oasisCHURCH

stewieBLOGS has given birth

Well, it's official. The "plans for the future" have been arranged and implemented in less than 24 hours. I had actually been thinking about doing this for a long time, but all it took was a weekend trip from a good friend and long-time ministry partner, Matt McNeil, to put the other puzzle piece together.

Obviously you will notice right away that stewieBLOGS has undertaken a complete overhaul. The new URL for the site is www.bethechurch.com. You will still be able to access the site at http://stewie.blogs.com, but from now on I will be publishing www.bethechurch.com as the official domain.

The greatest difference you will eventually begin to notice on the site is that I will no longer be the only person who posts on the main page of the site. I have invited a few friends to share their wisdom with us as well. For some time I have had a vision to create a "blogging community" consisting of Oasis people from all over the place... Athens, Meigs County, Northwest Ohio, Indiana, etc. My vision is that the site will continue to grow into a great community of bloggers who encourage one another through their insights of scripture, their songs, their poems, their practical wisdom, and theological understanding. These people all have some good stuff to share, and I am happy to provide bethechurch as venue for them to share their gifts.

You will still be able to download the weekly teaching MP3, and do all of the things you did before. But now this site will simply include a little more than what I have to offer.

The vision of BEING the church...
I think most Christians would agree that the church is what we ARE. It's not something we DO, or something we GO TO, or something we stand in or sit in or get married in. The concept of BEING the church is the underlying theme of this entire web site. We recognize that we are a community, not because of proximity... not because of style, or method, or race, or even doctrine. We are a community because of JESUS. We belong to the body of JESUS. He is the reason why you are my brother, or my sister. It's not because you worship in the same room I do, or use the same translation of the Bible I use. It's all JESUS.

He is what makes us the Church. We are called to live out the life of Jesus in our own little communities where we happen to live, work, and play. It's from those places we have experiences that create testimonies and stories. This blog is about BEING the church wherever you are. This blog recognizes that BEING the church is a HUGE thing. It encompasses so much more than just my little group of people in my town. I am connected with people in all parts of the world. The Kingdom of God is SO big... and I am part of it!

Maybe we will see some glimpses of that truth as we continue on this journey. I am looking forward to having a "blogging community" to walk beside me.

Hope and Presidents

It’s 10:00 AM, and I am sitting in my usual place of study, Donkey Coffee and Espresso. On a typical Wednesday morning I would have to hope I can find a seat with a table beside the wall so I can plug in my laptop, spread out my books and notebooks, put on my headphones to drown out the largely political conversation all around me so I can work, write, and pray without distraction.

Today, however, it feels very strange. I am sitting in this place with, literally, one other person. I wonder where everyone is?

As it appears to be more and more likely that any minute now Senator Kerry will concede the contest and thus, President Bush will declare victory of the 2004 election, I am stricken with a disturbing thought. With all of the animosity there has been against the President of the United States, and with the strong divisive stances supporters of both campaigns took, and with all the “hope” so many people put in getting President Bush out of office. I wonder if many Kerry supporters weren’t as much for Senator Kerry as they were against President Bush? And will they continue to fight against him? Or can we truly "Move On" as so many have adamantly proposed?

This is what concerns me. I have heard some extremely derogatory statements made toward President Bush. And one can argue that they may be justified. Likewise, I have heard just as many belittling comments toward Senator Kerry. Again, some may feel those are warranted. But now (or in just a little while) the election is over. What will we do? Will we be more divided than ever? Will my acquaintances at the coffee shop move to another country because they simply cannot stomach the thought of living under the leadership of this President for four more years? I have heard these kinds of statements. I have seen them written on the chalkboard in the men’s restroom (a place for ongoing political commentary). What will happen now?

You must understand I am neither a President Bush supporter nor a President Bush attacker. But it seemed like you either had to be one or the other. My sentiment during all of this campaigning has been melancholy. It has troubled me to see the hatred, rage, divisive, win at any cost attitudes of both political parties. To quote Wayne Jacobsen, “I am appalled by the dishonest, angry rhetoric of this campaign that has further divided our nation at a time when we need to humble ourselves. I am appalled that both political parties have been corrupted by special interest money that rewards political cronies rather than to champion justice in our society. I am appalled that both campaigns preferred to spread lies about the other than to inspire the citizenry to a higher common good worthy of the place we hold in the world.” I could not have expressed my sentiment any better.

It has troubled me so much that I simply could not support either party or either candidate. I could not bring myself to vote for either candidate, or even for any of those from the lesser parties. I wasn’t looking for a perfect person, but a man worthy of the office. I wasn’t even concerned whether or not the man held “traditional Christian values.” If a Christian candidate for President were not qualified and worthy of the office, but non-Christian candidate was, I would have no problem voting for the non-Christian one. So it wasn’t even that. I guess I just did not want to merely vote for the one who was least flawed (the lesser of two evils).

So, in not voting for either candidate, I voted in protest against an election process I found repugnant and against two candidates who “acted more like name-calling bullies on a kindergarten playground than statesmen who would put the common good above their own self-interest.” And instead of voting for a candidate I could not personally endorse with good conscience, I lamented for the state of our nation, and I prayed. I prayed that God would speak to our next President (whoever it is) and give him the grace to lead our nation with wisdom, with compassion for the powerless, with a voice for the fatherless and stricken, and with a humility and love that would conquer all fear, doubt, and apprehension. May he be more concerned with love than with power. May He see You, God, as the all-powerful, all-wise Creator of all things… and yet Your greatest strength is Your love. Love is not something you possess. Love is who you ARE. If we know You, then we know true love. May our President come to a knowledge of You, and have the grace and strength to lead accordingly.

Whether you were for President Bush or against him, in just a few minutes you will be under his leadership again. How will you invest your life in the next 4 years? Will you not work toward peace, unity, love, and justice in your immediate surroundings? Of course you will. Control what you have the ability to control. Make a difference in your world. That statement has SO much more to say than simply “get out and vote.” That part is over. Now we have 1,460 days to make a difference before the next Presidential election. Think of how much we can do in that time!

So my question and challenge for the people of America is this. Are we simply campaigners? Do we campaign for change? Or do we MAKE change? Will Kerry supporters hang their heads and say, “Well, we have to suffer through these next 4 years until we get another chance to do something about it?” Is campaigning and electing the only way we can cause change? You would think so… with the millions of dollars we have spent in advertising for “change.”

Body of Christ, lets lead by example. Show the political world that there is a much better way to create change. Participate in local activism. Love your neighbor (love is an action by the way, not just something you feel). Speak up for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. Be their voice in local community decisions. Be an example for the power of humility and love in the world. Respect everyone… even if you disagree with them, especially those in office of leadership over you. Teach the world how to make real change take place. Be an example. Be completely humble and gentle at all costs.

I’m glad things are nearly over. I am glad because now we can get on with the living, instead of just portentously suggesting how we plan to live. The future is among us. It’s time to begin living once again. Where is our hope? Is our hope in whomever we elect as President?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1:3-9

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.” - 1 Timothy 4:9-10

I’m out.

Lets Talk Presidential Election 2004

The following post is a compilation of thoughts... some my own, but some from others as well (see the cited list for links to sources). This morning in our Oasis gathering we discussed most of this material as a means to open conversation about the upcoming presidential election. If you would like to listen to that mp3 and read as you listen, you can get it here.
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I recently had someone ask me, “What makes you most nervous about talking politics in church?” That’s a good question. I guess I would first have to admit that I am nervous, and then answer the question. Considering the amount of time I have invested over the past two or three months studying issues, researching candidates, and gathering as much information as I possibly can in order to be a “smart voter,” I would have to admit that it does make me a little nervous. As I have considered how to handle the “election season” with Oasis I recognize that I have a few different options.

1. I could ignore it completely.

2. I could remind you to vote as your “civic Christian duty,” and just leave it at that.

3. I could teach on the moral issues related to the election, things about which we are undoubtedly already in agreement.

Or, compelled by what’s going on in our country and world, I could try a fourth option.

4. Discuss all of the options available to you, and teach and educate ourselves on the things about which we may not already be in agreement.

Brian McLaren suggests that perhaps the most powerful and popular denomination in America is not the Baptists or the Catholics or the Methodists or the Assemblies of God. It’s what McLaren calls "radio-orthodoxy"—the set of beliefs promoted by religious broadcasting. If you doubt the power of radio-orthodoxy, just try contradicting it, especially in an election year.

The fact is, it’s hard to be a good pastor any time, but during an election year in a country blanketed by religious broadcasting, it gets even harder. How do we teach and lead our churches in a year like this—with an important and divisive election underway? As a result of radio-orthodoxy, it could be said that many if not most Christians in America are more or less unspoken members of the Religious Right. It doesn’t matter if pastors teach about social justice and care for the poor, the environment, the alien (stranger), or the enemy. Every day during drive time, well-intentioned people who tune into Christian radio hear radio-orthodox broadcasts from a different vantage point. Then, confused Christians have to decide with whom they agree. [1]

I will not go with option 1—ignore the election completely—although it is what some pastors choose to do. To ignore the election altogether is to ignore one of the most weighty issues every adult American citizen is pondering at this time in their lives. In my family we talk about things. We have discussions that are helpful to us in decision-making. The results of these discussions are hopefully wiser, more confident decisions. Oasis is a family. And hopefully we all desire to make wise decisions as we follow our Lord Jesus.

Neither will I go with option 2—to remind you that voting is your civic Christian duty, and leave it at that—although this is what many pastors choose to do. Yes, we have a civic Christian duty—to be a good citizen of the land in which you happen to live—but I do not believe our civic duty ends with voting. Christians are called to be good citizens, to engage their world and not to withdraw from government altogether. So, what does that mean? It means whether one decides to vote or not, one must find ways to contribute to our society/nation on Christ's terms. It has often been said that it is one's Christian duty to vote. But I am not convinced that such a statement is biblical. In fact, the biblical writers and audiences didn't have the right to vote in their land. However, it is certainly accurate to say that Christians must be good citizens and work for the betterment of their nation and communities. Many Christians exhaust their civic responsibilities by voting, believing that after they've voted they need do nothing else. [2] This is primarily why I will not go with option 2. We have a civic duty to do much more than vote.

Option 3—teaching on the moral issues surrounding the election—is not something I desire to do either simply because it would be “preaching to the choir” so to speak. This is the option most pastors choose during an election year. This is the option we are bombarded with through email, radio, and Christian advertising. Most of us already know and agree with the moral issues at hand. It’s easy to preach up a sweat when you know nearly everyone in the church is thinking, "Amen! Give ‘em hell… er… heaven!" But when your church feels threatened, intimidated, rebuked, insulted, discomforted, and otherwise unsettled, it’s another matter. We tend to shy away from tension. But it is the tension that makes us stronger. Invite it. Welcome it. Embrace it.

That is why I will go with option 4—discuss all of the options available to you, and teach and educate ourselves on the things about which we may not already be in agreement. Use your imagination for just a minute. Imagine we are living in Alabama or Mississippi, and it’s 1962. Oasis is an all-white church of Christians who share the views of our neighbors about integration, equality, and the like. As a pastor I would like to be truly prophetic in teaching the truths of God’s Word. One option would be for me to preach some rip-roaring sermons that would either get me fired fast or send most of you packing for a church more to your liking. I could then move to Massachusetts and get a job there, telling the story of my valiant stand for truth and consequent persecution among the Southern savages, and thereby become a certified hero, well-perched to preach similar fiery sermons against the bigotry of people in the South, to cries of "Amen! Give ’em hell… er… heaven!" from my New England parishioners. This would be very good for my career and very fulfilling. I could even write magazine articles about my exploits. But what good would it really do? Another option would be to avoid the subject of racism for 30 or 40 years, until other larger forces have already brought a change in the thinking of Oasis people. Then I could preach about it with enthusiasm, waiting just long enough to have all the excitement of taking risks, with none of the risk. What I am looking for, however, is a better option than either thundering self-righteousness or avoidance. It will involve risk. But it will also involve patience and gentleness and respect. Yes, I will need to be bold and courageous, but I will also need to be both clever as a serpent and harmless as a dove. [1]

Having said all of that as introduction, lets now get into the discussion.

The first thing we must recognize and admit is the fact that God is not aligned with any political party. God is not a Republican or a Democrat. Contrary to claims made by the Religious Right, God has not taken a side in the election of a President.

"It is the responsibility of every political conservative, every evangelical Christian, every pro-life Catholic, every traditional Jew, every Reagan Democrat, and everyone in between to get serious about re-electing President Bush." – Jerry Falwell, The New York Times, July 16, 2004

"I think George Bush is going to win in a walk. I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. The Lord has just blessed him...It doesn't make any difference what he does, good or bad..." – Pat Robertson, AP/Fox News, January 2, 2004

Consider the following statements of belief as posted by Sojourners magazine, a Christian publication on faith, politics, and culture.

We believe that God is NOT a Republican or a Democrat.

We believe that claims of divine appointment for the President, uncritical affirmation of his policies, and assertions that all Christians must vote for his re-election constitute bad theology and dangerous religion.

We believe that sincere Christians and other people of faith can choose to vote for President Bush or Senator Kerry—for reasons deeply rooted in their faith.

We believe all candidates should be examined by measuring their policies against the complete range of Christian ethics and values.

We will measure the candidates by whether they enhance human life, human dignity, and human rights; whether they strengthen family life and protect children; whether they promote racial reconciliation and support gender equality; whether they serve peace and social justice; and whether they advance the common good rather than only individual, national, and special interests.

We believe that poverty—caring for the poor and vulnerable—is a religious issue. Do the candidates' budget and tax policies reward the rich or show compassion for poor families? Do their foreign policies include fair trade and debt cancellation for the poorest countries? (Matthew 25:35-40, Isaiah 10:1-2)

We believe that the environment—caring for God's earth—is a religious issue. Do the candidates' policies protect the creation or serve corporate interests that damage it? (Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1)

We believe that war—and our call to be peacemakers—is a religious issue. Do the candidates' policies pursue "wars of choice" or respect international law and cooperation in responding to real global threats? (Matthew 5:9)

We believe that truth-telling is a religious issue. Do the candidates tell the truth in justifying war and in other foreign and domestic policies? (John 8:32)

We believe that human rights—respecting the image of God in every person—is a religious issue. How do the candidates propose to change the attitudes and policies that led to the abuse and torture of Iraqi prisoners? (Genesis 1:27)

We believe that our response to terrorism is a religious issue. Do the candidates adopt the dangerous language of righteous empire in the war on terrorism and confuse the roles of God, church, and nation? Do the candidates see evil only in our enemies but never in our own policies? (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 8:12-13)

We believe that a consistent ethic of human life is a religious issue. Do the candidates' positions on abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, weapons of mass destruction, HIV/AIDS—and other pandemics—and genocide around the world obey the biblical injunction to choose life? (Deuteronomy 30:19)

We also admonish both parties and candidates to avoid the exploitation of religion or our congregations for partisan political purposes. [3] (www.sojo.net)

As we contemplate our decisions regarding voting it is imperative that we consider the truths of God’s Word, as well as His character as expressed through Jesus Christ. Someone recently asked me the question, “Who do you think Jesus would vote for if he were living in the United States today?” Man, that is perhaps the toughest question I have had to face in a very long time. And I had a very profound answer. Are you ready? I answered… “I don’t know.” However, based on Jesus’ life and teachings, there are some things that we do know about him regarding how he might vote. I believe Jesus would vote for the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I believe he would vote for those who mourn, for they will be comforted. I believe he would vote for the meek, for they will inherit the earth. I believe he would vote for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. I believe he would vote for the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. I believe he would vote for the pure in heart, for they will see God. I believe he would vote for the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. I believe he would vote for those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Jesus’ mind always seemed to be on another Kingdom. Was he mindful of the earthly kingdom in which he lived? Sure he was. He paid his taxes when called upon to do so. He obeyed the governing authorities, and encouraged us to do likewise, as long as our obedience to the governing authorities does not compromise our obedience to God and His Kingdom. You see, we are members of two kingdoms, but when those two kingdoms come into opposition of one another, our allegiance falls to ONE. In the New Testament this came true for the early Christians. They belonged to God, and the conditions of His kingdom opposed what the governing authorities were teaching and admonishing them. The result was their persecution and ultimately for many of the early disciples, their death.

What does this mean for me as a voter in the United States of America? It means that when I consider how I should vote, I must consider what’s best for God’s Kingdom before I consider what’s best for the United States of America. God’s Kingdom is not the United States of America. This is a wonderful country, and I believe we should be very thankful and recognize the great privilege it is to live here. However, it is an abysmal mistake to think that we are a nation who has God’s blessing, His hand, and His protection. Those are things reserved for members of His Kingdom. And guess what. God’s Kingdom exists in many nations. We have fellow citizens in Mexico, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Honduras, Haiti, Russia, China, Korea, and even Iraq, as well as many others. So I am fraught with the understanding that as I vote for issues and politicians in my country those decisions are also going to affect my brothers and sisters throughout the world, who are citizens of their own country, but furthermore citizens of the Kingdom of God. My allegiance must be to His Kingdom first. I must seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.

So, if you choose to vote, you have much more to consider than the average citizen of the United States who does not belong to God. They are only considering their own interests, their own protection, their own gain. We must “look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others”—for this is the very attitude of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:4,5).

Before you simply submit to the teaching that comes from “radio-orthodoxy,” do some research of your own, have open discussions among groups of Christians and dig into the critical issues of both the election and the scriptures. Allow people to ask you critical questions like, “Why are you considering voting for your candidate of choice?” Ask yourself that question. In these discussions and in your contemplation of these matters there are some important guidelines to consider:

1. Show respect for all positions on an issue, and for those who hold opposing opinions. It’s tempting, especially when one is reacting against a polemical, biased, chest-thumping opposition, to respond likewise and opt out of the Lord’s command about doing unto others.

2. Understand the opposing side so well that you can present its arguments as clearly as its proponents do. Each position has its upside and downside, as do opposing views. We tend to know our upside and their downside, but fairness requires we face our downside and their upside as well.

3. To show that you understand the opposition and have been willing to listen, present the opposing case’s position. Present it so compellingly that people would believe it’s your position.

4. Then present your position, rooting your position in biblical soil, admitting your position’s downsides.

5. Confess your openness to changing your thinking—thus modeling the teachability you hope your people will demonstrate. [4]

If you take time to do all of these steps as you pray, research, and discuss the presidential election, you will be giving yourself the tools you need for wisdom when it comes time to vote. You will be utilizing the important, common-courtesy of active listening (a rule that neither party seems to understand these days). God’s Word reminds us in James 1:19 “to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger”… a bit of wisdom that is ever important during these times.

You may have noticed a few paragraphs ago that I made the statement, “So, if you choose to vote…” What do you mean IF? It’s the Christian’s civic duty to vote, right? Aren’t we called to be good citizens of our government, and since it is a democracy whose success depends on our voice (which in this argument is considered “our vote”), then it is our Christian duty to vote. Right? Well, some Christians do feel that way. And that’s okay. But take time to listen to another perspective.

There are Christians who have a difficult time endorsing what many would call “the lesser of two evils.” Most of us have heard the argument that when considering whom to vote for one must weigh the candidates, and since none of them are perfect we must choose the “lesser of two evils.” The abstentionist would argue that the “lesser of two evils” is still “evil.” Some people choose to abstain because they find it difficult to support either major candidate for President. For instance, a believer may be more inclined toward Candidate A, but his positions on abortion, human life, and foreign policy may make it difficult for said believer to vote for him. But what if Candidate B had a similar list of questionable convictions and actions, it would make it difficult for the believer to vote for him in good conscience as well. This is where the “lesser of two evils” argument comes into play. Some Christians, out of ethical duty, would choose the candidate who appears “closest” to what the believer considers a righteous choice. And, again, that’s okay. However, some Christians have come to the conclusion that they simply cannot vote in favor of either candidate. The argument for that believer is, “Do I vote for the lesser of two evils as an ethical act, or is it more Christian to show my disagreement by abstaining?” So you can see why some Christians may choose to abstain from voting for President.

This is an option that is not uncommon in the wider Christian world in this country (Anabaptists Brethren, Mennonites). There is also a legacy of nonparticipation in government within the earliest members of the Restoration Movement (where the Church of Christ/Christian Churches are rooted). So, this option is not new or totally foreign to the faith, even if it is to our more immediate contexts.

Many Christians would argue that voting is participation in the empire cult, it is playing Caesar's game, and as citizens of the Kingdom of God who have higher allegiances, they feel they cannot participate. This view would be based upon the position of nonparticipation in the ways of empire held by the earliest Christians, and it assumes that ours is not a "Christian" country, but really a godless empire that only uses "Christianity" when it is politically advantageous. This may be contrary to the popular conservative Christian view, but to many believers it makes a great deal of sense. [2]

In the grand scheme of things it seems that even if a Christian decides to vote, participating in the electoral process is actually a very minor way of exercising our civic duty. Perhaps a more effective “voice” would be local activism and involvement, in which we volunteer, work for peace and justice, and write letters to our representatives and work for specific issues. Should it be said of the Christian who chooses not to vote, yet is locally very socially active in working for the betterment of the community, that he/she is not performing his/her civic duty? I should think not.

In conclusion, consider the following words from Sister Joan Chittister, writer for the National Catholic Reporter:

We must recognize that most likely God is not keeping a denominational scorecard on either party's platforms and legislative proposals, as in "This one is Christian, this one is not Christian, not Christian, Christian, Christian, not Christian." And the winner is… !!”

But, if the psalmist is anywhere near correct, there is a criterion we can all use to make our personal political decisions with moral confidence. You can bet God's own criteria still holds. You can bet God is still listening, just as in His message to Moses at the burning bush: "I have heard the cry of the poor… and I mean to deliver them."

Is it possible that this election may be a reprise of that same message—this time, for us?

The truth is that there are more than enough poor that we as a country no longer count: The unemployed who drop off the welfare rolls, the underemployed who get no benefits, the children without health insurance, the fetuses being disposed of for the sake of convenience, the Iraqi civilians being killed for the sake of macho, the elderly who are facing even more poverty in years to come as Social Security fizzles in the wealthiest country in the world while we go on investing more money in death these days than we do in life?

God is our leader, and like our leader we’d be wise to listen, as well, to the cries of the poor of other countries who, because of our economic or foreign policy plans, get poorer every day, fear us more every day and hate us more every day.

The list goes on and on. Who is "pro-life"? Where is the morality of saving life at one end only to starve it in mid-flight or kill it off cavalierly at the other?

And why are we as a people so nonchalant about it, so apparently unconscious of it all, so committed to a single-issue focus in the midst of it? Is it perhaps that this time Christianity itself has gone astray, has narrowed the criteria so clearly given at the burning bush, has itself lost perspective in a world that has never needed perspective more?

It isn't that Christianity doesn't have a place in the public debate, on the contrary. It's that politics has no place in Christianity.

It is not the place of political parties to seek to enlist the Christian community as part of its campaign staff. That smells far too much like collusion. It smacks far too much of the kind of theocratic thinking that preceded both the French and the Russian revolutions. It sounds too much like the rise of a new Christian Taliban. It sounds too much like this year's election, in fact.

It is not the function of Christian figures to condemn specific politicians. That, whether we like it or not, is still God's role. It is the function of Christianity to teach Christian values and criteria that can then be applied by you and me to the political positions of our politicians. Christianity must form us "to hear the cries of the poor" and then to vote accordingly.

We must be called to conscience—not to the political campaign strategies of either party.

If you want to cast a moral vote, print out one of the many comparative lists of the issues espoused by each candidate. Ask yourself the question, "Will this proposal, this position, affect the poor of this country or the world positively, negatively or neither?” Ascribe to each of the items in the platform or on the proposed legislative agenda a plus, a minus or a zero. Now count up the pluses. The program that will bring the most aid to the poor is the most moral position. [5]

Cast your vote accordingly. Or don’t cast it all. Either way, live your civic duty in God’s Kingdom, and subsequently in the United States of America.

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Sources

1. Brian McLaren, “Scared to Talk Politics In Church?” Sojourners Magazine
2. George Pickens, email conversation
3. Sojourners Magazine, http://go.sojo.net/campaign/takebackourfaith
4. Adam Hamilton, Leadership Journal, Spring 2004
5. Joan Chittister, “An Election Guide For Honest-To-God Serious Voters,” National Catholic Reporter, September 2, 2004

For further research on the candidates and the issues, and perspectives regarding Christians and voting:
http://www.smartvoter.org/2004/11/02/oh/
http://www.vote-smart.org
http://www.politics1.com
http://www.sojo.net
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/august2004/300804godisnot.htm
http://www.raptureready.com/republican.html
http://www.ivotevalues.com
http://www.thegoodsteward.com/article.php3?articleID=2234

Live life forward, define it backwards.

In many ways today is a day that was called into being a long time ago… in my estimation, at least three years ago, but perhaps even longer in God’s mind. It was three years ago that April and I had begun seeking the Lord about where he was leading us. When we drove through southeastern Ohio it certainly seemed right to us and to the Holy Spirit that He would be sending us to Athens. When we drove uptown Athens it became even more apparent to us that our ministry would involve direct links to the campus of Ohio University.

If you were to ask me three years ago to define what that meant, I would have probably given you a much different explanation… if I gave any at all. Would it mean that we would start an Oasis in Athens that would meet on or near the campus and have a large college student constituency? Would it mean that one of us would work for Ohio University and therefore have direct links to the campus? Would it mean that we would be involved in starting a new campus fellowship at Ohio University? We just didn’t know.

During the last 3 years there have been many things that have not gone as anticipated. Some to our dismay, but some to our pleasant surprise and excitement. God has brought many people into our lives, and has allowed many to exit from our lives. What’s important is that HE has always remained. He is constant, and His plan is constant. He is persistent. He never fails. Even when we feel like we have failed Him, He keeps going, and for some reason He picks us up and brings us along. Sometimes we are dragging our feet in bewilderment, other times we are running along beside Him (or even out in front of Him at times… but that is another article), and sometimes He just needs to carry us for a while. But regardless, it is always good to be with Him. He never fails.

That is where we feel like we are today. We are with our God. Much has happened over the last three years, but another piece of His plan for our move to southeast Ohio is beginning to take action tonight! This is a significant time, and I am starting to feel it. My stomach is full of butterflies, wondering what will become of this campus fellowship. I don’t want to screw it up!

So many things have taken place that affirm to April and I that we are to be in Athens while continuing to encourage and lead the brothers and sisters in Meigs County. More than a year ago I received an email from a friend who had a word for me from someone in His fellowship (this person, by the way, knew very little of me, but God spoke to him concerning me). As he was painting his house he heard the Lord speak a word about Athens, and the ministry Oasis is doing “down there.” The word was “Go to the campus.” That has always been our desire, but receiving that word was a reminder that the desire did not begin with us, but God. It has always been difficult trying to find the niche for Oasis on the OU campus… but perhaps some of the puzzle pieces are finally starting to come together.

Yes, this vision is less about “Oasis” specifically and more about the kingdom of God in general in Athens… particularly on campus at Ohio University, and among all the churches of Jesus Christ in Athens. Maybe my representation for the Kingdom of God in Athens will not be as an Oasis Pastor, but as simply Chris Stewart… a guy who serves in a campus ministry, and loves Jesus, and loves the Church. I guess you just never know what’s in store for you. “Live life forward, define it backwards” (Soren Kierkegaard).

On the OU Campus

Keith W. and I spent some hours on the campus tonight, the night before classes begin at Ohio University. We walked all around the greens, putting up posters about the new campus ministry. If you'd like to see a copy of the poster, click here. We are anxious to get started, wondering what God might have in store for us.

Labor "Day"

Reflections...
This past week was a busy one. In the theme of the day, it was quite "labor-some." Aside from the normal weekly preparations, study, meetings, etc... we have been gearing up for the 3500+ new OU students who will be coming to Athens (along with the other 17,000 returning)... praying, making posters, flyers, planning, promoting the new campus ministry called a church within The Church.

Also this past week was the River City Players' performance of "Annie Get Your Gun" in Meigs County. They did a fantastic job. I especially thank Mike Kennedy for helping me all week with the sound system. He's the man!!! You would be hard-pressed to find a person with more heart of a humble servant than Mike. Also, there were several people from our Meigs county fellowship who were performers in the musical. Chad Dodson and Amy Perrin both had leading roles. Also, Jon, Emma, and Lara Perrin; Jesse and Jaxon Meadows all had performing roles. Behind the scenes were Jamitha Willford on the music ques, Lisa Meadows was an off-stage manager, and Pam Durst was a lights engineer.

Wow! When you stop to consider the number of people who were in this year's musical alone, and then add to that group the people who have been in past productions of the River City theater group, a great number of Oasis folks have been involved in this very cool expression of the community. That's pretty exciting. I look forward to continuing to work with them. I always have a lot of fun.

more reflections...

This past week we began our study of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. I will make the MP3 available later this week (I have some catching up to do in editing the recordings). Ephesians is going to be a fun study for us as we begin a new season of worship and service together.

I want to lift up a brother who continually amazes me every time we are together. Chad Dodson is a wonderful gift to the fellowship of believers. The songs he is writing right now are incredible, and I cannot wait to get demo CDs into your hands so you can learn them with us (here's a raw copy of one he sang yesterday). God continues to stretch him and mold him into the person He has called Chad to be. God has given him gifts that will increasingly encourage the worship of the body of Oasis. It is a pleasure to serve alongside Chad.

Looking Ahead...
Tomorrow Brock starts Kindergarten, and Kaylee starts Pre-School. A mix of emotions for Mom and Dad. We are excited at how we see our kids growing and enjoying life, the Lord (lately Brock has had his MP3 player on repeat of ONE song, The Happy Song... I love it), and each other. Yet, at the same time it seems like every time we see their growth we are reminded that they are not getting any younger. Don't get me wrong here, I don't desire to keep my kids young. Our goal is to raise responsible adults, not merely to raise kids. But sometimes it's sad to see how fast that youth does fade away. You parents out there understand.

This Wednesday night will be the opening night of our study, A Better Way To Pray by Andrew Wommack at our house church meeting at Dan & Wendy's. I am very excited about the fruit that will come from this study.

This Thursday night will be our very first meeting in Athens on the OU campus for the ministry, a church within The Church... a campus Christian fellowship. Keith and I are very encouraged about the spirit the Lord has placed in our hearts as we have prepared for this ministry. Please be in prayer for us. If you would like to support this ministry in other ways, please contact me.

More to come this week.

Summertime!!! God's Garden

I love this time of year. Anticipation of summer has always given me an internal high of sorts. I love to wake up in the morning and see the bright sun making it's way up and through my window. I love all of the options for fun available for children on nice, summer days (I confess, I also like it for me, too...). I love baseball, and baseball is best played on beautiful summer days. I love grilling out with friends, and we usually go through 4 propane tanks a year (I just refilled one yesterday).

I look forward to gathering with all of you in a number of ways during the summer months. I hope you are already planning to get involved in the community in a variety of ways. Youth baseball and softball leagues, neighborhood block parties, pool parties, casual invites of friends to your home for a cookout, etc, and etc. Summer gives us an opportunity to meet new people and make new friendships, to rekindle old ones, and to draw near to family. As a church (as the collective group of people) it is often difficult to see what God is doing in the summer months because it is easy to get all scattered out in many different ways. Churches who measure their success by the numbers they have in attendance on Sundays or at group gatherings and services often become frustrated during the summer months. But what I love about the summer is the fact that we engage ourselves in about 10 times as many conversations than we do during the other months of the year. Summer lends itself to conversation. And conversation is foundation for relationship, and ultimately... evangelism.

Think of it like a garden. If you have a garden, and you want to see good fruit harvested from it there are some important things you must first do. You have to till, or plow the garden. You have to plant seeds, water the seeds, pluck out the weeds, make sure the seeds are in a place where they can receive sunlight, water some more, etc. You must pay careful attention to the garden, and then... after time... you will begin to see a stem pop through the soil, the beginning stages of good fruit and the results of your labor.

God has a garden... and summertime is a great time to plow it and plant new seeds. Every conversation you have with someone this summer where Jesus is present is like turning the plow in God's garden. If we are all out there working, plowing, throwing seeds, enjoying these summer months of preparation... sure the garden may not look like much during this stage... but eventually, after time and patience, we will begin to see the fruit of summertime.

My advice to you during these summer months... SLOW DOWN. Sure, we all love to plan vacations and get involved in lots of new things... and that's okay. In fact, I have planned a number of things for my family this summer, along with coaching baseball, etc. But in those things, take time to breathe. Pause and ask what God is doing. Smell the refreshing breeze He gives you. Thank Him for the beauty all around you. Thank Him for the opportunity you have to live in His kingdom, and work for Him. Recognize the truth of the matter... that God allows you to be involved in the things you love and enjoy, and IN THOSE THINGS He helps you work according to His purpose in this world. So, go to your kids' and grandkids' ballgames... take the entire house church with you. Bring a huge cheering section, and let them all have conversations with the parents from your team. Take the weekend off to get away with your family. Open up to each other, and allow God to take your relationship with one another to a deeper level. Spend and extra few dollars and buy enough hamburger and hot dogs for the whole neighborhood. Invite them over, and allow God to show you the great reward of your small sacrifice.

Dive into summer with joy and anticipation! Be faithful, with your hands on the plow... and when September comes we will see a tremendous harvest. But who's looking at September now? Let's enjoy today first.

Jesus at Donkey

My thoughts on our "Donkey Church" meeting...

Good conversation as always. Discussion on reason versus faith... 1 Corinthians 1 and the foolishness of the Gospel to those who see only through eyes of reason. Also the importance of finding balance in both, faith and reason... but knowing where reason ends and faith takes over. Discussion on the differences of perspectives from the gospel writers and the possible reasons for those. Why do people see them as contradictions? Further discussion on "doctrine," essentials versus differences of interpretation. Is it more important to uphold correct doctrine or to love and seek fellowship regardless of doctrine? Would we rather be guilty of too much grace or too much law? Good coffee (as always). Good questions. Good conversation. 5 people gathered. People of all walks of life... including age, belief, education, interests, etc. I was encouraged. We'll continue the conversation next week.

Donkey Church

For about three months Chad Dodson and I have been meeting every Thursday at my favorite hangout in Athens... Donkey Coffee & Espresso... for conversation about Jesus, the Scriptures, the church, etc. It has been mutually encouraging, and we are ready to invite more people to join us. On a couple of occasions we have had a person or two join us in the conversation, and just last week a student asked if he could join in the next time we meet. Chad and I have taken these instances as "hints" that perhaps God wants to grow his church in a very casual, relational atmosphere in Athens. So... beginning this week we are going to openly invite people to "join the conversation." That is simply what it is... an ongoing conversation about Jesus. It's Jesus at Donkey, or "Donkey Church." Pass the word... Thursdays in Athens, 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (or whenever), at Donkey Coffee shop on Washington St.

Some Things to Inquire of Lord

Yesterday I wrote about some of the personal convictions I have developed regarding church and its’ function from community to community. Today I want to call you to pray with me regarding some very practical aspects of Oasis church as it relates to Athens, Ohio.

The more time I spend uptown Athens (over the past 3 or 4 months I have planted myself there nearly every day, for several hours each week to meditate, pray, study, meet with people, etc.) the more I am convinced that ministry “function” will more likely occur uptown than anywhere else in this city… perhaps even more so than in homes. The house church “function” of ministry is still very necessary in Athens, I believe... just as it is anywhere in the world if we expect to function like a good family. But we must think in terms of principle rather than practice. The principle will remain, but the practice will be much different. The Athens Oasis will look much different than the Meigs Oasis… in practice. But in principle we will be very much the same.

I must say that when it comes to “vision” for Athens, we are sort of taking two steps back before we take one step forward. But that is very necessary and good. I do not want to begin with a “church” in mind, but rather, with “disciples” in mind… with people who are interested in conversations about Jesus and following Jesus.

So, in short, we are looking for a centrally located place to have those conversations on a regular basis. As I look at Jesus’ ministry on earth, I see Him putting Himself in places of activity (or perhaps it always appears that way because he was so popular, and thus created the activity around Himself). Either way, He was where things were happening! Now, here are a few things I have observed about Athens:
· The center of activity is Uptown.
· The center of activity is Ohio University (during the majority of the year).
· Walking to and fro is of great value and importance to people… or necessity… either way, it happens.

What does this mean to us if we hope to actively engage people with the Gospel story and conversations about Jesus? It most likely means that the “form” of our ministry will be primarily located uptown and then spread from there.

Now for the prayer request…

God must open the door. I began by looking at the current vacancies of buildings uptown that are for rent, and the best price I have found is $2000 a month (just for rent). This was a 3000 square foot space on Washington St. (Washington intersects Court St.). There are a few other second floor vacancies with businesses below who perhaps use the second floor for storage, or nothing. I plan on seeking out the individuals who own these spaces and talking with them about our intentions.

My desire is simply this… to obtain a neutral space, and then go from there. Like I said, I do not wish to begin with a “church” in mind… but with conversations in mind. Perhaps we could use the space as an office/meeting place for Bible study, worship, coffee, and conversation… a centralized location for mercy ministry and outreach. The options would be numerous… but the key idea is to have a place to which we can (like Philip, the disciple of Jesus) point people to “come and see” (John 1:46).

So if you are reading this, inquire of the Lord about a place that would be suitable for such ministry in Athens. I am confident it is a good request. And I am confident He already has the place picked out for us, as well as the resources to pay for the space. Now we just have to get ourselves aligned with His will. Pray that He will remove whatever obstacles are keeping us from getting there. Pray that He will arrange meetings, contacts, conversations… so that the doors will open and we will see His plan more clearly.

+ + + God, give us hearing hearts, clear minds, and a sensitive spirit to where You are leading. Like Your servant Solomon, we seek wisdom and understanding. We seek to align ourselves with Your will, Your desires, Your ministry to people in our world. We know You are drawing people in Athens to Yourself, and we desire to work with You in Your plans for this city. Show us Your will, oh God… that we might follow You rather than ourselves. It’s not about us. It’s not about building a great church, it’s not about anything except pointing people to Jesus. We want to point people to Jesus. We want to be the church, and make disciples. Thank you for giving us vision for Athens, Ohio. Thank you for stirring our hearts for the people of this city, and for the students of OU. Now, show us what You would do here. Open our eyes so that we might see clearly. Help us find the place you have already picked out for us. We are Yours. + + +