Is being the "Next Tiger" a compliment?

It's been a while since I was compelled to watch more than 30 minutes of a PGA event.  Yesterday I was glued to the TV watching the leaders play the final 8 holes of the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy has suddenly emerged as a fantastically talented, up and coming "next Tiger Woods."  Of course everyone says this regarding the parallels they see in age and level of his displayed talent/success on the golf course.  But is Rory the next Tiger in another way?  The reason there is room for a "next" to ascend to "worlds greatest golfer"is that by most accounts Tiger's days of dominance are over.

Many see a correlation between his demise and the sudden dismantling of his marriage to Elin Nordegren.  What if Tiger had never been married?  Would he be fine today?  Maybe it's not really his bad back that has sidetracked his career, but his unfortunate marriage?  Did Rory figure this out before it was too late?

A popular refrain following McIlroy's impressive victory yesterday is that he's giving credit to his newfound freedom from his fiancé as the cause of his ascendancy.  It's not her fault, and of course he's a winner so it's not his fault.  It must be marriage.  Rory successfully escaped in the nick of time.  Now, according to Rory, all he has to worry about each day is going to the gym and playing golf (and cashing his 1-2 million dollar checks and $10 mil Nike endorsement deals)...a recurring fantasy of millions of men.

The truth is that Rory is right.  To attain super-ultimate, world class, elite ability at golf (or anything) you have to make big sacrifices.  Rory sacrificed a potential life-long companion and lover with whom he could have raised children and experienced the blessings of a family.  Of course many will argue that he can still do that later or that maybe he didn't really love her, arguments to which I don't argue.  But that isn't what he's saying.  Rory is, like many people, speaking of the benefits of non-marriage.  He's saying it's better to be free from the expectations and needs of a wife than to jeopardize your potential.

The Apostle Paul actually backs Rory on his rationale.  1 Corinthians 7:32-35 says,

         I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about 
         the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned 
         about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are 
         divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her 
         aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is 
         concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am 
         saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right
         way in undivided devotion to the Lord. 

Rory's problem is the object of devotion enabled by his freedom.  The practical problem that Paul points out in the context is that most people can't bear to be celibate for the sake of serving God whole-heartedly. So, Paul says go ahead and marry so that you can have an active sex life.

Now, would God endorse celibacy for the sake of unfettered focus toward earning the title of world's number one golfer?  Of course you're laughing at me now because you thought I was talking about marriage.  What does celibacy have to do with being single and what does monogamy have to do with marriage?  Rory's only giving up marriage.   He doesn't need to worry about committing himself to just one person for life.  At least that's what the next Tiger would believe.

So, today Rory can say that yesterday he beat arguably the next best golfer in the tournament field, Phil Mickelson by one stroke pointing to the edge he had as a result of his freedom versus Phil's unfortunate encumbrances.  He can say that in more ways than one he is the next Tiger.

Yesterday Rory's check was for $1.8 mil and Phil's was a mere $1.08 mil.  What a shame that Phil doesn't have Rory's edge and thereby lost out by a stroke.  Is Phil the devoted family man he appears to be?  We can't know for sure but at least his actions and his speech honor his wife, his kids and they honor God's institution of permanent, monogamous marriage.

Is Bigger Better?

The English Standard Version of the Bible translates Revelation 6:14,  “The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up…”  The word translated “vanished” literally means “an extreme splitting apart,” which makes you realize that those who will witness this end-times event will certainly see something quite terrible and spectacular!

This Greek word, apochorizo, is used only one other place in the New Testament…in Acts 15:39.  That’s right, it’s the word used to describe the splitting up of Paul and Barnabas.  There was no subtlety or thoughtful suggestion that, “we should just agree to disagree.”  This was a complete splitting apart of two friends and ministry partners who had spent countless hours and numerous bonding experiences together.  In short order they “vanished” from each other’s sight and consciousness!

In hindsight we all know God’s purpose for this fissure was to multiply these two capable co-leaders into two powerful mission teams.  Yet, I have to wonder how many of us would have argued with them…”but you could be so much more effective if you would pool abilities and work together as a team of four, instead of two teams of two!”  In today’s world of mergers, mega shopping centers, and “too big to fail” institutions we’ve become conditioned that bigger means more resources, which certainly is best for everyone.

Are bigger churches better for everyone?  The truth is that bigger is better…for some.  Speaking universally bigger isn’t better and smaller isn’t better.  Bigger is different from smaller, and you could say that, “bigger is separated from smaller.”   In the beginning God created light and separated it from darkness.  He also separated waters above from those below, and land from water.  God separated all of the species and people from the animals, and men from women, as well as married couples were to separate from their families of origin.  Why?

Simply speaking, God separates to distinguish purposes.  You are unique/separated from every other person in this world.  This suggests purpose regardless of how significant or insignificant you believe your abilities to be.  The same can be said for every church that is led by Godly leadership and every church planter who has been called by God.  When Christians understand this it leads to a "team" attitude rather than one of competition.  We're all on the same team trying to win people to Christ and to teach them to follow Him.  Each person and each church regardless of size has a purpose to fulfill as a part of the "making disciples" team.    

One year since we changed

Next month will be one year since our church began making a dramatic shift in our strategy.  

We continue to have a vision to be a large and growing church that is impacting our community and the world and we look forward to multiplying ourselves some day.  However, the strategy to grow the church has shifted to an organic approach.  We're now what you might call a "simple church."  

I daily fight my instincts that keep pushing me to do more to grow the church...more marketing, more events, new programs, pushing members to forego other responsibilities because of the urgency to grow the church.  

Currently, our church exists month to month only by the grace of God.  For the first time in my "career" as a minister I don't have resources to work with.  No office, no full time paid support staff, no associate pastors or paid directors to help me, no vehicles, no money in savings, barely any budget to work with, I'm working a second job and my wife went back to work so our family can continue to serve the church.  

Early on we embraced the "start big" strategy by hiring a full ministry staff, offering many programs, and doing everything with a high level of quality and professionalism.  It worked and we grew quickly.  I knew that people in suburban America have high expectations for what church should offer and we didn't shrink from those expectations.  Of course a new church can't afford all these expenses so we raised a lot of capital for our "start big" strategy.  

But what happens when you no longer can afford a complex structure and large budget?  What happens when you can't meet the "needs" of young professional suburban families anymore?  You either have to quit or you have to change. 

That means, no longer do I try to "sell" people on all our church has to offer.  In essence I tell them, "don't expect much." Of course these sentiments run contrary to my theology because I always expect much from God's Spirit and I guess that's the point.  The Spirit of God isn't limited or helped by the external offerings of our church.  Our size, our programs, the limitations of its pastor have nothing to do with the potential for impact and growth. The point is to be faithful stewards of whatever resources and people we have at any given point. 

People and money come and go but God and His mission for His church are constants.  So, nearly a year ago I stood up before our church and announced that our strategy had in affect created a facade that while effective initially, was not affordable.  Our new strategy would have to be something simple and sustainable and that required more than ever a faith and dependency on God to work through us in spite of our efforts.  It would have to rely on volunteers and a simple structure not on comprehensive programing, mass marketing, and paid staff. 

So, God willing we're making a go of it...acting as a simple church that loves people, shares the Gospel, worships together each week, cares for our members, strengthens homes and builds houses in Mexico.  We've become a small church that maintains the original mission to make disciples and the same vision to grow and multiply.  Yet our approach is different...it's simple.  

I couldn't tell you what a "simple church" is supposed to look like in the end, only that it is our only alternative to quitting what God has called us to do.  Knowing that, I have a peace that He is leading and will accomplish His will through us whatever that looks like.

Leaders Define Success

Those of you who are leaders understand that one role you play is to define the "wins" for your team.  In business those wins are often easy to see when you can simply look at the financial bottom line, growth of your market share, and the results of customer service surveys.  But what about winning at church?

MVCC is not focused on increasing our market share since that would mean another church has lost people...which is not a net gain for God's Kingdom.  Finances are important to sustaining and growing ministries but money is nothing more than a tool and not the goal.  When it comes to our "customers," their satisfaction isn't a goal we can set because sometimes the Gospel offends those who don't know and follow Christ.

A church is successful when:

* we faithfully share the Gospel and love others even knowing there may be no return on our investment.

* we create an environment that encourages spiritual growth in our members and emphasizes the Bible as our authority for all of life's decisions.  

* we provide opportunities for members take real steps of faith and spiritual growth through baptism, mission trips, sharing their faith, studying the Bible, and sharing their money and time with the church.

* new leaders are being raised up and accepting "pastoral" responsibilities.  

* we work to restore people who have been caught by sin and we have honest discussions that point out sinful choices, knowing we risk ticking people off.  

* members care for one another, pray for each other, and bear each others burdens, especially caring for the vulnerable among us.  

* the more mature are willing to love and be patient and teach the less mature.  

* we see diversity of membership because of a willingness to love and accept all people right where they're at spiritually.

* there are biblically qualified/godly leaders who are respected by the church for their position and their willingness to be servant-leaders.

* There is joy and a unity of spirit among the church body as it worships, serves, and prays and grows together.

Do you do "dad days" with your son?

A number of years ago I took my son Jacob to watch the Mariners do their pre-preseason workouts and was impressed at how close we could get to these pro athletes and that it was free.  On Tuesday I took the morning off of work and repeated the father-son experience with my son Caleb (told him he's doing great in school and could afford a day off.)  This is part of my commitment to do a one-on-one "dad day" about every 1-2 months with each of my 4 boys.  My wife also "dates" the boys for her special time with each of them.

Of course now that the Diamondbacks do their spring training in the valley we went to the new Salt River Fields and watched our favorite team workout, up close and personal.  There was plenty of time to hang out and talk to each other during the morning and we even found a place to play some catch while we waited for the players to emerge from the clubhouse.  Caleb got a couple balls a few autographs and the icing on the cake was seeing himself on our local ABC newscast.

http://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/dbacks-prepare-for-first-spring-training-game-of-2014

It was a good day that he and I will always remember.  So, dads, if your son is doing well in school and is a big baseball fan, here is a great idea for some quality time together next season...put it on your calendar now!

I watched a contentious debate on gay rights

What If I were asked by a gay couple to officiate their wedding ceremony?  I am unwavering in my belief that the Bible teaches marriage as being between a man and a woman and that children are best served being raised in a home with a loving mom and dad.  Two same-gender parents undermine the chances that the home will be a healthy and balanced environment for raising children (one factor among many that weaken families.)  Still, I understand that I have no right to determine whether such a couple engage in an intimate relationship.  However, I do have the right to say that I won't be the one to establish their union and that I don't support their right to raise children.  At least I have that right for now.

Wednesday and Thursday this week I watched in person as the AZ State Senate and then the House, debated SB 1062, a bill that would allow for people in AZ to refuse service to people who are identified as LGBT.  At issue is the bill's intent to allow for people such as Christians who object to certain behaviors, as a conviction of their faith, to not be forced to go against their convictions by doing business with LGBT people.  From the opposing perspective at issue is a bill that provides legal justification for discrimination against people who are LGBT and who would like to receive civil rights recognition.

As you can imagine this was a contentious debate, but in the end there was more support for the bill in both houses of government and so it will become law if signed by our governor.  What this case illustrates is a tension our country has been struggling with for some time.  Who will have the upper hand between gay rights and religious rights?  You may be wondering why does there have to be a winner and a loser?  As you study the issues here, moving beyond the rhetoric and sound bytes, you'll see that anytime either side of this debate makes a legal gain, the other side automatically loses some of its rights.  In other words, there is no middle ground, which I know makes this very uncomfortable for some people. 

So, if you are on the side of wanting to preserve the religious rights of our citizens but not wanting to appear discriminatory let me suggest something.  If you lived in a number of other states right now you would be forced legally to endorse the gay lifestyle and gay marriage under penalty of legal recourse.  So, doing business with people whose decisions go against your religious convictions would be expected.  Yet, in Arizona you are not expected to cater to LGBT people if you disagree with their sexual choices. 

My question is, with the privilege that is ours by having a majority of legislators who agree with us what will we do?  How will you act as a result of your winning position on this matter?  You have the option to parade your victory and even use your "right" to harm others. Or you can remember that Jesus faced the same challenge of living righteously in a sinful world. 

Our command to love our brother along with Christ's "friend of sinners" reputation, reminds us that we can't be cavalier.  We must prayerfully consider setting aside at times, our "right" to refuse to do business with LGBT people.  Having the right to do something and then choosing to voluntarily set aside that right (as long as it doesn't violate clear biblical teaching), is exactly what Jesus did.  He associated with Gentiles, tax collectors, and "sinners" even eating with them demonstrating an important element of our mission on this planet and an essential characteristic of a disciple of Jesus.

Was there any doubt that Jesus associated (did business) with "sinners"...no doubt that he did.  Did Jesus ever leave any doubt in people's mind as to wether he would personally enter into their sinful choices...no doubt that he wouldn't.  God is going to call you to love gay couples if He hasn't already and I know it's not an easy road.  Would Jesus perform a marriage ceremony for 2 gay people, I expect he would graciously decline.  Would Jesus attend the wedding and bring a gift and would he bake a cake or take pictures...although it was His right to dissociate with such people, He might.

Worshiping God at Little League

God has chosen to bless Tammy and me with 4 kids who possess a variety of gifts and abilities.  One ability is athletics.  As Little League begins this week an important question I have is, can we worship God in some real way as we trek multiple times a week for the next few months to the Little League Fields?

I’m aware that for many families, youth sports and worship do go together.  However, it’s a worship of sports and family.  Don’t get me wrong, sports are important and help keep my kids active instead of in front of video games.  Of course family is also a high priority for me, but neither one is to be worshiped.

The problem is that often God isn’t in the equation or he’s added in like the minimum play rule.  

"Don’t forget to get God into the game for at

least 2 innings! Oh darn and it’s such a close

game.  Do I have to?"

When it comes to worshiping God, the OT couldn’t be more clear that God doesn’t accept left-overs or even less than the best from us.  God alone reserves the right of our true worship.  So, is it possible to participate in sports at this level and beyond, and still worship the creator rather than the created?