Vision 2010

I thought I would share part of a document I have been working on for the church. Perhaps it will be helpful to individuals and other groups as they think about moving into the future.

Vision 2010

Vision 2010 is a plan/strategy for the next 2.5 years to encourage Kingdom-oriented growth of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Presently, we are facing new challenges resulting from spiritual and numerical growth. These challenges are “good” problems to have, but they must be addressed in a proactive way, or else they will become “real” problems that will hinder us from expanding our influence for Christ in our community and around the world.

It has been said that a failure to plan is a plan for failure. Contrary to what some might say, planning is not opposed to faith (see Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Nehemiah, Esther, Naomi, Jesus, and Paul). The problem with planning is that which is done carelessly and without reference to God (i.e. James 4.13-15), or that which is not done at all. Thus, it is possible and preferable to prepare and plan ahead, all the while acknowledging our finiteness and our ultimate dependence on and service to God and his sovereign freedom to will and act according to his pleasure.

In The Best Question Ever, Andy Stanley offers what he thinks is the best question a person can ask when facing an important decision in his/her life; “Based on past experiences, present circumstances, and future goals, what is the wise thing to do?” Countless regrettable consequences might be avoided if people would only ask themselves this question before venturing to speak or act. I believe that what is true personally is also true corporately. Just think of how many organizations, including churches, have failed to ask this simple question before making important decisions, and suffered negative consequences as a result. As we continue to grow and face new challenges, it is imperative that we proceed with wisdom. James 1.5-6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (ESV)

Jerry Rankin, President of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, suggests asking three questions in the process of long-range planning. They are: 1) What now? 2) What next? 3) What not? I want to pose these questions as we think about the present and future of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

"Good Problems to Have"

When growth occurs in a person's life that is usually considered to be a good thing. When a person's mind and heart grows through education or experience, that is good. When a person's muscles grow through exercise and training, that is good. When a family grows through the birth or adoption of a child, that is good. When a business grows through new clients and opportunities, that is good. When a local church grows through the increase of people involved in giving and receiving ministry, that is good. And when this growth occurs, as good as it may be, new obstacles and challenges are introduced. Most people refer to these obstacles and challenges as "good problems to have," because such things reflect positive changes taking place in the life of a person, family, business, or church.

At Emmanuel BC, these are days of growth, which is good, and which means we are facing new challenges and obstacles; in other words, the problems we have are "good problems to have." I prefer to look at these challenges, obstacles, and "good problems" as opportunities. For us, they include a need for more ministerial staff, a renovation/expansion of our current facilties, a more effective and efficient way of ministering to the people already here and assimilating the people who are coming here.

On one hand, it would be great if there really was a such thing as an "Easy Button." I could press the button and we would staffed with the right people in the right places instantly. Then, I would press the button again and our facilities would instantly be adequate for our growing congregation. But, that will not happen. God loves us too much to short circuit a process by which we will learn and grow, so we have to face these opportunities as they are presented to us. Failure to do so would lead to our "good problems" becoming real problems, and we don't want that to happen.

So, we move ahead. We press on. We pray. We talk. We work. We plan. We pray. (I know I already said that!) And all the while we view thank God for the good problems we have, and we seek to address such problems in a way that will facilitate further growth, which I know will mean more challenges and obstacles, but that will be good!

Going through the Motions

Do you ever find yourself going through the motions? You know, doing or saying the "right" thing, or reacting the "right" way, just because it is what you are supposed to do? Do you ever feel as though your mind and heart are one place, while your body is someplace else?

For those in vocational ministry...ok, for me, this sometimes occurs. What am I supposed to make of this? Do I neglect to say or do the "right" thing just because my heart is not in it? I think we must be wise and discerning in each situation. Last night, I was honest with the church about this experience. I sought to be transparent with them and let them know that there will be times when you become discouraged in ministry. There will be times when you are saying and doing all the right things, all the while your heart is detached from those things. My opinion is that such transparency, though risky in the eyes of some, goes a long way in connecting with people. Pretending to have all the answers (which we don't), or to always have a sincere heart (which we don't), or to always appear genuinely concerned for ALL people (which we're not), doesn't really help in ministry. So, I was, and am striving to be honest about this struggle.

In response, as a way forward, I think of Galatians 6.9-10 which says, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." We must continue to strive, to serve, to give. We must keep a diligent watch over our hearts, for from them come the springs of life and upon them the Lord looks and perceives what is really there.

Its Not About Me, but...

I am currently reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright. So far, I have found it to be a refreshing and intriguing defense and presentation of the Christian faith. In it he states, "The line between justice and injustice, between things being right and things not being right, can't be drawn between 'us' and 'them.' It runs right down throught the middle of each one of us." How right he is! Further, "Isn't it strange that we should all want things to be put to rights but can't seem to do it? And isn't the oddest thing of all the fact that I, myself, know what I ought to do but often don't do it?"

I have previously posted that it is important to realize that it is not about me; rather, it is about God. His name. His kingdom. His praise. His glory. However, in thinking about things like justice and injustice, things being right and not being right, perhaps it is about me. It is much easier and preferrable for me to pass the buck on this one; to give the burden to someone/something else; to shine the light somewhere else so that I can stay comfortably within the shadows, but that will never do. As uncomfortable and disconcerting as looking into a mirror in full light may be, it is only then that I see things as they are. It seems that most people, including myself, are usually content to point the finger of blame for things not being right at others (other people, other religions, other situations or circumstances), but I realize that this will not do. I must first point the finger of blame at myself.

I profess to know the difference between right and wrong. I claim to know that doing what is right is much to be preferred over doing what is wrong, not only in God's sight, but for my own sake and the sake of those I share life with. However, I still do things that are wrong! Amazing! Jesus said that in order to help our brother get the speck of dust out of his eye, we must first get the plank out of our own eye. Paul said that he often does what he doesn't want to do, and sometimes he doesn't do what he wants to do. Nevertheless, we give thanks to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Its Not About Me

This past Sunday was Mothers day and like most churches we recognized all of the ladies in attendance. This year the children handed out long-stem roses to their moms, some of whom ended up with 2 or more roses because 1) each of their children brought them one, and/or 2) their one child kept coming back to the flower basket for more, not to take to other ladies, but to take back to their mom. It was funny, and thankfully all of the ladies were duly recognized and went home with at least one rose (I think).

Anyway, the service progressed and as the musicians were playing during the offering, suddenly the power went out. Our worship leader, Brad, mentioned that his song was accompanied on cd and said that without power he could not sing the song. So, after the music ended, I went to the platform and began to preach with the doors open and emergency lights on. Now, earlier in the service I had prayed that God would make his voice heard; that regardless of what people thought of me, they might think rightly of Him. In the words of John the Baptist, "He must increase; I must decrease." So I preached and the people listened.

Honestly, I did not feel real good about my delivery of the message. I felt like I fumbled and bumbled my way through it; however, God answered my prayer. In talking with several people afterward, it was apparent that his voice was heard and his message was received. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me once again of the all-important truth, "Its not about me!"

Before the conclusion of the sermon power was restored. Our service ended with Brad singing a wonderful song about God's love for us as seen through the cross of Jesus. Another great day in worship of and service to our great God!

The Pace of Life

Last night Suzanne asked, "When will things slow down?" I suspect that lots of other people have asked the same or similar questions at one time or another. Through the years I have heard people speak about the increasingly fast pace of life. "The older you get, the faster time goes by," or so they say. Perhaps it seems like that. A busy day at work does seem to move along faster than a day that is less busy. Is there anything we can do about it? Is there anything we can do to slow down the sometimes frantic and frenzied pace of life? I think so.

Ephesians 5.15-17 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." With all of the options and choices set before us today, we must be wise and discerning about how we use our resources, including time, money, and energy. To simply jump into the flow of the stream giving little heed to what is in the stream or where it is going is foolishness. It may be the best thing we can do in order to begin the process of "slowing down" is stepping out of the stream, walking up to the ridge, and looking back over where we have been, evaluating where we are, and projecting where we want to be.

Lord, I praise you for your grace is sufficient, your wisdom is eternal, your love is steadfast, and your faithfulness endures forever. Now grant to us, your servants, the ability to "make the best use of the time" for the glory of God and the good of others.

Do it again, Lord!

This morning I was reading in the book of Acts, and I noticed how the early church grew numerically from about 120 in 1.15 to about 3,000 in 2.41. Wow! I wonder how many verses of "Just As I Am" it took for Peter to receive that many people at the end of his sermon! :)

Following that we have a passage that is often referred to as a paradigm for church life, Acts 2.42-46. In these few verses we see several characteristics of the early Christians that I hope to see in the lives of Christians today. First, there was devotion, not just to anyone or anything, but specifically to the Apostles' teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Today many Christians appear to be more devoted to other things besides these spiritual disciplines. Lord, restore us to a wholehearted, single-eyed devotion to you! Second, there was a sense of awe and wonder! I have previously posted about this (see Amazed and Afraid), but may it be that we rediscover this sense of amazement at the power of God displayed in our midst. Third, there was unity and compassion. Each one looked not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others (see Philippians 2). The early Christians were not primarily concerned about "me and mine." In our day of self-absorption we need to encourage this others-focused orientation. Fourth, there was consistency. The early Christians did not view the Way as a "once-a-week" type of experience. Instead, they were day by day giving themselves to the pursuit of godliness, righteousness, service, and worship. The result of all this was favor with the people and a daily increase in the number of those who were being saved!

Is it possible for us to experience something similar in our time? I believe it is, but not in a mechanical sense (i.e. "we do this and God does that"). Instead, the key is for us, individually and corporately, to examine our lives light of these characteristics and seek to foster and encourage them in our time for the glory of God and the good of others!

PP

Responding to the Virginia Tech Massacre

Like many of you, I have watched and listened to the coverage of the shootings that took place at Virginia Tech earlier this week, and my heart is saddened by the tragic loss of life. I mourn with all of the family members and friends of those who were killed, and I hope you will join me in remembering them in prayer. This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the love of Christ to people everywhere who are truly hurting and searching for answers.

Over the past couple of days time and time again I have heard people say something like, "This is just unimaginable," "I can't believe something like this could happen," "No one could have anticipated such a tragedy." Those statements are all too common these days. I have to wonder if we really should be so surprised that something like this did happen, and should we not anticipate that something similar will most likely happen again? Without doing any research I can recall school shootings in Colorado, Mississippi, and Arkansas. I think of the mall shooting in Utah earlier this year, the D.C. sniper shootings, the anthrax scare, the numerous bomb threats at schools, businesses, and government buildings, the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the grisly domestic crimes and numerous other stories that indicate we are living in a society that is becoming increasingly violent and dangerous. How do we respond? How do we explain this?

Reflections on Easter

Yesterday, Christians all over the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and I am glad to say I was part of that celebration. We had a great day at Emmanuel. Actually, we had a great Easter weekend. On Friday night we had a communion service, in which we reminded ourselves and others of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. On Saturday we had a churchwide family picnic and egg hunt. We had a lot of fun and were able to share the gospel with those who came. Then on Easter Sunday we provided a nice breakfast prior to our worship service, during which the choir presented the musical, "You Thought of Us."

This morning I am grateful for the investments made by so many people. There is no way I could acknowledge them all by name, but God knows them and He saw them in their service, whether it was hiding eggs, preparing and serving food, setting up tables, singing songs, serving the Lord's Supper, handling sound and lights, helping people find a seat, playing with children, cleaning up after events, opening and locking doors, etc., and he will see to it that they receive their reward. What a joy and privilege it is to serve!

Now that Easter is past, the tendency is for many Christians to relax, but now is when the real work begins. The challenge is for us to learn how to live in this world post-resurrection. I think we would do well to look at the lives of the early Christians as models for how to do that. The world in which they lived was very much the same after that first Easter as it was before, but they were very much changed, and their personal transformation was the catalyst for the rapid spread and advance of the gospel. As they gave themselves to the teaching of God's Word, prayer, worship, evangelism, and fellowship, so must we, and as we do may the Lord be pleased to bestow upon us the same grace and power that the early church experienced.

Amazed and Afraid

This morning I preached a message from Mark 10.32-34. Through the course of my study and preparation two words stood out, amazed and afraid, two words not usually associated with discipleship. It struck me that as Jesus walked ahead of his disciples in typical rabbinic fashion, "they were amazed and those who followed were afraid." We may wonder what could be so amazing or fearful about following Jesus on the road. What is the big deal? The big deal is that Jesus, unlike us many times, was moving with purpose and intention. He was moving toward a specific place (Jerusalem) for a specific purpose (his passion), and he was leading the way. Knowing all that would transpire--"the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles, and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him"--he never hesitated or wavered in his commitment to do the work the Father had sent him to do.

I am concerned that many in the church have either lost or never had a sense of amazement and fear in their relationship with God. Why is this? I think it is partly due to our dilution of Christ's call to discipleship. We have taken the Lord's call, "Follow me," and inserted all kinds of clauses, excuses, and reasons for not following him; yet, his call remains clear. Following Jesus is more than attending a service, saying a prayer, reading a book, giving an offering; it is a total surrender of all that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be. It is a surrender of everything to walk in his steps, to be "covered in the dust of our rabbi."

My prayer is that God would restore to his people a sense of amazement and awe as we renew our commitment to follow Jesus.

A New Forum for Communicating and Connecting

For some time now I have read blogs as a way to stay current with the news and happenings in various fields of interest, and though you have to be somewhat guarded in how you process the information found on blogs, I think they are useful for helping people to communicate and connect. That being said, we must be careful not to allow those we interact with online to become depersonalized in our minds; instead, we have to maintain the highest respect and regard for others, remembering that the person on the other side of the screen is, in fact, a real person. So, even as we make use of this new form of communication let us continually seek to foster and encouarge meaningful personal relationships, for as accessible and efficient as communicating and connecting online is, it is no substitute for real-life interaction.

I am opening this blog for the purpose of communicating and connecting so that we, individually and corporately, may better live For the Glory of God and the Good of Others. I welcome your comments and look forward to learning and growing together.

PP