John 14:1-14
I admit that I am an HGTV junkie. Designed to Sell, Myles of Style, Divine Design, My House is Worth What?, Property Virgins, Hidden Potential…you name the home improvement show and I watch it. I take great joy in watching other people engage in hard labor to renovate their homes so that they can either sell them at a profit, or turn their dump into a show place. Now do you think I would have the courage to do that myself? Forget about it! I spent about a week repainting my bedroom and bathroom a few years ago…and was so exhausted by the process, that I swore I’d never do it again.
Well, that was until we moved into this place. If you’ve seen the before and after pictures of our church I’m sure you’ve also wondered just how this transformation was possible. Well, it wasn’t easy, by any means. It took about nine months from the first day we began demolition of this old, moldy and dusty building until we finally finished everything and received our current occupancy permit. It was a joyous day to be sure. Most of you weren’t even here then. The majority of you came into relationship with Journey because, I thought, we were such a radically different model of church that it would attract folks like you who just didn’t want to go to church anymore, for whatever reason. And what you see now as a beautiful building doesn’t begin to tell the story of the labor of love we invested to make this our new church home. I really thought that this was the place God intended for us to stay for a long, long time.
Well, I was wrong. Sometimes it’s just best to tell the truth and not mince words, right? Now I’m not saying we were wrong to invest our time, energy and resources in turning this building into a church, coffee shop, concert venue and youth center. I still believe that the original vision for this place is still compelling. That church is about welcoming and inviting people into a relationship with God in ways that are culturally relevant. What I think I was wrong about was assuming that God’s church is defined by what it looks like. That paint and plaster and high end technology and an awesome sound system, and a cool coffee house environment would help people feel closer to God. That the place out of which God wants us to do ministry has to look and feel different. That people won’t want to know God unless God looks hip, and relevant, and different from the rest of the churches in this town. That the way to God is out of the box!
This past week has changed my perspective radically. Although I won’t get into the specifics right now, but the short story is; we have to make a decision as a church about where we are going. And to be quite honest, the chances are pretty good that it won’t be here anymore. Issues with our landlord and our financial ability to stay in this building may force us to relocate. But before we can make an informed decision about whether or when that happens, and where our journey will take us next, we have to reevaluate who we are now, and who we want to become.
I look around this room and I am so proud to pastor a congregation where everyone is involved in the ministry of this church in some way. Yeah we are small in numbers, but do you realize just how much we have accomplished in this community? The facts are clear, people know who we are…not just in this city, but all the way to New York and throughout much of the Midwest. It’s exciting to know that we have dozens of bands requesting to play in our concert venue. That there are folks wanting to use our building for special events and meetings. That our coffee shop is a cozy place for people to relax and gather together. But I am motivated now to ask the question…do any of these folks really want to know more about God after coming here? Have we created a place that has secularized the Good News of Jesus so much that most don’t even know we are a church?
Our Gospel message today is one of those comforting texts that is used at almost every funeral service I’ve officiated or attended. Jesus is again addressing with his disciples that he has to leave them, that his time is coming soon where he would be arrested, ridiculed, punished and eventually executed for his actions over the past three years. The disciples are visibally troubled emotionally, physically, and spiritually. They are confused and terrified by the thought that Jesus was leaving. What would happen to them? Where would they go? Without their fearless leader they had nothing to stand behind. It would be their heads on the chopping block next. Jesus said that he would be preparing a place for his disciples. They would be taken care of, even in the midst of the trouble ahead. That even in the shadow of death, God would not abandon them. Jesus encouraged them to always focus on what was coming next, and death was not the end of the story.
Biblical scholars, archeologists and language experts suggest that this conversation between Jesus and his disciples was first recorded at least 70 years after his Jesus’ death. The author of the Gospel of John is in fact writing the story down from oral history to a specific group of people who were also in desperate times. This early community of believers was being persecuted by the Roman Empire, being fed to the lions and offered as sacrifice to pagen Gods. These particular scriptures are not found in any of the other Gospels, and define what was distinctive about John’s church. These early Christians had to also find security in the abiding presence of Christ within it. They found their religious certainty in the vision of God it saw in Jesus Christ. They saw their mission as being one to the greater community that surrounded it.
It was about 8 years ago when I really first envisioned the model of church we are now engaged in. I knew that inviting people into this inclusive community would not be a simple task. What I did not expect was the difficulty in finding others who felt that same passion. I know why. It is really hard, disappointing at times, and to be quite honest, pretty exhausting. I’m reminded of this conversation between Jesus and his disciples about what he wanted them to do, and how they must have stood there listening to him with glazed eyes! The exchange between Thomas and Jesus in our text today was, and is pretty telling when we are faced with the decision to move into uncharted territory for the sake of the Gospel.
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
I think Jesus was saying simply, you won't always know where you are headed. But keeping your eyes on the One who shows us the way, is the way. That the obstacles, challenges, tough decisions will be easier to overcome when we keep our hearts set on being the Christ. That is our journey! These challenging times are just the opportunity for us to be Christ to each other. In what we say, in how we judge, in response to our own anxiety and angst, in the midst of discouragement, disappointment, and frustration. Now is the time to practice what we preach. That is our lesson!
Now, you have all brought so many gifts and passion for ministry to the table that we call Journey Church. There is a reason for you being here. It's okay to be frustrated, discouraged, angry, etc...but the lesson for us is how we plan to respond to this experience. Does it really matter what happens to us in the end...or where we end up and when we get there? The WAY to God’s place for us tomorrow is by building it today...within each of our hearts and minds.
The first step in that journey is by banding together as disciples, unified in one purpose. Do we know what that purpose is? I mean really know? Sure we say we want to spread the Gospel, but have we decided what that is for us at Journey Church? Perhaps that's where we should begin the conversation. I really think that once we share that vision...once the sure foundation is laid...the building of that vision will come naturally.
Most of you weren't around when I started this ministry. You may not know or understand that initial mission and vision that brought this place into being. All I know is that you are here, because you were drawn to Journey Church for some reason...and I believe that reason is for you to become the disciple that God intended for you to be. YES, it comes with challenge, sacrifice and disillusionment...but Jesus said, "If you know me, you will know my Father also." And isn't that what we really want in this life...to know God our Father, Mother, Spirit, and Creator?
Let's start over...and begin the conversation anew. Yes we still have to deal with the hard decisions and the tough calls...but if you let me be your pastor, I will seek to identify the spiritual learning in this journey...and I hope you will be my pastor for the same reason. I want to follow the WAY...and we need each other to see the Christ leading us. And if we can do that for each other, then you can do that for yourself.
What is the troubling thing in your own heart and life that needs the Christ within to overcome it? Doing great things for God begins by overcoming whatever keeps you in that same old place you are now. Jesus has prepared a new place for you. Let’s take the journey to that new place together! AMEN!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Shooting for the Stars
I love the Star Trek movies and TV series. Whether it’s the original Star Trek from the 60’s to the most recent series like Star Trek Next Generation, Voyager, or Deep Space Nine—I just couldn’t get enough of these Sci-Fi fantasy shows. Now I wouldn’t consider myself a Trekkie, per say, but I would pay to see a Star Trek celebrity if I had the chance. I think my favorite character of all of them, however, is Jean Luc Picard. And during this Epiphany season following our holidays I think it is appropriate for Jean-Luc to sing you his version of a favorite Christmas carol.
Star Trek Carol by Jean-Luc Picard (to the tune of ''Let It Snow'')
Oh, the vacuum outside is endless,
Unforgiving, cold, and friendless,
But still we must boldly go--
Make it so, make it so, make it so!
Okay…that was my only bad joke in this blog. But think about the something with me if you will. Knowing what we know today about Science and the cosmos…just how do we interpret the story of the magi and the star they followed to the Christ child?
A theologian and an astronomer were talking together one day about their different understandings about how the universe works. The astronomer said that after reading widely in the field of religion, he had concluded that all religion could be summed up in a single phrase. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," he said, with a bit of smugness, knowing that his field of astronomy is so much more complex.
After a brief pause, the theologian replied that after reading widely in the area of astronomy he had concluded that all of it could be summed up in a single phrase also. "Oh, and what is that?" the astronaut inquired.
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star; how I wonder what you are!"
If there is one thing we do know today about the vast Universe, it is the fact there is more empty space out there than there is filled. And that empty space is pretty dark and mysterious. We just don’t know too much about it. What we do know comes to us in small glimpses and flickers.
Light shining in the darkness is a central image in the story of Jesus’ birth. It is most obvious in the star of Matthew's Gospel, shining in the night sky and leading the wise men of the gentiles to the place of Jesus' birth. One of my favorite authors and theologians, Marcus Borg suggests that the symbolism of light and darkness is ancient, prototypical and cross - cultural. It has many rich meanings. Darkness is associated with blindness, night, sleep, cold, gloom, despair, lostness, chaos, death, danger and yearning for the dawn. It is a striking image of the human condition. Light is seen as the antidote to the above, and is thus an image of salvation. In the light, one is awake, able to see and find one's way; it is associated with relief and rejoicing that the night is over; in the light one is safe and warm. In the light there is life.
For Matthew, and for Christians ever since, Jesus is the light shining in the darkness. The author of John's Gospel makes the same affirmation: "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." Jesus is the light who brings enlightenment; indeed, he is "the light of the world." This is the truth of this theme of the birth stories. And it is still true independent of their historical factuality. (reflections from www.religion-online.org)
And speaking of ancient history, as a boy I used to look forward to my camp outs as a “Royal Ranger,” the Pentecostal equivalent of the Boy Scouts. I loved going deep into the woods of the Hocking Hills where the sky was clear and there were no city lights to spoil the view of the night stars. Our trips always started with cramming into trucks and vans, which we rode in for what seemed hours and hours. The ride was always long and boring. Sometimes we would joke and tell stories. Sometimes look at the scenery out of the window. Sometimes we would try to sleep using our jackets as pillows. After a stop to get food and gas, we made our way to the winding roads leading into the national park’s entrance. The scenery got darker and darker and the road began to wind back and forth. Sometimes we younger boys got a little scared. The taller boys could see the white lines on the road with the headlights. But all of us knew one thing—we were out in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night.
Suddenly, we could see a few lights on the side of the road. The vans and trucks would turn onto a gravel road. The lights would illumine a small campground and the vehicles would stop. We would then unload our gear, and set up camp. After dinner, our leader announced we would hike to out to see the stars. I was excited to learn about the constellations and all the large lights in the sky. We would hike deeper into the woods to the top of the tallest hill. Then the leader would announce, "Lay down and look up at the stars."
One by one, we grew quiet as we looked at the thousands of stars in the sky. The leader would describe the position of stars and the images of constellations. Eventually the sky would cease to look like sand, and began to look like a puzzle with pieces that fit together. Some of us began to see animals and faces. Sometimes I thought I could see a familiar face looking back at me. Those nights changed me. I began see how big the universe really was and how great God's creation was. I could see God look back at me.
My camping trips must have been like the experience of the wise men. They could see the stars, like me. They studied the stars, like me. They even traveled to see a star, like me. And like me, their travels changed their lives. But, they saw, for the first time, someone I started seeing a lot—the Christ.
I believe that God has created us to also light up the world. There's a great movie that came out on video just a few weeks ago called, "Stardust." It reflects a great image of what we can do when our hearts are aligned with the Star maker. We too can shine in those dark places. We too can be a source of warmth and embrace for all people who are surrounded by darkness and emptiness. And perhaps you are one of those folks—cold, empty and barely able to shine.
How do you find that inner light? How can a relationship with God centered in the teachings of Jesus bring back your glow? How can you burn brightly with the light of God?
I propose three ways—I call them the three wise minutes. For three minutes reflect on ways that you can shine brighter the light that is already within you. Categorize these three ways in three columns labeled body, mind and spirit.
Under the Body column write down just one physical activity that you can do for yourself that will make you feel better. Something you can do everyday. It might be going to the gym to work out, walking around the block, dancing to a song, exercising, running, even stretching. It doesn’t matter how long, just that you do something everyday. Start with 3 minutes, 3 times a day…and build up to more as you are able. And during these 3 minutes put your entire attention on God during the activity. Focus on the light that is within you and imagine it growing inside of you with each second of activity. Okay…simple enough?
Under the second column for Mind, decide that you will do something for 3 minutes, 3 times a day that renews your mind. Have you seen those latest video games for the Nintendo DS called Brain Power? These are simple games that sharpen your intellectual acuity. Engage in mind exercises that focus on building things like concentration, perception, insight or sharpness. Just learning something new is an easy task. Read a book that stretches your knowledge base. Learn some new words—read the dictionary! Just 3 minutes, 3 times a day is all it takes.
The final column is for activities that feed your soul. These are spiritual, God centered actions that turn ordinary experiences into sacred moments. It can be anything creative that involves making God the central focus in the moment. Things like meditation, prayer, attending a small spiritual group discussion, being still, sharing acts of kindness, lending a listening ear, reflective breathing. Whatever the activity, do it for 3 minutes, 3 times a day.
If you follow these three wise minutes of growing your light you will have spent almost half an hour each day becoming compatible with your creator. It’s that easy…and it is fun too! Shoot for the stars this new year, and become one yourself!
Amen.
Star Trek Carol by Jean-Luc Picard (to the tune of ''Let It Snow'')
Oh, the vacuum outside is endless,
Unforgiving, cold, and friendless,
But still we must boldly go--
Make it so, make it so, make it so!
Okay…that was my only bad joke in this blog. But think about the something with me if you will. Knowing what we know today about Science and the cosmos…just how do we interpret the story of the magi and the star they followed to the Christ child?
A theologian and an astronomer were talking together one day about their different understandings about how the universe works. The astronomer said that after reading widely in the field of religion, he had concluded that all religion could be summed up in a single phrase. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," he said, with a bit of smugness, knowing that his field of astronomy is so much more complex.
After a brief pause, the theologian replied that after reading widely in the area of astronomy he had concluded that all of it could be summed up in a single phrase also. "Oh, and what is that?" the astronaut inquired.
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star; how I wonder what you are!"
If there is one thing we do know today about the vast Universe, it is the fact there is more empty space out there than there is filled. And that empty space is pretty dark and mysterious. We just don’t know too much about it. What we do know comes to us in small glimpses and flickers.
Light shining in the darkness is a central image in the story of Jesus’ birth. It is most obvious in the star of Matthew's Gospel, shining in the night sky and leading the wise men of the gentiles to the place of Jesus' birth. One of my favorite authors and theologians, Marcus Borg suggests that the symbolism of light and darkness is ancient, prototypical and cross - cultural. It has many rich meanings. Darkness is associated with blindness, night, sleep, cold, gloom, despair, lostness, chaos, death, danger and yearning for the dawn. It is a striking image of the human condition. Light is seen as the antidote to the above, and is thus an image of salvation. In the light, one is awake, able to see and find one's way; it is associated with relief and rejoicing that the night is over; in the light one is safe and warm. In the light there is life.
For Matthew, and for Christians ever since, Jesus is the light shining in the darkness. The author of John's Gospel makes the same affirmation: "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." Jesus is the light who brings enlightenment; indeed, he is "the light of the world." This is the truth of this theme of the birth stories. And it is still true independent of their historical factuality. (reflections from www.religion-online.org)
And speaking of ancient history, as a boy I used to look forward to my camp outs as a “Royal Ranger,” the Pentecostal equivalent of the Boy Scouts. I loved going deep into the woods of the Hocking Hills where the sky was clear and there were no city lights to spoil the view of the night stars. Our trips always started with cramming into trucks and vans, which we rode in for what seemed hours and hours. The ride was always long and boring. Sometimes we would joke and tell stories. Sometimes look at the scenery out of the window. Sometimes we would try to sleep using our jackets as pillows. After a stop to get food and gas, we made our way to the winding roads leading into the national park’s entrance. The scenery got darker and darker and the road began to wind back and forth. Sometimes we younger boys got a little scared. The taller boys could see the white lines on the road with the headlights. But all of us knew one thing—we were out in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night.
Suddenly, we could see a few lights on the side of the road. The vans and trucks would turn onto a gravel road. The lights would illumine a small campground and the vehicles would stop. We would then unload our gear, and set up camp. After dinner, our leader announced we would hike to out to see the stars. I was excited to learn about the constellations and all the large lights in the sky. We would hike deeper into the woods to the top of the tallest hill. Then the leader would announce, "Lay down and look up at the stars."
One by one, we grew quiet as we looked at the thousands of stars in the sky. The leader would describe the position of stars and the images of constellations. Eventually the sky would cease to look like sand, and began to look like a puzzle with pieces that fit together. Some of us began to see animals and faces. Sometimes I thought I could see a familiar face looking back at me. Those nights changed me. I began see how big the universe really was and how great God's creation was. I could see God look back at me.
My camping trips must have been like the experience of the wise men. They could see the stars, like me. They studied the stars, like me. They even traveled to see a star, like me. And like me, their travels changed their lives. But, they saw, for the first time, someone I started seeing a lot—the Christ.
I believe that God has created us to also light up the world. There's a great movie that came out on video just a few weeks ago called, "Stardust." It reflects a great image of what we can do when our hearts are aligned with the Star maker. We too can shine in those dark places. We too can be a source of warmth and embrace for all people who are surrounded by darkness and emptiness. And perhaps you are one of those folks—cold, empty and barely able to shine.
How do you find that inner light? How can a relationship with God centered in the teachings of Jesus bring back your glow? How can you burn brightly with the light of God?
I propose three ways—I call them the three wise minutes. For three minutes reflect on ways that you can shine brighter the light that is already within you. Categorize these three ways in three columns labeled body, mind and spirit.
Under the Body column write down just one physical activity that you can do for yourself that will make you feel better. Something you can do everyday. It might be going to the gym to work out, walking around the block, dancing to a song, exercising, running, even stretching. It doesn’t matter how long, just that you do something everyday. Start with 3 minutes, 3 times a day…and build up to more as you are able. And during these 3 minutes put your entire attention on God during the activity. Focus on the light that is within you and imagine it growing inside of you with each second of activity. Okay…simple enough?
Under the second column for Mind, decide that you will do something for 3 minutes, 3 times a day that renews your mind. Have you seen those latest video games for the Nintendo DS called Brain Power? These are simple games that sharpen your intellectual acuity. Engage in mind exercises that focus on building things like concentration, perception, insight or sharpness. Just learning something new is an easy task. Read a book that stretches your knowledge base. Learn some new words—read the dictionary! Just 3 minutes, 3 times a day is all it takes.
The final column is for activities that feed your soul. These are spiritual, God centered actions that turn ordinary experiences into sacred moments. It can be anything creative that involves making God the central focus in the moment. Things like meditation, prayer, attending a small spiritual group discussion, being still, sharing acts of kindness, lending a listening ear, reflective breathing. Whatever the activity, do it for 3 minutes, 3 times a day.
If you follow these three wise minutes of growing your light you will have spent almost half an hour each day becoming compatible with your creator. It’s that easy…and it is fun too! Shoot for the stars this new year, and become one yourself!
Amen.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Following the Spirit's Leading
After a hard week reevaluating our budget, and revising our expense categories to correspond to current income...I was a bit down and out last Sunday. As I prepared to leave on vacation I prayed to God for guidance and reassurance. I didn't hear anything back. I spent a sleepless night wondering what was going to happen. Where will our journey take us? Are there things that we should be doing? What can we do better? Will we survive?
The questions kept nagging in my mind. The next morning I fired up the computer and received this emailed article. I was amazed how I sensed God speaking these comforting words directly to me...just when I needed to hear them. I thought I would pass it on for your encouragement as well.
Following the Spirit's Leading
by Gary Shockley
Sometimes, without our prompting, life will alter our pace for us. The birth of a child, a promotion at work, sickness, marriage, divorce, the death of someone we love—these things make us stop in our tracks. All forward motion ceases for a time. We would be wise in these moments to rest for a while and simply survey the landscape, find the horizon again, get a sense of where we are, and seek God’s presence.
Several years ago one of these painful experiences shattered my straight-course, driven life. My mother had been battling cancer for nearly two years, and suddenly the days, weeks, and months of slow physical deterioration quickly accelerated. My father called to tell me she had been admitted to the hospital for double pneumonia. I knew my mother was close to death. I made the trip from my home to the hospital in record time and arrived to find my mother in the critical care unit.
Five days after I arrived at the hospital to see her, my mom died. As painful as it was, my mother’s death became the catalyst for some intense work in my life. In my drivenness I had lapsed into a kind of automatic pilot. Day after day, week after week, month after month, I kept an unhealthy pace. I got up early, worked way too late, and, to the neglect of my own well-being and that of my family, kept this unhealthy pace going. I had allowed ministry to become my life. It was predictable and controllable, and it gave me a sense of meaning and importance. What’s not to love? Well, how about the feelings of loneliness, isolation, and shallowness it brought me?
After my mother died I stood still long enough to realize that—like a sailing ship without a rudder—I was being pulled by a strong current, a depression I could not steer my way out of. Sailing into what had become uncharted waters for me, I was losing sight of land. I needed someone to help me navigate this journey. I decided to seek help through counseling. Talking with my therapist once a week was like ducking behind an island to get out of the wind and find the stability I needed. In this time dedicated to me, I learned new things about myself, about life, about God. I learned some new ways to live again: to find a healthier pace, to embrace the journey from heartache to hope.
Although I still get caught at times in my need to succeed, still try to rush things along rather than wait on the Spirit’s leading, I am trying to learn something at once both simple and incredibly difficult: the destination is not a place but a person—a person who loves me very much and more than anything wants to be with me along the journey of life. I am much more open these days to the idea that God isn’t all that interested in getting me somewhere. God is just interested in getting me!
One of my favorite journey stories from the Bible is the Israelites’ expedition from Egypt to the promised land. Some of God’s best work, I think. A trip that easily could have been made in less than 40 days had they followed a straight line took 40 years. Their travel log must have resembled the kind of scribbled picture a two-year-old would draw. You have probably heard someone explain their meanderings in this way: “More important than getting the Israelites out of Egypt was getting Egypt out of the Israelites.” Or “The Israelites were lost because Moses wouldn’t stop and ask for directions.” I think their time spent wandering through the wilderness had more to do with God needing to spend quality time with the people (and the people with God) so they could experience God’s faithfulness over and over again.
God wanted them to trust him today. That’s why God provided manna on a daily basis. Consider the definition of manna—“What is it?” They had to trust God to know that this nameless, unidentifiable, perishable whatchamacallit would be enough for now. They were to gather up only what they could consume that day. If they tried to keep some of it overnight, it spoiled. Tomorrow God would provide—again. They couldn’t make it happen—no matter how much they might be driven by hunger. They just had to meander around, collecting manna as it randomly fell from the sky.
But these ancient wanderers were a hardheaded bunch. How else can you explain them witnessing with their own eyes the 10 plagues, the parting of the sea (twice), bread from heaven, water from rocks, quail blown in by the wind, and countless kingdoms obliterated by the awesome power of God—only to whine, beg, and plead to go back to Egypt, back to a life of slavery, back to what was a familiar, linear, predictable way of life?
Maybe God needed 40 years to nurture a new generation of followers who might just “get” him and be willing to follow. Maybe what God wanted most from them, and now us, is a willingness to put one foot in front of the other, step after step, alongside him, no matter the pace or how the path might twist and turn. Maybe God wanted them to grasp a greater purpose for their lives—to be people who would give witness to this unique and awesome God.
Are we eager to get through whatever task or challenge we face in life as quickly as possible, moving steadily from point A to point B to point C, ever closer toward whatever goal we have in mind? The Israelites’ experience reminds us: the spiritual journey doesn’t work that way. In the faith journey, we are not so much racing toward a physical finish line as meandering toward becoming all that God has in mind for us to be. Like the Israelites, our ability to discern and follow God’s leading has far less to do with time in a chronological sense and much more to do with direction.
Steven R. Covey, professor of business management and organization behavior, writes in his best-selling book "First Things First" about how fixated our culture is on the clock. The clock represents our busyness—commitments at work, appointments, tasks, and schedules. The clock symbolizes how we spend our lives. The compass, on the other hand, represents the personal vision, core values, and principles that shape and guide our lives. Covey suggests that we ought to rely more on the compass than the clock, because the compass has more to do with the direction we intend to follow on our journey.
The Old Testament book of Jeremiah finds the people of Israel exiled in Babylon and restless for home. Their growing impatience made them susceptible to the false hope and promises propagated by some prophets who foretold an early release from captivity. These false promises fixated them on the clock. Like little children sitting in the back of the car on a long trip, they kept asking over and over again, “Hey, God, are we there yet?” Caught up in the clock, they lost sight of the compass. So God sent Jeremiah with the message, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). No timetable. No drivenness.
God’s plan for the people was simple. Maybe that’s why they missed it. Look at the next verses: “Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me” (vv. 12–14). In other words, “When praying, listening, and looking for me become the focus of your lives, you will find me,” says the Lord. “I am your future and your hope!”
The spiritual journey rarely unfolds in a straight line. We go forward and backward, left and right. We make progress, and we fall behind. Sometimes we feel like we are simply standing still. The questions we need to ask ourselves are not, how far have we come? (How long have we been on the road?) How much farther is it? (Or, when will we get there?) Those are clock questions. Rather, we need to ask, am I pointing myself in what I sense through the Spirit to be the right direction? Am I continually orienting myself toward God? Those are compass questions.
Adapted from The Meandering Way: Leading by Following the Spirit, copyright © 2007 by the Alban Institute. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Go to www.alban.org for full article.
The questions kept nagging in my mind. The next morning I fired up the computer and received this emailed article. I was amazed how I sensed God speaking these comforting words directly to me...just when I needed to hear them. I thought I would pass it on for your encouragement as well.
Following the Spirit's Leading
by Gary Shockley
Sometimes, without our prompting, life will alter our pace for us. The birth of a child, a promotion at work, sickness, marriage, divorce, the death of someone we love—these things make us stop in our tracks. All forward motion ceases for a time. We would be wise in these moments to rest for a while and simply survey the landscape, find the horizon again, get a sense of where we are, and seek God’s presence.
Several years ago one of these painful experiences shattered my straight-course, driven life. My mother had been battling cancer for nearly two years, and suddenly the days, weeks, and months of slow physical deterioration quickly accelerated. My father called to tell me she had been admitted to the hospital for double pneumonia. I knew my mother was close to death. I made the trip from my home to the hospital in record time and arrived to find my mother in the critical care unit.
Five days after I arrived at the hospital to see her, my mom died. As painful as it was, my mother’s death became the catalyst for some intense work in my life. In my drivenness I had lapsed into a kind of automatic pilot. Day after day, week after week, month after month, I kept an unhealthy pace. I got up early, worked way too late, and, to the neglect of my own well-being and that of my family, kept this unhealthy pace going. I had allowed ministry to become my life. It was predictable and controllable, and it gave me a sense of meaning and importance. What’s not to love? Well, how about the feelings of loneliness, isolation, and shallowness it brought me?
After my mother died I stood still long enough to realize that—like a sailing ship without a rudder—I was being pulled by a strong current, a depression I could not steer my way out of. Sailing into what had become uncharted waters for me, I was losing sight of land. I needed someone to help me navigate this journey. I decided to seek help through counseling. Talking with my therapist once a week was like ducking behind an island to get out of the wind and find the stability I needed. In this time dedicated to me, I learned new things about myself, about life, about God. I learned some new ways to live again: to find a healthier pace, to embrace the journey from heartache to hope.
Although I still get caught at times in my need to succeed, still try to rush things along rather than wait on the Spirit’s leading, I am trying to learn something at once both simple and incredibly difficult: the destination is not a place but a person—a person who loves me very much and more than anything wants to be with me along the journey of life. I am much more open these days to the idea that God isn’t all that interested in getting me somewhere. God is just interested in getting me!
One of my favorite journey stories from the Bible is the Israelites’ expedition from Egypt to the promised land. Some of God’s best work, I think. A trip that easily could have been made in less than 40 days had they followed a straight line took 40 years. Their travel log must have resembled the kind of scribbled picture a two-year-old would draw. You have probably heard someone explain their meanderings in this way: “More important than getting the Israelites out of Egypt was getting Egypt out of the Israelites.” Or “The Israelites were lost because Moses wouldn’t stop and ask for directions.” I think their time spent wandering through the wilderness had more to do with God needing to spend quality time with the people (and the people with God) so they could experience God’s faithfulness over and over again.
God wanted them to trust him today. That’s why God provided manna on a daily basis. Consider the definition of manna—“What is it?” They had to trust God to know that this nameless, unidentifiable, perishable whatchamacallit would be enough for now. They were to gather up only what they could consume that day. If they tried to keep some of it overnight, it spoiled. Tomorrow God would provide—again. They couldn’t make it happen—no matter how much they might be driven by hunger. They just had to meander around, collecting manna as it randomly fell from the sky.
But these ancient wanderers were a hardheaded bunch. How else can you explain them witnessing with their own eyes the 10 plagues, the parting of the sea (twice), bread from heaven, water from rocks, quail blown in by the wind, and countless kingdoms obliterated by the awesome power of God—only to whine, beg, and plead to go back to Egypt, back to a life of slavery, back to what was a familiar, linear, predictable way of life?
Maybe God needed 40 years to nurture a new generation of followers who might just “get” him and be willing to follow. Maybe what God wanted most from them, and now us, is a willingness to put one foot in front of the other, step after step, alongside him, no matter the pace or how the path might twist and turn. Maybe God wanted them to grasp a greater purpose for their lives—to be people who would give witness to this unique and awesome God.
Are we eager to get through whatever task or challenge we face in life as quickly as possible, moving steadily from point A to point B to point C, ever closer toward whatever goal we have in mind? The Israelites’ experience reminds us: the spiritual journey doesn’t work that way. In the faith journey, we are not so much racing toward a physical finish line as meandering toward becoming all that God has in mind for us to be. Like the Israelites, our ability to discern and follow God’s leading has far less to do with time in a chronological sense and much more to do with direction.
Steven R. Covey, professor of business management and organization behavior, writes in his best-selling book "First Things First" about how fixated our culture is on the clock. The clock represents our busyness—commitments at work, appointments, tasks, and schedules. The clock symbolizes how we spend our lives. The compass, on the other hand, represents the personal vision, core values, and principles that shape and guide our lives. Covey suggests that we ought to rely more on the compass than the clock, because the compass has more to do with the direction we intend to follow on our journey.
The Old Testament book of Jeremiah finds the people of Israel exiled in Babylon and restless for home. Their growing impatience made them susceptible to the false hope and promises propagated by some prophets who foretold an early release from captivity. These false promises fixated them on the clock. Like little children sitting in the back of the car on a long trip, they kept asking over and over again, “Hey, God, are we there yet?” Caught up in the clock, they lost sight of the compass. So God sent Jeremiah with the message, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). No timetable. No drivenness.
God’s plan for the people was simple. Maybe that’s why they missed it. Look at the next verses: “Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me” (vv. 12–14). In other words, “When praying, listening, and looking for me become the focus of your lives, you will find me,” says the Lord. “I am your future and your hope!”
The spiritual journey rarely unfolds in a straight line. We go forward and backward, left and right. We make progress, and we fall behind. Sometimes we feel like we are simply standing still. The questions we need to ask ourselves are not, how far have we come? (How long have we been on the road?) How much farther is it? (Or, when will we get there?) Those are clock questions. Rather, we need to ask, am I pointing myself in what I sense through the Spirit to be the right direction? Am I continually orienting myself toward God? Those are compass questions.
Adapted from The Meandering Way: Leading by Following the Spirit, copyright © 2007 by the Alban Institute. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Go to www.alban.org for full article.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
There's no discovery without DISCO!
Do the hustle! Freak Out! Get down on it! If you remember any of these song lyrics then you are probably a child of disco. I was talking to a member of the congregation a few days ago, another “Baby Boomer” like me, about the kind of music we grew up with. She commented on the 70s being her favorite genre, because it took her back to the good times in high school. Even though I attended high school in the late 70s, I was never allowed to listen to that kind of music. It was considered “sinful”. But once I joined the military after graduation I got my fill of 80s music, and I loved it! Disco was an amazing time in my own evolution as a person. It was truly a time of discovery for me. The energy and motion of the dance floor truly made you forget your troubles and get happy!
But it was really hard to dance those crazy dances! I mean, you really had to be coordinated! I watch the kids today and wonder how they are able to play Dance, Dance, Revolution so successfully. I thought I could dance, but when it comes to that kind of dancing, I have two left feet! It was the same with disco…I’m great at free style, but it was really hard for me to learn the moves of John Travolta. But it really didn’t matter whether I got the dance steps right or not on the dance floor. It was like being in a completely different place mentally and spiritually.
Our spiritual journey is like that sometimes too. We occasionally experience the true nature of God to the fullest, and feel the joy that comes from knowing everything is going to be all right. We sometimes feel like we’ve gotten all the steps right, and are moving in synchronicity with the One who guides us through each step of our life. And even if we mess up the steps occasionally, we are assured that the dance is still beautiful, and precious in God’s sight. And we always have the chance to get back on the right foot…back into the DISCOvery of it all.
Our growth as a church has been slow in process these past few years. Yet I have a peace within me that all will be well. Even as the leadership team meets to decrease our budget to match our income, I feel that God is in control. I will most likely be going part-time as your pastor in order to decrease our expenses, and I am giving up my pension for the time being as well. We will have to eliminate several positions, scale back on our expenditures, and most likely simplify our worship experience and outreach programs. But that is okay with me. I am even at peace with it, because I know that I’ve given everything I have to this church. I’ve discovered that no matter what happens in our lives, it’s learning from the experience that determines success. Failure is just a matter of not understanding the learning in the experience.
Success is a process. It takes a goal + purpose + activity to realize it. The goal is something tangible that you want to accomplish. It is an objective that is usually physical in nature or an accomplishment to acquire. The next factor for success is having a purpose for that goal, which is knowing why you want what you want. So often we have goals but we really don’t know why we have them. The third factor for success is activity; doing what it is you do to get what you want.
My goal for Journey Church is to be a light of God’s love and grace to everyone in our community. That means shining the light on the intolerance, homophobia, exclusivity and judgmentalism that pervades our society, and countering it with acceptance, embrace, inclusion and forgiveness. My purpose for this is to be more Christ-like in everything that I do so that I will know the mind of Christ. The activity is teaching what I know and believe to be true about God and myself.
I anticipate a wonderful journey of DISCOvery over the next year. No matter how long we have on this earth to accomplish our ministry together, it will be the most amazing, loving, transformative time we will ever live. And in that living will we discover the boundless grace that exists for us and for the world. I hope you will dance with me! The dance floor is always open, and God is our dance instructor!
Blessings on your journey of DISCOvery!
Pastor Brice
But it was really hard to dance those crazy dances! I mean, you really had to be coordinated! I watch the kids today and wonder how they are able to play Dance, Dance, Revolution so successfully. I thought I could dance, but when it comes to that kind of dancing, I have two left feet! It was the same with disco…I’m great at free style, but it was really hard for me to learn the moves of John Travolta. But it really didn’t matter whether I got the dance steps right or not on the dance floor. It was like being in a completely different place mentally and spiritually.
Our spiritual journey is like that sometimes too. We occasionally experience the true nature of God to the fullest, and feel the joy that comes from knowing everything is going to be all right. We sometimes feel like we’ve gotten all the steps right, and are moving in synchronicity with the One who guides us through each step of our life. And even if we mess up the steps occasionally, we are assured that the dance is still beautiful, and precious in God’s sight. And we always have the chance to get back on the right foot…back into the DISCOvery of it all.
Our growth as a church has been slow in process these past few years. Yet I have a peace within me that all will be well. Even as the leadership team meets to decrease our budget to match our income, I feel that God is in control. I will most likely be going part-time as your pastor in order to decrease our expenses, and I am giving up my pension for the time being as well. We will have to eliminate several positions, scale back on our expenditures, and most likely simplify our worship experience and outreach programs. But that is okay with me. I am even at peace with it, because I know that I’ve given everything I have to this church. I’ve discovered that no matter what happens in our lives, it’s learning from the experience that determines success. Failure is just a matter of not understanding the learning in the experience.
Success is a process. It takes a goal + purpose + activity to realize it. The goal is something tangible that you want to accomplish. It is an objective that is usually physical in nature or an accomplishment to acquire. The next factor for success is having a purpose for that goal, which is knowing why you want what you want. So often we have goals but we really don’t know why we have them. The third factor for success is activity; doing what it is you do to get what you want.
My goal for Journey Church is to be a light of God’s love and grace to everyone in our community. That means shining the light on the intolerance, homophobia, exclusivity and judgmentalism that pervades our society, and countering it with acceptance, embrace, inclusion and forgiveness. My purpose for this is to be more Christ-like in everything that I do so that I will know the mind of Christ. The activity is teaching what I know and believe to be true about God and myself.
I anticipate a wonderful journey of DISCOvery over the next year. No matter how long we have on this earth to accomplish our ministry together, it will be the most amazing, loving, transformative time we will ever live. And in that living will we discover the boundless grace that exists for us and for the world. I hope you will dance with me! The dance floor is always open, and God is our dance instructor!
Blessings on your journey of DISCOvery!
Pastor Brice
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Squawk like a goose! Pentecost is coming!
Did you know that I speak Russian? It’s a language I learned while in the military during my training as a Cryptolinguistic Translator. That’s a fancy term for spy! During the cold war in the 1980’s I intercepted Russian aircraft communications and translated them to discern the activities of the Soviet Air Force in East Germany. What a ride that was! I always enjoyed learning foreign languages, and would travel Europe speaking French, Russian and German. Many were surprised that a country boy from Ohio could communicate with such a diverse group of people. I loved meeting new people during my travel—and just the attempt I made to speak with them in their own language opened doors for new friendships and experiences.
May 27th is the Sunday we celebrate Pentecost this year, and is always a time when I reflect deeply about the significant events in my life. I grew up Pentecostal. My father was a pastor and evangelist in the Assemblies of God church. And I remember the camp meetings of my childhood where my Dad used to preach. My experiences in the Pentecostal church, although oppressive at times, did introduce me to the excitement and enthusiasm of the Pentecost experience. Yet I am amazed how in the mainline church we are comfortable with Pentecost as a noun. But when you make the word an adjective—Pentecostal, we become nervous. And maybe it should make us nervous. Celtic Christians chose the wild goose as a symbol representing the Holy Spirit. A wild goose is one noisy, bothersome bird. I like this image of the Holy Spirit as a wild goose because it jars us out of our complacency of doing church in familiar and traditional ways.
Years later I was jarred out of my complacency when I left my Pentecostal tradition and started seeking a theology that embraced me as a gay Christian. That search brought me to United Theological Seminary in Dayton, where my time was filled with periods of constructing a new theology while at the same time reclaiming the traditions of my youth. I seriously studied the history of the church and shared my own experiences of exclusion and charted new experiences of embrace. I looked anew at the ancient writings of my faith and discovered layers of learning that emerged once I scratched through its surface teachings and dug deep into its wisdom. I devoured the secrets of an emerging Christian community in my New Testament studies, and was transformed by the care for others as pastor. My embedded theology was questioned and crushed, twisted and turned, prodded and poked as I constantly reinterpreted the symbols of my faith for new contexts. And it’s these new contexts that continue to draw me back to the story of Pentecost—that amazing moment when the Holy Spirit, the wild goose that she is—gave birth to a church of many different languages and cultures.
A part of me wishes that I could have been a part of the church when America was split over the issue of slavery. The Bible was clearly on the side of the slave owner – but the Spirit would not let us stop where the Bible left off. A part of me wishes that I could have been around for the debate about ordaining women where the Bible makes terrible commentary supporting a male dominated faith, but thank God the church remained open to the Spirit and we can now celebrate the ministry of women– something that would not have happened 150 years ago. And I am interested in how we came to have a different understanding and acceptance about divorce, and the reality of broken marriages and the work of God in those very broken places. But I am especially glad to be here during a time when we see the church working through the struggle of embracing the gay and lesbian community as an equal part and voice within our midst. I’m glad to see and experience the tension of the Spirit doing her work again of breaking us out of our homogeneous places and pushing the gate even wider to fully include another part of our community that has been marginalized. The Spirit is forcing us to speak even more languages and to open our gates even wider than we have ever thought before.
I risk coming out as a gay minister every day—wondering if I will be accepted or rejected. But I am committed to being an authentic Christian—one that is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus. And I can not be attached to how others receive me—only that I share my identity with a sense of wholeness and desire for relationship. Now my idea of the gospel may lean more toward embrace than exclusion—but that’s how I experience God. And that’s how I hope you experience Journey Church.
We are hosting our first membership class on Saturday, May 19th from 10am to 3pm. This will be a very different experience for those of you who have grown up in the church. The theme of the class is “Passport to your Journey” and will be significantly different from what you might expect from a new members class. We will engage our lives together as a Christian community by looking deeply into our own souls to discern what you are here to do in your life and what you can learn from each other. In addition to a short course on UCC History and Polity and the vision of Journey Church, you will be encouraged to look at where you are on your spiritual journey. You will be asked to make a commitment to our work together and also to your own journey of faith. It will be an exciting time together—and it includes lunch! The cost will be $30 per person to pay for your learning materials and for our presenters.
The Pentecost moment means that we often must translate the words of our ancient texts into new contexts and experiences. And like my experience while living in Europe, we have to speak a language that others understand—and once trust in the relationship is established can we then talk about God in new ways of understanding. So listen to the call of the Spirit—that noisy bothersome Spirit that calls us out of complacency and into radical inclusivity. I challenge you, this season of Pentecost—to experience what it means to be Pentecostal. And by that, I mean a church of many different experiences of God, speaking the good news of God’s love and embrace for all humanity—in our own languages.
Invite someone to church this month—seek to speak their language—and then share this inclusive vision of God’s kingdom—God’s reign on earth. Amen!
Pastor Brice
May 27th is the Sunday we celebrate Pentecost this year, and is always a time when I reflect deeply about the significant events in my life. I grew up Pentecostal. My father was a pastor and evangelist in the Assemblies of God church. And I remember the camp meetings of my childhood where my Dad used to preach. My experiences in the Pentecostal church, although oppressive at times, did introduce me to the excitement and enthusiasm of the Pentecost experience. Yet I am amazed how in the mainline church we are comfortable with Pentecost as a noun. But when you make the word an adjective—Pentecostal, we become nervous. And maybe it should make us nervous. Celtic Christians chose the wild goose as a symbol representing the Holy Spirit. A wild goose is one noisy, bothersome bird. I like this image of the Holy Spirit as a wild goose because it jars us out of our complacency of doing church in familiar and traditional ways.
Years later I was jarred out of my complacency when I left my Pentecostal tradition and started seeking a theology that embraced me as a gay Christian. That search brought me to United Theological Seminary in Dayton, where my time was filled with periods of constructing a new theology while at the same time reclaiming the traditions of my youth. I seriously studied the history of the church and shared my own experiences of exclusion and charted new experiences of embrace. I looked anew at the ancient writings of my faith and discovered layers of learning that emerged once I scratched through its surface teachings and dug deep into its wisdom. I devoured the secrets of an emerging Christian community in my New Testament studies, and was transformed by the care for others as pastor. My embedded theology was questioned and crushed, twisted and turned, prodded and poked as I constantly reinterpreted the symbols of my faith for new contexts. And it’s these new contexts that continue to draw me back to the story of Pentecost—that amazing moment when the Holy Spirit, the wild goose that she is—gave birth to a church of many different languages and cultures.
A part of me wishes that I could have been a part of the church when America was split over the issue of slavery. The Bible was clearly on the side of the slave owner – but the Spirit would not let us stop where the Bible left off. A part of me wishes that I could have been around for the debate about ordaining women where the Bible makes terrible commentary supporting a male dominated faith, but thank God the church remained open to the Spirit and we can now celebrate the ministry of women– something that would not have happened 150 years ago. And I am interested in how we came to have a different understanding and acceptance about divorce, and the reality of broken marriages and the work of God in those very broken places. But I am especially glad to be here during a time when we see the church working through the struggle of embracing the gay and lesbian community as an equal part and voice within our midst. I’m glad to see and experience the tension of the Spirit doing her work again of breaking us out of our homogeneous places and pushing the gate even wider to fully include another part of our community that has been marginalized. The Spirit is forcing us to speak even more languages and to open our gates even wider than we have ever thought before.
I risk coming out as a gay minister every day—wondering if I will be accepted or rejected. But I am committed to being an authentic Christian—one that is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus. And I can not be attached to how others receive me—only that I share my identity with a sense of wholeness and desire for relationship. Now my idea of the gospel may lean more toward embrace than exclusion—but that’s how I experience God. And that’s how I hope you experience Journey Church.
We are hosting our first membership class on Saturday, May 19th from 10am to 3pm. This will be a very different experience for those of you who have grown up in the church. The theme of the class is “Passport to your Journey” and will be significantly different from what you might expect from a new members class. We will engage our lives together as a Christian community by looking deeply into our own souls to discern what you are here to do in your life and what you can learn from each other. In addition to a short course on UCC History and Polity and the vision of Journey Church, you will be encouraged to look at where you are on your spiritual journey. You will be asked to make a commitment to our work together and also to your own journey of faith. It will be an exciting time together—and it includes lunch! The cost will be $30 per person to pay for your learning materials and for our presenters.
The Pentecost moment means that we often must translate the words of our ancient texts into new contexts and experiences. And like my experience while living in Europe, we have to speak a language that others understand—and once trust in the relationship is established can we then talk about God in new ways of understanding. So listen to the call of the Spirit—that noisy bothersome Spirit that calls us out of complacency and into radical inclusivity. I challenge you, this season of Pentecost—to experience what it means to be Pentecostal. And by that, I mean a church of many different experiences of God, speaking the good news of God’s love and embrace for all humanity—in our own languages.
Invite someone to church this month—seek to speak their language—and then share this inclusive vision of God’s kingdom—God’s reign on earth. Amen!
Pastor Brice
Friday, March 30, 2007
Easter Cancelled. Pastor's not ready!
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for...the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Sometimes don’t you just want to skip all the hype of Easter? It can be really stressful orchestrating all the events and activities of Holy Week. Yet for me the past nine months of our journey toward opening our new coffeehouse and concert ministry has been a daily dose of angst and anxiety. Just ask Amy Miller, director of Common Grounds, how we handled the stress. We’ve joked that it’s been similar to birthing a baby…only without the belly or the baby shower!
We’ve come quite a long way since last July when we first began swinging Krista’s sledgehammer against the old and rotting pegboard lining the interior of 35 East Main Street. Sometimes it’s hard to belief that we made it through those days of grime, dust and soot. And now that we’ve finally launched our coffeehouse and concert ministry the concerns and challenges of starting something so grand still cloud my mind. There still exists anxiety about what we’ve taken on as a small worshiping congregation.
The issues at hand are very practical and important to address as we consider the amount of resources available to direct these emerging ministries and address the security issues we must face in light of opening a “public” venue. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about those questions but find myself also thinking about the spiritual issues facing us in the same way. As much as these questions need to be addressed on a practical level...they also need to addressed on a spiritual level.
During the past two years I've lived between fear and faith. Although I had faith in the vision that God gave me to launch a ministry like Common Grounds, I didn't always believe that vision was going to happen. I had "seeing" faith...only believing when I could see it happen. The challenges we faced during the first year of our ministry together turned my faith into fear. I feared that my vision for ministry was not in alignment with the vision of our church. The two seemed incompatible.
I remember talking to realtors when we first decided to sell our old building. I was told that it was only worth $250,000...and that's all we could get. But I knew we could get more...and I had faith that we would. The next offer was $500,000. That was the top offer we would ever get...came the words from land developers that were attracted to us because of Wal-Mart being in our backyard. They were like sharks in the water, circling and waiting for the kill! I thought we could get more...but my faith had waned a bit since nothing better had come along yet. So we began talking to one of the sharks who almost convinced me that $500,000 was all we could get. But the day we were going to sign a contract with them, another developer called me and said they would give us $600,000. I put the contract on hold, asked God to forgive me for doubting him, and countered the new buyer with an offer for $675,000. They accepted. And with that our vision began to slowly materialize. And it did happen! God brought people to our church who took that vision to the next step. But somehow that unbelief and fear still exists!
So I have to ask myself again...what really exists behind my fear? Do I have faith that God can do the impossible? In the nine months since then we've spent much of that money on renovation, equipment and church expenses for our new building and ministry. I know that God supplied those extra funds so that we could build the vision that God gave us for ministry. But it is so easy to begin living in fear again that the remaining money will run out, and we won't be able to pay for what we've created. Once again, fear creeps in and robs us of our faith. The value in raising these questions is that they help cause us to face spiritual issues as well...do we have faith that God can do what God said God would do? To bless us, and multiply our efforts if what we do is for the kingdom of God? Matthew 6:33 says it all, "Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and everything else will be given to you." Do we really believe that?
I guess the question "Are we ready?" represents my own journey to Easter. Am I ready for God's kingdom to come to earth? Am I ready for Jesus to be resurrected in my heart? Does God wait for me to believe it...or should I have faith in what God is going to do and help make it happen? I am really not preaching here about 'not' asking questions...rather I want to take these opportunities to address our fears in order to grow our faith. Questions are valid and important...and need to be addressed. We have to act on our vision and expect God will bring the resources into our church that will assist in creating that vision; a community where God's realm rules. If we build God's kingdom, then they will come. As above, so below…thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
For the longest time the vision of Common Grounds coffeehouse and concert ministry existed only in my mind. In the past two years it has grown tremendously, and has manifested into an amazing place ready to receive those that God is calling to us. That happened not just because of me, but because others joined us because they also caught the vision. Imagine what we can create when all of us share that vision...and really believe in it. The question "Are we ready?" forces us to consider our faith. Because God’s kingdom will come…whether we are ready or not. Jesus was raised from the dead whether the disciples were ready or not. God was ready...and that's all that mattered. Easter is coming. Are you ready?
Please continue to bring your questions and fears to the table...and allow me to face them with you on a spiritual level. That’s the value of traveling together. For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I'm ready!
Blessings on your journey of faith!
Pastor Brice
Sometimes don’t you just want to skip all the hype of Easter? It can be really stressful orchestrating all the events and activities of Holy Week. Yet for me the past nine months of our journey toward opening our new coffeehouse and concert ministry has been a daily dose of angst and anxiety. Just ask Amy Miller, director of Common Grounds, how we handled the stress. We’ve joked that it’s been similar to birthing a baby…only without the belly or the baby shower!
We’ve come quite a long way since last July when we first began swinging Krista’s sledgehammer against the old and rotting pegboard lining the interior of 35 East Main Street. Sometimes it’s hard to belief that we made it through those days of grime, dust and soot. And now that we’ve finally launched our coffeehouse and concert ministry the concerns and challenges of starting something so grand still cloud my mind. There still exists anxiety about what we’ve taken on as a small worshiping congregation.
The issues at hand are very practical and important to address as we consider the amount of resources available to direct these emerging ministries and address the security issues we must face in light of opening a “public” venue. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about those questions but find myself also thinking about the spiritual issues facing us in the same way. As much as these questions need to be addressed on a practical level...they also need to addressed on a spiritual level.
During the past two years I've lived between fear and faith. Although I had faith in the vision that God gave me to launch a ministry like Common Grounds, I didn't always believe that vision was going to happen. I had "seeing" faith...only believing when I could see it happen. The challenges we faced during the first year of our ministry together turned my faith into fear. I feared that my vision for ministry was not in alignment with the vision of our church. The two seemed incompatible.
I remember talking to realtors when we first decided to sell our old building. I was told that it was only worth $250,000...and that's all we could get. But I knew we could get more...and I had faith that we would. The next offer was $500,000. That was the top offer we would ever get...came the words from land developers that were attracted to us because of Wal-Mart being in our backyard. They were like sharks in the water, circling and waiting for the kill! I thought we could get more...but my faith had waned a bit since nothing better had come along yet. So we began talking to one of the sharks who almost convinced me that $500,000 was all we could get. But the day we were going to sign a contract with them, another developer called me and said they would give us $600,000. I put the contract on hold, asked God to forgive me for doubting him, and countered the new buyer with an offer for $675,000. They accepted. And with that our vision began to slowly materialize. And it did happen! God brought people to our church who took that vision to the next step. But somehow that unbelief and fear still exists!
So I have to ask myself again...what really exists behind my fear? Do I have faith that God can do the impossible? In the nine months since then we've spent much of that money on renovation, equipment and church expenses for our new building and ministry. I know that God supplied those extra funds so that we could build the vision that God gave us for ministry. But it is so easy to begin living in fear again that the remaining money will run out, and we won't be able to pay for what we've created. Once again, fear creeps in and robs us of our faith. The value in raising these questions is that they help cause us to face spiritual issues as well...do we have faith that God can do what God said God would do? To bless us, and multiply our efforts if what we do is for the kingdom of God? Matthew 6:33 says it all, "Seek first the kingdom of heaven, and everything else will be given to you." Do we really believe that?
I guess the question "Are we ready?" represents my own journey to Easter. Am I ready for God's kingdom to come to earth? Am I ready for Jesus to be resurrected in my heart? Does God wait for me to believe it...or should I have faith in what God is going to do and help make it happen? I am really not preaching here about 'not' asking questions...rather I want to take these opportunities to address our fears in order to grow our faith. Questions are valid and important...and need to be addressed. We have to act on our vision and expect God will bring the resources into our church that will assist in creating that vision; a community where God's realm rules. If we build God's kingdom, then they will come. As above, so below…thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
For the longest time the vision of Common Grounds coffeehouse and concert ministry existed only in my mind. In the past two years it has grown tremendously, and has manifested into an amazing place ready to receive those that God is calling to us. That happened not just because of me, but because others joined us because they also caught the vision. Imagine what we can create when all of us share that vision...and really believe in it. The question "Are we ready?" forces us to consider our faith. Because God’s kingdom will come…whether we are ready or not. Jesus was raised from the dead whether the disciples were ready or not. God was ready...and that's all that mattered. Easter is coming. Are you ready?
Please continue to bring your questions and fears to the table...and allow me to face them with you on a spiritual level. That’s the value of traveling together. For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I'm ready!
Blessings on your journey of faith!
Pastor Brice
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