This is going to be a very random and hopefully short post that stems from something very simple but profound that the Lord is allowing me to rediscover over the last 24 hours.
I woke up this morning with a very clear word resonating in my heart and mind: "If today you hear His Voice, harden not your heart." This was ridiculously applicable to me as a human being, since we all have a tendancy to return to a hardened state (see "Israel, Old Testament). But for me personally, my heart has been very callous as of late, and it finally was starting to bother me. And I found that it all stemmed from one thing: My focus had turned almost exclusively to myself--made a U-turn from listening to God's dreams to worrying about my own provision, reputation, etc. And when we find ourselves in a pattern that is CLEARLY against God's word for our life (specifically, in this case, worry), the road to hard-heartedness is accelerated.
Anyway, what am I getting at? Well, I think I RE-discovered (since this comes up from time to time) one of the best antidotes for this tendency (which as long as we are human, will never go away). It is crucial as believers, and especially as leaders, to consistently and intentionally BE with and SHARE LIFE with the people around us.
I'll even take it one step step further and get more specific: In the midst of doing this, ask them what their dreams are. It may sound strange at first, but it has been proven to me over and over again that EVERYONE has dreams that GOD has put in their hearts (whether they know it's from Him or not). It is amazing to me how many people have these dreams that have been forced into dormancy or even KILLED (by society, their own decisions, family, even...most sadly...the "church").
Amy and I got to do this twice yesterday, and the response was simple yet profound. And as it melted some of the crud that had built up in my heart, it reawakened my OWN dream of the CHURCH (individual people, congregations, and the Body of Christ as a whole) being about the business of AWAKENING AND RELEASING GOD-GIVEN DREAMS IN PEOPLE AND SEEING THEM COME TO FRUITION! How cool would that be?!?!?
(Here's a couple examples.
Dream: "I don't know, but I would love to be able to help dig a well for a community in Africa that needs it." Answer: It lines up with the heart of God, so let's get together and build a freaking well!
Dream: "We would really love to be foster parents." Answer: It lines up with the heart of God, so let's believe and pray with you until you have a house filled with kids who would be dead in the water if God had not awakened this dream in you.)
NOTHING limits God, so why would would "we can't" ever be in our vocabulary if our dreams line up with His? Why has the "church" many times been a place where dreams go to die instead of being released into the hands of a miracle-working God Who has called us to partner with Him in that miracle (which is why He gives dreams to people and doesn't just wave His magic wand to make everything better).
So all that to say this: I want to be a church that helps people rediscover the dreams and purposes God has given them. Jesus went to the house of a child who had died, and told her grieving parents, "Don't cry--she's only asleep." Here's to seeing God speak life back into seemingly dead dreams by His redemptive power and grace, and then having the privilege of taking an active part in miracles that touch our community and our world.
Jason
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Chapter 14: Leaving
The question posed by Matt is: “What are some things you love to do that would be easy to invite Sojourners to do with you?”
What do I love to do?
I love to go on walks- I could invite someone to go with me.
I love to drink coffee- and it is always better with someone else.
I might enjoy exercising more with someone else.
I love to take my kids to parks- I could invite another family.
There must be more things I enjoy….
What are those things that you love to do- that you could bring someone along with you?
Amy
What do I love to do?
I love to go on walks- I could invite someone to go with me.
I love to drink coffee- and it is always better with someone else.
I might enjoy exercising more with someone else.
I love to take my kids to parks- I could invite another family.
There must be more things I enjoy….
What are those things that you love to do- that you could bring someone along with you?
Amy
Chapter 12: Tip it Over
Quote page 108, “I hope you now agree that the primary function is to actively move into the culture to embody and enflesh the good news into every nook and cranny of this world. The function of the church is to be God’s missionary hands to a world that is looking for something tangible to grab onto.”
When I was 14- I felt strongly that the Lord was calling me to be a missionary. I imagined far away places such as Mexico (that was far for a 14 yr old). I took Spanish in school and thought that was where I was headed. I was open for adventure- many times over I committed myself to God and wherever He would take me.
Off to Bible College- which by the second year I had to make the fateful decision of which course of study I would take. Would it be missionary work or would it be pastoral? I felt very strongly that I was to go… pastorally. I wasn’t sure why the change. It didn’t make sense to me- but I figured I must have not heard God correctly at 14 yrs old.
Fast forward some years later- and I remember a prophetic word spoken over Jason and I that we were to see ourselves as missionaries to the youth of Clark County. It struck me- we were missionaries. That yes- God did call me to go into another culture- it is amazing how different the culture of a generation removed from me is. I have never been the same.
We are missionaries- to a community of people in which many of us have lived our entire lives in- yet for most of us- it is a community we know little about. It is a community that sees church as an institution that is not be trusted and pastors as gold diggers. It is a community that sees our faith as good for us but not necessary for them. It is a community that cries out for something real and tangible but is too wary of Evangelicals to hear what we have to offer. As missionaries we are to become experts at our culture. We are to immerse ourselves in their life- so that they then can experience God in us- and that through our love for them they may see the One who loves them the most.
Are we up to that challenge? I think Hugh said it best in chapter 9- are we up to live out the Gospel that is massive, challenging and even scary?
Amy
When I was 14- I felt strongly that the Lord was calling me to be a missionary. I imagined far away places such as Mexico (that was far for a 14 yr old). I took Spanish in school and thought that was where I was headed. I was open for adventure- many times over I committed myself to God and wherever He would take me.
Off to Bible College- which by the second year I had to make the fateful decision of which course of study I would take. Would it be missionary work or would it be pastoral? I felt very strongly that I was to go… pastorally. I wasn’t sure why the change. It didn’t make sense to me- but I figured I must have not heard God correctly at 14 yrs old.
Fast forward some years later- and I remember a prophetic word spoken over Jason and I that we were to see ourselves as missionaries to the youth of Clark County. It struck me- we were missionaries. That yes- God did call me to go into another culture- it is amazing how different the culture of a generation removed from me is. I have never been the same.
We are missionaries- to a community of people in which many of us have lived our entire lives in- yet for most of us- it is a community we know little about. It is a community that sees church as an institution that is not be trusted and pastors as gold diggers. It is a community that sees our faith as good for us but not necessary for them. It is a community that cries out for something real and tangible but is too wary of Evangelicals to hear what we have to offer. As missionaries we are to become experts at our culture. We are to immerse ourselves in their life- so that they then can experience God in us- and that through our love for them they may see the One who loves them the most.
Are we up to that challenge? I think Hugh said it best in chapter 9- are we up to live out the Gospel that is massive, challenging and even scary?
Amy
Chapter 11: Lift up the hood
In this chapter, Hugh presents the holes of the attractional model of a church. I see them too- and I think that is resonating with many of us. But I am not ready to throw the towel in for all of it. Hmmmm- can’t we do both?
I would love to see a service that is done well- but doesn’t create an environment that people will sit and be passive about their faith- and even claim that they did their duty that morning by sitting in the pew.
I really don’t like poorly done services either- I’ve seen them- and it looks like the leadership doesn’t know what they are doing. At the same time I don’t want to be so rehearsed that it gets viewed that church is a job for the professionals. I don’t want a service that is the sum of the weekly Christian experience.
I want to create a community of believers that church is experienced in their everyday life. I want to see Christ-followers daily walking out their faith in the real world- in their neighborhood- with their family. I want the weekend service to simply gather the church together to be encouraged and re-sent out to do what they are supposed to do. Can we have people flip the idea of church around in their mind?
It’s flipped in my mind now.
Amy
I would love to see a service that is done well- but doesn’t create an environment that people will sit and be passive about their faith- and even claim that they did their duty that morning by sitting in the pew.
I really don’t like poorly done services either- I’ve seen them- and it looks like the leadership doesn’t know what they are doing. At the same time I don’t want to be so rehearsed that it gets viewed that church is a job for the professionals. I don’t want a service that is the sum of the weekly Christian experience.
I want to create a community of believers that church is experienced in their everyday life. I want to see Christ-followers daily walking out their faith in the real world- in their neighborhood- with their family. I want the weekend service to simply gather the church together to be encouraged and re-sent out to do what they are supposed to do. Can we have people flip the idea of church around in their mind?
It’s flipped in my mind now.
Amy
Chapter 10: Another Angle
Page 98, “As opposed to counting confessions of faith or tracking church attendance to know if we’re making an impact, in the incarnational process, we celebrate every moment of transformation.”
I read this and I would say that every church leader or Christ follower that I know would all celebrate the incarnational process. I have no doubt in that. If there is error though- it would be that it is too easy for us to sit back in a pew and wait for someone to come into the church by seeing our sign and hope that the pastor will close the salvation deal with his sermon and prayer- as if the mission of God lies on the professional clergy and not on the rest of us.
I think we need to take serious how we love people- the way Jesus did. To intentionally invite people into our lives- even more than our church. Just maybe the mission of God is on each of us- and that church happens not in a building with the alter- but in our own homes- or Starbucks- or in the park. Now that’s church multiplication- instead of having one church in the city- we have hundreds that move throughout the city- hanging out in the schools and in the work place. No longer is it ideal that we have to just invite people to the church but rather the church goes to the people. When Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” He probably didn’t have in mind the building but each and every one of us.
The question for me/you: Who are we inviting in our lives? Who are we loving like Jesus? That is a tall order. We cannot live with our door closed any longer. For some of us that might be a literal deal. In a way- I like not having air conditioning (ok I don’t want my husband to read this because it doesn’t bode well in my argument for it)- but with all my doors and windows open all summer- I hear and see every neighbor hanging out in my cul-de-sac- and all their kids. When I see people- I usually grab my cup of coffee and run out there to hang out. When I was a stay-at-home mom that was my favorite thing to do. I miss that a lot. Speaking of coffee- maybe it is time for me to put a pot on and invite a neighbor over.
Amy
I read this and I would say that every church leader or Christ follower that I know would all celebrate the incarnational process. I have no doubt in that. If there is error though- it would be that it is too easy for us to sit back in a pew and wait for someone to come into the church by seeing our sign and hope that the pastor will close the salvation deal with his sermon and prayer- as if the mission of God lies on the professional clergy and not on the rest of us.
I think we need to take serious how we love people- the way Jesus did. To intentionally invite people into our lives- even more than our church. Just maybe the mission of God is on each of us- and that church happens not in a building with the alter- but in our own homes- or Starbucks- or in the park. Now that’s church multiplication- instead of having one church in the city- we have hundreds that move throughout the city- hanging out in the schools and in the work place. No longer is it ideal that we have to just invite people to the church but rather the church goes to the people. When Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” He probably didn’t have in mind the building but each and every one of us.
The question for me/you: Who are we inviting in our lives? Who are we loving like Jesus? That is a tall order. We cannot live with our door closed any longer. For some of us that might be a literal deal. In a way- I like not having air conditioning (ok I don’t want my husband to read this because it doesn’t bode well in my argument for it)- but with all my doors and windows open all summer- I hear and see every neighbor hanging out in my cul-de-sac- and all their kids. When I see people- I usually grab my cup of coffee and run out there to hang out. When I was a stay-at-home mom that was my favorite thing to do. I miss that a lot. Speaking of coffee- maybe it is time for me to put a pot on and invite a neighbor over.
Amy
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Chapter 9: Jipped
Quote page 90, “Our culture is starving for something, but this something has to be massive. It has to be a challenge, it has to be scary, and it has to be life encompassing for people to even notice.”
The culture is starving for the Gospel in its fullest sense: the tangible life of God in every part of their life. It is massive. There is nothing small about God’s plan and purpose.
I just wonder if we are living the Gospel in its fullest sense. Are we- or am I- living a life that is full of challenge… life encompassing and even scary? I think we know what I mean by scary- not just plain fear but on the edge ready to give it all for the Lord. When I think about the ancient church that is exactly how they lived. It was a group of people willing to say yes to Jesus- and in that simple statement they put their entire life on the edge. Gone was their reputation- gone was their comfort. Life was not ever the same.
Definition of the Gospel- in Hugh’s words: The tangible life of God flowing into every nook and cranny of our everyday life. That is not just a message to be shared with others but a life to be lived in front of others.
Amy
The culture is starving for the Gospel in its fullest sense: the tangible life of God in every part of their life. It is massive. There is nothing small about God’s plan and purpose.
I just wonder if we are living the Gospel in its fullest sense. Are we- or am I- living a life that is full of challenge… life encompassing and even scary? I think we know what I mean by scary- not just plain fear but on the edge ready to give it all for the Lord. When I think about the ancient church that is exactly how they lived. It was a group of people willing to say yes to Jesus- and in that simple statement they put their entire life on the edge. Gone was their reputation- gone was their comfort. Life was not ever the same.
Definition of the Gospel- in Hugh’s words: The tangible life of God flowing into every nook and cranny of our everyday life. That is not just a message to be shared with others but a life to be lived in front of others.
Amy
Chapter 8: Paradigm
This chapter could have easily been named "Perspective." You can only control so much, and the surroundings and contexts we have grown up in informs this perspective--or paradigm--more than we can ever imagine.
That's why I'm glad we got some "perspective" very early in this chapter. Let me explain what I mean:
There is SO MUCH going on in this book. As I look at the team that is reading it, I don't think it is necessarily challenging our thinking. My suspicion is that we have thought and struggled with these things for quite some time. But here's the kicker: even though we have thought these things, we have STILL, to some level, conformed to the status quo around us. At least in my experience, this has lead to long periods of self-flaggelation
(vocab word o' the day! (sělf'flāj'ə-lā'shən) n.
The act of severely criticizing oneself.
The act of punishing oneself.)
It can be very frustrating to read in such vivid form the things that really get to the heart of who we are, but that has struggled to manifest itself as an ACTUAL paradigm shift in our own actions.
Hugh brought up, very appropriately, that even the best and most missionally-minded of us have a hard time "getting it." And I think this is good. It keeps us from getting jaded and judgemental. Here's a quote from p. 60 that sums up what I'm trying to say very well:
The danger we speak of regarding the paradigms of the contemporary church isn't that we've lost our heart for the world or that we do bad church. The problem is that our present evangelical "Come to us" paradigm of the church has not been an appropriate missiological response to the paradigms that exist in our world.
I think of all the leaders I have been under. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM HAD A PASSION TO SEE PEOPLE COME TO CHRIST AND BECOME DISCIPLES. Every single one of them gave their whole heart, effort, and lives to the ministry. Each of them struggled with this issue of paradigm and tended to give into the "church growth" philosophies of that era (even if it clearly did not fit the context in which they ministered). However, what they did was not "bad." People still were touched and changed by the living God despite our short-comings.
So do I despair and get jaded, bitter, and judgemental? Absolutely NOT. I celebrate what God did through these formative years, and what they have taught me (both what TO DO and NOT to do). We realize that God's grace is far greater than any force on Earth, and that His love will transcend our short-comings and still transform people.
However, I cannot continue to operate within a missional paradigm that has limited impact and is in many ways unbiblical, no matter how comfortable or familiar it is. I must change. WE must change.
So to summarize--give yourself a break. It will be hard for anyone who has grown up in almost any American evangelical church paradigm over the last several decades to apply these things.
On the other hand, MOST people who become Christ-followers WITHOUT this background almost unfailingly GET THIS right away! These are the people who are the greatest evangelists and disciple-makers! It's in thier DNA from the get-go. They usually have an entire community of fellow "sojourners" that get to see the change in their life and start asking questions (one of the worst things we can do is try to get people to leave their "unchurched" friends when they come to Christ). Think woman at the well, Andrew, etc.
So having a missional approach that meets people where they are and allows Christ to transform their lives without anything being manufactured will have a HUGE impact on the Kingdom of God (just like we see in the early church). This is DEFINITELY NOT the most neat and tidy way to go. In fact, it's quite messy (think Corinth!). But it's a beautiful mess. It's where Jesus lives. It's where Grace ABOUNDS! It's where I want to be and what I want our community to experience.
Jason
That's why I'm glad we got some "perspective" very early in this chapter. Let me explain what I mean:
There is SO MUCH going on in this book. As I look at the team that is reading it, I don't think it is necessarily challenging our thinking. My suspicion is that we have thought and struggled with these things for quite some time. But here's the kicker: even though we have thought these things, we have STILL, to some level, conformed to the status quo around us. At least in my experience, this has lead to long periods of self-flaggelation
(vocab word o' the day! (sělf'flāj'ə-lā'shən) n.
The act of severely criticizing oneself.
The act of punishing oneself.)
It can be very frustrating to read in such vivid form the things that really get to the heart of who we are, but that has struggled to manifest itself as an ACTUAL paradigm shift in our own actions.
Hugh brought up, very appropriately, that even the best and most missionally-minded of us have a hard time "getting it." And I think this is good. It keeps us from getting jaded and judgemental. Here's a quote from p. 60 that sums up what I'm trying to say very well:
The danger we speak of regarding the paradigms of the contemporary church isn't that we've lost our heart for the world or that we do bad church. The problem is that our present evangelical "Come to us" paradigm of the church has not been an appropriate missiological response to the paradigms that exist in our world.
I think of all the leaders I have been under. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM HAD A PASSION TO SEE PEOPLE COME TO CHRIST AND BECOME DISCIPLES. Every single one of them gave their whole heart, effort, and lives to the ministry. Each of them struggled with this issue of paradigm and tended to give into the "church growth" philosophies of that era (even if it clearly did not fit the context in which they ministered). However, what they did was not "bad." People still were touched and changed by the living God despite our short-comings.
So do I despair and get jaded, bitter, and judgemental? Absolutely NOT. I celebrate what God did through these formative years, and what they have taught me (both what TO DO and NOT to do). We realize that God's grace is far greater than any force on Earth, and that His love will transcend our short-comings and still transform people.
However, I cannot continue to operate within a missional paradigm that has limited impact and is in many ways unbiblical, no matter how comfortable or familiar it is. I must change. WE must change.
So to summarize--give yourself a break. It will be hard for anyone who has grown up in almost any American evangelical church paradigm over the last several decades to apply these things.
On the other hand, MOST people who become Christ-followers WITHOUT this background almost unfailingly GET THIS right away! These are the people who are the greatest evangelists and disciple-makers! It's in thier DNA from the get-go. They usually have an entire community of fellow "sojourners" that get to see the change in their life and start asking questions (one of the worst things we can do is try to get people to leave their "unchurched" friends when they come to Christ). Think woman at the well, Andrew, etc.
So having a missional approach that meets people where they are and allows Christ to transform their lives without anything being manufactured will have a HUGE impact on the Kingdom of God (just like we see in the early church). This is DEFINITELY NOT the most neat and tidy way to go. In fact, it's quite messy (think Corinth!). But it's a beautiful mess. It's where Jesus lives. It's where Grace ABOUNDS! It's where I want to be and what I want our community to experience.
Jason
Chapter 7: The 1,700-year Wedgie (one of the best chapter titles EVER)
Hey Y'all,
Thanks for allowing a couple week hiatus as Amy and I worked through an extremely busy season at Portland 4. As James said some days ago, it IS summer, and it is good to be doing the things that make summer a time to connect with your family, get projects done, etc. So reading can be a bit sporatic. So here's 1) to reengaging, and 2) not being legalistic about it, while still trying to be diligent and walk through this thing together. Hugh brings up a LOT to process, and as Monica said, sometimes it's going to take re-reading some things for it to sink in or for one to form a well-thought-out response.
Total side note here: I really wanted to find a video of an old SNL skit called "Wedgie Fever" to embed in this space. It is an epic sketch that many have never heard of. Tragically, it is not on any of the "best-of" dvd's (an inexcusible ommission on either the Jon Lovitz or Phil Hartman libraries), and a google search left me empty-handed. As any good 80's boy would be, I am seriously disheartened by this (I wish I was joking).
I do not have 20 bucks--but I will FIND 20 bucks and give it to whoever provides me this sketch in embeddible form! I will not be complete until this happens.
Look for Amy's post, as well as your own posts for actual REAL commentary on this chapter (good stuff already there!).
Jason
Thanks for allowing a couple week hiatus as Amy and I worked through an extremely busy season at Portland 4. As James said some days ago, it IS summer, and it is good to be doing the things that make summer a time to connect with your family, get projects done, etc. So reading can be a bit sporatic. So here's 1) to reengaging, and 2) not being legalistic about it, while still trying to be diligent and walk through this thing together. Hugh brings up a LOT to process, and as Monica said, sometimes it's going to take re-reading some things for it to sink in or for one to form a well-thought-out response.
Total side note here: I really wanted to find a video of an old SNL skit called "Wedgie Fever" to embed in this space. It is an epic sketch that many have never heard of. Tragically, it is not on any of the "best-of" dvd's (an inexcusible ommission on either the Jon Lovitz or Phil Hartman libraries), and a google search left me empty-handed. As any good 80's boy would be, I am seriously disheartened by this (I wish I was joking).
I do not have 20 bucks--but I will FIND 20 bucks and give it to whoever provides me this sketch in embeddible form! I will not be complete until this happens.
Look for Amy's post, as well as your own posts for actual REAL commentary on this chapter (good stuff already there!).
Jason
Chapter 5: Moving Violations
I have always been uncomfortable with the term "doing church." Although I guess we kind of get what it means, I can't get my mind around how you can "DO" something that is already supposed to be a LIVING ORGANISM. Shouldn't the living, breathing, led-by-the-Holy Spirit organism be the one doing the doing??? I would like to focus on BEING the church that Jesus has called us to be, both in the midst of our daily context, and whenever we are together corporately.
Once again, a great quote from p. 30 sums this tension up for me nicely:
As I once heard, "Doing church differently is like rearranging chairs on the Titanic." We must realize that slight tweaks, new music, creative lighting, wearing hola shirts, shorts, and flip-flops won't make doing church more attractive. Church must not be the goal of the gospel anymore. Church should not be the focus of our efforts or the banner we hold up to explain what we're about. Church should be what ends up happening as a natural response to people wanting to follow us, be with us, and be like us as we are following the way of Christ (emphases and gratuitous color changes mine).
I was going to stop there, but allow me one more little bit. It still blows me away that people still try to play the "Are you tired of doing church the same old way? Well try something NEW! Come to us!" This approach, is...well..TIRED! In fact, go to any pastor's conference or seminar, and I guar-an-freaking-tee you that you will hardly see a suit and tie on ANYBODY (Especially anywhere on the west coast). The new pastoral garb is jeans, and a long-sleeved tucked-out shirt with the sleeves rolled up (still lot's of bad haircuts, however!). You look like a tool dressed in anything other than "casual" anymore.
My point is "doing church differently" ISN'T "doing church differently" anymore. There is nothing new under the sun. So let's get over ourselves (I'm talking to myself now) and concentrate on being the Bride of Christ who has called us to live among and be ambassadors to the ones Jesus died and rose for. Let's make how we "do church" fit the way God made us, creating an environment for people to be connected to Jesus and they get connected to His people.
Jason
Once again, a great quote from p. 30 sums this tension up for me nicely:
As I once heard, "Doing church differently is like rearranging chairs on the Titanic." We must realize that slight tweaks, new music, creative lighting, wearing hola shirts, shorts, and flip-flops won't make doing church more attractive. Church must not be the goal of the gospel anymore. Church should not be the focus of our efforts or the banner we hold up to explain what we're about. Church should be what ends up happening as a natural response to people wanting to follow us, be with us, and be like us as we are following the way of Christ (emphases and gratuitous color changes mine).
I was going to stop there, but allow me one more little bit. It still blows me away that people still try to play the "Are you tired of doing church the same old way? Well try something NEW! Come to us!" This approach, is...well..TIRED! In fact, go to any pastor's conference or seminar, and I guar-an-freaking-tee you that you will hardly see a suit and tie on ANYBODY (Especially anywhere on the west coast). The new pastoral garb is jeans, and a long-sleeved tucked-out shirt with the sleeves rolled up (still lot's of bad haircuts, however!). You look like a tool dressed in anything other than "casual" anymore.
My point is "doing church differently" ISN'T "doing church differently" anymore. There is nothing new under the sun. So let's get over ourselves (I'm talking to myself now) and concentrate on being the Bride of Christ who has called us to live among and be ambassadors to the ones Jesus died and rose for. Let's make how we "do church" fit the way God made us, creating an environment for people to be connected to Jesus and they get connected to His people.
Jason
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Chapter 4: U-haul
This chapter reminded me of a value we will be talking a lot about in the upcoming weeks and months. Hugh describbed the early church as "lean," that is, they didn't carry a lot of baggage with them (such as buildings, programs, paid staff, etc). None of these are inherently bad, and may even prove helpful, IF they drive you towards mission. However, the church in America has ben way too focused on all this stuff in the name of "church growth." This has resulted in the consumer-mentality that we war against today.
Consequently, one of the ways we will stay on MISSION in Vancouver is to be as lean, mobile, and agile as possible (along with any other cool words that end with "ile" you can think of. Hostile? Fragile?). This means that the vast majority of our resources (financial, time, etc) will be spent on TANGIBLE, Kingdom ministry at both local and global levels. Stuff that connects people to Jesus, and not to church programs or attendance.
As Hugh says: "To move forward, we can't keep everything we've always had...What used to provide us comfort may now only take up space or be a hindrance to getting where we need to go" (pg. 24).
WE ARE AT "ZERO." Zero assumptions, zero pre-conceived notions. Everyone gets a clean slate for Jesus to work something new in us individually and corporately.
What are some things you/we need to "leave behind" from your previous experiences?
Jason
Consequently, one of the ways we will stay on MISSION in Vancouver is to be as lean, mobile, and agile as possible (along with any other cool words that end with "ile" you can think of. Hostile? Fragile?). This means that the vast majority of our resources (financial, time, etc) will be spent on TANGIBLE, Kingdom ministry at both local and global levels. Stuff that connects people to Jesus, and not to church programs or attendance.
As Hugh says: "To move forward, we can't keep everything we've always had...What used to provide us comfort may now only take up space or be a hindrance to getting where we need to go" (pg. 24).
WE ARE AT "ZERO." Zero assumptions, zero pre-conceived notions. Everyone gets a clean slate for Jesus to work something new in us individually and corporately.
What are some things you/we need to "leave behind" from your previous experiences?
Jason
Chapter 3: Tremors
Before I give my thoughts on Ch. 3, I want to thank everyone for their brutal honesty in your initial responses to the first chapter. Real life is shared when we drop the mask, and it's very encouraging to see you trusting each other right out of the gate.
Speaking of brutal honesty, let me open up about one of my personal "fears" (for lack of a better word). I grew up very career-minded. First, here's the quote from Ch. 3 that hit the bullseye of this fear, and then I will elaborate:
"...tension can bring fear. Being in vocational ministry, ushering in anything new may cause us to abandon forms that has brought us great respect, self-esteem, and probably our livlihoods. Tension also comes when you KNOW you can't go back to present forms of church, but you DON"T know what going forward will look like or what it will cost us in life, focus, family, or finances.
I grew up very career-minded. I wanted to do something that would a) help people, b) provide a good, comfortable income for my family and one that would enable me to bless others financially as well, and c) enable me to spend good, quality time with my family (growing up a dentist's kid, DK for short, that's what dad gave and modeled to us--it was a fantastic, Godly way to be raised).
I went to a college prep high school which taught that you go to college to get a career to accomplish a, b, and c. So that's what I did when I chose to pursue a career in physical therapy out of high school, attending the University of Puget Sound. Fast-forwarding to the end of my first semester, I distinctly heard the Lord challenge me that He had called me to go into "ministry," but that I was ducking Him a bit (or a lot) because that "career" didn't quite fulfill a, b, and c (ESPECIALLY "B"). However I wanted to fulfill God's call on my life, so I quit the physical therapy route and instead obtained a BA in "Pastoral Ministry" in Bible college (veeeeeeeeeery useful in the American marketplace). (Note not-so-suttle sarcasm in previous parenthetical statement)
So even thought I know I had said "yes" to God no matter what, the mindset of go-to-college-and-get-paid-for-the-"job"-you-studied-for was (and still is) hard to shake. I'm 13 years into this after graduating from LIFE Bible College, and I still struggle with it, even though Amy and I have been so blessed to have our "ministry job" be the main source of income for our family all of those years. That brings me to the present day. Not only are we planting a church (which I really thought we would never do), but are, in addition, planting one with a missional/incarnational approach.
When I read Hugh's quote, it made me realize that I was saying "yes" to God all over again. Even though this is something I have wanted to do all my life, I have always known that it didn't set well in the "professional ministry" paradigm (at least not in one that pays well!). I was talking to James and Monica (fellow bible college grads and sharers in this tension) about this last week. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WILLING TO BE A TENTMAKER! The problem is I have no discernible marketplace skills (no one would stay dry in one of my tents). I have always been willing to go back to school to obtain said skill (most likely in the medical support field), but the Lord has made it very clear the HE would provide for our family, and my decision to do otherwise would be a blatant act of distrust. He has proved Himself faithful thus far, and I know He will continue to do so as we move in obedience. It doesn't make it any easier, but I would be lying to you if I said I didn't feel an equal amount of exhilaration KNOWING that I am following His lead despite my own logic and tendancies ("kind of like the feeling you get when you climb the rope in gym class..."--Garth, "Waynes World," 1991).
So there you have it. I'm a little scared spitless. But my knowledge of "Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us" (Eph. 3:20) makes it even more frightning to stop short in trusting in Him. Thus, we will enjoy the ride, knowing that Eph. 3:20 turns into v. 21: "to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
I won't apologize for the length of this (nor do I ever want YOU to apologize for anything you write)--It's a biggie for me. Thanks for listening. Love you guys!
Jason
Speaking of brutal honesty, let me open up about one of my personal "fears" (for lack of a better word). I grew up very career-minded. First, here's the quote from Ch. 3 that hit the bullseye of this fear, and then I will elaborate:
"...tension can bring fear. Being in vocational ministry, ushering in anything new may cause us to abandon forms that has brought us great respect, self-esteem, and probably our livlihoods. Tension also comes when you KNOW you can't go back to present forms of church, but you DON"T know what going forward will look like or what it will cost us in life, focus, family, or finances.
I grew up very career-minded. I wanted to do something that would a) help people, b) provide a good, comfortable income for my family and one that would enable me to bless others financially as well, and c) enable me to spend good, quality time with my family (growing up a dentist's kid, DK for short, that's what dad gave and modeled to us--it was a fantastic, Godly way to be raised).
I went to a college prep high school which taught that you go to college to get a career to accomplish a, b, and c. So that's what I did when I chose to pursue a career in physical therapy out of high school, attending the University of Puget Sound. Fast-forwarding to the end of my first semester, I distinctly heard the Lord challenge me that He had called me to go into "ministry," but that I was ducking Him a bit (or a lot) because that "career" didn't quite fulfill a, b, and c (ESPECIALLY "B"). However I wanted to fulfill God's call on my life, so I quit the physical therapy route and instead obtained a BA in "Pastoral Ministry" in Bible college (veeeeeeeeeery useful in the American marketplace). (Note not-so-suttle sarcasm in previous parenthetical statement)
So even thought I know I had said "yes" to God no matter what, the mindset of go-to-college-and-get-paid-for-the-"job"-you-studied-for was (and still is) hard to shake. I'm 13 years into this after graduating from LIFE Bible College, and I still struggle with it, even though Amy and I have been so blessed to have our "ministry job" be the main source of income for our family all of those years. That brings me to the present day. Not only are we planting a church (which I really thought we would never do), but are, in addition, planting one with a missional/incarnational approach.
When I read Hugh's quote, it made me realize that I was saying "yes" to God all over again. Even though this is something I have wanted to do all my life, I have always known that it didn't set well in the "professional ministry" paradigm (at least not in one that pays well!). I was talking to James and Monica (fellow bible college grads and sharers in this tension) about this last week. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WILLING TO BE A TENTMAKER! The problem is I have no discernible marketplace skills (no one would stay dry in one of my tents). I have always been willing to go back to school to obtain said skill (most likely in the medical support field), but the Lord has made it very clear the HE would provide for our family, and my decision to do otherwise would be a blatant act of distrust. He has proved Himself faithful thus far, and I know He will continue to do so as we move in obedience. It doesn't make it any easier, but I would be lying to you if I said I didn't feel an equal amount of exhilaration KNOWING that I am following His lead despite my own logic and tendancies ("kind of like the feeling you get when you climb the rope in gym class..."--Garth, "Waynes World," 1991).
So there you have it. I'm a little scared spitless. But my knowledge of "Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us" (Eph. 3:20) makes it even more frightning to stop short in trusting in Him. Thus, we will enjoy the ride, knowing that Eph. 3:20 turns into v. 21: "to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
I won't apologize for the length of this (nor do I ever want YOU to apologize for anything you write)--It's a biggie for me. Thanks for listening. Love you guys!
Jason
Chapter 2: Elvis Has Left the Building
Elvis has left the building
I love this title- but only if I understand what this author is saying. I don’t believe that God has left the church. I don’t believe that the Church will ever die- that doesn’t fit with Scripture. But I do believe that relevancy has left the building. That somehow the center of our mission has to do with taking care of the Christians, building maintenance and hoping someone new will come in and raise their hand to accept Jesus. Maybe if they don’t raise their hand then maybe they will come back because we gave them a nice gift with a Starbucks card in it. Hmmmmm.
I have to admit something here- I am not relevant either. I have been in church mode- in full-time staff mode for so long- that relevancy in my life has been lost or buried with so much busy church work. I have to admit this because the evidence points to that. I got so busy being a pastor that I quit volunteering at my kid’s school. (Sure I volunteered because it was important for my kids- but I really volunteered because I got to be with so many other moms and teachers and kids in our community! It was awesome to walk down the hall at our elementary school and have all the kids know my name! It was awesome to go to a bunko night with other moms while they drank the night away and began to tell you things they might not have if it wasn’t for the vino. But I quit. I was too tired to work and do that.) I also quit hanging out with my neighbors. I was too busy.
In the meantime- something has been lost in me. I feel it and I don’t like it. How do I become relevant? I believe it is simple- I need to be with people. I need to love them with no strings attached. We all work- we are all busy. But- if church is not about keeping us so busy in the building, then maybe I will have the time to be the church to the people who live next door to me. It’s a thought.
On page 9, Hugh says, “Although we call for church to change, we do not suggest that we obliterate all the forms and habits of Christianity.” Not all that we do is a bad thing. Actually most of it is good- I just think that as we plan our church we just need to ask ourselves if what we are doing is for the greater good. I believe we need to be a church (people) who pray- who are devoted to Scripture- who meet together- who worship- who loves each other and takes care of each others needs. I also believe we need to disciple people- which means that we train people who not only does these things at our weekly gathering but also does so at home: devoted to worship- at home - filled with the Spirit- at home- participate in communion- at home- at home we also take care of the needs of our neighbors. It is sharing life with people- the very people that Jesus came for- that we will be the light of the world. The light of the world will not be just the church service.
Interestingly, when I think of the people I know who have decided to follow Jesus this year- they have because they were brought into a relational community of friends. In time- those friends were so engaging that it made them ask questions and seek. Those seekers became believers because of those friends and then because the church service also pointed the way to Christ. I think we need to have a very good gathering that is especially noted for being real, honest and a place to experience God’s presence. But I also think we would be missing it if we ended there. We also need to cultivate a loving community that is open to bringing people into our lives.
That said- let’s be the church together. We are at such a beginning point. We are at a place amongst ourselves that we don’t all know each other really well. I say- let’s enjoy this part of our journey while we do get to know one another. I am looking forward to our team becoming a closer knit of friends. We will be adding new families in the upcoming months, too, who will not know each other. I hope it will always be that way- bringing new people along in our lives to get to know- love- and care for.
Amy
Chapter 1: Fiona
Some blog/discussion board housekeeping: I will publish a couple blank chapter-posts ahead so we'll make sure that the corresponding chapter is available when you are ready to comment. Just click "comments" at the end of the post and follow the directions. Let me know if you are having any troubles. Thanks!
Anyway, onto the book.
First of all, I want to mention how deeply appreciative I am that this book is written by a guy who, for all intents and purposes, imploded around him and FAILED. Why are we so afraid of failure? Whoops, let me personalize it--why am I afraid of failure? Honestly, I don't have much of an answer. The fact of the matter is that you really can't do anything great or worthwhile without falling on your (insert preferred body part here) at least a few times. We really need to feel free to fail if we are going to grow, learn, and make a difference.
Key quote that really got me: "In some ways, I think I've always wanted more for Sojourners (GREAT word by the way) than what I had personally experienced in church. I guess I always wanted more for myself as well." This really resonated with me. We have always defaulted to "invite your neighbor to church" when we want them to meet Jesus. And I think the reason we rarely do so is directly related to that quote! How about us establishing a community of believers that would invite them to meet Jesus in their own daily context! A community that would actually BE Jesus to them. Then, at their own pace, make their way into the larger community, based on an ongoing friendship with said Christ-follower.
I'm going to stop there for a while and let some of your thoughts on the chapter roll in. Until tomorrow!
Anyway, onto the book.
First of all, I want to mention how deeply appreciative I am that this book is written by a guy who, for all intents and purposes, imploded around him and FAILED. Why are we so afraid of failure? Whoops, let me personalize it--why am I afraid of failure? Honestly, I don't have much of an answer. The fact of the matter is that you really can't do anything great or worthwhile without falling on your (insert preferred body part here) at least a few times. We really need to feel free to fail if we are going to grow, learn, and make a difference.
Key quote that really got me: "In some ways, I think I've always wanted more for Sojourners (GREAT word by the way) than what I had personally experienced in church. I guess I always wanted more for myself as well." This really resonated with me. We have always defaulted to "invite your neighbor to church" when we want them to meet Jesus. And I think the reason we rarely do so is directly related to that quote! How about us establishing a community of believers that would invite them to meet Jesus in their own daily context! A community that would actually BE Jesus to them. Then, at their own pace, make their way into the larger community, based on an ongoing friendship with said Christ-follower.
I'm going to stop there for a while and let some of your thoughts on the chapter roll in. Until tomorrow!
From: Jason
Commence reading of "The Tangible Kingdom"
Hey All,
Here it is, our discussion platform for our reading of "The Tangible Kingdom" by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay. We are reading one chapter a day and responding through the comments. Can't wait to read what begins to percolate in your mind as you journey throught the book!
Jason
Here it is, our discussion platform for our reading of "The Tangible Kingdom" by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay. We are reading one chapter a day and responding through the comments. Can't wait to read what begins to percolate in your mind as you journey throught the book!
Jason
"So where in Vancouver are you going to plant your church?"
The answer, at this point, is "yes." God has called us to establish a missional/incarnational church in Vancouver, and is letting us dwell on that for a while. A bit frustrating for a people who are eager to take the next step! As I explained this tension to a good friend of mine, she simply stated, "So what you're saying is that there is no roof on it yet"... EXACTLY! We strongly believe that the Church is infinitely more than a "church building" in a static location, beckoning people to "come inside for free tickets to Heaven" (Parenthetical/italicized rant: the tendancy for the church of America to do this makes me want to cuss, hurt someone, weep, or light myself on fire--often all at the same time--where did we get this idea????????? Ugh. I'm OK now--God's Grace covers a lot--including my own stupidity and mistakes, which are innumerable. Back to the post!).
Will we begin to meet corporately to worship/pray/get-into-the-word (aka, "have services")? Absolutely--it will be a huge part of our mission. However, we feel that the Lord is teaching us to BE the church in Vancouver FIRST--that is being the hands and feet of Jesus in the context of our everyday lives, 24/7. Thus, for the time being, we are "without a roof", scattered across the vast expanses of Vancouver, USA. And quite frankly, my prayer is that we will continue to be just that, even when we begin to meet for "services" in a building.
So this is our Blog that will document the launching of this journey. Feel free to comment, ask questions, and share your life. What we are believing God for is WAY beyond our grasp, so it's going to be fun to see what He does!
Enjoying the Ride,
Jason Snyder
Will we begin to meet corporately to worship/pray/get-into-the-word (aka, "have services")? Absolutely--it will be a huge part of our mission. However, we feel that the Lord is teaching us to BE the church in Vancouver FIRST--that is being the hands and feet of Jesus in the context of our everyday lives, 24/7. Thus, for the time being, we are "without a roof", scattered across the vast expanses of Vancouver, USA. And quite frankly, my prayer is that we will continue to be just that, even when we begin to meet for "services" in a building.
So this is our Blog that will document the launching of this journey. Feel free to comment, ask questions, and share your life. What we are believing God for is WAY beyond our grasp, so it's going to be fun to see what He does!
Enjoying the Ride,
Jason Snyder
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