I'm ashamed to admit that I'm not very good at fasting. I'm reading "Spiritual Classics" by Richard Foster and ran across a section by Catherine Marshall. She wrote about fasting from criticizing. She mentioned how hard it was to be silent and not criticize anyone or anything for a 24 hour period.
As I thought about it, I started to realize that I can be very, very critical. I really felt the challenge of doing a 24 hour fast from criticizing - from both saying and thinking critical, harmful thoughts. I made the commitment and not five minutes later I found myself in a situation where all I wanted to do was complain and find fault with a person who didn't do what I thought they should have done. But the good thing was that I felt really convicted. I'm still in that 24 hour window. I'm trying to think carefully before I speak, and I'm asking God to help me keep from a critical mindset. I want to break the pattern.
Anyone else out there struggle with this?
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Change is Coming
This summer will be a time of change in The Wesleyan Church. Our denomination's general conference will be held in June. There will be a vote taken that would change the administrative structure of our organization. In fact, the change that is being voted on has been piloted for the past two years at our headquarters. The General Board of Administration (GBA) has given oversight to this process. The restructuring has been significant and many departments have experienced downsizing and responsibility shifts.
A big change administratively is in the office of General Superintendent. Until recently, we have had three GS's who have given direction to the general church. The new proposal calls for one GS. I recall suggesting years ago that we move in that direction so that we could have a singular voice that proclaims, "This is the direction that God has for us as a church" - a sort of "Thus saith the Lord" of the prophets. The pilot program we have run has had one of the three GS's serve as the lead GS with the other two serving as administrators over other departments. If the vote this summer ratifies the change, then we will have one GS, and fewer other general directors that would be a part of the administrative team. I know I've oversimplified the total picture, but I think you get the idea.
Ok, here is where I am struggling (even though I was championing something like this a few years ago!). The key (I think) to having one GS is for that person to truly possess apostolic gifts. The individual must be able to see the bigger picture of the church and be able to correctly discern the will of the Lord for the church as a whole. The person must be a respected leader who has a proven track record of empowering other leaders and unifying them in the mission of the church. The leader needs to be able to see that the purpose of the general church is to cast overall vision and direction, keeping the general church on task. At the same time the leader must recognize that the real strength of the church is at the local level - the front line of the battle for the souls of men.
Our delegates to the general conference have a major responsibility this summer. It may be our most significant general conference since the merger of The Wesleyan Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness churches in 1968 - the result of which is The Wesleyan Church. While much of our organization is board-run (there are those who would argue that the GBA has more authority than a GS), we desperately need a leader who will help us keep the main thing the main thing: fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. We must have a leader who is accountable to the whole (a role of the GBA) and yet be strong enough to lead and not be a puppet of a board or committee.
I have friends to say that it doesn't matter who the leader is in Indianapolis - that the real decision-makers and leaders are at the district level. I agree with that to a point. The strength of our denomination really is at the district level. But at the same time, someone will be elected this summer who will be the "face of the franchise" so to speak. This person will represent us on many levels. This person will network us with others who are of like persuasion to engage in cooperative efforts. This individual must be able to speak with authority on behalf of the church and to communicate our mission with clarity and conviction. Much like the early Church, we need a James or Peter or Paul who leads us boldly where no one has gone before! (Sorry for the obvious Star Trek reference - what do you want? Engage?)
I will be praying for our delegates to this conference. May politics give way to purpose, and may we gain direction and strength that comes from the work of the Holy Spirit. As John Wesley himself said, "You have nothing to do but win souls." I pray that will be the real focus of our denomination in the years to come!
A big change administratively is in the office of General Superintendent. Until recently, we have had three GS's who have given direction to the general church. The new proposal calls for one GS. I recall suggesting years ago that we move in that direction so that we could have a singular voice that proclaims, "This is the direction that God has for us as a church" - a sort of "Thus saith the Lord" of the prophets. The pilot program we have run has had one of the three GS's serve as the lead GS with the other two serving as administrators over other departments. If the vote this summer ratifies the change, then we will have one GS, and fewer other general directors that would be a part of the administrative team. I know I've oversimplified the total picture, but I think you get the idea.
Ok, here is where I am struggling (even though I was championing something like this a few years ago!). The key (I think) to having one GS is for that person to truly possess apostolic gifts. The individual must be able to see the bigger picture of the church and be able to correctly discern the will of the Lord for the church as a whole. The person must be a respected leader who has a proven track record of empowering other leaders and unifying them in the mission of the church. The leader needs to be able to see that the purpose of the general church is to cast overall vision and direction, keeping the general church on task. At the same time the leader must recognize that the real strength of the church is at the local level - the front line of the battle for the souls of men.
Our delegates to the general conference have a major responsibility this summer. It may be our most significant general conference since the merger of The Wesleyan Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness churches in 1968 - the result of which is The Wesleyan Church. While much of our organization is board-run (there are those who would argue that the GBA has more authority than a GS), we desperately need a leader who will help us keep the main thing the main thing: fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. We must have a leader who is accountable to the whole (a role of the GBA) and yet be strong enough to lead and not be a puppet of a board or committee.
I have friends to say that it doesn't matter who the leader is in Indianapolis - that the real decision-makers and leaders are at the district level. I agree with that to a point. The strength of our denomination really is at the district level. But at the same time, someone will be elected this summer who will be the "face of the franchise" so to speak. This person will represent us on many levels. This person will network us with others who are of like persuasion to engage in cooperative efforts. This individual must be able to speak with authority on behalf of the church and to communicate our mission with clarity and conviction. Much like the early Church, we need a James or Peter or Paul who leads us boldly where no one has gone before! (Sorry for the obvious Star Trek reference - what do you want? Engage?)
I will be praying for our delegates to this conference. May politics give way to purpose, and may we gain direction and strength that comes from the work of the Holy Spirit. As John Wesley himself said, "You have nothing to do but win souls." I pray that will be the real focus of our denomination in the years to come!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Roots
Yesterday was a hard day. I returned to my hometown of Greenville, PA, to file my dad's taxes for the last time and close out what little was left in his bank account. As I walked out of the post office after mailing off his tax return (you can't electronically file a "final" return - go figure), I paused on the steps. Then it hit me. I no longer have any roots in that community. Being adopted and having no siblings, I have no real connection to the community. I have memories, and those will always be with me. But roots - not so much.
Then I started thinking about my children. Due to several moves in my ministry, our family has no real place we can say is "home." Fortunately, Sarah and her family are living where she grew up (San Diego area) and her husband has a wonderful family network there. I'm thrilled for her! Jonathan and Rebekah will have to decide where they will be "rooted" in the years to come. I guess I am saddened that at this time we as a family are so spread out. Perhaps one day we will all be closer together. I take heart in the fact that even though we may be separated by miles, we do love each other very much and that keeps our hearts close.
Regrets? Not in serving the Lord and believing that we have obeyed His call in our lives. But there is a longing in my heart for that place we can call home and be together. I know other families have the same struggles - we certainly are not alone in this. I guess I'm just reflective today...
Then I started thinking about my children. Due to several moves in my ministry, our family has no real place we can say is "home." Fortunately, Sarah and her family are living where she grew up (San Diego area) and her husband has a wonderful family network there. I'm thrilled for her! Jonathan and Rebekah will have to decide where they will be "rooted" in the years to come. I guess I am saddened that at this time we as a family are so spread out. Perhaps one day we will all be closer together. I take heart in the fact that even though we may be separated by miles, we do love each other very much and that keeps our hearts close.
Regrets? Not in serving the Lord and believing that we have obeyed His call in our lives. But there is a longing in my heart for that place we can call home and be together. I know other families have the same struggles - we certainly are not alone in this. I guess I'm just reflective today...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thoughts on Meditation
My assistant pastor and I are starting to work through Richard Foster's Spiritual Classics. You may or may not be a fan of Foster and his writings which include Celebration of Discipline. I find Foster's works to be mind and heart stretching.
In the area of meditation this week, I find the writings of Thomas More to be challenging. More was an interesting character, most notably for refusing to sanction Henry VIII's divorce of Catherine of Aragon and for his taking the title of "Head of the Church." More was imprisoned and executed for his stand. It is said that he went to his death with "great composure" and even joked with his executioner.
In More's "A Godly Meditation," I was drawn to the phrase, "to buy the time again that I before have lost." My response is, "How?" I've always been taught that the time we waste is forever gone. I look back on my life and shake my head at all my lost time. Time lost with family. Time lost in ministry. Time thrown away due to sheer laziness or lack of commitment to the things of greatest importance.
I'm not sure how to buy back any of that time lost. I know I can't relive the past. Perhaps all I can do is make the most of what time I have left. What priorities will guide my life from this day forward? What will I do to ensure that those I love will be convinced that I have their best interest at heart? How can I make a Kingdom contribution that will be applauded by all who love me - not just to say I did great things for God, but that I did great things for them through God?
I guess you can say I'm struggling with this thought. Any suggestions would be welcome.
In the area of meditation this week, I find the writings of Thomas More to be challenging. More was an interesting character, most notably for refusing to sanction Henry VIII's divorce of Catherine of Aragon and for his taking the title of "Head of the Church." More was imprisoned and executed for his stand. It is said that he went to his death with "great composure" and even joked with his executioner.
In More's "A Godly Meditation," I was drawn to the phrase, "to buy the time again that I before have lost." My response is, "How?" I've always been taught that the time we waste is forever gone. I look back on my life and shake my head at all my lost time. Time lost with family. Time lost in ministry. Time thrown away due to sheer laziness or lack of commitment to the things of greatest importance.
I'm not sure how to buy back any of that time lost. I know I can't relive the past. Perhaps all I can do is make the most of what time I have left. What priorities will guide my life from this day forward? What will I do to ensure that those I love will be convinced that I have their best interest at heart? How can I make a Kingdom contribution that will be applauded by all who love me - not just to say I did great things for God, but that I did great things for them through God?
I guess you can say I'm struggling with this thought. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Monday, March 26, 2012
It's Been a While
I know I haven't posted anything in quite a while, but I have been having computer issues. Once again, I received a virus from who knows where. I've had the computer scrubbed again, installed a better anti-virus program, and hope that we are on the road to safe computer use. It's amazing. I don't really use the internet that much. I don't open emails if I don't know the sender. I don't download. I don't utube. Oh well.
Now that I've said all of that, I'm going to get back on here. Let me share one thought. In Romans 10:9-10, we find a couple of creedal statements that are the core of what it means to be a Christ. First, we must believe that in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. It's not about being sincere. It's all in the single truth that the resurrected Jesus is the source of life itself. Second, we must confess that He is Lord. The Romans confessed Caesar to be lord. But as Christians we must say the same thing about Jesus that God says about Him. He alone is Lord! And once we do these things, we will never be put to shame (Romans 10:11), meaning that He will never frustrate or disappoint us.
We are on the road to Easter!
Now that I've said all of that, I'm going to get back on here. Let me share one thought. In Romans 10:9-10, we find a couple of creedal statements that are the core of what it means to be a Christ. First, we must believe that in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. It's not about being sincere. It's all in the single truth that the resurrected Jesus is the source of life itself. Second, we must confess that He is Lord. The Romans confessed Caesar to be lord. But as Christians we must say the same thing about Jesus that God says about Him. He alone is Lord! And once we do these things, we will never be put to shame (Romans 10:11), meaning that He will never frustrate or disappoint us.
We are on the road to Easter!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Viruses
I recently had the experience of having both my home and laptop computers infected with a computer virus. It was nasty, and cost me considerable money to clean them both up. The virus came at me from a trusted and what I thought were secure sites. So it goes with life on the internet.
It got me thinking - how effectively do we Christians "infect" our unchurched family and friends with the gospel? Are we close enough to someone for them to "catch" Jesus from us? Do we even try to infect others?
I had the privilege recently to lead my neighbors to Christ! What a joy it was to bring hope to those who needed Jesus.
Let me encourage you to pass along the "Jesus virus" to someone soon!
It got me thinking - how effectively do we Christians "infect" our unchurched family and friends with the gospel? Are we close enough to someone for them to "catch" Jesus from us? Do we even try to infect others?
I had the privilege recently to lead my neighbors to Christ! What a joy it was to bring hope to those who needed Jesus.
Let me encourage you to pass along the "Jesus virus" to someone soon!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Doctrinal Purity
I've recently been engaged in conversations with people who have expressed concerns about preserving doctrinal purity within their organizations (denominations as well as independent ministries). Some have even gone so far as to express concern about participating in community events with churches whose doctrines differ from their own. Many times the individuals in the local church are confused because they want to serve with believers from other congregations, but they are told by their leaders that they can't on the grounds of doctrinal concerns. This is not new. I've had dialogue for many years with those who take this position.
Before anyone says, "You have to stand for something or you don't stand for anything," let me state that I take my denomination's doctrinal distinctives very seriously. I am a Wesleyan because I believe that the Wesleyan-Arminian distinctives are both biblical and liberating. I do not look down on those who embrace a different theological background. I simply love the doctrine of my church.
That being said, I have to address the real issue: What's really important? When all is said and done, we who are Christ-followers will stand before the Lord Himself and be judged, not according to the organization or doctrine we embraced, but on what we did with Jesus. Did we receive the free gift of eternal life from the Savior? Or did we attempt to live a good life with the hopes that would be enough? I recently officiated a funeral for a man I barely knew and I have no idea of his stand with Christ. All I could do as I led the service was to share with his family and friends how they could know Jesus and why they needed to know Him. I didn't talk about my church; I talked about Jesus. I tried to offer them the hope of Jesus.
So what's my point? It's all about Jesus. The church at Corinth had a bunch of issues, rooted in their lack of understanding of salvation. In the first chapter of his letter to the believers there, Paul addressed their divisions: they were arguing over who it was they were following and who baptized who - I would call these doctrinal divisions within the Church. Paul's answer? "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1:18)
Let's not be divided over little things. All believers everywhere are one Church! I know the Wesleyans won't have a private corner in glory, and I'm sure your denomination or independent church won't either. Embrace your distinctives - they are what make you unique. But embrace other Christ-followers even more. Then the world will know real faith. Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).
Feedback?
Before anyone says, "You have to stand for something or you don't stand for anything," let me state that I take my denomination's doctrinal distinctives very seriously. I am a Wesleyan because I believe that the Wesleyan-Arminian distinctives are both biblical and liberating. I do not look down on those who embrace a different theological background. I simply love the doctrine of my church.
That being said, I have to address the real issue: What's really important? When all is said and done, we who are Christ-followers will stand before the Lord Himself and be judged, not according to the organization or doctrine we embraced, but on what we did with Jesus. Did we receive the free gift of eternal life from the Savior? Or did we attempt to live a good life with the hopes that would be enough? I recently officiated a funeral for a man I barely knew and I have no idea of his stand with Christ. All I could do as I led the service was to share with his family and friends how they could know Jesus and why they needed to know Him. I didn't talk about my church; I talked about Jesus. I tried to offer them the hope of Jesus.
So what's my point? It's all about Jesus. The church at Corinth had a bunch of issues, rooted in their lack of understanding of salvation. In the first chapter of his letter to the believers there, Paul addressed their divisions: they were arguing over who it was they were following and who baptized who - I would call these doctrinal divisions within the Church. Paul's answer? "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1:18)
Let's not be divided over little things. All believers everywhere are one Church! I know the Wesleyans won't have a private corner in glory, and I'm sure your denomination or independent church won't either. Embrace your distinctives - they are what make you unique. But embrace other Christ-followers even more. Then the world will know real faith. Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).
Feedback?
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