Dear Career Church Hopper

There is a post that circulates the web every so often that I think truly applies to college students – especially those here in Norman, OK. Today most students have grown up in a culture where you can get what you want when you want and if you don’t like something you just skip to the next part.

I truly believe this has invaded how we go about getting plugged into churches. It has invaded it in the since that more often than not – we don’t get involved – we just keep jumping around looking for the next best thing – and this breaks my heart!!!

I think the below post does a great job of illustrating some great points for students to consider when plugging into a church while away at college. Find a place and plug into community.

Here’s the post:

I met you again on Sunday, the same person smiling at me through a different face, telling me that you’ve been shopping for churches for months now, and that darn it, you “just can’t find one (you) like.”

The music’s too rocky at this one, you said; the preachers too boring at that one. The latest one might make the cut, though, at the very least, you could get your teaching from this church and your worship from that one.

I’m sure we’ll run into each other again, but before we do, I’d like to suggest some things you could perhaps think about before you move on to the next church, as I’m sure you will, whether this weekend or next year:

⁃ Christ didn’t bleed for the Church so you could treat your search for one like an episode of Survivor, deciding who to vote off the island this week.

⁃ The Church was not commissioned by Christ to meet your needs. You ARE the Church, and you’ve been commissioned to meet the needs of the world through the Church! Plugin and get involved in taking Christ to your community!

⁃ Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:25). Quit treating his bride like a Jesus buffet where you can pick and choose what you like, hedging your bets against the pain and sacrifice of making a commitment. Find one – commit and love well!

⁃ Per scripture’s instructions to use your gifts in service to the Body of Christ — and its lack of instruction to search for a church that scratches you where you itch — you might want to consider what the Church you’re visiting needs from you, rather than the other way around.

- If you only want to hear things you already know and agree with, save your Sundays and talk to yourself in the bathroom mirror.

___________________

My heart is not to bash but to encourage you to find a community and connect where your roots grow deep (Psalm 1). Find a church where you will be fed, allowed to serve, and allow you to grow in this unique time called college so that you will be prepared for what lies next!

Filed under: Church, Culture

DON”T follow your heart!

I’ve been thinking the past few days about how much the culture has shifted us to depend on our feelings. We may think that we are being logical but I think more often then not we are just making decisions based on feelings and not logic.

Exhibit A: We are emotionally touched by that romantic comedy with slightly immoral content. We resonate with the plight and feelings of the main character. Sure, her values are different than ours, but we like her and we’re rooting for her. We justify the inappropriate content, because watching this film makes us feel good.

Exhibit B: We’re indignant. That fellow Christian did something that offended us. We find it unacceptable, not because it violated a Scriptural command but because it hurt our feelings. Surely something that upsets us that much is wrong. And we certainly won’t be the first to seek reconciliation.

Exhibit C: We often say things like “I like Skip* or Wendy*.” Even though Skip nor Wendy exhibit signs of spiritual maturity and is clearly not pursuing (just) us, We feel this strong pull toward him. This must mean something deep and significant, right?

In each of these situations we are allowing our feelings to be my primary guiding factor. There’s one big problem with that: Our heart is the last thing we should be trusting in these circumstances!

Jeremiah writes: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

This message flies in the face of our culture’s obsession with “follow your heart.” Unless your heart is captive to the Savior, it is the last thing you should be following. Jesus offers a different mantra: follow me. Comparing Himself to a shepherd, Jesus says: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

So don’t let your heart deceive you. It’s not infallible. In fact, its default mode is to lead you the wrong direction. Don’t follow your heart; follow your Savior.

*Fictional names – no one has recently talked to me about liking a guy or girl named skip or wendy…

Filed under: Culture, Religous

Here comes the bride…

Read this in a book recently – it’s greatness!

Once upon a time a beautiful wedding was about to take place. The people who were invited were all buzzing with anticipation. All of the bridesmaids and groomsmen had assumed their positions, the candles had been lit, the music was playing, the groom was in place and joy was the dominant mood in the room.

THEN the doors open and the BRIDE began her walk towards her husband…and that is when the trouble began.

Some people actually took their focus off of the BRIDE and began to discuss whether or not the people in the room had been chosen for invitation…or if they had merely accepted an invitation. Little groups began to discuss and debate this issue, thus ignoring the BRIDE.

Other’s began to complain about the music the BRIDE was walking in step with. They put their personal preferences in place of what the BRIDE had chosen for that particular day. And the ones not offended by the music…they could not quit complaining about the color of the carpet. Little groups of dissension began to develop all over the room. Their focus was not on the BRIDE. Some people actually began to get up and leave because, when the BRIDE walked by, she didn’t take the time to sit down with each of them and ask their opinion about the wedding that was taking place.

Some people began to say, “I’m just not sure about this. There are really a lot of people here at this wedding. It’s huge! I prefer smaller weddings. The BRIDE should not have invited so many people.”

Some people began to criticize the fact that there were people at the wedding that they didn’t think should be there. They weren’t “dressed up,” and so their focus shifted from the beauty of the BRIDE to their own self righteousness and the fact that they “looked nicer.”

For some it just wasn’t that good of an experience…

But for others…they just couldn’t stop smiling…

They knew they wouldn’t have even been able to walk in the doors were it not for the invitation of the BRIDE and GROOM.

They could not stop focusing on the beauty of the BRIDE…each step she took was intentional and brought her closer and closer to the GROOM. And those who were actually focused on her somehow felt like they were taking that journey as well.

They could not wait to embrace the BRIDE…to thank her for the invitation. They weren’t concerned with the BRIDE recognizing them and “their needs,” they knew that this day just wasn’t about them.

They enjoyed everything about the experience, knowing that something larger than them was taking place.

They were so excited that so many people were involved in this experience…and their hearts actually ached for those who they knew needed to be caught up in that moment.

They knew they were guests and not the person of honor…that the BRIDE and GROOM were to be the center of attention…and that brought them great delight.

Once upon a time this took place; in fact, it took place all over the world…today. The church is the BRIDE of Christ…she’s beautiful, she’s breathtaking…and when she walks step by step to get closer to her GROOM…there is NOTHING that compares to that on the planet…nothing.

Those that want to make the BRIDE all about themselves and argue and dispute about aspects of the ceremony itself will never fully appreciate all that is happening…and therefore miss out on so much.

BUT…those who are just happy to be there…the ones that get JOY when the BRIDE takes another step, the ones who want as many people as possible to be there and participate in the great celebration that will soon be taking place…the ones who understand that the ceremony taking place isn’t about them and their needs…the ones who can’t quite focusing on the BEAUTY of the BRIDE…

They are the ones who get the most out of the ceremony. They are the ones who truly experience joy on a level seldom found by self seekers. They are the ones who are FULL of appreciation, understanding that attendance to the wedding wouldn’t even be possible had they not received the invitation. They are the ones who immediately run out and try their best to get others to come before the BRIDE makes it all the way down the aisle (she is getting closer, you know!)

Here comes the BRIDE–she’s breathtaking, and despite mankind’s attempt to blemish her…she’s still here. Governments and nations will pass away…but the BRIDE will still take step by step, closing the distance of time in regards to the Great Wedding Feast. She’ll be taunted and jeered…she’ll be misrepresented by bad television preachers…she’ll be misquoted and abused…but in the end we will all stand in awe at her beauty and, in that moment, fully understand and appreciate the life is about so much more than getting our needs met and everyone knowing everyone.

Here comes the BRIDE…is your focus on her?

Filed under: Church, Culture

Pocket God

I generally try to stay away from the lists that can be found in the iTunes store because I always end up buying stuff that I don’t really want or need but I do because it is sitting next to that number 1 on a list.

But…

Today I was looking a the top paid apps and one caught my attention – it’s called “Pocket God.”

Here’s what the creators have to say about the app:

“What kind of god would you be? Benevolent or vengeful? Play Pocket God and discover the answer within yourself. On a remote island, you are the all-powerful god that rules over the primitive islanders. You can bring new life, and then take it away just as quickly. Exercise your powers on the islanders. Lift them in the air, alter gravity, hit them with lightning, the possibilities are endless.”

Obviously I had to keep some of my typical gag reflexes in check as I got past the first sentence of the games explanation but in the end – one question stuck in my head. If an app like this is on a top ten list of apps then it shows us that the culture is fascinated with the “concept” of God but aren’t really interested in following Him.

Filed under: Culture, Random, Religous

Thicken our Skin.

Lord, thicken our skin.

Not that we be less tender, but that we be less easily offended.

Take away our bent to self-pity.

Give us a passion for the truth that is stronger

than our inborn passion for being praised.

Forgive us, Father, for calling words unloving just because they were tough.

Forgive us for attributing malicious motives

to people when we don’t know their motives.

Help us to learn from Jesus

when to be tough and when to be tender.

Guard us from justifying merely human anger with the hard sayings of Jesus.

But don’t let us become so mushy that we can’t speak a firm word in season.

We marvel at the words of our Lord Jesus.

How unpredictable He was!

No one ever spoke like He did.

He is in a class by Himself.

We bow before Him and shut our mouths.

We are eager for Him to speak – and to speak any way He pleases.

We are the silent learners.

He is the sinless teacher.

We put our hands upon our mouths and take our place at His feet.

Do with us as You please, Father.

We are not Your judge, nor the judge of how Your Son speaks.

Have mercy on us – tough or tender – and lead us to Your everlasting joy.

In the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus,

Amen.

- John Piper, from Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ

Filed under: Church, Culture, Quotes, Reflection

The Places We Live…

As you know – I saw slumdog millionaire recently – great flick – if you haven’t checked it out – you should…

After watching it I came across THIS site.

If you haven’t seen The Places We Live site yet, you should absolutely give it a look. The project features panoramic pictures of slums and haunting stories told by the people who live there. It is an incredibly unique mix of photo journalism, social awareness, and technology.

Here are a couple of photographer Jonas Bendiksen’s pictures and a blurb about the project.

“The year 2008 has witnessed a major shift in the way people across the world live: for the first time in human history more people live in cities than in rural areas. This triumph of the urban, however, does not entirely represent progress, as the number of people living in urban slums—often in abject conditions—will soon exceed one billion. From 2005 to 2007 Jonas Bendiksen documented life in the slums of four different cities: Nairobi, Kenya; Mumbai, India; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Caracas, Venezuela. His lyrical images capture the diversity of personal histories and outlooks found in these dense neighborhoods that, despite commonly held assumptions, are not simply places of poverty and misery. Yet, slum residents continuously face enormous challenges, such as the lack of health care, sanitation, and electricity. The Places We Live includes twenty double-gatefold images, each representing an individual home and its denizen’s story. Through its innovative design and experiential approach, The Places We Live brings the modern-day Dickensian reality of these individuals into sharp focus.”

Filed under: Culture, Social Action, Technology

Missional Ministry

I thought the fellas over at the swerve blog hit it out of the park with THIS post.

If you plan to reach the next generation for Christ, don’t ask them to believe what you believe, instead invite them to do what you do.

Beliefs are a dime a dozen. This generation has seen every variety of spiritual beliefs you could imagine (and many you couldn’t imagine).

They’re extremely turned off by people who don’t live what they claim to believe.

This generation doesn’t want to hear about what you believe. They want to see your beliefs in actions. And if you’re daring enough to live like Jesus, you’ll have a shot at reaching the next generation.

* If your version of Christianity is limited to what you’re against, you’ll not likely reach many.

* If, on the other hand, your faith is so alive you must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and love the outcasts—all in the name of Christ, the King, you will attract interest.

As strange as it might sound, if you truly live a missional and Spirit filled life, the young generation might join you and do what you do, then one day believe what you believe.

_____

On a personal note I still get frustrated at times when the older generation knee jerks against these kind of statements. I think their fear is that by saying, “if your version of Christianity is limited to what you’re against, you’ll not likely reach many” means that we, the younger generation, are bucking doctrine, absolute truth, and core values to the curb but WE ARE NOT!

I firmly believe that my generation cares about doctrine and absolute truth because it’s the basis for what drives us to action – a desire to live out the truths that have been taught to us.

I just think the younger generation has come to a place where we say, “If we are going to do this – let’s go do it!”

I like it and it refreshes me.

Filed under: Church, Culture, Personal, Reflection, Religous

The Least of These.

I came across the below post somewhere at sometime but I’m not sure where it came from but I saved it for later reflecting – that time is now and hopefully you will reflect with me.

God is Shuffling Along

He didn’t lift his feet, he slid them, as if skating on the concrete sidewalk.

Maybe he was old, but I couldn’t tell because he looked like a cave man, and it’s hard to read a cave man’s age.

Eyes looked out from sunken pools in his head, down at the ground where he shuffled.

And wild, long hair stuck out from all directions on his head. Some of it was matted.

I don’t know if he had lips. His beard had crept up his cheekbones almost to his eyes and crawled back down his face, past his neck, until it disappeared into his ragged coat.

From behind the wildness he mumbled.

I think he must have been saying, “Someone help me. God is in here somewhere, but no one can’t find him no more ‘cause he’s all crusted over and hid.”

God is Running Scared

Something was chasing him from up in the sky. Demons I guess.

He ran with a look of terror, and I thought in this heat that can’t be healthy because he’s old.

He was panting and sweating and grunting in terror.

He tripped, lost his balance and touched the ground with his hand. He didn’t fall, just stumbled and kept running.

Good thing, because I’ll bet those things in the sky chasing him might have caught up to him.

When he ran past I looked up to see what was terrifying him, trying to run him down so mercilessly.

Just blue skies. ‘Cept maybe those things from his memory. Demons from some war. Vietnam? Korea? Boyhood abuse?

I don’t know. But they had him running scared.He was too scared to talk, but I think he probably would have said, “Someone help me. God’s prints ha’ been swallowed up by all this fright and that terrible thing what happened to me long ago.”

Jesus Likes the Big Mac Value Meal

I once prayed walking to the McDonald’s in Santa Monica, “Jesus, I’d like to have supper with you.”

I stepped up to the counter to order and I saw him.

He was really skinny and ragged, but he did have that long hair, beard and mustache I had always imagined. Though I never imagined the body odor.

He was ordering just a cup of water.

“Would you like something other than water?” I asked.

“Sure.” He said. “I’ll have a Big Mac Value Meal. It’s number one.”

I knew this guy was Jesus because when we sat down to eat together he said right away, “You know, I’m sorta like Jesus. ‘The foxes have holes and the birds have nests but the Son of Man has no where to lay his head.”

I smiled.

“I have schizophrenia” he said, which is something I never knew about Jesus.

After dinner we tried to find him help, but it’s hard to help someone like that.

He’s alienated himself from everybody because he gets spooked by people easily.

“You can’t get close enough to see Jesus in me.” He says as he slips away, throwing me a suspicious glance. “He’s hidden here, and I don’t want no one to steal him.”

Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you mentally ill and shuffling or scared or hungry, and did not take care of you?’

Matthew 25:45 (NRSV)

Filed under: Church, Culture, Reflection, Religous, Social Action

Where’d the Voices Go?

I just came across a blog post HERE that I thought hit the ball out of the park.

It’s been interesting – for the last year and especially pre-Christmas it seemed like EVERYONE (churches, bono, GAP, Apple, etc) was jumping on social action issues such as Darfur, Uganda, AIDS, Clean Water, adoption, global poverty, etc…

But with the impending passing of one of the biggest stimulus packages ever to make its way through congress – where’d those voices go?

Michelle and I have always been a big supporter of the non-profit ONE. We’ve always thought they were stellar with how the strategically placed advertisements and got people involved – but where are they now?

Shouldn’t we be lobbying for parts of the stimulus package to go to benefit humanity?

I love the way Nick puts it as he writes:

“Why, as we’re about to spend $500 MILLION dollars on improvement projects to the National Institute of Health’s facilities is no one asking if that tremendous amount of money could be spent on cancer or AIDS research? Where are the urgent voices crying out for food and clean water for Africa when we’re about to spend $450 MILLION dollars so NASA can do climate modeling (a government agency that already receives money in the annual budget)? I guess we’ll be able to help them graph or map where their rain isn’t falling instead of actually giving them food or some kind of agricultural assistence. Where is the pleading for social justice as we’re about to spend $150 MILLION dollars on a museum instead of creating jobs or putting food in mouths and clothes on backs? ”

You can read the full post HERE

Filed under: Culture, Social Action, Social Justice

Digital Segregation?

I’m not so sure what to think about this but apparently the new thing is “race” based browsers.

I just stumbled across the browser titled, “Blackbird,” which is branded exclusively for African Americans.

Here’s what the website says about the browser:

“Blackbird is the web browser for the African American community. Blackbird was developed by a team of African Americans to allow you to connect to what’s going on in the African American community”

Now granted, I understand that we naturally gravitate to our “niche” communities. We hang out with, socialize with, and essentially live life closest with people who are like us – I get it. And…I won’t lie – it bothers me A-LOT, but I get it.

However…

Just because that’s the natural flow of life – I’m not so sure that embracing segregation is the right answer either. I’ve always found it interesting that the big push is to desegregate but yet, especially online communities, we find more ways to continue segregating us then to desegregate us. Not only that but it’s sorta funny when people of different “niche” communities get mad at each other because the other community doesn’t understand them. No kidding – maybe its because you chose to segregate yourself.

I don’t know – but thought it was worth mentioning.

Filed under: Culture, Random