ME

What stops evangelism? What keeps the local church from growing? Why doesn’t the Good News seem like good news to so many?

I have discovered the barrier and it is “me.”

As long as it’s about me, it’s not about Christ.

As long as I enter a church expecting to be served I have missed the entire point of the Gospel.

As long as I see the role of the church as serving me, I will serve others only as a hobby and when convenient.

As long a there is great big fat “but” after “It’s not about me,” Christianity will remain on its broad bottom.

My daughter texted me from the chapel service she was attending at the university. No offense, but chapel services at Christian universities have a reputation. They are mandatory for one thing, who wants that? They are early in the day for another, who wants that? And to be truthful they are often... boring, and who wants that. I feel free to say that because Chapel services include preachers and I are one. I would hate to be tasked with planning chapel services for young adults who are mandated to attend multiple times a week for most of the year. God bless those who are. I am much more capable of boring volunteer people once a week for a few weeks a year.

But since this isn't the first positive text I've recieved concerning chapel, someone at ONU is changing the perception.  Here's what i read;

His name was Dr. Todd Ahrend. I joined the live stream just in time to hear him say the following to a few thousand students:

“The goal of the Christian life is not to look the part, act the part, and dress the part. The goal of the Christian life is not to Christianize your life; it’s to crucify your life. God blesses his peoples so that the Gospel goes to all peoples.”

With that Dr. Ahrend wrestled the proverbial “me” out of the room. Wow.

What a powerful message to a generation USA Today insightfully described as “growing up in the glow and glare of their parent’s omnipresent cameras.” In his book, “The Church in the Age of Crisis,” James Emery White follows up on the quote from USA Today by saying,

“They have never been anything but the center of the universe. And reality doesn’t have to bite- at least not yet. They can pursue their own individualism by becoming celebrities in their own worlds by posting videos on YouTube.” (P.72)

“Crucify.” Tough talk to the centers of the universe, but they received it well and one father is grateful his daughter was there.

Today as a leader I confess the presence of me.

Me greeted me this morning and reminded me I was older. Me was waiting in my laptop to point out emails that threatened the fragile construction of the ever present “me.” “Me” took notes during conversations so as to insure that “me” might be fed. I think you get the idea.

White quotes author Douglass Coupland.

“Here is my secret: I tell it to you with an openness of heart that I doubt I shall ever achieve again, so I pray that you are in a quiet room as you hear these words. My secret is that I need God- that I am sick and can no longer make it alone. I need God to help me give, because I no longer seem to be capable of giving; to help me be kind, as I no longer seem capable of kindness; to help me love, as I seem beyond being able to love.” (P.66)

Indeed.

“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

I get it.

Peace.

Synchronize in 5

 

The 5-Minute Synchronization Principle.

At the recent Catalyst conference, Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit,” related a news story regarding Starbucks. It seems that a teenage employee, at the end of a long shift, took great liberty to write what he thought of a customer on her cup instead of her name. Her name is Vickie. I’ll let you Google or use your imagination to discover what the employee thought her name should be. Duhigg showed video of the news report and then said, “How would you feel if you were the director of marketing for Starbucks and had just spent $200 million on attracting business when you saw this report?”

Pretty tough.

I was thinking about the church, or for that matter, Christians in general, or… Brian specifically. How often do I/we get caught up in the frustration of a moment or weariness of a long day and respond in a way totally contrary to the call of our Master? It happens. I’d hate to think we would write a name on a cup, but we can write it on a wounded soul with a simple look or word, and in our case, it isn’t money that’s on the line, it’s eternity. Far too often we lose sight of mission and vision in the course of a meeting or a day.

In Kevin Cashman’s book “The Pause Principle,” he highlights the “pragmatic pause.” The “pragmatic pause” is simply taking 3-5 minutes at the start of every day and every team meeting to synchronize mission and core values. It reminded me of every military movie I watched as a kid where heroes would synchronize watches. Of course today we know the importance of synchronizing technology, but I wonder how often we synchronize our minds around mission?

Taking this a step further I decided to write a synchronization statement that we will be using at C1 in the days to come. I’ll be reviewing it personally every morning and every team meeting I lead will start with it as well.

 We are Chicago First Church of the Nazarene.

We are followers of Jesus Christ.

We exist in order to make disciples of Jesus Christ who love God and serve others.

Our core values are Faith, Family, Friendship, and Farther along.

We are intentional and incarnational in our approach to ministry.

We will be principle driven and Spirit led.

(Luke 19:10) & (Matthew 20:28)

We are part of that great mission.

Are you in?

 Your statements may be different. This is where we’re starting. It contains the essential elements that are guiding us. Write your own and improve on it.

Whatever you're leading take a moment to synchronize your team.

Hope it helps.

Peace,

pb

What A Church Leader Needs On Monday

Day of the week photographed with vintage letterpress characters.

Sometimes it’s a cup of coffee and a newspaper.

Sometimes it’s a shredder to grind up the latest resignation letter.

Sometimes it’s a day off.

Sometimes it’s a kick in the pants.

Sometimes it’s just one verse of Scripture.

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Yeah, I’m good.

Let’s rumble.

Peace.

A Photo of Evangelism

 

Arthur Brisband, a newspaper editor said or wrote the words first in 1911; “Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.”

If that’s true then the picture I just received attached to an email is priceless.

These three young twenty-something women just moved into the Austin neighborhood of Chicago to live and serve alongside their neighbors and work with Pastor Nate and Melissa at C1's sister church, Church On The Block. Man, do I love COTB!

These three are intelligent, articulate, and educated young adults. There are few cities in America where this crew couldn’t secure a career and a 401k. I am humbled at their commitment and marvel at their passion. It isn’t comfortable, it isn’t easy, it isn’t hip, it isn’t the safest place, and it isn’t the place where they’ll earn the most money.

A move like this doesn’t happen because these leaders think they have the answers to the problems at the new address. No Messiah complex here. It happens because they see beauty and potential in a neighborhood others have given up on.

Jesus is a lot like that. He saw beauty where ugly was the order of the day.  But where sin abounded, His grace abounded more and He moved. He took up residence. He shifted from comfortable to cross.

He not only sacrificed His life, but He has called on countless others to sacrifice theirs just to get the Gospel to you and I.

In an age where most North American congregations seem focused inward, singing the perpetual hymn; "What about me?", this photo is a refreshing picture of evangelism.  

Evangelism has always required movement. What’s your next move? Maybe it’s not a shift in location God is calling you to, but a shift in mindset. The move you need to make might not require a change of address, but if it requires a change of heart, are you up for it?

What about a change of schedule? How about sliding down the pew so the guest doesn’t have to climb over you? Maybe parking farther away from the front door? Volunteering, perhaps? How about investing? (oops, started meddling.)

When the church stops moving, she stops fulfilling her mission.

Please, spare me the, “We shouldn’t sacrifice the Gospel just to reach lost people!” argument. (I mention this because someone always says it whenever a call for evangelism is made.)

Of course we shouldn’t.

Who said we were?

The truth is that a refusal to reach out effectively in evangelism and fulfill our mandate to "make disciples" is, in effect, sacrificing the Gospel on the altar of our own sacred cows.  

The question I have to ask myself is; “How much more important than lost people finding Christ is my comfort zone?”

Ouch! That hurt me and I wrote it.

Sometimes I think the itchiest ears on the planet are the churchiest.

God help me to be faithful to the call of Christ and the sacrifices of the called who have gone before and are all around me.

Leaders like Hope, Lauren, and Laurita, make me confident about the future of the church.

May I be faithful to their example.

Peace,

pb

Run, Baby, Run!

 

I looked it up.

Only ½ of 1% of people in the world will ever complete a marathon.

Only 1.7% of Americans will complete a half marathon this year.

Only 2.7% of people in the USA will run a 5k this year.

If you’re in any of the categories above, or anyplace in between, "Congratulations!"

You’re doing something a vast majority of people never do.

Of course, most don’t desire to, they’re sane.

You however, you want something more.

Something more than sanity… adventure perhaps.

You’re pushing your mind, your body, and your emotions.

That’s a good thing.

You are blessed to be healthy enough to pursue your dream.

Go!

Wait… before you go, I have another thought.

What if we loved in a way only ½ if 1% of people do?

What would that be like?

What if we gave in a way only ½ of 1% of people give?

What would that feel like?

How would you train to love or give like that?

Would you have a training partner?

Who would you consult?

Whose books would you read?

I wonder where the proverbial “wall” would be in a race to love like that?

If you loved like that, who would be blessed besides you?

“Talk is cheap,” my high school Business Law Teacher, Tom Laquet, said, “it takes money to buy liquor.”

Of course he wasn’t talking about liquor.

He was talking about life.

He was talking about lacing up life’s shoes

And running down life’s road.

Today as I run

I’m going to think about Jesus.

I’ve been reading his book.

His training is pretty crazy.

“Come follow!” he says, and takes off down the road.

His journey is extraordinary, but he invites ordinary people to run it.

He helps a lot and will never run off and leave you.

His race, however, is not for the faint of heart.

There are hills and valleys and a cross involved.

But if you’re truly looking for something more than sanity and the illusion of security

He’s the guy to train with.

Don’t worry about time, he carries the clock.

A comment and a crown await those who finish the race.

A party is being planned at the finish line.

Man, what a party.

At some point today, before or after, or during your run

You’re going to have a chance to love like few ever do

It will hurt a little or a lot

It will be uphill most likely

Go ahead, love like that.

I'll see you at the finish line.

Run, baby, run!

34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

Day 4- "Trash Talking"

 Day #4- Trash Talking

Scripture Reading

The king of Israel answered, “Tell him: ‘One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.’"  

(1 Kings 20:11)

It was early in the run

I felt awesome

So, I breezed past my daughter on the road

And said; “Now you know what it feels like.”

“What,” she said.

“Running behind”

My confidence lifted

“I think maybe I’ll run six and lap you,” I said.

“Be careful old man,” she said respectfully (at least as respectfully as it can be said)

Later in the run

It had gotten really hot

The old man had gotten older

Suddenly there she was

Running backwards in front of me…smiling

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Just enjoying the run,” she said

And then she turned and bolted up the hill laughing

I looked for a rock

She needed to be taught a leadership lesson

But realized I couldn’t hit her if I tried

And I might break a hip trying to stop and pick one up

And besides…

I started this

So I finished the run behind her

And thanked God for the joy of watching my daughter run

Indeed, some days are diamonds.

Just a thought.

If you lived long at all, hopefully you’ve learned a little about how wise it is to keep your mouth shut.

Dr. Crawford Howe said to me once, “Brian, I’ve never had to eat a single word I didn’t speak.”  Sometimes I think God sent Dr. Howe to earth just to say those kinds of things to me. Good advice. Sometimes, we simply bite off more than we can chew.

I really was thinking that day about running six. I felt that good, but just a couple miles down the road reality drug me home. Training to run a long distance is humbling. So is life.

Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, and 32 of his closest king buddies amassed their armies against Israel. The king of Israel tried to negotiate. Ben-Hadad never stopped talking, all the time wanting more and more.  The King of Israel finally had enough. He resisted and won the battle in the end. Remember, just because you’re enemy talks like the war is over doesn’t mean it is. Life is a long run. Don’t be discouraged by the trash talkers early. Don’t be talked out of your dreams by someone who’s not a dreamer. Don’t let someone who’s never reached a goal keep you from reaching yours. And whatever you do, don't let the enemy of your soul, who's already defeated, talk you into quitting. Just keep training. Keep moving forward.

Prayer

Father as I run today, help me to identify the trash talkers I’ve given into in my life; fear, doubt, self-pity, and discouragement, just to name a few. Help me to run past them and into the future you have for me.  And, just in case I'm tempted, remind me that I'll never have to eat a single word I don't speak, and God bless Crawford Howe.

Day #3- "I've got more important things to do."

 

Day #3

No Distractions.

There’s a time for causal running

A time when conversation can occur even while we run

A time when we stop to smell the roses or pet a dog

Or converse with a person

A time when we notice the new house

A time when we wonder what happened to the old

A time when we take in the surroundings of each step of the run

But there are other times

When our mind is fixed on the finish

When our legs, our arms, our eyes, our hearts are in training

A time when we barely notice the sights we run past

Or the noises that would normally distract us

The only thing we see is the road in front of us

Our thoughts are always brought back to the task at hand

Faces and situations and life drift into our mind

An idea, something we need to do or something we forgot

But discipline calls us out of the dream and back on the street

And we run

We run past great places to pause

Wonderful places to sit and think

Small coffee shops we will, on another day, enjoy

But not today

Today we run without interruption:mental or physical

Today we focus

Today we train

Scripture

“Elisha said to Gehazi, ‘Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run.  If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer.

Lay my staff on the boy’s face.’”

(2 Kings 4:29)

Just a thought…

My wife and I volunteer every Thursday to work alongside an amazing group of leaders and teachers at an afterschool program in the city.  The program seeks to reach into one of the most under-resourced neighborhoods of Chicago and help kids experience the love of God and the abundant life He offers in Christ.

One of my favorite people there is a young man named Pete. (Not his real name.) Pete is an elementary student who has already experienced more pain than almost anyone I know.  His mother died last year. His father is in prison. He lives, along with his brother, with extended family who open their homes. His address changes often.  For the most part, he is raising his younger brother.  He tries hard, but often the anguish and anger overcome him.  Since I’m the on-call chaplain when I’m there, Pete and I have gotten to know each other pretty well.

One night we were discussing the challenges he faces and how he can avoid being distracted by the taunts and threats of others that often lead to fights. The conclusion he reached was amazing and powerful.  Through tears and anger he said, “I’ve got to take care of my brother. I’ve just got more important things to do that get all messed up with this drama.” Pretty profound don’t you think; “I’ve got more important things to do.”  When I see him now, he makes muscles with his arms, smiles, and we say it together, “I’ve got more important things to do.”

Every Thursday night this past winter, as we boarded our van to head back to the suburbs, I watched Pete and his little brother disappear down the sidewalk. They walked home in the dark in a neighborhood most of us would be hesitant to even drive through.  I pray for him often that his smile remains and is focus stays intact.

Today as you run consider what distractions are tempting you to turn aside from what is important and focus on the drama, which isn’t.  At the end of the day, we’ve all got more important things to do.

The difference between good athletes and great athletes; between good athletic teams and great athletic teams is often found, not in the talent they have, but in their focus. Great teams approach practice with a purpose and a goal.  Good teams find it enough just to go through the motions and get it over with.  When the day is done they can say they practiced, they can say they ran. Great athletes soak every ounce of performance they can out of their training, and it is the well they drink from in the last ¼ mile of the race.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Help me to focus my physical and my spiritual energy today and train.  Speak to me about the issues in my life that stand in the way of my walk with you.  Illuminate those areas where I have not surrendered all and am holding back.  Help me to focus. Help me to learn.  Help me to train.  Help my focus to be on you. And, please help Brian’s friend Pete.

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep

and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.”[1]

- Robert Frost

[1] Robert Frost: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Day #2- "Today, my spirit will tell my body what to do."

 

Recently, my daughter and I began training for a 1/5 marathon.  Spending that much time on the road makes you think.  I developed 31 devotionals that I hope will be a blessing to those who join me on the trail  Each day for the next 31 I'll be posting one. Peace.

Scripture (1 Corinthians 9:27)

“I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

There was a time when my body dictated my actions.

My stomach was my God.

My passions were my prison guards.

I was its slave.

No more.

While I’ll listen to the messages it sends me about my health,

its desires will not preside over my decisions.

Though my muscles ache, I will run.

Though my mind seeks to avoid the battle on the road,

to the road it will go, and I will win.

In my humanity, the warm fuzzy desires of self pity call me.

I will run past them.

And I will win.

I will win over laziness.

I will win over sloth.

I will win over obesity.

I will win over average and ordinary.

And while growing older is one of the realities of life,

I rejoice in the fact that growing stronger and wiser are the possibilities of life.

By God’s grace, I will seize them.

I will win over the desire to quit.

For today, my spirit which is eternal,

my spirit which is captive to the Holy Spirit,

my spirit which has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus,

my spirit will call my body to the race.

And I will run.

Just a thought…

The Apostle Paul understood the struggle between body and spirit.  He recognized that if he was ever to find joy and success in life, he couldn’t be controlled by the flesh.  His desire was that the flesh be brought into obedience. The flesh desires only what the flesh knows; pleasure and ease.  The spirit however, sees beyond the pain of today to the goals of tomorrow.  It sees payday after the pain.  The only way for us to truly be free is to claim the freedom that comes when God’s Holy Spirit joins our human spirit and through its power to cleanse, sets us free from the flesh.  Free to know and experience God’s purity and power.  Free to run past the potholes and puddles of sin.

As you run today consider what areas of your life that might be more controlled by the “flesh” than by the “Spirit.”  As you, through training, have eliminated some foods and activities that were not healthy, ask  God to show you areas in your spirit where His touch and discipline are needed.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Help me to win the battle over the flesh today; both physically and spiritually.  Help me to discipline my body and my heart.  Help me to push my body into a stronger form as you transform my spirit more into your likeness.  Amen.

“He is strong who conquers others; he who conquers himself is mighty.”

- La0-Tzu[1]

[1] Phillips Book of Great Thoughts and Funny Sayings: (Wheaton, Illinois; Tyndale House Publishers, 1993), 282.

"I Want to Run"

Recently, my daughter and I began training for a 1/5 marathon.  Spending that much time on the road makes you think.  I developed 31 devotionals that I hope will be a blessing to those who join me on the trail  Each day for the next 31 I'll be posting one. Peace.

Day #1- “I want to run.”

 Scripture

“Come what may, I want to run.” So Joab said, “Run!”

(2 Samuel 18:22)

 It’s not that I think I’m better, but I can’t walk with the pack.

I want to run.

It’s not that I gain some kind of thrill from running ahead.

I can’t run that far ahead.

But I have to run.

I can’t run as fast nor as far as I used too,

but still, I want to run.

I love the feel of sweat on my brow and the sun beating down on my face.

I want to run.

I love the stretch of my muscles and the light pounding of my feet.

I love to run.

I love turning the corner and seeing home, I want to run.

Not for medals, not for glory, just for the sake of running, I want to run.

I love feeling my lungs expand as I breathe deeper than I ever thought I could

I love feeling my body temperature rise as I hit the pace

And lower as I rest in the shade

I love to run.

All these things and so much more tell me I’m alive and living is good!

And when time takes away the muscle that carries me, my spirit will run when my feet can’t and I’ll remember all the sunny days, and rainy days, and snowy days when I ran.

I’ll remember the roads and trails and the smell of grass and gravel and tar I’ll remember the good days and bad days and distracted days when life had my mind in a whirl, and I ran to find a clearing of peace.

I’ll remember, and I’ll close my eyes and run again, and be thankful.

Thank you, God, for the health, energy, and the desire to run!

Today, I’m a runner and so, come what may, I want to run!

  From (2 Samuel 18:22) Ahimaaz lived during the time of King David.  He was known for two things.  First, he was known for his great loyalty to the King.  Secondly, he was known for his love of running.  Undoubtedly, he began running as a small boy, taking messages and bringing news.  Undoubtedly, he ran when others walked.  He loved to run.  About the time he became an adult, war broke out. Ahimaaz took his place of service.  It was his legs that carried important messages from the King to his commanders, and his swift feet that brought news of the battle back to the palace.  Often he was in great danger, but he continued to run because that’s who he was, a runner.  It was in his blood and his heart, much like the loyalty that flowed through his character for the King. May the same be said of me someday. May I be remembered for my love of my King, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and by my commitment to running into His plan for my life, head on!  Seizing every moment!  Living every day!  Let others walk, I want to run! Since Ahimaaz was a messenger, today, as you run, consider this question; What message would God have me to deliver today? Prayer Heavenly Father,  Thank You for the strength and the desire to run.  May I so live this day that I will be remembered tomorrow as one whose life was characterized by strong loyalty to the King and a never ending passion for seizing the moment. Help me to be remembered as a true runner in the race of life.  Amen.   “Both sweat and tears are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; but sweat will get you change.”[1] -          Jesse Jackson   [1] Robert G. Torricellie; Quotations for Public Speakers, (New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 2001) p. 212

Mistake #1 "I thought it was a potluck."

 

A few years ago I made a list of the mistakes I'd made in ministry. This was number one.  I stopped writing at one hundred and ten, but I didn't stop making mistakes so I guess at some point I need to continue the list. Thought maybe this might encourage someone out there who's in the thick of it. 

Ministry is war.  I thought it was a potluck.  I was wrong.

Of course, ministry is a lot of other things as well, like relationships, and planning, and preparation, and experience. But at its core ministry is war. The battleground is where you live and work. The enemy is the “prince and power of the air.” Hanging in the balance are the eternal souls of men and women. They are not the enemy; never have been, never will be.

You are a soldier.  Soldiers bleed, grow weary, and get shot at. You must learn to take orders. Decide early from whom you will take your orders. You have been asked to present yourself as a living sacrifice. It will be exciting. It will be dangerous.  It will be the adventure of a lifetime.

Put on the full armor of God.  Let you're battle cry be "faith, hope, and love."  Pick up a towel and go to war. I'm convinced it's our greatest weapon.

There will be days when the sun will shine bright and life will be warm. Enjoy those days. There will be other days when you’ll swear the sun will never shine again. It will. Endure those days on your knees.

There will be times when people will follow you and moments when people will chase you. There will be moments when grateful people will speak so highly of you it will feel like a ticker tape parade. Beware those moments and yourself in them.

There will be other moments when people will speak ill of you and it will feel like the world is caving in. There will be times when you will marvel at how God is moving and other times when you’ll think God moved away. He hasn’t. Knock again.

Don’t be surprised when you get shot at; it happens to soldiers. Don’t panic when it feels like you’re losing; Jesus has already won. The battle you’re in may be in question, but the outcome of the war isn’t. You will not win every battle, but you can win the war. So, get over yourself, pick up a clean towel and keep fighting.

Don’t overestimate nor underestimate the enemy’s strength. Take your orders, obey them and march on.

Ministry is war; God is faithful.  (Joshua 1)