Have you ever imagined how the story of the Prodigal Son would look in many of today’s churches? I can just picture the father as he sees his long lost son walking up the driveway. Tears would be streaming down his face as he rushes out to his son, sneaks him in the back door, scolds him ruining the family’s reputation, rushes him into the shower and dresses him in trendy clothes, before presenting him to the public as a changed and repentant man. Naturally, he would keep a close eye on him for several months to make sure that he was truly sorry. He would deny him any privileges until he had proven himself worthy, and eventually he may celebrate his son's return by welcoming him back into the family. From thereon after his shameful story would be told whenever someone else considered straying from the flock.
Okay, so my Prodigal Son story is a little cynical, but sadly, this is the version of the story I have seen repeatedly in churches. Modern day forgiveness seems to be conditional. I understand that if someone hurts you then you should take certain precautions to protect yourself from being hurt again, but Jesus didn’t live that way. His love and forgiveness extended unconditionally, even to those who nailed him to the cross. There was no criteria people had to meet to receive his grace and forgiveness. Sinners didn’t have to clean themselves up and make themselves presentable before he would welcome them. He accepted them how they were – dirty, crushed, ashamed, broken. He told many people to go and sin no more, but he didn’t withhold himself from these people until they had the chance to prove themselves worthy. He didn’t watch to see if they sinned again and then withdraw his grace from their lives. His love was theirs no matter what, and his forgiveness was unconditional.
I have been hurt by the church in the past, as have many others. I once lost a very close girlfriend who was in church leadership, due to some gossip that circulated around the church. Even though I was not responsible for the situation that arose, I sent her a letter apologising for anything I said or did that may have hurt her. Sadly, I never heard a word from her again. I have heard this same story from many other walking wounded Christians. If Christians can’t forgive their own brothers and sisters for petty little issues, how on earth can we welcome really unclean people into our lives?
It is time we Christians rise up and show the world the true Prodigal Son story, and display in our lives the true meaning of forgiveness and grace.
Wednesday 29 August 2007
Monday 27 August 2007
Too Much Of A Good Thing
I was recently discussing the purpose of Christian education with someone who works in a Christian school. I think it is good that Christian parents have schools that they can send their children to so that they can be nurtured and educated in a safe environment that centres around God. It does sadden me, however, that so many Christian teachers gravitate to the Christian school environment when there is such a need for Christian teachers in the public school system. Surely they would be so much more beneficial in an environment where they could meet the needs of those who are really lost in life.
I began to discuss with my friend how we could encourage non-Christian families to send their kids to a Christian school and I was quite disturbed when told that many staff members at the school think that there shouldn’t be non-Christians there. I just can’t see Jesus thinking this way. He spent his entire life hanging out with those not worthy of him. His entire life’s work was centred around those who did not go to church. His influence in the “non-Christian” environment transformed lives around him as he loved and accepted those who were not otherwise noticed.
Should we not follow his example? Why would we not embrace the opportunity to welcome non-Christians into a Christian school? I understand that Christian parents want to shelter and protect their kids from the evils of the world, but do we believe that we are more deserving of God’s grace than others? Do we really want our children to be raised with the belief that they are better than those who do not yet know Christ? Do we want to isolate them from the real world and those in it? I know people who complain that their kids are so self-centred, but if you look at the attitude of many “churchy” parents, I can understand why kids become this way – it is because many of our churches centre around us.
Jesus died for every person on earth, Christian and otherwise. As Christians we need to be careful not to think that we have earned our salvation because we go to church and read the Bible. Grace is a gift that we do not deserve, and I don’t believe that it would please God for us to withhold our grace from those who do not yet know him.
Needless to say, my kids are enrolled in the local primary school, where hopefully our light and grace can touch those we come in contact with. I believe in Christian education, but I believe that it is something I am responsible for teaching my kids at home, not necessarily at school. It is a school's job to educate my kids, but it is my job to teach them about Jesus.
I began to discuss with my friend how we could encourage non-Christian families to send their kids to a Christian school and I was quite disturbed when told that many staff members at the school think that there shouldn’t be non-Christians there. I just can’t see Jesus thinking this way. He spent his entire life hanging out with those not worthy of him. His entire life’s work was centred around those who did not go to church. His influence in the “non-Christian” environment transformed lives around him as he loved and accepted those who were not otherwise noticed.
Should we not follow his example? Why would we not embrace the opportunity to welcome non-Christians into a Christian school? I understand that Christian parents want to shelter and protect their kids from the evils of the world, but do we believe that we are more deserving of God’s grace than others? Do we really want our children to be raised with the belief that they are better than those who do not yet know Christ? Do we want to isolate them from the real world and those in it? I know people who complain that their kids are so self-centred, but if you look at the attitude of many “churchy” parents, I can understand why kids become this way – it is because many of our churches centre around us.
Jesus died for every person on earth, Christian and otherwise. As Christians we need to be careful not to think that we have earned our salvation because we go to church and read the Bible. Grace is a gift that we do not deserve, and I don’t believe that it would please God for us to withhold our grace from those who do not yet know him.
Needless to say, my kids are enrolled in the local primary school, where hopefully our light and grace can touch those we come in contact with. I believe in Christian education, but I believe that it is something I am responsible for teaching my kids at home, not necessarily at school. It is a school's job to educate my kids, but it is my job to teach them about Jesus.
Wednesday 22 August 2007
Kidslink
For several years my husband and I have been directors of an organisation called Kidslink International. Kidslink’s aim is to meet the needs of children in developing nations. Our vision statement is “To show active Godly love, in meeting the needs of kids, spiritually, physically, mentally and socially, and to relieve their poverty, suffering and distress”.
We work in several developing nations including India, Pakistan and Tanna (Vanuatu), but our main focus is Mozambique, Africa.
We have been involved in several projects in Mozambique, including:
• digging wells to supply villages with much needed safe water supplies
• planting Moringa trees, which are known for reversing the effect of blindness due to vitamin A deficiency
• building education facilities, such as child care centres and schools
• training people who work with children, including nutrition, hygiene and spiritual matters
• providing much needed medical supplies to local medical clinics
• providing assistance to people running an orphanage
and various other projects.
Several years ago we dug a well in a small village in Mozambique which had no fresh water supply. Children were regularly taken by crocodiles while collecting water from the Zambezi River, so the well was desperately needed. The following year when our team returned to the village they found that not only did the village now have enough water to supply their entire population, but they had enough to plot a small vegetable garden to provide themselves with much needed food. The following year when the team returned they discovered that this vegetable patch had grown substantially and was now producing enough food for them to sell to surrounding villages, thereby generating an income for their village. The following year the vegetable patch spanned nearly four hectares! All of this came from one little well dug by a small team of Kidslink volunteers!!
Kidslink’s current project is to build a school for 600 students in a village called M’batwe. Currently this village has 200 children being educated by two teachers in a room the size of my lounge room, with no electricity, sewerage or running water. We are about to lay the foundations for a school large enough to house the 600 students needing an education in the area, as well as digging a well to supply desperately needed fresh water.
We will be holding a fundraiser auction on Saturday 20 October in Knox, Melbourne, to raise money to fund this project. The last auction we held in 2005 raised $25,500, every cent of which went to Mozambique. This money was used to begin construction of a Childcare/Education facility in Beira, the likes of which has never been seen in Mozambique before.
If you are interested in the work Kidslink do please log onto our website – www.kidslink.org.au for further information.
We work in several developing nations including India, Pakistan and Tanna (Vanuatu), but our main focus is Mozambique, Africa.
We have been involved in several projects in Mozambique, including:
• digging wells to supply villages with much needed safe water supplies
• planting Moringa trees, which are known for reversing the effect of blindness due to vitamin A deficiency
• building education facilities, such as child care centres and schools
• training people who work with children, including nutrition, hygiene and spiritual matters
• providing much needed medical supplies to local medical clinics
• providing assistance to people running an orphanage
and various other projects.
Several years ago we dug a well in a small village in Mozambique which had no fresh water supply. Children were regularly taken by crocodiles while collecting water from the Zambezi River, so the well was desperately needed. The following year when our team returned to the village they found that not only did the village now have enough water to supply their entire population, but they had enough to plot a small vegetable garden to provide themselves with much needed food. The following year when the team returned they discovered that this vegetable patch had grown substantially and was now producing enough food for them to sell to surrounding villages, thereby generating an income for their village. The following year the vegetable patch spanned nearly four hectares! All of this came from one little well dug by a small team of Kidslink volunteers!!
Kidslink’s current project is to build a school for 600 students in a village called M’batwe. Currently this village has 200 children being educated by two teachers in a room the size of my lounge room, with no electricity, sewerage or running water. We are about to lay the foundations for a school large enough to house the 600 students needing an education in the area, as well as digging a well to supply desperately needed fresh water.
We will be holding a fundraiser auction on Saturday 20 October in Knox, Melbourne, to raise money to fund this project. The last auction we held in 2005 raised $25,500, every cent of which went to Mozambique. This money was used to begin construction of a Childcare/Education facility in Beira, the likes of which has never been seen in Mozambique before.
If you are interested in the work Kidslink do please log onto our website – www.kidslink.org.au for further information.
Sunday 19 August 2007
Excellent Leadership
I came across this at work and wanted to share it. I am not sure who wrote it or where it came from but I think it is a great summary of good leadership. Sadly, I know many Christian leaders who have not resembled this description of a quality leader. I know I have fallen down on some of issues during my lifetime too. I pray for God’s guidance and humility for all who call themselves a Christian leader, as they will be held accountable for every word and deed. Such an enormous responsibility needs to be done in the strength and wisdom of God, not in our own selfish ambition or attempt at excellence.
Excellent Leadership
“He gave constant encouragement” Acts 20:2
A leader has two important characteristics: he or she knows where they’re going, and can show others the value of going with them. There are lots of talented people who will never be excellent leaders because they’re more interested in themselves than in those they lead. They’ll have to go through the school of hard knocks until they become sensitive to other people’s needs.
But effective leaders don’t wait for that to happen. They realise that any numpty can come up with an idea. But the people who implement them are priceless. American Football coach ‘Bear’ Bryant used to say, “I’ve learned how to hold a team together … There are just three things I say: if something goes bad, I did it; if something goes semi-good, we did it; if it goes really good, you did it!”
If you have a feeling in your bones that God might want you to be some kind of leader, chew on this: excellent leaders are approachable; they don’t get touchy and fly off the handle; they never let minor problems poison their outlook; they sandwich every slice of criticism between two layers of praise.
True leaders are not people who knock the wind out of others; no, they are the ones who breathe it back in! Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson once said this, “Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage with others.” Good eh! Encouraging others simply means giving them a courage injection; like this: “Paul called the disciples together and … gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits … charging them with fresh hope.” That’s excellent leadership! So today ask God to give you what it takes to lead.
Excellent Leadership
“He gave constant encouragement” Acts 20:2
A leader has two important characteristics: he or she knows where they’re going, and can show others the value of going with them. There are lots of talented people who will never be excellent leaders because they’re more interested in themselves than in those they lead. They’ll have to go through the school of hard knocks until they become sensitive to other people’s needs.
But effective leaders don’t wait for that to happen. They realise that any numpty can come up with an idea. But the people who implement them are priceless. American Football coach ‘Bear’ Bryant used to say, “I’ve learned how to hold a team together … There are just three things I say: if something goes bad, I did it; if something goes semi-good, we did it; if it goes really good, you did it!”
If you have a feeling in your bones that God might want you to be some kind of leader, chew on this: excellent leaders are approachable; they don’t get touchy and fly off the handle; they never let minor problems poison their outlook; they sandwich every slice of criticism between two layers of praise.
True leaders are not people who knock the wind out of others; no, they are the ones who breathe it back in! Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson once said this, “Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage with others.” Good eh! Encouraging others simply means giving them a courage injection; like this: “Paul called the disciples together and … gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits … charging them with fresh hope.” That’s excellent leadership! So today ask God to give you what it takes to lead.
Wednesday 8 August 2007
I'm Sorry
I have been on holidays in Hong Kong and have had an absolutely wonderful time!!
My friend Heather has a way of bringing me back to earth though, as I have come home to find I have been "tagged" for John Smulo's very interesting and challenging meme.
I am supposed to apologise to the world for three things that Christians (or me personally) have got wrong.
So here goes...
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Apologize for three things that Christians have often got wrong. Your apologies should be directed towards those who don't view themselves as part of the Christian community. Alternatively, apologize for things you personally have done wrong towards those outside of the church.
2. Post a comment at the originating post so others can keep track of the apologies.
3. Tag five people to participate in the meme.
4. If desired, send an email with the link to your blog post at the Christians Confess site, giving permission for your apologies to be added to the website.
1. I'm sorry for trying to make you come to us (church) instead of us going to you.
2. I'm sorry that so many acts of kindness we bestowed upon you had strings attached.
3. I'm sorry that we have been having such a good time ourselves that we have not heard those who are screaming for our help right outside our door.
Sadly, I could think of many many more things I could apologise for ...
4. I'm sorry that we have been more interested in your money than your needs.
5. I'm sorry that our passion for music has overwhelmed our passion for humanity.
6. I'm sorry that our claim of "excellence" has made some of those around us feel inadequate.
7. I'm even more sorry that our claim of "excellence" has made some of those around us think (often correctly) that we are a bunch of hypocrites.
8. I'm sorry that we have portrayed such a distorted view of Jesus and his love for you.
9. I'm sorry that our egoes have denied us the ability or the desire to admit when we are wrong.
10. I'm sorry that our self involved perspective has rubbed off on our kids.
11. I'm sorry that instead of creating a haven of safety for you, we have built a place of judgement.
12. I'm sorry that our walk often does not match our talk.
13. I'm sorry that we have not visited you when you were sick, fed you when you were hungry, comforted you when you were lonely, and all those other practical things that should be a part of the foundation of our faith.
14. I'm sorry that we have not given generously to those in need.
15. I'm sorry that the in-fighting and disunity between our denominations has turned so many away from seeking God.
16. I'm sorry for all the times we have welcomed you into our churches, only to neglect you once you become a regular attendee.
17. I'm sorry that we have forgotten who Jesus is and how he lived, and as a result our lives have reflected something other than the goodness of God.
How did we get like this? How did we reach the point where there are so many things that Christians can (and should) apologise for? I pray that God will prompt me every time I open my mouth or step outside my door, to remember that my every word and action should reflect him.
My friend Heather has a way of bringing me back to earth though, as I have come home to find I have been "tagged" for John Smulo's very interesting and challenging meme.
I am supposed to apologise to the world for three things that Christians (or me personally) have got wrong.
So here goes...
- - - - - - - - - - -
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Apologize for three things that Christians have often got wrong. Your apologies should be directed towards those who don't view themselves as part of the Christian community. Alternatively, apologize for things you personally have done wrong towards those outside of the church.
2. Post a comment at the originating post so others can keep track of the apologies.
3. Tag five people to participate in the meme.
4. If desired, send an email with the link to your blog post at the Christians Confess site, giving permission for your apologies to be added to the website.
- - - - - - - - - - -
1. I'm sorry for trying to make you come to us (church) instead of us going to you.
2. I'm sorry that so many acts of kindness we bestowed upon you had strings attached.
3. I'm sorry that we have been having such a good time ourselves that we have not heard those who are screaming for our help right outside our door.
Sadly, I could think of many many more things I could apologise for ...
4. I'm sorry that we have been more interested in your money than your needs.
5. I'm sorry that our passion for music has overwhelmed our passion for humanity.
6. I'm sorry that our claim of "excellence" has made some of those around us feel inadequate.
7. I'm even more sorry that our claim of "excellence" has made some of those around us think (often correctly) that we are a bunch of hypocrites.
8. I'm sorry that we have portrayed such a distorted view of Jesus and his love for you.
9. I'm sorry that our egoes have denied us the ability or the desire to admit when we are wrong.
10. I'm sorry that our self involved perspective has rubbed off on our kids.
11. I'm sorry that instead of creating a haven of safety for you, we have built a place of judgement.
12. I'm sorry that our walk often does not match our talk.
13. I'm sorry that we have not visited you when you were sick, fed you when you were hungry, comforted you when you were lonely, and all those other practical things that should be a part of the foundation of our faith.
14. I'm sorry that we have not given generously to those in need.
15. I'm sorry that the in-fighting and disunity between our denominations has turned so many away from seeking God.
16. I'm sorry for all the times we have welcomed you into our churches, only to neglect you once you become a regular attendee.
17. I'm sorry that we have forgotten who Jesus is and how he lived, and as a result our lives have reflected something other than the goodness of God.
How did we get like this? How did we reach the point where there are so many things that Christians can (and should) apologise for? I pray that God will prompt me every time I open my mouth or step outside my door, to remember that my every word and action should reflect him.
Monday 23 July 2007
The Sinner's Prayer
As someone who has grown up in a Christian/church environment I always believed that there was supposed to be one defining moment when I “became a Christian” or “got saved”. We characterise this moment as when we “ask Jesus into our heart” or say “the sinner’s prayer”.
I did this when I was a three year old child. I knelt down next to my bed with my dad and sister and humbly asked Jesus to come and live in my heart. I loved Jesus in the only way a three year old could but I had no idea what inviting a grown man to come and live in my little heart meant. When I stood up from that prayer I didn’t feel any different but I remember how excited my dad was.
It wasn’t until many years later that I truly experienced God for myself rather than just catching the rebounds of my parent’s experience. My “conversion” took place over many years. I can’t pinpoint one defining moment when I suddenly knew that I was saved. Even now, thirty years later, I am still learning more and experiencing God in new and fresh ways.
It is interesting to note that there is no mention in the Bible of asking Jesus into your heart or quoting the sinner’s prayer in order to “get saved”. Jesus welcomed everyone who came to him. He spoke to them, comforted them, healed them, delivered them, taught them, loved them and encouraged them. He didn’t call an altar-call or even pray with them. In many cases he farewelled them with words such as “your faith has saved you”, “go in peace” and “do not sin anymore”.
Prayer is the way we communicate with Jesus now. The Bible says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, then you shall be saved. I assume the sinner’s prayer stems from this passage, but what about those who never have the opportunity to hear about Jesus?
The Bible says that God can be seen in the beauty of creation. God’s truth can be found anywhere, not just in our churches. Thousands of people around the world have never heard the name of Jesus, but I do not believe that means they are doomed to eternal damnation. God looks at the heart and I can’t believe that his grace does not extend to those who have never had the opportunity to hear about his son, and yet have searched for him in their own way.
I guess the key to the “sinner’s prayer” is follow up. I know many people who have said the prayer and never moved on from there – no transformation, no shift in priorities, no change in mindset – just good people who have continued on with their life as they did before. I believe salvation is only the first step of the journey. The real journey is about discipleship, not just saying a simple prayer and being done with it, but about a life-time of change. Discipleship is becoming like Jesus and it takes time, commitment, passion and sacrifice.
I did this when I was a three year old child. I knelt down next to my bed with my dad and sister and humbly asked Jesus to come and live in my heart. I loved Jesus in the only way a three year old could but I had no idea what inviting a grown man to come and live in my little heart meant. When I stood up from that prayer I didn’t feel any different but I remember how excited my dad was.
It wasn’t until many years later that I truly experienced God for myself rather than just catching the rebounds of my parent’s experience. My “conversion” took place over many years. I can’t pinpoint one defining moment when I suddenly knew that I was saved. Even now, thirty years later, I am still learning more and experiencing God in new and fresh ways.
It is interesting to note that there is no mention in the Bible of asking Jesus into your heart or quoting the sinner’s prayer in order to “get saved”. Jesus welcomed everyone who came to him. He spoke to them, comforted them, healed them, delivered them, taught them, loved them and encouraged them. He didn’t call an altar-call or even pray with them. In many cases he farewelled them with words such as “your faith has saved you”, “go in peace” and “do not sin anymore”.
Prayer is the way we communicate with Jesus now. The Bible says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, then you shall be saved. I assume the sinner’s prayer stems from this passage, but what about those who never have the opportunity to hear about Jesus?
The Bible says that God can be seen in the beauty of creation. God’s truth can be found anywhere, not just in our churches. Thousands of people around the world have never heard the name of Jesus, but I do not believe that means they are doomed to eternal damnation. God looks at the heart and I can’t believe that his grace does not extend to those who have never had the opportunity to hear about his son, and yet have searched for him in their own way.
I guess the key to the “sinner’s prayer” is follow up. I know many people who have said the prayer and never moved on from there – no transformation, no shift in priorities, no change in mindset – just good people who have continued on with their life as they did before. I believe salvation is only the first step of the journey. The real journey is about discipleship, not just saying a simple prayer and being done with it, but about a life-time of change. Discipleship is becoming like Jesus and it takes time, commitment, passion and sacrifice.
Thursday 19 July 2007
Social Justice And Christianity
Matthew 25:31-46 has always fascinated me. For most of my Christian life it was one of those passages I skimmed over, mainly because I knew that if I looked at it too closely, it would challenge me to step way out of my comfort zone, and that can be a difficult place to be. In recent years, however, my desire to be more like Jesus has overcome my fear of studying these verses and I have started delving into them a little further.
Many church leaders I have spoken to believe that “missions”, “outreach” and “providing for the needy” are jobs for a minority of Christians – those who have been “specifically called” to that particular ministry. They set up departments in their churches to cater for the few who have a passion for these things and then say that they have done their bit. Once that has been done, they can get on with the more important issues of preaching, music, small groups and the general running of the church. These things are all important in a church, but I believe that Matthew 25 blows this kind of mentality out of the water.
In this passage the way Jesus distinguishes those who will be with him throughout eternity, from those who will not, is based on their passion for social justice. Those who took care of the needs of the people around them and made time for those who were not socially accepted are the ones who Jesus said would share in his inheritance. Those who did not provide for the needy or care for the socially unacceptable were sent to “eternal punishment”.
Jesus effectively says that if you don’t help those in need, you will not be known by him. That is a pretty big call. As Christians we focus on so many aspects of God that I think we can easily lose the importance of this story. John 3:17 reinforces this way of thinking, saying that if we have material possessions but do not provide for those in need, then God’s love is not in us.
It seems difficult from these scriptures, to separate social justice and actively loving others from salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus. I guess if you love God wholeheartedly, from that should flow a love for his creation, and from that a demonstration of love in action.
As I said, way out of the comfort zone, but right where I need to be.
Many church leaders I have spoken to believe that “missions”, “outreach” and “providing for the needy” are jobs for a minority of Christians – those who have been “specifically called” to that particular ministry. They set up departments in their churches to cater for the few who have a passion for these things and then say that they have done their bit. Once that has been done, they can get on with the more important issues of preaching, music, small groups and the general running of the church. These things are all important in a church, but I believe that Matthew 25 blows this kind of mentality out of the water.
In this passage the way Jesus distinguishes those who will be with him throughout eternity, from those who will not, is based on their passion for social justice. Those who took care of the needs of the people around them and made time for those who were not socially accepted are the ones who Jesus said would share in his inheritance. Those who did not provide for the needy or care for the socially unacceptable were sent to “eternal punishment”.
Jesus effectively says that if you don’t help those in need, you will not be known by him. That is a pretty big call. As Christians we focus on so many aspects of God that I think we can easily lose the importance of this story. John 3:17 reinforces this way of thinking, saying that if we have material possessions but do not provide for those in need, then God’s love is not in us.
It seems difficult from these scriptures, to separate social justice and actively loving others from salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus. I guess if you love God wholeheartedly, from that should flow a love for his creation, and from that a demonstration of love in action.
As I said, way out of the comfort zone, but right where I need to be.
Sunday 15 July 2007
The Price Of Excellence
Do you have any idea how many times I have heard the word “excellence” at church? By definition excellence means “the act of being admirable, exceptional, fine, first-class, superb”. I understand the mentality behind the whole “excellence” phenomenon that has hit our churches (to give God our best), but I think we have gotten a little bit carried away.
I look at the list of “requirements” for service (above) that our churches are looking for today (especially in the area of music) and I think what hope do we have? I am a good person who loves God wholeheartedly, but I wouldn’t describe myself as exceptional or first-class. I would rather be referred to as humble and willing. A friend of mine says that excellence makes people feel inadequate, and I tend to agree.
When you read the Bible it is interesting to note that not one person God used throughout scripture was qualified to perform the job that God called him (or her) to do. NOT ONE! On the contrary, God usually called the last person we would deem as appropriate to fulfil his purpose. I believe he does this because, at the end of the road, when the under-dog has prevailed and the impossible has been accomplished, everyone will know that it was God who did it, not man, and he would get all the glory.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 says that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong; the lowly, despised and insignificant to abolish the things that are, so that no-one can boast before him.
God is glorified when real people follow his call to be followers of Jesus, not when people strive to be excellent. The men Jesus chose to be his disciples were not the educated rabbis who had completed Bible college, but the humble “tradies” who had a heart to serve. These are the men who turned our world upside-down. How many “uneducated” people are stifled by the church in the name of excellence? How many “qualified” people are doing it their own way, instead of God’s way, because they believe that their excellence is all that is needed?
So yes, I believe excellence is over-rated. God is more interested in our hearts, humility and willingness than our abilities. We need to do all we do for his glory, and let God be God.
I look at the list of “requirements” for service (above) that our churches are looking for today (especially in the area of music) and I think what hope do we have? I am a good person who loves God wholeheartedly, but I wouldn’t describe myself as exceptional or first-class. I would rather be referred to as humble and willing. A friend of mine says that excellence makes people feel inadequate, and I tend to agree.
When you read the Bible it is interesting to note that not one person God used throughout scripture was qualified to perform the job that God called him (or her) to do. NOT ONE! On the contrary, God usually called the last person we would deem as appropriate to fulfil his purpose. I believe he does this because, at the end of the road, when the under-dog has prevailed and the impossible has been accomplished, everyone will know that it was God who did it, not man, and he would get all the glory.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 says that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong; the lowly, despised and insignificant to abolish the things that are, so that no-one can boast before him.
God is glorified when real people follow his call to be followers of Jesus, not when people strive to be excellent. The men Jesus chose to be his disciples were not the educated rabbis who had completed Bible college, but the humble “tradies” who had a heart to serve. These are the men who turned our world upside-down. How many “uneducated” people are stifled by the church in the name of excellence? How many “qualified” people are doing it their own way, instead of God’s way, because they believe that their excellence is all that is needed?
So yes, I believe excellence is over-rated. God is more interested in our hearts, humility and willingness than our abilities. We need to do all we do for his glory, and let God be God.
Monday 9 July 2007
What Will You Leave Behind?
I love this devotional from “The Word For Today”.
What Will You Leave Behind?
"When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you." 2 Samuel 7:12 NIV
Solomon says, "The memory of the righteous will be a blessing" (Proverbs 10:7 NIV). So, how will you be remembered? Whatever your story, you're writing it now. Don't get the wrong idea; we're not thinking about dying so much as we are about living.
Here are five things that will remain when you go.
1. Your investments for Christ in people: therefore you must increase your spiritual deposits.
2. Your prayers will live forever before God's throne: therefore you must pray more, and pray for the generations that may follow you.
3. Your life's story may live on to inspire others: therefore you must live to the fullest God's script of faithfulness, excellence and godliness.
4. Your giving can enable your local church to reach your community, cause a mission's school to thrive, a devotional to be printed, a Christian station to be supported, or a lost loved one to be reached: therefore you must give, and give sacrificially so that the harvest you reap will far outlive the seeds you have sown.
5. Your children will carry your physical and spiritual DNA: therefore you must know that they walk with God, and that the faith of your fathers will live on through your children and your grandchildren to touch future generations.
Concerning Abel, the Bible says, "By faith he still speaks, even though he is dead" (Heb 11:4 NIV).
You can touch the future for good and for God – but only if you plan to!
The Word For Today
by Bob & Debby Gass & Ruth Gass Halliday
What Will You Leave Behind?
"When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you." 2 Samuel 7:12 NIV
Solomon says, "The memory of the righteous will be a blessing" (Proverbs 10:7 NIV). So, how will you be remembered? Whatever your story, you're writing it now. Don't get the wrong idea; we're not thinking about dying so much as we are about living.
Here are five things that will remain when you go.
1. Your investments for Christ in people: therefore you must increase your spiritual deposits.
2. Your prayers will live forever before God's throne: therefore you must pray more, and pray for the generations that may follow you.
3. Your life's story may live on to inspire others: therefore you must live to the fullest God's script of faithfulness, excellence and godliness.
4. Your giving can enable your local church to reach your community, cause a mission's school to thrive, a devotional to be printed, a Christian station to be supported, or a lost loved one to be reached: therefore you must give, and give sacrificially so that the harvest you reap will far outlive the seeds you have sown.
5. Your children will carry your physical and spiritual DNA: therefore you must know that they walk with God, and that the faith of your fathers will live on through your children and your grandchildren to touch future generations.
Concerning Abel, the Bible says, "By faith he still speaks, even though he is dead" (Heb 11:4 NIV).
You can touch the future for good and for God – but only if you plan to!
The Word For Today
by Bob & Debby Gass & Ruth Gass Halliday
Friday 6 July 2007
Church Leadership Styles
I heard a message about church leadership styles which I would like to share with you.
Corporate Style
Many of our churches today run on a “corporate” leadership style. First, they employ a CEO (the pastor) who sets the vision of the church and everyone else “lays down” or adapts their own vision to follow his. They then elect a board of directors (oversight team) to assist the pastor with the decisions he makes. Next they elect managers (leadership team) to develop and run various departments within the church to cater for all different age groups and people groups. Then they have the laity who are expected to be involved in as many departments as possible, thereby making them too busy to spend time in the “real world”.
I can’t find anything in the Bible that supports this style of leadership and yet it seems to be such a popular style today. The early church was a group of believers who gathered together whenever they could, wherever they could, to share scripture, sing songs, share personal testimonies, eat and drink together, develop relationships and provide for those in need. There was no one person who was “qualified” to run the group. They followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and each person was accountable to the others in the group. There is very little in many churches today that resembles the early church.
Midwife Style
Another style of church leadership is the “midwife” style. When a pregnant woman is ready to give birth, she seeks the assistance of a midwife. The midwife, through her training, experience and skills, assists the woman to safely give birth to her newborn child.
A pastor who leads in this style is there to help each member of his congregation give birth to whatever it is that God has planted within them. Through his experience, knowledge of God’s word, personal testimony and love for his people, he can assist, guide, prepare, train and encourage people to fulfil the personal vision and purpose God has given them. This purpose can be fulfilled with or without his help (just like a woman can have a baby without a midwife), but it is safer, less painful and more effective with his guidance.
This style of leadership is much closer to resembling the early church style and, from what I have observed, is much more effective in fulfilling the purpose of the church.
Corporate Style
Many of our churches today run on a “corporate” leadership style. First, they employ a CEO (the pastor) who sets the vision of the church and everyone else “lays down” or adapts their own vision to follow his. They then elect a board of directors (oversight team) to assist the pastor with the decisions he makes. Next they elect managers (leadership team) to develop and run various departments within the church to cater for all different age groups and people groups. Then they have the laity who are expected to be involved in as many departments as possible, thereby making them too busy to spend time in the “real world”.
I can’t find anything in the Bible that supports this style of leadership and yet it seems to be such a popular style today. The early church was a group of believers who gathered together whenever they could, wherever they could, to share scripture, sing songs, share personal testimonies, eat and drink together, develop relationships and provide for those in need. There was no one person who was “qualified” to run the group. They followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and each person was accountable to the others in the group. There is very little in many churches today that resembles the early church.
Midwife Style
Another style of church leadership is the “midwife” style. When a pregnant woman is ready to give birth, she seeks the assistance of a midwife. The midwife, through her training, experience and skills, assists the woman to safely give birth to her newborn child.
A pastor who leads in this style is there to help each member of his congregation give birth to whatever it is that God has planted within them. Through his experience, knowledge of God’s word, personal testimony and love for his people, he can assist, guide, prepare, train and encourage people to fulfil the personal vision and purpose God has given them. This purpose can be fulfilled with or without his help (just like a woman can have a baby without a midwife), but it is safer, less painful and more effective with his guidance.
This style of leadership is much closer to resembling the early church style and, from what I have observed, is much more effective in fulfilling the purpose of the church.
Wednesday 4 July 2007
Being Christ-Like
We hear a lot in our churches about being Christ-like, but what does this actually mean? I believe it is more than just showing love and grace to the people we happen to come in contact with. We need to imitate Jesus’ life. It seems like we have made Jesus into someone we can adore, but we have forgotten that he is also someone we should replicate. When Jesus walked the earth he questioned and challenged everything (interestingly enough, he was especially unpopular with the church leaders of the day), but he loved so unbendingly that he changed the life of every single person he came in contact with.
Mike Frost talks about “vandalising our pictures of Jesus”. We have made Jesus into a nice person who got along with everyone and was loved by all. In actual fact, if you read the gospels and the stories of Jesus’ life, you find a man who was seen as a rebel by many – he ate and drank with sinners, he argued with church leaders, he destroyed the church’s merchandising stands, he whipped up more wine at a wedding when they ran out. He saw more than the rules – he saw the people who were lost and hurting, and they were his priority. He constantly put himself in the path of people who were not worthy of his attention.
Surely we should follow the example he set – the principles he lived by. To be Christ-like is about imitating the life of Jesus in everything we do, every moment of every day. I am starting to realise just how uncomfortable and challenging this kind of life can actually be, but I have also never enjoyed life more.
Mike Frost talks about “vandalising our pictures of Jesus”. We have made Jesus into a nice person who got along with everyone and was loved by all. In actual fact, if you read the gospels and the stories of Jesus’ life, you find a man who was seen as a rebel by many – he ate and drank with sinners, he argued with church leaders, he destroyed the church’s merchandising stands, he whipped up more wine at a wedding when they ran out. He saw more than the rules – he saw the people who were lost and hurting, and they were his priority. He constantly put himself in the path of people who were not worthy of his attention.
Surely we should follow the example he set – the principles he lived by. To be Christ-like is about imitating the life of Jesus in everything we do, every moment of every day. I am starting to realise just how uncomfortable and challenging this kind of life can actually be, but I have also never enjoyed life more.
Sunday 1 July 2007
Church - The Mission Killer
I have a friend who, when I first met him several years ago, was passionate about prison ministry. He was involved in a band that played in prisons and he talked about little else. His passion and excitement for this ministry was contagious and I used to hang out to hear him talk more about it.
Now, four years later, this man shows no interest in prison ministry whatsoever. He is heavily involved in the music department of a local church and he is so busy with church that he has little time for anything else. Nearly every night of the week is taken up with a church activity – music practices, leadership meetings, young adults group, church basketball team, small groups, men’s group and the like. Worse still, he spends what little spare time he does have hanging out with other people from the church, further minimising any opportunity he may have to “outreach” anyone.
It breaks my heart to see that his involvement in church has actually killed his passion for mission.
How many people have experienced or witnessed the same situation? Church is supposed to fuel our passion for the lost; it is supposed to increase our desire to show others Jesus; it is supposed to instil in us a determination to “go into all the world and make disciples of all men”. Yet with the busyness of church these days, many Christians in many churches experience the exact opposite.
In my own life I discovered that once I took a step away from church leadership (worship leading, running a department, being on the missions committee) and the pressure to be at every meeting and event held by the church, my relationship with Jesus became so much more intimate and real. I began to get back to the basics, to look at the way Jesus lived his life, and as a result, my passion for outreach and mission soared.
God is a mission God. God sent Jesus to save us. Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to guide us. The Holy Spirit sends us to reach the lost. God is not just interested in mission – God is mission. The church needs to rise up and free their congregations to be the people God saved them to be.
Now, four years later, this man shows no interest in prison ministry whatsoever. He is heavily involved in the music department of a local church and he is so busy with church that he has little time for anything else. Nearly every night of the week is taken up with a church activity – music practices, leadership meetings, young adults group, church basketball team, small groups, men’s group and the like. Worse still, he spends what little spare time he does have hanging out with other people from the church, further minimising any opportunity he may have to “outreach” anyone.
It breaks my heart to see that his involvement in church has actually killed his passion for mission.
How many people have experienced or witnessed the same situation? Church is supposed to fuel our passion for the lost; it is supposed to increase our desire to show others Jesus; it is supposed to instil in us a determination to “go into all the world and make disciples of all men”. Yet with the busyness of church these days, many Christians in many churches experience the exact opposite.
In my own life I discovered that once I took a step away from church leadership (worship leading, running a department, being on the missions committee) and the pressure to be at every meeting and event held by the church, my relationship with Jesus became so much more intimate and real. I began to get back to the basics, to look at the way Jesus lived his life, and as a result, my passion for outreach and mission soared.
God is a mission God. God sent Jesus to save us. Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to guide us. The Holy Spirit sends us to reach the lost. God is not just interested in mission – God is mission. The church needs to rise up and free their congregations to be the people God saved them to be.
Friday 29 June 2007
Consumerism
What is it with society’s preoccupation with consumerism? Everywhere we look we are told that we need more of this or a bigger one of that. I find it disturbing that we Christians seem to be just as absorbed by this kind of thinking as the rest of the world. Our churches always want bigger buildings and louder PA systems and bigger bands. We spend huge amounts of money on “resources” which teach us how to succeed in building a “successful” church and how to be prosperous. We say we don’t judge success the way the world does, but in actual fact, we do.
Andrew Denton recently visited an American Christian conference at which hundreds of people gather each year to “spout their wares”. There were TV evangelists with their DVD and CD series, personalised Bibles which contained your own name throughout the scriptures, music and worship bands with masses of CDs to inspire you to “touch” God, preaching puppets, sculptures of Bible characters, hundreds of books on how to live a better life, and even a life size parade of stuffed animals from Noah’s Ark.
It is like we have made God into some product that we have to market and promote in order to “sell” him to the world. What has happened to the simplicity of the gospel? Where do we see the Jesus who walked the earth 2000 years ago, in a world (and church) so caught up with “stuff”, that we are blinded to what really matters?
Jesus came so that we can have life complete in him – a life full of love, peace, purpose and a life that serves God and others. That should be all the stuff we need.
Andrew Denton recently visited an American Christian conference at which hundreds of people gather each year to “spout their wares”. There were TV evangelists with their DVD and CD series, personalised Bibles which contained your own name throughout the scriptures, music and worship bands with masses of CDs to inspire you to “touch” God, preaching puppets, sculptures of Bible characters, hundreds of books on how to live a better life, and even a life size parade of stuffed animals from Noah’s Ark.
It is like we have made God into some product that we have to market and promote in order to “sell” him to the world. What has happened to the simplicity of the gospel? Where do we see the Jesus who walked the earth 2000 years ago, in a world (and church) so caught up with “stuff”, that we are blinded to what really matters?
Jesus came so that we can have life complete in him – a life full of love, peace, purpose and a life that serves God and others. That should be all the stuff we need.
Tuesday 26 June 2007
Are You Man Enough?
I heard this poem on a Mike Frost DVD called “Jesus Made Me Do It”. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who questions if there is more to Christianity and the church than what we see in today’s institution. This poem cuts to the heart of the cost of true Christianity, and makes us realise how comfortable we are in our “feel-good” version of being Christ-like. I hope this poem challenges you as much as it challenged me.
Are You Man Enough?
When I became a Christian I said Lord, now fill me in
Tell me what I’ll suffer in this world of shame and sin
He said, well your body may be killed, and left to rot and stink
Do you still want to follow me? I said amen, I think
I think amen, amen I think, I think I say amen
Look I’m not completely sure; can we just run through that again?
You say my body could be killed and left to rot and stink?
Oh yeah that sounds terrific Lord, I’ll say amen … I think.
But Lord, look, there must be other ways to follow you, I said
I really would prefer to end up just dying in my bed
Well yes, he said, you could just put up with sneers and scorn and spit
Do you still want to follow me? I said, amen, a bit
A bit amen, amen a bit, a bit I say amen
Look I’m still not entirely sure; can we just run through that again?
You say I could put up with sneers and scorn and spit?
Well yes, I’ve made up my mind, and say amen … a bit.
Well I sat back and I thought a while and I tried a different ploy
I said, Lord, now the good book says that Christians live in joy
That’s true, he said, you’re gonna need the joy to bear the pain and sorrow
Do you still want to follow me? I said amen, tomorrow
Tomorrow Lord, I’ll say it then, that’s when I’ll say amen
You see, we’ve got to get it clear; let’s just run through that again
You say that I will need the joy to bear the pain and sorrow?
Well yeah, I think I got it straight, I’ll say amen … tomorrow.
He said, look, I’m not asking you to spend an hour with me
A quick salvation sandwich and a cup of sanctity
The cost is you, not half of you, but every single bit
Now tell me, will you follow me? I said amen. No, I quit!
I’m awfully sorry Lord, I said, I’d like to follow you
But I don’t think religion is a manly thing to do
And he said, forget religion then and you think about my son
And tell me if you’re man enough to do what he has done.
Are you man enough to see the need? Are you man enough to go?
Are you man enough to care for those that no-one wants to know?
Are you man enough to say the things that people hate to hear?
And battle through Gethsemane in loneliness and fear?
And listen, are you man enough to stand at the end?
The moment of betrayal by the kisses of your friend
Are you man enough to hold your tongue? Are you man enough to cry?
And when the nails break your body, are you man enough to die?
Man enough to take the pain and wear it like a crown?
Man enough to love the world and turn it upside down?
Are you man enough to follow me? I ask you once again
I said, oh Lord, I’m frightened, but I also said amen
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
I said, Lord I’m so frightened, but I also said amen.
Adrian Plass
Are You Man Enough?
When I became a Christian I said Lord, now fill me in
Tell me what I’ll suffer in this world of shame and sin
He said, well your body may be killed, and left to rot and stink
Do you still want to follow me? I said amen, I think
I think amen, amen I think, I think I say amen
Look I’m not completely sure; can we just run through that again?
You say my body could be killed and left to rot and stink?
Oh yeah that sounds terrific Lord, I’ll say amen … I think.
But Lord, look, there must be other ways to follow you, I said
I really would prefer to end up just dying in my bed
Well yes, he said, you could just put up with sneers and scorn and spit
Do you still want to follow me? I said, amen, a bit
A bit amen, amen a bit, a bit I say amen
Look I’m still not entirely sure; can we just run through that again?
You say I could put up with sneers and scorn and spit?
Well yes, I’ve made up my mind, and say amen … a bit.
Well I sat back and I thought a while and I tried a different ploy
I said, Lord, now the good book says that Christians live in joy
That’s true, he said, you’re gonna need the joy to bear the pain and sorrow
Do you still want to follow me? I said amen, tomorrow
Tomorrow Lord, I’ll say it then, that’s when I’ll say amen
You see, we’ve got to get it clear; let’s just run through that again
You say that I will need the joy to bear the pain and sorrow?
Well yeah, I think I got it straight, I’ll say amen … tomorrow.
He said, look, I’m not asking you to spend an hour with me
A quick salvation sandwich and a cup of sanctity
The cost is you, not half of you, but every single bit
Now tell me, will you follow me? I said amen. No, I quit!
I’m awfully sorry Lord, I said, I’d like to follow you
But I don’t think religion is a manly thing to do
And he said, forget religion then and you think about my son
And tell me if you’re man enough to do what he has done.
Are you man enough to see the need? Are you man enough to go?
Are you man enough to care for those that no-one wants to know?
Are you man enough to say the things that people hate to hear?
And battle through Gethsemane in loneliness and fear?
And listen, are you man enough to stand at the end?
The moment of betrayal by the kisses of your friend
Are you man enough to hold your tongue? Are you man enough to cry?
And when the nails break your body, are you man enough to die?
Man enough to take the pain and wear it like a crown?
Man enough to love the world and turn it upside down?
Are you man enough to follow me? I ask you once again
I said, oh Lord, I’m frightened, but I also said amen
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
I said, Lord I’m so frightened, but I also said amen.
Adrian Plass
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