Being A Resurrection People

First of all, if you are planning to attend Easter worship services at Christ UMC, this is your spoiler alert. Why? Because what follows are some thoughts I've had as I have been working on my Easter message. By the way, if you missed what I wrote about a pastor's perspective to Easter, you can read about it here: http://revoutloud.blogspot.com/2015/03/easters-coming-ok.html.

There is no question that the resurrection of Jesus is THE critical event in the Christian faith. The resurrection makes the good news good. The resurrection proclaims to us that God has overcome the grave for us. Just as Jesus was raised, we too have the promise of resurrection. Because of this, we can live in hope. And let us not forget, the resurrection is not just about a future possibility, but also is a present reality. Consider what Paul wrote in Romans 6:4, "so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life" (NRSV). We are to walk in newness of life.

What does that mean? I'm sure it has several implications, but I believe that it indicates that there needs to be a distinctiveness to the Christian's life. There should be something different, something that is noticed by others. Think about it; this is how Christianity survived and grew in the beginning. There was something about the way Christians lived, how they treated one another, how they hoped and loved. It got people's attention. It made people think, "I want to live like that." 

Christianity never should have made it. Christians were few in number. They were disowned by their families. They were persecuted, tortured, and even killed. And yet, Christianity continued to grow. People went through great lengths join the faith. Was it because the early Christians were amazing evangelists? Maybe, but it had more to do with the way they walked in newness of life... distinctive... different.

Then everything changed. In 313, Emperor Constantine issued an edict decriminalizing Christianity. Then, in 380, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire, decreeing that all citizens should be Christian. How great was that? Right? Maybe... maybe not. Sure, Christianity continued to grow, but now it was supposed to. The Roman empire was far reaching and it's citizen's were expected to be Christian. There didn't have to be anything distinctive about their lives. Christians went from distinctive to entitled. That's right, I said it... entitled. Everything was set apart for Christians, so Christians didn't have to be set apart. And so it went for years, for generations. Don't get me wrong, Christians did some wonderful things (and horrible) in the name of God. But it was almost handed to them. Entitled.

Fast forward to today. We are to believe that the sky is falling on the Christian faith, the Christian church to be more specific. Why? We've lost our sense of entitlement and we don't like it. The number of professing Christians are declining. Churches are closing. No longer are Sundays protected. Even "regular" church goers come less frequently. Open doors simply are not enough anymore. You know what? It's all true. You know what else? It's all entitlement talk. And we are all guilty, congregants and pastors alike (yes, including me).

Do you think all that stuff would matter to the early Christians who faced death and persecution for their faith? Let us not dishonor them be even entertaining the thought. No, they were true resurrection people who walked in newness of life. They were who we need to become again. We have to get real, get authentic. We have once again claim the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the grounds of our hope and faith. We need to lead lives that have a distinctiveness about them. My friend and colleague Jeremy Vickers speaks about the fragrance of faith and asks, "Do we pass the smell test?" 

I could keep going, but I have to save something for the sermon! But I know the time of entitlement is over and that is probably a good thing. It's time now to be resurrection people who walk in newness of life. It's time to live lives that compels others to say, no proclaim, "I want to live like that!"

Chris

Easter's Coming. Ok?

I am a pastor and follower of Jesus Christ and I need to make a confession: I haven't gotten excited about Easter for several years. Sometimes I even dread it. Horrible, right? This is THE high holy day for Christians. This is the celebration of the empty tomb, a time of hope and love and life. And... it's exhausting and even frustrating. And it can be disappointing.

How can Easter be disappointing you ask? Well for one, its hard to live up to the hype. It's like the next Star Wars movie coming out. The hype train is in full motion. The anticipation is already skyrocketing. It's going to be great! Right? Maybe, but it will be near impossible to live up to the hype and expectations.

Easter can be like this, especially for us that lead churches. There is an incredible amount of pressure for everything to be amazing. Think of all of the visitors?! The folks who ONLY come for Christmas and Easter?! We need to wow them. They need to feel the Holy Spirit move. We've got to present services that will COMPEL them to come back next week and the next and the next... Everything has to go perfectly. The pressure. The stress. The desperation.

Of course, all of that word and stress takes its toll. As my friend and colleague Buck Cueni Smith called it after seeing this picture of me:

"The Hallelujah Hangover"

This leads to disappointment number two.

Easter is a tease. Don't pretend that you don't know what I'm talking about. Every year churches are packed. Extra services are needed to accommodate everyone. Here in our annual conference there is usually an article about Easter attendance numbers from around the state. MIND BLOWING! Praise God for so many people being transformed by the resurrection story! Or are they? We all know what tends to happen the week after Easter...

"Bueller? Bueller?

Where is everyone? Where is the orchestra? Where is the pastor? Yes, I know several pastors who tend to take this Sunday off. It is understandable. We need to recover from the hallelujah hangover. And on one else will be there either...

I should apologize. I know I am sounding way too cynical right now. But let me confess something else..

I also love Easter.

More correctly, I LOVE the Easter message. I love what Easter is supposed to be, what Easter is supposed to mean. I believe the answer lies in once again becoming a people of the resurrection. I believe that is the answer, not only for Easter, but for the future of the church and the Christian faith.

So what does it mean to be a resurrection people? Check out my next blog coming soon...

Chris

The Real New Year

Today marks the 1st day of a brand new year. How can that be, considering that it is Aug 15? It's because today is the first day of school. While the calendar tells us the new year begins on Jan. 1, for most people our year revolves around the school year. I find this to be true even if you don't have kids. Your schedule will in some way be affected by school happenings. So, today (at least in my area) a new year has begun.

New years bring new possibilities. They also bring routine. It's amazing how much we complain about routine on one hand and yet find such comfort in it. I'm sure you can see a correlation to church in that. Trust me, it's there. Speaking of church, it used to be that back to school time meant back to church. Not so much anymore.Lately it seems as if the holidays are "back to church time." You know, Christmas to Easter is the "church season." I'm going to quietly step away from this one.

For the most part I pray God's blessings on all of the teachers and students as school begins. I pray that it is a wonderful year.

And, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Chris

An Olympic Reflection

I was swept away this weekend. I got caught up in the moment and truly felt inspired. I am also big enough to admit that I had tears well up in my eyes. What could move me like this you ask? It was the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 2012. Please allow me to reflect.

I want to pause first and say thank you to the inventor of the DVR. Without it, I would not have had the opportunity to witness the opening ceremony. I got to watch the first 2 hours late Friday night, right up to the procession of the athletes. Finally, I got got to finish watching last night.

Most opinions that I have heard have been positive. While I could nitpick an item or two, I loved the approach. I thought the journey through history was absolutely brilliant. Was it as flashy as Beijing? No, but it felt more meaningful to me. Historic (for some reason I just love this word: historic). Here is another word: generational. I believe that aptly applies as well. I loved the idea of one generation handing off to the next. It was wonderful to see the handing off of the former Olympians to the possible future ones. Although, I wish they would have lit the torch together. Still, very cool. Speaking of the torch, I understand the criticism of it not being visible outside the stadium. That issue aside, I love the 200+ individual flames representing each country then coming together as the Olympic flame. I found all of it moving.

From time to time as I watched the opening ceremony I found myself thinking, "This is a glimpse at what could be." Think about: the diversity of the world together under one flag and one goal. The hopes, the dreams; all together. the passing of the torch from generation to generation. The admiration, respect, and honor given to those who have paved the way. People laughing and singing together. Thousands joined in holding hands under the night sky. What a scene. What a dream.

It stands in stark contrast to the great divisiveness we are experiencing in the world, in our country. Just look at the vileness being hurled back and forth over politics right now. Everyone pointing a finger at the next person. People that I know and love, people I know to be good, caring human beings, engaging in insults and slander and attacks of all kinds. It's not enough to voice our opinion. We feel the need to couch it in derogatory and hateful ways. I could go on. It only gets amplified when we look at the world. In this age of technology when the world is getting smaller, we seem to be getting more divided.

But for this weekend I dreamed: this is what could be. Honoring the diversity of this incredible world, in all it's beauty, but still able to come together as one. Do we have differences? Yes. But we all can dream. We all hope. We all can be something more.

The Olympics put on display the physical possibilities that we possess. They set the standard of achievement. I find that inspiring.

Then I look around at what's going on in the world. I look at how we are treating one another. And I have this thought...

WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS.

Chris

Dying Better

Yesterday marked the 10 year anniversary of my father dying. It was a difficult day as we sat in the ICU room with him. The doctors had done all that they could and we had made the decision to remove support. He was a very proud, hard working man. He wouldn't want to continue as he was. Along with family, I sat by his side as he took his last breath.

I miss you dad.

Yesterday, on this 10 year anniversary, I spent the afternoon meeting with a family planning a funeral for a loved one; a husband and father to 2 sons. He was almost the same age as my father was when he passed. And, like my father, the family had removed support and sat by his side as he passed.

But this post is not so much about the process of dying. That's another thing altogether. No, this is more about what happens next.

As I sat with the family at the funeral home, I became frustrated and disheartened. The funeral director poured over all of the details, and more specifically costs, and all of the options. The family looked at caskets and vaults and print packages and flowers and on and on... As you likely know, dying is expensive. One family recently commented that for the most basic burial service it cost $10,000. This doesn't even take into account medical bills and other care. Dying is expensive. It is also complicated

This is not a rail against funeral homes. I'm not sure what it is, only I kept thinking over and over that it should be different. Somehow, some way.

Two more little examples that I have pondered. For one, why is it that the interiors of caskets are always so frilly? I don't know how many times I've thought to myself, "That is not what that person was about." My dad, for example, was a simple, plain, no frills kind of guy. I joked that I want a flat screen installed with ESPN highlights running. I don't know, maybe I'm just ranting. But another thought somewhat related; why must we dress our loved ones the way we do for burial? I'll again use my dad as an example. My dad was buried in a suit, just as most men are. My dad NEVER wore suits. To be more like him, he should have had on blue jeans, a work shirt, and his work boots. Oh, and a coffee thermos. Definitely a coffee thermos.

I usually like to make some connection to the church in my posts. I wonder if there isn't a better way for churches to die as well. And less expensive. And less complicated. Maybe, but I've gone on long enough.

It should be different. Somehow, some way. That's all I know.

Chris

Needed Perspective

Yesterday, I was  once again reminded of how we really need some perspective in our lives.

To say that there is a negative, adversarial attitude running through our culture is probably and understatement. With the presidential election coming later this year, it is really being magnified. Then you add in this drive for more; more stuff and more consumption...

Now, let's talk church. I never cease to be amazed at some of the things we complain about and argue about in churches. And, being honest, there can be some really close-minded, judgmental, entitlement attitudes from church-going Christians. Ok, that was pretty blunt. True, but blunt. And no church is immune. I was just shared a story from someone who had visited Church of the Resurrection on Easter weekend. Yes, I'm talking about that mega church in Leawood. It is a great church. But this person was approached by a member and told, "You're sitting in our seats." And we thought that only happened in small churches.

Now for that perspective I mentioned. Yesterday I spoke with a member of my congregation. She has been a member for many years and quite an interesting lady. She recently got some difficult news as doctors told her that they believed she had cancer. After all of the tests, she got her prognosis yesterday: 3 months. She has been told that she likely has 3 months to live. And they won't be good 3 months. She will be moving into nursing care. She wants to meet to plan her funeral. My heart sank. It's still sinking.

Of course, I continued to deal with "brush fires" and issues. The world keeps plowing forward. *Sigh* 

There is a great song from Tim McGraw called "Live Like You Were Dying." Isn't that what Jesus told us to do? When he was questioned about the end times, Jesus responded by telling us that know one knows the day or the hour. Instead, he calls us to live as if it could be any moment. Maybe 3 months. maybe not.

Funny how perspective can change things.

I'll close with this from someone I used  to work with. He had visited his brother-in-law who was on his death bed. I believe it was cancer as well. His brother-in-law requested a wet cloth for his lips. Then he said, “We start off wanting $1,000,000. Over time, that keeps getting pared down until all we want is a little water on our lips.” 

Perspective.

Chris

Struggling With Worship

Ok, it's confession time: I've been struggling with worship services. Maybe that sounds weird coming from a pastor. Maybe its even bad coming from a pastor. But, its true. Let me explain.

First, traditional worship. While this might surprise some, I do find value and meaning in a traditional worship setting... sometimes. I really like the hymns (when they don't drag too much) and I love a choir. That's the good news. However, there are things that just don't work for me. For one, there is a formality often to traditional worship that creates a rigidness. Whether it is the robes or the suits, it often feels like the formalities become more important than the worship. Further, I've never been a big fan of pre-printed prayers and calls to worship. While the communal aspect of our worship is important, it has always felt forced, those weren't "my" words of worship.

Now to contemporary. I have been a big proponent of contemporary worship. I helped start a contemporary service at my home church. My primary role at my last appointment was leading the contemporary service. I have loved the energy and music. I have loved the informality of it, where no one looks down on you if you are wearing jeans. I have loved  more creative elements, like dance, drama, and videos that have fit better and been better accepted in contemporary settings. Still, something is missing. It has begun to seem more and more that contemporary is becoming as routine and predictable as, dare I say it, traditional. Where traditional can become more focused on the formality, contemporary often is more about the entertainment. There is a richness, a deep authenticity that seems to be missing.

I wish I had the answer, but if I did, this wouldn't be titled "struggling" with worship. I am drawn to something ancient, yet modern. But what does that look like. I have a few things I am going to try in the services I lead. I am contemplating using an affirmation of faith in all services. While not big on the pre-printed stuff, these are statements of what we believe. We are lacking in that. I have encouraged my praise band to work up more contemporarized versions of hymns. Perhaps we will bring in some more of the contemporary elements into the traditional setting.

I will say, that unlike many, I have enjoyed blended services. But those tend to upset the traditional and contemporary alike.

I'm still reflecting and searching. Oh, and definitely praying. For now, I simply quote those great theologians known as U2: "I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

Chris

Dis-Connected Church

I write this as I sit in one of the business sessions of the MO Annual Conference. Not that I am bored (clears throat), but rather I just feel compelled by recent events. The focus of this conference has been (long overdue) on youth and young adults. We have had some great messages and workshops that lead us, as the bishop says, to "remember the future." better late than never that we get serious about this. However, there is one thing painfully clear: there is a disconnect between the message of our leaders, our intentions, and what is actually being loved out. Big surprise, I know. A couple of examples.

This morning began with a learning time with Bishop Schnase. He spoke on the challenges of reaching new generations. In his talk, he shared a story of encountering a young lady outside of a mall. This young lady had some serious ink (tattoos for the uninformed), along with a number of piercings. His point was 1) there was nothing wrong with her appearance, but 2) that how her appearance was in part an effort to "belong" to a group, something more. During this time, a young lady was in the crowd, a young lady with some serious ink of her own. She was connecting to the Bishop's message and perhaps feeling like she belonged here. But, and isn't there always a but, her welcome feeling was short lived. Sitting next to her was an older, long time United Methodist. This person was audibly disagreeing with the bishop and being very judgmental. Talk about a disconnect. The young lady became so upset that she left in the middle of the talk crying. My wife encountered her in the bathroom trying to pull herself together.

Later, In our worship service, we continued to lift up ur youth and young adults. One youth had his iPad open during the service. Was he taking notes? Perhaps researching a topic; who knows. I mean, I'm writing this blog on my iPad. It's part of our culture. However, an older, long time United Methodist sitting behind the youth leaned forward and, wait for it, told him to put it away. Yep, pretty bold.

I wish these were isolated incidents, but they are not. These kind of experiences and far worse ones happen regularly. On the one hand, our leaders tell us to " remember the future." We applaud and say "amen" and even let our youth and young adults have some token leadership in our conference and churches. But, on the other hand, there is a generational struggle ongoing.

Everyone is losing. I repeat, WE ARE ALL LOSING!

We United Methodists pride ourselves on being a connectional church. But a dis-connect clearly remains.

Chris

Mission Statement

For those of you that have read my posts lately, you know that I recently wrote about "the main thing" that we should be focused on in our churches. I many ways, this builds upon that. This is actually something I've thought about before, but it came up again yesterday after listening to another conversation and perspective on the now infamous General Conference 2012.

If you know me then you you know how much I push simple. I believe we make things in life, and especially church, way too complicated. And maybe, maybe I'm being too simplistic here. Stay with me.

As a denomination, our mission statement is "To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." Pretty straight forward. That would be the "main thing" as found in the great commission. So I ask the question: why do all of our churches spend hours and debates to come up with their own mission statement, and often bad ones at that. Shouldn't this be the mission statement for all of our churches; for The Church?

Here are 2 definitions of a mission statement: 1) A summary of the aims and values of a company, organization, or individual. 2) a statement of the purpose of a company or organization. Hmmm, shouldn't the purpose of every church be to make disciples?

Maybe I am being to simplistic here. I understand context varies greatly. Maybe you might include your community in the statement. For example at my church: "As a United Methodist Church in eastern Independence, the mission of Christ UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." I'm not sure that location is important. It might be a detriment. But you get my point.

How do we live that message out? Well, I often say that Jesus gave us His mission statement in Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. he sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." If it was good for Jesus...

I hear again and again about the importance of alignment. I happen to agree with this. Is a common mission statement that bad of an idea? Or does it refocus us on the main thing?

What do you think?

Chris

The Main Thing, Part 2

Well, if you are reading this you are either a glutton for punishment or you love The Church, particularly The UMC. Welcome back. We can get through this.

In my previous post I lifted up the concern, frustration, and challenges before us. As a denomination we are divided, fearful, skeptical, and entrenched in the dark side of the church: politics. I can hear people everywhere, "Yeah, sign me up for that!" But here is the truth that we all know: the answer does not lie with General Conference, with denomination structure, or with the boards and agencies; it lies with the local church. Therein lies the problem: many of our local churches are messes also. They are entrenched and filled with fear, skepticism, division, and negativity. And we wonder why people aren't flocking to our doors?

At the denominational level we argue about everything from incandescent light bulbs to gay marriage. In our local churches we argue about everything from carpet colors to drums and coffee in the sanctuary. We mire ourselves in committee meetings and parking lot gossip. We have forgotten/lost touch with the main thing.

I remember back in 2002. This was the year that the MO East and MO West Annual Conferences were proposed to merge. As you might imagine, conference was filled with debates, questions, and skepticism. Then, I remember this older woman who stood up and made this statement: "the Main Thing is to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing." Profound, I know. But also true.

What is the Main Thing? I'm glad you asked. We often refer to it as "The Great Suggestion." Oh, sorry; my mistake. I mean "The Great Commission." Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:19 NRSV). When and how did we as Christians forget this?

Look, I'm no Adam Hamilton and I don't have all of the answers. I'm still trying to get a grip on things in the church I serve. But I know that if we want a place to start, the Great Commission seems pretty foundational. Can we at least be unified about this? Can we lift up Jesus over our agendas? Or is it more likely that we begin arguing over what constitutes a disciple or what 10 step program we need to implement to make disciples. Worse yet, we form a committee to study for the next 4 years.

Maybe we can do it. Maybe we can turn things around and The UMC doesn't cease to exist in less than 50 years as is currently predicted. Maybe we can get back to the main thing.

I am hopeful.

I am a pastor in The United Methodist Church.

As the expression goes, "If I'm going down, I'm going down swinging."

Chris

The Main Thing, Part 1

Ok, here is your chance to stop while you can. If you're in a good mood, you might want to read something else. Plus, this is going to be long. In this blog is some of my sadness, frustration, and anger when it comes to the church. But also hope. Yes, I do still have hope...

Like many others, I followed the UM General Conference over the last couple of weeks. It was like a terrible wreck: it was terrible to see, but you just can't look away. The endless debates and bickering, the lack of any substantial change, the divisiveness; it was all just frustrating. Here's the kicker: it shouldn't have been so bothersome. All of it was exactly what I EXPECTED to happen. I have seen and experienced the same stuff in the local church. Still, there was a small part of me...


I have had many conversations, read various blogs and articles. Many colleagues of mine, such as Jeremy Vickers, Matt Miofsky, and Andy Bryan, have written some great pieces.  I have also studied all of the statistics and they paint a very grim picture for the UMC. It's all very disheartening.Then, last night I read an article from a Boston theological professor reflecting on gen conf. the article was WAY off base. In a nutshell, it's his stance that all of the talk around restructuring, and pretty much all legislation, centered around the issue of homosexuality. The article bothered me, but it was what I read next that twisted me up inside. I read the comments that people had posted on the article. There were numerous attacks on The UMC and posts from persons who had left The UMC. There were misquotes and bickering between those making the posts. Right or wrong, perception becomes reality.

It hurts. It's sad and frustrating. I love The United Methodist Church. I believe in The UMC. I know I shouldn't, but I tend to take all of the negativity, the derogatory posts, the people leaving, etc; I tend to take it personally. I probably shouldn't, but I do. Not only am I a part of the UMC, I am a leader in the UMC. I help shoulder the responsibility of where we are at and where we are going.

So, where do we go? Good question. I'm not completely sure, but I know where I believe we should start. Stay tuned for part 2.

Chris

Apple and Church

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