oasisCHURCH

Biblical Manhood, Part One

It's a bit of a rainy morning, and I'm spending a few minutes inside, so I thought I would post some of the material I have been working on over the past few weeks. Last weekend I taught a workshop at a College student retreat called Deeper Life. My topic was "Biblical Manhood" AKA "Being A Godly Man."

This has become a subject of great interest for me. Perhaps it is because I see a decline in manliness. I don't mean machismo... but manliness. I look around the world and cultures, and even in the church there seems to be a common thread of unmanly, unmen. Today's men have had their masculinity removed and have been told its' something they must apologize for. Psychology has taught us that a man who has discovered his "feminine side" is caring and sharing, but our "masculine side" is aggressive, domineering, and territorial. We have been conditioned to see masculinity in a negative light. And I submit that it is all reactionary.

Whenever you discover a new problem in culture, usually all you have to do is go back a few years and you find the reason why the new problem has developed. Everything we experience in culture is a reaction from the previous culture. For instance, there was a day when men's and women's roles were clearly defined and distinct. You only need to go back about 50 years to find this truth.

Males had a particular role in society, while females had another. We lived with the false idea that a man should come home from work with a pregnant, barefoot wife working in the kitchen for his every need and desire. A male was seen as strong, the leaders, the providers... and the world was really seen as a man’s world.

Even if things appeared to be in order, great problems lived underneath. Men were often chauvinists; they used their power to look at women like second-class citizens. For example, American women were below the male only being allowed to vote in 1920, which passed Congress by one vote. For centuries, Anglo-American common law granted the husband the right as head of the household to beat his wife as long as he did not cause permanent damage. Domestic violence perpetrated by males accounts for more adult female emergency room visits than traffic accidents, muggings, and rape combined, and according to the U.S. surgeon general it is the greatest single cause of injury to American women. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 30% of women who are murdered, are killed by their husbands, ex-husbands, or boyfriends.

These days are often looked upon with great nostalgia. But let me say with great assurance, we do not want to return to these past sins. We must learn from the errors our fathers and grandfathers made. It was these chauvinistic lazy sins of men that caused a great movement by women to rebel against the failure of men.

It was during the late 1960’s that the rebellion really started advancing mainstream. Women nationwide had become sick of men being in power, telling women how to live. Feminist organizations were founded to change society’s structures so that sexual distinctions might be minimized or overcome. At first feminists protested the Miss America pageant; they threw their dishcloths, girdles, false eyelashes, bras, and copies of Vogue, and the Ladies Home Journal into a “Freedom Trash Can”.

It wasn't until the 1970's that these ideas began to gain steam. Women realized that the change had to come from a position of power. To challenge this, feminists developed a woman-centered analysis of all culture. Every facet of human experience had to be challenged and redefined.

Language: Feminists maintained that a bias favoring males was present in language. Gender neutrality was brought forth.  “Stewardess” became “flight attendant”; no longer could you speak of mankind; even in marriage women began to keep their own last names.

Motherhood: Each individual woman must have the right to determine when, where, and how to become a mother. If she had an unwanted pregnancy, she must have the right to abort her child. Abortion numbers rose dramatically. If she chose to have a child, it was to be cared for by society as a whole so that the responsibility would not restrict her in any way. Daycares sprung up across the country.

Sexual Relationships: Following the sexual revolution of the 60s, feminists agreed that women should be free to have sex with whomever they wanted. However, up until this point, the matter of sexual relationships between women was not discussed in public. In the early 70s, a woman's choice of sexual partners became more than a personal choice; it became a political statement. This led to the rise of lesbianism and promiscuity.

As these changes became reality, a whole new generation of children were reared under these ideas, Women changed. Also, the next generatikon of men were changing.

You see what I mean by "reactionary". The culture we now understand and are forced to accept is a reaction of the bad things from the previous culture. In my pursuit of Godliness, and Biblical Manhood, I want to seek and find what God's original plan for man and woman was. And once we find that, pray for His strength and wisdom to live that out in today's warped world.

More to come on this subject. I have lots and lots of notes. I just wanted to give a little teaser right now. In the Fall of 2005 I plan to host a class for the men of Oasis and anyone else who wants to attend. Our goal will be this search and discovery I mentioned above.

Puzzled Grace

http://charliewear.next-wave.org/2005/03/13#a1006

Here is a quick blurb about a topic brought up in message at a "Soularize" event by a speaker named Todd Hunter on grace. Below is the link to a short video that sums up a powerful message.

Video link:

http://desertpastor.typepad.com/paradoxology/files/
todd_hunter_on_grace.WMV

Though there isn't an entire message available for viewing or transcript, here's my take on Paul and grace.

In Wear's discussion, Conversion is this idea today (as it is often popularly defined) that we become Christian merely to escape the fires of Hell. We do it as insurance, as Charlie Wear says. Of course, people *may* learn after the fact that there is much more to being a Christian than going to "paradise" and escaping eternal damnation. Chris underlined the point that eternity starts now, and we are able to  take part in God's favor now as opposed to only after judgement day in his teaching on 1 Corinthians on Sunday.

We've all seen and chuckled or perhaps worn shirts that say "Hell is for losers," or "To get to heaven, you need the hell knocked out of you." Now, while perhaps true ultimately, this isn't speaking the language of most people today, frankly. It is a very modernistic trend that peaked in the 70s-80s and can be problematic when trying to enter dialogue with common unchurched folk today with a shirt on with an image like the one below.

Back to subject, conversion in this discussion has a tendency to be a one-stop shop fix to the "problem of hell," and often leaves non-christians and christians alike with an incomplete view of grace, and more importantly, an incomplete picture of who Jesus is and what he did, which leads to the other side of the story.

Kingdom is the idea, in Hunter's discussion, that paints a picture of Christians as followers in a larger picture of God's grace. God's grace is not just the forgiveness of sins and the saving of one's soul from hell, but a conscious and progressive journey of one's soul that actively seeks God and is active in being set apart like the church depicted in Paul's Letters and the book of Acts. Unfortunately, the former, "Conversion," reflects much of today's American Evangelical Christians. The tension between the two needn't be mutually exclusive, but actually melded together to get a more complete picture of grace.

Highlights from 2004

A few business items before I make my post:

1. Here's the teaching download from today's gathering. It concludes the Oasis series on the book of Ephesians.
2. This Sunday at our Oasis gathering I will begin a four-week series on the books of the Old Testament. It will be an overview of how the Old Testament is put together and all points to the main story of the Gospel of Christ. We will look at one book from each of the main sections of the Old Testament: (1) The Books of Moses, (2) The History Books, (3) The Wisdom Books, and (4) The Books of the Prophets.
3. This morning we discussed one small way that we, here in America, can help the devastated brothers and sisters in Indonesia and Africa. Here is the link to the Compassion International page that I referenced.

In this, my first post of 2005, I thought I would share a few of what I might consider to be "highlight" posts from 2004:

From January 8, 2004:
A couple of nights ago I sat beside my daughter’s bed singing worship songs with her, and I noticed she seemed very uncomfortable. She was kicking her legs and groaning and tossing and turning in her bed. I asked, “Honey, what’s wrong? Do your legs hurt?” She looked at me with big tears in her eyes and said, “Yes.” She was growing. As her father I knew that, and knew that her pain was being caused by a very good process of life. In fact, if she did not ever have growing pains it would probably mean she was not growing, which would cause much concern, and we would take her to the doctor to find out what the problem is.

This is the great paradox of growth. We know we must, but it hurts. We would get concerned if we were not hitting the appropriate stages of growth in our lives. We know it’s a natural part of life, but the change takes it’s toll on us emotionally. We know we will be exposed to new things and will experience things we’re not sure we are ready for. We know every new step we take means we are getting closer to the goal God has for us in life, but taking steps means we have to leave where we once were. It’s hard. We get used to things. Change hurts. Growth hurts.

But God is Good. And I have one question. It is the burning question that separates disciples of Jesus from church attendees… it separates followers of Jesus from those who believe but are reluctant to follow. Here is the question… Do you trust Him?

TRUST is the fabric of the clothing of Christ (Galatians 3:27 says, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.”). Trust is the fabric of His clothing. Do we lack trust that He really will be faithful to complete the work he has begun? Do we not trust that He knows the needs of our lives, the needs of our children, as much as we do? Do we not trust that He knows where we need to be challenged and where we need to be coddled? Do we not trust that He is Good?

To be excited about a new baby means many changes will be taking place in our lives. At first we don’t think we will like the changes, but as I mentioned earlier, “life hadn’t really begun until we had kids.” This is the great paradox of creating new life. In order for it to take form there must be sacrifice on our part. Sacrifice hurts. But I have experienced that there are some things in life that are well worth the pain we experience. They bring us to a better place. In the middle of the pain we wonder if we will ever make it…

How will we make it?

Trust.

Trust breeds perseverance. Perseverance breeds faithfulness. Faithfulness breeds new seeds. Seeds breed new fruit. Fruit breeds kingdom life. Kingdom life breeds changed families. Changed families breed changed neighborhoods. Changed neighborhoods breed changed communities. Changed communities breed a changed world.

From January 22, 2004:
>> There is no “one-size-fits-all” way for doing things in the church. You know, I’m sure every emerging church leader, every postmodern thinker, would agree with that statement. But you know what is ironic to me? Those same people (and I include myself in this, because I have certainly been guilty of doing this) will still point at a certain method, model, or movement and say, “That’s it… that is what is going to work!” I agree that some things work better than other things. But aren’t statements like that just the beginnings of building another box? Who am I to say that God can’t or won’t use a modern approach and style to reach lost people, even in a postmodern context? The kingdom of God is made up of large churches, small churches, home churches, multiracial churches, intercultural churches, inner city, rural, and suburban churches. It refuses to be boxed in.

>> How would an average person in the church define the word “church”? This question deals not with styles or methods. It goes deeper, to the heart of who the church is. I will give two possible definitions people may give, and then elaborate just briefly.
- Definition #1: I come to church to be fed, to have my needs met through quality programs, and to have leaders teach me and my children about God. Church, in this definition is seen as a dispenser of goods and services… this is called “going to church”. In this definition a person will describe to someone else about the church to which they “GO”.
- Definition #2: I see church as a body of people sent on a mission given by Jesus, and who gather in community for worship, encouragement, and teaching from the Word of God, which supplements how I am feeding myself throughout the week. In this definition a person will describe to someone else the church to which they “BELONG”.

>> The issue is the mindset, not the model. When the mindset of every believer is consumed with a missional vision (definition #2) for the church to which they belong rather than a consumer vision (definition #1), then the model will really not make a difference. God will use the large church, the house church, the simple church, the complex church, the urban church, the rural church.

Some of you reading this are thinking… “Wait a minute, I thought you were adamantly for the simple church, and adamantly against the institution of the church? Are you changing your tune?” Perhaps. But I really don’t think I am changing my tune. I still have personal preferences and convictions. Maybe I’m not changing the tune, just turning the volume down a bit. I hope there is always room in my heart for God to “change my tune,” or perhaps to open my eyes to see things as He sees them. Sometimes leaders and critical thinkers get so bent out of shape over the stuff that really doesn’t matter. If the people of Oasis have a heart for the mission of God and an understanding of their membership in His family, then why would I need to create apologetics for where and how we gather together? If the heart is where it belongs, then it won’t matter if the church is gathered in homes, or in large settings, or in bars, or in legion halls, or in parking lots, or wherever!!!

Dear postmodern, changing culture observers, critical thinking friends: lets get over it!!! Get over your disdain for the modern forms and structures that didn’t teach you anything. Get over your cynicism of the institutions (or should I say, the “IC”) and the models that “don’t get it” the way you do. Set aside the discussion and the philosophy for a few minutes. Ask yourself, “Am I helping the mission of the church in the world by spending much of my time talking about what is wrong with it?” It’s okay if you meet in a simple, home church setting. And it’s okay if the pastor down the street leads his congregation in a large, formal setting. You are brothers. It’s okay if you use candles, and it’s okay if the youth pastor across town uses a disco ball. You are brothers.

From January 29, 2004:
Had a great visit today with "new" friend Chad (one of those things, you know, where we were acquainted with one another for years, but after one sit-down conversation you really get to know someone more in that one conversation than years of just being "acquainted"). Today, before we realized it we had been sitting in Donkey for 3 hours talking about everything from ancient church history, to modern day church, to music, to writing, to a whole list of topics.

Thanks Chad, for taking time out of your day to share your stories and listen to mine. Looking forward to doing it again.

(NOTE: We have been continuing for the entire year. Chad, look at how far we've come!)

From February 13, 2004:
It has been so refreshing to see many new faces in our gatherings and home church meetings. One thing I am constantly reminded of is the fact that worship is, in and of itself, evangelism. The outward expression of worshiping Jesus will naturally draw people to Jesus. What I mean is this... one of the best ways for an unbeliever to become a believer is to see/experience other people worshiping Jesus. Often what happens is they look around and are blown away by what they see. There is nowhere in their life where they see anything like this... a group of people singing and praying, with all their heart, body, and soul. They look at their friends who invited them to come to the gathering. And they look at a community of people who shouldn’t be together, because they don’t look alike, they aren't all in the same economic bracket, they have different interests. And from all those different people they hear one voice being lifted up to God. The presence of the Holy Spirit is there, and I believe one thing that happens is they are faced with a crisis. Their minds are in a deep place (and they like it but they don't know why). They may be thinking, “I’m encountering God right now... and... what am I going to do about it?” In that moment God meets them face to face and calls for a response. Many of you reading this have experienced God like that.

In my "seeker sensitive" days, I used to think that we shouldn't create an environment where people would have to do things that would be "unusual" for them. I mean, where else do people sing together in public, other than at a baseball game, and only then it's to the tune of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"? But now, however, my feelings are much different... that’s exactly why we should sing, why we should pray for people, why we celebrate communion, why we should baptize people. Because of MEANING... the very thing people are looking for. Meaning. It all means something. The very “oddness” of what we do is important. Community has to have its markers. So, worship is one of the major marking points of our community. Yes, it's all about God, to God, and for God. But part of being about God has to do with identifying ourselves as the church.

Why am I writing these things to you? Because I believe people in our neighborhoods and cities are looking for more than a "feel good" experience or a one-time, get some answers and go, drive-thru church experience. If they come with you to a house church meeting, or to a worship gathering, or to a conversation over coffee at a local cafe... they are anticipating something meaningful, something sacred, something that will in some way connect them with the Almighty God of the Universe... whom they may or may not even believe exists as of yet.

And it's there they continue their journey with God (God had been seeking them for some time)... but begin it in a community of love and worship.

From March 10, 2004:
As most of you who read my blog on a regular basis know, during the past couple of years I have been personally challenged in my theology of church. Many of the things that were once very important to me no longer have great significance in my practice of ministry. This is not to say those things are wrong, or should never be considered significant for anyone else. It just means I believe God has called me to something different. Something simple. Something that appears very “stripped down” compared to my former church work and experiences. Again, I am not bashing or putting down those former things. I have refrained from writing about these things for a long time because I have had a tendency to come across very strong about such matters. But if you could see my heart today you would know that I love ANY and ALL forms of ministry that point people to Jesus. If it points people to Jesus, and not to us, or to the form, or whatever… just to Jesus… then it’s okay in my book.

Now, having said that. Here are some things that I believe regarding church and how we ultimately end up with a “form” for what our church “looks like” in the community in which we live:
· I believe Jesus desires relationships with his children first… before anything else, relationship first. When relationship comes, then comes worship and devotion, Bible study, etc.
· I believe relationships do not require much formal space, training, teaching, buildings, etc. Relationships simply require time, conversations, and ultimately love.
· I believe that when all of the church is boiled down to the simplest factor, it ends up being me having a relationship with Jesus, and me having relationships with others… so that they, too, might meet Jesus through me. That’s being the church.
· I believe it is more important to “be” the church than it is to “go” to church, “get involved” in a church, “attend” a church, etc. I believe this because as I examine the Gospels and the life and teachings of Jesus I find that he gives very little instruction about church forms, and what the church should look like, its’ leadership, it’s programs, etc. However (and this will sound like a contradiction), he actually does give us plenty of instruction through his example of what the church should be, look like, etc. He and his disciples were the perfect example of church life. Always on the move, always doing good, reaching out, healing, giving, teaching, loving, etc. They did this without any of the formalities we have today.
· I believe that Jesus cares little about our forms, and a whole lot about us.
· I believe that God honors many different forms of church today. We live in a variety of cultures and settings that are very different from Jesus’ day, and therefore the church should look different… but it’s actions, it’s heart, it’s ministry should be the same as His.
· I believe the church is the body of Christ, a community, and should look and function very much like a good family.
· I believe it is easy to live and function like a good family when the church gathers in simple settings, such as homes, or in coffee shops, or parks, etc.
· I believe God honors and enjoys our gatherings for worship, whether they are small or large.
· I believe that when it comes to church forms, what works for one town or city will most likely not work for another town or city. Every city has its’ own personality, its’ own culture. And it takes time to discern what that is, and more importantly, to become what that is. Only then will you be ready to gather people into a “form” of church.
· I believe the reason we have the church is because of relationships, not vice versa. The church did not come first, relationships did. This is a very important thing to remember in evangelism… a very important thing to remember when considering our motives for worship gatherings, outreach programs, etc.
· I believe the Gospel does not exist for the church, but the church exists for the Gospel. We ought not view the Gospel through the lens of the church and culture… but rather, view the church and culture through the lens of the Gospel. Only then will our perspective be right for who we are and what we are doing in the world.
· I believe the church is a community of people on a mission. Jesus demonstrated and proclaimed to us the best example of our mission… (1) To seek and save that which is lost; and (2) Not to be served, but to serve.
· I believe God is constantly at work in the world… and as long as I am giving my heart, my love, my devotion to Him first… I will be in His will for my life. His will for me is that I believe in Him and love Him. From that point everything else will fall into place (John 6:29; Matthew 22:37).
· I believe that the Gospel story (the big picture of God and His people) is the most important thing for a person to hear and learn… not all of the peripheral issues the church has added to the gospel story throughout the years of its’ history.
· I believe that a person can focus so much on the peripherals of Christianity that they completely miss the point (John 5:39-40). It happened when Jesus was on the earth, and it happens today… people educated beyond their intelligence.
· I believe that knowing God has nothing to do with how much you understand or can figure out, but everything to do with how much you love. The Bible says, “God is love”… therefore this idea makes perfect sense.
· I believe Jesus loves the church in the same way I love my wife… therefore I should watch my mouth when speaking about it. We have always heard Paul’s command to love our wives in the same way Jesus loves the church. It’s a great comparison when speaking in the context of husbands and wives. But think about that statement in the context of the church. Jesus views the church like His wife. Who are we to smear her name through the mud and bad-mouth her? This is a great lesson I am still learning.

There are many things I am learning and developing as I do my best to walk in the light of Jesus’ love and grace. I prefer not to call it a theology, although that is what it is. I just know that it is constantly changing, constantly moving. It’s a “liquid theology” if you will. It doesn’t mean it is wishy-washy… it just means I don’t have a corner on understanding and enlightenment. And according to the apostle Paul we will never have a corner on them until we leave this imperfect and cursed world (1 Corinthians 13:9-12).

From September 9, 2004:
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.

From October 24, 2004:
We try to place a lot of value on what we call "simple church." Simple church is just like it sounds... simply BEING the church, without placing a lot of extra-curricular rules on people. I suppose the most specific definition of "Simple Church" would be this... our goal is to make sure that whatever we do can be easily duplicated. If the church is going to multiply rapidly it must be kept simple. Multiplication will not happen in the large meetings, but rather, in the smaller, simpler gatherings of people all throughout the community.

Church is not about the weekly gathering (whether it's in homes or wherever)... although those are alot of fun... it's about a different way of life. I want to make sure I am not just talking about this... but living it out, and exhorting others to do the same.

From October 27, 2004:
I believe God honors our distinctions. He looks around His kingdom and He sees lots of flavor, lots of diversity. And this world is in need of lots of flavor. Even the smallest of towns in the USA is in need of distinct flavors. So please don’t despair just because you live in a town of 500 people and there are 50 different churches. Don’t assume there is a great division among God’s people. Instead, recognize the beauty in being distinct. Just never allow your distinctions to divide you. There is a thin line between the two. And we do have to be careful. The moment one group says, “We worship the ONE Lord but you don’t because you do this or that,” well there you have the root of division. Allow one another to be distinct. And recognize the unity God has given us in Jesus Christ, through the Spirit. Unity is something that comes from the Spirit, not from us. As long as churches think unity is something they can accomplish they will forever be missing the point, and they will lose every distinction and calling God has placed on them in a given community. Because all of their efforts will go toward creating unity instead of fulfilling the mission of God.

From November 7, 2004:
I shared with our Oasis gathering this morning that I absolutely despise morality. "Why?" you might say. Shouldn't we stand for morality? Especially in a culture that has appeared to have lost all sense of morality? Yes, but here is the problem. Morality is merely a form of godliness, and it ultimately denies God altogether. Morality is what causes all of the confusion in the world about God, salvation, and hell. Have you ever heard the question, "Why would God send GOOD people to hell?" We all know good, moral, people... don't we? Some say that it just doesn't seem right that a God who claims to be "just" would send a good, moral person to hell. The problem with that line of thinking is the assumption that morality is the goal. If the goal were morality then it's true, it would not be just for "good people" to go to hell.

But morality is not our goal. JESUS is our goal. Intimacy with Jesus is the goal, and the solution for overcoming sin. The world is confused because for too long the church has put so much emphasis on morality and so little emphasis on Jesus. If sin is our problem (which it is), then the answer to it will never lie within oursleves. Morality lies within ourselves. It's something we can all accomplish. But we need something much greater in order to overcome sin. We need Jesus. He's the only correct answer. Intimacy, friendship with Jesus.

From November 23, 2004:
...it is NOT the Lord’s will that you face awful circumstances. But as I reflect on the Scriptures I have read and studied over the years of my life I seem to find this common thread being spoken of as the will of God. Are you ready? It’s really deep…

To KNOW Him.

Could it be that the will of God that Paul speaks of in Ephesians 5 is simply this… to be close to Jesus. Could it be that this is what it’s all about? The whole Christian life. To simply be close to Jesus.

If so, then it now finally makes sense why I should give thanks in everything — all circumstances — even the bad ones. Not because God has given us those circumstances, and we respond by saying “thank you” like children do when you hand them a Popsicle.

But because in everything — whether good or bad circumstance — we have the potential of being drawn closer to Jesus.

And for that we give thanks.

_________________________________________

I'm looking forward to contributing to, reading, and learning from "BeTheChurch.com" this year. Let the creativity flow in 2005!

unnoticed frames... noticed

I knew this was finals week and yet I came to Donkey anyway. What's the significance? It's like the mecca for cramming college students. Right now I am tucked into a small corner of the middle "room" having been even lucky to find a chair to sit in. I come here often, but on Thursday is when I meet with a handful of people to study scripture and have theological dialogue.

Anyway, I didn't post this to simply give an update of my life, but because in this corner where I am sitting there are several framed quotes of various theologians, philosophers, and activists on the wall above me. I've never stopped to take notice of them or read them. But today they are in my line of vision, and as I sit here waiting for my friends to show up, these monks, philosphers, and scholars are providing for me a moment of contemplative devotional thought.

"Many people think of changing humanity, but nobody thinks of changing himself." (Leo Tolstoy)

"One of the few real pleasures left to modern man is the illusion that he is thinking for himself when, in fact, someone else is doing his thinking for him." (Thomas Merton, poet and monk)

"Freedom is not the power of doing what we like but the right of being able to do what we ought." (Lord Acton, historian)

"The opposite of love is not hatred; it is indifference. When we have learned indifference, when we are really skilled and determined at the business of ignoring others, of putting our own well-being, our own options first - of thrusting our own ego into life as the ideal form of life itself - we may be quite certain that at that point, life has become hell. We need be no more thoroughly damned." (Daniel Berrigan, scholar and activist)

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.

_______________________________________________________

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

more on church planting...

This post will continue the notes from my CIY church planting class...

The Oasis Story
The Oasis story began with a vision to plant a church in Athens, with a particular focus on the campus of Ohio University. However, some circumstances of life kept my famiy from getting to Athens right away. For over a year we lived 30 miles south of Athens in Meigs County. Because the calling of God to make disciples was on our lives regardless of where we lived, we began to do just that. Within a matter of months a fellowship had begun among people in Meigs County. While continuing to do our best to be faithful in God’s purpose in the world, we began to allow our theology of “church” to be rearranged, and our concept of church planting became much simpler than we had ever realized.

Today we are in our second year of living in Athens. I am currently acting as pastor of a church in Meigs County while also pursuing relationships and vision for a church in Athens. In addition, during the last two years I have been sort of like a consultant and distant "pastor" of a church in Waverly, OH (about 60 miles west of Athens), visiting these brothers and sisters on a once-a-month basis. This extensive involvement with multiple churches would not be possible with a traditional church planting philosophy. But with simple, kingdom-minded church philosophy, everyone recognizes their call to serve, to bring something to the community (1 Corinthians 14:26). They recognize the different ways God has gifted each member (Ephesians 4:11-13). They recognize that being the church is much more than gathering together for teaching and worship. This allows a person who is gifted to pioneer new churches and help multiple congregations to function effectively in that gift.

We have to ask ourselves… how would an average person in the church define the word “church”? This question deals not with styles or methods. It goes deeper, to the heart of who the church is. I will give two possible definitions people may give, and then elaborate just briefly.
· Definition #1: I come to church to be fed, to have my needs met through quality programs, and to have leaders teach me and my children about God. Church, in this definition is seen as a dispenser of goods and services… this is called “going to church”. In this definition a person will describe to someone else about the church to which they “GO”.
· Definition #2: I see church as a body of people sent on a mission given by Jesus, and who gather in community for worship, encouragement, and teaching from the Word of God, which supplements how I am feeding myself throughout the week. In this definition a person will describe to someone else the church to which they “BELONG”. Church, by this definition, functions much like a good family.

The issue is more often the mindset, not the model. When the mindset of every believer is consumed with a missional vision (definition #2) for the church to which they belong rather than a consumer vision (definition #1), then the model will really not make a difference. God will use the large church, the house church, the simple church, the complex church, the urban church, and the rural church. It just depends on which one fits best for your community.

This is why we have two very different looking Oasis Fellowships in southeastern Ohio. Meigs County is a very different community and culture from Athens. In Meigs we have established some stability, with growing and multiplying house churches, and a regular Sunday gathering in an established neutral location. In Athens I am currently meeting with people in a variety of settings as we explore some different possibilities for the growth of the kingdom in that culture. Please join me in praying for the campus of Ohio University. Much of our efforts and ideas are focused toward penetrating the campus of Ohio University with the Gospel in a way that has never been done. We continually need God’s grace and wisdom as we develop this vision.

<< More on this "OU vision" real soon!!! >>

Here are a few quotes about church planting that I included in my CIY notes.

“Church planting hurts. Scott Peck wrote, ‘The definition of mental illness is the avoidance of pain.’ Most often planting a church reveals to the church planter and team members many of the personal weaknesses they would prefer not to see.”

“A church that does not do outreach is a waste of time.”

“There is nothing sacred in this process except the forward progress of the Kingdom of God.”

“The power of God’s love is what brings people to Christ—not slick programs, not telling people how bad they are, not evangelism and not theology.”

“You must respect and honor everyone’s tradition. God has brought the gospel to you through the hands of others and by their hard work. But if honoring them requires you to ignore the current calling of Christ in your life, you must choose the way of Christ That sort of concern will handcuff you and keep you from church-planting effectiveness.”

“You must communicate that the aim of your church is to produce disciples who do stuff, not disciples who only know stuff.”

“What do you dream about? Is it a big church… or changed people?”

Your thoughts???

A Blog from Tennessee

At the time of writing this blog I am sitting alone in the room where I will speak to several students and adult youth sponsors who are attending the Christ In Youth (CIY) Summer Conference. My topic is “The Ledge” (a discussion on church planting). The title gives a good visual. Standing on the ledge of a tall building… lots of security in the building behind you… a good job in the building behind you… lots of good friends in the building behind you… but you stand on the ledge, about to step out into nothing… because God told you to. He gave the invitation, “Step out here. See what I can do with you in this new world.” I am confident He is just getting started. There is so much more to come.

I thought many of you who read my blog might appreciate some of the things I included in my notes for this CIY class… therefore I will post portions of them in the next few days.

A Personal Introduction
The conception of Oasis Christian Fellowship (southeast Ohio) began in January of 1999. Although I was not thinking specifically about where I would go at that point in time, this is when God began planting the seed of church planting in the hearts of my wife and me. At the time we were living in St. Louis, MO working as a Youth Pastor for growing church, and it was there that God began developing in us a passion for doing church in a different way. “Different” not meaning “better”… but recognizing the rapidly changing culture and the need to contextualize the Gospel. As preparation for the churches we would eventually plant in southeast Ohio, my wife and I moved to Northwest Ohio to work on staff with, then 5-year old church, Oasis Christian Fellowship in Wauseon, OH. While living in Wauseon we had many opportunities to listen to stories about church planting, read and study about church planting, attend church planting conferences, etc… all efforts to prepare us for what was to come. After exactly 2 years, we moved from Wauseon to Athens, OH… and the adventure began!!!

Understanding Principles & Methods
In scripture there are two things we must recognize if we hope to understand it and carry out the mission God has set us on. We must understand the difference between “principle” and “method.” For instance, one general principle of scripture is for every disciple of Jesus to proclaim and demonstrate the love of God and the message of the Gospel everywhere we happen to be. The “method” for carrying out that principle will vary from culture to culture. One of our goals in church planting is to determine the best possible method for carrying out the Gospel commission. One philosophy we have lived by is this: “Go to the people. Live among them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build on what they have.” (Lau Tsu)

Methods are like flavors of ice cream, and the Gospel is like ice cream. All ice cream is GOOD. Few would disagree. However, you may prefer a certain type of ice cream over another. In fact, our tastes may be much different from one another. From culture to culture, city to city, there will always be a great diversity of people, and needs for many different flavors of “ice cream”… AKA “church.”

The Luke 10 Philosophy of Church Planting
Jesus sent out his disciples for the purpose of spreading the good news about the kingdom of God. He gave them some instructions about how and where they should meet when they proclaimed this good news.
He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. (Luke 10:2-7)

If your “house” is a place where people naturally enjoy visiting, gathering, dropping in, etc… then your house is a potential host for a church gathering. Churches most naturally begin in the simplest of circumstances (Acts 16:6-15). What Jesus sent the disciples to do is the very same thing he has commissioned all of us to do. Therefore it is my conviction that every disciple of Jesus has been called to participate in “church planting” in some way. We just have to be renewed in our understanding of church.

“I hope that the church can raise the level of her faith in the power of the Gospel and lower the level of qualifications needed to be a servant of Jesus in this world.” - Neil Cole, “Cultivating a Life For God”

Imagine you are a farmer who has just been given a piece of land to farm. How would you go about beginning to work this land? How would you cultivate the soil in order to see a great harvest? What would be your first priority? To build a barn? Perhaps you would find a great location on the land to put the barn, and begin developing your plans to build it. Or maybe there would already be an existing barn on the land that you could use. If you just had a great barn then the harvest would come to it. Right???

A farmer must begin with SEED, not a barn. He prepares the land, gaining the best understanding possible about his soil. Then he works the land... turning the soil, cultivating it, preparing it for the seed. Then he plants the seed. But how does the growth of the seed take place? How does he make the seed grow?

Very simple. He can’t. All he can do is introduce the elements to release growth (Mark 4:26-29).

How does the church grow? We must back up and begin much, much smaller... with seed.

Five years ago I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that God was calling me to church planting. It’s my passion. However, as I began to look in scripture for advice about how to plant a church I found not one single verse in the Bible commanding us to plant or multiply churches. There is no precedent for planting churches. The command that God gave us is to make and multiply disciples, not churches (or even small groups). Now obviously the Bible speaks of the church, and God does want to build His kingdom through church planting and multiplication... but His plan is to do so by multiplying disciples. It starts here... at the most basic unit of the church... then it spreads through every pore in the body of Christ.

Any comments? Thoughts you’d like to add so far?

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.

Communication Pet Peeve

I apologize if my remarks have offended you in any way."

"I am sorry you are angry."

I listen to sports talk radio, therefore I hear these phrases often. Every time I hear someone use one of the phrases above I just want to scream... bulls_ _ _! They sound like such nice phrases. They have words like "apologize" and "sorry" in them, so they are disguised as a statement made by a truly sorry person. But there could be nothing further from the truth.

If you are sorry, say, "I am sorry." (PERIOD) Say, "I screwed up. I made a horrible decision. I exemplified poor judgment. I am at your mercy. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?" If you truly are sorry... apologize. Otherwise, you are better off just not saying anything.

Think about it... to "apologize if your remarks offended anybody" is to say that you would not apologize unless someone was offended. So what are you saying? Did you mean what you said or not? To apologize is to recognize wrongdoing. To make regretful acknowledgement of fault. To humble yourself and admit guilt. You either do it or you don't. You don't do it IF... someone was offended or not, etc.

Look at the second so-called apology. It has nothing to do with the person who committed the wrongdoing. That person is not apologizing for himself... he is apologizing for the person who is angry! "I am sorry you are angry??!!" What is that? You may as well say, "I did nothing wrong, but I can see you are angry with me, and there's nothing I can do about that so deal with it."

Why don't we just say what we really mean? Instead we disguise our words in such a fashion that sounds like we are trying to humble ourselves and make the relationship better, but all we are doing is gold-plating crap. It is still crap. And you have to deal with it for what it is. It doesn't matter how much we dress it up, spray perfume on it, mold it or shape it... it is still crap. I don't mean to be disgusting... but the fact is, the way I sometimes hear people communicate is equally disgusting.

There is no relationship without good communication. Communication is the building block for relationship. I once had a person tell me, "Well, my wife and I would communicate with each other if we had a better relationship. We have to work on our relationship first." I was dumbfounded. This person was standing in the middle of the forest but couldn't see it because of all the trees! You don't develop better communication when you have a good relationship... you develop a better relationship when you have good communication. Communication IS the relationship. It always comes first. If it doesn't, there is no relationship. There may be a shell of a relationship... but that's all. Just an empty shell. It's only the appearance of life, not real life.