JOSHALLENBLOG

Now I Know.

In huddle meeting yesterday, I read Ephesians 4:1-3 and asked what those verses would look like- if they described us.  A band member spoke up, and admitted there were occasionally songs we played that weren't his preference- but that he wanted to be humble, all for whatever is best for the church- not himself- and that if he listened to that song over and over, he'd find something that he liked about the song, and connect to it.

I respect that.  I appreciate that.

Now I know what that guy is about.

Last week, Pastor Jason and I were talking out our musical style- in the conversation, he was actually giving me more freedom, since he said he's seen my love for our people grow.  "Now I know you love my people," he said.  More trust followed.  More freedom followed.

I have conversations with people some times, where they will critique things- what I hear behind their words is them trying to establish themselves as worth a seat at the table, so to speak- if their input has value, then they would, too.

That's human nature.

There are times, of course, to be assertive.

However, don't miss this- 

I've had to learn the hard way so many times...

God resists the proud, and exalts the humble.

Serve.

Love.

Trust.

You're given a stronger voice when your humility and willingness to serve leads the way.

Now they know.

Please Comment- Tell Me What You Think.

This post is from James MacDonald's blog and may be found here.  This actually explains an internal wrestling I've had over the last year.  I'll withhold my opinion for now- I'd like to have discussion- what are your thoughts?

The Most Destructive Error in the Church

 

Soteriology is a word that comes from the Greek word soterios, which means “to save.”Doxology comes from the Greek word for glory and names the single stanza hymn. While many have heard the Westminster Confession that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever,” fewer have understood that doxology is the highest purpose for church. Doxological is a good descriptor for the mission of God’s glory. Placing evangelistic mission above the mission of God’s glory is the single most destructive error in the church today and the one from which many other errors fall out. God’s own glory as the priority for your church and every church needs no reflection on our part, only obedience. Glory is not a threat to reaching lost people but is actually the most biblical and God-honoring way to get there:

• Yes, God is passionate to see the elect brought into the church.
• Yes, God honors the efforts of those committed to scattering the seed.
• Yes, God calls us to let down the net for a catch as fishers of men.
• Yes, God is “not wishing that any should perish.” (2 Peter 3:9)
• Yes, God “desires all people to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3–4)
• Yes, “whosoever shall call,” and “God so loved the world,” and “we are ambassadors for Christ.” (Romans 10:13 KJV; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:20)

 

The statements above are biblical fuel on the fire of evangelism, but the Scripture also puts parameters on how far that zeal can go. “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word” (2 Corinthians 2:17). When soteriology becomes a higher priority than doxology, much is done “to reach people” that grieves the Holy Spirit and forfeits manifest presence. Like a man paddling across the Atlantic with a hole in his boat, God’s glory can be briefly neglected, but if not soon corrected, we will find ourselves in a place where the only choice is to sink. Neglect of glory is not a small oversight but the hinge on which God’s glorious favor swings in or out in any church. The error of failing to make the glory of God your highest priority is very difficult to address in a horizontal church because they believe their mission is “winning the lost, end of story!” If that horizontal mission results in numerically successful outcomes, the methods will be considered “above reproach” ipso facto, and that is the great disaster. Even where churches have doxology in their mission statements, it is too often assumed. Those resistant to what I write might reply, “Of course God is glorified in our efforts to reach people for Him, why would He not be?” Possible answers:

• Because preachers are not carnival barkers, and Jesus is not a midway prize. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
• Because some methods use content that offends God’s holiness—ask King Saul if sincerity is an adequate reason to disregard God’s holy reputation. (1 Samuel 15:22)
• Because some methods reveal the wisdom of humans and not the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4–5)
• Because some methods provoke people to praise the strategy, not the God who saves. (Jonah 2:9; Acts 13:48)
• Because Ichabod can become a reality just when everything looks to be going great!

How did the church get this way? I don’t know the whole history, but I do remember the impact of a book that came out in 1980 titled The Complete Book of Church Growth by Elmer Towns, John Vaughan, and David Seifert. It lists the top 200 churches in North America by attendance. Interestingly, in 1980, the largest two churches had about 5,000 attendees. By the time they got down to the 200th church, they had gone under 2,000 in attendance. As of 2011, there were 1,200+ churches in America with attendance over 2,000; more than 100 churches that have attendance over 5,000; and more than 2533 with attendance over 10,000. But wait! It’s a trick, because during that same time the population has grown by more than 40 percent and the total number of people actually attending church has fallen by greater than 15 percent. Bottom line: in real numbers, millions of people who were worshipping Christ in a Protestant church in 1980 are not doing so today. So who are we kidding? Horizontal, soteriologically driven church is not growing the body of Christ as a whole. Even if you are seeing a “win” on your side of town, we are a “loss” collectively. Do you care? Regardless of size, every Bible-believing, gospel-saturated church, and those that want to get there, matter to God. Just because a few churches in big cities are flooding with people does not mean that those methods are helpful to the church as a whole. What if Satan allowed a few churches to burst at the seams, knowing that selfish shepherds everywhere would mimic those horizontal methods and plunge churches from coast to coast into a vortex of decline?

Sadly, many who read this believe that pursuit of the glory of God is an abandonment of evangelistic impact, when in fact the opposite is true. Check back Friday for some evidence. :)

A Tale of Two Concerns

If you get two people in the same room, eventually they'll disagree about something.  We're all different- it can be a beautiful thing.  

I wanted to share two examples of "disagreements" in the last week, and how they were handled differently- along with their outcomes.  (I am NOT taking shots in this, I wouldn't do that.  Just trying to help people see healthy ways of dealing with conflict).

Tale 1:

Tuesday, I read the connection cards from the weekend- (Cheryl processes them on Mondays) and see prayer requests, communication- 99% good things.

Then, there are occasionally critical ones- almost always unsigned.

Nothing like an anonymous "you stink" to brighten my Tuesday morning.   It's ok, though.  :)

Outcome?  Nothing.  Tough to process with someone when you don't know who they are.

Tale 2:

One of our most faithful, consistent volunteers approached me Sunday after 10:30 service about the same issue as that connection card (he wasn't the one who wrote it).  He said; "dude, I just thought, it's ok.  Maybe it's not what I like but I trust you guys and I want you to know I love you and support you."  Then we discussed it together- great conversation.

Outcome? Peace.  Relationship.  Maybe even better decisions.

______________________________________________________________________

I know, some folks tend to complain and be negative.  It can be human nature. Sometimes, disagreements are out of that- however, sometimes they are valid and we (I) make mistakes.  Goes both ways.

I actually think our church is pretty healthy with this issue- but thought this could be helpful.

Unsigned critical notes do not motivate to change.  They truly don't do anything good.

Sometimes they hurt- sometimes it can make you feel defensive, like you are being attacked.

Moral of the story is NOT: "start signing your name to your critical note," although I'd prefer that over unsigned.  At least I could deal with issues then.  

Guy in Tale #2?  Did pretty well.  He came to me respectfully and let me know I wouldn't need to be defensive, and then asked questions.  I'll have those talks all day long.

_____________________________________________________________________

Here's how to deal with things when you have an issue:

1) Contact the person without spreading negative talk to other people
2)  Be humble, kind, and respectful- assume the best.  Pray before your talk.
3) Ask them to process with you, help you understand
        ("this makes me feel ____," can you help me understand?" rather than "you did ___,             now we are ____") 
4)  As much as depends on you, make forgiveness, redemption possible
5) Trust God to judge.

_____________________________________________________________________ 

Guy in Tale #2 told me: "people complain to me, they just keep coming to me, what do I do?"

Stop listening to it.  They'll stop coming to you.

You don't need to blow people up, just beat them to the punch with something positive.

Person A: "hey, this stinks."
Person B: "I'm sorry you feel that way- but wow, how about (insert statement of honor
                    here)?"
Person A: "hey, I said that this stinks."
Person B: "I don't want to dishonor anyone- why don't you go talk to that person?            
                     They've been great with me." 

Like I wrote, I think we're actually a fairly healthy church in this regard- but, we need to "keep the culture" and fight for health.  

- Don't spread criticism.  "I heard's" don't help.
- Speak honor and encouragement about other people- in front of their face and behind their back. 
-  Read these: Matthew 18:15-20, then 18:21-35, James 3, and Galatians 5:16-26
- Trust God.  He sees.  It's in His hands, not yours. 

Unnecessary Correlations that are Often True

We were talking in staff meeting today about Easter, and what we do well vs. what we need to improve on.

I said, "I'm so excited about the person that gave their life to Christ, but I would have loved to see 50 people trust in Christ this weekend."

Another staff person said, "I have the opposite burden- if they trust in Christ, but don't go any further in discipleship, what good is it?"

Who's right?  

I think "who's right" is the wrong question.

All too often folks pray a prayer, and then don't go any deeper.  That's a burden of ours we are working on at WR right now- desiring to produce true disciples.

 

That is absolutely correct.

I wasn't wrong either.  Heaven or hell matters a bit.

Now of course, that staff member isn't against people trusting in Christ and I'm not against discipleship.  But do you see the correlations that were made?

One way of thinking could be that "getting people to pray a prayer" is the end-all be-all, and "mission accomplished" and nothing goes any further.

Is that necessarily true?  Of course not.  Does it often flush out that way?  Unfortunately, yes.

Another way of thinking could be "if you're not going to get them in the Bible and in classes, then why even lead them to that prayer?"

Who says if they accept Christ they won't truly begin to follow Him?  That's not a necessary correlation.  However, does it often flush out that way?  Unfortunatley, yes.

Are people that are driven to deep discipleship turned in upon themselves?

That's an unnecessary correlation, but often true.

Are people that are driven to see people saved shallow?

That's an unnecessary correlation, but often true.

A doesn't equal B, but it often gets there anyway.

Is it not possible for both?

Why not?

Why can't we truly seek God in worship in a vertical, deep way while we directly speak to those seeking Christ?

Why can't we desire to see lots and lots of people trust in Christ while we have the priority of God's glory?

Why can't we see lots of people trust Christ and then become a sincere, sacrificial, all-encompassing follower of Christ?

For some reason, it's difficult.

But it has to be possible.

A doesn't equal B, but it often gets there anyway.

My prayer is that somehow, by God's grace, we'd be different- where we are truly a vertical church, not praying for "numbers" - but nevertheless seeing a greater harvest than ever of people trusting in Christ.  Those folks that would trust in Christ would become Jesus-centered, Bible-loving, worshipful missional followers of Jesus Christ who would change the world.

We're not there yet, totally, although I think we're on the right track.  

It pains me we are not better than we are with discipleship and deep worship, among other things.  We're working on that.

It's time for A not to equal B... period.  

Why can't it all happen?  I want it all.

Arms Locked Together

² Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, ³ now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

1 Peter 2: 2-3

I shared this passage with our volunteer teams this weekend in our "huddle" meetings before service.  

This passage is a prayer of mine for our church- that it would describe us.  That it would be a characteristic of ours- that we would crave this nourishment from God's Spirit and His Word, and grow into a full experience of salvation.  That our taste of the Lord's kindness would compel us to discipleship and worship... a love of God's Word... a love of Jesus in worship...

However- most people don't come into service like this off-the-bat.  Our volunteer teams spend time praying before service, anticipating a move of God- but regular folks usually enter late and rushed, a success just to get there- not prayed up and ready.  Many folks are so consumed in chaos and burden that it's difficult to become consumed by the glory of God.

It's our job to lead folks past that- where, even when life is rough, walking with God and intrinsically being in awe of His glory... let's help folks get there- 

That's why serving in first impressions, kids, safe and secure, the band, etc. - it's a mission, a ministry.  You are there to serve others, to engage them- you go first, pray and put your mind on Jesus, and then you go and help someone else do the same.  

If you're with us, I encourage you to see that vision- it's not ok to be late, not show, or to not take it seriously- you're helping 1 Peter 2:2-3 become a reality for other folks- it has to start with us.

Seek to Understand

  "...this story speaks to a fascinating phenomenon that prevents people who don't know one another well from building trust.  It's called the fundamental attribution error.  As sophisticated and complex as it may sound, it's really quite simple.

  At the heart of the fundamental attribution error is the tendency of human beings to attribute the negative or frustrating behaviors of their colleagues to their intentions and personalities, while attributing their own negative or frustrating behaviors to environmental factors.  For instance, if I see a dad at the grocery store scowling at his five-year-old daughter and wagging his finger in her face, I'm likely to conclude that the guy has an anger problem and needs some counseling.  If I find myself scowling and wagging my finger at my own five-year-old, I'm likely to conclude that my behavior is caused by my unruly child or that I'm just having a rough day.

  Of course, this kind of misattribution where we give ourselves the benefit of the doubt but assume the worst about others, breaks down trust on a team.  The best way to combat it is to help team members understand one another on a fundamental level and to give them as much information as possible about who a person is and why this person might act the way he or she does.  By doing this, we greatly increase the likelihood that people will replace their unfair judgments with insight and empathy, qualities that allow a team to build trust and goodwill with one another.  Or as the prayer of St. Francis goes, we must seek to understand more than to be understood."

- Patrick Lencioni, The Advantage

You. Strategic and on purpose.

I want to encourage and challenge you with something brief yet strong.

Are you living your life "on mission?"

This isn't just a theory to be ascribed to, but a value that is easily judged by the "body of work" that is your serving.

I recently held worship/production team meetings- I mentioned to them; "say you are on rotation for one weekend per month.  If I were you, I would volunteer either with another role in the team or with First Impressions or another thing as well."

Maybe that sounds harsh or detached.  That's not how I mean it.  True, there are "seasons of life" where something is going on or you need a season of rest.  No problem-

Yes, church is 24/7 and not just the "building" or "services."  Yet, that's the only time the whole church is gathered together, and the Word is taught and the Gospel is given; it's SO important.  Yes, we are aggressively inviting people who aren't yet saved to these worship experiences.  It's a BIG deal.

I don't understand and never have understood mindsets of serving once-in-a-while, or viewing church as something where I come, consume, and go back to me life that revolves around me.

If the biggest thing going on in your life is a car, house, pet, hobby, vacation plans, school, etc. etc. ... 

then that's not a life "on mission."  That life is about you and things that will not last nor make a difference in the Kingdom of God.

I love school.  I have hobbies that I do every day.  Obviously nothing wrong with any of that list- have at it! But your life should not revolve around those things.

You're better than that.

A life worth living is a life devoted to other people.  How can you make a difference for others?

I've always been like this, long before I was hired at church or was paid- every single weekend, I'm there looking to serve.  If I wasn't on the worship team, I was in the parking lot greeting, making coffee, saying "hi" at the door- something.  I want to make the experience best as possible FOR OTHER PEOPLE.  (that doesn't include the things throughout the week)

We have AMAZING volunteers and people "on mission" at Western Reserve.  This isn't meant as a critical soapbox.  We're doing quite well together.

But it could be much better yet.  

When I visited Elevation, I was probably greeted by over 10 people before I even got in the front door.

Wow.  Not awkward at all, not "attacking" - you actually felt special.  They were thinking about me.

We have wonderful First Impressions leaders and many who are on mission all the time- my friends, let's give them more to work with.  Sign up!  Get on mission!  

Greeting people before services every week- is that really too much for you?  Too much going on in your life for that?  

Getting there before 9am so any early people immediately have a great experience?  Being outside in the parking lot during winter?

Come on, now:)  

Don't live a life that revolves around you and is consumed by side projects and issues.  Get on mission, think about others, and join the wonderful team already in place whose entire purpose is to smile and serve.

God has gifted you.  God has called you personally to something, I believe.  Believe in yourself!  Realize how important you are!  YOU ARE NEEDED!  YOU CAN HELP OTHER PEOPLE!

1 Peter 4- 

^"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another... Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen."

Reserve Classes

hey everyone- 

equipping from the novice to the nerd, here are Winter Quarter's Reserve Classes at Western Reserve:

Enjoy; be fed.

I'm teaching a few of them:

Make sure you click on the above link and register.  Give us some peeps to learn with.

Overcoming Anxiety and Depression.  Two-weeks (one on anxiety, other on depression).  This isn't meant to substitute for counseling and the like... but Biblical and basic psychological understandings will be given with some tools for dealing with, and overcoming it.

Theology Intensive: Understanding Salvation.  This is one night wth a brief overview understanding what God does in us in salvaiton: conversion, justification, adoption, regeneration, sanctification (briefly- saving deeper talks of sanctification and atonement for other nights) and future glorification.  The aim of this isn't just to argue or talk, but to understand what God does in us and help others understand, too.

Bible 101: This is one night with an overview of Scripture- where it came from, how it was compiled, authority of Scripture/inerrency, etc.  Understand the differences of how to read Genesis, Psalms, Luke, Ephesians, etc.

Honor

Yesterday, I persuaded Pastor Jason to come to Chili's with me and Matt at noon.

Staff was at 12:30.  He obviously knew something was up.  Just was afraid it was something else... evidently I have a reputation as a practical joker.

I have no idea how.

Our staff gathered together- it was Jenn Hay's idea- to honor him for being a terrific boss, leader, pastor, and friend.

I've been around the block in church-world.  Yes, I'm (only) 30.  But I have experienced eyes when it comes to this, trust me.

Jay-Hay is the real deal.  I loved it that our staff could honor him.  He's worth it.

As a Pastor on staff at Western Reserve, I'm involved in all the behind-the-scenes stuff.  I know what goes on here at the deepest of levels.  Particularly this last year.

My respect for him this last year has skyrocketed.  And I liked him before.

We went around the table and each shared a funny memory as well as a serious let-me-honor-you memory.  

Western Reserve, I want to tell you that I buy in.  I believe in Jason, I believe in the vision, and I believe God has His hand on Western Reserve in a unique way.

Yes, it's been a wild year.  Couldn't have seen this coming.  Whew.

But God is faithful, and I believe the best is yet to come.  Right around the corner, even.  Healthy things grow.  

So-

Jason, I honor you.  Thank you for being a leader I can respect- not just because I have to.  I believe in your character and integrity, your work ethic, your sacrifice for this church that no one else will ever know about, and your talent as well.  I love it that you are a better leader than me and know more theology/Bible than me.  I've seen your walk over this last year at close places, and you teach me how to be a pastor... and a husband.  Your family makes me think I could actually have a healthy family too... that's saying a lot.  You've changed my life, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be than on mission next to you.

more important than you think. next step.

DNA.  Culture.  Identity.

What makes us "us."

At Western Reserve; we're on mission.  We walk toward, not away.  Ridiculous faith.  Engaging.

Part of the mission- 

worship.  prayer.  together.

don't miss how important this is...

Jim Cymbala wrote this:

“God will manifest himself in direct proportion to our passion for him. The principle he laid down long ago is still true. ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29.13).”

What else will God do in our lives and in our church when the church gathers together, humbles themselves, and seek His face?

What will God do in response to prayer in faith?

Can you see our church becoming unbelievably alive with dynamic, genuine worship?

Can you see thousands being saved?

Can you see marriages being healed?  Families brought back together?

Can you see a church being the most influential organization in the community?

Can you see our church influencing a movement in Cambodia?

Make your vision bigger.

Come here together.  Worship.  Confess sins.  Humble yourself.  Get in the Word.

Ask.

Keep on asking.

We won't stop until we see those things happen.  

Western Reserve, come sunday night.  It's vital.  God will do unreal things in our midst if we ask.

Sunday night, it's the next step.

Who we are.