7.29.2005
Thoughts On Contemplation
There is too much me here
I can't escape this thought
It chases and taints all I see
This traffic should sound different
And music should provoke
And flesh evoke compassion
After all of this
I don't know me, but I see
Not Him clearly yet, but I will
I can't escape this thought
It chases and taints all I see
This traffic should sound different
And music should provoke
And flesh evoke compassion
After all of this
I don't know me, but I see
Not Him clearly yet, but I will
7.21.2005
A Church That Packs Them In, 16,000 at a Time - New York Times
A Church That Packs Them In, 16,000 at a Time - New York Times
You might not be Christian if someone says this about you . . .
If not for the religious references, Mr. Osteen's sermons, on topics like procrastination, submitting to authority and staying positive, could be secular motivational speeches. This is by design. "The principles in the Bible will work for anybody," he said. "If you give, you will be blessed. I talk about things for everyday life. I don't get deep and theological."
Or how about this . . .
Mr. Osteen begins each sermon with a joke and follows with anecdotes from his own life, about how through faith he received a house, a parking space, a happy marriage. There is no time to ruminate on theological puzzles, like why God allows people to suffer.
On getting stuff from God (Great quote from a congregant). . .
Mario Cervantes, 38, said that the church had taught him to name the things he wanted, and that he would receive them. "The Bible says, speak those things that aren't as if they are," Mr. Cervantes said.
"Now I'm speaking my marriage to Isabelle," he said, gesturing to his girlfriend. "And having a relationship with my children. The Bible tells me that as long as I serve him, I shall have what I want.
That's a different kind of gospel indeed. The question we must ask is whether or not that holds up to the biblical standard of the character and ends of Christ. The key to remember when it comes to "Health or Wealth" is that the end, or the purpose, is not that we delight more in stuff but that Christ is glorified because of who He is and that we find our greatest joy, satisfaction, and purpose in Him. (John 11: Jesus & Lazarus, 17: Christ's High Priestly Prayer)
I Dare You To Respond?
Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
You might not be Christian if someone says this about you . . .
If not for the religious references, Mr. Osteen's sermons, on topics like procrastination, submitting to authority and staying positive, could be secular motivational speeches. This is by design. "The principles in the Bible will work for anybody," he said. "If you give, you will be blessed. I talk about things for everyday life. I don't get deep and theological."
Or how about this . . .
Mr. Osteen begins each sermon with a joke and follows with anecdotes from his own life, about how through faith he received a house, a parking space, a happy marriage. There is no time to ruminate on theological puzzles, like why God allows people to suffer.
On getting stuff from God (Great quote from a congregant). . .
Mario Cervantes, 38, said that the church had taught him to name the things he wanted, and that he would receive them. "The Bible says, speak those things that aren't as if they are," Mr. Cervantes said.
"Now I'm speaking my marriage to Isabelle," he said, gesturing to his girlfriend. "And having a relationship with my children. The Bible tells me that as long as I serve him, I shall have what I want.
That's a different kind of gospel indeed. The question we must ask is whether or not that holds up to the biblical standard of the character and ends of Christ. The key to remember when it comes to "Health or Wealth" is that the end, or the purpose, is not that we delight more in stuff but that Christ is glorified because of who He is and that we find our greatest joy, satisfaction, and purpose in Him. (John 11: Jesus & Lazarus, 17: Christ's High Priestly Prayer)
I Dare You To Respond?
Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
7.19.2005
12 Tension Points in the Emerging Church
12 Tension Points in the Emerging Church
I have noticed there is still a lot of tension in the relationship between emerging church and the traditional church. Not as much as you think, but there is certainly a lot of heated discussion, mud-slinging and tabloid criticism. There is even the threat of physical abuse and organizations withdrawing favor, or young people leaving their denominations and starting fresh expressions of church without the blessing of their elders. Not good! The emerging church is called to be a reconciling community and part of that reconciliation must happen in the realm of communication.
Here are 12 tension points. I am sure there are many more, but these came to mind yesterday on a London train. Thankfully we don't have to choose between one or the other. "It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other." (Solomon, Proverbs)
This may be simplistic, but as i see it, the main tension points would include the following (emerging church tends to emphasize the second) :
1. The Statement of Faith and the Rule of Life.
Many emerging churches form and require commitment to a rule of life before they develop a doctrinal statement. This makes it look like doctrinal statements are undervalued and creates a tension point.
More about Rule of Life and new monasticism here or read the story of when I took a vow during my night of absolute terror. I think its really important to read and affirm the historic creeds, as I did recently in responding to some questions.
2. The Pulpit and the Table
The reformation moved the table to the side of the church and the pulpit to the middle. Emerging churches are often restoring the centrality of the Lords Supper - having services that mimic the Love Feast, or at least give prominence to the Eucharist. Good book on the subject called Mass Culture: Eucharist and Mission in a Post-Modern World, edited by Pete Ward.
3. The Sermon and the Story.
This is the tension of the proposition illustrated by narrative and the narrative that highlights a proposition
Preaching is often more narrative based so that the points or propositions can be processed in public, allowing greater accountability and ownership.
4. The Church and the Kingdom
Teaching about the Kingdom of God is emphasized in the emerging church - allowing a bigger picture of how the church fits in to the scheme of God's plan of reconciliation.
5. The Epistles and the Gospels
The gospels inform our missiology as well as the epistles. Emerging church people are insisting on seeing the epistles and the book of Acts through the lens of Jesus teaching and life, instead of the other way around. This is why I teach so much on the gospels and their relevance for church planting.
6. Static Worship and Dynamic Worship
Motion is again a factor in our worship. Worship happens often in navigable space, whether it is station to station, prayer walking, pilgrimage, or labyrinth-like journeys of worship such as the the gate to gate worship in the Old Testament Feast of Tabernacles. This creates tension and suspicion with the stage led worship
7. Teaching to Agree and Teaching to Obey
Obedience-based teaching is emphasized and given preference. This does not mean that assentment to a set of beliefs is not important. In fact, I highly recommend the historic Christian creeds and more recent as a global . But Jesus said to make disciples of every nation, baptising them and teaching them to obey. We cannot afford to leave off those last two words.
8. The Scholar/Orator and the Reflective Practitioner
Training for emerging church is producing reflective practitioners who are hands-on leaders of new mission-shaped churches. Knowing how to deal with the demonic, start a church with no budget and knowing how to explain the gospel in the language of the hearer is more valuable than having an academic degree or the ability to give a great sermon. Changes in training methods and content are reflecting this.
9. The Teacher/Pastor and the Apostle/Prophet
Teachers and Pastors have given leadership to the church in a Christian context - where safe-guarding the sheep is the most important thing. But as the church begins to form in a post-Christian context where there are more goats than sheep, those gifted with apostolic and prophetic gifts are more equipped to point the way forward.
10. Theology and Missiology
Related to the previous tension point. As the gospel takes form in a new or post-Christian context, a biblical contextual missiology is given more space. Retired missionaries may become a huge asset to the emerging church.
11. Western and Global
Our global world is impacted by voices from all over the world. Theologians, missionaries and teachers, especially those from Africa, Asia and Latin America, are often suspect under a highly western-dominated educational system. I see this tension point as being one that is only just beginning - much of our future debates will find their root in the clash between west and east.
12. Old Media and New Media
This is still a huge tension point. It came up again yesterday when i was teaching and I am sometimes reluctant to bring it up without a lot of explanation. The emerging church is taking root in a new media world and the gospel is making sense to new media minds. Our communication is increasingly digital and online. I have some thoughts on new media here. Its really important to acknowledge that our new media is just a tool and that the virtual will never replace the actual/physical. As i said yesterday, technology supplements and assists us, and the internet is allowing greater reach, but nobody wants a virtual Christmas dinner.
ok - lets make it a baker's dozen
13. Single Leader and Team Leadership
The tension point is not so much male vs. female leadership (although there is a lot of discussion on it) but in the organic emerging churches there is a shift to a five fold ministry, and churches led by multiple elders rather than a single Senior Pastor.
Anyway - nothing in cement here - just jotting down my thoughts.
I think we all need to avoid extremes, or creating disunity unnecessarily. Much better to create understanding.
Lets hold fast to all things good. Lets be gracious to those who do not see the whole picture or who do not understand the changes, knowing that we also do not see the whole picture clearly. Neither did Job, but Job remained blameless.
Lets endure suffering for righteousness sake, knowing that our Lord suffered under religious rulers who could not see clearly what God was intending for his people. And it was he who sent out his followers like lambs among wolves.
There is one body, the Body of Christ, and we are all member of it. Only together with them will we be complete.
I have noticed there is still a lot of tension in the relationship between emerging church and the traditional church. Not as much as you think, but there is certainly a lot of heated discussion, mud-slinging and tabloid criticism. There is even the threat of physical abuse and organizations withdrawing favor, or young people leaving their denominations and starting fresh expressions of church without the blessing of their elders. Not good! The emerging church is called to be a reconciling community and part of that reconciliation must happen in the realm of communication.
Here are 12 tension points. I am sure there are many more, but these came to mind yesterday on a London train. Thankfully we don't have to choose between one or the other. "It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other." (Solomon, Proverbs)
This may be simplistic, but as i see it, the main tension points would include the following (emerging church tends to emphasize the second) :
1. The Statement of Faith and the Rule of Life.
Many emerging churches form and require commitment to a rule of life before they develop a doctrinal statement. This makes it look like doctrinal statements are undervalued and creates a tension point.
More about Rule of Life and new monasticism here or read the story of when I took a vow during my night of absolute terror. I think its really important to read and affirm the historic creeds, as I did recently in responding to some questions.
2. The Pulpit and the Table
The reformation moved the table to the side of the church and the pulpit to the middle. Emerging churches are often restoring the centrality of the Lords Supper - having services that mimic the Love Feast, or at least give prominence to the Eucharist. Good book on the subject called Mass Culture: Eucharist and Mission in a Post-Modern World, edited by Pete Ward.
3. The Sermon and the Story.
This is the tension of the proposition illustrated by narrative and the narrative that highlights a proposition
Preaching is often more narrative based so that the points or propositions can be processed in public, allowing greater accountability and ownership.
4. The Church and the Kingdom
Teaching about the Kingdom of God is emphasized in the emerging church - allowing a bigger picture of how the church fits in to the scheme of God's plan of reconciliation.
5. The Epistles and the Gospels
The gospels inform our missiology as well as the epistles. Emerging church people are insisting on seeing the epistles and the book of Acts through the lens of Jesus teaching and life, instead of the other way around. This is why I teach so much on the gospels and their relevance for church planting.
6. Static Worship and Dynamic Worship
Motion is again a factor in our worship. Worship happens often in navigable space, whether it is station to station, prayer walking, pilgrimage, or labyrinth-like journeys of worship such as the the gate to gate worship in the Old Testament Feast of Tabernacles. This creates tension and suspicion with the stage led worship
7. Teaching to Agree and Teaching to Obey
Obedience-based teaching is emphasized and given preference. This does not mean that assentment to a set of beliefs is not important. In fact, I highly recommend the historic Christian creeds and more recent as a global . But Jesus said to make disciples of every nation, baptising them and teaching them to obey. We cannot afford to leave off those last two words.
8. The Scholar/Orator and the Reflective Practitioner
Training for emerging church is producing reflective practitioners who are hands-on leaders of new mission-shaped churches. Knowing how to deal with the demonic, start a church with no budget and knowing how to explain the gospel in the language of the hearer is more valuable than having an academic degree or the ability to give a great sermon. Changes in training methods and content are reflecting this.
9. The Teacher/Pastor and the Apostle/Prophet
Teachers and Pastors have given leadership to the church in a Christian context - where safe-guarding the sheep is the most important thing. But as the church begins to form in a post-Christian context where there are more goats than sheep, those gifted with apostolic and prophetic gifts are more equipped to point the way forward.
10. Theology and Missiology
Related to the previous tension point. As the gospel takes form in a new or post-Christian context, a biblical contextual missiology is given more space. Retired missionaries may become a huge asset to the emerging church.
11. Western and Global
Our global world is impacted by voices from all over the world. Theologians, missionaries and teachers, especially those from Africa, Asia and Latin America, are often suspect under a highly western-dominated educational system. I see this tension point as being one that is only just beginning - much of our future debates will find their root in the clash between west and east.
12. Old Media and New Media
This is still a huge tension point. It came up again yesterday when i was teaching and I am sometimes reluctant to bring it up without a lot of explanation. The emerging church is taking root in a new media world and the gospel is making sense to new media minds. Our communication is increasingly digital and online. I have some thoughts on new media here. Its really important to acknowledge that our new media is just a tool and that the virtual will never replace the actual/physical. As i said yesterday, technology supplements and assists us, and the internet is allowing greater reach, but nobody wants a virtual Christmas dinner.
ok - lets make it a baker's dozen
13. Single Leader and Team Leadership
The tension point is not so much male vs. female leadership (although there is a lot of discussion on it) but in the organic emerging churches there is a shift to a five fold ministry, and churches led by multiple elders rather than a single Senior Pastor.
Anyway - nothing in cement here - just jotting down my thoughts.
I think we all need to avoid extremes, or creating disunity unnecessarily. Much better to create understanding.
Lets hold fast to all things good. Lets be gracious to those who do not see the whole picture or who do not understand the changes, knowing that we also do not see the whole picture clearly. Neither did Job, but Job remained blameless.
Lets endure suffering for righteousness sake, knowing that our Lord suffered under religious rulers who could not see clearly what God was intending for his people. And it was he who sent out his followers like lambs among wolves.
There is one body, the Body of Christ, and we are all member of it. Only together with them will we be complete.
7.18.2005
?Transformation?
Earth's crammed with Heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes-
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes-
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning
7.16.2005
10 Most Innovative Churches
Check out Fellowship Bible Church's thoughts on the 10 most innovative churches in the states:
http://www.terrystorch.com/2005/07/385000_down_to_.html
http://www.terrystorch.com/2005/07/385000_down_to_.html
What if . . .
As I sit in the 8th floor of this huge building I am blinded by a powerful site. Over my right hand shoulder the powerful sun is setting. Slowly. Methodically. The beauty of the sun as it drops off of the face of the horizon is awe-inspiring. My heart beats a little faster and I quickly try to remember the last time I saw the sun set. Or rise for that matter. I don't remember, but I do know that this is a special moment. I watch the sun. It does not wait and it does not stop. It moves and the sky responds with shouts of purple and gold and blue and slowly black. Like a celestial orchestra playing to the rythm of God's timing and hand.
I just read the first 5 pages of a crazy book called red moon rising. The feller in this book talks about watching the sun set on the English coast and receiving a vision from God about what to do with his life. He was to set his life on fire for the proclamation of God's Word. The thought occurs to me that we struggle as human beings to grasp even the smallest thread of meaning or passion in life. All around us is slavery in one form or another. Pornography, alcohol, abuse, suicide, death, and ultimate meaninglessness. We can't see the grandeur of God for the fact that we have our heads bashed in by billboards pawning the biggest pair of breasts or the next largest lottery for your taking. All you have to do is sell your life to the devil. On the other hand . . . what we miss is the bold truth that we were made to SHINE!! We were made to live lives that screamed with fulfillment and vigour and something to live, ney, die for!! We were created as sinful wretches who couldn't do anything but choose that which was sadly mistaken for purpose but which really held the chasm of emptiness that each of our hearts are tired of tasting. But this mighty majestic King of Kings offers us a sonship and a place on the varsity squad. He calls His chosen children SAINTS and the value and validation and calling pours out of this purpose. Not because of us but because God is worthy to be praised because He created and what He created was good. He is worthy to be adored because He is holy and His love is perfect, merciful, and compassionate. He is to be offered the whole of our lives because He loved us through death and back again.
What if God called you? What if He called you personally and gave you a purpose that was bigger than you? What if He injected a vision for His Glory that shined like the sun into your chest and into your soul that penetrated to the core of who you are? What if you saw a vision of the Greatness of God and were asked take part in God's ancient story of redemption? Not just a small part but a leading part? What if that was a reality . . .
In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the remaining two they flew. In a great chorus they sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!" The glorious singing shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke.
Then I said, "My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and a member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty!"
Then one of the seraphim flew over to the altar, and he picked up a burning coal with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, "See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven."
Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?"
And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me."
WHAT IF YOU SAW THE VISION FOR GOD'S SPLENDOR THAT SATISFIED EVERY THIRST OR HUNGER OR PURPOSE YOU'VE EVER HAD . . . and you dropped your nets, and followed Him?
I just read the first 5 pages of a crazy book called red moon rising. The feller in this book talks about watching the sun set on the English coast and receiving a vision from God about what to do with his life. He was to set his life on fire for the proclamation of God's Word. The thought occurs to me that we struggle as human beings to grasp even the smallest thread of meaning or passion in life. All around us is slavery in one form or another. Pornography, alcohol, abuse, suicide, death, and ultimate meaninglessness. We can't see the grandeur of God for the fact that we have our heads bashed in by billboards pawning the biggest pair of breasts or the next largest lottery for your taking. All you have to do is sell your life to the devil. On the other hand . . . what we miss is the bold truth that we were made to SHINE!! We were made to live lives that screamed with fulfillment and vigour and something to live, ney, die for!! We were created as sinful wretches who couldn't do anything but choose that which was sadly mistaken for purpose but which really held the chasm of emptiness that each of our hearts are tired of tasting. But this mighty majestic King of Kings offers us a sonship and a place on the varsity squad. He calls His chosen children SAINTS and the value and validation and calling pours out of this purpose. Not because of us but because God is worthy to be praised because He created and what He created was good. He is worthy to be adored because He is holy and His love is perfect, merciful, and compassionate. He is to be offered the whole of our lives because He loved us through death and back again.
What if God called you? What if He called you personally and gave you a purpose that was bigger than you? What if He injected a vision for His Glory that shined like the sun into your chest and into your soul that penetrated to the core of who you are? What if you saw a vision of the Greatness of God and were asked take part in God's ancient story of redemption? Not just a small part but a leading part? What if that was a reality . . .
In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the remaining two they flew. In a great chorus they sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!" The glorious singing shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke.
Then I said, "My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and a member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty!"
Then one of the seraphim flew over to the altar, and he picked up a burning coal with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, "See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven."
Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?"
And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me."
WHAT IF YOU SAW THE VISION FOR GOD'S SPLENDOR THAT SATISFIED EVERY THIRST OR HUNGER OR PURPOSE YOU'VE EVER HAD . . . and you dropped your nets, and followed Him?
7.14.2005
there she was . . . and i'll never be the same
I met a young lady this morning named Kathryn. Her car was broken down by the side of the road and I could see her face as I rounded the corner. There was a mixture of frustration and fear on her face. Her body was hunkered down over the steering wheel and she was frantically trying to get the cellphone in her hand to work. She was so focused on the situation that she was in that when I approached her window she did not notice me. Her brow was covered with sweat as she explained that her car had broken down and she couldn't get in touch with her boyfriend. I offered to take her to work and she gladly accepted the offer. As we started driving she began to tell me about her life. She was 33 with an 11 year old daughter that she is raising alone. When she found out that I was a pastor she changed her language. She started saying words like blessing and praise the Lord. As I dropped her off I gave her my card and told her to let me know if she needed any more help. She told me that she appreciated my help and that she was going to be giving a donation to our church. My mind seized up and a knot mysteriosly appeared in my stomach. I was just a good guy doing a good deed until she found out that I was "religious." At that point, I was just a spiritual guru in search of money.
This is not the way it is supposed to be. I hate this! I hate being associated with this americanized commercialized bastadardized thing that we call the church. I hope for more. I hope that if your eyes ever scrape across these words that your mind is penetrated with emotions that move. Emotions that draw you to the cross. Emotions that make your heart ache at the thought of the spiritual death and rape that happens at the hands of false prophets. I pray that our eyes will be drawn to the supreme holiness, perfect love, and suffering grace that pours from this Majestic God we serve. I pray that we will eat at the table of Christ's greatness every moment of every day so that we may stop and wait and listen and taste and be radically moved by the wonderous name and power of Jesus of Nazareth. The Son of God, the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His Being, and the Sustainer of all things through His powerful Word. Be gripped in your soul of the emptiness of any earthly pursuit that does not begin, move, and end in the satisfaction of joy and fullness in the depths of your being, not because of you or in you, but rightly in the name of this Christ.
. . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and PRAISE your Father in heaven!
Be Quiet & Be Moved
