Travis Johnson

Thinking More about the Church

This is a BIG week for us.  This is the first time we will add a service, but not the last.  Some of the great things that have happened so far from the addition of this upcoming worship opportunity is:

• We have multiplied the hospitality and Kids Life teams significantly.
• We are providing another option for people.  The 9 am service will help a lot of people make it to church who can't currently because of work and other responsibilities.
• It has already allowed people to step up into service by attending a service and serving in a service.  Thank you guys...this is great for the mission of Jesus and a great decision for you!
• It has opened up service opportunities that to some seemed full.  Since, it is impossible to imitate Christ if you are not serving Him and others, this was critical. 
• We have had to revamp the way we do setup and it has gotten 1000 times better.  We have a crew of night owls that meetup at the theater at midnight to bring the auditorium together.  They're insane!  And, I don't think they'd want to do it any other way.  The hospotality and Kids Life setup teams have gotten incredibly fast and have built a real sense of belonging.  I'm amazed.

I can't wait for Sunday.  I have a day off coming this week.  But, I feel like I won't be worth anything I'm so preoccupied with Sunday!  I expect to see people making decisions to follow Christ that will last.  And, that just fires me up.  Anyway, before we even get to what happens on Sunday, I see a lot of great things happening in the life of of church as a result.

Thoughts on the Church

• Some people think the Church is an event.
• Some people think the Church is a living organism on mission for Christ.
• Some people think the Church exists to anesthetize us from our dysfunction.
• Some people allow the Church to drag our dysfunction into the daylight and watch it shrivel in the light.
• Some people embrace the idea that we are all equal.
• Some people pray to God how thankful they are that they aren't like the guy praying next to them.
• Some people ask God "what can I get away with and still follow Christ?"
• Some people forsake everything to follow Him.
• Some people experience redemption and want the world to know the same.
• Some people have a cultural church experience yet have never humbled themselves before the Creator.
• Some people find forgiveness and then run away to throw in prison those who owe them something.
• Some people are forgiven of much and demonstrate forgiveness to others.

The Church is a beautiful thing!  It is redeemed by the grace of God.  It is dispatched by the Christ of our salvation.  It is empowered by the Holy Spirit.  When I look at myself, I can't believe that I have privilege of being a part of this Body.  Truly amazing!

A Slap in the Face as You Leave

This past week, we did Disney. My wife set us up to do a time share. You get a 90 minute spiel and free tickets. First, let me tell you its not worth it unless you are wanting a timeshare. You are better off spending your money on the tickets.

During the mostly pleasant presentation, I told the sales professional that was working with us that we wait 24 hours on major purchases like cars, real estate, and other big purchases. There wouldn't be a "yes" today. That didn't go over well. After being told by her boss that I lacked the ability to make a decision, I told him he lacked the ability to close deals and demonstrate the art of finesse and an appreciation for potential clients.

After telling the original presenter I was appreciative for the good presentation, she said I basically slapped her in the face. I guess the presentation was only good if I purchased under pressure. I guess the only value I had for them was my money.

According to her, 1 in 4 people purchase. That means 3 in 4 say "no." Also, based on my experience, I guess 75% of the people who receive presentations leave with a bad taste in their mouths. 3 in 4 people probably tell their friends not to do business with Westgate. I do look forward to hanging out in my parent's timeshare this summer (Bluegreen).

I think that when relationships and business deals go in a direction we would rather not see them go, we should have enough grace to leave the door open and enough wisdom not to scorch the earth. Eventually, the negative buzz will catch up with you. Scott Hodge and Craig Groeschel have some related advice for pastors right now...good stuff that we should consider when dealing with people who say no to our ministries and leave.

Online Social Networking Tools for the Church

From Leadnet and Stephen Shields, research on Online Social Networking Tools for the Church.

Christ Fellowship Homestead Here to Stay

We pray for God's Kingdom to come to Homestead.  One of our "sayings" at Life Pointe is that we want to "make it hard for people to hit hell from Homestead." So, a few months ago when Christ Fellowship opened their first extension campus outside of Palmetto Bay right here in Homestead, I couldn't have been more excited.

A couple weeks ago, I heard a rumor that CF wasn't going to be at Waterstone in the fall.  I was really disappointed.  So, I emailed Jeff Reed to find out what's up and heard their awesome news. Eric Geiger writes about it here as well.  Bottom line is it was a total rumor.  In fact, they were being given almost five acres ($6,000,000+) on the Turnpike!  It was given to them by the Miami Baptist Association. 

Dude, I'm just about ready to be a Baptist!  I already really dig Ed Stetzer.  You know...for 5 acres in Miami-Dade, I think I might even be willing to become a Fundie!  Anyway, great news for Christ Fellowship...great news for the Kingdom of God in Homestead!

People that don't dig it but still get the point

Gary posted a great entry about a family that visited Ridge Stone and wrote him a letter.  Basically, they said the church wasn't for them.  But, they did get what was going on there in Canton for their community and for the Kingdom and they offered to pray for the church.  Check it out. 

Its funny, I got a call today from someone today that had checked us out a few times and said the same thing.  I really like these guys and I really wanted to pursue them.  But, I have made a covenant with myself not to try to convince churched people that Life Pointe is the place for them.  The bottom line is that I want the people in our church buying in to what we do and loving it naturally.  If I have to convince people to like what is going on here to get their involvement or worse...their money, we are off mission and off task and out of focus.  That isn't what the Church is about.

Of course, we will have and do have people who don't necessarily prefer our style but who serve enthusiastically because they want their kids to love church or because they are all about mission and their personal preferences take a back seat.  I love that heart.  Even more, I love it when people have a strong understanding about the mission of Jesus and they see the Church as more than just a place to get spiritually fat.

Coaching Network

I just found out that I got accepted into a pastor coaching network led by Nelson Searcy, pastor of The Journey Church in Manhattan.  I'm really looking forward to it.

7 Areas to Measure Your Church

Church Relevance shares "7 Areas to Measure Your Church" lifted from an article in Christianity Today.  They are:

1. Sensing the presence of God. “Experiencing the supernatural dwarfs everything else as people rate a church’s atmosphere.”
2. Others-centered. “An others-centered church is immediately interested in new people, what they need, and how the church can help.”
3. Understandable terminology. “Healthy churches tend to speak in terms everyone can understand.”
4. People who look like me. “Our level of comfort can be high or low depending on how quickly we find someone else who looks like us.”
5. Healthy problem handling. “What makes a healthy church is not the absence of problems. It’s how problems are handled.”
6. Accessibility. “High ratings go to churches that are ‘barrier free’ in every sense of the term.”
7. Sense of Expectancy. “Most healthy churches are hopeful churches.”

Excellent stuff.  I have a few responses:

1. A person with an experience is hard to convince that an alternate truth exists.  That's why first impressions are so important.  It is also why the church needs to leave room for God to have unscripted moments with people seeking God.  If we are so consumed with professionalism and first impressions, we can script a Holy God out of our ceremonies. 
2. Jesus interested in us---> us consumed with ourselves seems to be the mistranslation that has rendered the modern American church powerless.
3. Si.
4. I agree with one caveat.  This should not be an excuse to create a homogeneous church.  We highly value diversity.  Within a diverse church, it is important that people are able to connect with people in similar life stages and interests.  But, encouraging people to surround themselves with clones of themselves is not a Biblical mindset.
5. According to Ken Newberger, avoidance is the primary way conflict is handled in the church.  Run toward problems and deal with them early on before they become major issues down the road.
6. I would counter by saying that zero barriers are effective for exploration and connection.  High demand/high involvement promotes community, stickability, and maturity.
7. I've been in churches where people obviously "attended" solely out of a sense of obligation.  The church was basically dead and didn't know it.  Expectancy was nowhere around those places.

Hispanics Changing the Face of Christian Worship

Mark Rodriguez, the worship pastor at Calvary Chapel Miami Lakes, just up the road from us was interviewed by the Miami Herald for an article about Hispanics experiencing God outside the confines of the Catholic Church.  Its a good article that also talks about the growing influence of Hispanic Pentecostal Churches like El Rey Jesus and Alpha and Omega.

The big news?  People are breaking away from the expectations of others, finding Christ for themselves and learning to experientially follow Him.  That's good news for Miami.

The Pastor's Wife

Today, when I was at Baptist Hospital visiting David, I ran across this great article.  You've got to read it.  In a lot of churches, the pastor's wife is treated like an employee, pope-lite, pastor's secretary, a staff member, another pastor, a saint, Mother Teresa, or some other distant, yet ever-available counselor.

Check out how it is with my wife.  Of course, since, I am her husband, my opinion is the only one that counts.  :)

Kelly is...

• My smokin' hot wife.  I got the hots for her long before she was a pastor's wife.
• A really great mom.  She takes care of our girls.  Next to taking care of me (her lover, best friend, protector, etc...), she does nothing better than being a mom.
• She's a Christ follower pursuing Jesus down the same exact path as other followers of Christ.

What does that mean? It means that she has permission to be a regular person.  I looked for the girl that would make me happy for the rest of my life.  Though Kelly is gifted and has a ministry calling, I wasn't looking for a ministry partner to build a church with.  I wasn't looking for someone who always looked like she just stepped off of Little House on the Prairie, someone with Tammy Faye's hair, or someone who listened, smiled, and nodded like some kind of mindless mannequin. 

I liked the fire in that girl, her love for Christ, her physical beauty, and her generous spirit.  I also liked the fact that when I dished out sarcasm, she dished it back.  She didn't need me.  But, I had to have her.  I liked that she didn't have to have a guy to make her whole.  She was a heck of a woman and I wanted her in my life...forever.

One time BK (before Kelly), someone tried to set me up on a date with someone they thought would be a good match for me (because she could play the piano...every preacher needs a wife that can sing).  I told them that the only way I would date a girl that ugly is if she was absolutely filthy rich.  Besides, it would be cheaper to hire a staff member to lead worship than to marry a chick because she has a good voice (weird, eh?).

All of this also means that I will forever reserve the right knock anyone out if they ever take out their frustrations with me on my wife.  Of course, that hasn't happened at Life Pointe.  But, when we were starting out, I seriously thought about waylaying one cat for something he said to my wife.  If it ever happened again, I wouldn't think twice about my response.

I think pastor's wives are pretty cool people.  They are a lot more awesome when they escape the pressure to live up to everyone's expectations.  I could say some stuff about Preacher's Kids.  But, I'll save that for another day!  ;)

The Priority of Culture

I have rarely written on diversity, multi-cultural ministry.  It is rarely discussed at Life Pointe other than each of us poking fun at one another for our cultural foibles.  I probably need to though. 

As the church grows culture clashes are bound to happen.  They do not arise out of anger or counter-productive arguments.  But, they do arise because we all have pasts, backgrounds, norms, and experiences that shape who we are. 

I believe Life Pointe has blended so well and really has no dominant culture because it is not the priority.  We are not a black church, white, church , latin church, Jamaican church.  We are simply a church.  In fact, very few people walk into the theater with cultural agendas and stay around for any amount of time without a perspective change. 

At the same time, we have to understand who we are.  We have to know that we have cultural habits that can be a barrier to receiving other cultures.  In my last post, I referenced the cultural norms of a Haitian funeral.  But, also consider the cultural tendency of some of us to be late to our gatherings.  Or, what about the latin air kisses that fly around the theater in a flurry every Sunday?  Or, what about the tendency of our white yankee transplants to clap on all the wrong beats?! I could go on all day.  I simply love the fact that we are all unique.

One thing we do not do is bring our cultural expectations over to the rest of our church family and expect that every other culture conforms to ours.  The priority of the culture is second to the our love for one another.  And, the priority of the culture is second to the priority of the Gospel.  I have a challenge for you.  Look at the spiritual behaviors you have or expect.  How many of those spiritual behaviors are learned behaviors?  How many of those learned spiritual behaviors find their roots in Scripture?  How many find their roots in culture?

It is food for thought.  It is also a challenge going forward for each of us to position ourselves in such a way that our culture does not become an unnecessary barrier to Kingdom Growth. If we conform ourselves to Christ and love our neighbor, people will look at us and know us not for our cultural identity.  They will know us for our love for one another (John 13:34-35).

A Conversation About the Church

Last night we had a good discussion in my Life Group about church.  The conversation was cut short because of time.  I'm going to pick it up here.

Why is there not one church per city?
There is only one church per city...one true church.  That church may be marked by language, cultural , doctrinal, and personality differences.  They may be organizationally distinct from one another.  But, through the eyes of Christ, we are one.  At least, that is His desire (John 17:11-23).

I have no problem worshiping and growing next to someone who is different from me culturally or racially.  To the best of my knowledge we have about 28 different nationalities at Life Pointe and even more personalities, likes, and dislikes than that.  The only time I want to separate myself from another Christian are on the following occasions:

1. A doctrinally divisive person (Romans 16:17-18).
2. A theologically formed person who denies the essentials of faith in Jesus Christ (deity of Christ, authority of the Scriptures, etc...)

Being one or being in unity is about mission and connection and not so much about organizational consolidation.  We should be one regardless of our structural layout.

Why do churches advertise for the community to visit?
Churches advertise because Christ told us to compel people to come in(Luke 14:23).  The Gospel has an attractional quality and mandate.  So, when we do mailers, radio ads, billboards, club cards, invite cards, word-of-mouth, personal invites, etc..., we are fulfilling the greatest commandments of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 12:28-31).  Our attractional activities need to be aimed at people who are not in relationship with Christ.

The goal of the church is to develop our people in such a way that they are not reliant on a paid professional to deliver the Gospel message.  Rather, a believer should be able to live his life in such a way that he is a missionary to his neighbors, friends, and family.  She should care for needs, be a friend, and display the heart of Christ.  This is the missional quality and mandate of Jesus for our lives.  Our missional activities should be aimed at all people.

What is appropriate spiritual behavior in Church?
Miami is as festive of a place as you can live.  We party a lot.  That does not change when we walk into the theater for our church gathering.  We are emotionally expressive.  It is pretty typical to hear people whistle or football cheer after a song, raise hands, clap, laugh, cry.  Culturally it is totally appropriate.  The corporate gathering of the church should be a spiritually significant and vibrant place.  Scripturally, we are actually encouraged to be expressive (Psalm 47:1-4) at times.  We are also told to shut up and listen (Psalm 46:10).  We are taught to think and mature (Philippians 2:12 and Hebrews 5:12-14).

Then, concerning Spiritual Gifts, we see that God gives them to the Church.  I've addressed my doctrinal position on this previously.  Typically, churches respond to the use of the gifts in one of two ways. Either, we are uncomfortable with the gifts, so we reject them as invalid for today and do not allow them to be expressed.  Or, we embrace them and ignore Biblical directives for their use.  So, how does Life Pointe handle the use of the gifts?  We welcome them and adhere strictly to 1 Corinthians 14.  Things are done decently and in order.

I would also add that much of what some view as being Spiritual is culturally learned and not necessarily motivated by God.  Consider how a Haitian funeral is typically conducted.  There are mourners and loud wailing.  Within that cultural context, that is often anticipated.  But, to other cultures, it is uncomfortable.  As we conduct ourselves in the church, surrounded by dozens of nationalities and even more cultural implications, we are ourselves while being sensitive to the cultural needs of our neighbors.

Church Visits

For the past two Sundays, I've been away from Life Pointe.  I miss it.  But, I have enjoyed being a face in the crowd, seeing how other churches do church, and meeting some new people.  So far, I've attended Crossroads Community Church (Lawrenceville, GA), Mountain Lake Church (Cumming, GA), and Robert Church of God (Robert, Louisiana).  Before I come back and we start up our Revolution series, I thought I'd give you a run down on my church experiences elsewhere:

Mountain Lake Church

Gary Lamb and Dale Henderson are always talking about Mountain Lake Church.  So, I had to check them out.  We went to the 4:30 and 5:45 services on Saturday night. 

Carol Jones, their Children's pastor gave us the tour and answered all of our questions.  Shawn Lovejoy, the lead pastor was friendly and hospitible just like everyone else that we met there.  David Putnam, the Executive Pastor started a new series called "Minimum."  It was about doing less so you could be more.  I was especially glad to hear David.  He co-authored "Breaking the Missional Code" with Ed Stetzer.  We had a decent conversation before we left.  I hope to make it back in February for the Church Planters conference.

Crossroads Community Church

I had planned on going to North Point Church in Alpharetta.  But, it was closed on New Year's Eve.  Our backup plan was to go to Mill Creek Community Church at the Mall of Georgia (a theater church like Life Pointe) but it was closed as well.  I guess the churches were closed to give people a break to hang with family...not a bad idea.  The attendance at Life Pointe was really low the last two weeks with people like me and others out of town.

So, we ended up at Crossroads Community Church in Lawrenceville for the 11 AM service.  It was jam packed.  We ended up sitting in the lobby with about 200 people.  The music rocked and everyone was engaged.  There was a real depth to the experience.  They highlighted some of their funny moments from 2006 via video and two hosts.  Then, Dan Reiland spoke.  We got to chat a bit. 

It was a good morning especially since I also ran into some college buddies.  We went out to eat afterwards and really enjoyed ourselves.  I did not expect to have such a great experience.  Their website really undersold the significance of who they are.  I went in expecting a good service in a medium sized contemporary church (200-300 people) and found people stacked everywhere on a very rainy holiday weekend.

Robert Church of God

Robert Church of God is where we spent Christmas Eve.  Kelly's dad, Carl Webb pastors this church about 45 minutes from New Orleans and Baton Rouge.  It is a great church where everyone is received like family.  It is a traditional church that makes you really like traditional church. 

I always look forward to our visits to this church.  You can expect people to find iout about who you are.  There are no strangers.  I hope you enjoy the pics and can feel yourself there with me.

On Portability

Bob always has great stuff going on.  It continues on His Momentun Conference blog as he interviews portable church pastors.  I dig it.  I especially dig his latest interview with Carlos Whittaker of Sandals Church in Riverside, CA.  I don't know much about Carlos.  I do know he has a very symmetrical bald head, which is cool. 

Disappointed in Seattle

If there is a pastor that I enjoy, it is Mark Driscoll, pastor at Mars Hill Church.  His frankness, relevence, and fidelity to Scripture is very refreshing in an age where theology and honesty seem to have taken a backseat to pragmatism and political correctness.

Following his comments on Ted Haggard where he gave encouragement to men to guard their testimony and marriage, he caught significant heat because of a true statement that caused the people at People against Fundamentalism to be offended.  They subsequently labeled him as mysoginistic and set out to accomplish three things:

1. To alert the city of Seattle to Mark’s pejorative language.
2. To see Mark removed as a religion columnist for The Seattle Times.
3. To see a sincere apology from Mark for his comments and a pledge to cease demeaning women in the future.

First, it is incredibly disappointing that a "Christian Group" would set out to try a brother in the court of public opinion over an issue without first approaching him personally as Scripture dictates.  Had they gone to him directly, I am of the opinion that this still was not an issue of sin.  This was an issue of strong language/advice in the presence of a strong culture of permissiveness.  It was pastoral advice to other young pastors who increasingly are struggling through personal moral failure.  Mark spoke strongly to them while at the same time demonstrating great compassion for a fallen pastor and his family. 

The fallout is that Mark, one of the few great voices for orthodox Christianity in Seattle has indeed been removed as a columnist for the Seattle Times.  The city of Seattle has been alerted.  But, it has also been alerted to the intolerance Christians have for one another, fully violating the indicator of God's grace to the world.  In this case, there is a whole city that now knows Christians not for their love of one another but for their disdain for one another. 

Finally, Mark did apoligize to the group for using language like "chickified" when describing effiminate guys.  Mark's apology engendered an apology from Paul at PAF.  Yet, Paul showed up at Mars Hill on Sunday with a sign that said, "Thank you for apologizing, Mark."  I think the hypocrisy of this group of liberal critics is deafening.

So what if you think that Mark Driscoll or any other pastor uses language that you find offensive to one's politically correct sensibilities?  Does that give a fellow professing to follow Christ license to harm the cause of the Gospel in the public arena.  Appeals for social justice are fair.  But, they do not trump Scripture.  We cannot afford to promote laws of our own liking above that of Scripture.

My concern and even frustration has little to do with my agreement with or affinity for Mark Driscoll.  It has more to do with the family of God making tolerance for one another in areas of interpretive difference.  Mark was speaking as a pastor/leader.  PAF was acting as dissidents, critics, and public antagonist to Paul on behalf of a specific pet cause.  This issue is hardly an issue of core Scriptural doctrine where Mark would be labeled as a false teacher.  This was a pet cause of some cat in Seattle who had a bone to pick with a pastor.  Rather than raising light to expel what he considered to be dark, he raised hell to expell Mark.  The result is a black eye for the Gospel in Seattle, a town that could use some more strong, quirkly personalities to promote the Gospel and fewer wanna-be Rosa Parks minus the cause.

Mark Driscoll posts that tell the story 1 2 3 4 - Seattle Times article - Seattle Post-Intelligencer article - Bob Hyatt on the Driscoll Sitch - People Against Fundamentalism Blog and his columnist gloat & meeting with Mark (Paul closes comments here)

Thanks to Church Marketing Sucks for the mention and trackback.  I'll at least offer up my thoughts re: "How a church should respond" on the CMS blog.

Ted Haggard and Mark Driscoll

Thinking over the Ted Haggard story and integrity issues for pastors and leaders, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to guard yourself and your relationship with Christ from sin.  In response to the story, Mark Driscoll gave incredibly straight-forward advice to pastors and churches.  It is excellent advice for maintaining integrity and avoiding inappropriate situations...definitely worth the read. 

Church and Politics

Church and politics. These are the things you are supposed to avoid discussing in social situations.  Since we are approaching the mid-term elections, I thought I'd weigh in and share my perspective, effectively mixing the two and committing a big faux paux.

1. Our political outlook should reflect our moral compass with the Scriptures as our foundation.
2. Christianity is not synonymous with a particular political party.

Now, I am an opinionated person by nature.  I enjoy following politics, current events, and technological and sociological trends.  I have formed opinions on everything from the economy to national defense.  I have a biblical understanding on the sanctity of life.  Over the next several weeks, you will hear nothing from the platform at Life Pointe concerning who should receive your vote.  I will simply ask you to follow perspective #1.  Be informed and involved in the political process as much as you can.  Do it with respect, honoring God, and honoring one another.  Where differences exist, be reminded that in the essentials we have unity, in non-essentials we have liberty, and in all things, we show charity.

tagged: politics - church - church and politics - midterm elections

NPR: Holy Start-up!

Listen to Marty's interview with National Public Radio.  Apparently, the Today Show will be at his church, Steven's Creek on Sunday morning.  Marty handled himself very well and made a great presentation not only for Secure Give but also for Christ.

related post: Marty Baker's Giving Kiosk

tagged:  npr - secure give - marty baker - Today Show - giving kiosk

Going to Re:Formation '06

I'm on my out the door to Re:Formation '06 in Atlanta.  Alex McManus is speaking.  I'll be there to tell the Life Pointe story along with a couple other pastors who are pastoring some out of the box churches in our denomination.  I'll blog the conference.  More tomorrow.

tagged: Alex McManus - Church of God - Reformation - Life Pointe Church

The Way Worship is Experienced

In Breaking the Missional Code, Ed Stezer and David Putnam discuss the conflict between "Seeker Sensitive" and "Believer Hostile" (and vice versa).  Its an interesting discussion and no doubt an issue I have personally struggled through.  During that discussion, they point out 13 questions that churches wanting to break the missional code of their community are asking themselves.  Here they are:

1. Is the setting inviting and familiar?
2. Are those attending and participating familiar with the music?
3. Can those attending and participating relate to the communication style of the teacher/preacher?
4. Is the Bible being taught in a way that the people can experience and grasp the message?
5. Is the language used understandable and true to Biblical content?
6. Is the way in which the people are invited to participate in the truth clear and engaging?
7. Is the environment safe for those in process?
8. Is there enough tension created to move people forward in faith?
9. Does the creativity used connect to those attending and participating?
10. Is Jesus clearly lifted up in the worship experience?  Is worship God-centered?
11. Is the Gospel clearly presented?
12. Are people given a clear opportunity to respond?
13. Are they invited to participate in community on a regular basis?

The questions are fairly basic.  But from these questions, we can critique what kind of environment we are creating and dig deeper into our ministry strategy, creating meaningful environments for God and man to intersect.  I really appreciate Stetzer's emphasis that people are being discipled prior to conversion...some times, not converting until after they have cultivated a significant faith outlook.

With that in mind, it is ever more important to challenge, create tension/friction, and opportunities to serve for everyone-Christ follower as well as the not-yet-committed.  As that journey is enoyed, we must maintain our focus that the Church does not exist for the believer.  The responsibility for individuals to grow in faith does not rest in the hands of anyone but the individual.  The responsibility to build up, encourage, and reach out lies in the hands of every Christ follower.

A Call to the new Hudson Taylors

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19

In "Breaking the Missional Code", Ed Stetzer points out the growing diversity of American communities where we are challenged by Christ to make disciples.  In looking at the above passage, we see that in the Greek, the phrase "all nations" is panta te ethnê.

Since nation-states are a modern development, the meaning of this passage is actually people groups.  We should understand that to also mean population segments and cultural environments.  That may not be rocket science but, it is a fresh challenge to exegete our communities, pray over our harvest, and reinvent ourselves much like Terry Hull points out in a discussion about contextualization and the Emergent Church that Hudson Taylor did as "he wore Chinese clothes to relate to the Chinese people."

John Hendryx at Reformation Theology shows that the result of contextualized ministry to the specific panta te ethnê near Hudson Taylor's Inland Chinese Mission, was that the seeds planted by Taylor have turned into estimates of up to 90 million Chinese Christians in what is undoubtedly the greatest revival event in one of the most inhospitable environments to Christianity on the planet.

The new challenge is not to contextualize for nations and population segments.  The challenge is reaching cultural environments.  For instance, within our fellowship at Life Pointe, you will find close to two dozen nationalities with room to continue to look more like our community in the future.  Within those nationalities are multiple sub-cultures, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Americans, age differences, and socio-economic diversity.  The new challenge is creating environments and establishing relationships that speak love and a singular Gospel across multiple contexts.

I do not think it is possible to meet all expectations or satisfy all stylistic wants.  But, in our budding community, there is a great desire for authentic expression of Christ across cultural borders.  The style has to be love, connection, beauty, honesty, doctrinal integrity, and hospitality.

Technoratis Tags: missiology - Ed Stetzer - Breaking the Missional Code - emerging church - Hudson Taylor - Great Commission

Protecting the Integrity of the Church Staff

Check out Rick Warren's 10 Commandments for church staff dealing with members of the opposite sex. Number 3 is a "no-go" at Life Pointe...it's probably shot for most churches in Miami.  Other than that, these are all excellent guidelines for maintaining a good witness.

Videos: Missional, Emergent, Postmodernity

Below is a great peek into what appears to be a fantastic conference, especially for churches and pastors in the population centers of unchurched America.  I could listen to Tim Keller and Mark Driscoll all day.  I actually read Driscoll's "Confessions of A Reformation Rev" faster than any other book I've read.  It was honest to say the least.  Check out these must wach videos:

Mark Driscoll on Style in Ministry.
Tim Keller on the Character of a Missional Church.
David Wells on Emergent vs. Traditional and Seeker Church.
John Piper on the Nature of Postmodernism.

The rest of the videos promoting the Above All Earthly Powers Conference.

3 Types of People in a Growing Organization

Excerpted from "Confessions of a Reformission Rev," there are three types of people (only two have long-term futures with said organization) found in all growing organizations as told to Mark Driscoll by John Phelps:

1. People on the rise who show an uncanny ability to grow with the organization and become vital leaders.
2. People who attach themselves to people on the rise as valuable assistants. 
3. People who neither rise or attach to anyone rising, and they cannot keep up with the growing demands of the organization.  These people will either slow down the whole organization or will be released.

This is in reference to growth and leadership.  My prayer for myself and my team is that we learn how to rise and learn how to attach ourselves and support the momentum of others.  Additionally, we should pray that when we become an encumbrance to the growth and vitality of the ministry, we have a soft enough heart to change or to find a place where we are not diminishing or endangering vision and mission.

Public Profession of Faith in Jesus

     

As a part of Origins series, we did a teaching on the Sacraments.  We talked about man initiated events or "Holy moments" to remember Christ's sacrifice and to remember His conveyed grace.  We are called to live sacramental lives-grace drenched lives, constantly.  We took Communion and finished the day with baptism at Biscayne National Park. 

Twenty-three people took the plunge, professing trust in the Son.  They made their public profession in front of a couple hundred people bathing in the sun. 

I would love to tell the stories of each person who went public.  The stories are worth telling.  I was very proud of Joel Cossio.  Just under one year ago, Joel read through the Bible and was invited to church by someone at Life Pointe.  He was seeking intently.  He found Christ.  Christ has transformed this guy.  He was not a bad person before.  But, he is changed.  Now, Joel is leading his own Life Group in Key Largo and he demonstrates great grace to people around him.  Joel, Lilly, and Bobby are good friends.  It was a privilege to baptize him.

There were several young people from Kids Life who were baptized.  I was baptized when I was in the second grade at the Plant City Church of God.  I knew exactly what I was doing.  It was an amazing moment for me.  I know this was an amazing day for them as well.

Catalyst - Brian Hunter

I was bragging on Brian on my old blog, talking about their name change and move to Leon HS in Tallahassee.  In the past three years, Brian's church has grown from 8 people to 1,000 on Easter with over 400 people professing Christ!  I am betting that this fall they will have around 1,500 people on Sundays. 

Check out the newly launched Genesis Church website. Remember to pray for these guys. They are going after the prize in a huge way. I can't wait until ReFormation '06 in September when guys like Brian, Jamie, Phil, Mike, Chad, Roscoe, and Pete get together to talk about ministry.

They Say I'm Extreme

Mooooooving right along through my latest Seth Godin read, I'm bored and invigorated simulataneously.  Some of the abbreviated chapters are nothing more than beef knuckle.  But, I've come across some Filet Mignon that has seriously resonated with my heart.  Consider the "They" to be the change resistors who value stagnation and safety above missionality.  Check out this excepert from the Big Moo (p. 34-36):

They say I'm extreme.
I say I'm a realist.

They say, "We can't handle this much change."
I say, "Your job and career are in jeopardy; what other options do you have?"

They say "we need an initiative."
I say, "We need a dream. And dreamers."

They say, "effective governance is important."
I say, "bold, brash boards that are representative of the market served- more than a token woman or two and an empty seat for the forth coming Hispanic" - are an imperative. Now.

They say, "We need more steady, loyal employees."
I say, "We need more 'freaks' who routinely tell those in charge to take a flying leap...before its too late"

They say, "We like people who, with steely determination, say, 'I can make it better.'"
I say, "I love people who, with a maniacal gleam in their eye, perhaps even a giggle, say, 'I can turn the world upside down.  Watch me!'"

They say, Sure, we need change"
I say we need revolution now.

They say, "Conglomerate and imitate!"
I say, Create and innovate!"

They say, "improve and maintain."
I say, "Destroy and reimagine."

They say, "Happy balance."
I say, "Creative tension."

They say, "Peace brother."
I say, "Bruise my feelings, flatten my ego, Save my job."

They say they want recruits with "spotless records."
I say, "The spots are what matter most."

Radical commitment to core business

Starbucks is incredible.  They have remarkable environments, excellent service, and exceptional product.  But, they've hit a snag with their frozen drinks.  The time to blend a frozen drink during peak hours slows down their lines, reduces product sold, and increases customer frustration.  Frozen products are great.  But, I need to get in and out quickly when I'm in a rush.

Starbucks will fix this problem.  They will add baristas or make the frozen drinks more efficient.  The church has some lessons to learn regarding "process drag."  We have engaged in so many non-essentials that our core functions get marginalized, weakened, or cluttered out by the extra-curricular noise.  Extra Bold coffee is not our main business.  But, we do have a challenge facing the customized, blinged out, American church.  Our challenge or our main business is to keep the main business the main business!

Related links:
Starbucks Gossip    Starbucks Union Aggregator    Starbucks Goes to the Kids

The Heart of Worship

How many hours do you think are spent preparing for the typical Sunday worship experience?  I know I put a lot of time into preparation.  There are many terrific people making it happen week in and week out at Life Pointe.  But, what if there was nothing to setup, no stage, no lights, no creative elements?  What would be left?

Brad Abare asks the question better than me.  Summed up, is there a faith community that could still be glad in gathering together to worship a Holy God?  Matt Redmond asked the same question after realizing that the music had become greater than His God.  As Christianity Today related it, he cancelled all music and for a period of weeks worshipped in silence.  They regained a more simplistic approach to God and broke their silence with this song:

when the music fades
all is stripped away
and i simply come...
longing just to bring
something that's of worth
that will bless your heart

i bring you more than a song
for a song in itself
is not what you have required
you search much deeper within
through the way things appear
you're looking into my heart

chorus
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
and it's all about you
It's all about you, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing i've made it
when it's all about you
it's all about you, Jesus

What is left over when all your religious trappings are taken away?  I pray that what is left honors God and leaves me with a place among my friends, my church, my family.

A Reformation Underway?

Cool article from downtown.  See you jokers at ReFormation '06.

Inspirational Jamison

This is my college roommate, Jamison.  He's come a long way.  I guess he's always been a brilliant guy.  But, I would now call him inspirational.  In two weeks, he will begin his eigth year as a missionary in the Middle East.  He has been incredibly faithful and has had great success.  While in the Middle East, he met and married a really sweet girl, Kelly.  They now have two handsome children with a third on the way.

When he was 19, he was almost killed in an arson on the campus of Lee University.  That was really a turning point in his life.  Yesterday morning, we both spoke at Life Pointe.  Last night, Jamison spoke at Dwight Allen's church in Cooper City.  I am very excited for what God is doing in his life and invite you to pray for them daily with me.

Blogging the COG General Asembly

On Monday, I will fly into Indianapolis for the Church of God General Assembly. This will be the first year I will be able to participate in the discussion and voting as an "Ordained Bishop."  I've already done enough speaking in the Open Forums. During business, I will only be voting.  Since the Forums, people that didn't know my name, now pat me on the back and say "hey doc!" Or, they, look at me like I'm some kind of rebel. 

Perhaps, I should be more delicate when pointing out that our denominational organization is too top heavy.  Fortunately, I'm not even close to being the first to say it.  John Maxwell and Injoy were paid big bucks to say the same thing several years ago except they delved into Patronage issues as well.

The issues that I am particularly interested in that are coming to the Ordained Ministers are:

• A gradual elimination of the mandatory percentage sent in to World Missions.  I will vote for this but, I think it should be done immediately and it should all come out of the administrative budget.  For this to happen 2/3 of the body is going to have to agree to suspend the rules and submit a substitute proposal.
• Appointment of Evangelism, Youth, and World Missions Directors by the Executive Committee.  World Missions is one thing we do really well.  I can't understand why we would fire the General Assembly from being able to select leadership and give that authority to a few good guys with a more limited scope of who can effectively lead.
• Unified Budget (Consolidation of the World Missions Budget with the International Budget). Again, this seems like the parable of the talents in reverse.  The biggest producer on a corporate level for the Church of God is World Missions.  Yet, we have a proposal on the table to remove the World Missions budget and give it to our ever-growing International bureaucracy.  That makes no sense to me.
• Election of Denominational Leadership.  I am focusing on the selection of the Council of 18 since it      is basically the Elders Board of our denomination and there is decent opportunity for pastors to be selected. Additionally, selecting Administrative Bishops for this role makes no sense as they are unable to provide straightforward, honest feedback to the Committee that appointed them.  Four guys that I really would like to see on the Council of 18 are Marty Baker, Anthony McDaniel, Mike Chapman, and Harold Bare.  Those guys have big voices that pastors are listening to. As they speak, they are not considering first how the denominational guys perceive their statements.

Basically, I am not in favor of anything that further centralizes our structure.  I will be blogging from Indy.  I'm sure there will be others that get the facts out on the taboo, unofficial Church of God message forum, Actscelerate.  I'll try to share my personal observations here as well as there.  If it comes across as being too political, just ignore me for a week and it will be out of my system.

Related COG General Assembly posts:

Day One - Embassy Suites - Day Two - Council of 18/Grant McClung - Day Three - Day Four - Glad to Be Home