A great suggestion was made to Nathan's last post about dedicating the hours of 7-10AM EDST tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11 to pray specifically for Tricia's tests and her health.
I've asked my church to join in and now am asking you to be a part of a huge breath of prayer ascending to the throne of God on her behalf.If you can and will find a quiet time during those three hours, please do so. I'm seeing to it that our church will be open for those who want to come here and pray as well, although your location isn't important.
Thanks for all the support you have given thus far. Their journey isn't over and you're needed again.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Open Letter to a Church Hopper
Read the "letter" here.
One of our ministry team leaders sent me this link. First, the post is muy excelente. Second, Tim Stevens is the co-author of several of my very favorite books on church stuff. Outstanding stuff. Third, that one of our volunteer ministry leaders is reading his blog encourages me off the charts. (I'll bet she's read at least one of Tim's books.)
I read the "letter" and just said, "Amen!". I think Ed and Edith are now in Orlando.
(Thanks Tina.)
One of our ministry team leaders sent me this link. First, the post is muy excelente. Second, Tim Stevens is the co-author of several of my very favorite books on church stuff. Outstanding stuff. Third, that one of our volunteer ministry leaders is reading his blog encourages me off the charts. (I'll bet she's read at least one of Tim's books.)
I read the "letter" and just said, "Amen!". I think Ed and Edith are now in Orlando.
(Thanks Tina.)
Monday, June 9, 2008
When a church loses its direction - church hop #3
(If you're dropping by for the first time, I'd encourage you to read the first two of this series here and here.)
Let me just cut to it. Some churches don't have a clue to their purpose or mission. They just do what they do because they've always done it that way. Yet they are spinning their wheels and going nowhere; doing nothing to impact their culture and community; and likely are dying a slow death. And if someone (usually someone newer or someone who has experienced his/her own revival) suggests something to jump start the battery they're stonewalled.
Yet across town is a church that is healthy, growing and has a great vision to reach and touch their community. Should you stick with the sick, status quo crowd sinking fast, or jump ship?
Many churches like the ones described above actually began with great enthusiasm and with passion for the Great Commission. But for whatever reasons, that is hard to sustain. Christians get lazy. Congregations become ingrown and forget they are to be a shining city on a hill. And before long, the original mission is forgotten and replaced with something far inferior.
Can those churches be awakened and revived? Absolutely! But there has to be leadership willing to pay the price and willing to let the old satisfied and apathetic "It's all about me" crowd leave. And that rarely happens.
So if a Christian is in a church that has lost its way and is in decline and time has proven it won't take drastic measures to turn the ship around, I would say that Christian should, with much prayer and Spirit led guidance, find a new church. Life's too short and eternity too long to sit around twiddling our thumbs and ignoring the malaise around us.
I also believe that God lets such churches fade away. But He always replaces them with churches willing to be all they can be and rock their world. And if there is no church like that in your community? Then ask God if He will let you start one.
Please just don't tell me when you check out our church that at your church you're "not being fed".
Let me just cut to it. Some churches don't have a clue to their purpose or mission. They just do what they do because they've always done it that way. Yet they are spinning their wheels and going nowhere; doing nothing to impact their culture and community; and likely are dying a slow death. And if someone (usually someone newer or someone who has experienced his/her own revival) suggests something to jump start the battery they're stonewalled.
Yet across town is a church that is healthy, growing and has a great vision to reach and touch their community. Should you stick with the sick, status quo crowd sinking fast, or jump ship?
Many churches like the ones described above actually began with great enthusiasm and with passion for the Great Commission. But for whatever reasons, that is hard to sustain. Christians get lazy. Congregations become ingrown and forget they are to be a shining city on a hill. And before long, the original mission is forgotten and replaced with something far inferior.
Can those churches be awakened and revived? Absolutely! But there has to be leadership willing to pay the price and willing to let the old satisfied and apathetic "It's all about me" crowd leave. And that rarely happens.
So if a Christian is in a church that has lost its way and is in decline and time has proven it won't take drastic measures to turn the ship around, I would say that Christian should, with much prayer and Spirit led guidance, find a new church. Life's too short and eternity too long to sit around twiddling our thumbs and ignoring the malaise around us.
I also believe that God lets such churches fade away. But He always replaces them with churches willing to be all they can be and rock their world. And if there is no church like that in your community? Then ask God if He will let you start one.
Please just don't tell me when you check out our church that at your church you're "not being fed".
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunday Flashback
The wildfire that is burning approx. 100 miles to our west has really brought us a lot of smoke. This morning as I drove into Nags Head it was worse than any smog I ever saw in the LA basin of the 70's. And it affected the air quality in our building, because our AC system pulls "fresh" air from outside throught the system. But as the winds picked up (thanks God) from the NW it cleared the air and gradually cleared our air indoors as well.
The 9AM gathering was easily our biggest crowd since Easter's blow out. 11AM was not so packed but still a good crowd. You can see the video of the 11:00 gathering here.
I asked Nathan to share their story with the church. It was their first Sunday back together since before Christmas, and a lot has transpired in their lives. Simply put, both were powerful worship times. The icing on the cake was when Tricia and Gwyneth came up on the platform and joined Nathan at the end of each talk. You had to be there!
It never ceases to amaze me how NHC is impacting lives. We're in a unique postition to influence many outside our community because of our location in a resort town. Our presence on the internet also connects with so many. And when I think of where we were just a few years ago I'm blow away. God is good!
Andy got to introduce our bumper crop of high school grads this morning. It's exciting to see these young people pass this milestone and move on in life. Our goal and prayer is that they'll grow in God's grace and not drop out like so many typically do at this stage. NHC works hard to give them a strong foundation.
After the 11:00 gathering was done we got to have lunch with and interview 7 adults who want in on being part of the fellowship. We're excited to welcome them to the family. That's always a great day.
Wish I could show you the photo I took with my phone of the thermometer in my truck while driving home. 100. So I'm enjoying the AC and ceiling fan in my family room with Nate and Tric on their laptops and Sue Burns feeding Gwyneth.
Next Sunday: "How to Be a Dad Who Rocks!".
The 9AM gathering was easily our biggest crowd since Easter's blow out. 11AM was not so packed but still a good crowd. You can see the video of the 11:00 gathering here.
I asked Nathan to share their story with the church. It was their first Sunday back together since before Christmas, and a lot has transpired in their lives. Simply put, both were powerful worship times. The icing on the cake was when Tricia and Gwyneth came up on the platform and joined Nathan at the end of each talk. You had to be there!
It never ceases to amaze me how NHC is impacting lives. We're in a unique postition to influence many outside our community because of our location in a resort town. Our presence on the internet also connects with so many. And when I think of where we were just a few years ago I'm blow away. God is good!
Andy got to introduce our bumper crop of high school grads this morning. It's exciting to see these young people pass this milestone and move on in life. Our goal and prayer is that they'll grow in God's grace and not drop out like so many typically do at this stage. NHC works hard to give them a strong foundation.
After the 11:00 gathering was done we got to have lunch with and interview 7 adults who want in on being part of the fellowship. We're excited to welcome them to the family. That's always a great day.
Wish I could show you the photo I took with my phone of the thermometer in my truck while driving home. 100. So I'm enjoying the AC and ceiling fan in my family room with Nate and Tric on their laptops and Sue Burns feeding Gwyneth.
Next Sunday: "How to Be a Dad Who Rocks!".
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Who's missing the point?
I listened to what I could of Sen. Clinton's speech today suspending her campaign and endorsing Sen. Obama. During the speech I was busy but caught a good portion of it. But I think she missed the point of the whole idea of why we have primaries and nominate candidates.
My concept of a presidential candidate worth selecting is one who has the proven qualifications to lead our nation through these difficult economic times; appoint justices to the SCOTUS who understand the role of the court is not the same as the role of Congress; and be the Commander in Chief of the military. That kind of sums it up for me.
But listening to her today made me realize that in her mind, this whole primary and nomination process has been about race and sex. Over and again she pointed out that a black man or a woman can be nominated for the highest office in the land. And that was what this was all about.
Jeepers. Heck. I bet most of America (including your's truly) would be glad to have a black man or woman as president as long as he or she could do the job. Surely there are many who could. In fact, not only would we go for a black man or a woman, we'd go for a red, brown or any color imaginable.
But was that really what the last months have been about? If so, our economy, our environment, the war, you name it, have dark days ahead. I'm just kinda tired of the race/gender card being pulled all the time. Let's get down to issues and qualifications and experience.
Is it me? Am I missing something here?
Friday, June 6, 2008
Annual checkup
One of the benefits of being a firefighter* is the requirement to have a complete physical done annually. It was that first physical 5 years ago that alerted me to a significant problem I had developed and put me on a diet and exercise routine that turned things around.
Today was my day to face the music again. Two weeks ago I had the batter of blood work and x-rays our doc calls for that speak volumes about lifestyle. I confess, I've been somewhat lax on the diet and since January haven't been doing any exercising. (Other things have taken priority.) But I haven't strayed too far on the diet.
And the result was good news. I'm both excited and relieved.
The Bible tells us that our bodies are God's temple. And while Bible bangers like me don't typically indulge in the "really bad stuff", we are frequently guilty of overworking that stomach muscle, which leads to all other kinds of physical malaise, and ultimate destruction of God's temple.
And the older I get, the more appreciation I have for physical fitness. Who likes aches and pains?
I think I'll celebrate with a big salad for lunch.
(*I use that term loosely. My main function with the department is as their chaplain.)
Today was my day to face the music again. Two weeks ago I had the batter of blood work and x-rays our doc calls for that speak volumes about lifestyle. I confess, I've been somewhat lax on the diet and since January haven't been doing any exercising. (Other things have taken priority.) But I haven't strayed too far on the diet.
And the result was good news. I'm both excited and relieved.
The Bible tells us that our bodies are God's temple. And while Bible bangers like me don't typically indulge in the "really bad stuff", we are frequently guilty of overworking that stomach muscle, which leads to all other kinds of physical malaise, and ultimate destruction of God's temple.
And the older I get, the more appreciation I have for physical fitness. Who likes aches and pains?
I think I'll celebrate with a big salad for lunch.
(*I use that term loosely. My main function with the department is as their chaplain.)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Doing the Church Hop (part 2)
It's my opinion and experience that most people change churches for reasons that hold no biblical water. I think having so many choices only serves to dilute commitment and circumvent healthy communication and reconciliation. In other words, if Sister Flapjaws offended me by something she said I'll just leave and find another church.
In my first post on this subject I suggested that one legitimate reason for changing churches is unchecked immorality in the congregation. Immoral behavior, as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5 not only silences a church's voice to the world, but creates something very un-Christlike in a body created to reflect His moral excellence. And Paul instructs the church to deal with it. Don't sweep it under the carpet or turn your head and pretend it isn't there. So if there is real (not simply suspected or rumored) immorality among the congregation and no one - including leadership - initiates steps to confront it, that church has ceased to function as a church.
A second reason would be a church enabling or accepting doctrinal heresy. Every church/denomination has a set of doctrines - a statement of faith - that says "Here's what we believe". A church's beliefs are it's foundation. We do according to what we believe. Beliefs precede purpose and vision.
Change is often good, especially if it enables a church to better accomplish her mission and purposes. Our church has changed radically over the past 17 years that I've been a part of it. How we "do church" looks very different, and as a result our congregation looks very different and has grown exponentially. Heck, we even changed our name, then built a new building and tore down the old. We've changed to reach our changing culture and community.
But what has not changed is our belief system. It's our anchor because it spells out who we believe God is and how He has entered our world and communicated with us. and to a large extent how we're to live. However, some churches change their beliefs. Perhaps a new pastor comes in who has a different take on some particular doctrine and begins teaching something very different. Maybe it's not a pastor but a church member who has been combing over the internet (!) and has found some kind of new revelation. Who knows. But churches are known to move from one belief to another.
The Bible gives plenty of warning to the church about guarding our beliefs. False teachers are to be noted and refused. Why? Because they divide. So what do you do if your church has changed something in its core beliefs? Well, if you think the change is wrong, you leave and find a church with beliefs that line up with what you believe to be true.
That means that before you ever join a church you should ask the right questions about its beliefs. Don't assume anything. Ask the leadership. Even churches within the same denomination can have variances. And if the church you're considering is "non-denominational/inter-denominational" that is even more important. Request their beliefs in writing. Once things are written down they're not as easily changed. Ours are found in our church's constitution. Every prospective member is given a copy and an explanation of what we believe.
And I also strongly believe that a church's doctrine is more important than its methods or worship style. In other words, choose a church on what it believes first. Then consider its other distinctives. I'm flabbergasted when people tell me they chose a church because it was "close to our home". Hello. In our culture most of us can travel beyond our own neighborhoods without problem.
But before you exit a church for any reason sit down with its leadership and be sure what you are concerned with is what actually is happening. Sometimes perceptions aren't accurate.
And one more thing (and this is a no-brainer). Know what you believe. Be able to articulate your beliefs. Yeah, you. Don't leave it up to the clergy to tell you what you believe. But that requires study and discipline in God's Word doesn't it?
Later I'll talk about other changes that might prompt you to consider staying or leaving.
In my first post on this subject I suggested that one legitimate reason for changing churches is unchecked immorality in the congregation. Immoral behavior, as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5 not only silences a church's voice to the world, but creates something very un-Christlike in a body created to reflect His moral excellence. And Paul instructs the church to deal with it. Don't sweep it under the carpet or turn your head and pretend it isn't there. So if there is real (not simply suspected or rumored) immorality among the congregation and no one - including leadership - initiates steps to confront it, that church has ceased to function as a church.
A second reason would be a church enabling or accepting doctrinal heresy. Every church/denomination has a set of doctrines - a statement of faith - that says "Here's what we believe". A church's beliefs are it's foundation. We do according to what we believe. Beliefs precede purpose and vision.
Change is often good, especially if it enables a church to better accomplish her mission and purposes. Our church has changed radically over the past 17 years that I've been a part of it. How we "do church" looks very different, and as a result our congregation looks very different and has grown exponentially. Heck, we even changed our name, then built a new building and tore down the old. We've changed to reach our changing culture and community.
But what has not changed is our belief system. It's our anchor because it spells out who we believe God is and how He has entered our world and communicated with us. and to a large extent how we're to live. However, some churches change their beliefs. Perhaps a new pastor comes in who has a different take on some particular doctrine and begins teaching something very different. Maybe it's not a pastor but a church member who has been combing over the internet (!) and has found some kind of new revelation. Who knows. But churches are known to move from one belief to another.
The Bible gives plenty of warning to the church about guarding our beliefs. False teachers are to be noted and refused. Why? Because they divide. So what do you do if your church has changed something in its core beliefs? Well, if you think the change is wrong, you leave and find a church with beliefs that line up with what you believe to be true.
That means that before you ever join a church you should ask the right questions about its beliefs. Don't assume anything. Ask the leadership. Even churches within the same denomination can have variances. And if the church you're considering is "non-denominational/inter-denominational" that is even more important. Request their beliefs in writing. Once things are written down they're not as easily changed. Ours are found in our church's constitution. Every prospective member is given a copy and an explanation of what we believe.
And I also strongly believe that a church's doctrine is more important than its methods or worship style. In other words, choose a church on what it believes first. Then consider its other distinctives. I'm flabbergasted when people tell me they chose a church because it was "close to our home". Hello. In our culture most of us can travel beyond our own neighborhoods without problem.
But before you exit a church for any reason sit down with its leadership and be sure what you are concerned with is what actually is happening. Sometimes perceptions aren't accurate.
And one more thing (and this is a no-brainer). Know what you believe. Be able to articulate your beliefs. Yeah, you. Don't leave it up to the clergy to tell you what you believe. But that requires study and discipline in God's Word doesn't it?
Later I'll talk about other changes that might prompt you to consider staying or leaving.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Get Set to Get Wet!
Sunday afternoon we had another baptism at NHC. Because we have no baptistry in our church facility we find other venues to celebrate the new life Christ gives. This year we've had baptisms in the pool at the YMCA, in the frigid Atlantic and in the warm and serene Roanoke Sound.
One of neat things at NHC is that we encourage dads to baptize their children who have become believers. So yesterday Dale baptized Emily and Juan baptized Dylan and Analyse. Steve and Brenda were also baptized and after dunking Steve, I assisted him in baptizing Brenda. Do you think those dads, kids and spouses will ever forget that moment?
A good crowd assembled to witness the public profession of these believers' faith. There's always lots of applause and hugs. Having out in a public place also invites others who happen to be there to stop and observe what we're doing.
We didn't hit 3,000 like the church's first ever baptism (Acts 2), but we nonetheless had a great time.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Sunday Flashback
It's the greatest feeling knowing that the pastor doesn't have to be there to "oversee", lead or even participate in every thing that happens at church. That happens when the church is equipped to do ministry and leaders rise to the occasion. More and more our church is living out what it means to be a team. I love it!
This morning I talked about adding "moral excellence" (2 Peter 1:5 NLT) to our faith and how Jesus set the standard we're striving to achieve in life. He dared go against the grain of His culture to demonstrate true goodness, and buck the trend of the religious legalists who controlled culture. Today, we're at the opposite end of the spectrum in our culture: rules are seen as unnecessary; live and let live. So moral goodness is fast becoming a thing of the past. We as Christ-followers have to buck that trend and swim upstream and look to Christ as our standard for living.
The music fit in so well with the message. Thanks Nate! It's going to be so great having you back. One guest told me afterward that our band sounded "almost professional". I understood what he meant.
Today was the first "hot" day we've had this year. Maybe summer is here for real?
A great group gathered later this afternoon to find out how to get involved in our Hukilau Surf Camps. This is our 9th year to use surf camps as an outreach to the youth of our community. Looks like a great team is being formed!
Tonight was our monthly Communion Fellowship. Thanks Burnie for leading us back to the cross. We heard some good testimonies of thankfulness, too. And as always, there was a great meal! Our fellowship team rocks! The youth group split a bit early to head out to Rita's for some fun and whatever stuff they serve there. (I haven't yet been, but I hear it's most excellent.) It was great to see some of the kids who attend our youth group come for our communion fellowship tonight.
Before we left our elders gathered with one of our couples who are both undergoing serious physical challenges. Their faith is humbling to me, and they asked us to meet with them and pray for them. What a privilege.
This morning I talked about adding "moral excellence" (2 Peter 1:5 NLT) to our faith and how Jesus set the standard we're striving to achieve in life. He dared go against the grain of His culture to demonstrate true goodness, and buck the trend of the religious legalists who controlled culture. Today, we're at the opposite end of the spectrum in our culture: rules are seen as unnecessary; live and let live. So moral goodness is fast becoming a thing of the past. We as Christ-followers have to buck that trend and swim upstream and look to Christ as our standard for living.
The music fit in so well with the message. Thanks Nate! It's going to be so great having you back. One guest told me afterward that our band sounded "almost professional". I understood what he meant.
Today was the first "hot" day we've had this year. Maybe summer is here for real?
A great group gathered later this afternoon to find out how to get involved in our Hukilau Surf Camps. This is our 9th year to use surf camps as an outreach to the youth of our community. Looks like a great team is being formed!
Tonight was our monthly Communion Fellowship. Thanks Burnie for leading us back to the cross. We heard some good testimonies of thankfulness, too. And as always, there was a great meal! Our fellowship team rocks! The youth group split a bit early to head out to Rita's for some fun and whatever stuff they serve there. (I haven't yet been, but I hear it's most excellent.) It was great to see some of the kids who attend our youth group come for our communion fellowship tonight.
Before we left our elders gathered with one of our couples who are both undergoing serious physical challenges. Their faith is humbling to me, and they asked us to meet with them and pray for them. What a privilege.
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