Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Insights

Phil Vishcher is the creator of Veggie Tales. His personal story, told by himself in the book Me Myself and Bob , spoke to my heart. I hardly ever read biographies but I am certainly glad that someone gave this book to me to read and that I took the time to read it. The first half of the book tells the story of how Veggie Tales got started. The second half of the book tells how he ended up losing 'it all'.

God used this story to remind me that my identity is found in my relationship with Him, not in my "good works". When I came to SACC in 1992 - a couple hundred people worshipped each weekend. The first decade was filled with steady growth. We were seeing over 600 people each weekend and talking about building programs and expansion. There are some wonderful people who were part of that first decade of ministry that are no longer part of what is occurring today. It tempts me to look at who is missing, where I have made mistakes, rather than who I am blessed with and what GOD is doing. I am reassured that God has NOT ABANDONED this moment! "God wants to see what is more important to you - the dream or Him." (p. 235)

Consider the lessons that emerged from Phil's story:
1) Never lose sight of the numbers. While it can just be about the numbers, they will indicate something about the degree to which people are working in sync, "not for their own success, but for the success of the idea (mission)." (p. 214)
2) Ignore the voice that says, 'You deserve it." Wat we get used to...defines what we think 'ought to' happen. The old Hymn Amazing Grace declares 'tis GRACE that brought me safe thus far and GRACE will lead me home.' I live a life 'better than I deserve'. Thank God for the 'provision of Grace' today has offered.
3) Meet needs - and find your role.
4) Know yourself.
5) Bigger is NO LONGER better. "Real impact today comes from building great relationships, not huge organizations." (p. 219) Smaller - and smarter - is better.
6) Value the work, the environment and the MISSION more than money.
7) Build a TEAM that rows the same direction. Being vague about the mission and values leads to a profoundly confused dysfunctional workplace. This is all the more reason for our Strategic Leadership Team to complete its work and make sure that there is a shared excitement about our core goals and values.
It is NOT about ME...it is about the mission and the work God 'dreams' for us to do. It has to be about Jesus

Thank you Michael for the book. Good to HEAR from God!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

More about Worship

As Donalda and I were travelling to Portland on Saturday our conversation turned to my recent reading. The discussion centered around the autobiography of Phil Vischer's (creator of Veggie Tales), a book given to me by a key individual from SACC, and a reflection of Unceasing Worship.

I rarely take the time to read books like Vischer's but will admit that it was a timely gift for my heart and my thinking. I had not quite finished but the last couple chapters were making me slow down and really think about what God is saying to me and how I should lead the efforts of SACC forward. More on that later.

We then began reviewing what stood out to me in the study on the Theology of Worship from Unceasing Worship. I recalled that there was a distinction made regarding the worship described in the Old Testament and the New Testament. More than just the obvious matter of sacrifices, worship in the Old Testament centered around time and place whereas worship in the New Testament centered around Spirit and Truth. In John 4 Jesus has a discussion about worship that clarifies this significant change. So rather than seeing worship as an event we do it is a continuous outpouring. For the Christian, personal holiness and worship are one and the same thing.
I recalled another point made by the author (Harold Best). He referenced the offering of what the old King James Bible called 'strange fire' (see Lev. 10:1, Numbers 3:4; 26:61). This offering was, to say the least, unacceptable to God. Best then related this to our present day mindset that assumes that a certain style or mood of music 'works'. The music then can become nothing more than a contemporary 'strange fire'. It is our assumption that 'this will work' because of nothing more than it being our preference or our opinion. Yikes! We are increasingly segregating our gatherings and at the same time failing to ask ourselves if our gatherings are a response to our personal preferences or Spirit and Truth?
Then came the matter that received the most discussion. Best noted that it appears that the New Testament excludes phrases that call out in desperation (unlike the prayers in the OT, particularly from the Psalms.) The reason is because, thanks to Jesus, the church knows that God is not found at a place or disconnected from our very lives. He dwells in us...affirming the truth that WE NEED HIM is different from simply crying out, I NEED YOU. The way I feel ought to be directed by the TRUTH (remember the Spirit and truth deal) and the truth is Jesus IS present with me at this very moment...I must affirm His presence and my response to Him is my act of Worship. This particular topic raised the most hesitation. So if you have NT examples for me of a Christian desperately crying out to God - note the reference and help me see things properly.

We look forward to our being back at SACC in just 17 days. I am praying for the service today and Pastor James as he shares a message with you...I love you.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Making Preparations

Dallas Willard in his writings concerning "Spiritual Formation" in an individuals life describes the New Testament invitation to become disciples of Jesus with the more contemporary term, apprentice. We watch HIM...Learn from Him...and then we do what Jesus did.
As I prepare to return to my Pastoral responsibilities at SACC I am planning to share a series of messages around this idea that we are called to be apprentices of Jesus. "The Apprentice: Making Life Work" will be a six week study of the lessons Jesus shared with His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount in order that they would understand what it takes to be a reflection of Jesus.
I look forward to sharing this series with you and seeing how God reminds us of these life transforming principles. I wonder how many reading this have were prepared for a particular career that required you first be 'apprentices'? If you have been an apprentice...share what that was like. How was that experience like you imagine Jesus meant for us to be as followers of Him?

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Reflecting on Worship

I finally finished reading Unceasing Worship. it seemed like it took me forever to read through this mentally challenging book.
I appreciated being reminded that everyone is a worshipper. Not simply that we were made to worship...we are worshipping. What is also true is that we serve (or give ourselves to) whatever we direct our worship to.
The four central passages looked at included Romans 12:1-5; John 4, Psalm 29 and 1 Corinthians 14. It was this last passage that spoke of our worship and witness being connected. When we gather - those present will share a awareness of God that will mature the heart of the believer and transform the heart of the non believer. This transforming effect is truly what I long for our gatherings. For this to occur the source of all we do has to be Christ. Marginialize Him and the results will be what the Old Testament referred to as "Strange Fire".
As I prepare to worship in a gathered setting tomorrow I know that it will not be the song selection or the 'mood' that music creates that would be central. I bring to that place the presence of Christ in me...He is 'at work in me to will and do His good pleasure.' Just what I need to worship Christ.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Craig, Ken and Burl

First of all...internet access was unfortunately not readily available the whole time I was away this past week. That would be part of the reason for the 'gap' since my last posting. I want to thank those of you who have been praying...the time away was filled with powerful examples of God's activity.
I met a man from Bend named Craig. We were visiting and my sabbatical break came up. I mentioned that our church provided this timely gift as I was adjusting to 'the medicial deal'. Here is when God broke in - you see Craig then told me that he was going to have surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his brain in just two days. It stunned me...my 'little issue' fell into the shadows and I found my heart (pastoral) quickened. Craig and I had never met before that day...but he allowed me to place my hand on his shoulder and pray for God's Hand to attend his upcoming surgery. You can be assured - I felt blessed as I recognized how God had arranged for our meeting.
Then there is my long time friend, Ken. I can only tell you that when I called him on Wednesday he shared with me that the ministry position he had was being terminated. I was shocked. I invited Ken to join me on this retreat and we could look to God, together, in the wake of this news. Friday...he came. First of all - I was reminded how generous my church at SACC is. Then I marvelled how wounds are healed in the environment of a loving God. God used our time together to, almost instantly, help Ken sense God's leading. It was marvelous...and I am thankful that Ken could be with me.
Finally, yesterday when I came home I discovered that Burl had come to my home while I was away and picked the pears off the tree and set them out so they could finish ripening. This is a huge task and takes a servants heart to even consider doing. Praise to God rises up in me as I consider the kindness of my friend Burl. Mega-Gracias Burl.
I am rev'd up to be back in just 28 Days...
I look forward to telling you how much God is deepening my love for Him and for YOU.

Pastor John

Monday, September 8, 2008

Common Practice - Uncommon Place


I am preparing to spend the next week in 'seclusion' in order to set my focus on listening for direction regarding the Sunday Morning Worship schedule. God seems to have wired me in such a way that I benefit from extended times of quiet. It is a common practice for me to remove myself from 'the office' for two or three days in order lay out plans for the months ahead. So the blessing of a week in solitude is something I am looking forward to.

Thanks to a wonderful family in the church I have a place to stay in the beautiful setting of Central Oregon. Know that I am praying for you as I am away. I will be asking that I might sense God's heart for US, our lives, in this season. My prayers will continue to be lifted in behalf of the Pastoral Team at SACC that has afforded me the opportunity to get away. I humbly thank God for you.

Pray with me that God might direct my heart and mind. In just 37 days this special season of refreshment and renewal will be completed. I am looking forward to returning.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Miracles

I spent the day with my mother on what is her 77th birthday. We went to her church together then out to lunch. What is remarkable is that my mother was never expected to survive cancer that first interrupted our lives more than 30 years ago. What a blessing to have had such an extended gift of life. I for one have something to be truly thankful for...miracles still happen!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Trust

Last week I finished reading the Steven Covey (the Jr.) book on the Speed of Trust. If you have Acrobate Reader this link is a great summary of the book (* I tried this link and it didn't work right. It is the 5th result in GOOGLE - when I sought "the speed of trust" http://astd2006.astd.org/PDF) You can bet that I took this topic to heart. Whether it relates to my staff or my own family - nurturing and growing trust is something I will being giving my attention to and working at.
Among the things that happen whenever I read a 'business book' is that I begin wondering how it aligns itself with Scripture...not just 'the American way'. I would be interested in your thoughts. Help me think through this...
Covey identifies Trust as being nurtured and grown when Character (that is our Integrity and Intentions) and our Competence (that is our Capabilities and Results) are engaged in a person. Even when we trust God it seems to be based on this combination...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Pause

My wife, daughter and I were in Seattle this past weekend. While I was there I attended Mars Hill Church as they were wrapping up a series on Jonah. The book closes with a scene with the prophet enjoying shade from a vine and a "final" comment from God. Jonah experienced more concern over his own comfort in that shade than concern over 120,000 people that made room in their lives for God to save them. It served to remind me that South Albany Community Church doesn't exist simply so we can enjoy 'shade' (our own comfort being the priority). We exist to see God working in lives of people all around us.
So pause and think...what has become 'the vine' in our life. What would be the concern that trumps all others. I am asking that NOTHING would diminish the importance of people experiencing God at work in their lives. So I am praying that during this Sabbatical God would use me to reach people who, up to this point, don't have room for Him in their lives. That I would have a story to share...
Please, partner in prayer with me...

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Remembering My Call

I finished reading the book Carl Hanson gave to me (The Vision and The Vow by Pete Greig). Since it is part of my personal renewal during this season of Sabbatical I'd love it if you wanted to join this journey by reading it (you can read The Vision part at http://www.prayforgreenville.org/resources/thevision.pdf)

I was reminded that my calling is not simply to a church or a list of duties but to a much more 'simple'. I am called to 'follow Jesus'. I know that is what Jesus wants. Intimacy with Him and Involvement in Society - following Him. As Greig says, "The Vision is Jesus! To know Him as Friend. To trust Him as Savior. To obey Him as Lord." (pp. xix-xx)

The Vow, which Greig refers to, was written in the 1700's by a man named Count Zinzendorf (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinzendorf). He and a small group of friends determined to live by a vow: "None live for themselves." This 'band of brothers' pledged three "Rules of Life". 1 - To be true to Christ. 2 - To be kind to people and 3 - To take the Gosple to the nations. The outcome of these CORE VALUES - marvelously lead to a remarkable season of expansion to God's kingdom.
In the work we are doing with our strategic leadership team - uniting and authentically committing to a set of Core Values that express our pursuit of Jesus opens the door for SACC to experience a powerful season of expanding the Kingdom.

Thanks Carl for the timely gift.

Pastor John

Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Center and Cause

Repeatedly throughout the first thirty days of this season of sabbatical one theme has been most prominent. God is calling me out of the center and away from assuming that I could be "the cause". The very notion calms me.
Besides my Bible reading (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations) I have benefited from and recommend chapters 1, 3, 7 and 10 in Earl Creps Off Road Disciplines as "key" to elements to hearing God's Spirit within my heart. (Chapters 11-12 are important for our Pacific Conference Board of Ministry to consider).
Before I began my time away Carl Hanson gave me a little book that I am just about through (The Vision and the Vow by Pete Greig). It is obvious to me how God wonderfully is using this 'gift' to stir my passion for Jesus and His Cause. I am sure that this is the evidence of God's providential leading. I see already that my passion to follow Jesus and submit more fully to Him is deeper now than I felt it was just weeks ago.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be satisfied." Jesus (Matthew 5:6)

Friday, August 1, 2008

Sabbatical Blessings

The South Albany Community Church has extended me the wonderful gift of a 3 month season of sabbatical and personal renewal. What a blessing! I am praying for you and rejoice over the way I am hearing reports of and experiencing God's work!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Welcome to the Journey

I want to thank the generous people and the Pastoral Team at South Albany Community Church (sacchurch.org) that have encouraged me as I began a 3 month Sabbatical and season of renewal.

I began this experience by visiting the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church (brooklyntabernacle.org) where I attended a Tuesday Night Prayer Meeting. Before "the service" I went forward to be prayed for. I was seeking a fresh anointing from God in my ministry and healing from Parkinsen's. As I stood at the altar that night at the church I thought about "my church family". I began thinking how I would love to have taken every one of you with me.

Thousands of people filled a auditorium on a Tuesday Night to simply seek God. People stood in line for the opportunity to bring their concerns to God.

I found my heart yearning for there to be a place in our community that people we know would be drawn together for a meeting in prayer. My passion is that God would graciously use me to be a catalyst of this for our city.

Join Me...I welcome the thought that this season in my life can become a catalyst for renewal in our church and in your life as well.
The Books I am reading...I would love to have you consider with me.
The places I am visiting...I would love to have you 'see' with me.

Take a minute and pray for our church.

God Loves You!

Pastor John