I don't know if those words are used very often; and even trying to get people who are willing to disciple or be discipled is a difficult task. But in those moments when people show a desire to take their next steps in Christ; and to help others take their next steps, there is nothing better. What I have found, is that in order to disciple someone, they need to have a desire. It is not easy, and real discipleship take everything we have and involves all we are. Comfortable Christianity is a foreign concept to true discipleship.
In a previous church, I had some guys who asked me to disciple them. But after I began, they quit; and eventually asked me to leave the church. I guess they didn't know what they were asking for; or perhaps their intentions were somewhat veiled. I don't know. Anytime someone shows interest, I will take it at face value and move ahead with helping them grow. And of course, when people turn against you, in any phase or life or relationship, it is always harder when you have invested yourself in them, and opened up your life to them.
All of that makes what God is doing, right now, in my present ministry, so encouraging and special for me personally. There are 10 guys who stepped up and basically said: "Disciple me." And in saying that, they also knew they were also saying this: "I want to become a disciple maker." They have committed a year of their lives to our process; and they know it won't stop with a year. It will then be up to them to take all that God has done in their experience and pass it on to someone else. This is what it is all about: disciples becoming disciple-makers. I'm having a hard time thinking about anything more important.
In fact, what I have noticed; is that with my focus on discipleship, the other external, temporary aspects of church ministry don't mean as much to me anymore. The facility, the numbers of attendance and finances; and even those who are complaining about things. These used to be my focus because they were the urgent things always in front of me. I was comparing myself to other "successful" pastors and churches. Now that discipleship is my personal focus and church focus, completely, those "other things" don't defeat or discourage me as much. I know that discipleship is what will last...eternally!
I have grateful to God for these men who said "disciple me"; and they really mean it!
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
A THANK YOU TO THE CHURCH I GREW UP IN
It hit me, again, just a couple days ago, as I was sitting in a conference that was meant to encourage pastors and leaders of small churches. It seems, in my own heart, and in the books I have read and presentations I have seen, that the churches we grew up in are highly criticized and almost completely dismissed. That didn't happen in the conference I attended this weekend, but I have read and heard it often. I do understand why many of those churches are criticized. They tended to be the more traditional churches that seemed to have some priorities out of whack, came across legalistic; and perhaps didn't seem to be centered on the gospel or attracting many to come hear the gospel. There are many things that can be on that list of criticisms I have read and heard.
But then it hit me...Maybe we are the ones thinking wrongly about this. We are very careful to be up to date in ministry and thinking; and that usually includes criticizing the way others used to or
do ministry. However, if we were to go back 40 years, to the previous generation, weren't they doing the same thing? They were making some changes from the previous generation; and they were doing what they believer would honor God as it relates to all areas of ministry. Some of the cultural and church climate issues of their day led to some of the ways they approached things. Was it really wrong? Were they completely ignorant to the gospel and the pursuit of glorifying God through making disciples? Probably not.
So, instead of pointing out the errors of the church I grew up in, I want to list the top 10 things I am grateful for, as it relates to Grandview Park Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa:
1. Many families worshipped together, and that was a great blessing for me
2. The Word of God was valued and preached
3. There was an emphasis on trusting in Christ for salvation
4. We were encouraged to get involved in ministry, even at a young age
5. Prayer was highlighted and depended on
6. Children's and youth ministries were well supported
7. There was an emphasis on sharing our faith with others
8. Pursuing holiness and Christ-likeness was talked about often
9. Partnering with other churches was encouraged
10. This was the ministry where I first learned about Jesus, was baptized, grew through serving, committed my life to serving God in ministry; and gained incredible, valuable experiences that led to spiritual growth.
So, today I want to thank my parents, my pastors, and the entire church family of Grandview Park Baptist Church, for the eternal impact you had on my life and many others. Don't live in the past. Don't allow the criticisms to distract you. Evaluate everything; and then keep doing what you believe God has called you to - for His glory!
But then it hit me...Maybe we are the ones thinking wrongly about this. We are very careful to be up to date in ministry and thinking; and that usually includes criticizing the way others used to or
do ministry. However, if we were to go back 40 years, to the previous generation, weren't they doing the same thing? They were making some changes from the previous generation; and they were doing what they believer would honor God as it relates to all areas of ministry. Some of the cultural and church climate issues of their day led to some of the ways they approached things. Was it really wrong? Were they completely ignorant to the gospel and the pursuit of glorifying God through making disciples? Probably not.
So, instead of pointing out the errors of the church I grew up in, I want to list the top 10 things I am grateful for, as it relates to Grandview Park Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa:
1. Many families worshipped together, and that was a great blessing for me
2. The Word of God was valued and preached
3. There was an emphasis on trusting in Christ for salvation
4. We were encouraged to get involved in ministry, even at a young age
5. Prayer was highlighted and depended on
6. Children's and youth ministries were well supported
7. There was an emphasis on sharing our faith with others
8. Pursuing holiness and Christ-likeness was talked about often
9. Partnering with other churches was encouraged
10. This was the ministry where I first learned about Jesus, was baptized, grew through serving, committed my life to serving God in ministry; and gained incredible, valuable experiences that led to spiritual growth.
So, today I want to thank my parents, my pastors, and the entire church family of Grandview Park Baptist Church, for the eternal impact you had on my life and many others. Don't live in the past. Don't allow the criticisms to distract you. Evaluate everything; and then keep doing what you believe God has called you to - for His glory!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
I AM ONE
At the beginning of a summer message series on the Church, I gave a challenge called: I Am One.
The message series was entitled: The Plan, as it focused on the one and only plan Jesus left us with, as to what we were to do until He returns: Make Disciples! We may all approach it differently and communicate it differently, but it is THE PLAN we are to be following. Of course, it is all about following Him! Our church purpose statement puts it this way: Following Jesus one step at a time.
As we take our next steps in following Jesus and come alongside someone else to take the next step, we are making disciples.
Over the summer, in looking for 100 people in our little church, there have been 84 so far that have taken the challenge. They have signed a "I am one" paper and posted it to the board under the cross. It has been encouraging to see the response our people have had, to pursue discipleship individually, and as a church. Over the summer, we have shared what our discipleship process is here; and how we can all be a part of it. So, once again, here is the challenge that was made; and to which others can still commit:
I AM ONE
The challenge is this: We are looking for 100 people who attend Weymouth Community Church, who would commit to making our purpose statement their main focus: Following Jesus One Step At A Time. This is all about discipleship. Jesus' final command to his followers included one main imperative: "make disciples". The other phrases explained what would be included in the process of this one main command: Going, baptizing, and teaching others to obey all that Jesus said.
There are 2 key questions that a person who makes discipleship the main focus is going to continually ask: What is my next step?; Who am I helping take their next step? These 2 questions can keep us thinking about and pursuing the one thing we are supposed to be doing. We get distracted by so many other things in life, including good things in church. We are interested in the music style, preaching style, the facility, the programs, and so many other things.
But what would happen if we kept our focus on the main thing? What is it was all about THE Plan? What could be accomplished, even in a small church, if 100 people dedicated themselves to following Jesus one step at a time? Are you 1 of those 100 that God is calling? If so, then make your statement:
The message series was entitled: The Plan, as it focused on the one and only plan Jesus left us with, as to what we were to do until He returns: Make Disciples! We may all approach it differently and communicate it differently, but it is THE PLAN we are to be following. Of course, it is all about following Him! Our church purpose statement puts it this way: Following Jesus one step at a time.
As we take our next steps in following Jesus and come alongside someone else to take the next step, we are making disciples.
Over the summer, in looking for 100 people in our little church, there have been 84 so far that have taken the challenge. They have signed a "I am one" paper and posted it to the board under the cross. It has been encouraging to see the response our people have had, to pursue discipleship individually, and as a church. Over the summer, we have shared what our discipleship process is here; and how we can all be a part of it. So, once again, here is the challenge that was made; and to which others can still commit:
I AM ONE
The challenge is this: We are looking for 100 people who attend Weymouth Community Church, who would commit to making our purpose statement their main focus: Following Jesus One Step At A Time. This is all about discipleship. Jesus' final command to his followers included one main imperative: "make disciples". The other phrases explained what would be included in the process of this one main command: Going, baptizing, and teaching others to obey all that Jesus said.
There are 2 key questions that a person who makes discipleship the main focus is going to continually ask: What is my next step?; Who am I helping take their next step? These 2 questions can keep us thinking about and pursuing the one thing we are supposed to be doing. We get distracted by so many other things in life, including good things in church. We are interested in the music style, preaching style, the facility, the programs, and so many other things.
But what would happen if we kept our focus on the main thing? What is it was all about THE Plan? What could be accomplished, even in a small church, if 100 people dedicated themselves to following Jesus one step at a time? Are you 1 of those 100 that God is calling? If so, then make your statement:
I AM ONE
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
PLAYING HURT
As an athlete, or former athlete (is seems), playing hurt is a phrase often heard and applied to those athletes who practice and perform, who play, even with injury. Sometimes you can't continue, such as the gruesome leg fracture that Paul George, who plays for Team USA (and the Indiana Pacers) just experienced. Many times, however, you see players get hit in the head, or bleed from different parts of their body, or twist parts awkwardly, but are able to continue (unless a doctor or coach tells them they cannot). We usually admire those, who push the pain aside, and continue fighting for their team (as long as it is "our" team!).
And then, there are those, like me, who get hurt (probably because of my advancing age); and yet try to come back and play anyway (probably because my mind sometimes tricks me into thinking I'm getting younger). That's just plain stupidity. Last week, while playing basketball (still the greatest game in the world (if you're not counting Settlers of Catan!), I was kneed in the ribs; and with concerns of internal bleeding (no evidence, just concerns), I went to the ER to get checked out. Turns out it was just bruising, or more specifically, the muscles around the ribs were contused (or something like that). All I knew, is that the pain worsened during the day and so I went.
But a few days later, after not doing anything to aggravate it, it was time to go play basketball again. I felt pretty good; so why not. I'll be careful. What an idiot. I was fine for a while, but as soon as I was pushed, in that very spot on my side, I went down in pain (anyone who didn't know what happened a few days before probably thought I was a wimp). I made sure they knew I almost died at the ER the other day (well, I did go to the ER; and there have been people who died after going there, right?). The rest of the morning I was sore; and by evening, I was hurting as much as I did when I first injured myself. Hopefully I learned my lesson, and I won't be playing basketball until I am fully healed (doubtful, but I can hope).
I don't know if it is because I'm a pastor, but I couldn't help but think of the spiritual application here. We all are "playing hurt". We all start out injured so badly, that only heart surgery, performed by someone else, will heal us. But even if we have a new heart, and changed life, we still battle a sinful nature, we still "play hurt". And yes, we should be playing, but we need to play, we need to live, understanding fully where how we are hurt, and where we are vulnerable. There are times when we need to protect certain areas; and times when we need the healing touch that only comes through some more surgery:some repentance, confession and forgiveness.
In sports, it is often said that we should never allow others to know or see our weaknesses and vulnerable areas. And yet, in our walk with God, it is exactly the opposite. The more we reveal our weaknesses, the more it is evident that God's strength is our power; and His grace is sufficient. So, keep playing hurt, but do it in the grace of God.
And then, there are those, like me, who get hurt (probably because of my advancing age); and yet try to come back and play anyway (probably because my mind sometimes tricks me into thinking I'm getting younger). That's just plain stupidity. Last week, while playing basketball (still the greatest game in the world (if you're not counting Settlers of Catan!), I was kneed in the ribs; and with concerns of internal bleeding (no evidence, just concerns), I went to the ER to get checked out. Turns out it was just bruising, or more specifically, the muscles around the ribs were contused (or something like that). All I knew, is that the pain worsened during the day and so I went.
But a few days later, after not doing anything to aggravate it, it was time to go play basketball again. I felt pretty good; so why not. I'll be careful. What an idiot. I was fine for a while, but as soon as I was pushed, in that very spot on my side, I went down in pain (anyone who didn't know what happened a few days before probably thought I was a wimp). I made sure they knew I almost died at the ER the other day (well, I did go to the ER; and there have been people who died after going there, right?). The rest of the morning I was sore; and by evening, I was hurting as much as I did when I first injured myself. Hopefully I learned my lesson, and I won't be playing basketball until I am fully healed (doubtful, but I can hope).
I don't know if it is because I'm a pastor, but I couldn't help but think of the spiritual application here. We all are "playing hurt". We all start out injured so badly, that only heart surgery, performed by someone else, will heal us. But even if we have a new heart, and changed life, we still battle a sinful nature, we still "play hurt". And yes, we should be playing, but we need to play, we need to live, understanding fully where how we are hurt, and where we are vulnerable. There are times when we need to protect certain areas; and times when we need the healing touch that only comes through some more surgery:some repentance, confession and forgiveness.
In sports, it is often said that we should never allow others to know or see our weaknesses and vulnerable areas. And yet, in our walk with God, it is exactly the opposite. The more we reveal our weaknesses, the more it is evident that God's strength is our power; and His grace is sufficient. So, keep playing hurt, but do it in the grace of God.
Friday, July 18, 2014
MEANINGFUL OR MEANINGLESS
As I read through the Bible this year, it encourages me to read the portions of Scripture I don't normally run to for encouragement. Today I was reading Ecclesiastes, and was greeted with these opening words:
"Meaningless! Meaningless! says the teacher. "Utterly Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" (1:2)
What a beginning to a very meaningful book. Solomon writes about things we don't like to really think about. Some of the principles of this book seem to fit with people who might look on life with discouragement: "life is hard and then you die" kind of mentality. There is certainly a tone in the book that no matter how hard you work, and no matter what you do, it ends up seeming empty, useless, vain - meaningless!
And yet if you read carefully, you also see hints of meaning. Understanding that this life is short, just a breath, there is a reason to enjoy every blessing that God gives. This includes work and what comes from it. It includes special relationships and all that entails. It includes wisdom and knowledge and the advantages of both. It includes some practical advice such as we read in Proverbs. And although the final chapter includes another reminder: "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Everything is meaningless!" (12:8), it also includes this:
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." (12:13)
There are blessings to be found in this short life; and most do everything they can to pursue fleeting happiness and satisfaction in what this life provides. But I do think that Solomon, in all His God given wisdom knew the truth: Real satisfaction only comes through an intimate relationship with God. At the conclusion of everything, it all has to do with a right relationship with our Creator. To Fear God is not to cower and live terrified of condemnation. But it is to live a life of love, submitting our lives to the One who gave His life for us.
When we do that, we experience all the joy and peace and fulfillment that is available; even in the midst of a short, temporal life that is full of difficulty. We find out satisfaction in Him. If I focus, today, on responding to God for who He is and what He has done (life worship), I can also experience all the blessings that God gives me today. This makes life meaningful.
"Meaningless! Meaningless! says the teacher. "Utterly Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" (1:2)
What a beginning to a very meaningful book. Solomon writes about things we don't like to really think about. Some of the principles of this book seem to fit with people who might look on life with discouragement: "life is hard and then you die" kind of mentality. There is certainly a tone in the book that no matter how hard you work, and no matter what you do, it ends up seeming empty, useless, vain - meaningless!
And yet if you read carefully, you also see hints of meaning. Understanding that this life is short, just a breath, there is a reason to enjoy every blessing that God gives. This includes work and what comes from it. It includes special relationships and all that entails. It includes wisdom and knowledge and the advantages of both. It includes some practical advice such as we read in Proverbs. And although the final chapter includes another reminder: "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Everything is meaningless!" (12:8), it also includes this:
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." (12:13)
There are blessings to be found in this short life; and most do everything they can to pursue fleeting happiness and satisfaction in what this life provides. But I do think that Solomon, in all His God given wisdom knew the truth: Real satisfaction only comes through an intimate relationship with God. At the conclusion of everything, it all has to do with a right relationship with our Creator. To Fear God is not to cower and live terrified of condemnation. But it is to live a life of love, submitting our lives to the One who gave His life for us.
When we do that, we experience all the joy and peace and fulfillment that is available; even in the midst of a short, temporal life that is full of difficulty. We find out satisfaction in Him. If I focus, today, on responding to God for who He is and what He has done (life worship), I can also experience all the blessings that God gives me today. This makes life meaningful.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
WHO GREETED ME WITH: "HELLO FATHER"?
It took me by surprise; but then again, not really. I should be used to it by now. And, in reality, I love it when I hear someone say it. This is not the normal greeting my children give me, and you can rule them out as the suspects. It was said to me this past weekend, after I had officiated at a wedding. I was dressed in a normal suit and tie and did the wedding as I have been for 20 years. The things I say are fairly normal in evangelical circles; and when I introduce myself, I always say: "Hi, I'm Greg." So, with all that in mind, why would someone, and who would it be that would say: "Hello Father"?
It was the wedding photographer; and he is very familiar, in wedding settings, of the Catholic terminology for those who officiate. He may even be Catholic himself, although I'm sure he would have been able to recognize that I was not. He wanted me to know how much he appreciated how I officiated the wedding and told me that I did a great job. That was kind. But what struck me most was his calling me "Father". I wasn't offended by it at all. I have learned, over the years, to just accept and understand it when people call me that. But, more than that, I have come to really appreciate it when called "Father".
It has nothing to do with titles. I'm not a "titles" kind of guy. I stay away from them, at least for myself. And from my background, calling a minister "Father" was not seen as a good thing. Here is why I love hearing it. Normally, when someone calls me "Father", it means that I have been in a situation to minister to this person in some way, from God's Word. It also normally means that this person is not a devoted follower of Jesus. Not every time, of course, but in most cases, when I have talked to that person who called me "Father", I found out they are somewhat religious, but do not follow Jesus as a disciple.
I want nothing more than to be used by God to help people take their next steps in Jesus and to follow Him wholeheartedly. Many times, those who know the correct terminology are set in their ways and are not necessarily interested in doing what it will take to follow Him more closely. But when someone who calls me "Father" is willing to hear God's Word, I find they are much more open about finding out what God has to say to them. So, although I prefer to have my children call me "dad", the people I pastor to call me "Greg", I love it when someone who is searching for answers, and thinks that maybe the Bible has them, calls me "Father"!
It was the wedding photographer; and he is very familiar, in wedding settings, of the Catholic terminology for those who officiate. He may even be Catholic himself, although I'm sure he would have been able to recognize that I was not. He wanted me to know how much he appreciated how I officiated the wedding and told me that I did a great job. That was kind. But what struck me most was his calling me "Father". I wasn't offended by it at all. I have learned, over the years, to just accept and understand it when people call me that. But, more than that, I have come to really appreciate it when called "Father".
It has nothing to do with titles. I'm not a "titles" kind of guy. I stay away from them, at least for myself. And from my background, calling a minister "Father" was not seen as a good thing. Here is why I love hearing it. Normally, when someone calls me "Father", it means that I have been in a situation to minister to this person in some way, from God's Word. It also normally means that this person is not a devoted follower of Jesus. Not every time, of course, but in most cases, when I have talked to that person who called me "Father", I found out they are somewhat religious, but do not follow Jesus as a disciple.
I want nothing more than to be used by God to help people take their next steps in Jesus and to follow Him wholeheartedly. Many times, those who know the correct terminology are set in their ways and are not necessarily interested in doing what it will take to follow Him more closely. But when someone who calls me "Father" is willing to hear God's Word, I find they are much more open about finding out what God has to say to them. So, although I prefer to have my children call me "dad", the people I pastor to call me "Greg", I love it when someone who is searching for answers, and thinks that maybe the Bible has them, calls me "Father"!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE
Today, Teresa and I celebrate 20 years of marriage. It is unbelievable that we have been married for 20 years; and there is something about the milestone of 20 that brings back some extra memories. Some memories are unrelated, such as the fact that 20 years ago yesterday, on the night before our wedding, we were doing what most everyone else in America was doing: watching O.J. Simpson driving down a highway in California, as he was wanted for questioning in the death of his wife. But much more importantly, although watched by less people, I married my best friend and the most beautiful woman in the world on June 18, 1994.
Now, back to the title of this blog entry. Just in case you thought I was referring to my marriage as the perfect marriage....I was! But maybe not in the way you think. We are far from perfect, and we have had our challenges over the years like anyone else. I have probably caused the majority of any problems because of my selfish, sinful nature. We would never say we have the perfect marriage as it is normally defined. We have enjoyed these 20 years, and I am so grateful to God for the gift of my wife and for these amazing 20 years.
The "perfect" part relates to one way that "perfect" can be translated in Scripture. It can mean "mature" rather than flawless. And as I think about God's purpose in our sanctification, and discipleship as our main goal in life, we do have the "perfect" marriage. Why? Because, from my perspective, the greatest way in which God has used my marriage in my life, and hers, is that He has used this most intimate relationship to bring both of us closer to Him. The details of marriage, over these years, have tested us, to seek God's face and keep all of our hope in Him alone. Growing in Christ, to a greater maturity, means that our marriage has indeed been "perfect" so far.
Happy Anniversary Teresa! By God's grace, I look forward to our next year of "perfection": growing closer to one another and Him!
Now, back to the title of this blog entry. Just in case you thought I was referring to my marriage as the perfect marriage....I was! But maybe not in the way you think. We are far from perfect, and we have had our challenges over the years like anyone else. I have probably caused the majority of any problems because of my selfish, sinful nature. We would never say we have the perfect marriage as it is normally defined. We have enjoyed these 20 years, and I am so grateful to God for the gift of my wife and for these amazing 20 years.
The "perfect" part relates to one way that "perfect" can be translated in Scripture. It can mean "mature" rather than flawless. And as I think about God's purpose in our sanctification, and discipleship as our main goal in life, we do have the "perfect" marriage. Why? Because, from my perspective, the greatest way in which God has used my marriage in my life, and hers, is that He has used this most intimate relationship to bring both of us closer to Him. The details of marriage, over these years, have tested us, to seek God's face and keep all of our hope in Him alone. Growing in Christ, to a greater maturity, means that our marriage has indeed been "perfect" so far.
Happy Anniversary Teresa! By God's grace, I look forward to our next year of "perfection": growing closer to one another and Him!
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