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
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
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
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
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
Monday, May 7, 2012
Weird Moment For A Pastor
This coming weekend I face a moment that is both a privilege, and well... weird. The big occasion? I will officiate a wedding. Normally, that's not a big deal. In my time in ministry thus far I have officiated at over 50 weddings. I have been involved with some very routine weddings and some pretty unique ones, but nothing like this.Why? This Saturday I officiate the wedding for... my mom. I know, weird.
A little back story. My father passed away about 10 years ago. He is still greatly missed by all of us, yes, including my mom. we love him dearly. Since his death, things have been very difficult for my mom with a great deal of grieving and difficult circumstances. Even with her 3 kids and multiple grandchildren, life was lonely for her.
Enter Marty.
I won't even go in to how it all began. There was lunch, fireworks (apparently both kinds), and here we are. The most important thing I can say about Marty is that he makes my mom happy. He is beyond good to her. That makes me happy.
Back to the wedding. It didn't begin to feel odd until we were in our planning meeting. An example: as pastors we walk the bride and groom through the vows; they repeat after us. But, for me the bride is "mom" and not Roberta. Also, I am marrying my mom to a man who is not my father. I just can't say it any other way... weird. But also kind of cool. How many people can say that they officiated a wedding for a parent?
Should be an interesting experience.
Chris
A little back story. My father passed away about 10 years ago. He is still greatly missed by all of us, yes, including my mom. we love him dearly. Since his death, things have been very difficult for my mom with a great deal of grieving and difficult circumstances. Even with her 3 kids and multiple grandchildren, life was lonely for her.
Enter Marty.
I won't even go in to how it all began. There was lunch, fireworks (apparently both kinds), and here we are. The most important thing I can say about Marty is that he makes my mom happy. He is beyond good to her. That makes me happy.
Back to the wedding. It didn't begin to feel odd until we were in our planning meeting. An example: as pastors we walk the bride and groom through the vows; they repeat after us. But, for me the bride is "mom" and not Roberta. Also, I am marrying my mom to a man who is not my father. I just can't say it any other way... weird. But also kind of cool. How many people can say that they officiated a wedding for a parent?
Should be an interesting experience.
Chris
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Venting
Ok, it's been a long time since I posted. Way too long. But I feel the need to right now. I think I need to vent a bit
This afternoon I went with my family to go see the latest Dr. Seuss story brought to the big screen: The Lorax. Incredible movie, IMO. More on that later. It was something else that happened that I want to address first, something that is just a reflection of something I have been experiencing and feeling lately. It seems lately I have been frequently saying to my wife, "I don't understand people today." That comment usually comes after witnessing or hearing about things that just don't make sense. for example, somebody cuts you off in traffic and then suggests that you are "number one." Or, hearing about a needless crime. Today was another example.
Just prior to the movie beginning, a large group of adults and children sat down next to me. Let's just say that they were "unsettled" as things began. If you've been to the movies, you know that they always show a segment encouraging people to turn off their phones and to not text, talk, etc during the show. This one actually used a bit featuring the Lorax to make the point. In the bit, the Lorax has a person on one side chowing down with food flying and on the other someone texting. You know the message. Cue the movie.
Can you guess what happened next? The lady next to me starts texting. Yep, less than a minute after the Lorax asking us not too. You know what else? She texted throughout the movie. The group talked. They chowed down on popcorn (quite loudly). You get the picture.
It got worse. It's not giving anything away to say that The Lorax has a strong message about caring for the environment. It was a great movie and the message was powerful. So, as my family gets ready to leave, we grab our cups and prepare to go. As I look to where the group was, all of them left their cups, popcorn all over the seats, trash on the floor. It wasn't just that group. As we looked around, there was a similar scene throughout the theater. It... was... sad. We just watched a moving movie about caring and folks left as if they didn't. All I could do was turn to my kids and say, "Don't be like that, please."
I say again, I just don't understand people. More on that post which will be entitled "Unless." Some of you will understand.
Chris
This afternoon I went with my family to go see the latest Dr. Seuss story brought to the big screen: The Lorax. Incredible movie, IMO. More on that later. It was something else that happened that I want to address first, something that is just a reflection of something I have been experiencing and feeling lately. It seems lately I have been frequently saying to my wife, "I don't understand people today." That comment usually comes after witnessing or hearing about things that just don't make sense. for example, somebody cuts you off in traffic and then suggests that you are "number one." Or, hearing about a needless crime. Today was another example.
Just prior to the movie beginning, a large group of adults and children sat down next to me. Let's just say that they were "unsettled" as things began. If you've been to the movies, you know that they always show a segment encouraging people to turn off their phones and to not text, talk, etc during the show. This one actually used a bit featuring the Lorax to make the point. In the bit, the Lorax has a person on one side chowing down with food flying and on the other someone texting. You know the message. Cue the movie.
Can you guess what happened next? The lady next to me starts texting. Yep, less than a minute after the Lorax asking us not too. You know what else? She texted throughout the movie. The group talked. They chowed down on popcorn (quite loudly). You get the picture.
It got worse. It's not giving anything away to say that The Lorax has a strong message about caring for the environment. It was a great movie and the message was powerful. So, as my family gets ready to leave, we grab our cups and prepare to go. As I look to where the group was, all of them left their cups, popcorn all over the seats, trash on the floor. It wasn't just that group. As we looked around, there was a similar scene throughout the theater. It... was... sad. We just watched a moving movie about caring and folks left as if they didn't. All I could do was turn to my kids and say, "Don't be like that, please."
I say again, I just don't understand people. More on that post which will be entitled "Unless." Some of you will understand.
Chris
Thursday, October 6, 2011
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
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
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
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