::truth::

This week I am going to invite a “guest pastor” to share some powerful thoughts on battling a judgmental spirit by looking for evidences of grace. C.J. Mahany is a true gift to the body of Christ and encourages my soul every time I hear him. I would encourage you to read and/or listen to everything you can get your hands on by C.J.  Enjoy…

Most people are more aware of the absence of God than the presence of God. Most people are more aware of the presence of sin than evidences of grace. What a privilege and joy it is in pastoral ministry and small-group ministry to turn one’s attention to ways in which God is at work, because so often people are unaware of God’s work. And much of God’s work in our lives is quiet; it’s not “spectacular.” It’s rarely obvious to the individual, and normally it’s incremental and takes place over a lengthy period of time.

So, informed by Paul’s leadership I want to interact with everybody by identifying an evidence of grace, because if they are Christian I know God is at work in their lives. What a joy it is to discern where and how God is at work, draw people’s attention to it, and celebrate God’s grace in their lives! The fact that we get to do this-how cool is this?

And I also know this is critical preparation for any correction that genuinely needs to take place in their lives. Because identifying God’s work in their lives gives them faith for the correction they might be in need of, and they can consider that correction without collapsing under that correction being unaware that God is at work in their life.

See, Paul’s correction of the Corinthian church is effective because he has faith for this church. When we correct people, they can tell whether we have affection for them and faith for them. I sadly know what it’s like to correct somebody where I neither had affection for nor faith for-as if the correction alone was sufficient and most important. That is not true. This is not an expression of the character of God and that is not biblical leadership.

I would encourage all of us to restrain ourselves from correcting someone until we have developed, to some degree, affection for them and faith for them.

So how do we identify evidences of grace?

Here is the “starter’s kit” I recommend for recognizing evidences of grace. (It’s a “starter’s kit” but you will never outgrow or exhaust it.) Just take two categories, the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. Work from those two categories and lists, study those lists in the Bible, look up from studying those lists, and look at Christians around you. You will see God at work everywhere you look.

God is working. God is very busy. God, give us the eyes to see how you are at work so we can identify that, draw people’s attention to it, celebrate it, and assign all glory to God for that work!

-C.J. Mahaney, addressing the small-group leaders of KingsWay Community Church in Midlothian, VA (January 27, 2008).

::prayer::

Maxine K: Please pray for John the week as he will be attending an economic conference in Atlanta.  He leaves Monday and will return Saturday.

Nancy W: Thanks be to God for giving Stephen a great time at camp and for a deep spiritual experience!  Please pray for wisdom as we guide our children through many difficult circumstances.

Pray for Lindsey as she travels home this week – arriving Friday, June 25^th.

Lou C: Pray for Linn and Angela as we travel to our son Andrew’s wedding. Pray for safe travel, peace of mind, and spiritual refreshment. Pray also for Linn’s sister, Gavin, who is preparing to go back to Saudi Arabia where her husband works.

::community::

New Classes Coming Sundays in July – 9:15 AM!

“Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets”

Candy Hilton leads this multigenerational class as we survey the prophets from Hosea to Malachi. Does God really tell his prophet to marry a prostitute? Do prophets really hear the call of God and run in the opposite direction? Does God “romantically” win the hearts of his wandering people?  One thing is for sure, you will hear the heart of God in all his tenacity and tenderness!  For High School students through adults.

“Love that Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace”

Pastor Tom will lead this class geared for all who are married and those who one day may be. In eight sessions we will apply what the Bible says about communication, conflict, romance, and intimacy. Based on the book by Gary and Betty Ricucci. For High School students through adults.

With great classes for the kids as well, this is a great time to connect (or re-connect) at Family Bible Hour!

Womens Bible Study: This summer we encourage you to participate in a 6 week study by Kelly Minter on the book of Ruth “hosted” by Beth Moore on the Living Proof Ministries website.  We will watch a video online every two weeks.  Participants are then encouraged comment on her blog as we learn together. Books can be purchased at Lifeway for $12.95.

::mission::

NEW DATE! Matthew’s Hope Homeless Dinner: On Tuesday, July 6^th, we will be having dinner with the homeless at Matthew’s Hope, 4:30 – 6:00 PM. Sign up for what you can bring this Sunday.

YMCA Family Fun Night: A great night of free food and fun for families in our community! Saturday, July 10, from 5-7 PM at the Roper YMCA Family Center.  The Fun and Games will include a Hotdogs and popcorn, Wii Bowling Tournament, Bean Bag Toss, Three Legged Race, and group games for the whole family. This is a great opportunity for our church to serve the community and build relationships. We’ll need volunteers so send me your t-shirt size when you respond! Invite friends!

Colossians 1:15-20
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

I was praying through this passage this morning, having entered prayer feeling particularly disconnected and dishoveled. So many needs, so many concerns, it was hard to know where to begin. Then this passage broke over me like the dawn. In the midst of reminders of my humanity, frailty, and finitude the glory and supremacy of Christ has a way of clearing the clouds and reorienting me to “the big picture”. It’s all about Jesus – his supremacy, his preeminence, his glory.

There is a lot here, but just a couple of notes:

“in him all things hold together.” This is true on an atomic as well as galactic level. Jesus holds planets and planeria, stars and starfish together. But also, something really amazing, he holds me together! When I feel like my world is coming apart and I am unraveling, Jesus is the one who holds me together. And sometimes he simply holds me. So I pray, “Jesus, in the midst of times of chaos and confusion, hold me together! Hold onto me – don’t let me go! You promised you would, and so I rest in that promise!”

“…that in everything he might be preeminent.” The bottom line to all life’s pursuits is the supremacy of Christ. The fuel for all that we do is the supremacy of Christ. The end toward which all our prayers are ultimately directed is the supremacy of Christ. And if this is end to which the Lord is directing all of human and cosmic history – what confidence does this give my prayers! And so I pray, “Jesus, be preeiment in my work, get all the glory in your church, be supreme in my marriage, captivate my children with your glory, open the eyes of my lost friends to your supremacy! Lord, let nothing thwart this awesome goal in my life and in the lives of those around me!”

I would highly commend praying though this passage yourself. And when you do, remember to pray for me…

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom

“In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” serving as both a preservative and a lighthouse to the world. But consider this: salt and light have no effect without first making contact with something.”

Excellent blog from JP:  Lewis and Edwards on the Layers of Self-Admiration :: Desiring God.

Being a missional Christian is simply following the way of Jesus, who was the greatest missionary. The Bible tells us that he came from heaven to earth to die for a lost and dying world. The following scriptures reveal how the mission of God was fulfilled through Jesus Christ and how we are called to continue and complete the Missio Dei in our culture:

• Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34)
• “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 5:30)
• “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38)
• “I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” (John 7:29)
• “And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” (John 8:29)
• “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
• And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.” (John 12:44-45)
• “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.” (John 12:49)
• “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13:20)
• “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
• “For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” (John 17:8)
• “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)
• Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

A few weeks back I wrote about connecting with suburbanites during the summer. I mentioned participating in cultural events, being servants through things like coaching sports, and having hospitable events like cookouts.  With 5 full weeks left we still have a lot of great opportunities to connect. I’ve noticed in my life and in the life of my family that 5 tools have stood out this summer as helpful for connecting with our neighbors. Here they are for you. I hope you’ll add to the list.

1. Invite Cards — My church, Doxa Fellowship, just recently had some branding work done and immediately had some invite cards created. If your church doesn’t have them, I highly recommend getting some done. They are simple, attractive business cards with key church info.  On ours we have the church name, website and email on the front and our Sunday location and time, including a map, on the back.

I have invite cards in my wallet, backpack, both cars, camera case, etc. I don’t drop them under windshield wipers or “accidentally” leave them lying around. The last thing people need is to feel like your church is the same as the going-out-of-business furniture store. I use them relationally. They give a better connection to our church when meeting someone or having a conversation.

I think after a shipping snafu we ended up paying $25 for 1,000 cards. You can get them plenty cheap, and they are of great value.  I pass them out all the time. I keep them in front of my face as an encouragement to use them. I have a stack by where I set my wallet and keys. I put 3 on the table at the café when I sit down to read or work and see if I can give them out before I leave. It’s a great tool.

2. Tennis Ball — I have two sports-oriented kids who will watch girls softball if nothing else is on. One thing we have learned to do is always keep a tennis ball in the car, in our swimming pool bag, in Elijah’s bat bag, etc. When we are at the pool and they force that 15 minute break, we grab the ball and play “hot box” in the grass. Hot box is where you have two bases, a guy catching at each base, and everyone else is a baserunner trying to advance but not get an out. And guess what. Kids see us playing and want to join in every time we play.

A few days ago we had about ten kids playing hot box at the pool. Just last night we were on the Woodstock Square for a band concert. We took the tennis ball and started up a game of hot box well off to the side. Sure enough others joined in. We’ve connected with parents and kids by just having fun with my kids and inviting others to join in.

A tennis ball is nice because it’s heavy enough to throw hard and soft enough to not damage someone. But if you aren’t baseball oriented try a good nerf football (you need to be able to really throw it or it’s worthless), a frisbee, hacky sack, bag toss (sorry, I won’t call it “c*orn hole). You have nerdy kids? Cool. Embrace it. Bring extra magnifying glasses and invite kids to burn ants. Or if nothing else works, just play a game of tag.

3. Extra ______ — It’s happened to you. You are at the pool or the park and someone didn’t bring something they needed. Maybe it’s a water bottle. Maybe it’s bug spray or sunscreen. I was golfing several weeks ago and someone needed a Tums. I had one. When you go somewhere, bring extra consumables and be aware of folks around you who might be suffering from forgetting something or a lack of planning. Be over-prepared and generous.

It doesn’t need to just be consumables. Early in the Little League season it was cold and we would have plenty of blankets in the van for our family and for others if needed. Bring an extra umbrella if it might rain. It’s snowing? Bring an extra sled.

The key here is to think of others when planning for your events and outings. Whatever you need for yourself, just add more. We leave bug spray, sunscreen, umbrellas, sweatshirts, wet wipes, lawn chairs, and water bottles in the car pretty much at all times.

4. Camera — I can’t tell you how many times I have my camera with me and see someone trying to get a “family picture” with one member of the family holding the disposable camera. I let them get their shot and then tell them I’m happy to get a photo with my camera and email it to them. They love it. Most often I just tell them I’ll take the photo and they can see and download it on Flickr. I carry Moo mini cards with my name, email address and Flickr address on it.

I also like to grab photos of other people and/or their kids in the park, playing baseball, etc, and then give them a Moo card. In the last few weeks Elijah (8) played on the 7-8 year old all-star team. I took a handful of photos, put them on Flickr, and gave a Moo card to every parent and coach. Same with the 9 year old team. Same with Danny’s (6) bittie ball team. The commissioner of the entire Woodstock Little League organization has been grabbing my photos for next year’s book because of it. Lots of great connections. A few weeks ago a woman in Woodstock was getting a photo of her kids by a piece of local art and I told her to pose with her kids and I’d email her the photo.

If you have a decent camera, it can be a great tool for making connections with your neighbors.

5. Courage — How often do you kick yourself for not striking up a conversation? Or are you so bad at it that you just gave up and don’t even feel bad about it anymore? We need a renewed courage to strike up conversations along the way.

I’m an introvert. Everyone in my church thinks I’m an extrovert because I’ve forced myself to learn to strike up conversations when in public, though I’m still learning how.

Having invite cards, tennis balls, a can of Cutter and a Nikon won’t get you anywhere without a little courage to gently push into the lives of others with an opportunity to serve them. Too often people won’t ask for help. They will swat the mosquitoes rather than asking if you might have spray. Often the kids will stand on the sideline and watch us play catch rather than ask to join in.

Once you are prepared with a few “connection tools” you have to be looking and longing to be involved in the lives of others. You have to find opportunities, and open your mouth. “Want to play with us?” “You know, that picture of your wife would look better with you in it. How about if I get a picture for you?” “Skittles?” Once you have a way to connect, go ahead, connect!

Let me know some tools you have found helpful for connecting with your neighbors.

Check out “Sabbatical Journal“

“Forgiven souls are humble. They cannot forget that they owe all they have and hope for to free grace, and this keeps them lowly. They are brands plucked from the fire – debtors who could not pay for themselves – captives who must have remained in prison for ever, but for underserved mercy – wandering sheep who were ready to perish when the Shepherd found them; and what right then have they to be proud? I do not deny that they are proud saints. But this I do say – they are of all God’s creatures the most inconsistent, and of all God’s children the most likely to stumble and pierce themselves with many sorrows.”

- J.C. Ryle

The July/August issue of Outreach Magazine features my article on small churches. Yep, small churches – I love ‘em! Especially when they are thriving on gospel and mission.

As a speaker at a number of conferences each year, I continue to see pastors and leaders going from one workshop to another searching for “THE” answer. They show up and hear amazing stories about implausibly happy people who willingly follow a new vision for their lives and their church.
They have heard all the strategies and promises, but for many small-church leaders, the conferences, led by rock star celebrity pastors, are like “ministry pornography”– an unrealistic depiction of an experience they’ll never have that distracts them from the real and wonderful thing. In other words, the lust of the megachurch distracts them from the mission of their church. (I’m not anti-big church–I preach at a megachurch every week– but I am also pro-small church.)

The reality is that smaller churches can thrive, too. More than 65 percent of the churches that participated in the research survey for Comeback Churches (B&H)–the book I co-wrote with Mike Dodson– had under 200 regular attendees. Smaller churches are not always unhealthy churches; it depends largely on their mindset. In our research, we found that the small churches which experienced revitalization often did so around prayer and outreach.

Passionate, Persistent Prayer
Small churches need to stop looking at megachurches and their pastors as role models. They can learn from them, but they must not copy them. In a world that devalues the small, listening to God in prayer and stepping out in obedience are much more important than the latest magic bullet that often misfires in smaller churches.

That attitudinal change can and does happen through intentional prayer for renewal. As we looked a little deeper at survey results, it was interesting to note that the comeback leaders of smaller churches highlighted the need for prayer even more than those at larger churches. When asked, “To what degree did the following [areas] change during your church’s comeback?” leaders of the churches under 200 rated prayer as the area most changed.

Smaller comeback churches are often praying churches. Comeback leaders of smaller churches believed even more strongly that real, intentional, strategic prayer made a significant difference in their revitalization process. God can change attitudes in your church through passionate, persistent prayer for renewal.

An Outward Focus
Small churches are not exempt from the call to reach people because they are small. Too many churches of all sizes spend too much time moaning about what they don’t have that other churches do have or about what they can’t do that other churches are doing. No, you may not be able to do everything that other churches are doing. But that doesn’t mean your church can’t do something of purpose.

If smaller churches are going to thrive, they must focus their attention on reaching the lost in their communities. Again, delving deeper into our survey results reveals another important point. When asked the same question above, the leaders of churches under 200 rated evangelism as the second area that changed the most during the comeback.

Where From Here?
Prayer and outreach are not exactly revolutionary ideas, but they do change our focus. When small-church leaders have set their hearts on being like the large church, often the results are not positive. However, when they set their attention on God through prayer and on their community through outreach, the right focus produces small churches on God’s mission in their context. And that’s worth celebrating.