One of my favorite stories is about a man who visited a machine oil factory. The owner of the factory proudly took the man around and showed him the impressive process. It was quite an operation. At the end of the tour the man asked the owner of the plant, “Where is the shipping department?”
“Oh, we don’t have a shipping department,” he replied. “We use all our oil to run the factory.”
During the last few days, as I have been evaluating how well Minor Memorial is carrying out the strategy we spent months developing, I was reminded of this story. It is so easy for us to spend almost all of our energy in the church on institutional maintenance and have little left to carry out mission and ministry. It is so easy to focus on ourselves and forget that God sends us into the world to make disciples. He commands us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
It is vitally important for Christians to study the scripture together. Sunday School classes, bible courses, home cell groups help us grow in our knowledge of God. But these are not the “end.” They are the “means to the end.” The book of James warns us, “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22). I like the way this is translated in The Message New Testament. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!”
Søren Kierkegaard, the famous philosopher once told a parable about some ducks from an imaginary “duck country.” Every Sunday the ducks would waddle to church, walk down the aisle, and squat in the pews. The duck pastor would read from the duck bible: “Ducks! You have wings, and with wings you can fly like eagles. You can soar into the skies! Ducks! You have wings!” With wings there was nowhere the ducks could not go, nothing they could not accomplish.
The ducks would respond to the pastor’s sermon with a hearty “Amen!” But when church was over, they waddled home. Not a single duck would fly.
Kierkegaard told this parable about the Denmark church of his day. A church that had lost its passion for the gospel. A church that had largely forgotten its mission. I wonder what this great Danish Christian philosopher would say about the modern church in America?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Church Cemetery
My friend Andy Ray is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. He tells a wonderful story about his first position just out of seminary. He was appointed by the bishop to a “charge” of four churches. One of the churches that he felt had the most potential had no budget, no program, and saw no need to change. He got the leadership to agree to engage in a strategic planning session on a Sunday afternoon. He arrived at the church early to prepare. He set up tables, taped newsprint to the walls, and gathered the supplies they would need for this most important meeting. He was excited about a day of visioning.
After a few minutes he began to hear people arriving. With each sound of a car door closing his heart beat a little stronger. But as he waited in the church no one came in. Finally, looking out a side window he saw more than a dozen members working in the church cemetery. His heart sank. It was then that he realized that the members of this congregation were more concerned about the dead than they were the living.
Andy says, “I was so disappointed that I cried. Those graves marked those who had given their lives to have a church. Now we had a church to sustain a cemetery.”
It is vital that every church understand its purpose. God’s people are called to be a covenant community, not a social club. We are called to be an expeditionary force, not a fortress. We are called to transform the world, not gather into our safe enclaves and complain about the world going to hell.
Minor Memorial’s mission statement says our purpose is to grow disciples of Jesus Christ through worship, study (training), fellowship, and service. The abbreviated version of our vision is Every Member in Ministry. The abbreviated version of our strategy is Meeting Needs, Sharing Christ. My prayer is that, as the body of Christ we learn to live out this purpose and truly become a church that makes a difference and transforms the world.
After a few minutes he began to hear people arriving. With each sound of a car door closing his heart beat a little stronger. But as he waited in the church no one came in. Finally, looking out a side window he saw more than a dozen members working in the church cemetery. His heart sank. It was then that he realized that the members of this congregation were more concerned about the dead than they were the living.
Andy says, “I was so disappointed that I cried. Those graves marked those who had given their lives to have a church. Now we had a church to sustain a cemetery.”
It is vital that every church understand its purpose. God’s people are called to be a covenant community, not a social club. We are called to be an expeditionary force, not a fortress. We are called to transform the world, not gather into our safe enclaves and complain about the world going to hell.
Minor Memorial’s mission statement says our purpose is to grow disciples of Jesus Christ through worship, study (training), fellowship, and service. The abbreviated version of our vision is Every Member in Ministry. The abbreviated version of our strategy is Meeting Needs, Sharing Christ. My prayer is that, as the body of Christ we learn to live out this purpose and truly become a church that makes a difference and transforms the world.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Excellent Service
` This week I’ve been attending The Leadership Institute at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City. Church of the Resurrection in one of the largest, fastest growing United Methodist churches in the world. I had an interesting experience the first night I was here. Having just arrived I asked the clerk at the hotel desk if there was a good Mexican restaurant nearby. He informed me that there was an On the Border just around the corner.
At the restaurant the hostess seated me right away. But then I sat there for several minutes before the manager finally came over and asked me if had been helped. When he realized I had been waiting for some time he took my order. Just after the manager left my waiter arrived. The manager came back and informed him that my order had been taken. From then on the server lived up to his title, giving me excellent service.
When I finished my meal the waiter informed me that there was no charge for my dinner. He apologized for his slow response at the beginning. It was clear that the manager had had a little talk with this employee.
I left that restaurant with a different attitude toward this restaurant chain, especially the one in Kansas City. I also began to think about the Christian church in general and Minor Memorial in particular. I wondered how guest feel when they visit our church. I wondered if they feel like they get “added value” for their investment of time and effort to attend our worship services. Are people blessed by our music? Are they encouraged and strengthened by the messages? Are they made to feel welcomed and comfortable? Do they leave feeling that this is a place where they could really belong.
I have to confess that I have seen several visitors over the past year sitting in the fellowship hall by themselves. It is so easy to let this happen. One conference speaker this week at the Leadership Institute smiled when he said, “Every church is friendly. Unfortunately, we are too often just friendly to one another. We don’t always include our guests.”
Becoming a part of a new church is not easy. Helping people experience real community is hard work. It is every church member’s responsibility to help make this happen. We have all had bad experiences at a restaurant. Excellent service makes a lasting impression. Creating the kind of atmosphere that attracts others to God’s church is “job one” for every church member. It won’t happen without YOU!
At the restaurant the hostess seated me right away. But then I sat there for several minutes before the manager finally came over and asked me if had been helped. When he realized I had been waiting for some time he took my order. Just after the manager left my waiter arrived. The manager came back and informed him that my order had been taken. From then on the server lived up to his title, giving me excellent service.
When I finished my meal the waiter informed me that there was no charge for my dinner. He apologized for his slow response at the beginning. It was clear that the manager had had a little talk with this employee.
I left that restaurant with a different attitude toward this restaurant chain, especially the one in Kansas City. I also began to think about the Christian church in general and Minor Memorial in particular. I wondered how guest feel when they visit our church. I wondered if they feel like they get “added value” for their investment of time and effort to attend our worship services. Are people blessed by our music? Are they encouraged and strengthened by the messages? Are they made to feel welcomed and comfortable? Do they leave feeling that this is a place where they could really belong.
I have to confess that I have seen several visitors over the past year sitting in the fellowship hall by themselves. It is so easy to let this happen. One conference speaker this week at the Leadership Institute smiled when he said, “Every church is friendly. Unfortunately, we are too often just friendly to one another. We don’t always include our guests.”
Becoming a part of a new church is not easy. Helping people experience real community is hard work. It is every church member’s responsibility to help make this happen. We have all had bad experiences at a restaurant. Excellent service makes a lasting impression. Creating the kind of atmosphere that attracts others to God’s church is “job one” for every church member. It won’t happen without YOU!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Why Isn't the Church Making a Greater Difference?
There is much disagreement in America today about the current condition of our country. It has been two thousand years since the coming of Christ, and Christianity has, no doubt, had a tremendous influence on our nation. But, one could easily wonder why, after two thousand years, the influence has not been greater.
Church attendance is higher in America than almost anywhere else in the world. And yet our nation seems to be caught in the middle of moral chaos. (This is not missed by Muslims and others living in the Middle and Far East.) Crime is rampant. Drugs, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, and high divorce rates are just a few of the social problems that plague our society. According to William J. Bennett’s Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, between 1960 and 1990 the population increased 41 percent while there was a 560 percent increase in violent crime. The U.S. Census Bureau in 1994 revealed that only 50.8 percent of American children lived in a traditional nuclear family.
We are the most churched nation in the industrialized world, and yet we lead in violent crimes and incarceration of criminals. What is more disturbing for many of us is that these alarming statistics aren’t only true in our large cities anymore.
The theme of cynicism and apathy runs through much of what seems to be going wrong in our nation. One of the most shocking things about all this is that the church seems to be making so little difference. An extensive study of sixty-six lifestyle categories by the George Barna organization revealed that the lifestyles of Christians were no different from non-Christians.
Of course, the Christian faith has made a great difference in our world. But I sometimes feel like we are rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The church spends so much time, talent, money, and energy on less important matters and too often ignores the hurt and suffering all around.
I have been working with a group recently to start a Celebrate Recovery program at Minor Memorial. I have met several men and women who have been active in Alcoholics Anonymous for many years. They have helped untold numbers who have reached out in a time of need. This experience has reminded me that our communities are full of hurting people of all kinds.
I’ve always been bothered that an organization like AA is often doing more to touch these lives than the church. Have we lost our passion for reaching the last, the least, and the lost? It is not just the poor who are hurting. Our communities are full of people who need the transforming power of Jesus Christ in their lives. I’m praying that God will transform our churches so we can become more powerful transforming agents in our world.
Church attendance is higher in America than almost anywhere else in the world. And yet our nation seems to be caught in the middle of moral chaos. (This is not missed by Muslims and others living in the Middle and Far East.) Crime is rampant. Drugs, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, and high divorce rates are just a few of the social problems that plague our society. According to William J. Bennett’s Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, between 1960 and 1990 the population increased 41 percent while there was a 560 percent increase in violent crime. The U.S. Census Bureau in 1994 revealed that only 50.8 percent of American children lived in a traditional nuclear family.
We are the most churched nation in the industrialized world, and yet we lead in violent crimes and incarceration of criminals. What is more disturbing for many of us is that these alarming statistics aren’t only true in our large cities anymore.
The theme of cynicism and apathy runs through much of what seems to be going wrong in our nation. One of the most shocking things about all this is that the church seems to be making so little difference. An extensive study of sixty-six lifestyle categories by the George Barna organization revealed that the lifestyles of Christians were no different from non-Christians.
Of course, the Christian faith has made a great difference in our world. But I sometimes feel like we are rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The church spends so much time, talent, money, and energy on less important matters and too often ignores the hurt and suffering all around.
I have been working with a group recently to start a Celebrate Recovery program at Minor Memorial. I have met several men and women who have been active in Alcoholics Anonymous for many years. They have helped untold numbers who have reached out in a time of need. This experience has reminded me that our communities are full of hurting people of all kinds.
I’ve always been bothered that an organization like AA is often doing more to touch these lives than the church. Have we lost our passion for reaching the last, the least, and the lost? It is not just the poor who are hurting. Our communities are full of people who need the transforming power of Jesus Christ in their lives. I’m praying that God will transform our churches so we can become more powerful transforming agents in our world.
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Day That Will Live In Infamy
It was a day that will live in infamy. I was traveling with a group of religious leaders in the Middle East, visiting Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. We were very much concerned with peace in the region. We had already met with a number of people including Ophir Pines-Paz, an Israeli member of the Knesset, whom we felt had been sincerely working for peace. We had broken bread with Hana Nasser, the Mayor of Bethlehem and a Christian Palestinian. Mr. Nasser is also deeply committed to the cause of peace. In Jordan we had shared in an extended dialogue with His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein, whose family has long been a stabilizing force in the Middle East.
We had just flown from Cairo and landed in Luxor, Egypt when we noticed our guides off to themselves in a huddle. Speaking in Arabic, a couple of them were conversing on their cell phones. More animated than usual, and more solemn, they took us immediately to the riverboat on which we were to spend the next four days sailing up the Nile. Upon reaching the boat we were ushered into the lounge and asked to be seated. Our group leader informed us that within the past hour the World Trade Center had been attacked and the buildings had collapsed. The Pentagon had also been hit. I began to feel sick. A knot formed in my stomach. As far as was known at that time World War III might have just begun!
Most of us will never forget where we were and what we were doing on September 11, 2001. We understand that something changed on that date. We may have been in a state of denial before that day, but for most of us, life was good. The economy may have been slowing a bit, but we were optimistic that things would soon be better than ever before. However, we now know that we can’t build a military machine large enough to totally protect us from terrorism. Nor can we hide from the dangers of modern technology in the hands of madmen. Years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan have only confirmed this reality for most of us.
In a matter of days after September 11, congress allocated billions of dollars to a war on terrorism. Of course, something had to be done, and almost everyone agreed with the early actions of our government. Such an unprecedented, monumental, iniquitous act could not go unchallenged.
America is a great nation and seems committed to triumph over terrorism, to subdue our enemies, and to become a stronger people. We talk of accomplishing this heroic task by working together to stamp out this evil. But one must wonder why we can’t find the same resolve to remedy other immense problems our nation faces. Why is partisanship still stronger in Washington than the desire to work together to solve our problems? It seems that an external enemy is the only thing that can unite us. The problem is that history teaches us that great empires have more often collapsed from decay within than from threats without. We do it even in the church. I read some comments today made by Christians toward other Christians. The comments were so critical and vicious that it made me sick.
Let’s all pray for our leaders. All our leaders. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters. All our brothers and sisters. Let’s stop the name calling and labeling. Remember, those who throw dirt lose ground! Let’s stop painting our states red or blue and pull together to make life better for our nation and for the world
We had just flown from Cairo and landed in Luxor, Egypt when we noticed our guides off to themselves in a huddle. Speaking in Arabic, a couple of them were conversing on their cell phones. More animated than usual, and more solemn, they took us immediately to the riverboat on which we were to spend the next four days sailing up the Nile. Upon reaching the boat we were ushered into the lounge and asked to be seated. Our group leader informed us that within the past hour the World Trade Center had been attacked and the buildings had collapsed. The Pentagon had also been hit. I began to feel sick. A knot formed in my stomach. As far as was known at that time World War III might have just begun!
Most of us will never forget where we were and what we were doing on September 11, 2001. We understand that something changed on that date. We may have been in a state of denial before that day, but for most of us, life was good. The economy may have been slowing a bit, but we were optimistic that things would soon be better than ever before. However, we now know that we can’t build a military machine large enough to totally protect us from terrorism. Nor can we hide from the dangers of modern technology in the hands of madmen. Years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan have only confirmed this reality for most of us.
In a matter of days after September 11, congress allocated billions of dollars to a war on terrorism. Of course, something had to be done, and almost everyone agreed with the early actions of our government. Such an unprecedented, monumental, iniquitous act could not go unchallenged.
America is a great nation and seems committed to triumph over terrorism, to subdue our enemies, and to become a stronger people. We talk of accomplishing this heroic task by working together to stamp out this evil. But one must wonder why we can’t find the same resolve to remedy other immense problems our nation faces. Why is partisanship still stronger in Washington than the desire to work together to solve our problems? It seems that an external enemy is the only thing that can unite us. The problem is that history teaches us that great empires have more often collapsed from decay within than from threats without. We do it even in the church. I read some comments today made by Christians toward other Christians. The comments were so critical and vicious that it made me sick.
Let’s all pray for our leaders. All our leaders. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters. All our brothers and sisters. Let’s stop the name calling and labeling. Remember, those who throw dirt lose ground! Let’s stop painting our states red or blue and pull together to make life better for our nation and for the world
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Consumer Christianity
Lutheran pastor Michael Foss suggests that many Christians act more like consumers than disciples. He describes the culture of many churches as a culture of membership. He explains:
I don’t want to push the analogy too far, but for the sake of illustration, let’s think of the membership model of church as similar to the membership model of the modern health club. One becomes a member of a health club by paying dues (in a church, the monthly or weekly offering). Having paid their dues, the members expect the services of the club to be at their disposal. Exercise equipment, weight room, aerobics classes, an indoor track, swimming pool—all there for them, with a trained staff to see that they benefit by them.
This attitude has resulted from having forgotten the authentic nature of the church. Too many of us have misappropriated the purpose of the church. The church is a place of worship, ministry, and mission.
Most of the literature I read about how to reach more people for Christ begins with a discussion about meeting their felt needs. The approach is usually one of marketing. Of course, we need to be meeting the needs of others. Jesus certainly did that and calls us to follow his example. But Jesus met their real needs, and people don’t always understand what their real needs are. I’m afraid we may have turned the church into the neighborhood “religion club.”
On his blog dated 10/21/09 Bishop William Willimon wrote “I get frustrated reading newsletters of church after church that tell me how the men’s group is going to have a breakfast on Saturday and the women are going to have a bazaar next Thursday and the youth will have a dance next Friday after the ball game.” He then asked, “Do you really just exist so that men can have breakfast, women a bazaar, and youth can dance? What is it exactly that you want me to support?”
The church seems to be attracting people who are asking “What can the church do for me?” not “What can I do for the kingdom of God?” Perhaps we have brought this upon ourselves, at least to some degree, by the way we seek to attract potential “members.”
As a pastor I have struggled for years trying to figure out how we can change the consumer culture of the church. How do we develop disciples committed to Christ and ready to serve, rather than being served? I’ve been warned many times that if I preach too much about the radical nature of the gospel or the cost of discipleship I will lose my audience.
Is that where we are in the church? Attract people by telling them what we can do for them? Keep them by telling them nice things about God’s love but ignoring Jesus’ teachings about discipleship and God’s uncompromising call upon our lives?
I don’t want to push the analogy too far, but for the sake of illustration, let’s think of the membership model of church as similar to the membership model of the modern health club. One becomes a member of a health club by paying dues (in a church, the monthly or weekly offering). Having paid their dues, the members expect the services of the club to be at their disposal. Exercise equipment, weight room, aerobics classes, an indoor track, swimming pool—all there for them, with a trained staff to see that they benefit by them.
This attitude has resulted from having forgotten the authentic nature of the church. Too many of us have misappropriated the purpose of the church. The church is a place of worship, ministry, and mission.
Most of the literature I read about how to reach more people for Christ begins with a discussion about meeting their felt needs. The approach is usually one of marketing. Of course, we need to be meeting the needs of others. Jesus certainly did that and calls us to follow his example. But Jesus met their real needs, and people don’t always understand what their real needs are. I’m afraid we may have turned the church into the neighborhood “religion club.”
On his blog dated 10/21/09 Bishop William Willimon wrote “I get frustrated reading newsletters of church after church that tell me how the men’s group is going to have a breakfast on Saturday and the women are going to have a bazaar next Thursday and the youth will have a dance next Friday after the ball game.” He then asked, “Do you really just exist so that men can have breakfast, women a bazaar, and youth can dance? What is it exactly that you want me to support?”
The church seems to be attracting people who are asking “What can the church do for me?” not “What can I do for the kingdom of God?” Perhaps we have brought this upon ourselves, at least to some degree, by the way we seek to attract potential “members.”
As a pastor I have struggled for years trying to figure out how we can change the consumer culture of the church. How do we develop disciples committed to Christ and ready to serve, rather than being served? I’ve been warned many times that if I preach too much about the radical nature of the gospel or the cost of discipleship I will lose my audience.
Is that where we are in the church? Attract people by telling them what we can do for them? Keep them by telling them nice things about God’s love but ignoring Jesus’ teachings about discipleship and God’s uncompromising call upon our lives?
Friday, January 1, 2010
Health Care For Everyone.
I have participated in two pulpit exchanges with pastors in England. One of these was in Newcastle upon Tyne. While there I got sick with a sinus infection so one of my church members suggested I call a nearby clinic. I talked with a doctor that offered to come to my house if I was unable to drive to the clinic. House call? I couldn’t believe it!!!. Especially since I had always heard about the inferior medical care people got in Europe. After that I talked to a lot of people in the church there and found no one who said they would exchange their medical system for the one we have in the United States.
Through the years I have done quite a bit of reading about medical care throughout the world. Robin and I fund a small clinic in India. I have found no perfect system. Lines are long in Canada. Patients do sometimes have to wait for non-emergency surgery in England. However, the facts remain that other developed countries throughout the world operate at a lower cost, benefit from better health statistics, and pretty much cover everybody.
I heard Rush Limbaugh say today that there is nothing wrong with our nation’s healthcare system. I couldn’t disagree more. I am neither knowledgeable enough nor wise enough to know how to fix it, but I do know it needs to be and could be improved. As Christians we should care that so many are without adequate healthcare benefits. It is a moral issue. It is also an economic issue.
We spend more on health care than anyone else but still leave many uninsured. The working poor’s health care of last resort is called the emergency room, the most costly way in the world to deliver health services.
It is also clear that improving our system can be done without “socialized medicine.” Many countries provide universal health coverage with private doctors, private hospitals, and even private insurance. It really is a matter of political will. It’s a bit dated but I believe true. If we can put a man on the moon we should be able to find a way to provide basic health care for everyone.
T. R. Reid has just published a book based on his study of health systems around the world. It’s entitled The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care. I’m afraid this issue is like so many issues that contain political ramifications. We argue from our emotions and anecdotal evidence without a lot of facts. If Reid’s book can simply give us a few more facts it should be worth the read. Health care for all Americans that don’t break the bank is certainly an issue worth the effort. Let’s use our heads and our hearts as we debate this important issue. And, most importantly, lets make sure we remain civil—dare I say even Christlike—as we do.
Through the years I have done quite a bit of reading about medical care throughout the world. Robin and I fund a small clinic in India. I have found no perfect system. Lines are long in Canada. Patients do sometimes have to wait for non-emergency surgery in England. However, the facts remain that other developed countries throughout the world operate at a lower cost, benefit from better health statistics, and pretty much cover everybody.
I heard Rush Limbaugh say today that there is nothing wrong with our nation’s healthcare system. I couldn’t disagree more. I am neither knowledgeable enough nor wise enough to know how to fix it, but I do know it needs to be and could be improved. As Christians we should care that so many are without adequate healthcare benefits. It is a moral issue. It is also an economic issue.
We spend more on health care than anyone else but still leave many uninsured. The working poor’s health care of last resort is called the emergency room, the most costly way in the world to deliver health services.
It is also clear that improving our system can be done without “socialized medicine.” Many countries provide universal health coverage with private doctors, private hospitals, and even private insurance. It really is a matter of political will. It’s a bit dated but I believe true. If we can put a man on the moon we should be able to find a way to provide basic health care for everyone.
T. R. Reid has just published a book based on his study of health systems around the world. It’s entitled The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care. I’m afraid this issue is like so many issues that contain political ramifications. We argue from our emotions and anecdotal evidence without a lot of facts. If Reid’s book can simply give us a few more facts it should be worth the read. Health care for all Americans that don’t break the bank is certainly an issue worth the effort. Let’s use our heads and our hearts as we debate this important issue. And, most importantly, lets make sure we remain civil—dare I say even Christlike—as we do.
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