Giving Thanks

I am grateful to report that my knee surgery on Monday (1/25) was a success! The torn cartilage was removed and they scraped out some arthritis that managed to accumulate under the knee cap (of course, it didn't show in the MRI). I have had a great recovery and am walking, occasionally using a cane. I abandoned the crutches by Wednesday morning. Painkillers went by the wayside Tuesday morning. Of course, Stevie was the nurse-in-charge, worked hard, and now is off the clock! I just have to get in shape for the Easter weekend basketball marathon!

Great News!

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in September. I've been working on my diet, taking Metformin once a day, and testing my blood twice a day. My original A1C test score was 10.3 (it's supposed to be between 4 and 7). The GREAT news I received yesterday is that my new score is 5.5! That means my daily average blood sugar level has dropped from 200-220 to 100-110. The doctor says I'm "normal" - I know, don't say a word! I've also lost 26 pounds since September! I am to continue on my diet and lose another 15-20 pounds. That will happen once I can exercise again - after my knee surgery this coming Monday. You might wonder how I celebrated. I ate another salad...

What's Right With the Church?

Ok, I'm going to go on a bit of a rant right now. As a pastor and church leader, I've often been confronted by individuals who desire to tell me everything that is wrong with the church. They don't always limit their comments to a particular local church. They attack all churches, alleging that all churches have the same shortcomings and therefore are to be shunned. As a former church planter and current church planting director, I am a bit alarmed by some of the tactics used by planters to attract the unchurched to their new work - a "we aren't like everyone else" approach that again insinuates that every other church is faulty. And the books - good Christian books - often attack the church's shortcomings, leaving many with a sense that church is of little or no value.

My problem is this: the Church is Jesus' creation (see Matthew 16:13-20). Unfortunately, the Scriptures really don't tell us how to "run" the church, so we organize and facilitate ministry based upon our desire (or lack thereof) to connect with our culture. Our finite efforts often fail to mirror the ultimate image of what the Church of our infinite God and Savior intended, but even so, Jesus said "the gates of hell will not prevail against it (the Church).

So what's right with the Church? I can think of a ton of things, but I'd like for you to tell me what you think. Let me get you started. I think one thing the church gets right is drawing people together in unity of purpose and spirit. Another positive is how many churches are really great at "being" Christ in the community by meeting needs in tangible ways. Of course, the Church is awesome when it points people to Jesus. How's that for starters? What can you add?