Church - The Way it Should Be

It has been a long time since I've been able to post. In part, because I've been finishing the transformation of a warehouse in Lexington, Kentucky into a hip, innovative worship space for Hope Springs Church (www.hopespringschurch.com).

This is a great church; church the way it should be. This church understands God's design for His people is to help those around us who are in need. They have a laundry ministry for homeless people, a place for them to get clean clothes, conversation, and biblical instruction. They have a bible study at a local McDonald's where homeless people are able to get two dollar menu items along with community and Biblical teaching. They have a Friday night Celebrate Recovery service where 100+ people meet to continue their journey to recovery through worship, small groups, and fellowship over a meal. They send vans out each Sunday morning to pick up homeless people, people living in local shelters, and people living in half-way houses and rehab facilities to bring them to church. They also have a Sunday morning coffee ministry at Rupp Arena (home of the Kentucky Basketball Wildcats) to the homeless. The pastor is often heard saying, "God send us the people other churches don't want."

And as if this wasn't enough, this church that "gets it" also has a Hispanic congregation (Fuente de Avivamiento) that meets on Sunday and Wednesday nights for worship and teaching, and several days throughout the week for prayer. This isn't a separate congregation that "uses" the Hope Springs buildings, this is a congregation of a different language, yes, but the leaders at Hope Springs (David Calhoun for the Anglo congregation and Iosmar Alvarez for the Hispanic congregation) make every effort to ensure this is one church.

And it showed as we started in late May to transform a second warehouse off Versailles Road and Angliana in Lexington, Kentucky into a great new worship space. To see details of the transformation, where they were to where they are now, check out the post by my partner in this journey, Matt E. Cooper of Bargeheights. His post (http://bargeheights.com/?p=577) shows what the space was and what the new space looked like opening Sunday. Over the two plus months, members from both congregations worked side-by-side, often 10 to 12 hours a day, to make this dream a reality. As we sat together around midnight on the Saturday before the opening, I told the team that in the morning, this won't simply be a building, it will be your church. All your hard work will pay off as you stand up for the first time in this space to worship the King for whom we have all given so many hours this summer.

Sure, there is a lot left; we have the old space to transform into a new kids / youth space along with a college-age coffee house in one section. We have an additional 1,000 square feet that will become the new office wing. But I know one thing: this team of volunteers that loves Jesus enough to "get their hands dirty" with laundry ministries, homeless bible studies at McDonald's, coffee ministries at the place so many associate with basketball greatness but have no idea of the great needs that are right under their noses as they walk into the game, and understand that we serve one God regardless of skin color, language, or past sins will be able to accomplish this task. They have already won, they took an old warehouse and they turned it into a wonderful new worship center in just a few short months.

On the Books

It's been over a month since I last published anything here ... in part because I'm working two projects in Lexington, Kentucky ... one at Southern Acres Christian Church (www.southernacres.org) and one at Hope Springs Community Church (www.hopespringschurch.com) ... and in part because I really haven't had much to say in the past month. Maybe the two things go together. Maybe my being tired from working so much causes my creativity to diminish.

As I thought about it more, I came to believe the reality is that spending so much time on the jobsite, even church jobsites, causes me to lose my connection to God. Sure I continue to pray, I continue to "think on these things" as Paul encourages us to do in Philippians 4:8, but I truly don't believe I allow God to truly penetrate my life like I do when I'm not so overly busy.

But something hit me the other morning at breakfast. I noticed the back of my cereal box had the phrase "On the Books" in bold letters. Around the phrase were nine pictures with a short description ... all laws from various states in America that were or are currently "on the books."

Let me list them for you:

1. Blue Earth, MN: Law declared that no child under the age of twelve may talk on the phone unless accompanied by a parent.

2. Alaska: It is forbidden to push a moose out of a plane in motion.

3. California: It is illegal to set a mousetrap without a hunting license.

4. Utah: It is against the law to fish from horseback.

5. Nevada: It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway.

6. Washington: Goldfish can ride the city buses in bowls only if they keep still.

7. Vermont: Whistling underwater is illegal.

8. Baltimore, MD: It is illegal to take a lion to the movies.

9. Kentucky: Transport of an ice cream cone in your pocket is prohibited.*

Now some of these laws were just ridiculous. Did they really have a problem with people taking lions to the movies in Maryland? Are swimming goldfish really a distraction on a bus in Washington? Do people often drive camels on the highway in Nevada?

However, some did make a little sense. For instance, if too many children were dialing 911, making it difficult for actual emergency calls to come in to the switchboard, making a phone usage law for children in Minnesota would be prudent. A cash-strapped state like California could easily raise additional funds by collecting hunting license fees for each mousetrap sale, helping reduce the state's deficit. Or was I over thinking this?

In the end, no matter how much I considered what would compel a local or state jurisdiction to complete the process to turn any of these ideas into law, I could find no good solution for any of them. These laws had no business being discussed in a public forum, and certainly should have never passed a vote by elected officials or a local community.

Yet that is how it often becomes between us and God. He is always there for us, always wanting to be in community with us, yet we try to make crazy rules we need to come before His throne. Why do I feel so far from God, even when I'm working on improving two of His churches? It's not because God has moved away from me. He is still there, waiting for me to get over myself and simply lean into Him. Instead, I create some insane barrier of some type ... some nonsense law if you will, that widens the gulf originally created by sin.

My desire to do it on my own ... that age old struggle all humans battle ... gets in the way. As I recognize it, I am able to simply turn around and find my God waiting right where He was when I left. And the more I do this, turn to face God and forget myself, hopefully fewer "on the books" types of distractions will be allowed to penetrate my life, keeping me focused where I need to be; on God.

*Taken from the back of a Kroger Apple Cinnamon Toasted Oats Cereal box

Feel Close to God?

I've been wondering something lately, how do I continue to move closer to God. Kelly and I have been in a conversation with someone in our life who has moved away from God during the years we've known this person, so much so they are now a self-proclaimed atheist. In a recent email exchange, Kelly mentioned that while this person has moved away from God, she has been drawing closer to God. It got me thinking, what does moving closer to God look like?

It wasn't until I spent some time on YouTube this morning (imagine that, finding God on YouTube), that I found an answer.

"When I read the lives of the great saints, they didn't necessarily feel close to God. When I read the Psalms, I get the feeling that David and the other Psalmists felt quite far away from God for most of the time. Closeness to God is not about feelings. Closeness to God is about obedience. ... I don't know how you feel close to God. And no one I know that seems to be close to God knows anything about those feelings either. I know if we obey, occasionally the feeling follows. Not always, but occasionally. I know if we disobey, we don't have a shot at it. Jesus said, 'Whatever you do to the least of these, my brothers, you've done it to me.' and this is what I've come to think; that if I want to identify fully with Jesus Christ, who I claim to be my Savior and Lord, the best way that I can do that is to identify with the poor. ... Christianity is not about building an absolutely secure little niche in the world where you can live with your perfect little wife and your perfect little children in a beautiful little house where you have no gays or minority groups anywhere near you. Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved, and Jesus loved the poor and Jesus loved the broken."

(Rich Mullins live in concert in Lufkin, Texas)

Are you struggling with the same question? Do you desire to be closer to God in your life? Then take a look around you. Are you living like Jesus did? Are you surrounded by the poor, hurting, broken-hearted misfits of this world?

I am currently working with a church here in Lexington that finds itself in the midst of the crowd I imagine Jesus would attract were he to walk the earth in the 21st century. This church is based on recovery programs, attracting recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, ex-convicts, gang members, homeless people, and everyone else the modern church has neglected. In a recent project meeting, the pastor actually said, in his opening prayer, "Lord send us the people the other churches don't want."

Do you want to find closeness to God? It will cost you everything you have: family, friends, home, and savings (Matthew 10:37-39, Mark 10:29, Luke 9:58); so be sure you truly want to draw closer to God before you take the first step. But if you do, God will meet you there.

Have I drawn closer to God in recent years? Only enough to know that taking any additional steps will cost me everything, and I simply don't have enough faith to continue. Maybe God will show me where that faith comes from in the next chapter of my life. Right now, I more resonate with another bit of wisdom from Rich Mullins; here are the words from his song "Hard to Get:"

"You who live in heaven, hear the prayers of those of us who live on earth. Who are afraid of being left by those we love, and who get hardened by the hurt.

Do you remember when You lived down here where we all scrape to find the faith to ask for daily bread? Did You forget about us after You had flown away? Well I memorized every word You said still I'm so scared, I'm holding my breath while You're up there just playing hard to get.

You who live in radiance, hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin. We have a love that's not as patient as Yours was still we do love now and then.

Did You ever know loneliness? Did You ever know need?Do You remember just how long a night can get?

When You were barely holding on and Your friends fall asleep and don't see the blood that's running in Your sweat.

Will those who mourn be left uncomforted while You're up there just playing hard to get?

And I know you bore our sorrows, and I know you feel our pain, and I know it would not hurt any less even if it could be explained.

And I know that I am only lashing out at the One who loves me most, and after I figured this, somehow all I really need to know

Is if You who live in eternity hear the prayers of those of us who live in time? We can't see what's ahead and we can not get free of what we've left behind. I'm reeling from these voices that keep screaming in my ears all the words of shame and doubt, blame and regret.

I can't see how You're leading me unless You've led me here where I'm lost enough to let myself be led. And so You've been here all along I guess, it's just Your ways and You are just plain hard to get."

All Because of Jesus I'm Alive

Have you heard Steve Fee's song, "All Because of Jesus I'm Alive?" It plays on Christian radio each day; it's a very popular song. Our church sang it as our worship opener on Easter, so the song has really been ringing around in my mind since.

So when I heard a short spot from Steve Fee on a national Christian radio station a few days ago, I knew I needed to blog about his comments. If you haven't heard the song, or just simply want to hear it again, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmdylCFUBs8.

Steve Fee is the Worship Leader at North Point Community Church. If you are not familiar with North Point, this is Andy Stanley's church outside Atlanta, GA. As Mega Church, North Point is often imitated by other smaller, local churches. As such, North Point is often blazing a trail for the modern church while ensuring the integrity of the Gospel of Jesus.

As Worship Leader, I'm sure Steve is very in tune with the responsibility of ministering to his own church family while also carrying the additional load from the eyes of other worship leaders around the country, and possibly the globe, watching his every move, seeking something they can bring to their own churches. So when I hear a Steve Fee song, I often tune in, listening beyond the simple background noise of the radio, trying to hear the word Steve intended all churches across the globe to receive.

All Because of Jesus has taken on new meaning, however, after hearing Steve's comments on the radio the other day. He said: "Jesus did not die to make bad people good people; he died to make dead people living people."

This comment resonated with me, because as much as I try to be good, I can not. Certainly I am to do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13), but so often I fail to keep an eye on my savior. I turn to do things on my own. In the words of Paul, "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:19).

So it was a comfort to me to hear that the object of Jesus' death was not to make me good; it was to give me life. I'm not espousing "worm theology" here. I believe I have value and do not beat myself up daily over my continuous sinful nature. However, I also recognize that without Jesus, I would have no good in me. The only good that is seen by others from me is because of the transformation that Jesus has made, and continues to make, in me.

(If you are not familiar with "worm theology," then let me help. Basically, there was a belief a few hundred years ago that we were worthless, and had to come to God as "worms in the despair and dirt of our sin." The origins are sketchy, but can be traced to an old Isaac Watts song, "Alas and Did My Savior Bleed" as well as some teachings by John Calvin and John Wesley. Basically I believe "worm theology" to be self-deprecating, and do not believe the God of the universe sees me as a worm, even in the midst of my sin. I believe that because Jesus humbled himself to become man, died on the cross, and was raised from the dead, that I have value in the sight of God. Certainly God hates my sin, but in His infinite wisdom, He can separate the sin from the sinner, something mankind finds extremely difficult, if not impossible.)

Knowing I am not being held to the standard of "good," understanding that God's love is sufficient, that the blood of Jesus has once and for all paid the price of my sin, past and future (Romans 5:17), was transformational to me. After all, if only God is good (Psalm 53:3 and Romans 3:10), how can I be expected to live into a standard of good, even with God's help? Hearing God did not come to make me good, but to give me life, put it all in perspective.

Certainly, as I begin to walk in God, I will begin to develop the fruit of His spirit (Galations 5:16-18 and I John 5:18), but where I begin, the starting point of my journey was not "good" it was simply "life." To me, this was freeing.

Thank you Steve Fee for sharing truth, not just to your own home church in Georgia, but to the entire world. It's all because of Jesus I'm alive!

Has the Modern Church Lost Its Relevance?

I rarely read for entertainment any more. Most of the books I choose are some kind of non-fiction: leadership, Christian living, societal issues, etc. This is true of the book I am currently reading. In 1998, Barbara Enrenreich, an author, did some journalistic research on living at or below the poverty level in America and published her experiences in several US cities as an "unskilled laborer" in the book "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. I'm only part way through this book, but something Ms. Enrenreich wrote at the beginning of her second experience stopped me short.

Ms. Enrenreich has just arrived in Portland, ME. Knowing nobody, she notices there is going to be a revival tent meeting, and decided to attend. As a self proclaimed atheist, I'm not entirely sure why she chose this event as her first means of entering the community, but her description of the evening caught my attention.

"The preaching goes on, interrupted with dutiful 'amens.' It would be nice if someone would read this sad-eyed crowd the Sermon on the Mount.... But Jesus makes his appearance here only as a corpse; the living man, the wine-guzzling vagrant and precocious socialist, is never once mentioned, nor anything he ever had to say. Christ crucified rules, and it may be that the true business of modern Christianity is to crucify him again and again so that he can never get a word out of his mouth."*

As a Christ-follower, it often pains me to hear how atheists, agnostics, and other people outside of the church describe Christianity, but I have to admit, Ms. Enrenreich was pretty accurate in her assessment of modern Christianity. Churches today have become more about religion and self-perpetuation and moved away from the actual message of love Jesus brought to earth.

Sure, I can't agree with every word Ms. Enrenreich wrote; I don't consider my Savior to be a wine-guzzler. Vagrant? Yes. Socialist? Certainly.

Jesus came to dispel organized religion. He constantly fought against the Pharisees and teachers of Jewish law, telling them they were too caught up in their religious traditions to see God. If Jesus walked into the modern church, I'm certain His message would be identical to that given to the first century Jews. We have lost the message of Christ.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," still finds it way into many sermons and churches. Even great motivational speakers like Zig Ziglar tout: "The best way to get what you want is to help someone get what they want," a modernization of the golden rule.

But this is simply because it can be self-serving. You won't hear, "If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." (Luke 6:33 - NASB) taught from many churches. Why would you when we live in a "What's in it for me?" society?

But that is what Jesus taught. "Love your enemy. Care for the widows and orphans. Do not repay evil with evil. Do not consider yourself better than anyone else. Sell all you have and give to the poor. Pick up your cross and follow me."

In the 21st century, where the wealth and prosperity gospel reigns, is Jesus muted by His church as Ms. Enrenreich suggests? In many congregations, yes. I hope those become fewer as His followers dig deeper on their own, searching for the Jesus that accepted women of ill repute to wash His feet in tears, ate with sinners, touched the unclean lepers, and showed the world women and children are as valued as men in every society.

May that Jesus reign in your life.


* Enrenreich, Barbara: Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. Metropolitan Books, 2001, pages 68 - 69.

When God Ran

Sunday I was producing at our Georgetown campus, thinking about what to share during the creative team's communion time, and the lyrics of a song came to mind. The song, "When God Ran" was originally recorded by Benny Hester, but I was introduced to it by Phillips, Craig, and Dean.

Based on the story of the Prodigal Son, this song talks about God in a way many people often miss. Since we our church is currently studying Jesus through the eyes of Doctor Luke (author of the Gospel of Luke), and since the story of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke 15, I felt this song and a reflection on the Prodigal Son would be a great lesson for communion. I was amazed, however, at how much it hit me.

To better gain context, please click over to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1O4eS9jxfM and watch Phillips, Craig, and Dean set up, and then sing the song, "When God Ran." Then come back here and check out my thoughts.

Having watched the video (I sincerely hope you did prior to reading on), maybe the rest of this will also have a profound impact on you today.

As part of our study of the book of Luke, we are hearing from different people through video clips, people who study the scriptures: historians, theologians, priests, etc. On commented in his video spot at our small group last night that we often miss the important things of scripture because we read scripture with our 21st century bias. In order to really understand scripture, you have to look through the eyes of the people to whom Jesus was speaking. Doing that, there is a new appeal to the story of the Prodigal.

Asking for his share of the inheritance wasn't a simple request of an heir asking for an advance on his trust fund. We see that every day in America (think Paris Hilton, et. al.), so we can often miss the importance of the request that was readily understood in first century Judea. This young man insulted his father by asking for his inheritance. He was in essence saying, "Dad, I want you dead so I can get what is coming to me. My life would be much better enjoying the riches of your labors than it is simply living in your house."

As a father, the pain of our father in the story, becomes real when I understand this version of the request of the son.

Another point that is easy to miss is in the midst of the story, the point when the Prodigal returns home. Reading "And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20 - NLT) in the 21st century doesn't really carry much meaning. We can easily gloss beyond the three letter word "ran," jumping straight to the embrace and kiss.

"Yes! The love of a father. Unconditional acceptance of his Prodigal," we say. But skipping that three letter word misses another truth not lost on the first century Jews. Men did not run in public in Jesus' day. To do so would bring dishonor to that man. Running towards a son who had wished him dead, squandered his money, and now is returning would be much worse. Jesus' listeners understood this. Unfortunately, many twenty-first century readers don't.

So, seeing this father run would have caused shock and horror in the minds of the listeners. Those who understood the deeper meaning (this story is an illustration of how God treats us, His children), would have been unconscionable for Jesus' original listeners.

Yesterday was a good day of resting in God's gracious arms. Knowing the "Immovable Rock" ran towards me, wrapped His arms around me, kissed me, and welcomed me home after I'd told Him I much rather He was dead was a good place to be.

I hope knowing a bit of the "story behind the story" also helps bring new life to the Prodigal for you. Rest knowing the God of the Universe ran to you when you after you had rejected Him and wished Him dead to you. Know His love for you eclipses anything you may believe, feel, or dread. He is your resting place. Find solace in that today.

Are You Where God Wants You to Be?

I've been struggling with something for the past several weeks: "Am I where God wants me to be?" Most specifically, are my current career choice and my vocational goals in line with God's plan for my life.

Many may think I'm being too religious here ... does God really care how I pay my bills as long as I am in a legal, moral, and ethical position? I believe He does. I have a friend at church who I've had the "macro vs. micro" God conversation; does God delve into each and every part of our lives (micro God) or simply step in during the big moments (macro God). I believe that as a friend, God desires to be micro God, but as free-willed individuals we often relegate Him to macro God.

So you may believe I am placing too much at the feet of my God when I wonder if my current career choices are where He desires me to be, but I believe my thought processes are "spot dead on."

I've known for years my calling is to help the local church. I've simply struggled against the call because of personal financial goals. I want to be debt free (something Kelly and I continue to strive to achieve), I want to have a "safe" retirement portfolio (something nobody can seem to define in today's economic reality), I want to have a house, a boat, another motorcycle (Kelly is tired of riding on mine and wants her own -- or so I tell myself). I want the two week family vacation at the beach condo (rented, I don't need to own it), I want to be able to go out to a great restaurant simply because the urge comes along.

Yet experience tells me that people working in full-time church vocation don't tend to have those things; not those who can stand up to a 20/20 or 60 Minutes telecast, that is. So I've struggled through everyday life, chasing the almighty dollar at work, knowing I was not following the passion God had placed in my heart.

Until a year ago, when Kelly and I sold the Allstate agency and I began to contract for tech installations in churches. It went well the first several months, while I wasn't constantly working, I earned enough to keep the household afloat (when combined with Kelly's income). But lately, things have not gone so well. The company that was able to keep me working several projects in 2008 has not had sufficient work to keep me going so far in 2009. Money has dwindled and bills are going to pile up if I don't find income soon.

So I've been struggling with "where does faith in 'God will provide' intersect with 'I need to pay my mortgage'?"

While I still struggle to find the answer, I want to share the following I received from some friends today ...

A few questions to ponder as you are discerning:

1) Do you have a peace about where you are heading?

2) Does it line up with God's word? God definitely won't be leading you to something that does not align with His word!

3) Does it align with how God has uniquely shaped and wired you (your passions, talents, gifts, life roles, etc.)?

4) STOP doubting and trust that "still small voice."

5) Are you "abiding?" (John 15:5)

6) Is there fruit? If you make it your business to abide, there will be fruit (although not all fruit is visible).

7) Are there any confirmations?

8) Would your steps "bring glory to God?"

9) Could you be in a "waiting place" where character is being developed, or where you should focus on some learning before your next step?

10) Are your steps "surrendered?" i.e. If they don't go how you plan, what will your reaction be?

I hope my struggle to understand where God is leading in my life, and the questions my friends Kelly T. and Rosalie G. have offered will help you with some quandary you face in your life today. Remember, Lisa Hammond says "the most important thing you will ever do is become who you were meant to be."