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.
Friday, July 18, 2014
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!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 20
I have come to the end of my list of 20 lessons I have learned in over 20 years since I began pastoral ministry. As I have put together this list, I have realized a few things: There are many more lessons I have learned that I could write about; I am still learning these things as well as much more; and God is so full of grace, to allow me to do this, even at the times when I feel I know absolutely nothing! Writing these things down has reminded me of how much I love being a pastor, and how thankful I am to God for this privilege. So, that brings me to:
Lesson 20: I have learned to take the next step
This sums up so much. It sums up this entire list. It sums up my pastoral ministry. It sums up my life's purpose. One of the greatest things God has done for me, over my life, is to help me simplify what can be very complicated. It is very hard, but it is somewhat simple. Wherever I am in my walk with Jesus, I need to identify it and then take the next step. When I am working with other people, I need to help them identify where they are with Jesus, and then help them take the next step.
I have many more steps to take, and I fail often. But it has helped me tremendously to focus on what is in front of me, what I can control; and on what God is calling me to do. If I can continue to live in that mindset, in ministry, family and life, then I believe I will be honoring God with my life, and He will see me as successful.
Lesson 20: I have learned to take the next step
This sums up so much. It sums up this entire list. It sums up my pastoral ministry. It sums up my life's purpose. One of the greatest things God has done for me, over my life, is to help me simplify what can be very complicated. It is very hard, but it is somewhat simple. Wherever I am in my walk with Jesus, I need to identify it and then take the next step. When I am working with other people, I need to help them identify where they are with Jesus, and then help them take the next step.
I have many more steps to take, and I fail often. But it has helped me tremendously to focus on what is in front of me, what I can control; and on what God is calling me to do. If I can continue to live in that mindset, in ministry, family and life, then I believe I will be honoring God with my life, and He will see me as successful.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 19
Lesson 19: I have learned to let people go gracefully
As a pastor, one of the harder things to do is let people go, once they have decided to leave the church. If they are moving out of the area, for whatever reason, it is not as hard. But, if they are choosing to leave the church you pastor, it is hard not to take it personally. Unfortunately, it is a part of life and ministry, and I don't know of any pastor, regardless of church size, that has not experienced it. I suppose there are times of rejoicing when certain people leave the church; but for most of us, as shepherds who love our people, we wish they would stay and grow spiritually with us.
I wish I could say, that after 20 years of ministry, it is now easy to see people choose to leave the church I lead. But it is not. It still hurts to think that they are choosing to disconnect themselves with this particular fellowship, and our purpose of making disciples in our church, community and world. And certainly, people leave churches for good and bad reasons. What I have found is that the challenge lies with me: how am I going to respond to their leaving; and how am I going to lead our church in responding in a Christ-like way?
And this is what God has given me, through my brother, and through others I am sure: "We are not losing them to the Kingdom." I love that phrase, I love that thought, I love that truth. When we focus on "losing them", we think about discouraging thoughts like: "they must not like us; what did we do wrong; what is this going to do to our church; what are others going to think, etc." But these are all selfish type thoughts, not God-centered, not gospel-centered, not discipleship centered. The truth, assuming that they are followers of Jesus, is that we have not lost them to the Kingdom.
Instead of trying to figure out motives or make assessments, we leave them in God's hands. We believe that God can move them, when He desires, where He desires, and for His own purposes. God is going to put them, just like us, in just the right place, to do His work for this time. I believe that God, right now, has every pastor and every person in the church He wants them to be in, so that His plan and will can be accomplished in our lives. That includes some of the tough growing opportunities when we are with people who challenge us, or even do wrong in our midst.
This is not about having a continually growing, happy, problem free, comfortable church. This is about having a church focused on discipleship, and willing to accept anyone and release anyone that God brings to us or takes away. God gives and He takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! If we can have that perspective, then we can let people go gracefully. There does not need to be nasty e-mails, or gossip, bitterness, or division. There can be a grace filled celebration, that although we are sad at their going, we are excited about what God has planned for them, and for us in the future. We can bless them as they go.
As a pastor, one of the harder things to do is let people go, once they have decided to leave the church. If they are moving out of the area, for whatever reason, it is not as hard. But, if they are choosing to leave the church you pastor, it is hard not to take it personally. Unfortunately, it is a part of life and ministry, and I don't know of any pastor, regardless of church size, that has not experienced it. I suppose there are times of rejoicing when certain people leave the church; but for most of us, as shepherds who love our people, we wish they would stay and grow spiritually with us.
I wish I could say, that after 20 years of ministry, it is now easy to see people choose to leave the church I lead. But it is not. It still hurts to think that they are choosing to disconnect themselves with this particular fellowship, and our purpose of making disciples in our church, community and world. And certainly, people leave churches for good and bad reasons. What I have found is that the challenge lies with me: how am I going to respond to their leaving; and how am I going to lead our church in responding in a Christ-like way?
And this is what God has given me, through my brother, and through others I am sure: "We are not losing them to the Kingdom." I love that phrase, I love that thought, I love that truth. When we focus on "losing them", we think about discouraging thoughts like: "they must not like us; what did we do wrong; what is this going to do to our church; what are others going to think, etc." But these are all selfish type thoughts, not God-centered, not gospel-centered, not discipleship centered. The truth, assuming that they are followers of Jesus, is that we have not lost them to the Kingdom.
Instead of trying to figure out motives or make assessments, we leave them in God's hands. We believe that God can move them, when He desires, where He desires, and for His own purposes. God is going to put them, just like us, in just the right place, to do His work for this time. I believe that God, right now, has every pastor and every person in the church He wants them to be in, so that His plan and will can be accomplished in our lives. That includes some of the tough growing opportunities when we are with people who challenge us, or even do wrong in our midst.
This is not about having a continually growing, happy, problem free, comfortable church. This is about having a church focused on discipleship, and willing to accept anyone and release anyone that God brings to us or takes away. God gives and He takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! If we can have that perspective, then we can let people go gracefully. There does not need to be nasty e-mails, or gossip, bitterness, or division. There can be a grace filled celebration, that although we are sad at their going, we are excited about what God has planned for them, and for us in the future. We can bless them as they go.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 18
Lesson 18: I have learned that success in ministry is simple
Sounds unbelievable doesn't it? Most everyone I know in ministry, or who has ever been in ministry, including myself, might first look at this statement and respond: no it's not! But, over these 20 years in ministry, I have truly come to believer that true success in ministry is, actually, simple. I know I need to explain. I haven't always believed that.
No matter how hard I tried over the years to believe that true ministry success was about faithfulness to God and His calling, I think I really believed what I had been told, was reading and heard at conferences: true ministry success is about numerical growth and being considered a large church. Even large churches and "successful" pastors will try to avoid this statement, but by what they say and write; and how they respond to smaller churches, it is the message that comes across loud and clear. It is all about helping a church plant or smaller, more traditional church, turn around and become a growing, larger church. And the pastors that are able to do it, are the ones sought after, to write the books, speak at the conferences, and counsel the unsuccessful pastors how to be successful.
Just in case you think I am against larger churches, or pastors of larger churches, it is not true. I actually am impressed by larger churches that are faithful to God's Word and that are making disciples at home as well as around the world. I love reading and hearing from larger church pastors, that include some of my favorite authors, friends and even an awesome brother! The ones I love and am impressed with are the ones who don't try to make themselves superstars. They make it all about the glory of God and making disciples. If they come across wrongly, it is not because they are intending to. It may just be the way we smaller church pastors hear and perceive things.You can be a growing church and successful at the same time.
But here is what I learned. It has nothing to do with numerical growth. I know the arguments that disagree with that statement, but I am not going to take the time, here, to debunk them. I just believe this is true. I have experienced the pursuit, albeit with a desire just to honor God and make disciples, of trying to read the right books, follow the right counsel, and do everything I could, with God's power and guidance, to grow a church and see it become large for the glory of God. But He didn't allow it to happen. Some might say it because of how sinful I am. Some might say it is because of my lack of leadership skills. I have come to believe that neither of those statements are true. I might be wrong by the way! I believe it is something else.
I believe it is God's will for me and the churches I have led, that our success has not been in the numbers, or incredible growth that would lead anyone to call us a large successful church. Instead, my success, our success, has come from something very simple. Now notice I didn't say success was easy. It is not. It takes a everything you have to invest in it. But, in the end, being successful in God's eyes is very simple. I don't disagree, as other small church pastors have said in the past, that it is all about faithfulness. But, I like to think in different terms, even if it gets to the same meaning.
I believe successful ministry is simple: Doing, at the moment, what God has called you to do.
So, this included all the aspects of ministry, that might or might not lead to numerical growth. It includes seeing ministry from a full biblical perspective rather than from the perspective of the church or other "successful" pastors out there. It is about focusing on God's perspective in His Word. And when I focus on that, I come away with this: Doing, at the moment, what God has called me to do. That includes some tough things like confession of sin, admission of weakness and confrontation, just to name a few. But it also includes some very joyful experiences such as preaching, leadership and investing in people's lives for eternity.
It is a lesson I have learned and am still learning. If I am right and this is true success, than even I have the chance that one day Jesus will look at this small church pastor in the eyes, open His arms and say: Well done, good and faithful servant!
Sounds unbelievable doesn't it? Most everyone I know in ministry, or who has ever been in ministry, including myself, might first look at this statement and respond: no it's not! But, over these 20 years in ministry, I have truly come to believer that true success in ministry is, actually, simple. I know I need to explain. I haven't always believed that.
No matter how hard I tried over the years to believe that true ministry success was about faithfulness to God and His calling, I think I really believed what I had been told, was reading and heard at conferences: true ministry success is about numerical growth and being considered a large church. Even large churches and "successful" pastors will try to avoid this statement, but by what they say and write; and how they respond to smaller churches, it is the message that comes across loud and clear. It is all about helping a church plant or smaller, more traditional church, turn around and become a growing, larger church. And the pastors that are able to do it, are the ones sought after, to write the books, speak at the conferences, and counsel the unsuccessful pastors how to be successful.
Just in case you think I am against larger churches, or pastors of larger churches, it is not true. I actually am impressed by larger churches that are faithful to God's Word and that are making disciples at home as well as around the world. I love reading and hearing from larger church pastors, that include some of my favorite authors, friends and even an awesome brother! The ones I love and am impressed with are the ones who don't try to make themselves superstars. They make it all about the glory of God and making disciples. If they come across wrongly, it is not because they are intending to. It may just be the way we smaller church pastors hear and perceive things.You can be a growing church and successful at the same time.
But here is what I learned. It has nothing to do with numerical growth. I know the arguments that disagree with that statement, but I am not going to take the time, here, to debunk them. I just believe this is true. I have experienced the pursuit, albeit with a desire just to honor God and make disciples, of trying to read the right books, follow the right counsel, and do everything I could, with God's power and guidance, to grow a church and see it become large for the glory of God. But He didn't allow it to happen. Some might say it because of how sinful I am. Some might say it is because of my lack of leadership skills. I have come to believe that neither of those statements are true. I might be wrong by the way! I believe it is something else.
I believe it is God's will for me and the churches I have led, that our success has not been in the numbers, or incredible growth that would lead anyone to call us a large successful church. Instead, my success, our success, has come from something very simple. Now notice I didn't say success was easy. It is not. It takes a everything you have to invest in it. But, in the end, being successful in God's eyes is very simple. I don't disagree, as other small church pastors have said in the past, that it is all about faithfulness. But, I like to think in different terms, even if it gets to the same meaning.
I believe successful ministry is simple: Doing, at the moment, what God has called you to do.
So, this included all the aspects of ministry, that might or might not lead to numerical growth. It includes seeing ministry from a full biblical perspective rather than from the perspective of the church or other "successful" pastors out there. It is about focusing on God's perspective in His Word. And when I focus on that, I come away with this: Doing, at the moment, what God has called me to do. That includes some tough things like confession of sin, admission of weakness and confrontation, just to name a few. But it also includes some very joyful experiences such as preaching, leadership and investing in people's lives for eternity.
It is a lesson I have learned and am still learning. If I am right and this is true success, than even I have the chance that one day Jesus will look at this small church pastor in the eyes, open His arms and say: Well done, good and faithful servant!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
20 LESSONS IN 20 YEARS: LESSON 17
Lesson 17: I have learned to have an open hand approach to ministry and everything else
Over the past few years, this is how I have described to people how I view the ministry God has given me, as well as every thing and every relationship. Since everything I have, including ministry, is God-given, then it all belongs to Him. That is easier to say than to actually practice. It is human nature for all of us, and that certainly includes me, to hold tightly to the things we value. For many years, I held tightly to pastoral ministry. Since that is what God called me to, I seemed gifted for it and I loved it, I never wanted to let it go. And when God tested me, to see if I was willing to let it go, I just tightened my grip even more. God had to teach me, the hard way, that I needed to hold everything He had given me with an open hand.
I picture it this way. Put your hand out in front of you, open-handed. Imagine your closest relationship or task or job or hobby or material possession in that hand. Close your fist tightly. This is how I used to approach ministry, and even my family. But, as some have learned in even the most precious of relationships, God sometimes takes them away; and there is nothing we can do about it. It is very difficult to come to the place that Job came to, after losing his 10 children in death, he said: "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Only a person who has an open hand approach can sincerely say something like that when something of great value is taken away. I had to face if I was willing to do that with ministry.
Now, open your hand once again and picture that most precious thing in your hand. Extend your arm and your hand outward and upward. Picture yourself saying to God: Lord, My __________________
(fill in the blank with the appropriate thing - i.e. job, family, health, etc.) is yours. It has always been yours. It is not mine to hold onto. It is for me to be a good steward of this gift you have given me. I love it, but it is still yours. You can take it from me at any time. I will not fight you over it. Until then, I will be grateful that I have it, value it as a precious gift; and do my best to be the best steward of it, as long as you allow me to have it.
That prayer sums up what I have learned to do, as it relates to a particular ministry, or even ministry all together. I am also learning to do that with my wife and children. How about you?
Over the past few years, this is how I have described to people how I view the ministry God has given me, as well as every thing and every relationship. Since everything I have, including ministry, is God-given, then it all belongs to Him. That is easier to say than to actually practice. It is human nature for all of us, and that certainly includes me, to hold tightly to the things we value. For many years, I held tightly to pastoral ministry. Since that is what God called me to, I seemed gifted for it and I loved it, I never wanted to let it go. And when God tested me, to see if I was willing to let it go, I just tightened my grip even more. God had to teach me, the hard way, that I needed to hold everything He had given me with an open hand.
I picture it this way. Put your hand out in front of you, open-handed. Imagine your closest relationship or task or job or hobby or material possession in that hand. Close your fist tightly. This is how I used to approach ministry, and even my family. But, as some have learned in even the most precious of relationships, God sometimes takes them away; and there is nothing we can do about it. It is very difficult to come to the place that Job came to, after losing his 10 children in death, he said: "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Only a person who has an open hand approach can sincerely say something like that when something of great value is taken away. I had to face if I was willing to do that with ministry.
Now, open your hand once again and picture that most precious thing in your hand. Extend your arm and your hand outward and upward. Picture yourself saying to God: Lord, My __________________
(fill in the blank with the appropriate thing - i.e. job, family, health, etc.) is yours. It has always been yours. It is not mine to hold onto. It is for me to be a good steward of this gift you have given me. I love it, but it is still yours. You can take it from me at any time. I will not fight you over it. Until then, I will be grateful that I have it, value it as a precious gift; and do my best to be the best steward of it, as long as you allow me to have it.
That prayer sums up what I have learned to do, as it relates to a particular ministry, or even ministry all together. I am also learning to do that with my wife and children. How about you?
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