Music has been an important part of my life. I learned to sing by listening to Sunday School songs while very young. I began piano lessons while only 7 years old, then took a couple years of organ lessons in my pre-teen years (betcha didn't know that!) I have been playing trumpet since I was 9 and I have dabbled in other instruments like clarinet, baritone & guitar. I have performed as one voice in a choir of hundreds and I have been frightened as a soloist with just me and my instrument in the center of a stage.
In the last week I have been challenged that at least 5 ideas need to be given prominence in the Christian life. Each person who challenged me thought their issue deserved the spotlight. The five issues happen to have been Sanctity of Life, Creationism, Foreign missions, Private Schools, and Stewardship. I am not opposed to any of these and have actually given sermons on each of these at one time or another.
To return to my music metaphor, each of these issues has a part to play in God's symphony of truth and each one deserves to by played with passion and excellence. I would even go so far as to say that each of these issues deserves a featured solo at some times, but wisdom dictates that too much of a good thing becomes annoying.
I enjoy some instruments that others consider irritating. I can even appreciate the bagpipes (in the right place and proportion) and I'm learning to tolerate the steel guitar.
Just please remember that your pet project is no more righteous than many others that God lays on the hearts of his people.
For an example of a little something done WAY overboard, click here
Monday, April 26, 2010
Does Efficacy matter?
I have a friends whose email tagline is "because efficacy matters." He works in an industry where there are plenty of Charlatans who are all trying to profit from their "snake oil." My friend's employer is committed to be known by selling products that actually produce the desired results.
Efficacy is "the capacity to produce an effect." There are many different ideas that clamor for our attention, but do we strategically focus on that which has the greatest capacity to produce the effect that we desire? Another way to put this is "activity does not equal effectiveness."
Life coaches ask people that they are mentoring to clearly define their life purpose, then they honestly look at their calendar and/or checkbook register to ask if they are doing the things that contribute toward their stated purpose.
Often when we are leading people, we get distracted from what is efficacious and settle for what is comfortable or what will make people like us. For example, great snacks and entertaining media may lead people to want to attend our class or group, but is that the effect we desire? Sometimes elements that CONTRIBUTE toward our desired effect get mistaken for the REASON we exist.
For the sake of discussion allow me to toss out a proposition - We exist to make MORE and BETTER followers of Jesus Christ. I have become convinced that there are some things that are generally efficacious toward that goal - truth, community (relationship), spiritual empowerment, and experience/competence.
I have found (and personally experienced) that people like to excuse a lack of results by saying "God doesn't call us to fruitfulness, He calls us to faithfulness." The problem is that they are often not faithful to be doing the things that are efficacious. Just showing up is not the same as faithfulness. Faithfulness is being and doing what God wants me to be and do at all times.
What do you think?
1. What have you found is efficacious toward making Christ-followers?
2. What have you found in your small group/class that distracts (even though it may be a good thing) from that goal?
Efficacy is "the capacity to produce an effect." There are many different ideas that clamor for our attention, but do we strategically focus on that which has the greatest capacity to produce the effect that we desire? Another way to put this is "activity does not equal effectiveness."
Life coaches ask people that they are mentoring to clearly define their life purpose, then they honestly look at their calendar and/or checkbook register to ask if they are doing the things that contribute toward their stated purpose.
Often when we are leading people, we get distracted from what is efficacious and settle for what is comfortable or what will make people like us. For example, great snacks and entertaining media may lead people to want to attend our class or group, but is that the effect we desire? Sometimes elements that CONTRIBUTE toward our desired effect get mistaken for the REASON we exist.
For the sake of discussion allow me to toss out a proposition - We exist to make MORE and BETTER followers of Jesus Christ. I have become convinced that there are some things that are generally efficacious toward that goal - truth, community (relationship), spiritual empowerment, and experience/competence.
I have found (and personally experienced) that people like to excuse a lack of results by saying "God doesn't call us to fruitfulness, He calls us to faithfulness." The problem is that they are often not faithful to be doing the things that are efficacious. Just showing up is not the same as faithfulness. Faithfulness is being and doing what God wants me to be and do at all times.
What do you think?
1. What have you found is efficacious toward making Christ-followers?
2. What have you found in your small group/class that distracts (even though it may be a good thing) from that goal?
Monday, April 19, 2010
setting a course
I heard of a new trend in education this morning that has bothered me all day -- unschooling. The concept is that kids learn best when they are totally free to discover whatever they want, however they want.
On the other hand, most educators believe that proper education involves very specific strategies that will propel the student in a preferred direction. Here are some analogies:
Have you ever seen a tree that was not staked early? Our neighbors have 2 very tall trees that lean awkwardly because they were never directed when they were young. Environmental influence attracted one tree to the South and the other toward the Southwest so that neither one is capable of growing straight.
When a bone is broken, doctors set the bone and place it in a splint or cast for several weeks then when the cast is removed, the bone will remain straight as it continues to harden.
When a bullet is shot out of a handgun, the barrel has only about 4 inches to determine the trajectory of the ammunition that will continue on for hundreds of yards.
As small group leaders and Christian Education teachers, we are not the landscaper, the physician or the marksman. That role is reserved for God Himself who directs the hearts of individuals. But that does not mean we are to become totally passive and allow the student to determine his own course.
We have the privilege of being the soft bands that keeps the sapling close to the stake while the trunk becomes strong. We get to be the cast material that supports and caresses the limb while restoration takes place. We are the rifling inside the barrel that assists the bullet in moving consistently in the direction the barrel is pointed.
What other analogies are helpful to you as you consider that God has specific plans for your students? They aren't your plans, they aren't the plans of the student, but we cooperate with God to accomplish His intention in the lives of those we have been called to lead.
On the other hand, most educators believe that proper education involves very specific strategies that will propel the student in a preferred direction. Here are some analogies:
Have you ever seen a tree that was not staked early? Our neighbors have 2 very tall trees that lean awkwardly because they were never directed when they were young. Environmental influence attracted one tree to the South and the other toward the Southwest so that neither one is capable of growing straight.
When a bone is broken, doctors set the bone and place it in a splint or cast for several weeks then when the cast is removed, the bone will remain straight as it continues to harden.
When a bullet is shot out of a handgun, the barrel has only about 4 inches to determine the trajectory of the ammunition that will continue on for hundreds of yards.
As small group leaders and Christian Education teachers, we are not the landscaper, the physician or the marksman. That role is reserved for God Himself who directs the hearts of individuals. But that does not mean we are to become totally passive and allow the student to determine his own course.
We have the privilege of being the soft bands that keeps the sapling close to the stake while the trunk becomes strong. We get to be the cast material that supports and caresses the limb while restoration takes place. We are the rifling inside the barrel that assists the bullet in moving consistently in the direction the barrel is pointed.
What other analogies are helpful to you as you consider that God has specific plans for your students? They aren't your plans, they aren't the plans of the student, but we cooperate with God to accomplish His intention in the lives of those we have been called to lead.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Clarifying God’s work in us, God’s work through us, and our work for Him.
In my last post I asked if people view faith as integral to their lives or as tasks that should be completed. A couple of people rightfully called me to task on my vague definition of faith. The point I inadequately was trying to make is that some people (Christian leaders included) tend to substitute “faith-based” behaviors (as evidenced by the White House’s Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives) for genuine faith.
One blogger that I follow recently addressed the same issue with much more clarity than I. Read his thoughts and let us know what you think.
One of the temptations for ministry leaders…is to substitute work for God (our ministry) for the work of God in our hearts and lives. Not only does this substitution hurt the individual involved as they do not become all that God designed them to be but it hurts those that they influence as their model is one of doing rather than one of becoming. This has led to countless Christ followers who have spent their lives focusing on either doing or modifying behaviors to meet the standards of their church or leader without significant transformation of the deepest core of their lives.
It is a matter of priority. If my priority is that of seeing authentic spiritual transformation take place in my life, I will bring all of life under His lordship and will engage in His business and will modify my life in many areas to bring it into alignment with His. But if I focus instead on doing things for Him and modifying my behaviors rather than that of spiritual transformation I will end up frustrated and with a substitute transformation that is more about me than about Him. Too many Christ followers have settled for the latter rather than committing to the former. The first brings real life change while the latter is often little more than legalism.
What have you found helpful to ensure that God’s work in you is not being neglected because of your work for Him?
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Task vs. Integration
There are some things that I do because they are a task on my "Things to do" list (prepare to teach a class). There are other things that I do because they are a routine and I don't have to be reminded (brush my teeth). The first I call a "task" the second is a routine that has been integrated into my lifestyle.
I am often reminded by members of my family that I need to update my Facebook status (task); last night lightening struck close to our home and shook the house causing all three of my teens to grab their phones and text their friends to share the experience (routine).
When it comes to Spiritual Formation activities, many people view them as "tasks" to be checked off rather than routines to be integrated. For example - when stress comes into your life do you have wait for your "quiet time" to pray about it (task) or do you spontaneously give it over to the Lord (routine)? What about you and the other spiritual disciplines? Is Bible reading a task to be checked off or has listening to God been integrated into your flow of life? Is silence a regular part of your day or do you have to carve out time to be still and hear from God? What about service, scripture memory, repentance, etc.
A couple years ago my kids did not own cell phones, so the reaction of "I've got to text my friends about this" was not part of their routine. Last night it was automatic.
This morning the internet was not working in our offices and all the staff was uneasy because we realized how much online information has been integrated into our lives. None of us used email or google when we started ministry (except our Youth Pastor, because he is young) but it is now so integrated into our lives that it seems awkward when it is not there.
I have found that biblical community works that way in my life. Getting together with my small group used to be a task, but now if it doesn't happen then the rest of my week seems awkward. I first experienced this with regard to worship services. I had so integrated Sunday evening services into the flow of my life that when I served at a church that discontinued them, I felt guilty to be at home on Sunday evenings. Two days ago was Easter and I'm sure there are many people who were there because going to church on Easter was viewed as a task to be checked off before going to grandma's for brunch. For me, worshiping in community is the normal flow of the week. Thankfully, it has been integrated into the fabric of my life where it does not seem to be a chore or a dutiful obligation.
If we are to be the leaders that God wants us to be, what are the activities that we should integrate so deeply into the fabric of our lives that they no longer become a task (as when the Dr says "take a deep breath") but become as natural as breathing (routine).
I think this is a difference between "discipleship" and "spiritual formation." Many view "being discipled" as a task, program or method; But "spiritual formation" is about becoming what God wants us to become in a holistic way. I.e. faith is not something I merely value or practice, it is a defining characteristic of who I am.
I am often reminded by members of my family that I need to update my Facebook status (task); last night lightening struck close to our home and shook the house causing all three of my teens to grab their phones and text their friends to share the experience (routine).
When it comes to Spiritual Formation activities, many people view them as "tasks" to be checked off rather than routines to be integrated. For example - when stress comes into your life do you have wait for your "quiet time" to pray about it (task) or do you spontaneously give it over to the Lord (routine)? What about you and the other spiritual disciplines? Is Bible reading a task to be checked off or has listening to God been integrated into your flow of life? Is silence a regular part of your day or do you have to carve out time to be still and hear from God? What about service, scripture memory, repentance, etc.
A couple years ago my kids did not own cell phones, so the reaction of "I've got to text my friends about this" was not part of their routine. Last night it was automatic.
This morning the internet was not working in our offices and all the staff was uneasy because we realized how much online information has been integrated into our lives. None of us used email or google when we started ministry (except our Youth Pastor, because he is young) but it is now so integrated into our lives that it seems awkward when it is not there.
I have found that biblical community works that way in my life. Getting together with my small group used to be a task, but now if it doesn't happen then the rest of my week seems awkward. I first experienced this with regard to worship services. I had so integrated Sunday evening services into the flow of my life that when I served at a church that discontinued them, I felt guilty to be at home on Sunday evenings. Two days ago was Easter and I'm sure there are many people who were there because going to church on Easter was viewed as a task to be checked off before going to grandma's for brunch. For me, worshiping in community is the normal flow of the week. Thankfully, it has been integrated into the fabric of my life where it does not seem to be a chore or a dutiful obligation.
If we are to be the leaders that God wants us to be, what are the activities that we should integrate so deeply into the fabric of our lives that they no longer become a task (as when the Dr says "take a deep breath") but become as natural as breathing (routine).
I think this is a difference between "discipleship" and "spiritual formation." Many view "being discipled" as a task, program or method; But "spiritual formation" is about becoming what God wants us to become in a holistic way. I.e. faith is not something I merely value or practice, it is a defining characteristic of who I am.
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