Unity Oath

More than 40 men bound themselves together with a solemn oath to not eat anything until they had killed Paul, (Acts 23). Obviously Paul was spared, so I wonder how many meals these guys actually missed before they were released from the oath. Nowadays there appears to be commitment, an oath of sorts, in church eldership. One of our elders described the current leadership by saying, “This is the most unified staff and eldership that I’ve ever seen.” Ah, for the good old days when elders were individually directed by the Spirit, meetings lasted until midnight and agenda items were tabled until agreements could be reached. Factions aren’t all bad, “No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.” (1 Cor 11:19 NIV)

Lord, to whom shall we go...?

Although I haven’t actually visited other churches in town looking for a different place to worship, there are times I’ve thought about it. When our congregation gets out of sync, fed up with church politics and discouraged, we start asking one another, “If we left, where would we go?” Then we start down the list of other churches in town and discuss their pros and cons…and the problems that they too are having in their congregation. In the book of John when some disciples turned back and quit following Jesus he said to the Twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” To which Simon Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go?...” OK, so God hasn’t yet called me to jump over the fence, but sometimes the grass over there really does look greener!

Controlling the Purse Strings

Picture this: Cheerfully you put your tithes in the offering plate…and then the church sends your check back to you! At our church if you want an end-of-the-year receipt for a charitable contribution to the church you must give your offerings to the ‘general fund’ or to an elder approved ‘special project’. For instance, I can’t designate funds to the youth group or a visiting missionary because these aren’t elder approved designated projects. I can however, designate money to go toward a new baby grand piano or a new van, because these are on the elder’s approved list. The congregation is told that these restrictions are required by the IRS. What they don’t tell us is that they could, if they chose to do so, approve all of the outreach ministries in the church. I feel that restricting offerings to the leader’s pet projects hinders the Spirit’s ability to work in the heart of the giver. Of course, I suppose if we were given the opportunity to be stewards of our tithes and offerings we might never get that baby grand piano.

Battle of Wills

For years a large white gilded Bible sat openly displayed in front of the sanctuary on the communion table. Seldom used because of its size and weight, the King James Version Bible served as the center piece and focal point for the worship service. One would never suspect this symbol of Christendom was in fact a battle field. On one side was an octogenarian sister in Christ who was a longstanding member, and on the other side, the recently hired middle-aged minister. The disputed territory was 1 John 4:7-21. The senior saint, passionate about this portion of Scripture, wanted the Bible to always remain open to this passage. Just as determined, the preacher wanted the Bible opened to the text he was using in the weekly sermon. Week after week the pages would fly back and forth…at least the Bible was getting some use. Eventually the minister won a victory of sorts by removing the Bible from its place of honor. Interestingly the NIV header for this passage of Scripture is ‘God’s Love and Ours’.

Church Critic

There are all kinds of critics - food, movie and book - and I’ve often thought there should be a place for respected church critics. You know someone who could critique the church without being accused of criticizing and complaining. I’ll admit that I’m sometimes a sermon critic. There was once a stretch of a few months when the Sunday morning sermons just weren’t doing it for me. The Biblical content and application seemed lost amongst the preacher’s jokes, illustrations and family anecdotes. Frustrated, I decided to record the amount of time used for ‘fluff’ and the amount of time given to Biblical teaching and instruction. One Sunday, much to my consternation, I discovered that out of the 30 minute sermon only four and a half minutes were used for Scripture and application. I wonder what the Bereans would think of this. “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11 NIV

Revolving Door

At one time a priority for our leaders was trying to keep ‘the sheep in the fold’. For instance during a year we might gain 85 in memberships, but loose 75. As new staff was hired one of the questions asked of them was, “Can you help us keep people from going out the back door?” Rather than continue to work on the revolving door issue, our elders have now taken a new position. “We believe that over the years there have been many ways tried, some worked and some didn’t. We have had people over the years come and go (for what ever reason that may be), we’ve had new people visit who found their place in the body elsewhere because we weren’t contemporary enough, and there were some who thought we were too contemporary. Some may or may not like the sermons. Some may or may not like the childcare arrangements…You get the point.” Actually, I think we are missing the point, as well as the happiness and rejoicing that comes with recovering lost sheep. (Matt 18:10-14; Lk 15:1-7).

Stumbling Block?

I wrote a letter to our leaders concerning some of the issues surfacing in our church and the direction we were going. In response, their letter to me ended with the following, “We would encourage all members to be a shinning light everyday of their lives and to help the staff work through stumbling blocks that Satan puts in our way.” I’m assuming the ‘stumbling blocks’ are people who question the leadership and the direction they are taking the church. I’m a what? What I do find objectionable is that Satan is brought into the picture. Reading between the lines it’s easy to hear, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matt 16:23 NIV)

Trust Me

Geico’s lovable talking Gecko tells us, “A gecko can be trusted”. Not only does he sell auto insurance, but he’s an advertising icon on caps, mugs and baby blankets. With that British accent and those big black eyes his mum and dad must be very proud of him. According to his own words, this green bloke knows how to keep advertising from being ‘boring’ so people think they’re actually watching entertaining television. Do you suppose people who say the church and hymns are boring could be entertained by a talking gecko? Wait mate…that gecko already has a job and an ‘unclean’ icon (Lev 11:30) might not be well received. Let’s see, who would we trust?

Have Patience...

My friend Kathy attends church in northern Colorado where they too are experiencing the tug of war in worship service. “For awhile the leadership was trying to force the music [contemporary] on us, but now it’s settled down a little. Our new minister really cares for people, so he’s trying to find a balance.” The compromise reached in Kathy’s church is that one service is contemporary and the other traditional. “Once a month in our service [traditional], the youth minister preaches and the praise team performs, so we still feel pressure to change.” With a gentle laugh Kathy continued, “But, our old timers just sit there with their arms crossed and wait for it to get over with.” The apostle Paul says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Eph 4:2-3 NIV

Desert Worship

Because of rebellion, Israel wandered in the desert for forty years while a whole generation met their end and died off. I’m beginning to have an inkling of how that doomed generation must have felt. Recently the topic of hymns (or lack of hymns) came up in a meeting. Exasperated one of the elders said, “…then you’re asking for us, you’re asking for this church to cater to let’s say 200 people who want to hear hymns and tell the rest of us to go fly a kite ‘till these people die off?” Actually, I think I could live with that scenario. Right now I’d like to have a few hymns during the desert worship service, because after I ‘die off’, I don’t think I’m gonna care.

Getting on Board

The selection process for elders in our church has been revised and stretched beyond Biblical requirements. A few years ago during interviews, an elder candidate was told that we were on the Purpose Driven Church path. The last qualifying question asked of the candidate was, “Can you get on board with that [Purpose Driven Church]?” It’s of no surprise that today all of our elders are in complete agreement with the direction the church is heading. After all, a nominee isn’t considered for the position of elder unless he’s already ‘on board’. Is it any wonder that members of the congregation are jumping ship? Man overboard…

Seeds of a Cult

I’m having trouble accepting a statement made by one of our leaders during a recent meeting. He said, “…anyone who speaks against the direction the church is going, in our mind [the elders], speaks against God.” Let me say I’m certain our elders honestly believe they are taking our church in the right direction. That being said, the assertion that they feel I am ‘speaking against God’ if I disagree with their direction for the church is mind blowing. One would expect this type of thinking from Jim Jones (Jonestown) and David Koresh (Branch Davidians), but not from leaders of mainstream Christianity. The Apostle Paul says, “Test everything. Hold on to the good.” (1 Thes. 5:21 NIV). The direction of the church can be tested.

Chew on That

In general, it seems like media coverage of the church and religion is often slanted, lopsided and liberal. Not long ago on a Fox News TV segment, Cal Thomas made an observation that most reporters aren’t educated in theology or church affairs, nor do they want to take time to educate themselves in those areas. Consequently, stories written about issues in the church reflect the reporter’s lack of knowledge. I’d like to say that’s no excuse and demand that the news be ‘fair and balanced’. The reality is that many Christians are just as guilty when it comes to educating themselves. We can’t expect the media to chew on religious meat when we ourselves are satisfied with milk. (Hebrews 5:11-14)

Extreme Make Over Church Edition

Last week our Sunday School teacher told the class about the Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond, OK. Their Elder Council is proposing a bylaw change which would eliminate baptism as a prerequisite to membership. WOW…Who would have ever thought that a Baptist church might toss out baptism because they consider it to be stumbling block for membership? My sympathy goes out to members of Henderson Hills who disagree with the proposed changes and are grieving the loss of their Southern Baptist roots. According to their web site, baptism is still important, but not for membership. In its make-over, the traditional church has been implanted, liposuctioned and bypassed to make her irresistible to non-believers. Just one more facelift or series of botox injections and I wonder if Jesus will be able to recognize His Bride!

Cheerful Giving

God loves a cheerful giver, but sometimes giving the tithe is about as exciting as making the payment on my credit card bill. I don’t think God wants the tithe to just be a line item on the budget. A few years ago, rather than weekly or monthly tithing, I began ‘saving up’ my tithe. Although Paul’s instructions to the churches in Corinth and Galatia (I Cor 16) can be read to mean that tithes are to be given to the church for the church to ‘save up’, I believe it can also mean to ‘save up’ on an individual basis. I’ve found that giving offerings in a larger lump sum has renewed my joy and excitement in giving. I love the spontaneity of contributing to needs of God’s people as He reveals them me.

Dying to Diet

I recently had the oddest conversation with my sister who is terminally ill with brain cancer. In a quandary about going to the grocery store, she couldn’t think of anything to eat because nothing sounded good. I tried to be encouraging and reminded her how important it was to keep up her strength. With a twist in the conversation she implied that having no appetite wasn’t all that bad. “Well, I really do need to lose a few pounds. If I could get rid of my tummy I’d be able to get back into some of the clothes in my closet.” OK, let me wrap my head around this. With a life expectancy of months, she’s thinking about watching her weight and dieting. If I were terminal, I’d be free from the ‘law of dieting’ and my motto would be a line from the parable of the Rich Fool, “…Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” (Luke 12:19b NIV) Bring on the Hagan Daas and cheesecake!

Church Hopping, Church Shopping...

Wouldn’t it be great if selecting a church home was as easy as picking an entrée off a menu? Looking at both the positive and negative characteristics of the seven churches in Revelation, I wonder which one I’d like to attend. The Philadelphia church sounds like a congregation of older, more mature Christians who are patiently trying to hold on. Thyatira seems moderately progressive even though some of their members are influenced by the teachings of Jezebel. Sardis has a great reputation of being ‘alive’, they just need strengthening in some areas. There are many churches to choose from and no church is perfect… right? Let’s see, do I want to worship and serve, or be comfortable and entertained? Decisions, decisions…

Where do I RSVP?

A middle age couple who left our community years ago recently returned ‘home’ to retire. After Sunday School the wife approached me asking how to place membership in the church. “There’s no invitation at the end of the service for people to go forward, so how do we go about joining the church?” Would you believe that I all I could do was suggest she call the church office on Monday? In our ‘old traditional’ environment, the worship service always ended with an invitation to accept Christ, to place membership or to ask for special needs and prayer. Without an invitation, I honestly don’t have a clue as to how people place membership with the congregation. I suppose I really should check…maybe membership is one of those things that’s no longer needed.

At Your Disposal...

Ananias and Sapphira took credit for being more generous than they actually were and the NIV study Bible notes that this is the first recorded sin in the life of the church. Confronting Ananias about the land he sold, Peter said, “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?...” (Acts 5:4) I suppose all of our income is at our disposal, whether or not we think of it as ‘disposable income’.

Self-Examination

Recently a senior member of the congregation shared with me that he no longer takes part in communion because of the dissention in the church. “I’m not proud of it, but as long as I’m not right with the church and the church isn’t right with the Lord, I can’t take communion. I think it’d be hypocritical.” As if to reassure me that his faith was still in tact he continued, “I don’t blame Jesus Christ [for the spiritually unhealthy atmosphere], I blame the church.” ‘A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.’ 1 Cor 11:28 NIV

Carl...Is that You?

I think the ability to comment anonymously on a blog empowers us to be more honest and open. When anonymous comments come to the Christian Ear, I’m intrigued by the person behind the ‘blog name’, the significance in the name and how they came up with it. It makes me wonder if the anonymous blogger is someone I know, or someone who knows me. The book of Revelation tells us that Christ will write on us a new name. Left to our own devices, can you just imagine what some of us would pick for a new name!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

There are times raising children when a husband must come to the rescue of his wife by firmly telling his disrespectful children that they will not be allowed to ‘backtalk their mother’. In the recent past we had a music minister who scolded the congregation when they failed to live up to his expectations. His weapon of choice from the pulpit was ridicule. Once stopping the worship service he demand, “Are you with me or not? You people look like you’ve been drinking pickle juice. Let’s put some smile on out there.” Sure…smile after you’ve been scolded! This man’s father wasn’t in the audience, but his supervisors were and I kept thinking, “Are you really going to let him talk to us like that?” Apparently so, because his attitude never changed…so much for being rescued.

Hair Day

I’m sure I appeared monkeyesque as I search the landscape of Shelly’s head for evidence of hair. Bald for the second time in three years, it's going to be awhile before she has any kind of ‘hair day’…good or bad. There was certainly no need for a blow dryer, curling iron or hairspray. I did find some hearty strands of hair that defied radiation, a few fuzzy tufts here and there and a smattering of whiskers beginning to break through above her ears. Even though I would evaluate Shelly as totally bald, Scripture reminds me that the strands, tufts and whiskers are still numbered by God. Jesus said, “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30 NIV

New Rule

I’ve played board games and cards with buddies who, in good natured fun, try to change the rules to their advantage. My protest of, “You can’t do that, it’s against the rules.” is often countered with, “New rule, new rule!” Oh sure, make up the rules as you go along. I hate to admit it, but when I become aware of church leadership planning to make changes to the Bylaws, I suspiciously hear, “New rule, new rule.” I suppose I’m uneasy because proposals for tweaking the Bylaws only surface when we hire new ministers. I wonder why church members, without having an opportunity to give their input, are asked to ‘endorse’ changes. Unless there are ulterior motives, I honestly don’t understand why Bylaws that have served a congregation well for many years need to be changed.

Whom Do We Serve?

Recently during an open church forum with the elders someone in the audience asked, “Aren’t you (elders) supposed to serve the congregation?” To which the chairman of the elders replied, “No, we serve God.” I find both the question and the response interesting. In Mark 7:9-13 Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” NIV Jesus came to serve others and He expects us to do the same. Hearing anyone say they ‘serve God’ in a qualifying tone makes me uneasy. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I think if we say we serve only God, rather than serving one another, our ‘serving’ then become Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God). Does saying we serve God negate our responsibility to serve one another?

What Line?

I recently watch the 1989 movie Lonesome Dove and was struck by a scene where Gus McCrae (Robert Duvall) was getting ready to hang his friend Jake Spoon (Robert Urich). Jake had taken up with a group of thieves and murderers and Gus was going to administer justice to the whole lot of them. In disappointment Gus said, “Jake, you crossed the line.” Pleading for his life in a child like manner Jake says, “But Gus…I didn’t see the line.” How often in the midst of suffering consequences of sin do we Christians try to justify ourselves by saying “But God…I didn’t see the line.”? I have had times where I think God has ‘moved the line’. I know, I know, God doesn’t move the line, but as I mature in the Word I discover new and different applications to situations. I love those ah-ha moments when I come across a Scripture that makes the line crystal clear.

Dismembered

A few days ago our elders informed the church they had removed a husband and wife from membership for the ‘sin of dissension’. I’ve seen church discipline applied, but have never seen a situation go to the degree of disfellowship. It’s easy to be blasé about a phrase in Scripture until we need it or we are forced to use it. As I try to wrap my head around, “treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matt 18:15-17 NIV), I recall Jesus eating and having fellowship with tax collectors. Adding to my dilemma is the passage from 1 Cor 12:21, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’”. I’m having visions of body parts littering the church landscape.

Shock the Flock

A few years ago a past preacher brought the infamous Howard Stern to our worship service. As Howard was welcomed, his larger than life photo looked down on the congregation from the video screens. The minister described him, told us his history and then, introducing our children to new vocabulary words, he regurgitated quotes from the shock-jock. Following the service one middle-age member said, “I’d never even heard of Howard Stern until today.” If the minister’s illustration was meant to push the envelope in sermons and ‘shock the flock’, he was successful. Stern is a man whose program I’d never allow in my home, yet he was now invited to share the pulpit in my church. No, that’s not correct…it wasn’t a shared pulpit, because I don’t remember Jesus being there. Sadly, it was Howard Stern’s quotes that climbed into my head and went home with me that day.

Riding the Fence

Where’s Joseph when you need him? I speak of Joseph of the ‘coat of many colors fame’ who could interrupt dreams and visions. The other day while on a drive I passed a row of seven ravens, setting on seven consecutive fence posts, all facing the same direction. The posts were each about 20 feet apart, putting 120 feet distance between the first bird and the last bird. Surely Joseph would have been able to uncover some symbolic significance. Left to my own imagination I decided that these birds were just flat riding the fence. Now, if I can just figure out why they made it a group activity…

The Better To See You With...

My dad was an alcoholic and there were times when he drank that he physically abused my mom. While mom wore dark colored glasses to cover up a black eye, I as a child, had to wear rose colored glasses and look the other way. I see a similar situation in the church today. Embarrassed that the family of God is sometimes dysfunctional, we put on dark colored glasses to cover up a spiritual black eye. And then of course, looking through rose colored glasses we proclaim the church to be one big happy family where everyone is in agreement. If the only time we take off our glasses is to look in the mirror, we can save face and keep secrets. However, removing our glasses in front of others exposes the truth. I’m thinking contact lenses might help the look and the vision of the church!

Mistaken Identity

On a recent tour in Washington, DC we dined formally at the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill. After the wonderful meal, our dessert had been served and coming up behind my chair the chef asked our table if everything was satisfactory. Much to my daughter’s horror, rather than getting the attention of our server, I turned and asked the chef if we could have some coffee. Snapping his fingers toward a server the coffee quickly appeared. Mistaken identity happens to the best of us and the Apostle Paul found himself in a similar situation when he popped off with, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” Oops…Paul didn’t recognize it was the high priest he was talking to. In his self-correcting apology Paul quoted the scripture, “Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.” (Acts 23:1-5 NIV) Unlike Paul, I’m without excuse for not recognizing ‘the chef’. Who else would dress all in white and wear a tall hat. Ugh…I hate it when that happens.

Global Warming

It’s fascinating and surprising to me that Global Warming is finding a platform in the church. One has to wonder if saving the planet is taking a priority over saving souls. Scripture states clearly that God controls the elements, yet it’s suggested that humans, by changing their lifestyle, could intervene and fix God’s problem of Global Warming. Personally, I think Global Warming is God just ‘turning up the heat’ in preparation for what’s to come. “By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” (2 Peter 3:7 NIV)

Keeping the Faith

I have little in common with author Mary Pipher, who is an activist, feminist, environmentalist and a liberal. Our collective biases recently crossed paths because of her book on writing. For believers, I found a gem of an anecdote from her book, 'Writing to Change the World'. Mary says, “A Mormon friend once told me that almost no one is converted by young missionaries sent by the church all over the world. Rather naively, I asked her, “Then why does the church send thousands of young men abroad?” She smiled, and said, “After two years of trying to convince others, the missionaries become true believers and never leave the church. This is our way of keeping young people in the faith.” Wow! I must admit I was surprised by this insight, although I shouldn’t have been. Certainly had I not served in both the Navy and the National Guard, my patriotism could have been lackadaisical.

It Must Be a Guy Thing

Somewhere in my husband’s ancestry the men in the family made great sport of sneaking up on one another to give the other guy a ‘Wet Willie’. Simply put, a ‘Wet Willie’ is wetting the tip of an index finger in your mouth and then sticking it in the ear of an unsuspecting target. At various times I’ve witnessed four generations of men and boys chase each other around the house with fingers in their mouths and hands over their ears yelling, “Wet Willie, No! Stop! Oh gross…I’ll get even with you!” The book of Mark gives us an account of people bringing a deaf and mute man to Jesus and begging Him to place His hand on the man. Taking the man aside, Jesus puts His fingers in the man’s ears and his ears are opened. I’ve noticed in the church there are times when we have deaf ears to what another person is saying. For whatever reason, we seem to be listening, but not hearing. During those times of miscommunication I like to see one of the Lord’s representatives running around yelling ‘Wet Willie’…minus the wet, of course!

Turf Wars

It’s not unusual for kids to have their own version of turf wars. Growing up in the 1950’s, it was a treat for Bill and his brothers to visit their cousins (also boys) because they had a television. “It didn’t matter what we watched. It could be Ed Sullivan for all we cared; we were just excited to watch TV.” One of the cousins, ignoring the scolding and threats from parents, would stand in front of the TV with outstretched arms obstructing as much of the view as possible. We might sigh and say, ‘boys will be boys’, and ‘kids will be kids’, but embarrassingly we adults do the same thing. It was only a couple years ago that I bought coffee for my area of ministry and hid it in a cupboard so other ministries couldn’t find it and use it. How’s that for Christian maturity?! Our church leadership implemented a budget system requiring ministries to purchase all their own supplies, including coffee, plates, plastic forks and spoons, etc. Ministry team leaders, in order to protect their budgets and supplies, become very creative…and selfish. While I stashed coffee, others stored their supplies at home or put padlocks on large plastic containers at the church. Compared to the early church we have a few shortcomings! Luke tells us, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:44-45 NIV)

Hypocrite? Never!

My cousin Ron was a control-your-own destiny type person and at age 56 he was dying with cancer. When family members approached his hospital bed and witnessed to him about the Lord, he was nonchalant. With no intention of listening, he cordially agreed to a visit from a local minister. In one last ditch effort to get through to him, his brother Ken said, “Ron, you can be forgiven. All of us have sinned, but without the Lord, eternity (in hell) is a very, very long time.” Ron responded, “I’ve lived an honorable and a good life and I won’t change now. If all of a sudden I became a believer, I’d be a hypocrite.” In recounting this conversation Ken said, “You know, you just don’t argue and pick a fight with a man on his death bed, but I knew better. Ron hadn’t lived a good and honorable life.” Sadly Ron was already wearing the ‘hypocrite label’ he so staunchly resisted.

No Laughing Matter...

I got a chuckle out of the reports that a shopping area of Sydney, Australia is trying to rid itself of undesirable hooligans. Apparently these youth have a low tolerance for the music of singer Barry Manilow, so the plan is to play his music continually over the public address system. The hope is that the young people, unable to stand the music, will just vacate the area. Stopping in mid-chuckle, I’m taken back for a moment. I’ve seen this before…in the church…and it works! Today’s church is using the same tactic to attract and repel specific audiences. Sadly, it’s really only about marketing. Offer a steady diet of loud worship music and repetitious praise choruses long enough and the ‘untargeted traditional group’ will vacate the premises. Some people stop coming all together, while others church-hop looking for a place of worship that is inclusive. And then there are those creative folks who time their arrival to avoid the music and catch the sermon. You’ve just got to love their stick-to-itiveness. I can’t champion the hooligans, but I do identify with their situation.

All in a Day's Work...

I think the employment package for our church ministers is quite generous, but it appears the opportunity for outside employment is inviting and lucrative. The initial salary package of one minister was increased to allow his wife to stay home with their preschool children rather than working outside the home to supplement their income. Within a matter of months the wife went to work anyway. On more than one occasion we’ve hired ministers with counseling credentials, and they did indeed offer their services to the congregation…for a price. Concurrently the church paid their salary for the ministerial position while ‘clients’ paid them for counseling. Many of our full-time ministers have very creatively increase their income by coaching and refereeing ball games, selling vitamins, substitute teaching, giving lessons in piano, guitar, and voice, and so on. Honestly, I’ve never understood why preachers say they don’t have time to make hospital calls, visit the nursing home or keep office hours, but somehow there’s time to pursue a supplemental income.

Wrecking and Restoration

Years ago we put an addition on our house and I was, shall we say, a little more anxious than my husband to open up the connecting wall between the old and the new. One day while Bill was at work I took a sledge hammer to the 100 year old lath and plaster wall and opened up an eight foot section for the new walkthrough. After hauling out the debris and cleaning up my mess I felt pretty good about my accomplishment. When Bill came home that night he ‘gently’ explained that my newly created walkthrough was once a load bearing wall. Sometimes in the church we take sledge hammers to one another…and that’s OK, because there are times when a hard heart needs to be hammered. Though the church is great with the wrecking ball, it fails miserably at restoration. The Apostle Paul says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Gal 6:1 NIV) Even though it was years before our remodeling project was completed, restoration of the structural support I demolished took place immediately!

Stones and Snakes

A past music minister grew weary of hearing church members request traditional music, hymns and accompaniment to be included during the worship service. With no attempt to hide his irritation his attitude spoke loudly, ‘OK, if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get.’ Digging up hymns that would have played well for an audience in the 17th century Baroque period, we sat through 30 minutes of music and songs in dirge-mode. Most, if not all of those in attendance, left the service with either a heavy or angry heart. Jesus said, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:9-12 NIV) Once you’ve eaten stones and snakes it’s not easy to get the taste out of your mouth.

How'd That Happen?

Three years ago a shift in leadership power at one of our local congregations resulted in the resignation of all of their elders and deacons. “I really don’t know how it all happened,” said Kellie. “The church was going through a difficult time and the next thing I knew the minister appointed himself Trustee and other men became elders and deacons. I guess they just appointed each other.” Even though at one time Kellie held a position as an elected official in her church, she stopped attending almost a year ago. “Our Bylaws require yearly elections, but it’s been close to three years since we’ve held an election for elders and deacons. Between church politics and disregard for the Bylaws I just feel I can’t worship there anymore.” Wow, flexible Bylaws…what will they think of next?!

Road Kill

I recently took an overnight business trip with my husband. The next morning as we were getting ready to leave the motel we observed a small resourceful bird picking the dead bugs off the grill of our car. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt 6: 25-27, NIV) Feasting on an abundance of road kill delicacies, the bird’s only concern seemed to be watching his smorgasbord drive away.

Still Waters

Our church baptismal water is always ready, and until a few years ago it was common to see Sunday morning baptisms. Today, even the few baptisms we have are closeted away and seldom conducted in front of the congregation. Where we once heard confessions of faith and witnessed new believers come up out of the waters of baptism, we now read about new members in the newsletter and the bulletin. Certainly there are occasional circumstances which call for a private baptism, but it appears that public confessions of faith are becoming the exception, rather than the norm. So, is it a matter of convenience? Are people embarrassed or shy in confessing Christ? Is the invitation to accept Christ even offered on Sunday? Do preachers encourage weekday baptisms, so as to discourage ‘interruptions’ in the worship structure? Personally, I think the Kingdom of God will pay a high price for the loss of public baptism and confession. Humans are naturally visual and follow examples that are placed before them…who’s going to be an example for our children?

Misdelivered

A few years ago we had multiple changes in church staff and the new music minister was unhappy with the congregation for not getting the ‘new’ vision quickly enough. In a temper tantrum on paper he fired off a letter to the leadership of the church…accidentally putting a copy of his seven page letter in the wrong mail box. Big mistake! These are a few choice excerpts from his letter: --“I'm certain we should not wallow in self-pity and complain that God has placed us in a ministry with a bunch of selfish, narcissistic, immature Christians.” --“It is time we stop complaining about our inheritance. It has been said. ‘We inherited an immature congregation.’ Past leaders may have created a monster, but it is our monster now.” --“The senior adult Sunday night group, seemingly the most needy group for maturation and understanding of what we are doing, should abandon their Sunday night potpourri and take on an intentional study of the purpose of the church and work diligently to draw distinctions between issues of faith and issues of expediency.” I guess ignorance is bliss, because we didn’t know we were selfish, narcissistic, immature Christians, a monster…or that our senior adult group is the most needy in the area of maturity. This minister, of his own accord, has moved on. I hope his latest congregation meets with his approval.

I've Got a Question...

After I formally raised questions about a survey and source material used to promote programs in our church, an elder sent me an email that included the following excerpt: “It has always been my belief that if indeed a person is called to a position of authority/leadership by God, when we go about questioning that leadership and authority, we are in essence questioning God!” He then directed me to Hebrews 13:17, which refers to obeying and submitting to leaders. Obedience and submission I get, but what has that got to do with asking questions of the leadership? Scripture plainly gives us permission to ask God questions, and asking Him questions is not the same as questioning His authority. In the conclusion of the email the elder wrote, “It is entirely appropriate to consult with the Elders about spiritual and scriptural concerns and I really do encourage that.” I'm sure glad God allows us to ‘consult’ Him with things beyond just ‘spiritual and scriptural concerns’.

Seen But Not Heard

Children today have obviously broken the old mold of ‘being seen and not heard’. In the church I see the child rearing techniques of yesteryear applied to our current senior population. Here are a few reasons I think the church leaders want their seniors to be seen and not heard. --Their presence allows the church to boast of being ‘inter-generational’. --Even though their physical stature is shrinking, they still make good ‘pew filler’. --They are obedient…standing through lengthy praise songs as long as possible. --They are financially generous and have given up attempts to question the budget. --They are deemed mature and therefore low-maintenance. Their requests are answered by God, relieving the church of any responsibility. Personally I’d like to see ‘seasoned’ members speak up and insist on receiving the honor, respect and attention that Scripture grants them.

Somewhere It Says...

Fear of misquoting Scripture or not knowing where to find Scripture silences many Christians. Somehow we feel we must know exactly where a verse is located in the Bible before we can use it. I love a Biblically literate Sunday school class or Bible study where I can say, ‘Somewhere it says,…’ and a voice in the room will supply the appropriate Bible reference. I found a great passage in Hebrews that should give all of us courage. “For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: ‘And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.’ And again in the passage above he says, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” Heb 4:4-5 NIV The writer of Hebrews gives us two quotes and doesn’t identify the speaker (God). He doesn’t say when or where it was spoken, nor does he give the location of the Scripture passage he is quoting (Gen 2:2). What a relief, ‘Somewhere it says…fear not’!

It's For You...

Recently my sister got an evening phone call. “I was tired and getting ready for bed. I didn’t recognize the name on the caller ID and I really didn’t want to talk to anyone anyway. I decided whatever it was about, it could wait until morning.” Listening to the messages the next morning she learned that the caller was a neighbor in her apartment complex telling her that not only had she’d left her car lights on, but she also had a left tail light out. I know there are times when I act the same way with God. I don’t recognize His caller ID, I’m not in the mood to talk, and I figure I can respond when there’s a more convenient time. I shouldn’t be surprised when the lights go out and I have to call on the Holy Spirit to come give me a jump start!

Successful Church

Recently one of our ministers reported on his mission trip to the Philippines. When asked about church growth, he enthusiastically explained that churches were springing up all over that country. “In the Philippines a church of 25 people is considered successful.” With a shrug he quipped, “Where, here in the US, a church isn’t considered successful unless they have 5,000.” Excuse me? Now, I’m assuming his comment was nothing more than regurgitating statistics, but where is this stuff coming from? I’d like to meet the man brave enough to tell a congregation of 150 that they’re unsuccessful. Jesus has a definition of success, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18:20 NIV

Focus, Focus, Focus...

When I shared my concern with the church staff about the lack of baptisms we’ve had in the last few years, I was told, “We’re no longer focusing on baptism.” Well duh…you think! What kind of a response is that? Am I out in left field, or does anyone else see a problem here? Without having a theological discussion on baptism, I believe we can all agree that baptism is an act of obedience to Scripture. How then can leaders arbitrarily decide to not preach and teach obedience to the Word of God? I’m having difficulty accepting that baptism slows to a trickle just because it’s not emphasized. Glossing over baptism may only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg!

I Was Just Joking...

A few years ago the focus for a women’s event at church was fashion, hair design and make-up. During the fashion segment the lofty voice behind the microphone singled me out as a personal object lesson of ‘what not to wear’ by saying, “…for instance Gail always wears black.” After the laughter, she continued in a sugar-coated voice, “I’m just joking.” My ‘sweet’ smile match her sweet voice as I mentally retrieved a proverb, “Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking! (Proverbs 26:19-19 NIV) And yes, I often wear black because it’s more slimming. I take help wherever I can get it.

Church Coup

We’ve all heard the anecdote about a church splitting over the color of new carpeting. It’s interesting to me that when this particular illustration is used, it’s the church members who can’t get along…we’re never told what part the leadership plays in the split. Although church splits do occur over petty things, I’m detecting many splits today are caused by a coup and have more to do with ‘leadership’ than with ‘membership’. My cousin’s Baptist church in Denver is in the process of healing from an attempted coup. The minister they hired slowly implemented grandiose plans for his version of a new and improved church. Resistance from the ‘old guard’ eventually sent the situation to court and the imposed judgment required a division of recently acquired assets. However, a legal loophole kept the minister and his band of merry men from walking away with the church name and property. The Apostle Paul warns us to be on guard, not only against those who come in from the outside, but also those who will rise up from among our own number, Acts 20:29-31.

Biggie Size It

A few years ago our denominational magazine requested readers send in articles on innovative activities and programs in their churches. The article demographics were specific to church attendance and ranked churches as small, mid-size, large and mega. My published article agitated the preacher. Don’t worry, he wasn’t unhappy about what I’d written, he was miffed that magazine’s criteria ranked our church as mid-size. More to his liking were polls and surveys that bestowed upon us the classification of ‘large church’. Hmmm… not only can you biggie size a church, you can biggie size an ego too!

Jesus...Lower Class?

In his book Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees in Palestinian Society, Anthony J. Saldarini references an analysis (by Lenski) of the social class system of the agrarian (agricultural) society. Of the nine classes, five belong to the upper classes and four belong to the lower classes. The Pharisees fit best in the upper class because of their religious and political interaction with the governing class. However, I was blown away to find that in this society both Jesus and Paul were in the artisan class, just one step below the peasants. Carpenters and tentmakers were neither powerful nor influential in Palestinian society. The lowest class mentioned was labeled ‘Expendable’. How’d you like to be in that classification?!

I'd Make a Good Pharisee

I like rules and structure, so jokingly I told friends that I thought I’d make a good Pharisee. Hindsight told me I really should learn more about the Pharisees before I become a candidate. I found a great book (although it sent me to the dictionary on more than one occasion) Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees in Palestinian Society, by Anthony J. Saldarini. When the Bible was my only reference, I pictured the Pharisees as highly educated, prominent men. Paul was certainly elevated in my mind because he was “a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee”. However, I quickly pulled Paul off the pedestal after learning Josephus completed all of his training with the Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes in one year! I’m thinking mail order diploma here.

I Can Do It!

Three year-old David, 60 year-old Shelly and 82 year-old Betty have one thing in common…I can do it! David desperately wants to be independent, Shelly is determined to keep her independence, and Betty is not about to let anyone steal her independence. Lately, when others have offered to help in some way, all three have firmly insisted, ‘I can do it!’ Even though I may chuckle at their willfulness, I do so realizing that right now my own independence is not threatened. But…I must admit that there are times in my Christian walk when I stand before the Lord stomping my feet saying, ‘I can do it’! I take comfort in knowing I’m in the company of Moses, Peter and Paul who each had their moments of saying to God, ‘I can do it’!

Skin Deep Identity

I recently attended the Body Worlds 2 exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The exhibit consists of over 200 donated bodies and body parts that are preserved by replacing bodily fluids with reactive fluid plastics, a technique called Plastination. As I looked ‘in and through’ authentic human bodies I tried to balance my thoughts between the macabre and David’s Psalm praising God because he is “fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14-15). Stripped of skin and hair, it is strange to look upon the lifelike poses of bones, tendons and tissue which are empty of their soul. David says, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth…” (Ps 139:15) Rationally, I know my identity is not in skin and hair, but without them, but I’m unrecognizable. Hum…, makes you wonder about all the effort put into suntans, tattoos and body piercing!

Winning Means Not Losing

George Washington felt the sting of defeat when the British captured Philadelphia, then the capitol and largest city in America. Defeat was against Washington’s nature, but he came to realize that the British ‘had’ to win, whereas he just had to keep from losing. As long as Washington’s army was in tact, he hadn’t lost. What a great example for Christian warfare. Jesus has already defeated Satan, so winning is not the issue. That’s a relief…I don’t have to ‘win’ my battles with the devil, I just have to keep from losing!

Give Me a Break

Reading a copy of our church summer schedule I noticed many of the normal programs offered have the following disclaimer: “Taking a break for the summer.” With a quick inventory of the cancellations it seems the church is going on a three month ‘sabbatical rest’. For instance, there’s no Sunday morning educational classes (Sunday school) offered unless you’re an adult or a child in nursery through 3rd grade. With 14 of the 23 Bible studies joining in the summer vacation, it appears that the Sunday morning worship service is all that remains of the weekly programs. September is just around the corner, so “Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?”

Memorial Day

Memorial Day doesn’t have the same meaning for all of us. For some it represents the beginning of weekend summer outings and camping. For marathon shoppers it’s a great day for saving 50% to 70% on a purchase. Actually, Memorial Day is intended as a day of remembrance for Americans killed on active service, and during this time of war it is especially meaningful. Within the church, Communion is also a time that doesn’t have the same meaning for all of us. A previous minister of mine would give the weekly Communion meditation flippantly as though his audience were un-churched 3rd graders. In the middle of explaining emblems he’d say, “…were not doing anything strange or weird. When the trays are passed to you, you’re going to find a ‘cracker’ and a little glass of juice…” I suppose he thought he was being relevant to ‘seekers’, but I find the instructions for the Lord’s Supper in I Corinthians 11:17-34 to be anything but flippant. Today, I struggle with the singing and entertainment that goes on while the emblems are being served. Scripture tells us, “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” (vs. 28). I can’t learn the words of a new song, tap my foot to the beat of the music and confess my sins at the same time. I’m just not mentally ambidextrous when it comes to examining the attitude of my heart!

Downsizing

At some point all of us will be faced with (or forced into) downsizing. One of our Sunday school classes comprised of older adults is the victim of downsizing in the church. Their classroom began in the large chapel. When room was needed for the children’s department they were moved to a classroom which was fairly large, but smaller than the chapel. When their large classroom was needed to make more office space, they were moved to a yet another smaller classroom. When their smaller classroom was turned into the library, they were shuffled off to a small conference area…and now the class has disbanded. Is it any wonder that our older church population is feeling disenfranchised?

Annual Reports

In the May 22 edition of USA Today reporter Matt Krantz writes, “Investors will notice big changes to some annual reports that are now arriving in the mail: They’re missing the financial statements.” Over the last few years I’ve seen this trend in the church. No longer are our financial reports posted on the bulletin board for all to see. I can request a report and receive ‘summarized financials’, but not the complete breakdown of financial information. For instance, staff salaries are lumped together and never reveal individual salaries. In light of the collapse of some churches who didn’t fully disclose financial expenditures to its members, it’s not unreasonable for us to expect and get a full financial accounting. Actually, the financial software we use is so confusing that even if I had the report, I couldn’t read it. All is not lost though; some of our members are bankers, accountants and investors who can understand it. Now if they just had a copy of it!

Closer to God

David Wilson recently sent a photo of a young girl with her horse that included a hand written caption, “I feel closer to God with my horse…than at church.” Many in Colorado express the same sentiments, only they are looking up at the breathtaking San Juan Mountains! In my experience, those who say they can worship in the woods as effectively as they worship in the church are in reality looking for a plausible excuse to avoid church. Not that we can’t find warm God-given fuzzies in nature, but mountains don’t convict me of sin and a waterfall doesn’t help me grow as a Christian. As the writer of Hebrews tells us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb 10:25 NIV Now, if the girl in the picture were reading her Bible …that might be a horse of a different color!

Do Not Disturb

Many of today’s ministers prefer preparing their sermons and lessons at home rather than at the church office. I‘ve had it explained to me that they need quiet study time and there is too much activity and interruption at the church. The take-away I get is, members of the church are ‘interruptions’, but at home, his wife and children aren’t a distraction. It’s strange that we have secretaries to answer phones, make appointments, and screen visitors, yet the church office is deemed an unacceptable place for sermon preparation. I understand the need for quiet study time, but even a maid for a hotel understands the meaning of a Do Not Disturb sign.

Sermons for Someone Else

As I listen to comments on sermons, I hear, “Even if it doesn’t apply to me, I can sit through the sermon if it helps the younger people.” Or, “That would have been a good sermon for my kids (or grandkids) to have heard.” Realistically, not all sermons are ‘a home run’ and there are instances when a particular sermon doesn’t impact us as much as another. However, I’m concerned when I see a pattern developing where people, especially our older folks, think that the sermon is more applicable to someone else (family, friends, or neighbors) than it is to them. The Spirit convicts through the Word of God, and regardless of our age, we should be seeing ‘red flags’ if sermons aren’t touching us personally. Although we need to examine ourselves for a willing heart to hear, it’s also appropriate to critique sermons to ensure they are applicable to the whole family of God and not directed to just one segment of the congregation.

Stewardship of the Tithe

I’ve heard it said, ‘Your tithe is not a vote’, meaning that I shouldn’t withhold my tithe just because things in the church aren’t running the way I think they should. I’d agree that withholding a tithe from God is inappropriate. However, Scripture gives me the responsibility of being a discerning steward of what God has entrusted to me. Likewise, the church is also under obligation to be a good steward of the financial resources they receive. When we see poor stewardship, whether in individuals or in the church, it should be questioned. Even though the tithe is often portrayed as something due to the local congregation, in reality it belongs to God. Personally, I find nothing scripturally against redirecting my tithe when it becomes obvious the offerings are being used toward man’s personal agenda rather than God’s kingdom.

Investing in Appreciation

As I read the Apostle Paul’s letters, words of appreciation stand out. Such statements as, “I give thanks for you,” “my confidence in you,” “your labor of love,” “praying always for you,” and so on. Even his statements of reprimand contain an ‘I appreciate you’ section. The saints mentioned in Romans 16 must have been thrilled by Paul’s personal recognition of them. I doubt that these Christian sought recognition, but certainly they, their church and we are edified by Paul’s kind words of acknowledgment. Today the focus of the church is on programs and activities rather than on individuals. When was the last time you heard anyone say to you, “I give thanks for you,” or “my confidence in you,”?

Spanked From The Pulpit

There are times when a young child’s temper tantrum calls for a swat on the behind. I can remember thinking that when I grew up I’d be too old to be spanked, but I was wrong. If you have an ear for church politics you can pick out sermons that include a ‘verbal spanking’ for someone in the congregation. In many cases it’s easy to identify the target, but other times you look at one another and ask, “Who do you think that was intended for?” Over the last few years we’ve had repeated verbal spankings directed toward our older members. They’ve dared to ask for the music volume to be turned down, or for hymns and praise music to be balanced during congregational singing. It’s sad when church politics are woven into the message, but I guess the one holding the microphone also holds the paddle.

Volunteer Janitors

A relatively new part-time staff position at my church is ‘Facilities Director’. The newsletter just informed us, “… (The) primary role with us will be to build teams of people within the church who will work together to maintain and enhance the facilities. For the time being, we will continue to have a cleaning company come in three times a week to keep up with the heavy demand in that area…” As I read between the lines this quote says: We’re looking for additional ways to cut expenses. We will keep our present cleaning service just until the Facilities Director finds volunteers to work as janitors. With well over $600,000.00 in tithes and offerings in 2005, wouldn’t you think we could afford to pay a full-time janitor?

Nine to Five

We’ve all known preachers from ‘the old school’ who were workaholics, often neglecting their own families for the sake of the flock. Today, as the pendulum swings the other way, we now see some young preachers coming out of Bible College who want to work 9 to 5, with comp time for anything outside a 40 hour work week. For the man in the pew who contributes volunteer hours in the church in addition to his full time job, this new ‘work ethic’ is difficult to come to terms with. The church is always searching for volunteers, and I hate to admit that my volunteerism is done begrudgingly when I can’t see the church staff volunteering beyond their job descriptions.

Symbols of Shed Blood

I recently returned from a historical tour of the Washington DC area where my veteran’s blood (Navy and ARNG) received an infusion of patriotism. Until the last few years the American flag and the Christian flag have held prominent positions on our church platform. When they were removed, I found them leaning against the gym wall and dragging on the floor. My offer to take them home and properly store them was rejected and they’re now displayed unceremoniously in a corner of the Fellowship Hall. Without the shed blood of Christ there would be no salvation…without the shed blood of Americans there would be no freedom to worship.

Financial Opportunity?

As Jesus cleared the temple courts he said, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers’.” (Matt. 21:13) The sheep and the doves are now missing, but the market place can still be seen in the church today. I see it when business folks use the church membership list as their personal prospect list. It can be seen when an invitation to a home candle party appears in the church bulletin. And there are even children bringing school fund raising sign-up sheets to church in order to fill their quota quickly. Just as Jesus saw a house of prayer and people of like faith, the money changers saw a house of opportunity and possible consumers.

When did they do that?

I remember a time when the minutes of the elder’s meetings were posted and members were able to stay apprised of decisions made for the congregation. Today when policies and procedures change we’re left scratching our heads and asking, “When did they do that?” Lack of communication is one of our biggest struggles within the church…at least that’s the case in my church. Have you ever noticed that volunteers don’t play well with leaders who come across as dictators?

Who's Vision?

It seems a current trend today is having a ‘vision’ for the church or having leaders who are visionary. A good concept, unless you’re getting a different vision every time a new staff person is hired or new elders take office. Not that a leader shouldn’t have plans and goals, but the way many leaders use of the word ‘vision’ implies that it’s God’s idea or is God endorsed. When the churches’ vision changes with the leadership I’ve got to ask, ‘Who’s vision are we talking about here?’ I’m hesitant in accepting a new direction for a church if it requires dismantling the character of a healthy God-grown congregation. Rather than remodeling an established congregation, wouldn’t it be just easier to plant a new church?

Vacation Bible School

Our church staff eliminated Vacation Bible School (VBS) even though at one time the participation and attendance was well over 500. Their justification to discontinue VBS was the cost in man hours, organizing, training and recruiting teachers, financial expense, and last but not least, that some people in the community used VBS as a babysitting service. There is no doubt that VBS is a huge investment, however, the return on that investment far outweighs the inconvenience to the church staff. We have volunteers willing and available to hold a VBS, yet our church has opted to function only as a resource for parents who want to have a small independent neighborhood VBS in their backyard. As a mission field unto themselves, our children deserve more from the church.

Handpicked Elders

Each church (or denomination) has their set of bylaws for governing the election of leadership positions and those bylaws can be changed. Biblical qualifications for elders and deacons don’t change, but I’m seeing more and more how they can be manipulated. Our elder nomination procedures now include completing a large packet of personality profile-type papers to fill out, not only for the candidate, but also for his wife. Next, the interview process which includes the wife, is held with currently setting elders and staff to determine if a candidate is qualified. If the candidate is acceptable, his name is then submitted for the congregation’s ‘endorsement’. The current elders and staff have the power to disqualify candidates even though the congregation, if given the opportunity, would deem the candidate Biblically qualified. I question whether our process is more about electing elders or removing obstacles.

New Rule

Have you noticed how the world not only creeps into the church, but sometimes we invite it in? Because of child sexual abuse in some churches, our leaders chose to adopt Colorado’s state guidelines for child care situations. Windows were put in all the classroom doors, all teachers and aids over 18 must have a professional background check, there must be a minimum of two teachers in each classroom and a husband and wife team is counted as only one person. I’m not saying these guidelines are wrong, but I can’t believe 70 year-old Mrs. Smith who has taught Sunday school for 30 years needs a background check. Nor should she be required to have another teacher in her class unless she needs one. Who wants to be a volunteer when we require them to jump through hoops and over man-made obstacles in order to serve in the church? In the past, personally knowing our volunteers and common sense served us well. Do we really need government rules applied in the church for babysitters, nursery attendants, and Sunday school teachers?

Futuristic Church?

When I think of ‘targeting’ a specific group of people, the 1976 movie Logan’s Run comes to mind. Set in the year 2274, computers run the city and to maintain the population balance, all people must die at age 30. I’ve got to laugh as I imagine how a futuristic church comprised of a specific target group of people would maintain their population balance. I suppose when members no longer fit the parameters of the target audience they could be sent to the mission field, put in the nursery as an attendant, or sent to another church. Along with publishing a mission statement I’d like to see a target audience statement to help me know when it’s my time to head out to the nursery.

Called to Step Aside

During my early teens I lived with my Grandma in rural southeastern Colorado. Our Sunday church services were held in a one room school house. We had matching his and hers outhouses, no running water, and a piano, but no piano player. Grandma was the teacher/preacher out of necessity. There were a few men in the congregation, but either they couldn’t or wouldn’t teach. God called Grandma to teach, but He also called her to relinquish her ‘podium’ when there was a visiting circuit preacher or missionary. God puts people in leadership roles, but we are mistaken if we let ourselves consider it a permanent position. Stepping aside from a leadership role isn’t all bad...just think of it as a long, well deserved Sabbatical rest.

Fuddy-Duddy

Have you ever thought of your grandparents as fuddy-duddies (old fashioned)? You may have thought it, but you probably didn’t call them a fuddy-duddy to their face! In the church we don’t come right out and call our seniors fuddy-duddies, but it’s implied in subtle ways. Seniors are labeled as the group that doesn’t want ‘change’ to take place in the church. Actually, I believe those in leadership are responsible for giving the seniors the reputation for not wanting change because they (leaders) don’t want to be held accountable or answerable for their decisions. Telling a group they are stubborn and unwilling to make changes is a great way to suppress their voice.

It's Not All About You...

The current mantra in the church is ‘It’s not all about you’. If you question one of the leaders about the direction the church is going, or ask them about more balance in the worship service, you’ll hear ‘It’s not all about you’. What a great conversation stopper! There’s nothing you can say in response, it’s like a train derailment. I find this catchy phrase has guilted older members of the congregation into saying, “I really don’t like all the loud music and the drums, but ‘It’s not all about me’. OK, OK I get it…it’s not all about me, but can anyone please tell me who it is about?

It's All About Perception

Recently on a TV news program one of the talking heads commented, “Everyone knows politics is all about perception.” Well…not everyone, because I’d never thought of politics in those terms. However, now that I have thought about it, I can see it’s not about the truth, but about the spin. I tire of the political spin shouting matches, but at least the media attempts to hear both sides of an issue. I believe the biggest drawback in church politics is the monopoly on communication. When I hear something in church which paints only half of the picture, I’d like to raise my hand and say, ‘Wait a minute, there’s another side to the issue.’ One of our past ministers desperately wanted our worship attendance to increase, and it did…on paper. Being the final editor, his statistics reported his goal. I will admit that for Sunday evening Bible study we occassionaly do a ‘preacher’s count’ where 68 rounds up to 70, just in case we miscounted. If we're going to over count, I think the dust bunnies under the pews should count for something!

First Impressions

There are some areas of service in the church in which our older folks are no longer able to participate. For instance, you wouldn’t expect to see a 70 year-old serving as youth sponsor. I think one area of service ideally suited for seniors is the position of greeter for the morning worship services. I learned, however, that not everyone agrees with me. Apparently there are those who think the senior population doesn’t project the ‘image’ of the people the church is trying to attract. Speaking bluntly, greeters make the first impression on visitors and most churches are not trying to attract older retirees. Sadly, greeters are no longer just a friendly face of welcome; they’ve become a marketing tool.

You're in Good Hands

Often our older folk worry about what will become of the church if the next generation doesn’t step up to the plate and start getting more involved. You’ll hear them say, “Who’s going to replace us when we’re gone.” Actually, I think the generation prior to theirs probably said the very same thing about them! Understandably, when we love the church and have labored for her, we want to know we’ve left her in good hands. Biblically speaking however, our responsibility isn’t to find our own replacements. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Cor 3:6-7, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” The church is indeed in very Good Hands.

It Looks Like a Duck

There’s a saying, ‘If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck’. While experiencing church growth, our congregation has been told we’re not trying to become a mega church, but I’ve got to tell you I feel like a duck in progress. The staff position titles resemble that of a mega church. Our leaders attend conferences and seminars at mega church facilities. We implement methods and programs developed for mega churches and read their books and training manuals. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against mega churches, but I wonder why we, as a midsize church, are conforming to the likeness of a mega church if we aren’t trying to become one.

Great Shoes!

I think I underestimated a mother’s encouragement until I started watching American Idol. Only a mother could tell some of those contestants they can sing! Actually, I too am guilty of giving undeserved praise. I think it’s a hold over from being taught ‘If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything’. I especially struggle with what to say to an experienced preacher or teacher who presents a less than adequate message. You know the type of presentation where the speaker tries to wing it, or deliver a personal agenda message, or they pull a re-run lesson out of the file when they don’t want to prepare a new lesson. When I shake hands with a speaker I want to compliment them on their message and say, “Good job!” But when it wasn’t a good job, what do you say, “I like your shoes…”?

Children With Parents Welcome

Our Sunday school program for children and youth has been reconfigured and the new system requires parents (or an adult) to attend Sunday school with the children. Children who try to come to the class without an adult are sent to the worship service in the auditorium. Needless to say, attendance has dropped dramatically. Admittedly there are some positive aspects to having parents actively involved in the children’s class; however I’m not convinced that they outweigh the negatives. Consider the obstacles for single parent, grandparents, and those with two or three children. And then consider the child whose parents don’t go to church at all. Matthew 19:13-14 says, “Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”

How to Kill Sunday School

Simply repeat after me, ‘Sunday school is no longer effective’. Now, tell that to the congregation, repeat it to one another, and report it on surveys. Walla! Your Sunday school program now begins a slow death. As children, the majority of us were introduced to the church through Sunday school or VBS (Vacation Bible School). Because of that, I find it surprising that we so easily buy into the propaganda that Sunday school is no longer effective in ‘today’s church’. It’s my belief that the problem isn’t the Sunday school program, but rather it’s the lack of support from the directors, ministry leaders and administrators. Leaders weary of teacher training, recruiting teachers, unreliable volunteers, and restricted funding find eliminating a program to be a quick fix to their problems. My hat goes off the Baptist churches who continue to place great emphasis on the importance of Sunday school.

Invisible Elders?

Esau was famished and said to his brother Jacob, “What good is the birthright to me?” So, for lentil stew and bread, Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob (Gen.25:29-34). Scripture clearly gives elders the leadership-right in the church, but I wonder if the elders have the sold their leadership-rights to the church staff? I’ve noticed that as the church staff increases, the role of the elders decreases. Part of my observation is based on the lack of elder visibility. You can’t follow leaders if you don’t know who they are. Since the New Testament church was elder led, whose leading today’s churches, the elders or the staff?

Fixer-Upper

Many people move to Colorado because they love this area, the lifestyle, and the community. However, no sooner do they get their change of address to the Post Office than they begin trying to reshape the community to resemble the place they just left. Interestingly, the same thing happens in the church. People will place membership in a new church and then try to reshape the congregation to resemble their old church. Just as a young couple shouldn’t go into marriage thinking they can change their partner after they’re married, neither should one contemplate membership in a church with the idea they are going to fix the church after they’ve joined. I can just imagine how responsive a California church would be if I placed membership and then tried to improve them!

Targeting

It’s obvious that God ‘targets’ (calls) individuals for specific areas of service, such as a youth sponsor or Sunday school teacher. However, I reject the current thought and trend that God would have a church target a specific group for developing the body. Acts 10:34-35 says, “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Have you noticed that the targeted group for today’s churches is never widows, orphans, singles, the elderly, or the handicapped? I know what targeting is, I experienced it in high school, and it’s called a clique.

Preachers in Shorts

I know a large company that has taken the ‘casual Friday attire’ to such an extreme that you can’t tell the CEO from the janitor. Even in church we often see people dress as though they’re going to a BBQ or a volleyball game rather than going to worship. Twice in a general assembly I’ve seen men behind the pulpit wearing shorts. On one occasion the man was preaching and the other (a different man) was delivering the communion meditation. I was offended by their lack of consideration for their audience. These men would never dress so causally to attend a funeral, a wedding or a business meeting with clients. I wonder, is there more respect in ‘marrying and burying’ than there is in worship?

Scripted Sermons

We once had a preacher who memorized his weekly sermon word for word. The sermon was perfectly orchestrated with cues for lighting, music and video clips. When I discovered the minister shed tears on cue for both worship services, I became a little disillusioned. The morning worship service was so perfected that there was no room for spontaneity…or emergency. Sadly, as the nation grieved, the unscripted attack on 9/11 didn’t make it into our Sunday morning worship service. What a shame the Holy Spirit was confined to the script that day.

Forgiveness vs. Permission

A reader’s email asked me to address the issue of using church equipment and not returning it to its proper place. A couple years ago my newly purchased stools for the adult Sunday school teachers went missing from their classrooms. My search lead me to the auditorium where I discovered the confiscated stools sitting proudly on the platform waiting for the musicians to use during worship services. A youth minister once told me his philosophy was ‘It’s easier to ask forgiveness, than it is to ask permission’. Embarrassingly, many of us use the same attitude in the church when dealing with one another. Come to think of it, in my confiscated stool situation, no one asked permission or forgiveness. Do you suppose that’s why I still remember it?

Christian Democrats

During my adult Sunday school class I’ve heard Republicans take a sidebar in the lesson and fire verbal shots at the Democratic Party…always on biblically moral issues of course! Some in the class will stifle a laugh, others may interject an additional crack, but I assure you the true blue Democrats in the group are fuming. In a ‘perfect’ church, Republicans wouldn’t throw ‘humorous’ barbs at Democrats. Personally, I think there’s room for politics in the church, but not at the expense of our worship time, the Sunday school lesson, or alienating a brother in Christ. Actually, rather than smoldering, I’d like to see a Democrat fire a rebuttal shot!

Identity Crisis

Over the last several years some of my congregation’s leaders have embraced Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Church. Adding to the enthusiasm for Warren’s book, we’ve experienced many changes in ministerial staff which in turn has led to changes in ‘visions’, mottos, logos and newsletters, not to mention furnishings and equipment. I think the loss of our church identity is the result of not heeding Warren’s warning on pages 179-180 of the Purpose Drive Church. Warren says, “Reinventing the congregation is when you intentionally change the makeup of your church in order to match a new target. You completely replace all the old programs, structures, and worship styles with new ones. I want this to be very clear: I do not advise this! …Don’t even consider this option in a church with over one hundred attenders unless God tells you to do so.” In my100 year-old congregation with an attendance of over 600, I no longer know who we are. Change isn’t bad, but I’m concerned that we are paying a high price for being ‘reinvented’.

The Church's Reputation

The writer of an email to the Christian Ear implied concern that my articles might somehow hurt the reputation of my church. The early church was not free from problems. Quite honestly, if the Apostles hadn’t heard about issues in the churches, most of the Epistles wouldn’t have been written. We are at liberty, and in some cases commanded, to expose problems we see in our churches. I wouldn’t want to tarnish my church’s reputation, but in a sense, the church is no different than we are as individuals…we make our own reputation.

There's The Door

Church leadership doesn’t want to deal with members who keep raising ‘red flags’. I know red flag waving members who’ve left our church after being told, “Maybe you’d be happier at another church.” Isn’t it interesting that God is the one who combined the body parts of the church (1 Cor. 12:24) yet some leaders not only encourage people to go to another church, they seem to hold the door open for them while they go. Diotrephes is a church leader mentioned in 3 John 9-10 who had habit of putting people out of the church. Rather than shrugging it off, the Apostle John prepares to handle the situation by “call[ing] attention to what he (Diotrephes) is doing…”

Self-Inflating

In the sporting goods department at Wal-Mart the advertising on an air mattress grabbed my attention. The mattress was described as ‘Self-Inflating’. Isn’t that a great word? Picture a group of Christians standing around visiting with one another when someone begins ‘self-inflating’. What a hoot! Normally we let him ‘inflate’ away. After all, who’s going say, “Ah, John, don’t you think you’re being a little bit boastful?” The Lord hates pride, but most of us don’t recognize it in ourselves. Actually I can’t ever remember hearing anyone confess to the sin of pride. I don’t think of myself as being prideful, but I can recall ‘self-inflating’ a time or two…thankfully the Spirit deflated me privately.

Hymn Deprivation

Our church music over the last few years has become predominately praise songs and loud bands, while the hymnals and pianos have become dust collectors. A few weeks ago we set aside a Sunday evening for a hymn-sing. It was an emotional hour as we became reacquainted with old favorites that brought tears to our eyes and lumps to our throats. Many of us are starving to death from hymn deprivation. I know, I know, can’t you just hear music leaders across the nation collectively groan, “Just let it go!” As much as church leaders would like to put the ‘hymn vs. praise songs’ conflict to rest, the issue is not going to go away, nor are people going to just let it go. Most people are willing to accept compromise, but leaders don’t want compromise, they want surrender. This brings to mind the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8. Apparently ‘surrender’ was not in the widow’s vocabulary.