cross of Jesus, Nearly out of sight.
Christ our rightful master Stands against the foe
Onward into battle, we seem afraid to go.

Backward Christian soldiers, Fleeing from the fight,
With the cross of Jesus, Nearly out of sight.
Like a might tortoise Moves the church of God.
Brothers we are treading, Where we've often trod.
We are much divided, Many bodies we,
Having different doctrines, but Not much charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane,
But the cross of Jesus Hidden does remain.
Gates of hell should never 'gainst the Church prevail,
We have Christ's own promise, but we think it might fail.

Sit here then ye people, Join our sleeping throng.
Blend with ours, your voices in a feeble song.
Blessings, ease and comfort Ask from Christ the King,
But with our modern thinking, We won't do a thing.

...hopefully, this NEVER describes you or your church...

GENERATION XYZ???

I soooo love the generation gaps when it comes to ministry...  :)~

How do you effectively go from teaching a high school/college class to trying to explain the reasoning behind some of your pastoral decisions to members of a church council in their 50s and 60s in less than an hour??

What's really frustrating is that you can talk to some people on up into their 80s and 90s and you seem to get each other just fine.  I don't think some folks TRY to understand anyone who doesn't think like them.  

Isn't it pretty lazy, not to mention LAME, of any of us to only surround ourselves with others we know think like us and will generally agree with us?  Are we that afraid to express our opinions, beliefs, etc., to those that may not agree?  I'll admit to getting frustrated (obviously...thus the reason for this post, LOL) when others don't seem to "Get it".  But, I'm not intimidated or afraid to logically and reasonably discuss just about ANYTHING with ANYONE, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!

Not everyone can do that, you know?  I have friends and family even, that I've tried to have discussions with, where it ended up someone getting emotional, defensive, etc., mostly due to not "Getting it".

However, I'm pretty confident in my ability to understand where MOST people are coming from.  After more than 10 years in the ministry, you either develop that trait or lose your ability to reach people.  How can you reach someone if you don't know where they're at or coming from?

I guess like most ministers out there (and many others, I'm sure), I'd just like the same thing in return from certain folks sometime, you know?  You get me out there blog people???  

PRAISE BANDS ANNOY GOD??

No kidding.  That's the title of a new group on facebook.  Know what's even sadder?  There's over 4,000 members in this group.  Amazing.

I ventured onto their site to see if this was serious or satire.  I found some of both but also found some alarmingly ignorant logic, used by one of its members to justify the group.  Are you ready for this?  In essence, he states that since the Bible doesn't state God likes electric or bass guitars, we shouldn't use them to praise Him.

That's not all.  This misguided at best soul, goes on to say that the only images the Bible gives us of worship pleasing to God is of orchestral instruments and choirs, albeit angelic ones.

Some people really shouldn't be allowed to "think" you know it?  It gives the word a bad name.

I can't help but think of the song from Disney's "Little Mermaid".  You know the "Poor, Unfortunate Soul" one I'm talking about, right?

First of all, as to his first line of "thinking" concerning the lame "not mentioned in the Bible" crap, I'd like to ask him if he enjoys a good, cold glass of Coca-Cola.  Or how 'bout a good ol' Hershey bar?  Heck, let's throw in a pipin' hot pepperoni pizza and round out a very unbalanced, but tasty meal.  Think he'd like that?  I'd wager so.  Yet, to follow his "logic" he shouldn't partake of such things.  Why not, you ask?  Well, they're not mentioned in the Bible, of course.  Silly rabbit.

Secondly, as to doing what's "only mentioned in the Bible", I'd like to know if he still walks around mostly barefoot, donning a tunic with which he girds his loins?  Does he travel great distances exclusively by ships?  I wonder if he enjoys a sizzlin' piece of bacon or a nice dinner at Red Lobster?  Depending upon which parts of the Bible he's supposedly strictly adhering to, he'd be in trouble already.

So, my point on THE SMOOTH SPOT today is if you think "Praise Bands Annoy God", do us all a favor and give your brain a well deserved rest.  Please.  We beg you.

DROP 'EM?

Had to go to the doctor yesterday.  That's always a huge chore for me.  Every 10 years or so I have to look up a family doc and ask around for a good one to see.  Actually, its only been 5 years since I saw a doctor last, not counting family planning stuff.

Anyway, I was SOOO glad I didn't have to drop my drawers, haha.  Call me crazy, but I'm just not fond (sorry, couldn't help it) of introducing myself as the pastor from the church down the street and then unbuttoning my pants.

In case you're wondering why I thought I'd have to "DROP 'EM", I had some hernia-like symptoms, among other things.  The good news is he was able to examine me for that without my "Pants On The Ground" (no, I won't let that go away :)  and that he found no evidence of a hernia.

The not so good news is there are other things going on.  But, I'll be fine and I will feel alot less awkward now shaking the good doc's hand if he ever decided to visit our church.

R U KIDDIN' ME?

Yes, I'm talking about Lane Kiffin's leaving UT.  But no, I'm not focusing the title's question on his actions.  Rather, the question is based on so many of the reactions I've seen and heard.

Have I been a VOL fan since at least the 5th grade?  DUH!  Do I get so into the ballgames that I punch the nearest wall or door when GRRRAAPE APE blocks his 5,000th field goal against us, especially the game winning one against the #1 team in the country who would be the eventual national champion (yes, I'm aware this is a run on sentence fellow AP Englishers)?  YEP!  AND, DO I THINK FOLKS ARE ACTING PLUM CRAZY OVER HIM LEAVING AFTER 1 YEAR?  YOU'RE DADGUM RIGHT I DO!

Give me a break already, folks.  I love the BIG ORANGE.  But my life will go on.  I won't be sending the guy a Christmas card but I'm not gonna burn a mattress near his car, compare him to Tiger Woods (who we need to leave alone, too, by the way!), or rant and rave on how he "Betrayed me."

And no, I won't be comparing this story to the devastating Haitian earthquake story, either.  That's not exactly fair, in my opinion.  But, I digress...

Why am I not on my way to riot on campus or typing curses at him on facebook?  Uh, let's see...am I still sitting here in my old worn down but extremely comfy recliner typing this?  YEP!  Am I still married to my best friend, whom I've enjoyed nearly 10 1/2 years of marriage with so far?  ABSOLUTELY!  Has my earthly and eternal life been changed forever by the one figure in history who has changed the world since His birth, namely JESUS CHRIST??  THANK GOD, YES!!

So yeah, that's why I'm sittin' here looking at and listening to so many reactions and asking that question..."R U KIDDIN' ME?"

"I'M A BACK...HERE WE GO!"

If you have a Wii, chances are you've heard the phrases in the title of this post.  For, SUPER MARIO BROS is probably the hottest Wii game out there right now.  If you've played it, you know why.  Its fun for kids of all ages!

What sets this version of the popular series apart is the fact that up to 4 people can play at the same time.  This makes for some very fun but also very frustrating evenings.  Again, if you've played it, you know why.

With 4 people trying to run, jump, shoot, throw, swim, etc. in near unison, it becomes a challenge REALLY quickly.  You start hearing things like, "STOP JUMPING ON MY HEAD!"  And, "THANKS ALOT FOR GETTING MY MUSHROOM!"  Maybe some things you can't repeat even, haha.  Surely not at the preacher's house, though ;)

So, why bring it up in a blog post?  Because working together in that game says alot about the fun and frustrations we face in trying to work together with others.  Be it in a family, business, or yes, of course, a church, it can be a great challenge.

Sometimes you need folks to move faster.  Sometimes you need to do more...or maybe you  need to give someone else a try and do less.  Sometimes you want to throw the controller through at the person who is causing you the most frustration, lol.

The bottom line is we must find a way to work together to accomplish a common goal/vision/purpose.  Even when that goal/vision/purpose is as cartoonish as rescuing the princess from Bowser's castle...

LEAD ME TO REST...

I've been listening to some songs from Acapella (all the way back to '93, dang I'm old) on my new Ipod I got for Christmas (thanks again, Sis!).  I believe I've found a song I want played/sung at my funeral someday.  Its called, "LEAD ME TO REST" and here's some of the words.

LEAD ME TO REST, SWEET LORD,

LEAD ME TO REST.

FROM MY JOURNEY HERE,

LEAD ME TO REST.

THE RELIEF I'VE FOUND,

FROM THE BURDENS THAT'VE WEIGHED ME DOWN,

LEAD ME TO REST,

LEAD ME TO REST.

So, if you're reading this and happen to be around when I go someday, try to remember this request.

Of course, you could always be mean and play/sing, "Na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye..."    

I DON'T GIVE A...

Yeah, I figured the title would get your attention, haha.  Don't worry, I was only going to say, "Plum Nickel" ;)

That statement (and similar ones, lol) comes to mind when I think of the stupid distractions we allow ourselves to become engrossed in, in our churches.

We are all susceptible to distractions.  So, don't think I'm saying I'm above it, because the good Lord knows how weak I am.

Its just so frustrating and frivolous though, you know?  This life is uncertain, unpredictable, and downright unnerving at times.  To be sure, it is brief and a precious gift from God, the only giver of life.  Even if you don't believe in God or the Bible, you'd have to agree with most of my above statements about life.

I heard just today about a lady that collapsed getting onto a plane, preparing to take a cruise vacation.  No known health problems.  No warning.  Game Over.  This page couldn't hold the volumes of books we'd have if we all shared the similarly true stories we know.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is going through such a loss right now, by the way.  

We know all that, don't we there fellow church folk?  I'm not saying anything new.  Yet, we live like we don't give a crap sometimes.  We complain and cause needless trouble, to the point where the pastor is ready to go to the mission field in Alaska.  The only problem is his wife demands a snuggie if he does that and I REFUSE TO PAY MONEY FOR A BACKWARDS ROBE!

Anyway, I'm sure the Alaskan mission field has its share distractions, too, what with making sure the polar bears don't eat you and all.

I just want to be His hands, feet, voice, etc.  I just want to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, help somebody in His name.  I just want to make a dadgum difference in the temporal and eternal life of a fellow man, woman, boy, or girl!  As many as possible actually!!

I don't want to moderate foolishness.  I don't want to argue about the minutes of a meeting.  I don't want to waste precious time of this precious life, itself a precious gift of God, doing meaningless, menial tasks that wouldn't make a dang bit of difference in the life of a flea, much less a man, woman, boy, or girl!

I know, I know, we all have to do menial tasks we don't really love, etc. etc.  I just don't have to give a..."Plum Nickel" do I?

BUSINESS MEETING (cue "Ode to Joy")...

Actually, (knock on wood) our monthly business meetings haven't been what you'd call, MANIACAL, in quite some time.  I guess its been close to a year now that I started doing them after our regular "SNACK 'N STUDY" time of Bible discussion, coffee, etc.  Maybe folks are too worn out from listening to me teach for 30 minutes to fight about nonsensical stuff?  Lol.

We do have alot before us to meet about this year as a church.  God has nearly doubled our church family in just under 4 years.  And, as AWESOME as that is to be a part of, we do have a few growing pains.

Of course, we know we're still a "Small" church by most definitions (avg. around 110 on Sunday Mornings).  But, we also know we serve a "BIG" God!  So, we believe 2010 could be a BIG year for us if we catch on to some of our "BIG" God's visions.  The time is yesterday for us to grab onto a new, multipurpose building vision.  We could also use at least a used 12-15 passenger van.  I could use an old truck...just kidding (not really...mid 80's model Chevy/GMC, please ;)  

Our "CROSSROADS FELLOWSHIP" starts back up tonight for high schoolers, college age, and folks on up in their 20's.  My Associate Pastor, Zach, has done a great job with the little kids.  He'll have 20 or so come down front for his quick kids' devotion on Sunday Mornings.  But, having something for young people in high school on up has been on some of our hearts for a long time.  We've tried a few different times to kickstart it, but it just fizzled after an outing or two.

Pray with me that the core group of 8-10 we have now will catch fire and reach others .  There's 2 to 3 times that in our own church family/extended family, if we could just reach 'em.  Folks, we ABSOLUTELY MUST reach/keep them at this CRITICAL age in their lives.  It is SO HARD to get them to come back in their 30's or later, if they've been gone for 10 years or longer and are settled into different ways of thinking, living, etc.  Please pray about this with me...

WHERE THERE IS FAITH...

FAITH is a word/concept I've been thinkin' about lately.  Seems its everywhere you go.  We are told, "You Gotta Have FAITH" and to, "Keep The FAITH".  And that's just from George Michael and Bon Jovi!  But, you can learn alot from a song.  The title of this post is itself, a song.  A 90's Contemporary Christian group called 4Him sang that song and wrote it, too, I guess.  


Here's some of the lyrics to "Where There Is Faith":


I believe in faithfulness
I believe in giving of myself...for someone else
I believe in peace and love
I believe in honesty and trust...but it's not enough
For all that I believe may never change the way it is
Unless I believe...Jesus lives... 


Its a neat song and thought provoking, as well.  It adds some insight into my thoughts on FAITH, especially the kind of faith required to become and be labeled a CHRISTIAN.  


I believe the Bible's definition of faith is in conflict with many people who claim they have it.  By the way, the Bible is always right if we ever find any of our opinions or beliefs in conflict with it (but, that's a post for another day).  


According to the Bible, Hebrews 11:1 to be exact, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."


I'll spare you the Greek lesson as I would make a horrible teacher.  Instead, I'll refer you to a copy of "Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary" so you won't take my word for the following statements on what I understand the Biblical definition of faith is, as originally written.


Here's how it breaks down in the Greek:  


"Faith (persuasion, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation) is the substance (support, essence, assurance) of things hoped for (expect, confide), the evidence (proof, conviction) of things (deed, affair, object) not seen (looked at/on/to, perceive, regard)."


Here's how it breaks down in my head (Lord bless the poor little fella...I know, I know, lol):


I RELY UPON CHRIST FOR MY SALVATION, BECAUSE HE SURELY MEETS ALL EXPECTATIONS OF THE ONLY ONE CAPABLE TO OFFER SALVATION.  THIS RELIANCE IS BASED ON THE EVIDENCE AVAILABLE TO ME AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND MORE BY AND BY.  


I hope this kind of faith is real to you.  Because, it is the only real faith the Bible defines.  And, that's where the conflict I mentioned earlier comes into play.  People define their faith as personal to them.  I think this is done many times so as to not have to defend it or, "Give an answer...for the hope that is within you."  "Well, this is what I believe and I am entitled to my opinion and if its personal to me, you can't say anything to me about it."


That's a pretty easy/lazy way to get out of being responsible for what the Bible you claim to believe really says.  Now, does God want to have a personal, intimate relationship with us?  ABSOLUTELY!  Do we learn about Him differently and differentially than other Christians?  YES!  BUT...we must remember the only knowledge and understanding we will glean about God WILL BE VERIFIED in His HOLY WORD!  You won't have any secret knowledge that I don't and vice versa.  


There has to a standard we all use is what I'm saying.  He has left us an awesome one in the Bible.  We just need to use it more, in my opinion.   


That's how I see it at least and just some of my recent thoughts on FAITH.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  But, I'm not here to argue, nor will I be impressed with your intelligence or want to hear about my lack thereof, lol.  


Holler at me...