The Naked Gospel - Andrew Farley
Sustainable Youth Ministry - Mark DeVries
Ecclesiastes - God
Engaging Parents as Allies - Wayne Rice
Last weekend I completed the wedding circuit. Or in baseball talk – I hit for the cycle. Having experienced the role of groom in 2004, officiate in 2007, and groomsman in 2007, last weekend I made my debut as best man. Each role is of course unique and very meaningful. But which did I enjoy most – purely based on the role and not the couple getting married in each (after all it would be a no brainer considering I married the hottest girl on this side of Mars).
It may be imperfect, but here’s the winner of each category:
Pressure: Groomsman Let me go ahead and rule out pastor on this one. Yikes. On my first officiated wedding I forgot to seat the congregation. It would not be exaggerating for me to say I’m less nervous to preach in front of 1000 than to officiate another wedding. Meanwhile, how about the back-up groomsman. Guy pretty much does nothing but chill. Gets to hang out in the green room all day. No chance of blowing the reception speech since he doesn’t get the mic. And not able to lose the wedding rings. Kind of makes me think of having second row seats at a Michael Buble concert.
Cost: tie – Officiate & Best Man Typically the pastor would take the cake – particularly in that we actually make money doing weddings (though don’t be fooled the government doesn’t even want their piece of this pie). However in my particular circumstance the groom paid for my outfit and the bachelor party was pretty low budget as well. When you throw in the gift that I received for being the best man – you can see how I ended up with a tie here. It should go without saying, but my wedding came in last place. No – I didn’t have to pay thousands of dollars – I gladly left that bill to my in-laws (love you guysJ). But there were still costs on my shoulders – can you say honeymoon.
Stress-Free Enjoyment: Best Man I’ll admit this is purely subjective, but this is my blog so I get to decide **. I absolutely enjoyed planning the bachelor party and hanging out with the boys. The come wedding day, the best man almost acts like a body guard to the groom. Yeah, we were tight. During the ceremony I was so close to the couple that when the bride started crying it seemed like I had 3D goggles on I was so close to the action. Then the reception – I owned. You could say I don’t mind getting on stage with a mic in my hands. Both roasted and toasted the groom – throwing out brilliant brosephs all over the place. Talk about working the crowd. Ok, I’m kidding I wasn’t that good. But I enjoyed the snot out of it.
Value: My wedding…duh Till death do us part. 5½ years and counting of the best years of my life. I loved our wedding. I loved starring at the woman I dreamed of marrying. Value…that’s like finding an Express button up shirt at Goodwill. Just doesn’t get any better than that. Honorable Mention to the Pastor, just barely over groomsman and best man. Technically aside from the bride and groom the only other person needed is the pastor.
Privilege: tie – Best Man & Officiate Tough call. Both are legit honors. I was surprised as much to be asked to wed friends and family as I was to be to the right of the groom.
Nothing more important than marrying my bride. However, the ultimate winner of the “Perfect Dude Wedding Role” is…the Best Man.
Christian by Design
The Christian “fish” has a unique story to it. At least how I recall hearing it. Apparently during a time when it was illegal to announce you were a Christian – believers found a unique way to identify themselves. While one was not permitted to speak the words “I’m a Christian”, they created a code. It was simple. One person would draw half of a simple fish outline. And if the person was also a Christian they would draw the other half of the fish. It was one way to communicate between two believers. Brilliant.
Indeed times are different now. Nothing is stopping me from announcing I’m a Christian. But how am I to know whether others are? That’s where this communication concept kicks in. Wouldn’t it be nice to know, going into a conversation, whether the person is a Christian or not? I’m not huge on cramming Jesus down peoples throats. Plus I’ve been evangelized to in Des Moines coffee shops by members of a particular church – who assumed everyone is a non-believer…unless you go to their church. I suppose it’s left a bad taste in my mouth of that church. I don’t want to be like that. But the problem still exists – how do I know?
Gone are the days when I would walk up to someone and draw a squiggly fish on paper; then wait to see if the person across from me throws the sign back. Not going to lie, that’d be wicked cool but really awkward in todays world. All that to say, perhaps there’s still signs that suggest some stranger is a Christian. Consider these:
I clearly remember going into youth ministry doubting my ability. Surprisingly, it wasn’t my lack of education that worried me (I had taken one religion class in four years of college). I wasn’t too concerned with my Christian history (I’d been a believer only three years). And I wasn’t aware that to be successful you had to grow a goatee (thank goodness, since I couldn’t). What almost scared me away from becoming a youth pastor was my lack of creativity. I kid you not. Math was my favorite subject – that should tell you something. I thought too logically to be creative.
Knowing that the brain is capable of doing a one-eighty, I consistently tried to enhance my creative skills in youth ministry. I often say “I’m not the creative type” although I have my rare bright shining moments. But what was I basing it upon? I can’t draw. I don’t play the guitar. And I’d rather work in Microsoft Publisher than Adobe Photoshop. I was convinced – I’m not creative. But it didn’t seem to add up.
While John Maxwell has yet to take hold of this principle, I’m convinced that one of the key leadership qualities of this decade is creativity. That’s not a statement to youth ministry. That includes your leadership and your job. Creative people are indespensible. If only someone more prolific than I would write to that affect.
Let me introduce you to Scott Belsky – founder and CEO of Behance. A brilliant young Christian mind who’s book “Make Ideas Happen” is a Wall Street Journal Bestseller. His company thrives on creativity – from studying global leaders in this area, to creating his own innovative products. In a recent web post, Belsky identified The Top 5 Qualities of Productive Creatives. He believes these are creative qualities that supersede all others:
Twirl that around for awhile. Then evaluate yourself. Perhaps you are more (or less) creative than you thought. Of course artsy friends of mine probably would disagree from the list above. But I’m not trying to make a living by selling abstract art.
Now go be creative. Don’t hold back. God didn’t.
Disappointments are very deep issues in the human heart. Aside from losing a loved one, they may be the next most emotionally exhausting aspect of life. A distant second compared to life and death, but hard nevertheless. Although few would understand the grief I’m having to face right now, I’m sure we’ve all been in a similar place. Disappointed. For me, it is dealing with a calf strain – which has come at precisely the wrong time, days before my next marathon. After failing to qualify for Boston last Fall, I have found myself putting together months of solid runs. Yet here I am facing the second running disappointment in a row. The first involved running over 3 hours only to fall short by 29 seconds. And now, incapable of running 100 meters let alone 26.2 miles. What is almost as mind-blowing is how my heart has dealt with my most recent disappointment.
For two weeks I’ve known about my injury. I’ve tried desperately to do all I can to restore my leg to running condition. Seeing therapists, purchasing products, taking rest, the list goes on. Four days out from Grandma’s Marathon and I still refused to believe I’d have to sit out – despite being unable to run a block. Interesting how I found myself running away from disappointment, from a difficult reality.
Why does it seem like I’m the only with disappointments? I’m not clueless – obviously others face them too. But I’ve never thought to ask others. And even in this postermodern era, people shy away from this type of vulnerability. Is it because it’s such a sensitive, personal issue? Is it because when you’re disappointed you don’t want to process it aloud? I certainly don’t. I do, however, want to get it out. The perplexing thought is how do I process this with God.
I can see how on-the-fence Christians start pointing the finger at God. Let’s be honest it’s stupid that any of us would do that. And I am not advocating we do. But that flesh side of us wants to shift the blame. We want to know why we had to go through that disappointment. Why me? Why that?
Several days ago I remember talking with God. I told him how I didn’t see running as a god to me. Rather, it was a place of spiritual retreat each time I ran. I checked my heart. Therefore it seemed appropriate to question God. “You’re in control right God – so why did you let this happen?” I’m not ashamed to confess that. I have yet to sense God’s disappointment in me saying that. Is it not written in Job – “In all this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” I’m absolutely confident God would rather us come knocking on his door with our complaints than to disregard God’s role in our everyday lives. But I still don’t feel comfortable putting this on God. Again, wasn’t his fault. But maybe God does have some involvement. What if ______? I’m waiting on God to complete that sentence. For him to reveal the good that will come in me missing this marathon – and therefore missing out on a much anticipated field trip to Boston in April.
God already started ministering to my soul. It came early in the book “Don’t Waste Your Life” – the book I’m currently working through. One quick line, so don’t miss it. Piper says “He [God] is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” Let that minister to you this day.
May we allow God to help bear our disappointments rather than blame him for life’s disappointments. Within every disappointment is a dark place. Let us not run from God, or to sinful strongholds. But embrace the grace that will restore a right spirit within.
It was said by St. Francis – “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words”. It is true that often times the greatest message is one that is lived out. For that reason I believe John Piper is preparing to give his greatest message to date.
Maybe I’m a little out of line to lay that on you, after all I’ve never listened to one of Piper’s messages. Although I have heard “little Pipers” playing out his words quite often in my years of ministry. Before anyone stones me, at least consider that I own two of Piper’s books. *
So what message is Piper preparing? According to his church’s website, John Piper is stepping down for eight months as the lead pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in MN. He cited that his marriage needed time. Ultimately that his wife has been in many ways second to his public ministry life for their 41 years of marriage. He explains in the announcement that he will not have any public speaking – including blog posting, Twitter, or book writing. What a message! Considered to be at the pinnacle of 21st century Christian voices and he acknowledges the sin in his life and the necessary process he needs to undergo to be freed from that sin.
If you have some extra time, read John’s Statement to his church. After doing so, let me ask you – how would you feel if this was your Senior Pastor? I just wonder, what if my Pastor were to take a lengthy leave of absence to reconcile some area of his personal life? Let me bring this in a little. What if I were to have to step aside to get healthy spiritually and relationally? Would those who consider me their pastor have grace on me? Would the church I love and serve grant me a time of renewal? I pray that I’d learn from individuals as Piper so that I can keep sin from having its way in me. And also that my priorities would be right – particularly in putting my family first – as it is perhaps the greatest challenge of ministry. The character of a church is evident in times like these. Let it serve as a reminder that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective – and your pastors need them!
I’m going to get real with you here. By real I mean vulnerable. And by vulnerable I mean share something very personal – a heavy dose of my weakness as a leader and as a person. Not sure if it helps set the tone for you, or just helps me to take a huge gulp before going any further.
After reading through the first half of DNA of Relationships, I came to a helpful self-realization. Let me pause to say this book is the absolute best read if you are looking for one of the following: (1) to understand yourself better, including your fears, wants, needs, issues, etc. (2) you want to heal a relationship – particularly within a marriage, with your kids, or whomever you live with. There, that’s my plug. At least read the first two chapters.
Back to my self-realization – my greatest fear is failure.
That felt like a ton of bricks being dropped on a Ford pick-up truck. I just hope I’m built Ford tough to deal with people’s perceptions of me now. ** My fear of failure is the root of all evil. Ok, not really, but it certainly has led me to accomplish much this far in my life. However, it has also about destroyed me. She’s one beast I can’t let get the best of me.
It was brought to my attention by another blog writer who I don’t know, that my fear of failure has led me down another ill-gotten path. Being controlling. After reading THIS article about terrible leadership, and then talking it over with my wife, it dawned on me that again the problem rests with my fear of failure. In case you decided not to click on “THIS” then let me share my issue. In a nutshell I’m not naturally an empowering leader. That’s true in my home and with my friends, and certainly in the workplace.
I have this love/difficulty relationship with the Holy Spirit, particularly in times like this. Like when I read a top ten list, hoping that it doesn’t describe me, and then the Holy Spirit goes Chuck Norris on me. The beauty of my relationship with God is that I can be honest with the Holy Spirit and accept conviction. It’s writing about my wrongs that is rough. So why write (aren’t we all thinking it)? Essentially because it validates God’s grace; my acknowledging poor leadership within myself; and to invite you to roundhouse kick me as well – in love of course.
If you would be so inclined, please share with me how you see my controlling nature at work. Hold those comments for email [jonk@valley-church.com]. However, consider giving feedback in the comment section below as well. Do you struggle with fear of failure? Or would you say you’re controlling? If either, what remedies have you put into practice which help overcome one struggle or the other?
Last weekend I attended a wedding, that Kelly was a bridesmaid in. It was an outdoor wedding. I haven’t been much of a fan of outdoor weddings. Particularly when it pours all day until thirty minutes before the ceremony. Imagine the temperature going from 69 to 80 in less than two hours. It was an experience – one to write about. * On the way up to Minnesota, I was telling Kelly that I don’t get outdoor weddings. Why not do it inside – even if just for being more functional. Weather issues, umbrellas, sweating, non-existent bathrooms, dirty – and particularly risky. I’m a little partial to the church facility too. But this experience triggered an unusual thought – this was the most Judeo-Christian wedding I’ve ever attended. Is it perhaps more “biblical” to attend a wedding similar to the one I recently took part in? Let’s look at a first century wedding that is recorded in Scripture. John 2 says that Jesus attended a wedding with his family members and a few of his friends. It is very possible this was an outdoor wedding. And obviously, by the text, involved an abundance of wine. Not much different than what I recently experienced. Now don’t go assuming how much wine yours truly consumed. Stay on subject here. I was quite enamored by the whole set-up. Wedding ceremony between two Jesus-loving Christians. Followed by a wine-tasting social gathering, which flowed into a feast. I almost forgot to mention the yard games during “social hour” (they cleverly termed it as such) – it was a fantastic scene. My attention to the weather waned as I was consumed with the parallels between John 2 and this wedding. Of course there were aspects that differed from a traditional Jewish wedding – that which recognized Jesus as both Lord and Bridegroom for all who gathered in this grassy field. And no miracle took place during this wedding – well no changing water into wine anyways. Judah being quiet during the ceremony may have been a miracle.
I’m very intrigued by this concept. A Judeo-Christian wedding. How sweet. Nothing like shooting a hole in my previously held disliking for outdoor weddings. For me, this was a worshipful experience. Plus, I’m so obsessed with Jesus that I love when circumstances allow me to imagine being in Scripture with my Savior.
I have to comment on the newest trend in the church – that being the latest translation of the Bible – the ESV. The English Standard Version was put out in 2001, but in the last year has really made a name for itself. The “name” that it claims, is being the most literal translation of the Greek and Hebrew biblical text. Maybe they have pulled it off, if so well done. But in the midst of doing so, they’ve inserted a lot of interesting word choices. Almost to the point where it doesn’t come off as smooth English – interesting given it’s name, ESV. In some odd way, it reminds me of the Dos Equis commercial – Most Interesting Man in the World. One of his lines is “He can speak French…in Russian.” I may consider adding the ESV slogan, “You can read Greek…in English.”
ESV is really taking off in one area of Christianity – 5 point Calvinists. John Piper being the poster-child. Just saying that probably sent some of you to Family Christian Bookstore to buy this new translation. And speaking of purchases – one well known online Christian retailer said it’s the fastest selling new product in it’ history. We, Christians, are so trendy. I have to admit though, once I saw Wayne Grudem and J.I. Packer’s name on the list of editors – I softened my stance. Two of the greatest theologians of our time.
And a bonus, you can get the Apocrypha translated and included in your ESV Bible. Of course my skeptic side says that if you want to translate the Scriptures ‘word for word’, then why are you ever putting in the Apocrypha? But I won’t comment further on that.
Will this trend take over the NIV one day? Will the ESV be the main version preached in my church? Will I one day be laughed at by the postmodern generation for not giving in to the ESV? And most importantly how will this be translated in other languages if it’s the English Standard Version? My head is full of questions. Time to check out and go listen to the new Hillsong Live CD, while researching the up and coming church model. Apparently, I’m a trendy Christian too.
I’m enamored by the life of Jesus Christ. Having spent four days in Chicago studying His life with a group of pastors, I was hit with many new insights in the life of Christ. Some have deep implications for ministry – these are the things that get me excited. Yet there was one particular details of Jesus’ life which got personal. I’d like to take you there – to Matthew 3:13-17 – the baptism of Jesus. For thirty years Jesus had grew in wisdom and stature, and in preparation for this time. What I hadn’t realized before was how Jesus’ baptism was the catalyst of his ministry. Understanding why Jesus was baptized is quite perplexing, and many theories have been presented over time. I believe it was for him to receive his Father’s blessing to enter a ministry that would last around 3.5 years – ending with his death and resurrection.
Following my conversion in January 2001, I spent a few months devouring God’s Word, and started growing in wisdom and understanding. Then, I was presented with a biblical concept of baptism. A baptism that became an outward expression of my inward faith. That took place in May 2001. While I didn’t understand this in full until this past week – my baptism was the birthing place of my ministry. Within a few weeks I was in China – still very much unschooled but having a zeal for the Lord. The ministry God did through my team and I was almost hard to believe. Within two weeks I was meeting daily with my Chinese roommate to discuss the Scriptures. In no time our group grew to 8-10 Chinese students seeking God through the pages of our “butterfly” Bible.
Upon my return to Iowa, I was thrust into Bible study leadership, evangelism projects, and prayer meetings. It felt surreal, as I considered myself (and still do) an ordinary unschooled man [Acts 4:13].
Don’t miss the point. I believe it was my believer baptism that initiated my ministry – in China and at Central College. Maybe this isn’t part of your dogma, but take note of this. Have you been baptized as a believer? Do you wonder if your ministry in your community and your church could escalate? I challenge you to examine Christ’s example. He didn’t need to be baptized – after all he was without sin. Yet he chose to identify with man. And, as the triune God meets at the Jordan River – Jesus takes the plunge. Will you follow?
If you go to Valley Church, you have a unique opportunity. Leadership has given permission to baptize in the Raccoon River, August 1st. I have nothing against indoor baptisms; however, I desire for youth and adults alike to experience the power of following in Jesus’ footsteps. To walk as Jesus did [1 John 2:6].
I received a phone call this past week from a co-worker of mine. He had some news to share with me that he thought would get me really excited. Knowing my love for running, and particularly marathons, he began to pitch this idea: let’s go run the Great Wall Marathon in China. Let me insert an important note here; I love China. Having been there twice, I am constantly longing to return. One would think that being that I have a heart for marathons and for China, I’d know about the Great Wall Marathon. False. This was new news to me. I almost bought a plane ticket I was that excited. Can you imagine – running 26.2 miles up and down a stretch of the Great Wall? It’ll be brutal. There are 5164 steps to run up and down. But it will be so worth it. The view from the Great Wall is incredible. And, in my opinion, it’s likely the greatest manmade structure ever built.
If I had a bucket list, this would have a solid shot at the top. The idea of a bucket list sounds cool but have no idea where to start with the brainstorming. But this struck a new thought – what if I had a marathon bucket list. I started imagining – if I could run a marathon anywhere, where would I want to complete the 26.2 stretch?
This is the list I came up with:
Weihe Grand Bridge – the longest bridge in the world, and just so happens to be in my home away from home country, China.
Moon – surely this does not seem feasible, but then again how many of my favorites seem to be feasible. Just roll with it. Imagine the view of earth, while running 26.2 miles on rocks. Would really demolish the Boston qualifying time – assuming Neil Armstrong is right and that mankind can leap. **
Mammoth Cave – the longest stretch of cave in the entire world at 367 miles long. That’s more than twice as long as the second lengthiest cave. It can be found in Kentucky; or online.
Jerusalem – this would honestly be incredible. Marathon running is 90% mental. I wonder if I’d be so amazed with the structures and significance of Jerusalem to ever notice that I’m running 138,336 feet.
Jurassic Park – seriously how sweet would this be. Running by a bunch of dinosaurs. According to the picture, I think maybe this marathon has been done before. A little dangerous. But a great cheering section.
Noah’s Ark – I’d have forty days to complete it. And I’d probably win, since my competition would include just 8 others.
I don’t know if it can get any grandeur than the Great Wall Marathon. I’d almost have to quit running marathons afterwards – for how could it get any better.
