Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep

Two weeks ago I was driving to attend a training session hosted by an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities. The training, hosted by an organization that Renew partners with, was geared towards pastors and leaders to help equip them to know how to best serve and love those with developmental disabilities in their churches. Since we have a handful of people with mental retardation and mental illnesses I felt this was important for me to attend. And I’m glad I did.

On my way back I drove past a place in Ambler, PA that had a large sign that said The Becoming Center at Artman. Its a health and wellness center that uses classes, aquatics and rehab for physical health.

The name – The Becoming Center – is so hope-filled, so saturated with potential and life change. It’s internal – and yet its an expectation for action. Present and future-oriented.

As I drove past, it sent my mind racing: what a perfect name for what the Church should be! Imagine if every church – and every church plant – saw themselves as becoming centers. What if they were centers to help people become everything them were created to be? Jesus said that he came to bring life – and life to the fullest extent and measure possible (John 10). Isn’t the church’s role to be a center where people grow into understanding, embracing and experiencing this immeasurably magnificent life that is extended to us? It also makes me wonder: how can our churches become becoming centers?

Spiritual formation is becoming more like Jesus. This means that the local expression of his people – the church – who are being formed and shaped to be more like Him should be places for life change and hope and action. The problem is that most of our churches are Doing Centers. Activity, events, programs. Doing more, more more…

I think of the bumper sticker: “Jesus is coming back. Look busy.” It’s supposed to be funny, but isn’t it sadly all too true? Religious activity is not what we are called to. We’re invited into a relationship with the Living God and with others who help us become who we were truly meant to be – from the inside-out. The Holy Spirit helps us to become that. Others (who depend upon the Holy Spirit) help us to become that.

Churches – all spiritually healthy churches- are called to be Becoming Centers, helping people become more of who the Creator intended them to be.

I hope and pray that Renew continues to become a healthy, throbbin-with-life Becoming Center in the region.

For the past several months I’ve been guest-teaching on Sunday nights at a church in Bethlehem, PA in their “alternative worship” service. As they search for a pastor they’ve asked me to fill in to teach – and it seems from all indications its been a good fit for everyone involved. As long as it doesn’t impinge on family stuff or Renew involvement, I don’t mind serving in this role. Since Sunday evenings are fairly light regarding Renew responsibilities its works out well. They are loving people, hungry to learn, kind and compassionate. Teaching in Bethlehem has kept me sharp and, to be quite honest, the opportunity has helped to pay the bills, too. I’ve developed some good relationships with them over the past several months. Read more about Bethlehem here.

Bethlehem itself is a quaint place in the Lehigh Valley, a mixture of a blue collar past and an artsy potential. It’s known as the Star City (due to its biblical name) it was founded on Christmas Eve 1741 by Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians (which has a rich tradition in the area to this day). Very historic. It’s not Pittsburgh, but its also known for its steel, most notably the now defunct Bethlehem Steel Company (which was just turned into Sands Casino this month). Over the past few years, Bethlehem has been going through a bit of a revitalization – and its an appealing area.

On Sunday nights, I usually make the 55 minute drive into town, head to church, do a sound check, teach and head home, eager to see Megan before heading to bed. But this past week I went up an hour early and walked around the downtown area to discover a bit more of it by foot. It’s ‘anchors’ include the Central Moravian Church, historical Hotel Bethlehem and a quaint strip of coffee shops, outdoor eateries, Bethlehem Brew Works, galleries and boutique shops. Here are a few pictures I took as a wandered around the downtown area.

Central Moravian Church

Beautifully preserved stone buildings

I felt like I stepped into the Colonial era

Intriguing water fountain

thought-provoking art piece hanging in a gallery window

Dr. Francis DuBose, seminary professor and missiologist, died last week. You probably don’t recognize this man’s name, but he contributed much to the current shift in the Church today. Dr. DuBose will probably best be remembered for coining the oft-used terms “missional” and “mega-church.”

But he was more than an inventor of new words. He lived it. He was an urban missions professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in San Francisco. His heart embraced God’s missionary heart for the world – and his life reflected it. He was so impacted by the heart that God had for the city that he wrote beautiful poetry.

Here’s one of his moving “missional” poems.

I Choose the City by Francis DuBose

I choose the city…
Not simply to live in it,
to see it,
to hear it;
But to touch it;
yes, to embrace it,
to hold it,

To feel the wild glory of its
pulsating soul,

To move over its wide,
hurried broadways,

To stand stilled and sobered
at the nowhere of its dead-end streets,

To be trapped with it in its
pain and problems,

To be at once chilled by its ill
and covered with its confetti.

I choose the city because I choose God,
Because I choose humanity,
Because I choose the divine-human
struggle–

The struggle which will be won
Not in the serene path through
meadow and wood,
among the bees and birds, and flowers,

But in the city street
Made by the hand of man
Through the gift of God–
Main Street: the final battle field,
The scene of the ultimate struggle,
Where man chooses right
Because he is free to choose wrong.

Babylon, dirty and daring–
Babylon, yes–
Babylon today–

Tomorrow…
The New Jerusalem!

Francis DuBose, Mystic on Main Street, Chapel Hill, NC: Professional Press, 1993, pp. 78, 79.

One of my favorite bands is U2 (don’t hate me). And one of my favorite U2 songs is “Grace,” because it so poetically captures the heart of Jesus and his work on earth. Indeed, grace does find beauty in everything. Everything.

Grace
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name

Grace finds goodness
In everything

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life. Rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow.The same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

-a prayer of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

From time to time, I like to include random links on this blog – they have been informational, educational, entertaining and sometimes downright silly. But this series of links is different. The following links are significant (knowledge, news, intriguing thoughts, tools, resources, etc) that I’d want anyone who is a follower of Jesus – or considering being a follower of Jesus – to know:

A memoir about learning to follow in the ways of Jesus. I have a lot of respect for Ed Dobson. He’s a life-long learner and one who authentically is striving to live out the ways of Jesus. He is now learning to deal with a life hampered by ALS. His yet-to-be-released book is on learning to live “Jesusly” looks fascinating. Check out this video.Also, check out this clip of an interview with him on ABCNews. I can’t wait until this book comes out in October.

Eight Ways to be Missional Without Overloading Your Schedule. Ben Sternke, pastor of Christ Community Church in Ft. Wayne, IN has become a new friend through the Ecclesia Network. His thoughts are important and practical.

Keeping Holy Ground Holy. A new study shows that people searching for Jesus desire Gothic-style buildings over modern, utilitarian ones.

ChristianAudio offers a free audiobook download. This month: Eugene Peterson. Get it. Now.

Resources from missiologist Ed Stetzer: Stetzer is someone who we should all be listening to – well-researched, passionate, honest, intelligent and right on when it comes to understanding God’s mission. His blog should be frequented.

[1] Keys to Understanding the Church and the Kingdom (Desiring God) :: Audio

[2] National Congregations Study: An expansive study on churches across the country.

[3] The Southern Baptist Convention: A Denomination (Continuing) In Its Decline. This is a very, very honest and insightful look at all denominations and the need to change – soon. Read this carefully and slowly. Lots of implications for Christian leaders to consider. Also see related post called A Year is Not a Trend.

Hartford Institute for Religion Research: Check out this Profile of the People who attend megachurches. Those who attend are much different than people have always thought.

Bob Roberts, as I mentioned earlier, is a great thinker. Check out his blog post: What Your Not Being Told About Church Planting Could Kill You

Ecclesia Church Planters Training: Bob Hyatt gives the best talk on “Why Plant Churches?” I’ve heard. If you are thinking about church planting this worth your time.

Rob Bell’s NOOMA videos and Compassion International partner together to create a video about generosity and poverty. It’s worth 12 minutes of your time.

Amy Spiegel: Some Benefits of Life Without Television. Before you think that people who claim “Kill Your TV!” are whackos, suspend your judgment and read this.

CNN reports on a search for a mattress containing $1M life savings. This is a modern-day kingdom parable. After reading this news story, read this passage.

The Top Ten Ways To Ruin Young Pastors. Yeah…I’d agree with these.

I Am Second. This high-quality website shows dozens of people’s faith stories via video. Check out former Korn band member Brian Welch’s faith story. Then watch Major League Baseball star Josh Hamilton’s story of his faith journey to Jesus.

Pastor and author Bob Roberts is not only a great leader and thinker who possesses a global passion for the gospel, he’s a doer! He and his church are doing some great things around the globe. I first heard of Bob when my brother let me read his book The Multiplying Church on vacation last August and it invigorated me and challenged me to (re)think some areas of our global elements of Renew. We’ve interacted briefly with his staff regarding how Renew could practically go about discerning how we “adopt” a country or region of the world for focused and purposeful global engagement.

Bob recently wrote a great post on his blog titled: If I were Starting a Church Today. He has some great thoughts.

1.  I’d get off in a room alone with God and maps of the world, verses God has given me, words he’s given me, pray and seek God radically BEFORE reading any books on church planting and/or going to conferences.  I’d get his will in my heart first before finding mentors, teaching, and training.  I’d ask him to break my heart for the world and his kingdom.

2.  I’d then develop a small prayer team of no more than 5 people – of different races, etc. praying for me.

3.  I’d write out everything I sensed God saying and things that resonated with me that I’d heard others speak and write about.

4.  I’d find the person emulating ministry in the most similar way I sensed God speaking – and another person in the most opposite way I heard and ask them lots of questions off and on.

5.  I’d begin to ask God to pull the team together to begin by engaging the local community beyond religious work.

6.  I’d go to a multi-ethnic area and pull a multi-ethnic team together.  That means if I was in DFW – south Irving.

7.  I’d have my discipleship model in place before we began and lead our initial leaders through it before we did anything else – then have them multiply it throughout the church.

8.  I’d pick a hard place in the world to work before “going public” or “going native” in the neighborhood and everyone who came on board would know that’s part of who we are up front.

9.  I’d worship a minimum of an hour a day from Day one – so I’d recognize all God was doing and be ready to respond.

10.  I’d expect and get excited on the unexpected.

Check out more of his blog here. It’s one of my favorite blogs.

Renew is hosting another doubt :: night this evening at 7:30 pm at Third and Walnut Bar and Grille (corner of Third and Walnut Street in Lansdale near the train station).

What is doubt :: night? It’s a laid-back relational space created with intention to allow us to air out our doubts, questions, concerns and longings about life, God, faith, Jesus, the Church, the Bible, etc. We rent out a room at the bar once a month and encourage dialog. It’s a chance to process through the spiritual journey we’re on. Life’s greatest, most significant questions are worth wrestling through with other people.

No question are off limits.

No pre-set views are required.

Skeptics and dreamers are welcomed.

No perfect people are allowed.

Just honesty and a desire to listen and learn from others.

Many of you know that Eugene Peterson has been a mentor of mine for the past six years. We’ve written dozens of letters to each other. No one has marked me more in pastoral ministry than Eugene. See earlier post on one of his letters he wrote to me and the Renew Community here.

A few days ago I received a letter from him. I’ve read it about a dozen times and I am still digesting it. I asked him: What are the non-negotiables of being a church planter?

“The one great advantage you have as a new church pastor is that you are forced to start small. Nothing is imposed on you. Determine that you will know every person, their names and whatever of their lives they are willing to let you in on. Be in their homes. Invite them into your home in small groups for an evening or lunch. The killing frost in too much new church development is forming programs that will attract people or serve their perceived ‘needs,’ getting them ‘involved.’ The overriding need they have is worship and that is the one thing that is lowest on their ‘needs’ list. Insist on it: keep it simple – learn to know every last one of them relationally. And call them to worship – and not entertainment worship, but a community at worship. Americans these days are not used to being treated that way, personally and apart from promotional come-ons. Religious entrepreneurism has infected church planting all over the country. When it is successful numerically (and if you are a good salesman and smile a lot it probably will be) you will end up with a non-church.”

I then asked: what is the greatest temptation when planting a church – and how do I avoid it:

“I’d say ambition. Church planters are tempted to do what it takes to succeed. Most of us grow up as competitors, competition is bred into our bones. And most of us are good at it. But the very nature of church – the Christian life – is to stay close to the ground that you are given, the people you are given, the Jesuw ho comes alongside of us. The temptation is to look for ‘leaders’ or ‘winners’ or look at people as ‘resources.’ That is not a mindset that cultivates patiences with losers and the mediocre. Not that we don’t want to do our best, but unchecked ambition cripples us for dealing with the people who are right under our noses, the left-out and ignored. If we hold our competitive instincts on a short leash, we will probably stay small for a considerable time.”

Eugene is one wise man. His words, teachings and life are a gift.

What question(s) should I ask him in my next letter?

There are a few new posts up on the Renew site that I think you might want to check out.

1. Pictures from our first public gathering

2. Grateful to be Frustrated

3. Thoughts from Jess. Wow, is she articulate.