DM Register: Church Rules Drive Away Longtime Parishioner

Something tells me there is more to this story than what John Carlson is reporting. I don't understand why the Register felt this was worthy of being front page news. From what I read in the article it sounds like this person hasn't been a part of Trinity Lutheran Church in Conroy, IA (LCMS) for a very long time. I've always wondered why people who are no longer active in a church still want their names on the membership roles.

I'm sure it could have been handled better though. I do applaud the church for not defending itself and not talking to the press in what they say is an internal matter, in other words, "Carlson it is none of your business!"

What do you think?

Technorati Tags: John Carlson , Trinity Lutheran Church of Conroy , Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod , Church Discipline

Church vs. Para-Church

Jonathan McKee wrote an excellent article at thesource4ym.com (link below).  Having been both a youth pastor in three local churches and now working for a para-church ministry this article resonates with me.  What do you think.  One thing that really jumped out at me was a quote by Chap Clark who is a professor of youth & family ministries at Fuller Theological Seminary, author of the book Hurt: Inside the World of Teenagers, and long-time veteran of Young Life.

"'Young Life is an expression of the Body of Christ reaching out to the world, and so they are an extension of the Church."

Para-Church ministries are part of the local church.  There shouldn't be any competition, and our kingdom building gets in the way of the true Kingdom.  What do you think?

Article: When "Us vs. Them" Trumps Kingdom Mentality, the Church/Para-church Fight Brought to the Table.

(HT: Gerrard Fess)

Technorati Tags: Church , Para-Church , Young Life , Chap Clark , Jonathan McKee , Youth Ministry

Willow - "We got it wrong."

Willow Creek Community Church did an extensive survey of their congregation and 30 other congregations (about 20,000 people interviewed) to see how they (or the church they were surveying) are doing in helping people move toward greater intimacy with Jesus Christ.  They found much of what they were doing wasn't helping.

You can watch a video with Willow's Executive Pastor, Greg Hawkins, here.  I appreciate the transparency that he shows in this video.

You can go to the "Reveal" website to learn more as they desire to study more congregations.  They want to completely look at how they "do church" with a clean slate with findings that are backed with research and in ways that are rooted in Scripture.

HT: Monday Morning Insight 

Technorati Tags: Willow Creek Community Church , Reveal , Spiritual Growth , Greg Hawkins

I'm Not Exactly Sure What To Say...

...about this. I guess this church thinks it is evil to take an anti-depressant. I wonder if Jesus is somebody's Ritalin as well? Not by looking at some of the junior high boys I've worked with in my past. Just a word of advice for my readers who attend church - if any of you sees your church secretary or pastor put something this lame on your church's sign - for the love of Pete - stop them!

(HT: Crummy Church Signs)

Technorati Tags: Outrageous Church Signs, Humor

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In the Essentials.... Unity

I attended Valley Church's Vision Night (congregational annual meeting) last night. I've been to almost all of the vision nights since becoming a member there. I've taken part in other congregational meetings before, but none have had the spirit that I see at Valley.

I walked in and found some friends from my ABF, one of whom is now one of our elders, sitting at one of the tables. We begin the meeting with a concert of prayer. I love it. I have wondered why more churches don't do this. I've been part of annual meetings that end up tense and we have a bunch of arguing over things that really don't matter (like certain line items in the budget or different programs). I've dreaded meetings like that because I was usually the one, as the youth pastor, who had to address program changes or defend line items in my budget. It is draining, and saps the joy right out of ministry.

Pastor Quintin Stieff, our senior pastor, then shared the vision of the year and went through the church's vision, mission, strategy and core values as a reminder to people why we do what we do. Then the members got to vote on two items this year - the affirmation of elders, deacons and deaconess nominees, and the overall budget (the elder chairman said that the President doesn't get a line item veto so neither do we).

Though Valley Church is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, which has as one of its distinctives that each congregation governs its own affairs, it doesn't not practice congregationalism "run amok" that I have seen in other churches. We let our pastors and our elders lead. Sure we give input (they do elders' forums before each vision night for people to come with questions & concern), and do have a say in certain matters (leadership nominees, budget, land purchase, pastoral calling, etc.), but in the day to day we trust our leadership.

Do we have differing opinions? Absolutely. Do I like every decision that is made? No, not always. Pastor Quintin reminded us of a saying that is prominent in the Free Church.

In the essentials - unity.
In the non-essentials - liberty.
In everything - charity.

The thing that we have to remember, usually when there are problems in a church this has been forgotten, is that we are not the head of the church. The pastor(s) are not the head of the church. The elders are not the head of the church. Nor the deacons or trustees. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, (Colossians 1:18). He is our Lord and Leader from whom we should be prayerfully seeking direction from not only in our churches, but our families and our lives as well.

I do want to make it clear that Valley Church is not a perfect church. We have weaknesses just like every other church. We have our ugly moments as well. All in all we strive for unity, and the key to do that is not to turn your personal preference or conviction into an essential. Almost every time I have seen conflict in a church this is what happens. People raise their preferences to the level of essentials where they do not belong. Think about the kingdom witness the body of Christ would make if we consistently followed the Apostle Paul's exhortation to...

"...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all," (Ephesians 4:1b-6, ESV).

Technorati Tags: Unity, The Church, Valley Church, Evangelical Free Church of America

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Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

Dr. D. James Kennedy, founder of Coral Ridge Ministries and author of Evangelism Explosion, a warrior for Christ is now at home. Heaven's gain is truly our loss. Dr. Kennedy has done much in his life to further Christ's kingdom and equip His Church to do the work of an evangelist. Thank you God for giving us such a humble, faithful servant.

If you have a chance, take some time to visit the Dr. James Kennedy Memorial.

Technorati Tags: D. James Kennedy

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Friday is For Funny Videos: The Star Wars Church

This video is from a church called the Mariners Church. It made me laugh out loud.


(HT: Jon Duey)

Technorati Tags: Star Wars, Funny Videos, Mariners Church
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Look Beyond the Superficial

My friend, Eric, wrote an excellent post on John 3:17 on Sunday. I encourage you to check it out.

Evangelicals Anonymous: Judge Not


Technorati Tags: The Church, Messy Christianity, Mercy, Grace

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Churches Working Together

I'm currently sitting in Jordan Creek Mall's food court, before going back over to Lutheran Church of Hope to man a SOY display at their ministry fair during their annual Taste of Hope. We had to check in at 3:30p, and then didn't need to be back there until 6:00p. Anyway, I had some time to kill, and read this cool article in today's Christian Post.

It is about an Episcopal Church in New York helping a Baptist Church in the same town raise funds for an addition that they need. Not only did the church give money with no strings attached ($50,000), but they are also helping to raise more money toward the $600,000 that is needed. Anyway, I thought that was awesome to see.

You can read about it here.


Technorati Tags: The Church, Christian Unity

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Leonard Sweet: Top 5 Future Trends Religious Leaders Need to Know

I think Leonard Sweet's insights are pretty interesting. I wish this article came some more application ideas, but anyway. Read this for yourself and share what you think about this by leaving a comment.

Top 5 Future Trends Religious Leaders Need to Know | Christianpost.com

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Urbandale UCC off the Far Left Deep End

This is from an "Iowa View" in the Des Moines Register written by Rev. Shannon Michael Pater, the senior pastor of the Urbandale United Church of Christ.  I always love it how most "Iowa View" articles are written by liberals.  I would have thought I was living in California or something.

The matrimonial altar is no place new for me. As a pastor, I've married nearly 100 couples. But on the first Saturday in June, I stood facing the other way. I walked down that familiar aisle to be married myself.

In the days and months leading up to our ceremony, we experienced all the standard pre-wedding jitters. We fretted and even argued about the photographer, the cake, the rings. But there was one worry that set us apart from most couples: We were afraid of protesters and placards. My beloved and I are the same sex.

This church was heading that way long before they hired a openly gay pastor.  I remember doing a presentation there, and in their fellowship hall was a poster about God and it listed different names.  Mother was one of the names that was on the poster.  Also during this presentation several of the members were very concerned about how kids from other faiths were getting their spiritual needs met (like that is really our problem).  I have never gotten that question before or since when sharing about SOY to a church group.  I have addressed that question at civic groups before, but never in a church.  I read the article and saw that  Rev. Pater said that they didn't have protests.  This was probably due to it being done under the radar.  I would also say it would be in bad taste to interrupt his political statement anyway (that is all it is since Iowa doesn't recognize same-sex marriages).  Rev. Pater has the right to participate in a meaningless ceremony, the fact it was done in a church does not mean it has God's blessing.

I think the following verses apply:

Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and shrewd in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:20-21,ESV)

Church Owned Businesses

Read this article in the Chicago Tribune about a church in the Chicago area that purchased a mall. I'd like to hear from you. How do you feel about churches owning businesses? What should a church's role be in community development? Why does it seem that white evangelical and mainline churches do not seem to be involved in this type of venture compared to their black church conterparts? Should that be the case? Please share your thoughts by posting a comment.

Scripture for the Day: Isaiah 58:6-12

I read this scripture when I preached at Franklin Avenue Christian Church this morning. The Church shines brightest when it reaches out with compassion.

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

Video: Mark Driscoll on Pastoring

In this video I found on YouTube, he also addresses in particular pastoring men and developing leadership with men. Pretty interesting. Watch and then leave your comments here - I'd like to know what you think.

Just Give Me Jesus

I attended a pastors' gathering today at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. It was about the Just Give Me Jesus Revival that is going to held on April 18-19, 2008 at Wells Fargo Arena. This revival is birthed out of a passion that God has given Ann Graham Lotz (daughter of Billy Graham) to see revival come to communities by calling primarily women to come back to Jesus and seek after Him. It looks like it is going to be an exciting event. I have never seen so many church leaders come together in Des Moines (that isn't to say it hasn't happened before, I just haven't witnessed it). Several things impressed me about Ann Graham Lotz, but one that really stands out. I've not seen it before in people who come into Des Moines to do events - humility demonstrated by asking church and local ministry leadership to give their blessing for her to come. She doesn't want to go where she is not welcome or invited by the local expression of the Church. That was refreshing.

We also heard from Dr. Joe Stowell on John 21 (Jesus restoring Peter). He opened up for me in a fresh new way. It was a challenge as he called us back to our original calling to shepherd God's flock. That was truly a blessing. It was also great to see a number of friends & colleagues in ministry as well.

I'm excited to see what God may do through this event, and what he will do in the Des Moines Metro area. I'm praying for revival!

Scripture for the Day: Matthew 18:15-17

Oh, if we in the Body of Christ would only put this into practice more consistently. I wonder how things would be different.

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

Scripture for the Day: Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the caling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs in your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

I honestly don't remember where I first heard this or I'd give proper credit. A friend of mine was asked, "If someone were to cut you, what would you bleed?" Duh, blood right? Well not exactly. I ask myself as a motive check... Kingdom or SOY? Valley Church or Kingdom? I look at my community and I see the needs being so great that my ministry and my church alone can not hope to meet those needs by themselves. We need to be about Kingdom. Working together with other churches and other ministries in order to see Christ's kingdom advanced not only in Des Moines and Iowa, but throughout our nation and world. I'm praying to that end, and if I'm asked I want to be able to say that I bleed kingdom.

Battling VIctoria Secret's vs. AIDS Walk

This last weekend I took a group from First Baptist Church to Kansas City, MO for the Acquire the Fire Conference. It has been awhile since I've been on a trip like this so I really enjoyed it - lack of sleep and all.

Friday night we got sooooo lost trying to find Kemper Arena. We needed to pull over to look at a map and I found a spot outside of a downtown Jazz club. I'm sure the image of a Baptist church van parked outside of a jazz club is now seered in someones brain.

The theme for the conference was "Branded by God". I have mixed feelings about the conference. I appreciate the appeal to youth to not be apathetic about their faith and on Friday night many kids committed their lives to Christ. I struggled however, with the message from Ron Luce about branding - sharing how corporations try to brand kids with their product. It is a deplorable practice. It fosters materialism and that is an attitude that should not be present in the life of a believer. How does one know that they are branded? If I really like Starbucks (which I do), am I branded by them? I don't think so (I am actually equal opportunity with coffee - I like coffee period). Do people know me as one who likes Starbucks, and not one who is a follower of Jesus Christ. Absolutely not.

I admit that I am likely simplifying this, and I know their are kids who are in bondage to branding, materialism, and trying to gain acceptance by outward appearance and practice. I am also sure their are kids who are know more for the brands that they like, and not for their faith in Jesus Christ. I can think of a few kids in past ministry who would fall into that category. So I'm not so sure that my problem is so much with the message that was given, but rather how it was presented. Kids were also encouraged to destroy that which brands them. One of my students asked in regards to clothes - "wouldn't it be better to give the clothes to those who need them?" My sentiments exactly.

Also at the end of the conference Ron Luce talked about the war before us - spiritual war and culture war. He exhorted kids to stand up to things they see in their culture that contradicts the Bible. Regular readers to this blog will know that I speak out on topics that I believe impacts culture, so you know my heart. I have to respectfully disagree with the approach that Ron Luce is advocating. He listed numerous examples of kids speaking out, one such example included a group of 30 kids going into a Victoria's Secret one by one asking the store manager to remove the posters in the front windows. One by one they were kicked out. Finally after the 30th student was kicked out they as a group went in shouting their demand that they take the posters down. After what, I'm sure was an awkward moment the manager relented. Customers were staring, and I can't help but think what message about Jesus was communicated in this whole episode. Some other questions come to mind. Did the posters went back up later? Does the store manager even have the authority to remove the posters (since they are a chain store)? Why the group think it was okay to go into the store after they all had just been kicked out?

Sunday morning we attended Rivercity Community Church which was located about two miles from our hotel. I have to give props to this church. It was a newer church (been around 7-8 years), and was a smaller congregation (I estimate slightly over 100 for the Sunday we were there). They were incredibly welcoming. I felt at home, I had at least 11 people come up to me to introduce themselves. I felt comfortable. The worship was engaging, simple and done with excellence. The sermon was biblical and engaging - actually it was a counter message to what we heard from Ron Luce. The title of the sermon was "Love wins". The pastor shared that the world often operates like this: we have authority, which holds us accountable, and if we do what authority wants we are accepted and then affirmed. Jesus flips that around - he accepted and affirms (loves) then holds people accountable and exercises authority. We need to love and then truth-tell. We are commanded to speak truth in love, (Ephesians 4:15). How often do we really do that? They were putting that into practice by participating in an AIDS walk (they have a ministry they call "Church on the Streets" which will find ways to demonstrate love to their community. For a lot of our kids, the service on Sunday morning was the highlight of the weekend. It was for me as well.

Love does win.

Giving Props

Props to a former student of mine. Brian Getz was part of the Bible Quiz team at Washington Evangelical Free Church in Valparaiso, IN when I was the youth pastor there. He shared a very thought-provoking post on his blog. Check it out. He shares some interesting thoughts about the Church.

How Not To Be A Welcoming Church

Cheryl and I decided that we would attend Good Friday services that are closer to home (Valley Church is 50 miles round trip from our home in Pleasant Hill). I was checking out different churches to see where we would go.

One church I checked into (which will remain nameless) brought to mind a few lessons on how not to be a welcoming church.

1. Do not have a website. I think in 2007 when there are places you can have a website that is no cost or low cost, there is really no excuse. It is an easy way for a potential visitor to find out about your church.
2. Do not have somebody to answer your phone during typical office hours. The church I'm thinking of is large enough to be able to have a secretary. Every time I pass this church I never see anybody there during the day.
3. Do not include information about Good Friday and Easter Sunday services on your church's voicemail. I mean Easter Sunday is a huge opportunity to have visitor's come to your church.
4. Do not have information on the church's sign about special services. No excuse if you have a sign that can be changed up.
5. Have the first sign that somebody sees when they come up to your main entrance say - "Food and drink are not allowed in the new addition." If I were a petty guy (and admittedly sometimes I can be), that would be enough for me to take my Kum & Go coffee that I sometimes get before services, turn around and leave. Seriously, are we going to put our carpet before visitors? I happened to be by the church today and stopped by, and I kid you not, this was the sign they had up. No "welcome", no "we are glad you are here". Not even an emergency number for somebody to call if they needed to (see #2).

Well after all that it seems that Kelvey is coming down with the flu, so we will probably stay home from the other church that we decided to go to (that had a website with current information about services).