After grabbing a 20oz. coffee at 7-11 this morning I met with 3 of our 5 pastors at 6AM for our monthly book discussion meeting. The fact that I was still sleepy was aided when the lady at 7-11 said the coffee was on the house! There's a grace story!
We're finishing up Reggie McNeal's book on leadership "A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders". An excellent book, by the way.
Today's chapter was about leaders being cognizant of the fact that God wants to be seen and found 24/7 in our lives. Everywhere we go; in everything we do. Even in the painful things, God can be found. Not that everything has some sense of the divine - that's pantheism. But that the omnipresent God wants to use the commonplace events in our lives - trips to the store - the walk around the park - to give us opportunities to make Him known by living as His representatives.
Those of us in American evangelicalism have to move way beyond the shallow, comfortable fallacy that our "God time" is an hour on Sunday morning. But that's comfy and non-threatening to us.
When we who are leaders of the church catch on to the commonplace opportunities to reflect Christ, the church will follow. And when the church catches on it will be once again "turned upside down" ala the first century.
"When". I guess I should have said "if". Let's hope it's "when".
What's interesting is that later this morning one of those "commonplace" encounters with one of my neighbors. We talked about some spiritual things as he sat in his truck in my driveway.
Where's your "commonplace" going to be tomorrow?
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I found your blog through Nathan and wanted to tell you I really like what you write and the message you send out. Your message to me is honest and real, very down to earth, not at all preachy or "religious" - if that makes any sense. What denomination is your church? I'm clear across the country from you (Seattle area) but I like your message. Just wanted to let you know. And this message offers food for thought. I'll have to get back to you on where my "commonplace" is.
We're Southern Baptist, but don't really act like it (if you know what I mean.)
We're more focused on representing Christ and being biblical. Which really mean the same thing, don't they?
That's the great thing about the "commonplace". We really don't know where it will be tomorrow. I had no idea my neighbor was going to pull up in my driveway this morning. But there was the opportunity. So, I guess the point is, be ready for God to use you.
Great reminder! Thanks so much! I often forget in the common place areas of life to continue to shine. So many times in the grocery store I just am "doing my thing" and forget that I am representing our awesome Saviour. Thanks again!
Tricia :)
I, too, found your blog through Nathan. I've been stopping by to read your posts each day or so for a while now.
My question for you, and I admit to having a very bad experience with a 'pastor' whom I worked for as a children's minister, is how you show yourself as a Godly man in that "commonplace" you talk about. Honestly, right now, I see most preachers as politicians. However, I've been reading your blog for the past few months and I want to believe you're different from what you're saying.
I guess it's a bit much to address in a blog, but I was just wondering....How would I know you were different if I met you? How would I know that you are seeking to glorify God each day in a "commonplace" and not just on Sunday mornings. You see, I've sat in on sermons by a man who preached about marriage and it's sanctity knowing he had been at my house that week.
I should close by saying that I do still believe in God. I'm just not so sure what I believe in religion right now. However, I've been able to watch Tricia and Nathan for the last few months...it's reminded me that I truly still believe that God does miracles and is real.
Dear Jaymieg,
It might be easier for a third party to answer some of the questions you've just asked. I've known Rick for 10 years. I can tell you that his foundation is always "What does the Bible say about..." when someone poses a question. Whether the venue is a public sermon or a private conversation, I've never seen or heard him waver from that vantage point. The flip side of that is, you have to know what the Bible says so you can measure what your pastor is telling you. I'm sorry to hear that you've been disappointed by those who claim to represent Christ. Unfortunately, the Bible says, there are many who will do that. I hope you followed the Holy Spirit's nudging when you saw those inconsistencies and left that church, but found another where authentic biblical teaching was happening. It is definitely a balance, finding a church with leaders who are after God's own heart, and remembering that they are human and imperfect themselves. Don't confuse learning from them with transferring your worship to them. Rick will be the first to tell you that you'll get hurt every time if that happens. He is an encourager of reading the Bible and studying on your own, so that you can recognize the true Word when you hear it. If your pastor promotes anyone but Christ as your model for life, or gives advice that contradicts what the Bible says, find another.
jaymieg,
First, sorry about the experience you've had. And even sorrier that it's not all that unusual.
As Rox said, it would probably be better for people who know me to answer your question. (Otherwise I would come across as sounding self-serving.)
Jaymieg, I spent 8 years of my walk with the Lord sitting on the back pew of churches trying to find one that was in line with what I was reading in God's Word, 2 of those years were at NHC, only because of my own fear and suspicions have I kept God from using my life to show His grace and compassion. Rick in my opinion is teaching straight from God's Word and living a life that is representative of Gods calling on his life, also his family they to are the same. I am so grateful to God for bringing me to NHC the family I have found here is as real as it gets. P.S. I don't sit on the back pew any longer. : )
Having lived with Rick for over 20 years of my life, seeing just about every side of him and knowing more about him than almost anyone, I can tell you that he is definitely not perfect (and I'm glad he never claims to be). I have seen him at some of his worst times.
That's always the catch when you talk with anyone about sin and right and wrong, and even more so when you "preach" it to hundreds of people each week...there's no way anyone can live up to it, even the preacher. Without grace and mercy, we're all hypocrites.
But, fortunately, it's really not about doing right or wrong and obeying every commandment (and I mean the Ten plus all the others) all the time...it's about seeking after God, loving your family and others, keeping above reproach, knowing when you've screwed up, and accepting forgiveness when you do...the right and wrong stuff is a natural outflow of following God. And, I think that's what Rick's all about.
PS. Tricia and I don't consider ourselves to be "religious" either, so we've got a few things in common with you.
I would like to sincerely apologize for posing such a question to you out of the blue on a public blog last night. Sometimes on this journey I find myself seeking to find the true pastors out there, but I'm not sure how to quite pick them out yet. I think my question put you on the spot and I shouldn't have done that.
Thank you for responding, all of you, with kind words.
I would like you to know that once I came forward to our denominational leadership that our pastor was fired immediately. After his departure 3 more women came forward to share their stories of abuse at his hands. I was provided with counseling and a lot of support. While I'm still struggling with many, many aspects of religion I am filled with relief that I DID something to stop it.
However, once again, I'm sorry for blindsiding you in a moment of weakness. I think you and your family are doing a tremendous job at sharing the grace of God in such a difficult time. Blessings to you!
No apology is needed, Jaymie. Your question was sincere.
I have many pastor friends all over the country who are the real thing, trying to follow Christ. I know they're out there. Pray that God will lead you to a church where Christ is the center.
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