Today the world is remembering Steve Jobs, founder of Apple. He past away yesterday at the age of 56. You might argue that the last decade was owned by Apple. There may not have been a person or company who impacted our culture more than Steve Jobs and Apple. From iPods to iPads to Mac books to iTunes, Apple has been a cultural phenomenon.
Last night as I read quotes from Steve Jobs and reflected upon his legacy, I began to think about how much the church could learn from Apple. Here are some examples:
1. Keep it simple. If I had to say what separated Apple from its competitors in one word it would be simple. Look at the iPod: simple look and simple functionality. Pair that with access of iTunes and you have a hit product. I remember my frustrations with my first mp3 player, dealing with various file formats and searching for places to get my music. Then I got my first iPod and the choirs started singing. It was easy and it worked well.Read this Steve Jobs quote: "That's been one of my mantras -- focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains."
In my church I have been advocating simplicity. The church has a history of complicating things and complicating faith. It doesn't have to be. Jesus advocated simplicity in Matt. 22:37-40: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Love God and love your neighbor; pretty simple, huh?
2. Quit worrying about the numbers and get focused on what really matters. Read this quote from Steve Jobs: "We've never worried about numbers. In the market place, Apple is trying to focus the spotlight on products, because products really make a difference. [...] Ad campaigns are necessary for competition; IBM's ads are everywhere. But good PR educates people; that's all it is. You can't con people in this business. The products speak for themselves."
Yes, I know we need to pay attention to certain statistics in the church. but what about really focusing on making disciples, growing in loving God and our neighbor? The church's "product" is Jesus. He is the one that makes a difference.
3. Remember what's really important. Read this quote: "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish."
Need I say more?
4. Take the message to the people. Read this quote: "It's really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them."
People today often don't even realize that they need Christ in their lives. And, they likely aren't coming to our churches to shop for something they don't know that they need or want. We have to take Christ to the people. We have to mobilize and be outwardly focused. We have to quit separating our "faith life" from our "regular life." We need to be living it every day and everywhere. people need to see Christ in us and the difference He makes.
I'm sure there are many more correlations that could be made. This is enough for now. Its time for me to get about the work that God is calling me to. That, and back to saving up for that iPad that I really, really want.
Chris
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Our Potential
You can tell how busy I have been lately because I have been way overdo for a post!
Among the many things that have been going on lately, most of it took a back seat with the recent tornado outbreak. By now, we have all heard and seen about the great amount of devastation in Joplin and other areas. A few weeks ago, I was visiting with one of the United Methodist pastors from Joplin about all of his church's plans. That's all changed now as that church was severely damaged by the tornado. Funny how our plans and priorities can change in a heartbeat.
This morning as I was preparing to come to the office, the news ran a number of stories regarding the relief effort. One was about the Independence school district sending 3 bus loads of stuff. Another was a young boy with a lemonade stand raising money for those who lost their homes. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless stories of people stepping forward to help. Churches, community organizations, sports teams; all contributing to make a difference.
As difficult as these times are for those so greatly affected, it is in these very moments that we glimpse our potential of what we can be as a people. I believe this is our true spirit coming out, the spirit that God has created in all of us. We place other's needs ahead of our own. Our hearts go out to people we don't even know. There is an instinct in us that wants to help.
This is our potential. This is who we can be. This is who we should be.
Chris
Among the many things that have been going on lately, most of it took a back seat with the recent tornado outbreak. By now, we have all heard and seen about the great amount of devastation in Joplin and other areas. A few weeks ago, I was visiting with one of the United Methodist pastors from Joplin about all of his church's plans. That's all changed now as that church was severely damaged by the tornado. Funny how our plans and priorities can change in a heartbeat.
This morning as I was preparing to come to the office, the news ran a number of stories regarding the relief effort. One was about the Independence school district sending 3 bus loads of stuff. Another was a young boy with a lemonade stand raising money for those who lost their homes. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless stories of people stepping forward to help. Churches, community organizations, sports teams; all contributing to make a difference.
As difficult as these times are for those so greatly affected, it is in these very moments that we glimpse our potential of what we can be as a people. I believe this is our true spirit coming out, the spirit that God has created in all of us. We place other's needs ahead of our own. Our hearts go out to people we don't even know. There is an instinct in us that wants to help.
This is our potential. This is who we can be. This is who we should be.
Chris
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day
Today is Mother's Day. There are special celebrations going on all over the place, gifts and cards being given, phone calls being made. I, too, am very thankful for my mother and all that she has done for me. She has been on quite the venture as of late, losing over 50 pounds. I am certainly proud of her.
I am also thankful today for my wife, the mother of my children. I am thankful that God brought her into my life and that we share a family together.
I do want to say two more things about Mother's Day. First of all, we need to acknowledge that there may be persons in our life that, while not giving birth to us, are still mothers in their own right. We are thankful and celebrate them today.
I also know that days like this can be difficult for some folks. For the woman who is unable to have children, Mother's Day is not looked forward to. Or remember the persons whose mothers were anything but ideal, perhaps ones who were abusive or abandoned altogether. Mother's Day can stir up difficult memories and pain. I can't erase all that has transpired, but I offer this: be the kind of mother that you may not have had. Care for and love those dear to you.
God's blessings...
Chris
I am also thankful today for my wife, the mother of my children. I am thankful that God brought her into my life and that we share a family together.
I do want to say two more things about Mother's Day. First of all, we need to acknowledge that there may be persons in our life that, while not giving birth to us, are still mothers in their own right. We are thankful and celebrate them today.
I also know that days like this can be difficult for some folks. For the woman who is unable to have children, Mother's Day is not looked forward to. Or remember the persons whose mothers were anything but ideal, perhaps ones who were abusive or abandoned altogether. Mother's Day can stir up difficult memories and pain. I can't erase all that has transpired, but I offer this: be the kind of mother that you may not have had. Care for and love those dear to you.
God's blessings...
Chris
Monday, April 25, 2011
Great Easter Worship! And then...
I know join pastors and church members all over in celebrating the great Easter worship yesterday. At Christ UMC, there was some incredible music, special participation from some retired clergy, and from what I've heard a powerful message. I know that outstanding worship was the norm, as it is every year at Easter. Not only is the worship great, but the seats are full! At Christ UMC, our attendance was about 350 above our average. Certainly there are even more dramatic examples of this. It would be hard to not come away uplifted.
All this leads me to ask the question: what happens? Every year there is great worship and packed churches, but the very next Sunday the attendance usually plummets. Why? Was Easter worship just too much and now we need a break from church? I just don't get it.
It would be easy to ask the question, "Why bother?" I'll tell you why; worship is about God. Easter worship is about our resurrected Savior. That more than enough of a reason for special music and packed churches. God is worth more than all of the planning and effort. I believe that the power of the resurrection can and still does change lives.
Like I said, great Easter worship.
Chris
All this leads me to ask the question: what happens? Every year there is great worship and packed churches, but the very next Sunday the attendance usually plummets. Why? Was Easter worship just too much and now we need a break from church? I just don't get it.
It would be easy to ask the question, "Why bother?" I'll tell you why; worship is about God. Easter worship is about our resurrected Savior. That more than enough of a reason for special music and packed churches. God is worth more than all of the planning and effort. I believe that the power of the resurrection can and still does change lives.
Like I said, great Easter worship.
Chris
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Palm vs. Passion
As most church folks know, this coming Sunday at church is known as Palm Sunday, excuse me, Passion/Palm Sunday in some churches. This is what I want to rant a bit about today. I know not everyone will agree with me, but its my blog.
Let me say it up front: I am not a fan of combining Palm Sunday with the Passion story. This especially holds true for churches that also hold Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. What's the primary reason for combining Palm and Passion: convenience. It's a given that many of the folks who attend our churches won't come to a weekday service. The Passion story is very important and needs to be heard. So, let's make it easy and mash it up with another service. Never mind that these were two very distinct events.
What message are we sending about discipleship when we continue to make things easier and convenient? Maybe as pastors we need to do a better job educating the congregation. Perhaps we can find ways to make these special services more meaningful. And, as worshippers, is it too much to ask that one week a year our faith becomes a priority? It's called Holy Week for a reason.
Here is an alternative for you. If we are going to put everything on Sundays, I would back things up a week. Celebrate Palm Sunday two weeks prior to Easter. The Sunday before: the Passion story. What about Maundy Thursday you ask? The primary focus of this service is the last supper and communion. In most United Methodist churches, communion is celebrated monthly and we tell the story each time.
Maybe I'm wrong. But this is how I feel about it. Now, I've got to get back to work on the upcoming Holy Week services, starting with Palm Sunday this weekend.
Chris
Let me say it up front: I am not a fan of combining Palm Sunday with the Passion story. This especially holds true for churches that also hold Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. What's the primary reason for combining Palm and Passion: convenience. It's a given that many of the folks who attend our churches won't come to a weekday service. The Passion story is very important and needs to be heard. So, let's make it easy and mash it up with another service. Never mind that these were two very distinct events.
What message are we sending about discipleship when we continue to make things easier and convenient? Maybe as pastors we need to do a better job educating the congregation. Perhaps we can find ways to make these special services more meaningful. And, as worshippers, is it too much to ask that one week a year our faith becomes a priority? It's called Holy Week for a reason.
Here is an alternative for you. If we are going to put everything on Sundays, I would back things up a week. Celebrate Palm Sunday two weeks prior to Easter. The Sunday before: the Passion story. What about Maundy Thursday you ask? The primary focus of this service is the last supper and communion. In most United Methodist churches, communion is celebrated monthly and we tell the story each time.
Maybe I'm wrong. But this is how I feel about it. Now, I've got to get back to work on the upcoming Holy Week services, starting with Palm Sunday this weekend.
Chris
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Beautiful Day
Today looks to be one of those picture perfect days. The forecast is for sunshine, blue skies, and a high in the low 70's........ sorry, my mind was drifting to the golf course. This is one of those days where you often hear comments like, "Get out and make the most of it" or "You'll want to take advantage of this day." Both statements are true, but couldn't that be said, or maybe shouldn't that be said, about every day?
I'm not sure we realize what a gift from God each day is, mostly because one comes after the next and so on. We just take each day for granted because there is always tomorrow, right? The truth is, regardless if it is sunny and warm, rainy, or cold and gray, it is a day we should treasure. It is still a day that we can get something accomplished. It is still a day that we can share the love that God has placed in us. It is still a day in which we might experience God's presence. Does that still sound like just another day?
Finally, as much as we try to avoid thinking about it, there will come a time when tomorrow doesn't come, at least not in this life. Hmmm, do you think that will be just another day?
Today, remember to hug your loved ones and tell them that you love them. Those words can never be said enough. Give God thanks and praise for the many blessings this day holds, especially the ones that you usually take for granted. Be sure to smile. Try to make a new friend. You know the saying, "Make the most of this day (and every day)."
Chris
I'm not sure we realize what a gift from God each day is, mostly because one comes after the next and so on. We just take each day for granted because there is always tomorrow, right? The truth is, regardless if it is sunny and warm, rainy, or cold and gray, it is a day we should treasure. It is still a day that we can get something accomplished. It is still a day that we can share the love that God has placed in us. It is still a day in which we might experience God's presence. Does that still sound like just another day?
Finally, as much as we try to avoid thinking about it, there will come a time when tomorrow doesn't come, at least not in this life. Hmmm, do you think that will be just another day?
Today, remember to hug your loved ones and tell them that you love them. Those words can never be said enough. Give God thanks and praise for the many blessings this day holds, especially the ones that you usually take for granted. Be sure to smile. Try to make a new friend. You know the saying, "Make the most of this day (and every day)."
Chris
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Happy Birthday
Today I celebrate my wife's _____ birthday. I'm smart enough not to fill in that blank. Every year she talks about it's no big deal... Don't get any presents... just another day... blah blah blah. I beg to differ!
I remember reading a devotion from Henri Nouwen regarding birthdays. He wrote that birthdays are a way of celebrating you, not just the day you were born, but the very fact you exist. In other words, birthdays are a big deal! Whether you are 1 or 16 or ___ or 47 or 61 or 83, you are worth celebrating. Celebrating a birthday is say we rejoice that God has placed you here and we have the joy of knowing you.
So, today I thank God that my wife exists. I am glad that God breathed life into her and brought us together. Just another day... I think not! On another note, today also happens to my near life-long best friend's birthday. I'll say his age: 40, just like me! Today I also thank God and celebrate his life.
Do you have a birthday coming soon? Perhaps a loved one does? Make sure you know and they know that it is not just another day. Rejoice and give God thanks.
Chris
I remember reading a devotion from Henri Nouwen regarding birthdays. He wrote that birthdays are a way of celebrating you, not just the day you were born, but the very fact you exist. In other words, birthdays are a big deal! Whether you are 1 or 16 or ___ or 47 or 61 or 83, you are worth celebrating. Celebrating a birthday is say we rejoice that God has placed you here and we have the joy of knowing you.
So, today I thank God that my wife exists. I am glad that God breathed life into her and brought us together. Just another day... I think not! On another note, today also happens to my near life-long best friend's birthday. I'll say his age: 40, just like me! Today I also thank God and celebrate his life.
Do you have a birthday coming soon? Perhaps a loved one does? Make sure you know and they know that it is not just another day. Rejoice and give God thanks.
Chris
Monday, April 4, 2011
Forgiveness
Yesterday, I preached on the subject of forgiveness. In the Apostle's creed, we state that we believe in the forgiveness of sins. Do we? Maybe, but do we live like it. Do we live like we have been forgiven by God and are we forgiving of others?
In my sermon, I shared one definition of forgive as being "to free from penalty." But in the same dictionary the adjective Forgiving is defined as "allowing room for error or weakness." Does that definition impact how you think about forgiveness? Does it help you to be a more forgiving person?
Scripture is clear, in Jesus Christ God's forgiveness is not only possible, but a reality. How can our lives reflect that we are forgiven? After all, one of the foundational statements of our faith is that we believe in the forgiveness of sins. There should be some evidence of that.
Chris
In my sermon, I shared one definition of forgive as being "to free from penalty." But in the same dictionary the adjective Forgiving is defined as "allowing room for error or weakness." Does that definition impact how you think about forgiveness? Does it help you to be a more forgiving person?
Scripture is clear, in Jesus Christ God's forgiveness is not only possible, but a reality. How can our lives reflect that we are forgiven? After all, one of the foundational statements of our faith is that we believe in the forgiveness of sins. There should be some evidence of that.
Chris
Friday, April 1, 2011
Fridays
Ok, I love Fridays. Who doesn't? But for me, Friday is a lot like other people's Saturday. It's my day off and we all know how good it is to wake up in the morning and not have a deadline or agenda. However, there is something important to me that happens on Fridays.
I spend most Fridays with my wife Erica. We make a point of either going to breakfast or lunch. It doesn't matter which or where. What matters is that we have that time together. Just the two of us. Not because it's our anniversary or a birthday. It's just about spending time together. I truly believe it's one of the keys to our marriage. In fact, I believe this is a key to any relationship. There needs to be intentional time together, without an agenda or crisis.
If you agree with the above, then you can begin seeing why the same holds true with God. god seeks a relationship with us and we need to make time to just be with God. Not because we need something. Not because the lottery numbers are being posted. Not because we are facing a crisis. No, just because. When is the last time that you spent time with God just to be there? I believe it's one of the keys to a successful, fulfilling, and lasting relationship.
Chris
I spend most Fridays with my wife Erica. We make a point of either going to breakfast or lunch. It doesn't matter which or where. What matters is that we have that time together. Just the two of us. Not because it's our anniversary or a birthday. It's just about spending time together. I truly believe it's one of the keys to our marriage. In fact, I believe this is a key to any relationship. There needs to be intentional time together, without an agenda or crisis.
If you agree with the above, then you can begin seeing why the same holds true with God. god seeks a relationship with us and we need to make time to just be with God. Not because we need something. Not because the lottery numbers are being posted. Not because we are facing a crisis. No, just because. When is the last time that you spent time with God just to be there? I believe it's one of the keys to a successful, fulfilling, and lasting relationship.
Chris
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Here We Go Again
Some time ago, I got the idea that it would be a good thing to start blogging. After all, it was the "in" thing to do. And, I am an "in" kind of guy. It's ok, I'll pause for laughter... It started out well enough, but I began to post less and less. Then came my move nearly a year ago and I was busy getting to know a new church. That meant 0 posts since last summer.
I've decided to start blogging again. This time it's not because I should or think it's the thing to do, but because I want to. I'm also not setting an agenda for what I might blog about; we'll just see how it goes. I'm looking forward to putting my thoughts out there and reading your comments, if you have any.
Chris
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