Everyone has a story. It's remarkable that when you take the time to sit with someone and simply ask, "so, what's your story?" the amazing things you'll hear.
You have a remarkable story to share. Others need to hear your story.
In preparation for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, use this opportunity for a personal and spiritual exercise.
Would you be willing and bold enough to take the time to write out your personal "scar story" online, link it to your facebook page and share it through twitter? Think of it as social media evangelism. Think of all your friends who have NOT YET heard your story, who would be profoundly impacted by your vulnerability.
Go to www.scar-stories.com and write out your scar story. Share your BC (before Christ) story THEN share your AD story (after Jesus stepped into your life). Try to keep it as concise as possible, so that your friends will read it. Link it and share it. Use this website to share the transforming power of Jesus in your life.
When our tragedy meets Jesus' triumph, our life becomes a testimony. Our mess meets His message and we are then able to minister.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Where do you turn when you're not getting your way?
In life, sometimes things don't go our way. In those moments, we are all forced to "trust" something.
Where do you turn? Most people fit into two categories- pride or blame.
If pride, then a person puts their trust in themselves. They trust their:
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Psalm 118:8.
Dear Jesus-follower, don't take measures into your own hands. Rely on God's wisdom, His purposes, and His best for your life. Trust that He sees the bigger picture and has our life under His control. When we take control and either trust ourselves or trust other men, we aim toward destruction.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6.
Where do you turn? Most people fit into two categories- pride or blame.
If pride, then a person puts their trust in themselves. They trust their:
- abilities,
- power,
- position,
- intellect,
- money,
- people-prowess- charm, manipulation, etc.
If blame, then a person believes that others are at fault for their out-of-control situation in life. They trust:
- others are powerful and they are powerless,
- that their life is beyond control,
- that they are a victim.
Where do Jesus-followers turn when situations don't go our way?
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20:7–8.
For those who love and fear God, the only option is to turn to Him and trust His power, providence, and provision in times of struggle and when situations seem beyond our control.
God is all-knowing, sovereign, and good. He knows the beginning from the end. For those that place their life in God's care, He cares for them.
For those who love and fear God, the only option is to turn to Him and trust His power, providence, and provision in times of struggle and when situations seem beyond our control.
God is all-knowing, sovereign, and good. He knows the beginning from the end. For those that place their life in God's care, He cares for them.
Dear Jesus-follower, don't take measures into your own hands. Rely on God's wisdom, His purposes, and His best for your life. Trust that He sees the bigger picture and has our life under His control. When we take control and either trust ourselves or trust other men, we aim toward destruction.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Purpose of Doubt
Many contend that we shouldn’t doubt, that doubt is some how the enemy of our faith.
However, doubt isn’t our enemy. God is big enough for our questions and doubts. The Bible deals with people who struggled with doubt and hard questions head on:
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me… when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness." Job 30:20, 26, NIV.
Many biblical heroes of the Faith doubted and struggled with dry season in their journey with God! Men like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Elijah, Samuel, John the Baptist, and even Jesus’ disciples.
David expressed, under inspiration of Holy Spirit, his doubts and spiritual dryness.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent." Psalm 22:1-2, NIV.
Circumstances led to doubt. Experience trumped belief. Pain darkened his faith.
So, if doubting isn’t unbiblical or an indication of a lack of faith, what do we do with it?
We Walk by Faith.
How? To Walk by Faith, Explore Your Doubts.
God doesn’t correct doubt and spiritual struggle, but teaches His followers to embrace these seasons as part of their faith-journey.
We’re not robots programmed on how to think nor lemmings in a mindless religious cult. Jesus' called us to make "disciples" which means literally "students".
Investigate, study, explore. (see 1 Peter 3:15-16)
When hard questions arise, don’t run from them, allow them to drive you to deeper exploration of the Bible, heightened understanding of truth, and an emboldened faith. The greatest struggles in doubt forge our strongest convictions.
To walk by faith, trust.
"All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 8 “He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Psalm 22:7-8, NIV.
But faith isn’t just a blind belief. Faith is substance. Faith is active.
How do we demonstate trust? In a bridge? We are willing to rely on it and put our life into care. This trust is earned and learned. Observed and experienced.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17, NKJV.
Faith grows as we hear and read God’s Story in the midst of scar stories.
We are invited to trust what we discover to be trustworthy- that Jesus is the Son of God.
To walk by faith, obey.
LORD, I praise you in the great meeting of your people; these worshipers will see me do what promised. Psalm 22:25, NCV.
The word “faith” in Greek is means both to trust (rely on) and obey. Not just belief, but my dependence on truth produces action.
And in Hebrew, there is no separation between knowledge and action. To" know" means to live accordingly. We often “know”, but don’t respond. Faith means that my actions match my beliefs.
God’s story intersects with our story, and the scars of Jesus heal our scars.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Take a Short-term Mission Trip- SIGN UP NOW!
Do you love to travel? To see new places? To experience new cultures?
But more than anything, do you love to make a DIFFERENCE in someone else's life? They may not speak your language, or have their own bed, or even have enough food, but they are in need of JESUS!
Lifehouse Church East is taking 7 Missions Trips in 2011, and I seriously think you should consider going on one of them (whoever you are out there in the virtual world).
There's something for everyone, whether you're a homebody or an world-traveler:
Every destination has a city full of hurting people who need the hope that you have. So before you say "no" because of time, money, or other concerns...promise me this: you'll pray about it. Deal?
Deal. (I can see all of your virtual heads are nodding yes right now.) So while you're praying about it, pick up a MISSIONS PASSPORT at the Info Center THIS Sunday, or email brian@lifehousechurcheast.org for more info on upcoming trips. You can also watch a video of my good friend Lisa talking about her experience on one of the recent LHCE Missions trips HERE.
Travel. See the World. Make a Difference. SHARE JESUS!
But more than anything, do you love to make a DIFFERENCE in someone else's life? They may not speak your language, or have their own bed, or even have enough food, but they are in need of JESUS!
Lifehouse Church East is taking 7 Missions Trips in 2011, and I seriously think you should consider going on one of them (whoever you are out there in the virtual world).
There's something for everyone, whether you're a homebody or an world-traveler:
- Dresden, Germany: June 20-27
- Quito, Ecuador: July 1-8
- Dominican Republic: July 16-23
SIGN UP THIS SUNDAY! Worry about the details later!
Deal. (I can see all of your virtual heads are nodding yes right now.) So while you're praying about it, pick up a MISSIONS PASSPORT at the Info Center THIS Sunday, or email brian@lifehousechurcheast.org for more info on upcoming trips. You can also watch a video of my good friend Lisa talking about her experience on one of the recent LHCE Missions trips HERE.
Travel. See the World. Make a Difference. SHARE JESUS!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Travel the World- Make a Difference
I love travel. I love seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, and I even love plane food! (shocker, right?)
But more than all of that...I love it when I can make a difference in someone else's life. Someone who may not speak the same language as me. Someone who may not have their own bed (much less their own car, iPod or fridge full of junk food.) Someone who is a sinner just like me. Someone who didn't know Jesus yesterday, but is covered by grace today. All because I chose to save a few bucks and go on a Missions Trip.
Lifehouse Church East is taking 7 Missions Trips in 2011, and I seriously think you should consider going on one of them (whoever you are out there in the virtual world).
There's something for everyone, whether you're a homebody or an world-traveler:
Deal. (I can see all of your virtual heads are nodding yes right now.) So while you're praying about it, pick up a MISSIONS PASSPORT at the Info Center this Sunday, or email brian@lifehousechurcheast.org for more info on upcoming trips. You can also watch a video of my good friend Lisa talking about her experience on one of the recent LHE Missions trips HERE.
Travel. See the World. Make a Difference. (And I'll eat any leftover plane food you don't want.)
But more than all of that...I love it when I can make a difference in someone else's life. Someone who may not speak the same language as me. Someone who may not have their own bed (much less their own car, iPod or fridge full of junk food.) Someone who is a sinner just like me. Someone who didn't know Jesus yesterday, but is covered by grace today. All because I chose to save a few bucks and go on a Missions Trip.
Lifehouse Church East is taking 7 Missions Trips in 2011, and I seriously think you should consider going on one of them (whoever you are out there in the virtual world).
There's something for everyone, whether you're a homebody or an world-traveler:
- Dresden, Germany: June 20-27
- Quito, Ecuador: July 1-8
- Dominican Republic: July 16-23
- Church Plant, Hedgesville, WV: September 1-11
- Convoy of Hope, Hagerstown, MD: September 23-24
- Dominican Republic: October 8-15
- Dream Center, Los Angeles: October 15-23
Deal. (I can see all of your virtual heads are nodding yes right now.) So while you're praying about it, pick up a MISSIONS PASSPORT at the Info Center this Sunday, or email brian@lifehousechurcheast.org for more info on upcoming trips. You can also watch a video of my good friend Lisa talking about her experience on one of the recent LHE Missions trips HERE.
Travel. See the World. Make a Difference. (And I'll eat any leftover plane food you don't want.)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Growing stronger as a Jesus-follower
At Lifehouse, we're kicking off our next Life Commitments Course THIS Sunday!
Sign up now by emailing info@lifehousechurcheast.org.
This is an exciting 8-week discipleship course that teaches commitment to God and commitment to the body of Christ (the church).
We believe the church is a family; and it takes commitment to build a strong family.
The course is an interactive teaching with video illustrations, gifts assessment tests, and plenty of group discussions. The process concludes with an overnight retreat (called Encounter Weekend), where students are given the opportunity to deepen relationships with others in the class, review the material, and allow each person to individually experience God’s presence in a life transforming way.
If you want to go deeper with Christ, get more involved at Lifehouse, and build strong relationships with others who want to do the same, then join Life Commitments.
If you're wondering what your next step is at Lifehouse, and you have not YET gone through Life Commitments, this is the course for you!
Sign up TODAY!
Check out our discipleship map
Sign up now by emailing info@lifehousechurcheast.org.
This is an exciting 8-week discipleship course that teaches commitment to God and commitment to the body of Christ (the church).
We believe the church is a family; and it takes commitment to build a strong family.
The course is an interactive teaching with video illustrations, gifts assessment tests, and plenty of group discussions. The process concludes with an overnight retreat (called Encounter Weekend), where students are given the opportunity to deepen relationships with others in the class, review the material, and allow each person to individually experience God’s presence in a life transforming way.
If you want to go deeper with Christ, get more involved at Lifehouse, and build strong relationships with others who want to do the same, then join Life Commitments.
If you're wondering what your next step is at Lifehouse, and you have not YET gone through Life Commitments, this is the course for you!
Sign up TODAY!
Check out our discipleship map
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The purpose of lonely
We don't avoid loneliness, betrayal, and depression. BUT we can come THROUGH them.
At Lifehouse, we're going through a sermon series called "Scars".
We don’t avoid isolation, loneliness, or moments, even seasons, of depression. We go THROUGH it.
What for? What is the lonely for? Psalmist gives us the answer...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God… Psalms 42:5.
God takes tragedy, desperate situations and turns them into triumph!
We are not shielded from the lonely, when the odds are against you, but God, in the worst of all situations, through Jesus, His Son, died and overcame to offer us HOPE.
There is no true hope, help, deep connection outside of faith in Jesus Christ.
Hope in God through these times. HOW?
To Hope in God, Depend on His Will
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. Psalm 43:3-4, NIV.
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26: 39
To Hope in God, Be Refreshed by His Presence
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5, NIV.
These lyrics say it best:
Some room is empty/ If I feel hollow that's just my proof that there's more/ For me to follow - that's what the lonely is for
From the deep of your dreams, the height of your wishes/ The length of your vision to see, the hope of your heart/ Is much bigger than this/ For it's made out of what might be That's What The Lonely Is For Lyrics - David Wilcox.
Are you finding hope in God THROUGH your lonely?
At Lifehouse, we're going through a sermon series called "Scars".
We don’t avoid isolation, loneliness, or moments, even seasons, of depression. We go THROUGH it.
What for? What is the lonely for? Psalmist gives us the answer...
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God… Psalms 42:5.
God takes tragedy, desperate situations and turns them into triumph!
We are not shielded from the lonely, when the odds are against you, but God, in the worst of all situations, through Jesus, His Son, died and overcame to offer us HOPE.
There is no true hope, help, deep connection outside of faith in Jesus Christ.
Hope in God through these times. HOW?
To Hope in God, Depend on His Will
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. Psalm 43:3-4, NIV.
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26: 39
To Hope in God, Be Refreshed by His Presence
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5, NIV.
These lyrics say it best:
Some room is empty/ If I feel hollow that's just my proof that there's more/ For me to follow - that's what the lonely is for
From the deep of your dreams, the height of your wishes/ The length of your vision to see, the hope of your heart/ Is much bigger than this/ For it's made out of what might be That's What The Lonely Is For Lyrics - David Wilcox.
Are you finding hope in God THROUGH your lonely?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Share YOUR Story
Just kicked off a sermon series called Scars (read more here, listen here), and as we go through the Book of Psalms, we've been invited people at Lifehouse Church East to share their Scar Stories.
And that's what we're inviting you to share. Go to scar-stories.com, and browse others' stories and share yours.
We all have scars. And we all have scar stories. A fall. A fight. An accident. A surgery. They tell of antics and heroics, tragedies and near-misses, adventure, stupidity. These stories become more dramatic as time distances us from the pain of the moment; we almost relish retelling a good scar story by enhancing it with sound effects, emotion and animation.
There are, however, other scar stories. These are the stories we avoid telling and revealing, stories of deep, internal scars that still evoke pain, fear, worry, regret, shame or guilt. Unlike most physical scars, these scars never quite heal. Their sting remains and the wound re-opens unexpectedly. Just when we think we are over it, something can trigger the event. And “WHAM!” We are back in that dark moment of depression, grief, devastation, or doubt.
These stories leave us feeling alone and isolated, and we tell ourselves that no one could ever understand what we’ve been through. We tell ourselves, “I’ll never recover. God isn’t here for me, and even if he is, He doesn’t care about me.” But Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By his wounds we were healed.” Yes, past tense. God’s story intersected with our story, and Jesus’ scars healed our scars. He offered healing before we even experienced the wound.
However, in the church, many of us prefer to act like we have it all together, like there aren’t festering wounds and haunting fears deep in our heart. Like the waiting room of the ER, the church is a triage center for spiritual and emotional brokenness. The members act like doctors so others won’t see their need for the Great Physician. But let me expose the brutal reality- we ALL have our scar stories. We ALL need Jesus!
In 2010, the members of Lifehouse Church East began to publicly share their scar stories with each other, and found healing, hope, and comfort. People began to realize they were not alone. They realized that many people have walked through a similar scar story, and for those still struggling with doubt, fear, depression, or darkness, they could find encouragement from those who walked the path before them.
We pray this website will be a place where you can find encouragement and healing as you walk through your own scar story. Browse other people’s stories or perhaps consider sharing your own. Allow yourself to be honest. Admit that you’ve struggled, doubted, and suffered. Be transparent, be vulnerable, and believe that Jesus’ scars can, have, and will heal your scars.
So what’s your scar story?
And that's what we're inviting you to share. Go to scar-stories.com, and browse others' stories and share yours.
We all have scars. And we all have scar stories. A fall. A fight. An accident. A surgery. They tell of antics and heroics, tragedies and near-misses, adventure, stupidity. These stories become more dramatic as time distances us from the pain of the moment; we almost relish retelling a good scar story by enhancing it with sound effects, emotion and animation.
There are, however, other scar stories. These are the stories we avoid telling and revealing, stories of deep, internal scars that still evoke pain, fear, worry, regret, shame or guilt. Unlike most physical scars, these scars never quite heal. Their sting remains and the wound re-opens unexpectedly. Just when we think we are over it, something can trigger the event. And “WHAM!” We are back in that dark moment of depression, grief, devastation, or doubt.
These stories leave us feeling alone and isolated, and we tell ourselves that no one could ever understand what we’ve been through. We tell ourselves, “I’ll never recover. God isn’t here for me, and even if he is, He doesn’t care about me.” But Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By his wounds we were healed.” Yes, past tense. God’s story intersected with our story, and Jesus’ scars healed our scars. He offered healing before we even experienced the wound.
However, in the church, many of us prefer to act like we have it all together, like there aren’t festering wounds and haunting fears deep in our heart. Like the waiting room of the ER, the church is a triage center for spiritual and emotional brokenness. The members act like doctors so others won’t see their need for the Great Physician. But let me expose the brutal reality- we ALL have our scar stories. We ALL need Jesus!
In 2010, the members of Lifehouse Church East began to publicly share their scar stories with each other, and found healing, hope, and comfort. People began to realize they were not alone. They realized that many people have walked through a similar scar story, and for those still struggling with doubt, fear, depression, or darkness, they could find encouragement from those who walked the path before them.
We pray this website will be a place where you can find encouragement and healing as you walk through your own scar story. Browse other people’s stories or perhaps consider sharing your own. Allow yourself to be honest. Admit that you’ve struggled, doubted, and suffered. Be transparent, be vulnerable, and believe that Jesus’ scars can, have, and will heal your scars.
So what’s your scar story?
Friday, April 08, 2011
Please RSVP- Unquenchable Life Seminar TOMORROW
All Lifehousers are invited to join us for the Unquenchable Life Seminar!
"Life can leave you feeling empty, dry, and insignificant, but don't you long for something more? A life that outlasts death. An identity that's more than what we see in the mirror or what we write on a resume. We long to accumulate what can never be spent. To serve something more than ourselves. We long for the Unquenchable Life..."
Join me and other guest speakers THIS Saturday April 9th at UNQUENCHABLE, a one day seminar that will inspire and refuel your spiritual life.
This event includes powerful worship experiences, inspiring teaching sessions, corporate prayer gatherings, and the opportunity to choose from several interactive workshops that cover topics such as: The Fire of Prayer & Worship, Living for a Greater Cause, Finding Purpose in your Gifts, Understanding God & Money, and Building an Unquenchable Community.
Free lunch and childcare are available for pre-registered guests, so feel free to reserve your tickets below or visit http://unquenchableseminar.eventbrite.com for more information. Isn't it time to experience the joy of The Unquenchable Life?
Check us out on Facebook.
Please RSVP immediately and register here, so we know you're coming and have lunch ready for you.
"Life can leave you feeling empty, dry, and insignificant, but don't you long for something more? A life that outlasts death. An identity that's more than what we see in the mirror or what we write on a resume. We long to accumulate what can never be spent. To serve something more than ourselves. We long for the Unquenchable Life..."
Join me and other guest speakers THIS Saturday April 9th at UNQUENCHABLE, a one day seminar that will inspire and refuel your spiritual life.
This event includes powerful worship experiences, inspiring teaching sessions, corporate prayer gatherings, and the opportunity to choose from several interactive workshops that cover topics such as: The Fire of Prayer & Worship, Living for a Greater Cause, Finding Purpose in your Gifts, Understanding God & Money, and Building an Unquenchable Community.
Free lunch and childcare are available for pre-registered guests, so feel free to reserve your tickets below or visit http://unquenchableseminar.eventbrite.com for more information. Isn't it time to experience the joy of The Unquenchable Life?
Check us out on Facebook.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Weird Approach to Time Management
Repost from Lifechurch.tv blog SWERVE. |
Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:48 AM PDT Over the next few days, I’d like to share some of my favorite parts from Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working. In the book, Craig looks at what it means to be weird in five key areas: time, money, relationships, sex, and values. Today’s excerpt tackles time: We’re always rushed, always on the move, never having enough time. Almost everyone I know has little room for error in their schedule. Tragically, most people have little time for the things in life that they would say are the most important to them. When we overschedule ourselves in the belief that we can do everything, we stop being human and try to become godlike — not only impossible but also incredibly arrogant. Most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable; it’s also unbiblical. Instead of our typical conclusion that we simply don’t have enough time, what if we embraced the truth — no matter how weird or counterintuitive it might seem? You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.God has given you everything you need to accomplish all that he wants you to do, including enough time (see 2 Peter 1:3). We don’t need more time. We need to use the time we already have differently. You have time for what you choose to invest your time in. Every day most of us say, “I just don’t have time to work out . . . to read the Bible . . . to go to church this week . . . to meet for lunch . . . to add one more thing.” But the truth is, we find time for what’s important to us. If golf is really a priority to us, we find time to play golf. If going to dinner with our friends matters, we make it happen. If tanning, working out, or getting our hair cut is a priority, we seem to find time. Catch yourself the next time you’re about to say, “I don’t have time” for something. Tell yourself the truth: either it’s not a priority and you’re guarding your time for good reason, or you simply aren’t willing to choose to spend your time on it. I feel challenged! Where do I need to build time for God to do in and through what He desires? Tired of normal? Be WEIRD! Get it in print or download it from: Amazon |
Weird Approach to Time Management
Repost from Lifechurch.tv blog SWERVE. |
Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:48 AM PDT Over the next few days, I’d like to share some of my favorite parts from Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working. In the book, Craig looks at what it means to be weird in five key areas: time, money, relationships, sex, and values. Today’s excerpt tackles time: We’re always rushed, always on the move, never having enough time. Almost everyone I know has little room for error in their schedule. Tragically, most people have little time for the things in life that they would say are the most important to them. When we overschedule ourselves in the belief that we can do everything, we stop being human and try to become godlike — not only impossible but also incredibly arrogant. Most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable; it’s also unbiblical. Instead of our typical conclusion that we simply don’t have enough time, what if we embraced the truth — no matter how weird or counterintuitive it might seem? You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.God has given you everything you need to accomplish all that he wants you to do, including enough time (see 2 Peter 1:3). We don’t need more time. We need to use the time we already have differently. You have time for what you choose to invest your time in. Every day most of us say, “I just don’t have time to work out . . . to read the Bible . . . to go to church this week . . . to meet for lunch . . . to add one more thing.” But the truth is, we find time for what’s important to us. If golf is really a priority to us, we find time to play golf. If going to dinner with our friends matters, we make it happen. If tanning, working out, or getting our hair cut is a priority, we seem to find time. Catch yourself the next time you’re about to say, “I don’t have time” for something. Tell yourself the truth: either it’s not a priority and you’re guarding your time for good reason, or you simply aren’t willing to choose to spend your time on it. I feel challenged! Where do I need to build time for God to do in and through what He desires? Tired of normal? Be WEIRD! Get it in print or download it from: Amazon |
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Most Important Leadership Lesson
Pareto Principle (know as the 80-20 rule) states that we get 80% of results from 20% and vice-versa (more about that tomorrow). I'll write a few posts on this principle.
For leaders, this means that 20% of what we spend time doing produces 80% of our results/ effectiveness. I've learned this the hard way, but have also learned a key lesson: focus on making the 20% that's most effective the focus of 80% of my energy and effort. Personally, that means giving away 1/2 my job description every 6-9 months. It requires discipline and focus. I must be intentional.
Here's a repost of a blog I write on 2/20/2008. This was a key leadership growth moment for me, and as is common, God used Laura to help me learn it. Enjoy! (It's also interesting to look back and see how far we've come).
Yesterday, I cracked open [a book] that's been waiting to be read, The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. Laura was out with some ladies and the girls were in bed, so, with some alone time, I sat down to read. Right off the bat- wow! [What I didn't include in this post: before Laura left the house, she said, "Patrick, you can't keep up this break-neck pace; it's going to kill you. You're doing too much, and you have to give some of it away."]
Now, for my confession. I love the quote and have made it a core value at Lifehouse Church: Pray like everything depends on God, work like everything depends on you (Martin Luther). My tendency is to pray, then work, and if that's not enough, I'll work harder and harder. So, I'll put in too many hours.
I know that I must train leaders, give away ministry responsibilities, and I'm doing that to the best of my ability. However, while reading the first chapter, Stanley challenges the reader to evaluate what 2 or 3 things you are good at and are passionate about doing and do that. Give everything else away to others! [The first line of the first chapter states, "YOU ARE DOING TOO MUCH!" Coincidence, I think not!]
I thought I'd already done this, but it's time to re-evaluate. My new mission is to evaluate better what I'm currently doing, narrow down my scope of ministry to only a few things, then develop other leaders to do what they love doing and trust them with ministry.
Here's my list of things I'm passionate about and will focus my energy on at Lifehouse:
Stanley states that if leaders will do what they're best at, we will be most effective and the whole church will grow and be significantly more impactful.
So, here's what we need:
For leaders, this means that 20% of what we spend time doing produces 80% of our results/ effectiveness. I've learned this the hard way, but have also learned a key lesson: focus on making the 20% that's most effective the focus of 80% of my energy and effort. Personally, that means giving away 1/2 my job description every 6-9 months. It requires discipline and focus. I must be intentional.
Here's a repost of a blog I write on 2/20/2008. This was a key leadership growth moment for me, and as is common, God used Laura to help me learn it. Enjoy! (It's also interesting to look back and see how far we've come).
Yesterday, I cracked open [a book] that's been waiting to be read, The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. Laura was out with some ladies and the girls were in bed, so, with some alone time, I sat down to read. Right off the bat- wow! [What I didn't include in this post: before Laura left the house, she said, "Patrick, you can't keep up this break-neck pace; it's going to kill you. You're doing too much, and you have to give some of it away."]
Now, for my confession. I love the quote and have made it a core value at Lifehouse Church: Pray like everything depends on God, work like everything depends on you (Martin Luther). My tendency is to pray, then work, and if that's not enough, I'll work harder and harder. So, I'll put in too many hours.
I know that I must train leaders, give away ministry responsibilities, and I'm doing that to the best of my ability. However, while reading the first chapter, Stanley challenges the reader to evaluate what 2 or 3 things you are good at and are passionate about doing and do that. Give everything else away to others! [The first line of the first chapter states, "YOU ARE DOING TOO MUCH!" Coincidence, I think not!]
I thought I'd already done this, but it's time to re-evaluate. My new mission is to evaluate better what I'm currently doing, narrow down my scope of ministry to only a few things, then develop other leaders to do what they love doing and trust them with ministry.
Here's my list of things I'm passionate about and will focus my energy on at Lifehouse:
- Preaching- to relevantly and creatively communicate the Truth of the Bible,
- Vision casting- to lead Lifehouse in toward our God-given Cause and to inspire as many people as possible to join us in fulfilling this cause,
- Leadership development- to raise up new leaders as pastors, ministry leaders, and influencers; also, to develop new church planter.
Stanley states that if leaders will do what they're best at, we will be most effective and the whole church will grow and be significantly more impactful.
So, here's what we need:
- pastor or leader of pastoral care- counseling, pre-marriage counseling, visitation, hospital visits, personal mentoring, etc. [Thanks Pastor Joe and Lois for still pastoring and staying the course with Lifehouse!! We love and appreciate you!]
- administrative assistant/ book-keeper. [now LHCE has several PT and FT admin. In fact, most of our paid staff serve primarily in administrative roles].
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Invite your FRIENDS & NEW Sermon Series
Don't Miss Out or Miss this incredible opportunity to invite your friends to Lifehouse. Hopefully, this video will inspire you to invite everyone you can to join us THIS weekend for Spring Fever Sunday:
TAG, YOU'RE IT! We'll do our part making it a great experience and helping people hear and experience the Gospel and be touch by God's transforming power. But you've got to do your part by inviting them and talking them about Jesus.
Kicking off new sermon series (with a title that you may remember from last year):
You don't want to miss this series. PLUS, we'll be passing out the NEW study guides to go along with this series. This is one of those sermon series that your friends will want to hear.
TAG, YOU'RE IT!
TAG, YOU'RE IT! We'll do our part making it a great experience and helping people hear and experience the Gospel and be touch by God's transforming power. But you've got to do your part by inviting them and talking them about Jesus.
Kicking off new sermon series (with a title that you may remember from last year):
You don't want to miss this series. PLUS, we'll be passing out the NEW study guides to go along with this series. This is one of those sermon series that your friends will want to hear.
TAG, YOU'RE IT!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Response to LOVE WINS by Rob Bell
If you haven't heard the controversy surrounding Rob Bell's (Pastor of Mars Hill Church) latest book Love Wins, then allow me to briefly bring you up to speed and offer some great recommendations. Since I have neither the time nor desire to outline a thorough review of his book, and feel that there are better authors and scholars to do such a job, I'm reposting Ed Stetzer's recent post about Bell's book. Stetzer also offers several other blogs, of which I've read a few.
_________________________________________
Much to my frustration, I was not able to publish a review of Rob Bell's Love Wins for you along with the swarm of others when it came out. I had received the book about a week or so before it was published, read it twice, and had prepared a somewhat lengthy review (not compared to Kevin DeYoung's reviewum opus). But nonetheless it shared some thoughts about several elements of the book. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that it was lost in technology world-- and I still have not figured out what happened. Sigh.
_________________________________________
Much to my frustration, I was not able to publish a review of Rob Bell's Love Wins for you along with the swarm of others when it came out. I had received the book about a week or so before it was published, read it twice, and had prepared a somewhat lengthy review (not compared to Kevin DeYoung's reviewum opus). But nonetheless it shared some thoughts about several elements of the book. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that it was lost in technology world-- and I still have not figured out what happened. Sigh.
Either way, since much of the detailed reviewing has been done, I have not reproduced my original writing. The need for that has seemed to pass. Instead, I will share a few thoughts over the next few days about the concepts of love, holiness, and eternity.
It probably goes without saying that it is a well-written and engaging book. Though I don't find it particularly theologically hefty, it certainly is creative, fast-moving, and attention grabbing, as all of Rob Bell's writings tend to be. However, I think it has some fundamental premises that simply are wrong. I will try to critique them briefly (but hopefully fairly), and then present some alternative ideas in the coming days.
Martin Bashir's interview hit at a key issue of the book (though I found his interview style to be a bit abrasive). The book represents a desire, and certainly a well meaning one, to recast Christianity in a more favorable light. Coming from a non-Christian family, I find that appealing. I want it to be true. I want it to work. Yet, I think that project will ultimately fail. Actually, I think it has already failed in mainline Protestantism. It requires us to reject too much scripture to fit into our cultural sensibilities. Rob Bell's views may be more appealing in contemporary culture, but it falls short of faithfully proclaiming what the scriptures teach--just read Jesus' frequent comments about the afterlife and eternal consequences.
I think the clear and overwhelming rejection of Bell's views by orthodox Christians (with often lengthy scriptural responses) indicates that this is clearly in error on several points. I actually had originally prepared a list of those, but as others have done so aptly, there is no need to repeat that process here. There have been few defenders in orthodox Christianity of Bell's thesis--and rightly so. Even Mark Galli, tentmaster of evangelicalism's "Big Tent" (Christianity Today) believes it is a bridge too far. Galli's right.
If there has been one well-known evangelical defender who has engaged on the subject, it has been Richard Mouw. I must confess, I find his comments confusing (original comments here and elaboration here). To say that an optimistic inclusivist view (some might say a "mostly" universalist) is well within the realm of orthodox Christianity is odd. It has been present, but as a small minority. And, it would be even "smaller" in evangelicalism. Perhaps Mouw's comments point to the shift that has been experienced in segments of evangelicalism. I will be writing more on that in the days to some. Others have written about an "evangelical tipping point" represented by this moment and I think they are right.
Yet, I would agree that there has always been a minority tradition within the Christian faith that Christ saves everyone regardless of the response they give to Christ in this life. However, the position has been considered to be in error by the vast majority of orthodox Christians (and just about ALL evangelicals). For that matter, I don't think that Love Wins is the most compelling statement of that view. You would find a more compelling and better-written thesis (with some differences) in A Wideness of God's Mercy of Clark Pinnock or some of the writings by John Sanders.
Now, that is not to say that we cannot learn from our mainline friends. I read many mainline thinkers and find their scholarship strong and their thinking challenging. Yet, I think Lisa Miller of Newsweek asked the question that needed an answer. She asked Rob Bell, "Aren't you just a mainline Protestant posing as an evangelical? Aren't you just saying what Episcopalians have been saying for fifty or sixty years?" (Be sure to read the whole interview here. I don't think he answers the question she asked, but his answers and ideas are worth reading)
Bell has largely recast and tweaked the view that many mainline Protestants have held for a hundred years: that because of God's love, he saves everyone, regardless. This is not new. This is not groundbreaking. This is not revolutionary.
In many ways, Rob Bell's Love Wins is simply mainline Protestantism with better haircuts and cooler music. Similar statements could have been made at the Parliament of World Religions in 1893 or later (with some modification) in Karl Rahner's concept of the Anonymous Christian.
I do think you should read the book-- it addresses questions your friends are asking. And, it will be influential. And, you should wrestle with the scriptures for the answers and be compelled to act by what you find.
With all of that stated, I think that what Rob Bell has written is outside of the realm of the historic Christian view and more in line with the mainline Protestant view (and, yes, I am saying that the historic Christian view is not the modern mainline Protestant view). Since Bell relates to evangelicals and is read by many in the evangelical tradition, it appears that the book is geared toward (in part) persuading evangelicals. Thus, Love Wins seeks to provoke and persuade us to a new view that I (and other evangelicals) see as theologically problematic. And, as such, it is unhelpful to the church and ultimately accomplishes little of what he intended. (I will explain more in the coming posts.)
Yet, Bell appeals to the love of God. And, I love the love of God and consider it worthy of our consideration.
My exhortation (to all of us) from the Bell conversation is that we (re)learn how the scriptural truths of the love of God and the holiness of God are held simultaneously in the scriptures. Unfortunately, I think Bell comes up short in considering their partnership and instead pits them against one another. Furthermore, I think that we might consider how our view of love impacts our view of the work of God.
Now, it's probably no secret, and I should reveal my own bias early on, that I have a different view of what the love of God does and how we are to understand it.
I think the scriptures teach us that we are compelled by love in how we are to live out our faith and God's mission. In 2008, I co-authored a book on the subject with Philip Nation. Over the next week or so, I'll offer a few more blog posts reflecting on Rob Bell's view of God's love with a response to it. Along the way, I'll use excerpts from my book, Compelled By Love.
But for now, I'll simply leave you with a thought for the next installment. In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Paul wrote, "For Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised." I believe the best understanding of God's love is that it does not teach us that all are saved but it does teach us that God's people are sent to announce the good news of the gospel to all. We will explore that distinction and others in the coming days.
Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Response to LOVE WINS by Rob Bell
If you haven't heard the controversy surrounding Rob Bell's (Pastor of Mars Hill Church) latest book Love Wins, then allow me to briefly bring you up to speed and offer some great recommendations. Since I have neither the time nor desire to outline a thorough review of his book, and feel that there are better authors and scholars to do such a job, I'm reposting Ed Stetzer's recent post about Bell's book. Stetzer also offers several other blogs, of which I've read a few.
_________________________________________
Much to my frustration, I was not able to publish a review of Rob Bell's Love Wins for you along with the swarm of others when it came out. I had received the book about a week or so before it was published, read it twice, and had prepared a somewhat lengthy review (not compared to Kevin DeYoung's reviewum opus). But nonetheless it shared some thoughts about several elements of the book. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that it was lost in technology world-- and I still have not figured out what happened. Sigh.
_________________________________________
Much to my frustration, I was not able to publish a review of Rob Bell's Love Wins for you along with the swarm of others when it came out. I had received the book about a week or so before it was published, read it twice, and had prepared a somewhat lengthy review (not compared to Kevin DeYoung's reviewum opus). But nonetheless it shared some thoughts about several elements of the book. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that it was lost in technology world-- and I still have not figured out what happened. Sigh.
Either way, since much of the detailed reviewing has been done, I have not reproduced my original writing. The need for that has seemed to pass. Instead, I will share a few thoughts over the next few days about the concepts of love, holiness, and eternity.
It probably goes without saying that it is a well-written and engaging book. Though I don't find it particularly theologically hefty, it certainly is creative, fast-moving, and attention grabbing, as all of Rob Bell's writings tend to be. However, I think it has some fundamental premises that simply are wrong. I will try to critique them briefly (but hopefully fairly), and then present some alternative ideas in the coming days.
Martin Bashir's interview interview hit at a key issue of the book (though I found his interview style to be a bit abrasive). The book represents a desire, and certainly a well meaning one, to recast Christianity in a more favorable light. Coming from a non-Christian family, I find that appealing. I want it to be true. I want it to work. Yet, I think that project will ultimately fail. Actually, I think it has already failed in mainline Protestantism. It requires us to reject too much scripture to fit into our cultural sensibilities. Rob Bell's views may be more appealing in contemporary culture, but it falls short of faithfully proclaiming what the scriptures teach--just read Jesus' frequent comments about the afterlife and eternal consequences.
I think the clear and overwhelming rejection of Bell's views by orthodox Christians (with often lengthy scriptural responses) indicates that this is clearly in error on several points. I actually had originally prepared a list of those, but as others have done so aptly, there is no need to repeat that process here. There have been few defenders in orthodox Christianity of Bell's thesis--and rightly so. Even Mark Galli, tentmaster of evangelicalism's "Big Tent" (Christianity Today) believes it is a bridge too far. Galli's right.
If there has been one well-known evangelical defender who has engaged on the subject, it has been Richard Mouw. I must confess, I find his comments confusing (original comments here and elaboration here). To say that an optimistic inclusivistview (some might say a "mostly" universalist) is well within the realm of orthodox Christianity is odd. It has been present, but as a small minority. And, it would be even "smaller" in evangelicalism. Perhaps Mouw's comments point to the shift that has been experienced in segments of evangelicalism. I will be writing more on that in the days to some. Others have written about an "evangelical tipping point" represented by this moment and I think they are right.
Yet, I would agree that there has always been a minority tradition within the Christian faith that Christ saves everyone regardless of the response they give to Christ in this life. However, the position has been considered to be in error by the vast majority of orthodox Christians (and just about ALL evangelicals). For that matter, I don't think that Love Wins is the most compelling statement of that view. You would find a more compelling and better-written thesis (with some differences) in A Wideness of God's Mercy of Clark Pinnock or some of the writings by John Sanders.
Now, that is not to say that we cannot learn from our mainline friends. I read many mainline thinkers and find their scholarship strong and their thinking challenging. Yet, I think Lisa Miller of Newsweek asked the question that needed an answer. She asked Rob Bell, "Aren't you just a mainline Protestant posing as an evangelical? Aren't you just saying what Episcopalians have been saying for fifty or sixty years?" (Be sure to read the whole interview here. I don't think he answers the question she asked, but his answers and ideas are worth reading)
Bell has largely recast and tweaked the view that many mainline Protestants have held for a hundred years: that because of God's love, he saves everyone, regardless. This is not new. This is not groundbreaking. This is not revolutionary.
In many ways, Rob Bell's Love Wins is simply mainline Protestantism with better haircuts and cooler music. Similar statements could have been made at theParliament of World Religions in 1893 or later (with some modification) in Karl Rahner's concept of the Anonymous Christian.
I do think you should read the book-- it addresses questions your friends are asking. And, it will be influential. And, you should wrestle with the scriptures for the answers and be compelled to act by what you find.
With all of that stated, I think that what Rob Bell has written is outside of the realm of the historic Christian view and more in line with the mainline Protestant view (and, yes, I am saying that the historic Christian view is not the modern mainline Protestant view). Since Bell relates to evangelicals and is read by many in the evangelical tradition, it appears that the book is geared toward (in part) persuading evangelicals. Thus, Love Wins seeks to provoke and persuade us to a new view that I (and other evangelicals) see as theologically problematic. And, as such, it is unhelpful to the church and ultimately accomplishes little of what he intended. (I will explain more in the coming posts.)
Yet, Bell appeals to the love of God. And, I love the love of God and consider it worthy of our consideration.
My exhortation (to all of us) from the Bell conversation is that we (re)learn how the scriptural truths of the love of God and the holiness of God are held simultaneously in the scriptures. Unfortunately, I think Bell comes up short in considering their partnership and instead pits them against one another. Furthermore, I think that we might consider how our view of love impacts our view of the work of God.
Now, it's probably no secret, and I should reveal my own bias early on, that I have a different view of what the love of God does and how we are to understand it.
I think the scriptures teach us that we are compelled by love in how we are to live out our faith and God's mission. In 2008, I co-authored a book on the subject with Philip Nation. Over the next week or so, I'll offer a few more blog posts reflecting on Rob Bell's view of God's love with a response to it. Along the way, I'll use excerpts from my book, Compelled By Love.
But for now, I'll simply leave you with a thought for the next installment. In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Paul wrote, "For Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised." I believe the best understanding of God's love is that it does not teach us that all are saved but it does teach us that God's people are sent to announce the good news of the gospel to all. We will explore that distinction and others in the coming days.
Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:53 AM
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