Passing the Torch

I am preparing for a message called “Passing the Torch.”

Coming out of the Catalyst Conference (West Coast addition) I have been reflecting on leadership as something that is passed along, given away, gifted to another, left as road markers for those coming behind.

There is too much too about leadership to fit into a blog or a sermon, but some of the points that I am thinking about, but won’t necessarily touch on in my message, are:

1. Leaders are not always liked. Obviously! Jesus is our ultimate model for leadership and he wasn’t liked, followed, listened to, worshiped and asked to teach seminars. Leaders – give yourself a break. Not everyone likes us will listen to us or do what we ask.

2. Leadership Connects. John Townsend and Henry Cloud, in their book, How People Grow, remind that true healing comes in community. It might be odd to say, but leadership (Godly leadership as the goal) must happen in community. I am old enough to have the vivid pictures of bloated bodies scattered across the Jonestown compound after the mass suicide led by cult leader Jim Jones. He was not connected to community! He dictated, berated, brutalized, demeaned the community he ran. He wasn’t connected, just the god of that group. Godly leaders connect through vision,wisdom, giving, humility and vulnerability. Erwin McManus challenges leaders to help others be “stewards of their God given potential.” Love that!

3. Leaders need fuel. Leaders must be recharged, fed, re-energized. Jesus went off by himself to pray. Jesus revealed his heart to and trusted the Father. If our torch is to be burning strong and bright enough to pass on and be visible, we must have other leaders lighting our torch and those that provide nourishment to our souls. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate fuel but uses others as the body is made complete and becomes all that it should be.

Leaders – step up and pass it on (“it only takes a spark” for those of you who went to church camp in the 70′s!)

Psalm 97:10b “Who preserves the souls of His godly ones?” Leaders do!

Psalm 97:11a “Light is sown like see for the righteous” Pass your light and watch it grow.

Leaders must pass the torch, step out of the way, and support the next generation of leaders in the church.

It is What it is

Where did this statement originate? I hear it quite often these days. I don’t like it. Why? Because in the context I hear it used, it is a statement of hopelessness.

“It is what it is” certainly implies or is very direct concerning the reality of a situation.  

“That sky is blue – it is what it is.” That’s an unchangeable reality. But that is not the typical context I hear that phrase.

It is used referring human conditions, emotions, actions and the like. It is used as if nothing can be changed. It implies a hopelessness that the situation cannot somehow be corrected or redeemed. It purposes that a human being is stamped with the mark of the inability to change. You are what you are and that’s it. You will act like you act; think like you think; do what you do and “that’s all she wrote”

I choose hope.

“It won’t always be what it is.”

“It is this, but doesn’t have to be that.”

“It is what it is until it isn’t that.”

“It is what it is ’til someone acts and changes things for the better.”

I choose hope, because hope does not dissapoint us. We have reached hope because we have rejoiced in trials, which bring about perseverance, which leads to proven character, that teaches us to stand in hope.

“It ain’t what it ain’t.”

Because of Jesus it doesn’t have to be what it is, was or even might be.

That is not a step into dreamland and detached wishfulness; just the opposite. Wishing implies sitting around and expecting things to change because someone else does something for us because we don’t act. Hope means we are part of the charge, the action, the doing that is possible because Jesus has empowered us to do and be agents of something better then just “what it is.”

HOPE is a reality I can cling to and that IS good news.

Notes From Andy

Last week I went to Catalyst West Coast with 15 other church members. Catalyst’s origins are in Atlanta. It is a church leaders conference that challenges and invigorates. This was my third Catalyst (this year’s west coast addition was the first.)

I am a Catalyst fan!!!

It is a venue for current, North American church movers and shakers to share challenges and inspire Christians to move forward and live out the faith. In Atlanta, over 10,000 leaders come together from over 100 different denominations. 

I have been inspired by speakers such as Andy Stanley, Erwin McManus, Craig Groeschel, Rick Warren, Perry Noble, John Maxwell, Seth Godin, Jim Collins and others. 

I hope to continue to learn about leadership and be one who can inspire others.

Here are some notes from Andy Stanley’s talk. (www.northpoint.org)

Leading Through Times of Uncertainty

The higher you move up (in business, church, social structures) the more complex the decisions, the more uncertainty you will face. UNCERTAINTY is why we need leaders!

1. Uncertainty is not an indication of poor leadership.

2. Uncertainty is the arena in which good/great leadership is identified.

“You don’t learn that much when things are going good.”

Look at the most uncertain time in the gospel, the story of the passion of Christ. The epicenter of our faith was the most uncertain time in history. God is not uncertain amidst the uncertainty.

CLARITY

“As a leader, it is okay to be uncertain, but it is not okay to be unclear.”

Always pull back to your vision and stand on your calling.  ”Retreat to the vision.”

In times of uncertainty plans change – a lot. Plans must, do, will, should change, but the vision stays the same.”

“No decision was ever sacred, but the vision stayed the same.” Sam Walton

In times of Uncertainty:

1. Be honest – share confidently with followers. Express confidence to try something with a willingness to change, while standing by the original vision.

2. Seek Counsel – “Leadership is not about making decisions on your own, but owning the decisions you make.”

3. Pray – God, show me – show us.

4. Extend grace and encourage grace. Uncertainty can breed anger, frustration and fear, but with grace and hope, uncertainty becomes simply a part of life that helps us to grow into the leaders God intended.

_______

Catalyst has not been “just another conference.” 

It has been a source of challenge, fantastic worship, connection with the Church and a guide to some of the front-line work of pastors and churches growing, serving and changing church culture for the kingdom.

I cannot recommend it enough!!!

www.catalystconference.com

www.catalystwestcoast.com

Love Letter

The letter to the Philippians is amazing; partly because it amazes me every time I read it and it is probably the book in the Bible I have read the most. 

Paul reveals his love for this church by encouraging them, “I am confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Paul sets the highest standard for his friends as he writes, “so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincer and BLAMELESS until the day of Christ.”

Paul gives simple challenges of faith, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humilty of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.”

Paul reminds, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Paul expects them to not simply hear, but to do, “prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.”

Paul admits his need to keep attaining, growing, learning, being, “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”

Paul gives keys to success in kingdom life, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything be prayer and supplication withthanksgiving let your reuqests be made known to God.”

Despite his present circumstances, Paul can write a letter of love to encourage others.

“for I learned to be content in all circumstances” because “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”

Have you written, texted, twittered, emailed, blogged a letter of love recently? 

All to the glory of God in Christ Jesus.

Hello World

I wish I could call it a hiatus, but I can’t. I have learned as a semi-novice writer that I go through spells of not wanting to write and so I don’t even click on the weblog. But here I am, again, to write.

I have gone to church all of my life. I was raised in a family where going to church on Sunday mornings was not an option for children. Our family would not just go to church though – it was a participatory event. My parents sang in a choir. We helped out on work days (as a 5th or 6th grader I sometimes had the opportunity to drive the large tractor mower, covering a couple of acres – a big responsibility and big fun!) We were in the children’s specials and at the family picnics and retreats. So it was ingrained in our family schedule; it was a part of our family life. 

I have always gone to church and I don’t feel right in my spirit if I am not connecting with those who go to church or active in a church.

On this Easter, I wonder not so much at those who do not go to church on this most significant Church event of the year, but more so, why do people, who don’t usually go to church, go? 

What is the draw on Easter when other Sundays are filled with other activities and and church is not a priority?

I want to hear from you. 

For me, it is beyond habit. It is a significant moment of my week (even when I wasn’t a pastor – which has been most of my life.) I feel fulfilled; I learn; I enjoy laughter and friendships and most importantly I expect and desire to hear from God.

For those of you who don’t usually go to church, but make an exception on Easter, please share WHY. Why this one day? What do you gain from this Sunday, and not others? What would keep you away from a regular Easter attendance?

Writing 2009

Gotta write!

When I wrote my first novel; my only novel; my unpublished novel – I finally understood the journey aspect of writing. There was the exhilaration of being in the story and knowing where it was going. There was the draughts, the times of standing in the dust bowl, wind howling  and particles ripping at my brain, darkness swirling – really! There were times of drudgery, slogging through the soup of mud, thick, brown clumps sticking to my fingers, unable to type. There were the boring times, just typing to type – something. There was always the hard work of going back and editing, cutting, changing, hoping for something to pop off the page, with too many times of poop on the page. It seems more pain than joy. It has been. It is pure work for me more than ease of thoughts flowing from mind to page.

Some writing assignments come easy. But I am finding that this blog is work. I haven’t written for awhile. I avoided putting thoughts down for others to read and  criticize. I haven’t worked hard enough at thinking about issues and events, taking a perspective and writing those perspectives down, here, on this spot.

The new year is as good as any to get back in the game. To write! To work hard at thinking, writing, editing. To push myself farther than I have. I’ve recently read some articles on the publishing world and their cutbacks in this recession. It gives me reason to want to turn the other direction and simply run. Why even attempt at getting published? But now is the time to show some writing perseverance. Show some metal!

Write the best I have ever written. Work harder than I have ever worked.

My writing inspiration is Dean Koontz. You don’t have to love his books to appreciate and admire his work ethic. The way he edits and agonizes over each page. His success hasn’t seamed to  hindered his work ethic. Writing will be harder in 2009. I’ve got plans – big plans. I know that in 2009 those big plans will only come to fruition if I work BIG.

Here I go!

Hear the Love

I do hear it. I hear the love. I hear him express his disbelief that folks could be so loving. The frustrating part is that he doesn’t hear the part about being welcome, even though he hasn’t showered and smells of alcohol and the streets. I hear him express how he feels so loved when people have prayed with him and have fed him. And I don’t think they are  traditionalists “come to church to get saved” expressions. It is that we care. We know he is of ultimate value.

He has sat outside to listen to the music, and worship. He won’t come in. That’s okay, but not okay. I don’t want the building to obscure the church. The worship will change you – we believe it. The people will love you – really, they will! Okay, some won’t, I know, I am sorry. But most will.

But if you never get to the point of being with us, some of us will be with you. We are connected now. You have warmed our hearts because you have expressed how we have warmed your heart. You haven’t felt love that has touched you like this in some time. You are overwhelmed at times of the hate and venom on the streets. 

We hope you will heart the love, Donald. We pray you hear so you know we are like you – needy, wanting to be loved, unsure, intimidated, self-conscious. Join us, not so we add a number or give value to brick and mortar, but because we need to be together, all of us, to be able to hear. I can’t do it be myself. You can’t do it yourself. 

Patrick Henry writes (in The Ironic Christian’s Companion) an African saying, “I am because you are.” 

Donald, your value is God breathed. I am that much more complete when I know you have heard, and are hearing the love. Many of us have joined you when we see you around town. Come join us so we may hear the love together.

Jesus, Keep Me in Line

In between straightening the wood pile, cleaning out the gutters, thinking about how to reconcile a broken relationship with a friend and bragging on my church for their service to the poor and outreach to the community, I thought about us and them.

Lord, forgive me for the years of me and them.

Me – the saved; those that know the truth; those that must reach the lost and those on “the fringes.” Them – those who are not saved; those who fit into a category of marginalized; those who have lost hope and worth.

Lord, forgive me for thinking there was ever a me or them.

I are the them.

We all waiting at the food bank.

We are all in line together, waiting for many different kinds of food. My food is from God. Jesus gives me life and I desire that all would taste this food, drink this life, but I cannot step out of standing in line with the marginalized, the downcast, the bitter, the immature, the hungry, the broken hearted, the unbelieving, the critical. When I do, it becomes me and them.

I must stand in line, together, waiting my turn for food. And in line, I find those who I must link arms with to help them keep their place. While in line, I must take off my coat and wrap it around the shivering soul who is frightened and cold. Standing in line gives me the opportunity to listen, while others are merely waiting to speak. Standing in line gives witness to understanding, or at least, attempting to understand with a desire to care.

Sometimes the line seems staggeringly long. I endure the nagging threats, whining and cold shoulders who grow tired of me or want nothing to do with me. 

But I must stay in line.

WE.

But Lord, when did we feed you, or clothe you or visit you in prison? When you did it to the least of these you have done it to ME.

I confess I sometimes step out of line to try to love from the fringes.

Who is the marginalized now?

Jesus, keep me in line!

Singing?

I was preparing a meeting about worship and I thought it was significant that we are able, as human beings, to sing. As an evolutionary trait, it doesn’t seem a necessity. I don’t see in history that being able to sing has helped preserver humanity. So why? Why use our voices in such a way?

My experiences with singing are about joy, pleasure and passion. I have experienced the joy of harmony and harmonizing. It is pleasing to the ear. I listen to The KIng’s Singers, with their incredible harmonies and it is intoxicating, causing a giddiness. There is beauty in their vocal excellence. 

Singing is passionate, touching, what most would call our soul, also referred to as our heart, the depth of our being, who we are. Children and adults sing. Those who can’t sing, sing. It is something in our core that wants to be released beyond the normal proclamation of mere talking.

Maybe we do have to be able to sing? Maybe this form of expression is a proclamation that has a depth beyond our full comprehension.

As someone who is learning about what it means to worship the God of Scripture, singing has been a large part of it. Gatherings, where singing, to praise, adore, confess, surrender, commune, express joy or sadness, have become integral to my Christian experience. These gatherings are unique from me, alone, singing in the car or the shower.

I experience a connecting with those I am singing with.

The Christian Bible makes many references to singing as worship to God our Creator and Lord. “Sing psalms, hymns and spritual songs.” Eph. 5:19,  Colossians 3:16.

Psalms of praise and worship, declaring Yahweh as the only God worthy to be lifted up and worthy of the honor and glory we can give HIM.

Our singing voices may not be sufficient to save our physical selves, but they play a part in the nurture of our souls. And for those who can’t or don’t sing, listening may play that role as their soul is touched, beyond their ability or desire to participate.  SInging is a new voice that proclaims the greatness of God. It is passionate and beautiful, creating a unique unity when voices are raised, together, to celebrate God who has given us life.

Tens of Millions of Dollars

I have had a blog freeze lately, even with the recent dramatic happenings. But I wonder – what if those 10′s of millions of dollars that was spent by churches and parachurch organizations to promote Prop. 8 would have been used to feed and clothe the poor, give mercy and justice, buy medical supplies or offer clean water to third world areas? 

What if?

Was it so important to get a yes? I voted yes. I also think that eventually the courts will overturn it. But I am not sure it was worth it. 

Does it help give Christians a voice of reconciliation in the homosexual community? Does it help give me a platform to say, “I disagree, but I don’t hate. I want to serve you, even though I don’t agree with you?” No way. 

It’s an incredible amount of money. Money wasted.