If you (that being all two of you, maybe? lol) keep up with my blog you will remember a post about a pastor named Wade Burleson and his recent struggles as a trustee with the International Mission Board over missionary approval policies that were recently approved that are simply out of step with much of what it means to be a Southern Baptist, let alone a Christian. Well, to keep all two of you further informed, there was a recent gathering of SBC leaders in Memphis that conjured up the following declaration. Of course, this gathering has no "official" status, by any means, but I believe it's impact to be greater than any sort of formal declaration... namely because it is from the grass roots level and because it comes from such a diverse group of SBists. It's worth a read. It's worth some consideration.
MEMPHIS DECLARATION: MAY 3, 2006
We, as men and women who share a heritage of Southern Baptist identity, declare that we stand together and confess Jesus Christ as the one Lord to whom we must reckon an account for our words and motivations in this gathering.
We further acknowledge that the Word of God is the sole basis of our confession and cooperation, and we are confident that God has sufficiently revealed in it all that is needed to direct Southern Baptists in fruitful cooperation toward Kingdom ends that bring glory to Jesus Christ, who is himself the focus of divine revelation.
We publicly declare before all Southern Baptists that we believe the unity, mission, and witness of our denomination is seriously threatened by the introduction of the narrowing of cooperation through exclusionary theological and political agendas that corrupt the healthy and mutual fellowship we enjoy as Kingdom servants. We believe that the parameters of Baptist cooperation in missions and evangelism must be consistent with our rich theological heritage, and that all attempts to impose excessively restrictive criteria on participation in Southern Baptist missionary work are counterproductive to the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Because we desire to be and to remain faithful to our confession of Jesus Christ and his Word, we do not keep silent, nor shall we, since we believe that we have a common message to speak in this time of great need for unity and Kingdom focus in our convention. In view of this shared conviction, we declare the following:
1. We publicly repent of triumphalism about Southern Baptist causes and narcissism about Southern Baptist ministries which have corrupted our integrity in assessing our denomination bureaucracy, our churches, and our personal witness in light of the sobering exhortations of Scripture.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to a renewed pledge to integrity demonstrated by accountability in our denomination, both before God and each other, lest in preaching the meekness of our Lord to others we ourselves will be found guilty of wicked, sinful pride.
2. We publicly repent of an arrogant spirit that has infected our partnership with fellow Christians in the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, without the hearing of which men are incapable of conversion.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to a renewed pledge to partner with Great Commission Christians for the glory of Jesus Christ, who is proclaimed with power when his disciples are at peace with one another.
3. We publicly repent of having condemned those without Christ before we have loved them, and that we have acted as judge of those for whom Christ died by failing to live with a redemptive spirit toward them.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to engage culture actively at every level by living redemptively as the Body of Christ in the world.
4. We publicly repent of having forsaken opportunities to reason together with those who share our commitment to gospel proclamation yet differ with us on articles of the faith that are not essential to Christian orthodoxy.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to building bridges where there have been none, in listening more and talking less, and in extending the hand of fellowship to all who share our confession of Christ and our commitment to extend His Kingdom.
5. We publicly repent of having turned a blind eye to wickedness in our convention, especially when that evil has taken the form of slanderous, unsubstantiated accusations and malicious character assassination against our Christian brothers.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to confront lovingly any person in our denomination, regardless of the office or title that person holds, who disparages the name of our Lord by appropriating venomous epithets against our brothers and sisters in Christ, and thus divides our fellowship by careless and unchaste speech.
6. We publicly repent of having misplaced our priorities on the building and sustaining of institutions of secondary and far inferior importance than the local church.
Therefore, we renew our pledge to the local church as the primary focus of our ministry and service to advance the Kingdom of God and bring glory to his Son.
7. We publicly repent of having disrespected the sovereign grace of our Lord Jesus Christ by falsely presuming that our strength as a people of God is found in uniformity rather than unity within the parameters of Scriptural authority.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to honor our identity as people of one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, whose affirmation of biblical authority does not necessitate absolute uniformity on all matters of doctrine or practice.
8. We publicly repent of our inattentiveness to convention governance by not seeking to hold trustees accountable to the body which elects them to preserve our sacred trust and direct our entities with the guidance, counsel, and correction necessary to maintain the integrity of those entities.
Therefore, we covenant with one another to assist in the preservation of our convention's sacred trust and fulfill our biblical responsibility to hold those trustees elected to serve our entities accountable, and to pray for them as they seek to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities.
Finally, we believe the conversations that have begun in these days express our desire to preserve the Southern Baptist Convention should God, in his providence, so choose to sustain our witness and strengthen our commitment to these ends. We pledge, therefore, to one another that we will continue this dialogue by inviting others in our respective spheres of influence to participate with us by seeking to renew our commitment to denominational accountability, institutional openness, moral and ethical integrity, and properly prioritized Kingdom efforts.
5.09.2006
4.09.2006
Weddings
Well, earlier tonight many of us witnessed the wedding of Mark and Missy here in Houston, Texas. What a wonderful wedding! Everything was, quite literally, perfect. It was a bit surreal finding Horizonites here in Texas, but I think we all fit in pretty well... perhaps minus the two-stepping country music (or was that just me? lol). The weather was unnaturally arid, and beauty surrounded the Parador in the full bloom of spring. Wonderful.
On top of this, I found myself on the top of Mt. Hood, Oregon - literally two weeks ago today performing another wedding (though in Mark and Missy's, I simply read Scripture). That, too, was a fantastic wedding of another kind - this time in a winter wonderland. All of us stayed in the Timberline Lodge on the side of Mt. Hood and then traveled a couple of thousand feet higher by snowcats to reach the Silcox Hut where the wedding took place. This, of course, was quite a sharp contrast from the spring wedding here in Texas.
Still, as both weddings differed in look and feel, there is one common thread through each: JOYOUS CELEBRATION. Each couple just brimmed with excitement and joy; each couple allowing friends and families to experience their own unique version of their dreamed wedding celebration. While one met in the warmth of the south, the other met in the cold of the north. While one played music from irish pipes and fiddles, the other pumped out traditional wedding tunes, and later... a splash of Usher and 50cent. :)
One thing that I take away from all of this is the fact that I have forgotten to celebrate. I need to do that more often. Kimme and I need to do that more often. My friend, I can only guess that YOU need to do that more often as well.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" -- The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4.4.
On top of this, I found myself on the top of Mt. Hood, Oregon - literally two weeks ago today performing another wedding (though in Mark and Missy's, I simply read Scripture). That, too, was a fantastic wedding of another kind - this time in a winter wonderland. All of us stayed in the Timberline Lodge on the side of Mt. Hood and then traveled a couple of thousand feet higher by snowcats to reach the Silcox Hut where the wedding took place. This, of course, was quite a sharp contrast from the spring wedding here in Texas.
Still, as both weddings differed in look and feel, there is one common thread through each: JOYOUS CELEBRATION. Each couple just brimmed with excitement and joy; each couple allowing friends and families to experience their own unique version of their dreamed wedding celebration. While one met in the warmth of the south, the other met in the cold of the north. While one played music from irish pipes and fiddles, the other pumped out traditional wedding tunes, and later... a splash of Usher and 50cent. :)
One thing that I take away from all of this is the fact that I have forgotten to celebrate. I need to do that more often. Kimme and I need to do that more often. My friend, I can only guess that YOU need to do that more often as well.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" -- The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4.4.
4.05.2006
No home to speak of
I have done a good deal of traveling as of late... from being a guest speaker at a conference in the SW to performing a wedding on top of Mt Hood in Oregon. All such trips lead me to casual conversation in which the normal string of questions ensue:
Where are you from? Where did you grow up? Etc.
Oddly enough, it is so hard for me to truly answer that. In fact, it feels like I have never truly had a home. When I was a kid I moved almost twice a year. I remember switching schools all the time, having to rebuild relationships, friendships, all from scratch. Is it any wonder that I am a church planter? lol -- But still... only one place was ever truly home for me growing up, and that was the Cowan house. I never lived there, so I guess it was never really a home, but it's the closes thing to stability that I have ever had. When Captain died in 2004 (and grandmother 2 years earlier), that "home" was gone from me as well...
All of this helps me hold loosely to this world and life here. Wherever I am, that is home. Whoever I am with, that is family. And, of course, my real home is heaven. It's a place I have never been but know I will see someday. Jesus is already preparing a place for me, as he has for every believer before me and as he will for every believer after. Thank God that THIS home will never fade away or die. Heaven is an eternal home, and my life here on earth as I follow him is preparation for the next chapter or phase. Thank God life does not end here. Thank God for eternal life...
"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
--
PS: I will be in Houston this weekend for Mark's wedding (more travel, and KC after that. lol) Being in Houston will mean catching up with old friends and family. I will return to my aunt's home in which Captain died. I suppose this will be sort of a final goodbye for me... if anyone reads this, please pray for me on that. Thanks...
DCC
Where are you from? Where did you grow up? Etc.
Oddly enough, it is so hard for me to truly answer that. In fact, it feels like I have never truly had a home. When I was a kid I moved almost twice a year. I remember switching schools all the time, having to rebuild relationships, friendships, all from scratch. Is it any wonder that I am a church planter? lol -- But still... only one place was ever truly home for me growing up, and that was the Cowan house. I never lived there, so I guess it was never really a home, but it's the closes thing to stability that I have ever had. When Captain died in 2004 (and grandmother 2 years earlier), that "home" was gone from me as well...
All of this helps me hold loosely to this world and life here. Wherever I am, that is home. Whoever I am with, that is family. And, of course, my real home is heaven. It's a place I have never been but know I will see someday. Jesus is already preparing a place for me, as he has for every believer before me and as he will for every believer after. Thank God that THIS home will never fade away or die. Heaven is an eternal home, and my life here on earth as I follow him is preparation for the next chapter or phase. Thank God life does not end here. Thank God for eternal life...
"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
--
PS: I will be in Houston this weekend for Mark's wedding (more travel, and KC after that. lol) Being in Houston will mean catching up with old friends and family. I will return to my aunt's home in which Captain died. I suppose this will be sort of a final goodbye for me... if anyone reads this, please pray for me on that. Thanks...
DCC
3.09.2006
What is our Canon?
The word "canon" comes from the Greek meaning, "a straight rod," or "a carpenter's rule." During Christianity's beginning it was used with the idea of a standard of opinion and/or practice. In time, "canon" came to be used as a testing rule in logic, art, ethics, and grammar. Finally, among Christians in 367 AD, "canon" came to reference the Scriptures... those that were accepted as God's inspired Word of God. Likewise, in time all other texts became known as "uncanonical" -- such as the books that compile the Apocrypha, and books like the Shepherd of Hermas and the Epistle of Barnabas.
Today, we take this stuff for granted. The Bible is the Bible, right? But there was a great struggle for the early church as they wrestled with what was canonical and what was not. In fact, this process took hundreds of years. The true "emergent church" of Christianity worked out this stuff for a long time as they wrestled with what is truly the boundaries of God's inspired Word.
Fast forward just shy of a couple thousand years, and you find another movement that has called itself the emergent church. This new brand of church has moved away from accepting propositional truth at face value and moved instead toward a "living truth" - that of community and experience. No more is there coloring within the lines; there is no longer neat categories and everything in it's place. Like a child finger-painting, the emergent church is embracing the messiness of spiritual life. As the emergent church sees the modern church taking it's last dying gasps of breath, it dreams of what could be in that great big world out there.
Just an observation, though: I wonder if the pendulum has swung the other way now? I wonder if this move toward community and experience for finding the boundaries of God's truth has left the emergent church looking for another canon? Does each community define it's own canon? Does this "canon" change for each community? Truly for the first couple hundred years after Jesus' life and ministry here, all sorts of Christian communities considered such books as The Shepherd of Hermas as inspired. But this is a bit different. I am curious about the future... If anything, to see this unfold will be like watching a child grow up.
*grabs the popcorn... grabs a comfy chair... dims the lights... presses play*
Today, we take this stuff for granted. The Bible is the Bible, right? But there was a great struggle for the early church as they wrestled with what was canonical and what was not. In fact, this process took hundreds of years. The true "emergent church" of Christianity worked out this stuff for a long time as they wrestled with what is truly the boundaries of God's inspired Word.
Fast forward just shy of a couple thousand years, and you find another movement that has called itself the emergent church. This new brand of church has moved away from accepting propositional truth at face value and moved instead toward a "living truth" - that of community and experience. No more is there coloring within the lines; there is no longer neat categories and everything in it's place. Like a child finger-painting, the emergent church is embracing the messiness of spiritual life. As the emergent church sees the modern church taking it's last dying gasps of breath, it dreams of what could be in that great big world out there.
Just an observation, though: I wonder if the pendulum has swung the other way now? I wonder if this move toward community and experience for finding the boundaries of God's truth has left the emergent church looking for another canon? Does each community define it's own canon? Does this "canon" change for each community? Truly for the first couple hundred years after Jesus' life and ministry here, all sorts of Christian communities considered such books as The Shepherd of Hermas as inspired. But this is a bit different. I am curious about the future... If anything, to see this unfold will be like watching a child grow up.
*grabs the popcorn... grabs a comfy chair... dims the lights... presses play*
2.08.2006
What Are We 2 Do w/AFRICA?
You know... 150,000 people died in the tsunami last year... and the whole world stepped up to contribute to help bring relief with that terrible disaster. But did you know (I didn't) that 150,000 people die in Africa EVERY MONTH due to AIDS/HPV/POVERTY? That's a tsunami every year. :shock:
I didn't know this until I watched Bono's speech/sermon at the National Prayer Breakfast that he gave a couple of days ago:
Copy and paste the link below...
mms://wmscnn.stream.aol.com/cnn/us/2006/02/02/bono.speaks.cnn.ws.wmv
Interestingly, in the spirit of a prophet from Israel or Judah, Bono suggests that the issue of Africa is one of justice and not of charity. I think he's right, and it was challenging to me in a big way. Something to think about...
Horizon Towson has connections with missionaries in Africa or that work with Africans. Let's remember to PRAY for them... Let us also find ways to give more than our thoughts, but our $ as well.
--
As a side note, the best quote/section of his message was this:
"A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…
And this wise man said: stop.
He said, stop asking God to bless what you’re doing.
Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed." -- Bono
As a side note, Bono will be speaking at the Leadership Conference @ Willow Creek this year in August. Wish I was going. Anyone want to buy me a ticket??? Please? lol
I didn't know this until I watched Bono's speech/sermon at the National Prayer Breakfast that he gave a couple of days ago:
Copy and paste the link below...
mms://wmscnn.stream.aol.com/cnn/us/2006/02/02/bono.speaks.cnn.ws.wmv
Interestingly, in the spirit of a prophet from Israel or Judah, Bono suggests that the issue of Africa is one of justice and not of charity. I think he's right, and it was challenging to me in a big way. Something to think about...
Horizon Towson has connections with missionaries in Africa or that work with Africans. Let's remember to PRAY for them... Let us also find ways to give more than our thoughts, but our $ as well.
--
As a side note, the best quote/section of his message was this:
"A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…
And this wise man said: stop.
He said, stop asking God to bless what you’re doing.
Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed." -- Bono
As a side note, Bono will be speaking at the Leadership Conference @ Willow Creek this year in August. Wish I was going. Anyone want to buy me a ticket??? Please? lol
1.28.2006
What do a Rockstar, a former Strip Club Bouncer, a Tattoo Artist and a Preacer have in common?
Yeah, we are all friends... great time hanging out with Josh Smith, Rob Cranford and Norm Wright yesterday. Ain't the Body of Christ beautiful? I think so...
1.24.2006
Wade Burleson is cool...
As mentioned in my previous post, the saga over the IMB (International Mission Board) of the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) and their attempt to add to Scripture is astounding. :( But all I can say... the more I read, the more I love Wade Burleson. This guy rocks!
---
Burleson: ‘We are at a crossroads’
Monday, 23 January 2006
by Bob Nigh
Managing Editor, Baptist Messenger
TULSA—“We are at a crossroads as a convention,” Wade Burleson told about 80 persons gathered for a Tulsa Metro Association luncheon Jan. 16 at the Radisson Inn.
BGCO president Bob Green, pastor of Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights (in red sweater) leads prayer for Enid, Emmanuel pastor Wade Burleson as Tulsa-area pastors lay hands on Burleson after he spoke at a Tulsa Metro Association luncheon Jan. 16. PHOTO: Bob Nigh
Burleson, pastor of Enid, Emmanuel and president of the Baptist General Convention from 2002-2004, is the central figure amid a growing controversy among Southern Baptists. While he was elected by messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention last June in Nashville to serve a four-year term as a trustee of the International Mission Board, Burleson now finds himself virtually a pariah on the board after he spoke up concerning new guidelines for the appointment of IMB missionaries. On Jan. 10, the IMB board voted to recommend that Burleson be removed as a trustee at this year’s SBC convention in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14.
Passage of that recommendation will require approval by a two-thirds majority of SBC messengers. The missionary personnel policies Burleson objects to involve baptism and a “private prayer language.” Under the new policies, missionary candidates who admitted to using a private prayer language or missionaries not baptized in a Southern Baptist church or one which teaches “eternal security” would not be approved for appointment.
“The issue I am attempting to address is an issue that is not personal, but I believe is an issue that will determine the direction we will go; it will chart our course for decades to come as the Southern Baptist Convention,” Burleson said. “The issue is not tongues. The issue is not a new policy on baptism. It is not Wade Burleson.
“The issue is, when will we as a convention cease narrowing the parameters of cooperation for evangelism and missions?”
He explained further.
“What I mean by that is this. We as Southern Baptists are all conservative, we’re evangelical; we’re Bible believing Christians, but many of us disagree on interpretation of minor, non-essential doctrines,” he said.
“When can we come to the place of realizing that we are all conservative, evangelical people who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are concerned about winning the world for Christ, and when will we stop saying, ’You must interpret Scripture the way I do in order for you to cooperate with me on the mission field?’
“The Baptist Faith & Message is a great fleshing out of those essential doctrines that we hold to, and I support it. I am afraid that we are now moving beyond the Baptist Faith & Message, and these new policies on tongues and baptism are just an illustration.
“I am fighting for us as a convention to cooperate even though we disagree on the minor, non-essential doctrines of Scripture.”
Wade Burleson
Burleson said he feels there is a small group of IMB trustees trying to control the entire board.
“I believe there is a subset of trustees attempting to set direction,” he said. “I believe with all my heart that is happening at the IMB. And that direction is contrary to the leadership of (IMB) president Jerry Rankin and staff, who are doing, I believe, a fine job in leading our convention in the area of missions.
“I asked them if they were aware that Miss Bertha Smith, the greatest missionary we have ever had, a missionary to China who lived to be 100 years old, died in 1988 and led thousands of people to Christ, had a private prayer language? Are you aware that Rankin, before he was hired, told the board and search committee that he had a private prayer language?
“The old policy stated if you spoke publically in tongues on the mission field, you would be fired because the missions agency is determined to make sure the Gospel is shared with clarity. That’s a policy I can live with.”
Burleson told the Tulsa-area audience that attempts were made by IMB trustees to keep him silent on the issue.
“I believe because I was new they felt like I should be silent,” he said. “As a result, I was squelched in ways I’m not yet free to tell you about at this time. I went to those who squelched me, which is always my policy, to see if it could be worked out. It could not be worked out.”
As for the issue of tongues, or a private prayer language, Burleson said, “I don’t have a private prayer language. My mission as a pastor is to preach the Word of God. But, what you do in your prayer closet is your business.”
He said he especially disagreed with the new policy on baptism.
“The one policy that really bothered me was the new policy on baptism, which essentially said this, ‘you can not serve unless you were baptized in a Southern Baptist church or a church that teaches eternal security,’ Burleson said.
“There are three things that bothered me about the new policy on baptism. First, it goes way beyond what Scripture and the Baptist Faith & Message teach concerning baptism. Second, it places emphasis on baptism identifying you with a certain church or doctrinal teaching rather than baptism identifying the convert with Jesus as a follower of the Christ. Third, the IMB is now telling local Southern Baptist churches that a baptism good enough for them is not good enough for the IMB. This violates the autonomy of the local church.
“I am shocked that the IMB is now telling me that a baptism—good enough for our church—is not good enough for them.
“I think they see me as a troublemaker. But, this is a matter of conviction; it is a matter of policy.
“For weeks, I spoke out, and I was not alone. Others did, too. What we were trying to do was to convince the trustees that this was going way beyond the parameters of Scripture and the BF&M.
“I was not even trying to convince them that I was right. I don’t care if they believe that way. I just don’t want them telling me that I can’t cooperate with them on the mission field because I don’t believe like them. That’s the bigger issue.”
IMB trustees reportedly were upset when Burleson eventually took his concerns beyond the board room and began a Web log (blog) or online diary.
“So, persistently, passionately, graciously to people, I spoke up,” he said. “And I think they saw me as a person who was rocking the boat.
“They ended up voting for the new policy in November and here’s where the rub comes . . . since my accountability is not to my fellow trustees, but to the Southern Baptist Convention; since my responsibility is invested in me not by my fellow trustees but by the SBC, I have the privilege to take this issue to the SBC.
“I did, through a blog—every day for several months, never using names, never attacking people. It’s all been (a matter of) principle; we have to see where we are headed, draw a line in the sand and say ‘no more.’
Burleson said he knew going public would not be well received by fellow IMB trustees.
“I knew there would be some discomfort over me going public, but I believe I have a responsibility to the convention, so I continued,” he stressed.”
Burleson expressed dismay that the board’s new policy put Rankin in an awkward position.
“This put Rankin in a very difficult position,” he pointed out. “You now have the president of an organization not qualified to be a missionary within the very organization over which he presides!
“I believe if I just let this thing slide, I’m afraid 10 years from now, it will be the death knell of our convention.”
On his Jan. 11 blog, Burleson said, “I have consistently maintained that a growing problem within our convention is the removal from leadership and service those who do not conform to specific interpretations of the Bible . . . . my desire has been to capture the interest and commitment of what I believe is a critical mass of conservative SBC members in general, and a younger generation of SBC pastors in particular, who are increasingly feeling disenfranchised because of attempts to demand conformity to interpretations of the Bible with which even reasonable, conservative innerantists may disagree.”
---
Burleson: ‘We are at a crossroads’
Monday, 23 January 2006
by Bob Nigh
Managing Editor, Baptist Messenger
TULSA—“We are at a crossroads as a convention,” Wade Burleson told about 80 persons gathered for a Tulsa Metro Association luncheon Jan. 16 at the Radisson Inn.
BGCO president Bob Green, pastor of Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights (in red sweater) leads prayer for Enid, Emmanuel pastor Wade Burleson as Tulsa-area pastors lay hands on Burleson after he spoke at a Tulsa Metro Association luncheon Jan. 16. PHOTO: Bob Nigh
Burleson, pastor of Enid, Emmanuel and president of the Baptist General Convention from 2002-2004, is the central figure amid a growing controversy among Southern Baptists. While he was elected by messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention last June in Nashville to serve a four-year term as a trustee of the International Mission Board, Burleson now finds himself virtually a pariah on the board after he spoke up concerning new guidelines for the appointment of IMB missionaries. On Jan. 10, the IMB board voted to recommend that Burleson be removed as a trustee at this year’s SBC convention in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14.
Passage of that recommendation will require approval by a two-thirds majority of SBC messengers. The missionary personnel policies Burleson objects to involve baptism and a “private prayer language.” Under the new policies, missionary candidates who admitted to using a private prayer language or missionaries not baptized in a Southern Baptist church or one which teaches “eternal security” would not be approved for appointment.
“The issue I am attempting to address is an issue that is not personal, but I believe is an issue that will determine the direction we will go; it will chart our course for decades to come as the Southern Baptist Convention,” Burleson said. “The issue is not tongues. The issue is not a new policy on baptism. It is not Wade Burleson.
“The issue is, when will we as a convention cease narrowing the parameters of cooperation for evangelism and missions?”
He explained further.
“What I mean by that is this. We as Southern Baptists are all conservative, we’re evangelical; we’re Bible believing Christians, but many of us disagree on interpretation of minor, non-essential doctrines,” he said.
“When can we come to the place of realizing that we are all conservative, evangelical people who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are concerned about winning the world for Christ, and when will we stop saying, ’You must interpret Scripture the way I do in order for you to cooperate with me on the mission field?’
“The Baptist Faith & Message is a great fleshing out of those essential doctrines that we hold to, and I support it. I am afraid that we are now moving beyond the Baptist Faith & Message, and these new policies on tongues and baptism are just an illustration.
“I am fighting for us as a convention to cooperate even though we disagree on the minor, non-essential doctrines of Scripture.”
Wade Burleson
Burleson said he feels there is a small group of IMB trustees trying to control the entire board.
“I believe there is a subset of trustees attempting to set direction,” he said. “I believe with all my heart that is happening at the IMB. And that direction is contrary to the leadership of (IMB) president Jerry Rankin and staff, who are doing, I believe, a fine job in leading our convention in the area of missions.
“I asked them if they were aware that Miss Bertha Smith, the greatest missionary we have ever had, a missionary to China who lived to be 100 years old, died in 1988 and led thousands of people to Christ, had a private prayer language? Are you aware that Rankin, before he was hired, told the board and search committee that he had a private prayer language?
“The old policy stated if you spoke publically in tongues on the mission field, you would be fired because the missions agency is determined to make sure the Gospel is shared with clarity. That’s a policy I can live with.”
Burleson told the Tulsa-area audience that attempts were made by IMB trustees to keep him silent on the issue.
“I believe because I was new they felt like I should be silent,” he said. “As a result, I was squelched in ways I’m not yet free to tell you about at this time. I went to those who squelched me, which is always my policy, to see if it could be worked out. It could not be worked out.”
As for the issue of tongues, or a private prayer language, Burleson said, “I don’t have a private prayer language. My mission as a pastor is to preach the Word of God. But, what you do in your prayer closet is your business.”
He said he especially disagreed with the new policy on baptism.
“The one policy that really bothered me was the new policy on baptism, which essentially said this, ‘you can not serve unless you were baptized in a Southern Baptist church or a church that teaches eternal security,’ Burleson said.
“There are three things that bothered me about the new policy on baptism. First, it goes way beyond what Scripture and the Baptist Faith & Message teach concerning baptism. Second, it places emphasis on baptism identifying you with a certain church or doctrinal teaching rather than baptism identifying the convert with Jesus as a follower of the Christ. Third, the IMB is now telling local Southern Baptist churches that a baptism good enough for them is not good enough for the IMB. This violates the autonomy of the local church.
“I am shocked that the IMB is now telling me that a baptism—good enough for our church—is not good enough for them.
“I think they see me as a troublemaker. But, this is a matter of conviction; it is a matter of policy.
“For weeks, I spoke out, and I was not alone. Others did, too. What we were trying to do was to convince the trustees that this was going way beyond the parameters of Scripture and the BF&M.
“I was not even trying to convince them that I was right. I don’t care if they believe that way. I just don’t want them telling me that I can’t cooperate with them on the mission field because I don’t believe like them. That’s the bigger issue.”
IMB trustees reportedly were upset when Burleson eventually took his concerns beyond the board room and began a Web log (blog) or online diary.
“So, persistently, passionately, graciously to people, I spoke up,” he said. “And I think they saw me as a person who was rocking the boat.
“They ended up voting for the new policy in November and here’s where the rub comes . . . since my accountability is not to my fellow trustees, but to the Southern Baptist Convention; since my responsibility is invested in me not by my fellow trustees but by the SBC, I have the privilege to take this issue to the SBC.
“I did, through a blog—every day for several months, never using names, never attacking people. It’s all been (a matter of) principle; we have to see where we are headed, draw a line in the sand and say ‘no more.’
Burleson said he knew going public would not be well received by fellow IMB trustees.
“I knew there would be some discomfort over me going public, but I believe I have a responsibility to the convention, so I continued,” he stressed.”
Burleson expressed dismay that the board’s new policy put Rankin in an awkward position.
“This put Rankin in a very difficult position,” he pointed out. “You now have the president of an organization not qualified to be a missionary within the very organization over which he presides!
“I believe if I just let this thing slide, I’m afraid 10 years from now, it will be the death knell of our convention.”
On his Jan. 11 blog, Burleson said, “I have consistently maintained that a growing problem within our convention is the removal from leadership and service those who do not conform to specific interpretations of the Bible . . . . my desire has been to capture the interest and commitment of what I believe is a critical mass of conservative SBC members in general, and a younger generation of SBC pastors in particular, who are increasingly feeling disenfranchised because of attempts to demand conformity to interpretations of the Bible with which even reasonable, conservative innerantists may disagree.”
1.18.2006
Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K
Ted once said, "Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K." :lol: Well, it would seem that the same is true for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. What strange things are afoot at the IMB? Well, there is a move to prohibit anyone that has a private prayer language from serving overseas, and there is a move to now require that all IMB personnel be baptized in a Southern Baptist Church.
WHAT???
One primary target in this (and in every shakedown, there is always a scape goat... just ask Jesus) is Wade Burleson, a pastor of a church in Enid, Oklahoma and a trustee on the IMB. There is a move to remove him from the Board because he has been vocal about these new changes. Now, I could wax eloquent about all of this, but I thought it best to simply quote from the scapegoat himself. It's good stuff...
Wade Burleson:
Never Forget It's About Missions
The International Mission Board is the one agency that causes all of us as Southern Baptists to get excited about cooperation. Though I have discovered that there is a wide variety of beliefs regarding ecclesiology, eschatology, missiology, soteriology and other interpretations of Scripture among the IMB trustees, I can guarantee you every trustee I have met is interested in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.
Some of us just disagree on how to get it done.
I have tried to remind everyone in this blog that the major issue for me is NOT so much the new policy forbidding the appoint of missionaries who have a private prayer language, or even the policy that rejects prospective missionary candidates who are not baptized in a Southern Baptist church or in a church that teaches eternal security. Sure, I believe both new policies go beyond Scripture and the Baptist Faith and Message, but they are only symptoms of a deeper problem.
The real problem?
We are continuing to narrow the parameters of fellowship and cooperation in the area of missions and evangelism by demanding conformity and agreement on non-essential doctrines. Now you must be a cessationist and very close to a Landmark in order to be a Southern Baptist missionary.
We have lost sight of the gospel.
The gospel is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through the work of His Son. We are called to preach Christ. We are commissioned by Christ Himself to be ambassadors of this good news. We are to go far and wide, or at least support those who do go far away, in the sharing of this good news that God saves sinners through Jesus Christ His Son.
I am still trying to understand why we are now EXCLUDING Southern Baptist missionary candidates who have a clear grasp of the gospel, who are members in good standing of Southern Baptist churches, and who in every way would have been qualified to serve as an SBC missionary for the past 161 years, but are now persona non grata (an unwelcome person).
I have received several emails with heart wrenching stories of missionaries who are now not able to serve with the IMB because of these new policies. Allow me to tell you one without going into the specific details of names and locations.
There is a very dark region in Central Asia, a place where missionaries and trustees have been praying for a gospel presence for the past three years. This very, very dark place is dangerous for anyone who names the name of Christ.
Recently, a young Southern Baptist couple felt God's call to this very region. They would never be recognized for their service because of security reasons. Their lives would be in constant danger, and frankly, there would be no guarantee they would ever make it back to the States alive. They passed all of the candidate interviews with flying colors, impressed all the IMB staff and trustees, and brought a surge of excitement and anticipation to the CA region as an answer to many prayers.
When the new policies were past by the trustees November 15, 2005 the Candidate Consultant went back to the young couple and asked, "Do either one of you have a private prayer language?"
The wife, unbeknownst to her husband, had prayed privately in ecstatic utterances for years. With full integrity she answered, "Yes."
This young couple was then rejected as SBC missionaries while in training at the Missionary Learning Center. Many tears were shed. The Candidate Consultant was heartbroken. The Central Asia region was shocked.
Why were they declined? The trustees, not the staff, declined them.
I propose a dark region in Central Asia is still dark because we trustees lost sight of the gospel, and our mission, and went way beyond Scripture, the Baptist Faith and Message, and our duties to keep our eye on world missions and evangelism.
That's the issue.
I have been criticized because I have stated the reason why private prayer languages became an issue among the trustees two years ago. It is not conjecture for me. What I have been told makes me very sad.
The baptism policy makes me just as sad. There are trustees who have said to me, "I am a Landmark and proud of it." Listen, I can cooperate with a Landmark any day of the year in the area of missions, but the essence of Landmarkism is to separate from everyone who does not view the administrator of baptism as important as Landmarks do. Our convention split over Landmarkism back in 1850 and if we are not careful we will soon face a simlar problem in 2006.
We must stop narrowing the parameters of cooperation in missions and evangelism.
So, I don't want to get bogged down in a debate about "private prayer languages" or the proper administrator of baptism. I don't even want to get into a debate on whether or not I should stay as a trustee of the IMB.
I want us as Southern Baptists to realize we have no higher motivation for cooperation than the mission field. We must WORK to keep the doors of cooperation open.
We must not forget that it is all about missions.
In His Grace,
Wade Burleson
--
To read his blog in total, see http://www.kerussocharis.blogspot.com/
WHAT???
One primary target in this (and in every shakedown, there is always a scape goat... just ask Jesus) is Wade Burleson, a pastor of a church in Enid, Oklahoma and a trustee on the IMB. There is a move to remove him from the Board because he has been vocal about these new changes. Now, I could wax eloquent about all of this, but I thought it best to simply quote from the scapegoat himself. It's good stuff...
Wade Burleson:
Never Forget It's About Missions
The International Mission Board is the one agency that causes all of us as Southern Baptists to get excited about cooperation. Though I have discovered that there is a wide variety of beliefs regarding ecclesiology, eschatology, missiology, soteriology and other interpretations of Scripture among the IMB trustees, I can guarantee you every trustee I have met is interested in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.
Some of us just disagree on how to get it done.
I have tried to remind everyone in this blog that the major issue for me is NOT so much the new policy forbidding the appoint of missionaries who have a private prayer language, or even the policy that rejects prospective missionary candidates who are not baptized in a Southern Baptist church or in a church that teaches eternal security. Sure, I believe both new policies go beyond Scripture and the Baptist Faith and Message, but they are only symptoms of a deeper problem.
The real problem?
We are continuing to narrow the parameters of fellowship and cooperation in the area of missions and evangelism by demanding conformity and agreement on non-essential doctrines. Now you must be a cessationist and very close to a Landmark in order to be a Southern Baptist missionary.
We have lost sight of the gospel.
The gospel is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through the work of His Son. We are called to preach Christ. We are commissioned by Christ Himself to be ambassadors of this good news. We are to go far and wide, or at least support those who do go far away, in the sharing of this good news that God saves sinners through Jesus Christ His Son.
I am still trying to understand why we are now EXCLUDING Southern Baptist missionary candidates who have a clear grasp of the gospel, who are members in good standing of Southern Baptist churches, and who in every way would have been qualified to serve as an SBC missionary for the past 161 years, but are now persona non grata (an unwelcome person).
I have received several emails with heart wrenching stories of missionaries who are now not able to serve with the IMB because of these new policies. Allow me to tell you one without going into the specific details of names and locations.
There is a very dark region in Central Asia, a place where missionaries and trustees have been praying for a gospel presence for the past three years. This very, very dark place is dangerous for anyone who names the name of Christ.
Recently, a young Southern Baptist couple felt God's call to this very region. They would never be recognized for their service because of security reasons. Their lives would be in constant danger, and frankly, there would be no guarantee they would ever make it back to the States alive. They passed all of the candidate interviews with flying colors, impressed all the IMB staff and trustees, and brought a surge of excitement and anticipation to the CA region as an answer to many prayers.
When the new policies were past by the trustees November 15, 2005 the Candidate Consultant went back to the young couple and asked, "Do either one of you have a private prayer language?"
The wife, unbeknownst to her husband, had prayed privately in ecstatic utterances for years. With full integrity she answered, "Yes."
This young couple was then rejected as SBC missionaries while in training at the Missionary Learning Center. Many tears were shed. The Candidate Consultant was heartbroken. The Central Asia region was shocked.
Why were they declined? The trustees, not the staff, declined them.
I propose a dark region in Central Asia is still dark because we trustees lost sight of the gospel, and our mission, and went way beyond Scripture, the Baptist Faith and Message, and our duties to keep our eye on world missions and evangelism.
That's the issue.
I have been criticized because I have stated the reason why private prayer languages became an issue among the trustees two years ago. It is not conjecture for me. What I have been told makes me very sad.
The baptism policy makes me just as sad. There are trustees who have said to me, "I am a Landmark and proud of it." Listen, I can cooperate with a Landmark any day of the year in the area of missions, but the essence of Landmarkism is to separate from everyone who does not view the administrator of baptism as important as Landmarks do. Our convention split over Landmarkism back in 1850 and if we are not careful we will soon face a simlar problem in 2006.
We must stop narrowing the parameters of cooperation in missions and evangelism.
So, I don't want to get bogged down in a debate about "private prayer languages" or the proper administrator of baptism. I don't even want to get into a debate on whether or not I should stay as a trustee of the IMB.
I want us as Southern Baptists to realize we have no higher motivation for cooperation than the mission field. We must WORK to keep the doors of cooperation open.
We must not forget that it is all about missions.
In His Grace,
Wade Burleson
--
To read his blog in total, see http://www.kerussocharis.blogspot.com/
12.07.2005
Truth and Guilt
Tronster asked on Horizon's message board (link to the right) "Does the concept of 'truth' come in to play at all in why we feel guilty?"
When he posed that questioin, this passage came to mind:
John 3.16-21:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
Guilt has a lot to do with Truth, IMO. When we are faced with truth, we have to decide... will be step into the light? Will we really allow our motives, deeds, our words be known? Because you see... stepping into the light is like stepping into truth, and vice versa. But the feeling of guilt kicks in when we are made aware of truth... (Side note... whether we feel guilty or not is really a moot point. If we are guilty, we are guilty whether we "feel" it or not).
Paul describes two kinds of guilty sorrow/conviction: Godly, and Worldly
2 Corinthians 7.10-11:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."
When we are in the throws of guilt when faced with the truth... we have the choice of how to respond. Notice the actions of Judas vs. Peter when Christ was murdered on a cross. BOTH of these guys lost all of their integrity. BOTH of them blew it, big time. One betrayed and the other denied... but both did each, really. The difference, though, is that one gave up... he caved to worldly guilt that leads to death. There was NO WAY he could come into the light, into truth. How could he? (Or so he thought?) His solution? Death. Peter on the other hand, wept bitterly. He did not resort to killing himself as Judas did, but rather is found with the disciples in every mention of him after Jesus' death. It could be argued that Peter had the most to lose in something like this... he is always mentioned first in lists of the disciples. He was obviously a strong leader. His credibility was shot, left in ruins. Yet, he did not run away... he made things right. And you know what? So did Jesus... that's what the entire 21st chapter of John is about: Jesus' restoration of Peter. I would call this Godly guilt or sorrow. Peter, as hard as it was, chose Godly guilt as the way to deal with this.
Alanis Morissette has a song that says it best: "The only way out is through..." -- how right she is.
And with that said, there is also another way people deal with the truth and guilt. It's the worst kind... probably even worse than Judas' way, and that's to deny guilt or truth all together. Paul describes such people as "hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4.2) A person can become so convinced of their own spin/lies/perception of reality that they believe it to be true- whether it is or not. When that happens, with a conscience seared as with a hot iron, there is no way for this person to admit any wrong doing at all. With everything in them, they sense no guilt for what they do. That... is a very dangerous place to be... the worst place to be.
Just some thoughts on truth and guilt.
When he posed that questioin, this passage came to mind:
John 3.16-21:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
Guilt has a lot to do with Truth, IMO. When we are faced with truth, we have to decide... will be step into the light? Will we really allow our motives, deeds, our words be known? Because you see... stepping into the light is like stepping into truth, and vice versa. But the feeling of guilt kicks in when we are made aware of truth... (Side note... whether we feel guilty or not is really a moot point. If we are guilty, we are guilty whether we "feel" it or not).
Paul describes two kinds of guilty sorrow/conviction: Godly, and Worldly
2 Corinthians 7.10-11:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."
When we are in the throws of guilt when faced with the truth... we have the choice of how to respond. Notice the actions of Judas vs. Peter when Christ was murdered on a cross. BOTH of these guys lost all of their integrity. BOTH of them blew it, big time. One betrayed and the other denied... but both did each, really. The difference, though, is that one gave up... he caved to worldly guilt that leads to death. There was NO WAY he could come into the light, into truth. How could he? (Or so he thought?) His solution? Death. Peter on the other hand, wept bitterly. He did not resort to killing himself as Judas did, but rather is found with the disciples in every mention of him after Jesus' death. It could be argued that Peter had the most to lose in something like this... he is always mentioned first in lists of the disciples. He was obviously a strong leader. His credibility was shot, left in ruins. Yet, he did not run away... he made things right. And you know what? So did Jesus... that's what the entire 21st chapter of John is about: Jesus' restoration of Peter. I would call this Godly guilt or sorrow. Peter, as hard as it was, chose Godly guilt as the way to deal with this.
Alanis Morissette has a song that says it best: "The only way out is through..." -- how right she is.
And with that said, there is also another way people deal with the truth and guilt. It's the worst kind... probably even worse than Judas' way, and that's to deny guilt or truth all together. Paul describes such people as "hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4.2) A person can become so convinced of their own spin/lies/perception of reality that they believe it to be true- whether it is or not. When that happens, with a conscience seared as with a hot iron, there is no way for this person to admit any wrong doing at all. With everything in them, they sense no guilt for what they do. That... is a very dangerous place to be... the worst place to be.
Just some thoughts on truth and guilt.
11.24.2005
Does Influence = Leadership?
Matthew 16.5-12:
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
It would seem that the idea of "yeast" would be that of influence: the teachings of the Pharisees, their way of thought...
But then later in Luke, Jesus says this:
Luke 12.1-3:
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Here, the yeast is labeled as hypocrisy.
This seems consistent with Paul when he says:
1 Corinthians 5.6-8:
"Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth."
But here is the one that best deals with yeast as a metaphor for influence, also from Paul:
Galatians 5.7-10:
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."
That one really nails it. Influence is a powerful force, and in some cases, a dangerous one.
There is, however, a passage that sees this form of influence in a more positive light:
Matthew 13.33:
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
The Kingdom of Heaven works the same way... Here I am reminded of the very first passage listed above. What did Jesus do with 5 loaves and 2 fish? He multiplied them! His working power worked through what was there and it was multiplied. Awesome... Likewise, Jesus invested in 12 men and several women... fast-forward 2,000 years -- we are here. A little worked through the dough producing amazing results.
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
It would seem that the idea of "yeast" would be that of influence: the teachings of the Pharisees, their way of thought...
But then later in Luke, Jesus says this:
Luke 12.1-3:
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Here, the yeast is labeled as hypocrisy.
This seems consistent with Paul when he says:
1 Corinthians 5.6-8:
"Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth."
But here is the one that best deals with yeast as a metaphor for influence, also from Paul:
Galatians 5.7-10:
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."
That one really nails it. Influence is a powerful force, and in some cases, a dangerous one.
There is, however, a passage that sees this form of influence in a more positive light:
Matthew 13.33:
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
The Kingdom of Heaven works the same way... Here I am reminded of the very first passage listed above. What did Jesus do with 5 loaves and 2 fish? He multiplied them! His working power worked through what was there and it was multiplied. Awesome... Likewise, Jesus invested in 12 men and several women... fast-forward 2,000 years -- we are here. A little worked through the dough producing amazing results.
10.31.2005
OK, JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS!
Ok... as you many of you know, I recently compiled a DVD with various Horizon videos on it to hand out. Well, some I also mailed a few copies to people (like Ashley in Germany and Matt/Andrea Battaglia in Missouri). One of the people I mailed a copy to was a boardie in Kansas City from the Moby Boards. Her screen name is SunFlowerSeeds and she is Jewish. She is often in the Spiritual Forum @ Moby.com where you can find me, many times. Well, I had made mention that if anyone wanted a copy of the DVD over there that I would mail it to her... well, she requested a copy and I sent it...
Below is her response... I am astounded.
---
Hi !
I don't know where to begin..... I drove to Salina Sat morning, Howie and his mates, Sandra & Robert, wanted to watch the CD also.. so there were four of us... ( Howard made pop corn ! )
Sandra is a serious christian, she's baptist, born, bred and raised all into that sounthern gospel thing. She got me into the music, I love some of the WOW worship stuff she listens to, and have even made mention of it on the moby boards. She's got a heart of gold and has told me so many times that Jesus simply had more love for humans than could possibly be explained..... she's fun to banter with on religion, because she never judged me and she never made me feel like an outsider. I've been to church with her a few times at her Grace Baptist Temple in Salina, Pastor Chris is a great guy, always talking about how we're to LOVE each other... and I guess Sandra listens, she's sure full of love for everyone.
Robert, her husband, is a new christian. He got to know Christ through Sandra, who witnessed to him and I guess she decided he was kinda cute. They've been married 10 years, a great couple. Full of compassion for each other, oh they fight, I've seen them, but they are full of so much love and forgiveness. They have no problems saying they believe it's only be the "grace of God" they are still married. That word again, "grace".....
Howie is a great friend. I've been buds with him for YEARS... since college days. He's a christian too, and I've heard him talk for years about Grace......
My point??
Well, we watched the WHOLE video, we watched it all in one sitting......
and the parts about That Dame Grace....
I was in tears.
Literally, in tears.... bawling like a baby.... Sandra got up to get me some kleenex and I couldn't stop crying. They just sat there, quietly, watching me cry, while Sandra held my hand.....as I cried and cried....
I understand.........I never understood before.. but I understand it now... it makes sense...
I can't follow the law exactly... not 100% PERFECTLY, I never could, I never will, and I'm not ever going to....
Jesus made it possible so I didn't HAVE to.... I still believe the law is there for a reason, don't misunderstand, I'm not going to just suddenly decide the law in not important, but I understand GRACE now.....
Grace.. is like Sandra has been telling me for years....You do the BEST you can, and you let Grace cover the rest.. since I can't be perfect, I just do what I can to very best of my human ability and the grace of christ's blood will cover the rest.
How so simple ! How so easy to understand, once you understand it. why did it take so long to understand????
DO I believe Christ died for me ??? YES !!! I do. DO I believe that Christ came to abolish the jewish law?? NO, I don't.....
We stayed up and talked for hours and hours and hours about all of this... The four of us, talking about christ, the law, The Passion of Christ, ( I've never seen it yet, that's next weekend.. ) Howie said there is something called "Messianic Christians" that he thinks I should get a hold of and Jews for Jesus organization I looked up on the internet.
I can't begin, to THANK you and your church, enough, for putting that together. It was so clear to me, it just hit me like a rock. That Dame Grace, oh yes, she's finally, mine
And the rest of the CD, well, it was very very very good, but as you can tell, the grace part was what hit me the hardest.....
so forgive me for not going into how awesome it was that you used movie's and awesome hitory lessons to make a point about fear, that was way too cool.
Because, now I'm scared, I have fear now too.... afraid of "now what?" I've accepted Christ, now what do I do with my jewishness ????? Sandra says "nothing, keep being a jew.. but know that Christ saved you, NOT your law abiding.."
So ! I don't want to be trapped in my fear, I should probably watch that part again.
But anyway, the CD was great, I loved it loved it loved it.
And what talent there must be in your church !!!!!
AND-- my life is different... I don't know what I mean.. I guess, I have things to do...
I won't be on moby too much anymore.. maybe it was just a moment in time for me to "meet" you and have you send that to me.. I do believe that "strange" things happen with our lord.. I've always believed in that...
anyway.... saying "thank you" seems Tawdry, but it's sincere and I appreciate you for what you've done.
I pray for you.......and your family and your church.
Thank you.
From all four of us !
With much gratitude and love,
your sister in Christ : ( I LOVE saying that now ! LOL )
Sari
---
Isn't that AWESOME!? Of course, really her friends there in Kansas City really had much more to do with it. But, "That Dame Grace" was the way in which God delivered the "get it" factor for her... Sweet!
DCC
Below is her response... I am astounded.
---
Hi !
I don't know where to begin..... I drove to Salina Sat morning, Howie and his mates, Sandra & Robert, wanted to watch the CD also.. so there were four of us... ( Howard made pop corn ! )
Sandra is a serious christian, she's baptist, born, bred and raised all into that sounthern gospel thing. She got me into the music, I love some of the WOW worship stuff she listens to, and have even made mention of it on the moby boards. She's got a heart of gold and has told me so many times that Jesus simply had more love for humans than could possibly be explained..... she's fun to banter with on religion, because she never judged me and she never made me feel like an outsider. I've been to church with her a few times at her Grace Baptist Temple in Salina, Pastor Chris is a great guy, always talking about how we're to LOVE each other... and I guess Sandra listens, she's sure full of love for everyone.
Robert, her husband, is a new christian. He got to know Christ through Sandra, who witnessed to him and I guess she decided he was kinda cute. They've been married 10 years, a great couple. Full of compassion for each other, oh they fight, I've seen them, but they are full of so much love and forgiveness. They have no problems saying they believe it's only be the "grace of God" they are still married. That word again, "grace".....
Howie is a great friend. I've been buds with him for YEARS... since college days. He's a christian too, and I've heard him talk for years about Grace......
My point??
Well, we watched the WHOLE video, we watched it all in one sitting......
and the parts about That Dame Grace....
I was in tears.
Literally, in tears.... bawling like a baby.... Sandra got up to get me some kleenex and I couldn't stop crying. They just sat there, quietly, watching me cry, while Sandra held my hand.....as I cried and cried....
I understand.........I never understood before.. but I understand it now... it makes sense...
I can't follow the law exactly... not 100% PERFECTLY, I never could, I never will, and I'm not ever going to....
Jesus made it possible so I didn't HAVE to.... I still believe the law is there for a reason, don't misunderstand, I'm not going to just suddenly decide the law in not important, but I understand GRACE now.....
Grace.. is like Sandra has been telling me for years....You do the BEST you can, and you let Grace cover the rest.. since I can't be perfect, I just do what I can to very best of my human ability and the grace of christ's blood will cover the rest.
How so simple ! How so easy to understand, once you understand it. why did it take so long to understand????
DO I believe Christ died for me ??? YES !!! I do. DO I believe that Christ came to abolish the jewish law?? NO, I don't.....
We stayed up and talked for hours and hours and hours about all of this... The four of us, talking about christ, the law, The Passion of Christ, ( I've never seen it yet, that's next weekend.. ) Howie said there is something called "Messianic Christians" that he thinks I should get a hold of and Jews for Jesus organization I looked up on the internet.
I can't begin, to THANK you and your church, enough, for putting that together. It was so clear to me, it just hit me like a rock. That Dame Grace, oh yes, she's finally, mine
And the rest of the CD, well, it was very very very good, but as you can tell, the grace part was what hit me the hardest.....
so forgive me for not going into how awesome it was that you used movie's and awesome hitory lessons to make a point about fear, that was way too cool.
Because, now I'm scared, I have fear now too.... afraid of "now what?" I've accepted Christ, now what do I do with my jewishness ????? Sandra says "nothing, keep being a jew.. but know that Christ saved you, NOT your law abiding.."
So ! I don't want to be trapped in my fear, I should probably watch that part again.
But anyway, the CD was great, I loved it loved it loved it.
And what talent there must be in your church !!!!!
AND-- my life is different... I don't know what I mean.. I guess, I have things to do...
I won't be on moby too much anymore.. maybe it was just a moment in time for me to "meet" you and have you send that to me.. I do believe that "strange" things happen with our lord.. I've always believed in that...
anyway.... saying "thank you" seems Tawdry, but it's sincere and I appreciate you for what you've done.
I pray for you.......and your family and your church.
Thank you.
From all four of us !
With much gratitude and love,
your sister in Christ : ( I LOVE saying that now ! LOL )
Sari
---
Isn't that AWESOME!? Of course, really her friends there in Kansas City really had much more to do with it. But, "That Dame Grace" was the way in which God delivered the "get it" factor for her... Sweet!
DCC
10.23.2005
Good is the Enemy of Great
Why settle for good when great is a few steps away? Good is the enemy of great.
10.12.2005
MultiCongregational - ONE Church
Ever had a dream hit you square between the eyes? One that you just can't shake off or dismiss? I have... and it's this dream: to be a part of a one church that is made up of many congregations all over the world... a church in which every congregation shares a common vision... common values... the same Lord, and yet is indigenous to it's surrounding community. A church that shares all of it's resources, one in which the good of the whole outweighs the wants of the one... that every congregation is in this church, together... on mission together...
I can see Horizon churches in England, in Africa, in California, in New York, in Seattle, in Miami.... all sharing resources together, sharing the same message, working together in the same missional focus.
I can see people from each location encouraging one another about the stories of what God has been doing all over the world, each sending out missionaries to help the other, and each carrying each other's burdens in prayer and action.
Crazy? Maybe... But I can't shake it that this is what I am here on earth to do and be a part of.
I can see Horizon churches in England, in Africa, in California, in New York, in Seattle, in Miami.... all sharing resources together, sharing the same message, working together in the same missional focus.
I can see people from each location encouraging one another about the stories of what God has been doing all over the world, each sending out missionaries to help the other, and each carrying each other's burdens in prayer and action.
Crazy? Maybe... But I can't shake it that this is what I am here on earth to do and be a part of.
9.02.2005
New Orleans
What in the world is going on? One of the cities that's played such a huge part of my spiritual journey with Christ is in utter ruin. When people say it's a city on the verge of collapse, they are kidding themselves. It HAS collapsed. Please pray for those trying to get out... please pray for those that are on the brink of death... please pray for those stuck in the death, stench, and decay of the convention center! The situation is astounding. I believe the crisis here is far greater than that of 9/11 and the need is that much greater.
Prayer:
Father, in Jesus name, I pray for the people of the Gulf Coast. I pray for healing. I pray for transportation. I pray for medical help. I pray for clean, pure water. I pray for fresh clothes, showers, and facilities. I pray, God, for deliverance! And most of all, I pray that those that are crying out to You will be heard. And may the church respond in critical ways to demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of such tragedy. God, save New Orleans...
DCC
Prayer:
Father, in Jesus name, I pray for the people of the Gulf Coast. I pray for healing. I pray for transportation. I pray for medical help. I pray for clean, pure water. I pray for fresh clothes, showers, and facilities. I pray, God, for deliverance! And most of all, I pray that those that are crying out to You will be heard. And may the church respond in critical ways to demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of such tragedy. God, save New Orleans...
DCC
8.13.2005
10:1
Today, I remember that it was one year ago to this very day that my grandfather, "Captain," died in Houston. Kimme and I made the decision to fly out and we caught him (unknowingly) with less than 12 hours left to live. Wow... hard to believe that was a year ago.
Even more hard to believe is that this month marks when Kimme and I left everything we knew and moved as newlyweds to the Big Easy - or New Orleans - 10 years ago. 10 YEARS AGO!
Even more crazy is that Captain's passing is 1/10th of that time... I dunno... just something I was thinking of today.
PRAYER: God thank you for time. Time to experience Your love and Your grace. I have no idea how many times my heart will beat in my chest, nor how many breaths I will breathe... Still, help every moment be lived to the fullest... taking advantage of every situation for your glory and honor. AMEN.
Even more hard to believe is that this month marks when Kimme and I left everything we knew and moved as newlyweds to the Big Easy - or New Orleans - 10 years ago. 10 YEARS AGO!
Even more crazy is that Captain's passing is 1/10th of that time... I dunno... just something I was thinking of today.
PRAYER: God thank you for time. Time to experience Your love and Your grace. I have no idea how many times my heart will beat in my chest, nor how many breaths I will breathe... Still, help every moment be lived to the fullest... taking advantage of every situation for your glory and honor. AMEN.
8.12.2005
7.30.2005
Sex (a PG-13 post)
Well, today we finished our second "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage" study. The first one in May was great, but this one was at least 200 times better and all the more convincing that we (meaning the Body of Christ) need more transparency and discussion about this topic.
Today was most powerful since we had a guest speaker... Dena from the http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/ -- a legend (at least over there). :) She stopped in for the second half of our study to tell her story of being married 17 years, being the "ice princess" to her husband, and her very recent awakening. What a powerful testimony of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Just 15 months ago, she admitted, she would have NEVER even SPOKE of things sexual. Pleasure, esp. sexual pleasure, was considered bad, even in marriage. She came from a church (where Mark, her husband, was on staff) that wasn't happy about the results when God healed her sexuality/libido/desire for her husband. And when they discovered some of her posts on the marriage bed site, they made it sound as if something illicit was happening... not understanding or teaching that God is lavish in wanting us to enjoy His gift of sex as the Song of Solomon promotes. So, of course, when she had an awakening of sorts - she was a threat and they asked them to leave. Imagine! Hard to believe...
Yet, it's so true... Christians, on the most part, have chosen to remove themselves from the discussion of sex -- all for the sake of purity and in return have been impure. When we are teens, we are just told, don't do it... remain pure... but that is many times not enough in dealing with the raging hormonal changes taking place. Also, in a day and time in which the average age in which couples get married is extended each year, this of course causes even more tension for a single Christian still trying to stay true to what they heard when they were teens: don't do it, stay pure. The church should be engaged in dialogue about this instead of just giving the knee jerk reaction: don't do it.
And of course, married couples... I think many times the assumption is for a Christian man... "when I marry, everything will be just fine. I will FINALLY have a sex life and everything will be great." Yet... how does the wife feel about sex? What are her views on sex? What was she taught? Is sex dirty? Would she be dirty in enjoying it? Did he or she have past sexual encounters that still linger in their mind? Are there other people in the room, so to speak, when the married couple is together? From what rule book, personal beliefs about sex, are each couple bringing into the marriage bed? Do they know how things work? Have they been "discipled" by older and more experienced friends of the same sex? Many a couple walks into marriage completely unaware of what lay ahead. And in some ways, that's perfectly fine... discovering together is always great.
Ah... but what happens when problems arise? The wife, for instance, that's never experienced an orgasm and thinks sex is ok, but doesn't see what the big deal is. Who will teach her about this? The husband that can't last longer than two minutes, who will help him with this issue? The man or woman with a secret porn addiction... who is going to be there to help? And these issues just scratch the surface.
WHEN THE CHURCH IS SILENT, THE WORLD SPEAKS LIES THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE. And I for one believe that sexual discussion should take place long before someone says "I do." And a couple should as well way longer than 2 weeks before they say "I do."
I am thankful for these last two events, and hope for more. Actually, I would love for Dena and Mark to share their story to our whole church (with 12 and under out of the theater). I think it would do a world of good.
To learn more about Dena and her story, see her profile at the following link below and read some of her posts. If you are married or engaged, I urge you to get involved with the discussions on The Marriage Bed forum. You can post anonymously and ask those nagging questions you've always wanted to ask. Good stuff...
May God help all of us learn to remain pure, holy, and true in whatever state we are in as Christians... whether a teen, a single, or married.
(http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=469)
Today was most powerful since we had a guest speaker... Dena from the http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/ -- a legend (at least over there). :) She stopped in for the second half of our study to tell her story of being married 17 years, being the "ice princess" to her husband, and her very recent awakening. What a powerful testimony of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Just 15 months ago, she admitted, she would have NEVER even SPOKE of things sexual. Pleasure, esp. sexual pleasure, was considered bad, even in marriage. She came from a church (where Mark, her husband, was on staff) that wasn't happy about the results when God healed her sexuality/libido/desire for her husband. And when they discovered some of her posts on the marriage bed site, they made it sound as if something illicit was happening... not understanding or teaching that God is lavish in wanting us to enjoy His gift of sex as the Song of Solomon promotes. So, of course, when she had an awakening of sorts - she was a threat and they asked them to leave. Imagine! Hard to believe...
Yet, it's so true... Christians, on the most part, have chosen to remove themselves from the discussion of sex -- all for the sake of purity and in return have been impure. When we are teens, we are just told, don't do it... remain pure... but that is many times not enough in dealing with the raging hormonal changes taking place. Also, in a day and time in which the average age in which couples get married is extended each year, this of course causes even more tension for a single Christian still trying to stay true to what they heard when they were teens: don't do it, stay pure. The church should be engaged in dialogue about this instead of just giving the knee jerk reaction: don't do it.
And of course, married couples... I think many times the assumption is for a Christian man... "when I marry, everything will be just fine. I will FINALLY have a sex life and everything will be great." Yet... how does the wife feel about sex? What are her views on sex? What was she taught? Is sex dirty? Would she be dirty in enjoying it? Did he or she have past sexual encounters that still linger in their mind? Are there other people in the room, so to speak, when the married couple is together? From what rule book, personal beliefs about sex, are each couple bringing into the marriage bed? Do they know how things work? Have they been "discipled" by older and more experienced friends of the same sex? Many a couple walks into marriage completely unaware of what lay ahead. And in some ways, that's perfectly fine... discovering together is always great.
Ah... but what happens when problems arise? The wife, for instance, that's never experienced an orgasm and thinks sex is ok, but doesn't see what the big deal is. Who will teach her about this? The husband that can't last longer than two minutes, who will help him with this issue? The man or woman with a secret porn addiction... who is going to be there to help? And these issues just scratch the surface.
WHEN THE CHURCH IS SILENT, THE WORLD SPEAKS LIES THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE. And I for one believe that sexual discussion should take place long before someone says "I do." And a couple should as well way longer than 2 weeks before they say "I do."
I am thankful for these last two events, and hope for more. Actually, I would love for Dena and Mark to share their story to our whole church (with 12 and under out of the theater). I think it would do a world of good.
To learn more about Dena and her story, see her profile at the following link below and read some of her posts. If you are married or engaged, I urge you to get involved with the discussions on The Marriage Bed forum. You can post anonymously and ask those nagging questions you've always wanted to ask. Good stuff...
May God help all of us learn to remain pure, holy, and true in whatever state we are in as Christians... whether a teen, a single, or married.
(http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=469)
7.22.2005
6.24.2005
3 conversations in odd places
Well, those of you that know me well know that Kimme and I have had quite a month of June. *whew* I have traveled from coast to coast and then back to the plains of Kansas and back for work for my mom (video stuff for her Merck meeting) in Phoenix, Arizona and Kimme's grandmother's funeral in Hodgen, Oklahoma. In these past 2-3 weeks, I've found myself in the most unlikely places having the most unlikely conversations (though none have quite yet compared with the one in the Waldorf in Manhattan mentioned elsewhere). Still... I thought I would share.
#1: On the last night of my time in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, actually) at the Hyatt Regency, the Merck folks had a final dinner, pool-side - stocked with the most incredible food. As we strolled over the 5 star resort to the pool (one of perhaps 20?) one could here the sound of an Indian flute. Sure enough, there was a man playing a flute in full Native American garb. After he had played one set, I came over to speak with him. Unfortunately now, I cannot remember his name, but we had a very pleasant conversation about faith and religion. He was part Hopi Indian, Choctaw (like Kimme), and Apache. He lived, however, on a Hopi reservation and played an integral part of their religious community. He explained to me some of their practices... one of which was an intrinsic belief that their dancing and singing help make the world keep living, breathing, moving. He basically said that they believed if they did not dance, the word would end.
Now, of course... anyone with any sort of scientific understanding of the universe knows, that is not the case... Still, it was a wonderful moment of reflection for me. What if we lived as though the world depended on it? As Christians... what would our lives look like if we lived this way? And what, in turn, would the world look like?
#2: On the plains of Kansas somewhere, Kimme's sister Donna lives in a beautiful home surrounded by a sea of gold fields and buffalo. One night last week, we stopped over to eat some of their home-grown beef. Without a doubt, the best steaks I've ever eaten. :) But, one of the other guests there was Donna's husband's father. He is the patriarch of the family, a family full of cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, and hard working people. After he went on and on about all the game he and his sons had killed on hunting trips in Africa (Giraffes, lions, impalas, leopards, wart hogs, hippos, you name it) he asked me what I did for a living. Surprised that no one had told him, I explained I was a pastor. Instantly, he was gripped with fear... not fear of me, just fear that he had offended me somehow... He preceded to explain that he wasn't much of a church goer. He figured, and I quote... "Any sins that I have committed, I figure I'll pay for myself. I won't have anyone else paying for what I've done."
Man, that nearly took the life out of me... it was if someone had taken the air out of the room, at least for me. I sort of cringed inside, instantly recalling the time all the people Israel shouted for Jesus' crucifixion shouting "Let his blood he on our heads and the heads of our children." Those are prophetic words... words that time does not erase. Wow.
He asked me what I thought of that, and well... I explained about grace. That I knew, for me, that my sins outweighed any means of my pay back. That I would rather in such a case, turn to One that could pay for them, if willing. And he was willing; His name is Jesus.
#3: In Heavener, Oklahoma last Tuesday we all gathered to pay our respects to Lillie Bell Lewis, Kimme's grandmother. The funeral service was in Lillie Bell's church, Trinity Baptist Church. Since I was a part of the service, I took a few moments to meet with her pastor in his office. I wasn't so sure what to expect having preached in many small, southern baptist churches in Oklahoma while attending college there... but I didn't expect to find what I found: as soon as I walked in, I instantly saw the books... books like "The Second Coming of Church" by George Barna and stuff by Pastor Cymbala in Brooklyn. Man, what a refreshing conversation with a fellow servant of God! Our discussions were on genuine Christianity, and how that is lived out with those outside the Cultural Christian Bubble. We both share a passion for being on mission... away from that Bubble. He had mentioned how the day before he had had a conversation with his wife saying, "I think we may need to get out of the Bible Belt," and with that... he may move to Kansas City.
Anyway, I was humbled by this man. Here he is, faithfully serving in such a poor town... a tiny church in a tiny town, faithfully serving God. God has definitely blessed his efforts, growing this small church into a decent size. Here he had served faithfully for 6 years. Made me think of the moment I felt the call, specifically, to come here to Maryland. I sat in the hotel lobby of the Best Western in Westminster, MD and read the story of David and Goliath. It was then I remembered that God takes the small to school the tall... the weak to beat the strong... the foolish to outwit the wise. When I wanted Manhattan, God sent me to Westminster, and I am grateful. Now there is Horizon Church. I pray for this man to be used of God to big things and I am thankful for an example of a man that has been faithful in the small, and will perhaps be entrusted with much.
Well, I wish I was a better writer... wish I could have had all 2 of you that read this with me. :) It's been some good contemplative conversations as of late.
Your friend,
DCC
#1: On the last night of my time in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, actually) at the Hyatt Regency, the Merck folks had a final dinner, pool-side - stocked with the most incredible food. As we strolled over the 5 star resort to the pool (one of perhaps 20?) one could here the sound of an Indian flute. Sure enough, there was a man playing a flute in full Native American garb. After he had played one set, I came over to speak with him. Unfortunately now, I cannot remember his name, but we had a very pleasant conversation about faith and religion. He was part Hopi Indian, Choctaw (like Kimme), and Apache. He lived, however, on a Hopi reservation and played an integral part of their religious community. He explained to me some of their practices... one of which was an intrinsic belief that their dancing and singing help make the world keep living, breathing, moving. He basically said that they believed if they did not dance, the word would end.
Now, of course... anyone with any sort of scientific understanding of the universe knows, that is not the case... Still, it was a wonderful moment of reflection for me. What if we lived as though the world depended on it? As Christians... what would our lives look like if we lived this way? And what, in turn, would the world look like?
#2: On the plains of Kansas somewhere, Kimme's sister Donna lives in a beautiful home surrounded by a sea of gold fields and buffalo. One night last week, we stopped over to eat some of their home-grown beef. Without a doubt, the best steaks I've ever eaten. :) But, one of the other guests there was Donna's husband's father. He is the patriarch of the family, a family full of cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, and hard working people. After he went on and on about all the game he and his sons had killed on hunting trips in Africa (Giraffes, lions, impalas, leopards, wart hogs, hippos, you name it) he asked me what I did for a living. Surprised that no one had told him, I explained I was a pastor. Instantly, he was gripped with fear... not fear of me, just fear that he had offended me somehow... He preceded to explain that he wasn't much of a church goer. He figured, and I quote... "Any sins that I have committed, I figure I'll pay for myself. I won't have anyone else paying for what I've done."
Man, that nearly took the life out of me... it was if someone had taken the air out of the room, at least for me. I sort of cringed inside, instantly recalling the time all the people Israel shouted for Jesus' crucifixion shouting "Let his blood he on our heads and the heads of our children." Those are prophetic words... words that time does not erase. Wow.
He asked me what I thought of that, and well... I explained about grace. That I knew, for me, that my sins outweighed any means of my pay back. That I would rather in such a case, turn to One that could pay for them, if willing. And he was willing; His name is Jesus.
#3: In Heavener, Oklahoma last Tuesday we all gathered to pay our respects to Lillie Bell Lewis, Kimme's grandmother. The funeral service was in Lillie Bell's church, Trinity Baptist Church. Since I was a part of the service, I took a few moments to meet with her pastor in his office. I wasn't so sure what to expect having preached in many small, southern baptist churches in Oklahoma while attending college there... but I didn't expect to find what I found: as soon as I walked in, I instantly saw the books... books like "The Second Coming of Church" by George Barna and stuff by Pastor Cymbala in Brooklyn. Man, what a refreshing conversation with a fellow servant of God! Our discussions were on genuine Christianity, and how that is lived out with those outside the Cultural Christian Bubble. We both share a passion for being on mission... away from that Bubble. He had mentioned how the day before he had had a conversation with his wife saying, "I think we may need to get out of the Bible Belt," and with that... he may move to Kansas City.
Anyway, I was humbled by this man. Here he is, faithfully serving in such a poor town... a tiny church in a tiny town, faithfully serving God. God has definitely blessed his efforts, growing this small church into a decent size. Here he had served faithfully for 6 years. Made me think of the moment I felt the call, specifically, to come here to Maryland. I sat in the hotel lobby of the Best Western in Westminster, MD and read the story of David and Goliath. It was then I remembered that God takes the small to school the tall... the weak to beat the strong... the foolish to outwit the wise. When I wanted Manhattan, God sent me to Westminster, and I am grateful. Now there is Horizon Church. I pray for this man to be used of God to big things and I am thankful for an example of a man that has been faithful in the small, and will perhaps be entrusted with much.
Well, I wish I was a better writer... wish I could have had all 2 of you that read this with me. :) It's been some good contemplative conversations as of late.
Your friend,
DCC
6.15.2005
Blogging Wise
Man... I've come to the point where I wish I could automatically blog various thoughts throughout the day because by the time I get to my computer, the moment is passed or there is just too much to do verses putting stuff on here. I know there were at least 3 really cool things that happened while I was away in Arizona that I wanted to blog, but didn't because of time. Perhaps I will make a point to. It was a great trip for spiritual reflection. More later? I hope so... :)
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