Thursday, May 25, 2006
Surprised by London
So there I was in the British Library - and I discovered all of the Biblical Manuscripts that I thought I would have to scour the British Museum for hours to find. I will go back when I'm not jet-lagged. BUT while I was there I heard a voice from across the hall - "Marty, Marty". In London, in the Library - Elise Hegelson was there, Sophomore from W&M involved in IV & GI! WOW how fun was that.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Lavish
1 John 3:1: "How great is the Love the Father has LAVISHED on us that we should be called the children of God!"
It struck me as an odd word when I saw it. Do you know what I mean? When you look at a word that you know exists, but then it just looks & sounds odd when you see it in a different context.
To be honest: when I first read it today, the image that came to mind of LAVISH - was like a dog 'licking' his master. I don't know maybe it's something like putting the 'L's together or something. Maybe it is a dog LAVISHING his love for his master by licking him and sitting on his lap (another L, I guess). I don't know. That's what I meant by it being an odd word. Lavish, does not mean lick in any context - but that is the image I got.
Dictionary.com says Lavish means:
1) Characterized by or produced with extravagance and profusion: a lavish buffet. See Synonyms at profuse.
2) Immoderate in giving or bestowing; unstinting.
So, the interesting thing about this is WE are the ones who should be LAVISHING LOVE on the Father - yet. 1st John tells us that HE Lavishes His love on us. And that is so that WE can be children of God. WOW! A double paradox here: Isn't this the norm with God.
OK - so because He saved us in the first place, we should be grateful and love Him. Yet because we needed to be saved He loved us (to save us). Then, even with our sin - He still loved us! (Rom 5:8) and apparently LAVISHLY - so that we might be His children.
It still looks like an odd word to me. But oh am I so glad it is a word!
It struck me as an odd word when I saw it. Do you know what I mean? When you look at a word that you know exists, but then it just looks & sounds odd when you see it in a different context.
To be honest: when I first read it today, the image that came to mind of LAVISH - was like a dog 'licking' his master. I don't know maybe it's something like putting the 'L's together or something. Maybe it is a dog LAVISHING his love for his master by licking him and sitting on his lap (another L, I guess). I don't know. That's what I meant by it being an odd word. Lavish, does not mean lick in any context - but that is the image I got.
Dictionary.com says Lavish means:
1) Characterized by or produced with extravagance and profusion: a lavish buffet. See Synonyms at profuse.
2) Immoderate in giving or bestowing; unstinting.
So, the interesting thing about this is WE are the ones who should be LAVISHING LOVE on the Father - yet. 1st John tells us that HE Lavishes His love on us. And that is so that WE can be children of God. WOW! A double paradox here: Isn't this the norm with God.
OK - so because He saved us in the first place, we should be grateful and love Him. Yet because we needed to be saved He loved us (to save us). Then, even with our sin - He still loved us! (Rom 5:8) and apparently LAVISHLY - so that we might be His children.
It still looks like an odd word to me. But oh am I so glad it is a word!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Re-entry
I do not re-enter well from CAMP.
It takes a long time, I'm sarcastic, somewhat grumpy, I'm always looking for that group of 300 people, when it gets close to a meal I listen for a bell to ring or a whistle to blow, and when the meal is over I stack all the plates, sort the silverware, and pour all the leftover drinks back into the Iced Tea Pitcher - then I go outside to talk to people. Except, there is no one outside, & Carolyn gets mad at me for ruining her Tea and leaving all the dishes on the table. Yesterday, at church (the right amt. of people)everybody looked at me so oddly when I asked them how their track was going. I forget everyone's names from W'burg (even really close friends). I want to talk about things that have happened in the last 2 weeks, but most of the stories are those kind that "you have to have been there" to understand.
Now, fortunately, Carolyn understands, she provides me with space, understands when I start to speak in gibberish and gently lets me return to normal (what is normal anyway?). She provides me with a reasonable amount of social interaction - with peers and helps me with their names and tries to interrupt me before I talk too much about the BLOB or the ZIPline (terms which most 50 yr.olds wouldn't understand). Even with all this preparation I vacillate between wanting to be back at camp and being glad I'm home.
Well what is the cause of all this anxiety and culture shock? After all it is not that much of a cross-cultural experience - it's just Lexington, VA. There are 2 reasons that I can identify. One is personal, the other is spiritual. Personally, I'm an extrovert, the classic kind. I feed off of being with people. They energize me. I love to be in a crowd, even if I'm not a part of it. I don't have to be the center of attention, just to be in the middle. So situations like camp are ideal for me. There is always something going on from 7AM until 2AM. Camp feeds all of those needs for me. And to even complicate it more - Camp comes at the end of the most intense campus time - closing regualr appointments, meals, parites, Senior good-byes. Campus time intensifies as exams approach. Then Camp, then I return to an empty campus, and sort-of an empty town (from my perspective).
And Spiritually, and I hope this is not too idyllic, camp is like a glimpse into heaven. There are God's people everywhere. Eventhough we are still sinners, we keep short accounts, we reconcile quickly. We support and encourage each other. We speak truth, but not worldliness. We rejoice in the Gospel. We give glory to God and not ourselves. All the content shared is from the Word. There is a choir that resmbles the Choir of the Kingdom, we are all singing praises to God. All of our needs are met. There is plenty of planned and unplanned time to be with God.
Well I am blessed, I wish everyone could get a 2 week glimpse of heaven. Something to look forward to an up-close look at God at work deeply in the lives of people including ourselves.
It takes a long time, I'm sarcastic, somewhat grumpy, I'm always looking for that group of 300 people, when it gets close to a meal I listen for a bell to ring or a whistle to blow, and when the meal is over I stack all the plates, sort the silverware, and pour all the leftover drinks back into the Iced Tea Pitcher - then I go outside to talk to people. Except, there is no one outside, & Carolyn gets mad at me for ruining her Tea and leaving all the dishes on the table. Yesterday, at church (the right amt. of people)everybody looked at me so oddly when I asked them how their track was going. I forget everyone's names from W'burg (even really close friends). I want to talk about things that have happened in the last 2 weeks, but most of the stories are those kind that "you have to have been there" to understand.
Now, fortunately, Carolyn understands, she provides me with space, understands when I start to speak in gibberish and gently lets me return to normal (what is normal anyway?). She provides me with a reasonable amount of social interaction - with peers and helps me with their names and tries to interrupt me before I talk too much about the BLOB or the ZIPline (terms which most 50 yr.olds wouldn't understand). Even with all this preparation I vacillate between wanting to be back at camp and being glad I'm home.
Well what is the cause of all this anxiety and culture shock? After all it is not that much of a cross-cultural experience - it's just Lexington, VA. There are 2 reasons that I can identify. One is personal, the other is spiritual. Personally, I'm an extrovert, the classic kind. I feed off of being with people. They energize me. I love to be in a crowd, even if I'm not a part of it. I don't have to be the center of attention, just to be in the middle. So situations like camp are ideal for me. There is always something going on from 7AM until 2AM. Camp feeds all of those needs for me. And to even complicate it more - Camp comes at the end of the most intense campus time - closing regualr appointments, meals, parites, Senior good-byes. Campus time intensifies as exams approach. Then Camp, then I return to an empty campus, and sort-of an empty town (from my perspective).
And Spiritually, and I hope this is not too idyllic, camp is like a glimpse into heaven. There are God's people everywhere. Eventhough we are still sinners, we keep short accounts, we reconcile quickly. We support and encourage each other. We speak truth, but not worldliness. We rejoice in the Gospel. We give glory to God and not ourselves. All the content shared is from the Word. There is a choir that resmbles the Choir of the Kingdom, we are all singing praises to God. All of our needs are met. There is plenty of planned and unplanned time to be with God.
Well I am blessed, I wish everyone could get a 2 week glimpse of heaven. Something to look forward to an up-close look at God at work deeply in the lives of people including ourselves.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
The Elder Brother...
In the story of the Lost Son, (see text below) - There are really 2 lost sons. I believe the "elder" is just as lost as the "prodigal". Even to a certain respect it's a little easier to go after the prodigal than it is the elder. At least we know who he is and what he has done.
So how would we describe this Elder Brother, and let's figure out if we "are" one of them. 'The elder son was in the field when the prodigal came home' Hmm there are a couple of things here - The father was not in the field, he was looking for the son. Possibly what he had been doing every day since the son left. I am implying this, but it could be that there are multiple resentments going on for the elder.
1) a resentment that the father was not in the fields as well.
2) a resentment that the father was preoccupied with the prodigal son.
3) a resentment that the elder was not included in the feast-planning.
4) a resentment that 'no party was held for him.'
The elder son pouted when he heard what was going on at the house. His stubbornness did not allow him to even enter his own house. He was angry at the attention this lost son was getting! I guess the servants told the father, because he came out to coax him in and all he got was the whineing.
How can we relate to the elder brother? Well often there is a smugness in our spirituality. A haughtiness, that influences those returning prodigals. Things like: "How can you be in a fraternity/sorority and still be a Christian?" "Do you have regular Quiet Times?" "Have you ever been to a real church?" "Don't you go to church, at all?"
Also, there is an appeal to safety. That is, it is easier to be safe with my friends who are just like me, than develop reationships with prodigals. Someone may see you with them and get the wrong idea. They might 'bring you down' to their level. There is also an insecurity about hanging out with prodigals. They might ask us a question about the Gospel that we don't know the answer to. We don't want to turn them off. Finally, there is just a general disinterest in the prodigals and their lifestyles. We don't like hanging out with people like that. We have nothing to relate about.
How can the 'Elder Brothers' recognize their lostness? If you have a preoccupation with the field, there is a good chance you are lost. Ok, I have to state the obvious: Somebody has to be in the field. The work in the field must get done. If the father is spending all his time searching for the lost son, then the work is left undone. It is the job of those who are "home" to do the work. The field represents all of the good works that the Father's people are asked to do. The discipleship, the justise issues, preparation for the mission field, church boards, leading small groups of younger "ELDER" brothers, leading the father's programs,etc. Also, If you pout, whine or complain about the Father's decisions then there is a good chance you are lost. Our attitude is crucial in figuring out if we are 'lost' or not. If you've never looked for the Prodigal or it's been a long time, then you are probably lost. . There is something about being out there looking for the prodigals that helps us gain perspective about what the Father sees in them.
How can we return to the house where the Father and the Prodigals are? Also, the house where the party is. OK here I can offer a bit of a personal testimony. Don't get me wrong, I still think I live too frequently in the field. I love the field! There is nothing like meeting with another Elder brother and helping them understand Lordship issues, connecting an alumnus with a church, helping to plan a missions trip, learning about God's word with a student. But several years ago with the "coaxing" of several friends on campus, I learned that there is good reason to be searching a long way off for a 'returning prodigal'. There is a place for leaving the field and sitting at College Delly or Aroma's or even the Daily Grind and welcoming back (or sometimes even for the 1st time) a Prodigal. There is a joy, an excitement, a freshness that took over my day-to-day walk with Jesus. And maybe some people do say, "Marty, hangs out with drunkards and gluttons." But I want to be in the business of welcoming prodigals back to the kingdom. For me this is Greeks at W&M. I've been doing it now for 5 or so years. And sometimes hanging out with Greeks, is more field work, but sometimes it's running to meet the prodigal throw my arms around their neck and kiss them!
So how would we describe this Elder Brother, and let's figure out if we "are" one of them. 'The elder son was in the field when the prodigal came home' Hmm there are a couple of things here - The father was not in the field, he was looking for the son. Possibly what he had been doing every day since the son left. I am implying this, but it could be that there are multiple resentments going on for the elder.
1) a resentment that the father was not in the fields as well.
2) a resentment that the father was preoccupied with the prodigal son.
3) a resentment that the elder was not included in the feast-planning.
4) a resentment that 'no party was held for him.'
The elder son pouted when he heard what was going on at the house. His stubbornness did not allow him to even enter his own house. He was angry at the attention this lost son was getting! I guess the servants told the father, because he came out to coax him in and all he got was the whineing.
How can we relate to the elder brother? Well often there is a smugness in our spirituality. A haughtiness, that influences those returning prodigals. Things like: "How can you be in a fraternity/sorority and still be a Christian?" "Do you have regular Quiet Times?" "Have you ever been to a real church?" "Don't you go to church, at all?"
Also, there is an appeal to safety. That is, it is easier to be safe with my friends who are just like me, than develop reationships with prodigals. Someone may see you with them and get the wrong idea. They might 'bring you down' to their level. There is also an insecurity about hanging out with prodigals. They might ask us a question about the Gospel that we don't know the answer to. We don't want to turn them off. Finally, there is just a general disinterest in the prodigals and their lifestyles. We don't like hanging out with people like that. We have nothing to relate about.
How can the 'Elder Brothers' recognize their lostness? If you have a preoccupation with the field, there is a good chance you are lost. Ok, I have to state the obvious: Somebody has to be in the field. The work in the field must get done. If the father is spending all his time searching for the lost son, then the work is left undone. It is the job of those who are "home" to do the work. The field represents all of the good works that the Father's people are asked to do. The discipleship, the justise issues, preparation for the mission field, church boards, leading small groups of younger "ELDER" brothers, leading the father's programs,etc. Also, If you pout, whine or complain about the Father's decisions then there is a good chance you are lost. Our attitude is crucial in figuring out if we are 'lost' or not. If you've never looked for the Prodigal or it's been a long time, then you are probably lost. . There is something about being out there looking for the prodigals that helps us gain perspective about what the Father sees in them.
How can we return to the house where the Father and the Prodigals are? Also, the house where the party is. OK here I can offer a bit of a personal testimony. Don't get me wrong, I still think I live too frequently in the field. I love the field! There is nothing like meeting with another Elder brother and helping them understand Lordship issues, connecting an alumnus with a church, helping to plan a missions trip, learning about God's word with a student. But several years ago with the "coaxing" of several friends on campus, I learned that there is good reason to be searching a long way off for a 'returning prodigal'. There is a place for leaving the field and sitting at College Delly or Aroma's or even the Daily Grind and welcoming back (or sometimes even for the 1st time) a Prodigal. There is a joy, an excitement, a freshness that took over my day-to-day walk with Jesus. And maybe some people do say, "Marty, hangs out with drunkards and gluttons." But I want to be in the business of welcoming prodigals back to the kingdom. For me this is Greeks at W&M. I've been doing it now for 5 or so years. And sometimes hanging out with Greeks, is more field work, but sometimes it's running to meet the prodigal throw my arms around their neck and kiss them!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Reaching the Prodigals
So when we think about reaching out on campus, who are we reaching out to? It seems like so many students at W&M have some kind of church or religious background, but once they get to college, well it seems like it moves to the back burner. It's not important anymore.
Don't get me wrong. There is a strong Christian community at W&M for that I am very very happy. It gives me something to do everyday. There are a lot of active Christians on campus. For the most part there is a good sense of comraderie, unity, as it were, between the groups. Christian students, eventhough they choose the fellowship they are most comfortable with (or most challenged by) they respect the other Christian fellowships. There is even a healthy curiosity between fellowships. But it is very easy for the Christians to be dependant on each other for all their social and spiritual needs. This is partly because there are so many of them and partly because hanging out with other segments might involve behavioral compromise.
But as a pastor friend says: "Yea, look at those W&M students - they are staying away from Church by the thousands." So as easy as it is to be smug about the size of the Christian community at W&M the reality is there many who have pushed it aside. But, quite possibly many of these could be seen as the Prodigal son in the Luke 15 passage. He squandered his inheritance on wine, women & song!
If you remember the story: The Parable of the Lost Son
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[b]'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
The prodigal received the inheritance, but did not have the benefits of the palace. He left convinced that he could find something bigger & better. Well that seems to be the state of many students at W&M. They have a taste of Kingdom living but for whatever reason, they have chosen to walk away from it.
We are beginning to think about what can we do to invite the prodigals back home. One of our objections might be dealing with the elder brothers who may be less likely to want the prodigal t ocome home.
Don't get me wrong. There is a strong Christian community at W&M for that I am very very happy. It gives me something to do everyday. There are a lot of active Christians on campus. For the most part there is a good sense of comraderie, unity, as it were, between the groups. Christian students, eventhough they choose the fellowship they are most comfortable with (or most challenged by) they respect the other Christian fellowships. There is even a healthy curiosity between fellowships. But it is very easy for the Christians to be dependant on each other for all their social and spiritual needs. This is partly because there are so many of them and partly because hanging out with other segments might involve behavioral compromise.
But as a pastor friend says: "Yea, look at those W&M students - they are staying away from Church by the thousands." So as easy as it is to be smug about the size of the Christian community at W&M the reality is there many who have pushed it aside. But, quite possibly many of these could be seen as the Prodigal son in the Luke 15 passage. He squandered his inheritance on wine, women & song!
If you remember the story: The Parable of the Lost Son
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[b]'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
The prodigal received the inheritance, but did not have the benefits of the palace. He left convinced that he could find something bigger & better. Well that seems to be the state of many students at W&M. They have a taste of Kingdom living but for whatever reason, they have chosen to walk away from it.
We are beginning to think about what can we do to invite the prodigals back home. One of our objections might be dealing with the elder brothers who may be less likely to want the prodigal t ocome home.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
So what is an evangelism initiative, anyway?
It has been noted that while InterVarsity (and by that I mean BIG InterVarsity, not our local chapter) has increased events focused on reaching non-believers without a clear proclamation (although Pancake House would be one of those - 1200 people served without a clear presentation of the Gospel, in Word.) there has not been a major growth in seeing people on campus respond to the Gospel.
So IVCF has asked each chapter to begin an evangelism initiative. Hmm! what is that? I'm not exactly sure yet. But they have asked each chapter to provide a number (quantitative term) of students that they will effectively pray for as a chapter. So is it a PRAYER initiative? Well that could be.
Certainly the most effective tool for evangelism is prayer. And certainly we want to keep that on the forefront of all budding evangelists minds. That the Lord is working to bring all those who do not know Him - to Him. So will it work to direct His attention to a few names that we know. How do we pray for those who don't know Him. Do we pray: "Lord, please bring someone into 'Johnny's' life, who can speak the Gospel to him." or "Lord, 'Johnny' needs you now - you know what to do." or "Lord, please prepare me to speak your truth to anyone I see today, but especially for 'Johnny', as I will see him at 3pm." Or all of the above.
And what about the numbers? Is that a contrived & manipulated method or a helpful indicator to get the people of God on the same page as the Father's heart? WOW, Students really reacted to that last night. At least W&M students did not like having to quantify evangelism. "It seems so impersonal." "Are we trying to limit God?" "I'm not comfortable talking about numbers of converts." Yet, as we talked many in the room mentioned individual friends who needed the Lord. Some talked about a number of friends from the dorm who came to campus in the fall with every intention of getting involved in Christian or Church activities and then didn't. Now for some of these it's kinda awkward to bring it up.
So IVCF has asked each chapter to begin an evangelism initiative. Hmm! what is that? I'm not exactly sure yet. But they have asked each chapter to provide a number (quantitative term) of students that they will effectively pray for as a chapter. So is it a PRAYER initiative? Well that could be.
Certainly the most effective tool for evangelism is prayer. And certainly we want to keep that on the forefront of all budding evangelists minds. That the Lord is working to bring all those who do not know Him - to Him. So will it work to direct His attention to a few names that we know. How do we pray for those who don't know Him. Do we pray: "Lord, please bring someone into 'Johnny's' life, who can speak the Gospel to him." or "Lord, 'Johnny' needs you now - you know what to do." or "Lord, please prepare me to speak your truth to anyone I see today, but especially for 'Johnny', as I will see him at 3pm." Or all of the above.
And what about the numbers? Is that a contrived & manipulated method or a helpful indicator to get the people of God on the same page as the Father's heart? WOW, Students really reacted to that last night. At least W&M students did not like having to quantify evangelism. "It seems so impersonal." "Are we trying to limit God?" "I'm not comfortable talking about numbers of converts." Yet, as we talked many in the room mentioned individual friends who needed the Lord. Some talked about a number of friends from the dorm who came to campus in the fall with every intention of getting involved in Christian or Church activities and then didn't. Now for some of these it's kinda awkward to bring it up.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Grace - "The New Legalism"
A student made an interesting comment tonight. It got me thinking. Well actually I've had this thought before. She said something like: I know I'm supposed to do these "good works" because I get to do them, but I just feel like it's not enough.
Are we trying so hard to live by grace, that it has actually become a new kind of works righteousness. It's not really the 'Sin all the more' stuff that captivates us (that would be a form of anti-nominism). But I think it has become more of a perfectionism - I want to be the 'best Christian' I can be by showing God how good I am at being in a relationship with Him. Does that make sense?
So what is it? How do I live on the RIGHT SIDE OF THE EQUATION, without making it another thing that I strive to achieve? It's not about being lazy or complacent. But it is also not about striving hard to prove myself to God. It really is hard work. Like a marriage (and I believe God gave us marriage as a little tangible model of having a relationship with Him) there is nothing better but it takes a lot of effort and honesty. I can't 'work' at my relationship with Carolyn because then for some reason it just seems a little disingenuous. I just have to be in my relationship with her. Flowers on Mother's day is not a 'good work' - it's an expression of my love. I shouldn't have to think about that. But I also hurt her (sometimes knowingly and sometimes inadvertantly). I seek my own interest. I'm prideful. I retaliate when I should forgive. Each of these issues deserves and gets a response - sometimes involving pain (for both of us). But it is just all a part of marriage.
So it is with the Lord - "Cease Striving and know that I am God"(gen), "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest"(matt 11:28), "There remains then a Sabbath-Rest for the people of God." (heb 4:9). Do we get it? It's hard work, but oh so easy. It's impossible, but God helps us make it possible.
Are we trying so hard to live by grace, that it has actually become a new kind of works righteousness. It's not really the 'Sin all the more' stuff that captivates us (that would be a form of anti-nominism). But I think it has become more of a perfectionism - I want to be the 'best Christian' I can be by showing God how good I am at being in a relationship with Him. Does that make sense?
So what is it? How do I live on the RIGHT SIDE OF THE EQUATION, without making it another thing that I strive to achieve? It's not about being lazy or complacent. But it is also not about striving hard to prove myself to God. It really is hard work. Like a marriage (and I believe God gave us marriage as a little tangible model of having a relationship with Him) there is nothing better but it takes a lot of effort and honesty. I can't 'work' at my relationship with Carolyn because then for some reason it just seems a little disingenuous. I just have to be in my relationship with her. Flowers on Mother's day is not a 'good work' - it's an expression of my love. I shouldn't have to think about that. But I also hurt her (sometimes knowingly and sometimes inadvertantly). I seek my own interest. I'm prideful. I retaliate when I should forgive. Each of these issues deserves and gets a response - sometimes involving pain (for both of us). But it is just all a part of marriage.
So it is with the Lord - "Cease Striving and know that I am God"(gen), "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest"(matt 11:28), "There remains then a Sabbath-Rest for the people of God." (heb 4:9). Do we get it? It's hard work, but oh so easy. It's impossible, but God helps us make it possible.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
What about Leadership?
How do you challenge a leadership team? What are a few thoughts to say to Christian leaders that will help them make good decisions, listen to the voice of God and make plans for next year?
Tonight I had that chance. I was speaking to 50 leaders from 12 schools throughout VA, NC & SC. I didn't want to give them a 'How-to' list on what they should do. So I just gave them a couple principles to start with.
First principle: working with a Christian Leadership Team is like the TV show "24" you never know what to expect. The Good Characters often become the Bad Guys. And the difficult characters often become the heroes. "Perfect" leadership teams often get less than perfect results, the "weaker" leadership teams often excel beyond their limitations. The Lord will frequently use our weaknesses for His strength. Conversely, the "evil one" will use our strengths for his purposes. I Corinthians 1:18-31.
Second Principle: You were chosen as a team by Jesus Christ. The primary reason for a christian leadership Team is to be with Jesus. Mark 3:14 says "Jesus called 12 Apostles that they might be with Him." Doing ministry was secondary to being with Jesus. As you work through your team issues and developing your plan and strategy remember the primary task is to be with Jesus.
Third Principle: Make sure that Jesus stays on the Throne of your personal life and your team - ALONE. When I shared the Gospel with Mike White (A High School student, back in the YL days) He asked me if there was any way that he could be on the throne with Jesus. Jesus doesn't allow for shared responsibility. Rom 8:28 - All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes. He is the center all power, vision, decisions flow out of that consistency. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and ALL these things will be added unto you."
Fourth Principle: Make sure you are living on the Right side of the equation. G+0=RSWG. The Left Side is G+0, means Grace plus nothing. If I am living on the left side of the equation it means that I try to help God out by adding to the ZERO. Things like daily quiet time, attending church, leading a small group, etc. Really, God doesn't need the help if it is seen as some kind of 'duty'. But living on the Right Side of the Equation means because of His love for me, the Grace He provides through death on the cross, I have the ability to have a right relationship with Him - that is RSWG=Right Standing With God. So as you do things for God - do not do them out of a duty or attempt to help Jesus - but out of a relationship with Him. It's about relationship. Like marriage for instance, if I had married Carolyn and had gotten to the end of the aisle and said: "That was nice, let's do it again sometime." or "Why don't we meet back here in a year and try this again" That would have been silly. Our relationship began at that point, eventhough we knew each other before. That's the same with Jesus. If you are living on the right side then things you do are because you GET TO not because you SHOULD or you HAVE TO.
Fifth Principle: Don't be too BUSY for the people in your chapter. If you love them you will be available to them, regardless. Take BUSY out of your vocabulary. It seems to have become the Key Word for those of us in ministry. It's like if I'm busy then I am more important in the Kingdom of God. That is pride. How many times did you see Jesus in the Gospels - going a way for a rest, praying early in the AM, taking the Disciples away for some quiet. He prioritized time with His father. Then out of that comes a compassion for the people who were following Him.
Tonight I had that chance. I was speaking to 50 leaders from 12 schools throughout VA, NC & SC. I didn't want to give them a 'How-to' list on what they should do. So I just gave them a couple principles to start with.
First principle: working with a Christian Leadership Team is like the TV show "24" you never know what to expect. The Good Characters often become the Bad Guys. And the difficult characters often become the heroes. "Perfect" leadership teams often get less than perfect results, the "weaker" leadership teams often excel beyond their limitations. The Lord will frequently use our weaknesses for His strength. Conversely, the "evil one" will use our strengths for his purposes. I Corinthians 1:18-31.
Second Principle: You were chosen as a team by Jesus Christ. The primary reason for a christian leadership Team is to be with Jesus. Mark 3:14 says "Jesus called 12 Apostles that they might be with Him." Doing ministry was secondary to being with Jesus. As you work through your team issues and developing your plan and strategy remember the primary task is to be with Jesus.
Third Principle: Make sure that Jesus stays on the Throne of your personal life and your team - ALONE. When I shared the Gospel with Mike White (A High School student, back in the YL days) He asked me if there was any way that he could be on the throne with Jesus. Jesus doesn't allow for shared responsibility. Rom 8:28 - All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes. He is the center all power, vision, decisions flow out of that consistency. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and ALL these things will be added unto you."
Fourth Principle: Make sure you are living on the Right side of the equation. G+0=RSWG. The Left Side is G+0, means Grace plus nothing. If I am living on the left side of the equation it means that I try to help God out by adding to the ZERO. Things like daily quiet time, attending church, leading a small group, etc. Really, God doesn't need the help if it is seen as some kind of 'duty'. But living on the Right Side of the Equation means because of His love for me, the Grace He provides through death on the cross, I have the ability to have a right relationship with Him - that is RSWG=Right Standing With God. So as you do things for God - do not do them out of a duty or attempt to help Jesus - but out of a relationship with Him. It's about relationship. Like marriage for instance, if I had married Carolyn and had gotten to the end of the aisle and said: "That was nice, let's do it again sometime." or "Why don't we meet back here in a year and try this again" That would have been silly. Our relationship began at that point, eventhough we knew each other before. That's the same with Jesus. If you are living on the right side then things you do are because you GET TO not because you SHOULD or you HAVE TO.
Fifth Principle: Don't be too BUSY for the people in your chapter. If you love them you will be available to them, regardless. Take BUSY out of your vocabulary. It seems to have become the Key Word for those of us in ministry. It's like if I'm busy then I am more important in the Kingdom of God. That is pride. How many times did you see Jesus in the Gospels - going a way for a rest, praying early in the AM, taking the Disciples away for some quiet. He prioritized time with His father. Then out of that comes a compassion for the people who were following Him.
Friday, May 12, 2006
How to be mentored at 51...
It's the Lawnmower guy! Every year when I come to Rockbridge, I look forward to a chat with John Hartsock the lawnmower guy. He told me today that this year marks his 50th year with Young Life. Not always as the Lawnmower guy. When John was in Montgomery County, MD he was a committee member, chairman several times, club leader, trip leader every year, camp staff, and now retired to Lexington and 'The Lawnmower Guy' at Rockbridge.
His wisdom and experience and MEMORY amazes me. We start talking about people we know and remember, then he'll tell a story (maybe about someone who became a famous YL staffer, who he caught when they were in high school - smooching behind the "Town Hall"). Then he'll talk about my friends that he remembers from High School & College and he'll tell me their God stories. People like Tuck Knupp, Pat Goodman, Mike O'leary, Tom Parker, Jim Cummings, John King, Doug Holladay, of course and so many others. John mentored and ministered to these young men (who in turn mentored & ministered to me). Then he will tell me stories of how God touched his life through more great men of the Lord: Dick Halverson, Doug Coe, Bud Bylsema and on and on. Can you see the chain - "Things you have heard me say, entrust to reliable people who in turn can teach others (2 tim. 2:2). That is what we are living out here. And once a year I hang out with this saint...
Do you know what he told me today? He's ready for the next challenge in YL. He wants to spend July & August at YL's Malibu Camp being the Yacht Captain. I didn't even know there was a Yacht Captain. Every summer there is a couple who (when the Whistle Blows) they go down to the dock and watch the random boat come in. They escort these people off the boat, give them a Captain's Tour of the property, treat them to a meal if the time is right and tell them about the wonders of kids' lives changed by the Gospel. What a PR opportunity that is!
Then my friend John encouraged me with the words of the Lord, "Let them know about people like me." he said. That is people who put the Lord 1st in all they do. That is people who will work to have enough money to invest time and energy in letting seeking high school kids hear the Gospel in a way that is tuned to their ears. That is people who will never quit the "Gospel Business". Whatever it takes!
I guess today I had my own Life After College track. I learned from John that this is not a business we retire from. The Lord's work takes many forms. If somebody needs their grass cut so that Kids can see excellence, we'll be there. If someone needs to talk to a fisherman, then the Lord will talk about fish. The Lord will talk about Wind & Weather to someone who wants to know about WInd & Weather. John's message - "Whatever it takes!"
Are we that sold out? Or is the Gospel that thing that we learn about in Church, or on a CD or at a conference? Or is the Gospel that thing we live when we look for every opportunity to preach the Gospel even if it's cutting Grass or baking cookies or being a Yacht Captain in British Columbia.
Thank You John - today you took me to school...
His wisdom and experience and MEMORY amazes me. We start talking about people we know and remember, then he'll tell a story (maybe about someone who became a famous YL staffer, who he caught when they were in high school - smooching behind the "Town Hall"). Then he'll talk about my friends that he remembers from High School & College and he'll tell me their God stories. People like Tuck Knupp, Pat Goodman, Mike O'leary, Tom Parker, Jim Cummings, John King, Doug Holladay, of course and so many others. John mentored and ministered to these young men (who in turn mentored & ministered to me). Then he will tell me stories of how God touched his life through more great men of the Lord: Dick Halverson, Doug Coe, Bud Bylsema and on and on. Can you see the chain - "Things you have heard me say, entrust to reliable people who in turn can teach others (2 tim. 2:2). That is what we are living out here. And once a year I hang out with this saint...
Do you know what he told me today? He's ready for the next challenge in YL. He wants to spend July & August at YL's Malibu Camp being the Yacht Captain. I didn't even know there was a Yacht Captain. Every summer there is a couple who (when the Whistle Blows) they go down to the dock and watch the random boat come in. They escort these people off the boat, give them a Captain's Tour of the property, treat them to a meal if the time is right and tell them about the wonders of kids' lives changed by the Gospel. What a PR opportunity that is!
Then my friend John encouraged me with the words of the Lord, "Let them know about people like me." he said. That is people who put the Lord 1st in all they do. That is people who will work to have enough money to invest time and energy in letting seeking high school kids hear the Gospel in a way that is tuned to their ears. That is people who will never quit the "Gospel Business". Whatever it takes!
I guess today I had my own Life After College track. I learned from John that this is not a business we retire from. The Lord's work takes many forms. If somebody needs their grass cut so that Kids can see excellence, we'll be there. If someone needs to talk to a fisherman, then the Lord will talk about fish. The Lord will talk about Wind & Weather to someone who wants to know about WInd & Weather. John's message - "Whatever it takes!"
Are we that sold out? Or is the Gospel that thing that we learn about in Church, or on a CD or at a conference? Or is the Gospel that thing we live when we look for every opportunity to preach the Gospel even if it's cutting Grass or baking cookies or being a Yacht Captain in British Columbia.
Thank You John - today you took me to school...
Thursday, May 11, 2006
New in Christ
She sat down at my table and as typically happens at camp meals everyone starts to introduce themselves. When she said her name, she said: "I don't really know why I'm here, I'm not that into IV." What an intriguing statement! In reply I said: "Oh really, why aren't you that into IV?" Off she went on a long trail.
She talked about how in High School and Middle School she was really into Christianity. She was in her youth group, young life and other Christian programs and missions trips. When she got to college, she had every intent of getting just as involved in Christian activities. But there was just something about being away from home - new freedoms - new opportunities. The girls on the hall were all about experiencing all of college life and my new friend just went along with them. She didn't know why. But a connection was made and before she knew it her desire to get involved in Christian things fell to the bottom of the list. It wasn't because interVarsity & Campus Crusade people didn't try. They came by, left her notes, invited her to Bible Studies to college fellowship meetings and anything else to get her involved, but she just passed them by.
So what was the ticket? How did she wind up at IV's Rockbridge Summer Camp? It was after Spring Break and she was alone on campus and actually she was feeling kindof lonely. A woman, actually the one who had been coming by to invite her to the IV Small Group Bible study, was walking by, stopped and asked her how she was doing. This started a long discussion that began with formalities and led to deep discussions about loneliness and faith and dependence on people and on God.
It all came rushing back to her. The fellowship, the community, the people who were selfless, who loved her regardless who had become a memory were now pushed up to the front again. And she realized what she was missing, but now there was a different problem. Why would God love her? She had turned her back on Him. She had forgotten her "First Love". She was the prodigal - squandering her wealth in foreign countries.
But the small group leader said that God wanted her back, He had been waiting for her for months. This was her chance to set things straight. So that was it - she prayed that night and began to get involved in regular campus fellowship opportunities. She met weekly with the Bible Study leader then the next thing she knew she was filling out the form and signing up for camp and then 20 days later she was sitting at my dinner table, learning about "Following Jesus".
Does God NEED us to do his witnessing? Of course not. But He does use us. That young woman walked by at just the right moment, a coincidence or a God-incidence - Because of God of course! And how about this work of His:
He touched my dinner partner
He touched the Small Group leader,
He touched me.
It was amazing!
She talked about how in High School and Middle School she was really into Christianity. She was in her youth group, young life and other Christian programs and missions trips. When she got to college, she had every intent of getting just as involved in Christian activities. But there was just something about being away from home - new freedoms - new opportunities. The girls on the hall were all about experiencing all of college life and my new friend just went along with them. She didn't know why. But a connection was made and before she knew it her desire to get involved in Christian things fell to the bottom of the list. It wasn't because interVarsity & Campus Crusade people didn't try. They came by, left her notes, invited her to Bible Studies to college fellowship meetings and anything else to get her involved, but she just passed them by.
So what was the ticket? How did she wind up at IV's Rockbridge Summer Camp? It was after Spring Break and she was alone on campus and actually she was feeling kindof lonely. A woman, actually the one who had been coming by to invite her to the IV Small Group Bible study, was walking by, stopped and asked her how she was doing. This started a long discussion that began with formalities and led to deep discussions about loneliness and faith and dependence on people and on God.
It all came rushing back to her. The fellowship, the community, the people who were selfless, who loved her regardless who had become a memory were now pushed up to the front again. And she realized what she was missing, but now there was a different problem. Why would God love her? She had turned her back on Him. She had forgotten her "First Love". She was the prodigal - squandering her wealth in foreign countries.
But the small group leader said that God wanted her back, He had been waiting for her for months. This was her chance to set things straight. So that was it - she prayed that night and began to get involved in regular campus fellowship opportunities. She met weekly with the Bible Study leader then the next thing she knew she was filling out the form and signing up for camp and then 20 days later she was sitting at my dinner table, learning about "Following Jesus".
Does God NEED us to do his witnessing? Of course not. But He does use us. That young woman walked by at just the right moment, a coincidence or a God-incidence - Because of God of course! And how about this work of His:
He touched my dinner partner
He touched the Small Group leader,
He touched me.
It was amazing!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Love of the Brothers
I went to the funeral of the mother of a good friend of mine recently. Brent’s mom had been sick for awhile, but managed in her strength (or the strength of the Lord) to attend her 2 children’s weddings. There were great testimonies given by people far & wide. And to be honest it was a wonderful celebration. I was moved when I saw (and heard) Brent share his own thoughts.
At one point after the funeral, we were at a little reception and I looked over and I saw the 5 guys who at W&M had loved and cared for each other throughout it all. They seemed oh so much older than when they were running around on campus in soccer shorts. They surrounded my friend and their brother in Christ, consoling him, encouraging him, supporting him and loving him. They had come from Williamsburg and NOVA, Richmond and MD, to be together when Brent needed them. To me this was the epitome of a small group.
They had begun to meet freshmen year in a SG. It was awkward at first. They were just a little too competitive with each other – and when they began to meet some of the women in the chapter the competition even increased! But they met weekly for Bible Study and prayer and to do fun things together. They added a few folks and started to do some IM sports – “Jesus Doesn’t Fumble”, and “Jesus doesn’t Cross-Check”. One of them had a Mountain retreat home and they all went up there one weekend – the guy’s mom came along to cook. Except one morning she starts to ream her son out in front of the other guys about not studying enough. They supported each other thru difficulties: like girlfriend break-ups, struggles with moral issues, alcohol, family problems.
During Sophomore year, some of them lived together and that continued until graduation. They supported and cared for each other thru dating and courtships and now in parenting. They encouraged each other thru love and good deeds. They even still meet together at least a couple times a year (although they don’t bring moms along anymore)
So what was unique about this group? I wish I knew then I could reproduce it. But there were a couple things that I think I can identify that will help us as we deepen & develop small groups next year.
1) The Leaders were persistent. They kept going back and back getting these guys to come to their meeting. They wouldn’t take no for an answer.
2) They weren’t just being invited to a SG Bible study. They were being invited into the lives of the leaders (I Thess). Sports teams, overnights, Sno-To-Go, etc.
3) They put a high value on growing in Christ – going to church, coming to LG (they’d meet for dinner before), hearing a Christian speaker on campus, retreats & conferences, etc
4) They met at other times for prayer (weekly prayer partners)
5) They played together. IM teams, Play Station, Xbox
6) Discipleship was a part of their lifestyle.
7) Accountability was part of their lifestyle.
8) They loved each other regardless.
9) They became 3AM friends – that is the kind you can call at 3 in the morning.
10) They kept their secrets confidential.
11) They stood with each other, even at questionable times.
12) They spoke the truth in Love.
13) They did not neglect to meet together. (Heb 10:24,25)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Bible Study for French Tutors
Femme is a french tutor at the College of W&M. She has been here all year. Sometime in February, one of our student leaders, Alyssa Bendict (far right) felt God calling her to begin a Bible Study with the French Tutors and their friends. None of them had Bibles and actually it was pretty hard to find French Bibles for them. We were able to get 6 of them and Alyssa began her study. Femme & Julia were the most committed, and the discussions began to quickly turn to questions about faith and the divinity & humanity of Jesus, as well as issues of theodicy. Alyssa was moved by the Lord and was able to engage the discussions beyond what she felt her abilities were. SHe would say the Holy Spirit led her.
Femme is the one who most clearly responded to the Gospel with a decision made at a local church on Easter day. She leaves soon to go back to France, finish her schooling and get a job. But with her she will take the relationships of many of her InterVarsity Friends and also possibly Alyssa herself will be in Femme's city.
The Lord is so good in that He uses his servants (Alyssa) eventhough He doesn't need us. By drawing Alyssa & Femme together there is a new name in the Kingdom and Alyssa saw the power of God work through her fluency of French and her desire to see another life in the Kingdom
Monday, May 08, 2006
Witness
So the topic tonight was evangelism. We looked at how easy it is to be complacent about sharing the thing that we believe the most, with the people we care about the most. Marshall Benbow said that we have become so "tolerant" in our culture that the value of my faith has been reduced to the fact that it is my faith, and we think that other people can find it on their own. He said that he sees 3 drawbacks on campuses today.
1) We are not growing in prayer for the lost.
2) We are not growing in campus events that are specifically geared to PROCLAMATION.
3) We are doing events that are with more non-Christians, but without proclamation (events like BBQs & bowling tourneys).
1) We are not growing in prayer for the lost.
2) We are not growing in campus events that are specifically geared to PROCLAMATION.
3) We are doing events that are with more non-Christians, but without proclamation (events like BBQs & bowling tourneys).
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Small Group Vision Camp
Small Group Leaders Camp. A pastor told me that the greatest need in the Church today is trained Bible Study leaders. No one in the church has the opportunity to take a week or even a weekend to "get trained". Then I thought, We (InterVarsity) train 200 leaders a year in how to lead a Small Group Bible Study. Then we give them the practical experience of actually leading. What a gift to the church.
I just left our 1st session for 2006. There was a great opportunity to look at Mark 6 - Jesus Feeding the 5,000+. As well as an overview of what a SG is. Kevin helped us greatly with a visual image of a SG. There was a table on stage (actually 1/2 On & 1/2 Off stage) with 4 chairs around it. He picked up the 1st chair and said: "This chair, is for the baby Christians who should come to your SG, you will want to keep them. So don't make fun of them if they ask a seemingly dumb question like "How did John write the Gospel if the Governor had him beheaded?". Help them, love them, show them!" Then he picked up the 2nd chair and said: "This chair, is for the people who think theologically, don't let them answer every question, but allow them to help the rest of us understand it a little better. This 3rd Chair, I would like to paint black, so that we would always be aware of it. This chair is for the Non-Christian who should feel welcome and invited to your SG table. Make sure there is room at your table for the Non-Christian. In fact I would say it's not a SG if there is not a non-Christian there." Then he took the 4th chair, held it high and told us it was the Empty Chair. "There should always be an empty chair at your SG table in hopes that in your year you would fill it. Always be inviting, always be looking. Not just in August/September, when it is easy. But be inviting people to your SG in November or February or May. Let there always be an empty chair in your SG."
I just left our 1st session for 2006. There was a great opportunity to look at Mark 6 - Jesus Feeding the 5,000+. As well as an overview of what a SG is. Kevin helped us greatly with a visual image of a SG. There was a table on stage (actually 1/2 On & 1/2 Off stage) with 4 chairs around it. He picked up the 1st chair and said: "This chair, is for the baby Christians who should come to your SG, you will want to keep them. So don't make fun of them if they ask a seemingly dumb question like "How did John write the Gospel if the Governor had him beheaded?". Help them, love them, show them!" Then he picked up the 2nd chair and said: "This chair, is for the people who think theologically, don't let them answer every question, but allow them to help the rest of us understand it a little better. This 3rd Chair, I would like to paint black, so that we would always be aware of it. This chair is for the Non-Christian who should feel welcome and invited to your SG table. Make sure there is room at your table for the Non-Christian. In fact I would say it's not a SG if there is not a non-Christian there." Then he took the 4th chair, held it high and told us it was the Empty Chair. "There should always be an empty chair at your SG table in hopes that in your year you would fill it. Always be inviting, always be looking. Not just in August/September, when it is easy. But be inviting people to your SG in November or February or May. Let there always be an empty chair in your SG."
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