Mission from Worship

I love the story of the Magi... sincere worshipers who didn't fit the profile of the typical worshiper of Yahweh.  Their mission to find the prophesied Jewish Messiah was triggered by an unusual star but it was motivated by worship of the true God.

Without worship the sighting would have simply become fodder for interesting debates and discussions among the Magi about the Jewish God and the Jewish people along with conjecture as to what might become of this new Jewish King.  However, for these men included in Matthew's telling of Jesus' birth narrative, their worship became the fuel not for conversations but for action...for mission.  There is not a single ministry or act of service we should do out of duty.  God doesn't need our duty and serving Him to impress others will quickly lose its appeal.  Every important endeavor we undertake must start from a heart of worship.  Every worship service we attend, every service project we sign up for, every ministry we agree to help must begin with our love for God and our desire to glorify Him.

Of course the Magi's trip itself from Persia or Arabia or maybe even Africa was a long, dangerous, and expensive journey away from the comforts of home.  I'm sure the question arose at least a couple times, "Now why are we doing this?"  I've found myself in the middle of ministries and missions that God has called me to that caused me to question whether I wanted to continue.  During those times we remember that worship doesn't just fuel mission it also sustains it...otherwise it's just not worth doing.  Whether it's faithfully serving your church without recognition, or being a testimony to an unbelieving spouse, or unconditionally caring for a special needs family member, or being a foster parent, or starting a ministry for single moms...the sustaining power to endure the challenges of mission comes from a focus on doing it for God's glory.

When the Magi reached the logical destination to meet the new Jewish King, Jerusalem, I'm not sure if these far-easterners were more surprised by his not being there or that no celebration was taking place.  Regardless, they were undeterred.  They had come a long way and knew they were close and knew that God had set them on this mission, so they persisted in spite of what was undoubtedly an awkward interaction with Herod.  They found Jesus (a toddler less than 2 years old) by following a supernatural light (an angel?) from Jerusalem to Mary & Joseph's house in Bethlehem.  There they worshiped God some more by giving the valuable gifts they had brought (perhaps in the moment they wished they had even more to offer.)  The glad sacrifice of treasures preceded by the sacrifices of a long journey preceded by the decision to leave the comforts of home were each done not out of duty, but for worship of God.

Worship started their mission.  Worship sustained the mission. Worship was the climax of the Magi's mission.  Remember this Christmas that God is real and as you reflect on His character and power expect to feel compelled to do something sacrificial for Him.  The story of Jesus' birth is a story of how God's self-worship led him to do something sacrificial for us.  He left the comforts of home; journeyed a lifetime on earth, and the climax to the story was that He gave His greatest treasure.  He gave His life not out of duty but out of love so that in the end He would be glorified and worshiped.

The Gift of Perspective

Sometimes the greatest gift we could receive is “perspective.” 

Six and half years ago my wife Tammy, and I were in Phoenix Children’s Hospital with our newborn, Zachary, who was battling for his life.  During our daily visits to the hospital we discovered families who were facing problems worse than ours, which gave us perspective. During the recent economic downturn I have seen many people, businesses and churches that suffered more than me or my church.  That was a gift I needed to keep from self-pity.  I also saw that as a church we didn’t need the budget and programs that I thought we needed for God to use us…another gift from God.  

Of course perspective in times of blessing is also a gift from God.  What else keeps me grounded and humble when everything is going my way and my plans are unfolding just as I had imagined?  The truth is that success is often a greater test of character than the trials of life.  So, perspective becomes a vital ally in keeping us from walking down the path of self-sufficiency.  It’s perspective that reminds us that it’s all from God and it all belongs to God.  It’s perspective that teaches us to see that the outward trappings of “success” are only an illusion that could easily distract us from what God’s standard of success really is…faithfulness.

As they prepared for their trip to Bethlehem, I’m sure Mary and Joseph didn’t feel like their lives to that point had amounted to much.   I’m also quite confident that Mary wasn’t looking forward to an 80 mile donkey ride to Bethlehem.   Yet, throughout the first advent, God encouraged Mary and Joseph with visions and visitors.  These gifts from God gave them the heavenly perspective of what He was up to, which caused “Mary to treasure up all these things and ponder them in her heart (Lk 2”.) 

What is God up to in your life and in your church?  You can bet He’s up to something, but if you’re distracted by struggles or blessings you’ll miss it.  As was the case with the birth of Jesus, what God may be up to in your life could be simultaneously understated and profound.  So pray for the perspective to see it! 

Is it right to market our church?

Our church has been praying about a possible change in outreach focus.  Our first 8 years we've been focused on reaching out to the new and younger families moving into the newer part of town...a common strategy of churches in my lifetime.  Now, we're considering a new focus on the needs of people living in downtown Buckeye, a more needy, urban environment.

If we make this change it doesn't mean that we no longer care about the new people moving to town, it just means when we make our decisions about location, programing, priorities, staffing, marketing, worship service, etc. we make those decisions through a different lens.

When we started the church I hired a very capable young couple from CA who had gifts in admin, design, marketing, technology, contemporary Christian music, and children's education.  They were a perfect fit for our strategy!  Soon, after we hired a youth intern who was a high energy creative young man who was a natural programer.  Next we hired a high capacity professional musician, and added a dynamic family from CA to lead small groups.  Along with these hires we spent thousands on slick marketing, developed programing for the whole family, opened a professional office, and hired a receptionist.

The type of programing and hiring, plus our quick move out of downtown Buckeye (at the earliest possible moment), and the style of marketing and worship service all indicated our focus.  Even our mission and outreach projects we chose to do were the kind that suited young suburban families.  This focus accomplished our growth goal as we were one of the fastest growing churches in AZ during our first 2 1/2 years and most of our growth was young families.    

Did that mean we didn't want anyone who wasn't a young upwardly mobile family?  Absolutely not!  The diversity of age, social, and educational diversity of our church from the beginning has been remarkable.  There have been many who are older, or not new to town, or don't have young children, or don't have a college degree, or don't own their home who still found something about our church that attracted them in those first 2 1/2 years (and since.)

It comes down to unity.  When a church focuses in one direction it helps keep unity.  When everyone has a different opinion about programs, money priorities, who to hire, where to meet, how to market, what the worship service feels like, etc. it will split a church if there isn't a focus.  That's why it's important that before our church makes another move (which we need to do because of our current size,) we need to settle whether God is calling us to shift our focus from families moving to Buckeye to the needs of the working poor in downtown Buckeye.

We would still want new families to join with us.  However, we would be inviting these new families to join us not because of what we offer them and their kids, but because we welcome their help to redeem a group of people who are struggling and hurting and need Christ.  Honestly, it's not a great strategy to grow our church quickly, but the journey could result in the richest spiritual growth you've ever experienced.







 

50 Shades of Grey

There's a lot of media buzz about who is going to be the lead in the soon to be filmed "50 Shades of Grey."  I didn't read the book but heard enough to know it and the upcoming movie aren't worth my time and money and definitely not worth my endorsement.  

Where do you draw your line when deciding what entertainment you'll participate in?  Everyone draws a line at some point, so where is your line and why is it where it is?

One of the marks of our discipleship is the convictions we hold.  

These convictions aren't "because my pastor says so" or "our church doesn't believe in ____" or "it's the way I was brought up."  

Our convictions are rooted in our study of the Bible and the wisdom God gives us as we attempt to wed scripture with real life decisions.  

Additionally, our convictions are influenced by: 

2.  The well formed convictions of other believers whom we respect.  These are convictions that aren't legalistic.  They're sincere, faith-informed, self-imposed boundaries that aren't explicitly found in Scripture but are faithfully obeyed anyway.  These convictions aren't imposed on us but are caught by us because we hear from this person their biblical rationale and we respect the consistency and passion we see in this person.  This is the "iron sharpening iron" influence of mentors, parents, pastors, friends, etc. 

3.  The pain we experience or witness that is caused by others who don't live by Godly convictions.  We wisely decide we're not going to go anywhere near the possibility of causing pain by making those same decisions.  

4.  A third criteria for our convictions is our conscience.   Paul tells the church in Corinth that they should take into consideration their own conscience and the conscience of others whom they love when deciding how to live.  1 Corinthians 8-10

5.  A final factor in forming convictions is the reality that certain decisions we make could be morally OK but, Paul warns the Corinthians, at the same time if it will hurt someone you love...then it becomes immoral.

Although I wouldn't think that I'd have to say this, if you're a Christ follower and planning to see this movie my question is at what point would you draw your line if not here?  Everyone, even non-believers, draw a line somewhere.  Your line is whatever God is saying to you and a mark of your discipleship is that you will see in yourself a growing set of convictions about righteousness & justice.

  

Feeling Needed Part 3 of 3, "Serve at your Level"

What is your role within the church?  The Bible is clear that whether you feel needed or not, you're needed.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"  On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,  (1 Cor 12:21, 22)

So, if you are a new believer simply find a place of need that sounds interesting and not too intimidating and get involved.  God will begin to steer you into other responsibilities, but as the saying goes, "He can't steer a parked car."  For those who have been walking with Christ for years you've learned about your spiritual giftedness and whether you’re more of a support person or a leader or possibly a teacher.  So, here's your question...  Is your role commensurate with your abilities and maturity level?  Don't settle for an entry level job!

Whether you prefer to support or lead or are called to teach, God has an important job for you  at your level.  Some times your job will be fun and other times it will require frustration and sacrifice.  This is because serving is Spiritual Warfare and the Devil knows that your ministry builds the body and is a catalyst for your growth.  At the same time, remember that God has provided spiritual help when serving becomes difficult.    

1) A promise -  He won’t let you be tested beyond what you can bear (1Cor 10:13.)  

2) A provision - The rhythm of hard work and Sabbath rest is the key to long-term ministry impact.

Feeling Needed Part 2, "A Lesson from the Farm"

One of the things I love about the traditional old-fashioned farm family is that everyone in the family had a clear responsibility and thereby everyone contributed to the family.  Yes, the benefits of family were still to be had…this is not an either/or proposition.  However, a big responsibility was laid on the shoulders of everyone in the farm family and so everyone knew without a doubt that he/she was needed.  

Tammy and I have always been sensitive to helping our 4 boys feel a sense of responsibility to our family rather than what we see too often, kids who only expect from their family.  In other words we're fighting against the American epidemic of consumerism and entitlement.  In fact, these "american values" not only threaten the well-being of our children they're at the root of our struggle to disciple Christ-followers.

There seems to be a big hole in American families when it comes to any real sense of unity, team work, and kids feeling needed.  As a parent, what responsibilities, roles, and chores have you given to your children?  Are you making adjustments and adding responsibility as they grow older?  Children need to feel needed and they also need to learn all the lessons that accompany significant responsibilities (i.e. new skills, work ethic, character, cooperation, thankful attitude.)

  

Feeling Needed Part 1, "Why it's important"

After this past summer our church has lost roughly half our members for a variety of reasons.  It wasn’t fun, and it puts us in a financially fragile position.  However, I trust God that it’s part of His plan.  At least part of God's plan seems to be:    

1.     We’re more dependent on Him

2.     Members who were on the sideline before now feel needed

Of course all our members were needed before, but that doesn’t mean that they felt needed.  Some felt marginalized or not old enough or too old or not talented enough or not spiritual enough.  There's also a tendency for people in larger churches to feel that if they don't serve that they wouldn't be missed.

Along these lines, think about this.  These same feelings of marginalization are often felt by our children.  We need to help our children feel needed in the family.   Unfortunately, many children and youth don't see the potential value they could contribute to the family.  So, they grow up as consumers feeling entitled to the privileges of family without being expected to embrace any real responsibilities.  

How do we better help people in our church and family feel needed?

Start Crashing Into Things

John 10     ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 

<sup>It's been a long time since I played video games with my boys, but I remember playing Mario Karts with them and the fun it is to gain invincibility.  It's always way too short before it wears off, but while I have it I'm driving full speed crashing into everything!  

In so many places the Bible reassures us that if we have Christ...or another way to say it, if He has us...we're invincible.  Of course our body isn't, but our soul is safe because God promises us eternal life if we believe in Jesus.  The other part to this is that God doesn't just make a promise (and God can't lie- Titus 1:2.)  God backs up the promise, He is "greater than all."  This is important because there are times that we make promises and although you may be a person of incredible character you aren't all-powerful.  So, if you promise to pick up your kid after practice but you get in an accident along the way you end up failing to fulfill your promise.  God is a God of unimpeachable character and infinite power.  He'll never say, "well I fully intended to fulfill my promise but something came up that I just couldn't control."

If you have Christ in you, your sins are forgiven and you will live eternally after this life ends.  You're invincible!  So, step on the gas and start crashing into things...live a life that embraces faith - risks!</sup>

We're adopted AND we're wanted!

I've been recently preaching about our Identity in Christ..."we're adopted by Him!"  Now I realize I'm going to need to qualify this description by adding..."and we're wanted by him."

I discovered some disturbing facts about a child trafficking problem in America - it's called "re-homing."  Internationally adopted kids who are no longer wanted are shopped online to anyone who will take them without any screening and it's legal if there's no money involved.  Of course you can guess the type of people who are trolling for kids on these web sites.

http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/08/20389259-inside-americas-underground-network-for-adopted-children?lite

Here's an except - 

When she arrived in the United States, Quita says, she thought she was “coming to a nicer place, a safer place. It didn’t turn out that way,” she says today. “It turned into a nightmare.”

The teenager had been tossed into America’s underground market for adopted children, a loose Internet network where desperate parents seek new homes for kids they regret adopting. Like Quita, now 21, these discarded children are often the casualties of international adoptions gone sour.

Through Yahoo and Facebook groups, parents and others advertise unwanted children and then pass them to strangers with little or no government scrutiny, sometimes illegally, a Reuters investigation has found.

It is a largely lawless marketplace where the needs of parents are often put ahead of the welfare of the orphans they brought to America. One government official alerted child protection workers across the United States that the practice is “placing children in grave danger.” Even so, no laws specifically address it, and no government agency monitors the bulletin boards.

The practice is called “private re-homing,” a term typically used by owners seeking new homes for their pets. Based on solicitations posted on one of eight similar online bulletin boards, the parallels are striking.

Is Fantasy Football Killing Your Marriage?

At our Fantasy Football Draft I reminded the guys that every time we take on a new hobby, diversion, commitment, etc. something else has to give.  I see people all the time who sign themselves or their kids up for one more activity without giving any thought as to what other priority they will cut back on to create the space to add something to their life.  Oftentimes these new activities are "fun" or "valuable" so we are quick to add it because we want it or need it.

But when we add a new "fun" or "valuable"priority without having the space to add one more thing, what we thought was good turns out to be bad for us or our family.  For instance, when men make college and NFL football a big priority or they play Fantasy Football, something else loses out and oftentimes that "something else" ends up being their marriage.  

One way to prioritize your marriage men, is to buy and read the book called:  For Men Only Revised and Updated Edition: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women, by Shaunti Feldhahn, Jeff Feldhahn.  This book will help you be a better husband which hopefully will counteract the temptation to be a worse husband for the next 4 months.  I'm giving this book to all the guys in my fantasy football league as part of their buy-in.  It's an easy read and will be an eye-opener as to what our wives need from us!