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Soterios vs Doxa in Church in Profiles

Wednesday, I re-posted a blog from James MacDonald about soteriology vs. doxology as the driver of church mission and structure.  Here are my thoughts as it pertains to profiles:

* I respect and root on each of these churches.  Nothing critical in my heart meant here.

The first thing I think, rather than just theory, are church examples.

It's easy to look at what you read and where you have visited- and suddenly it's Stanley's model vs. MacDonald.  Warren's vs. ......, Noble's vs. ......  

Observation #1: I've evidently really studied and visited soterios churches moreso than doxa churches.

Observation #2: Are our stereotypes correct?

Sometimes.  Not all the time.  And- I don't think I know well enough at this point of study to draw definitive conclusions- just suppositions.

Here's what I mean in some profiles:

I've visited Hillsong NYC.  I have a mancrush on Hillsong, and have watched their worship leaders in what I see genuinely pursue God for years- I would consider them a doxa church, actually.

Now, when I was there, an associate who I won't name was there teaching.  I'm very hesitant to write anything negative here- so suffice it to say it was not as Biblically rich as I'd have hoped.  I root them on, and consider that to be an exception there, not the rule.

I've visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle.  Fresh Wind Fresh Fire changed my life when I was 17, and even though their church style is about as different from me as you can get- I loved that church and would attend there.  It was like a foretaste of heaven- unity in diversity, joy, great Biblical teaching- simple, yet let the Word speak for itself.  Doxa.

I've visited Northpoint Church.  One of the primary models of the soterios church.  I loved it.  I was inspired.  Deep worship?  That's not what they are trying to do- it was two songs and done- because the thinking is all through the grid of what people who haven't yet trusted Christ would be touched by.  Which I respect... but is that where the church is supposed to stay?  

I think Northpoint is worth studying.  I respect what they are trying to do.  Are they growing?  For sure.  Are people becoming deep followers of Christ?  I don't know.  Either way.  We sure have a lot to learn from them- my wife and one of our staff members are headed there next week to learn.

I've visited Newspring Church.  The ones famous for covering ACDC and Van Halen during service.  Perry Noble has this way of saying about anything and getting away with it.  I visited Newspring expecting it to be way aggressive only, and I was wrong.  I loved Newspring.  I actually saw them minister with a broad brush- trying to reach all kinds.  I saw lots of "blue hairs" in the audience as well as college age.  My wife and one of our staff members are headed there as well, in part because I insisted on it- I could attend Newspring.

However, almost every teaching series is "Pump it Up" or "House Party" or "Unleashed."  Now, that's intentional- they are soterios, trying to see people trust Christ.  I respect that.  I loved Perry's teaching.  Would I stay in that teaching mode exclusively?  No.

I've visited Elevation Church several times and have contacts there.  They've been so helpful for us, giving us tours, answering questions, training production guys- even to the point of giving us their phone numbers so I can ask questions.  Terrific guys.

I think Elevation, although I would consider them a soterios church, to be most middle-of-the-road.  They are much more doxa than meets the eye.  They seem to me to engage intentionally and aggressively people who need Christ- yet truly worship and set the stage for deep things.  I would absolutely attend Elevation- them, Newspring, and Brooklyn Tabernacle were my favorites.

I've never been to Harvest Bible Chapel, although I've read James MacDonald's writings.  They are inspiring and I see such a pure heart.  I wasn't as receptive to him watching Elephant Room- but there is such a purity of heart in Vertical Church you can't help but love the guy.

Even in the beginning of the book, he wrote: "getting people back to church is pointless unless God comes back first... many iterations are all horizontal substitutes for God come down, we all get rocked and radically altered, Vertical Church."

Amen.

My detailed thoughts will come later- but for now- even as a worship leader, comparing the two- 

       

Can you have your cake and eat it too?

Depends on what your cake is.

The Multi-Faceted Impact of Entire Services Online

In the last month now, we've been putting entire services online.  Check one out here.

I've been inspired due to watching the entire servcies of churches like Newspring.  Elevation also broadcasts live, but you can only watch sermons throughout the week.

I love watching entire services- admittedly, because I learn and it gives me ideas.  Seeing how songs work, worship leader transitions (we've all experienced-and I've even led-awkward transitions that are like an old John Deere tractor trying to downshift).

We wanted to start posting our services, not because we think a lot of ourselves, that's not the heart behind it- God's ruining in my heart the desire to be successful- but to bless the church, encourage other churches, and benefit our own team.

I saw on FB today a young lady in our church who's sick write- "I'm bummed to miss church today because I'm sick, but thanks to the staff at WR I can watch the whole service online).  We've also had several requests to start doing this in the last year.  I love that we get to serve our people- that in itself is enough to do this- it's what we're about!

We've had a few other churches bring teams to learn from our production teams and band- I'm kind of humbled by this, I'm certainly nothing special- although my team is- but I know how much I've benefited by watching others.  I think I've taken a tour with the Elevation guys like 4 times now.  Asking questions, watching from a distance weekly- it's so helpful.  I've got a real heart to invest in young guys who are learning.  However we can help, I'd love to.

Lastly, it's having a real impact on our worship and production teams.  We have around forty people on these teams- some are on weekly, others around every 8 weeks.  That means that it's tough to keep everything going the same direction. 

Live sound is so much more forgiving than recorded.  Weekly, I listen and think (hey, not bad...) or (ew, that's ripe).  It drives me to practice more and put more detail into everything I do, and it's having that impact on everyone on our teams.  That's part of the idea- it ups the ante- you need to be ready, because if your part stinks, it'll be out there for a long time.  The only post-production we really do is a post-mix by Brian McMahon and Christian DeLaat each Sunday afternoon- then I match with video, and we're up (that's the readers digest version).  If our teams can hear and see themselves- it helps you improve.

Our heart isn't to be slick, flashy, or full of ourselves- the word "production" can obviously be linked to that idea- but rather, we're trying to be excellent.  Excellence inspires people and honors God.  We're trying to take the next steps.  

I'm so proud of our worship and production teams.  I'm thrilled to be with them, and doing this thing together.  

We're learning with recording and video production- we'd love to hear your feedback.  Check out a service and let us know!  We hope it blesses you!

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."

Elevation Pre-Jam, 9.18.11

Here's video footage of the pre-jam Elevation had when our crew was there.  We were at this campus for this video.

Sweet-

 

Weekend at Elevation

This weekend, me and a dozen of my buddies piled in a 15-passenger van, headed south for Charlotte- Elevation Church.

Elevation is a six-year-old church plant- already over 12k- they baptized over 2k last month.  Move of God.

That's what I want.

Not Elevation.

The move.

For the record, I love Elevation.  Their lead producer, Wes Watson, spending time with Brian and I and my team- what a guy.  When we left, he pulled me in and hugged me.  He cares.  Really, really appreciate that- all on the same team.

I want to learn from Elevation.  With worship/production/creative, I don't know anyone who does it better- maybe Hillsong.  That's saying a lot.  Their first impressions, systems- unbelievable.

My heart is Western Reserve.  I don't want to imitate Elevation- I want to be us.

BUT I PRAY FOR AND HUNGER FOR THAT MOVE.  

That's why I'm at Western Reserve.

I believe in the vision.  I believe in our lead pastor.  I buy in.  

And I've seen God's hand so much on Western Reserve-

I think we're just scratching the surface.  I think a move of people being saved is about to happen.

I feel it inside.  Feel it in my spirit.

Next month starts our monthly nights of prayer/worship, they'll be called "LIFT."

Next month starts our discipleship ministry.  Revamped small groups.

Now we'll be ready for the salvations.  The changed lives.  

The behind-the-scenes is now healthy.

As a church, we are going to pray and ask God for a move.  That He would prepare us.  Make us blessable.

No one comes close to God's passion, drive, ambition for the lost to be saved.  For changed lives.

If we are ready...

If we are blessable...

If we ask in Jesus' Name...

I believe.

Lessons from Elevation, part 2-

Second big thing I learned at Elevation- or really a thought that was reinforced- 

Don't be afraid to ask for and expect high levels of excellence.

This all is about the vision.

People want to be a part of something special, and if you challenge them- the right people will step up to the plate.  The wrong people will weed themselves out for you.

I value excellence; but I resist asking too much because I remember that those serving are mostly volunteers.  They have families, jobs, stresses of their own- how much can we expect?  How much can we ask for?

A lot.

As I spoke with the leaders of Elevation, I heard ideas like this:

"Use people that resonate excellence with everything they do.  If they don't, or they show up unprepared, don't schedule them as often- and that's okay for you to do.  This isn't about being fair- "my turn, your turn, or this is how I do my thing"- it's about the Kingdom and mission.  Be kind and gracious, but it's okay for you to say "I love you, but I want it done this way."  And if you won't or have an attitude, I'll have to find someone that can/will.  Some will misunderstand you to be controlling or arrogant initially, but quality control is not a bad thing. "

I know that sounds harsh.  If you know me, you know harshness is not my heart.  If anything, I err the other direction, usually.  As leaders, it's easy to swing too far from leadership paradigms we are reacting to.  A long time ago, I was under a leader that came across like they were better than everyone else- so I intentionally bend over backwards to be kind and listen to people.  I know how I felt, and I don't want to make people feel that way.  Problem is- I can go too far at times and therefore indirectly permit things less than the best.  I'm learning it's okay for me to, with kindness and communication- want it done a certain way.  And that way isn't my preference, but what I feel will serve the vision and mission the best.  So listen, include when you can- but at the end of the day the buck stops with you as the leader and it's okay for you to expect it done to a certain level.  If people want to do it their way and won't cooperate, then they weren't the right fit anyway.

Don't misunderstand; I don't think it's acceptable to "use" people and be okay with people being hurt in church.  Again, if you know me, you know I really care about that sort of thing.  But- Josh being insistent isn't Josh being selfish.  I'm learning that.

Elevation leads this way and has 4,000 volunteers.  I was greeted by probably a dozen people before I entered the front doors.  Every one of those greeters smiled at me, looked at me in my eyes and went out of their way to say hi.  We were whisked away for a complete building tour when they realized we were new, and they gave us t-shirts and a CD of their band's music (along with a front-row parking spot).  It wasn't just the designated volunteers, either- random laypeople engaged us.  It was a culture.  The band and the production crew- WOW.  And though their band is paid, their production team (very large) with world class level people was all volunteer except for their audio guy.

I think at Western Reserve, we have the best people anywhere.  Time after time, they step up.  

Me asking the world of them isn't insulting, it's a compliment.

I commit to be a kind and gracious leader who communicates well.  But, I will lead strongly to where I think is best for the vision.  If I'm wrong, it's on me.  But I will lead.

The vision is too important.  People need to be saved.  Eliminate distractions.  

It's okay to up the ante.  Demand excellence.

Lessons from Elevation Church

This weekend I had the privilege of officiating the wedding of some dear friends, whom I consider family- Grams and Bethany Rourke.  The wedding was awesome- in an airport- so unique.  I love things that are unique.  The day was great- so much fun to see Grams and Bethany so happy.

That was on Saturday in Greensboro, NC- so we went to Charlotte for a Sunday with Elevation.  Brian, one of our lead guys, had been in contact with some of their lead guys for a few weeks and set up a time with Wes Watson, their lead producer over all campuses.  

So- sat next to Steven Furtick at the 9:30, had a conversation with Chunks Corbett, met Wade Joye, Brian's texting with Mack Brock, and spent 2 hours with Wes Watson.  (Just a little name dropping for a buddy).

As I fired question after question at Wes (what a good sport) I noticed the first lesson of several (of which I'll have several posts this week with lessons learned)-

Everything came back to the vision.  Mission.  "The Code."

It wasn't just Wes.  Everyone we spoke with talked about the vision, and decisions were made against their core values.

"Why do you do ___ like ___?  How did/do you lead people while taking care of them?  

I heard things like this:

Dress for the wedding.
We are Ruth's Chris, not Golden Corral.
We are all about the numbers.
We need your seat.

Agree or disagree, everyone knew their vision and their code and it permeated their leadership and their culture.

At Western Reserve, the vision and core values are clear. We will walk toward people, not away.  

How will I lead?  With vision underneath things like this: 

Walk toward people, not away.
Value the spiritually disconnected.
Get people in the same room as Jesus.
Excellent experiences.
We will build bridges.
We will not have competing agendas.
The common can accomplish the uncommon through Jesus.
To ask what a soul is worth.

Guess where I got those things?

Is your leadership team unified underneath the vision?  Do they know it?  Do you see them carrying it out? 

Untitled from Josh Allen on Vimeo.