Worship and Compassion

In my last article I wrote of being ‘affected by the Gospel’, by that I mean that the Gospel has impacted us in such a way that it causes us to see the world differently and to act differently.
I became a Christian in 1965 and for most of that time I have been deeply involved in the life of the church. To this day I find myself surprised by the lack of compassion and empathy amongst Christians. I don’t know how you can separate worship from compassion, if we are connecting with God on a deeper level, if we are saying that we desire to honor him and to serve him, how can we at the same time distain the weak, broken, poor and needy.
I have seen and heard it over and over again, people explaining away the need to be compassionate towards those who have gotten themselves in a mess. We seem to believe if the ‘bad choices’ someone has made has led them to their present condition that we are absolved of any responsibility to give care or help to such a person.
I don’t see anywhere in the life and example of Jesus that could possibly lead one to that conclusion. Jesus said to ‘give to anyone who asks of you expecting nothing in return’ (Luke 6) Why? Jesus answers the question this way, ‘But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.’
I’m not talking about ‘enabling’ here, I’m talking about empathy, identifying with the brokenness of others, remembering ‘but there by the grace of God go I’. Which we often give lip service to, but secretly don’t identify with.
The fact is Jesus never places qualifiers on those who are the recipients of his kindness, he never sought out the most deserving. Think of the ‘women at the well’, a serial adulterer, a Samaritan, as undeserving and unclean as one could get in that culture and time. Yet Jesus much to her surprise initiates a dialogue with her, setting an example for you and me.

I have I have heard countless diatribes over the years comparing modern America to Sodom and Gomorrah, well maybe that’s true. Here is what the Bible says the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was,

" 'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. Ezekiel 16:49

As we approach this season of overindulgence and unbridled consumerism, I would hope that those who worship Jesus, will keep our eyes open to those around us who are poor and needy and I pray our hearts ache for and identify with them and that as an act of worship we will extend ourselves, at the very least by coming aside organizations that have as their mission a call to serve the least of the least. Yet at the same time not turning away from our own personal expressions compassion which bring honor and glory to God.

What Make A Great Worship Song?

I am probably opening a can of worms here by trying to answer this question, after all when it comes to music, art, poetry, there is much to be said for the saying ‘beauty is in the eyes (ears, hearts) of the beholder’, in other words our taste in music can vary greatly and in many aspects is based on subjective criteria, but what the heck I’ll try and identify some of the common denominators of what I believe makes a great worship song.

The songs I am referring to by the way are the ones that have emerged over the past 30 years as worship has evolved to become more culturally relevant and current in the medium and the message. Obviously there are great hymns that have been written over the centuries and are still in use today in churches throughout the world. Some would argue that they have more depth and are better musically than the songs we are utilizing today. I don’t hold that opinion, but will tackle that in a future article.

So based on the songs that are song today in hundreds of thousands of churches around the world, what makes one song stand out over and against another.
For the sake of space of which I am limited, I will make these bullet points with a touch of explanation.
Content: Are the lyrics based on truths set forth in the Bible? Are they sound doctrinally, and theologically? Do they reflect what one wants to say, to or about God?

Melody: I have listened to songs that have come straight from the scripture that are really bad and I have felt people at times have gone way to far in stating ‘the Lord gave me this song’!

Is it memorable? Is it accessible? That is, can most people who are meant to sing the song, sing it? It may be a great song, it may have great lyrics, a great melody and ‘hook’, but if it can’t be sung, what makes it a worship song?

Simplicity: I’m sure this will get a rise out of some, there has been much criticism of contemporary worship because of its simplicity and I believe much of it is unwarranted. The Bible is filled with simple statements that are profoundly true, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except by me.’ Not terribly complex but profound and true.

If people can sing it and it’s easily transferable a song will travel around the world and be used to engage God’s people together in worship, think of ‘I Love You Lord’, ‘How Great is Our God’, ‘Shout to the Lord’, in fact the songs that are used throughout the world by congregations of every tribe and nation are songs like these examples. They can be played with the simplest accompaniment or non at all, lending themselves to be used, which is the point right? People gathering with their hearts and lives open to God, expressing praise, adoration, thanks and honor to God.

Online Seminar

I will be speaking at an online worship seminar, this Thursday, August 30th at 8PM Eastern time. It's free and the participants are from all over the globe.
Cut and paste this link into your web browser: http://www.worshipteleseminar.com

Corprate Worship: Vertical or Horizontal?

Worship is a huge topic and you can go many different directions in defining and explaining worship. In this article I want to explore the corporate dynamic of worship over and against personal and private worship or worship as a way of life, or many other of its aspects. There is now doubt that corporate worship has changed dramatically over the last 35 years, yes it’s been 35 years plus since the Jesus Movement sweep the world and began introducing a whole new approach to our corporate worship. Locally here in Southern California it was manifest through the ministry of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa led by Pastor Church Smith. In those early days bands began to form like Love Song, Parable, Children of the Day and simple songs that people could sing along with began to emerge. Songs like Heavenly Father We Appreciate You, I Love You Lord, Seek Ye First and many others. A record company, Maranatha Music, was started specifically to record and in the end document this new sound. If you witnessed this it was a remarkable experience. There was a sweetness, innocence and intimacy that couldn’t be achieved with the traditional hymns. Now I don’t want to open that can off worms right now, but hymns by and large were written literally centuries ago and the music, language and arrangements reflect that. These new songs were coming forth from a new generation of believers and although simple, which some people criticize, they not only drew people in and allowed them to participate at a new level and actually acted as a teaching tool. You may be critical of the simplicity of the music of Seek Ye First, but are you honestly going to argue about its content. Frankly I believe that inculcating people with the message through music is one of the most powerful tools that can be utilized to teach. That is precisely what the Wesley brothers did in the 1700’s, Charles Wesley writing over 2000 songs most with the expressed purpose of imparting biblical and doctrinal knowledge to the Methodist. Things have changed significantly from both the 1700’s and even from the 1970’s. When Love Song used to do their concerts and lead the people at times in ‘worship songs’, it was very simple in every way. But it was engaging and people would appear to be transported into a euphoric state as they opened their hearts to God. Today the music has progressed in a remarkable manner, the ‘garage bands’ have been replaced by highly skilled ‘worship artist’ and ‘praise bands’ that have generated some incredible music, through which we can engage and participate in worship. But the one thing that we need to be sure to remember is, it really isn’t about the band, the atmosphere or even excellence. All of those things are good and fine, as long as we don’t ‘progress’ to the point where we lose the vertical aspect of worship. When it becomes horizontal and we move into either entertaining or being entertained we loose the main component, meeting with and connecting with God. In corporate worship that is the goal, to come together as His body and based on the promise of His presence ‘where two or more are gathered’, we come before him opening up our lives and our hearts anxious to experience more of Him in our lives.

Funeral Today!

I am particapating in a funeral today. We don't use the word funeral very often these days, usually a memorial or celebration service. But this one certainly isn't a celebration, it's a tragety.
The sevice is for a young lady, 29, who died of alcohal poisoning. I don't know her and don't know much about the circumstances surrounding this situation. I just know that the husband asked if I would sing, so I will, but it is so sad. We actually don't know much if anything about her faith, whether she came to Christ as some point and strayed, or was a Christian addicted to alcohol or what. I just know if it takes the faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain, which is pretty minuscule, then if there was a speck of faith in her troubled heart, Jesus would respond to it like it was the size of a 5 carrot diamond.
Recently a friend of mine observed in his blog the heart of the Father, as revealed in the heart of the prodigals father. He made the point that when the father was standing scanning the horizon in the hopes of seeing his son, he had no idea what the son had gone through, no idea that he had hit bottom, no idea that he was returning with a repentant heart, but he stood, he watched, he hoped and when the son came into view his heart lept with joy and he held his arms open wide, his soud flooded with love and relief.
I don't know the heart of this young women, no human being really did, all I know is if she even glanced toward God He took notice and has now welcomed her with a warm, forgiving and loving embrace.
I know that my hope is just that, it is hope that all we read, all that we see revealed in Jesus will no longer be hope, but be realized as we are welcomed home.

Man I'm a bad blogger!

If blogging requires writing your thoughts daily than I'm am the worst. I get side tracked and focused on other stuff and simply forget to do it. Not that it's all that important to anyone else, I have found though it can be good for me to get my thoughts out.

So here are some random thoughts. I just had my three youngest kids around for a few weeks and it was wonderful. My youngest are 13, 15 and 17, it's amazing how fast time has gone by and how much they have grown up. Sophie the 17 year old just competed a trip to Nicaragua with a team from my church to an orphanage established by Builder for Children. I was really pleased that she went and love her heart for the poor and especially for children.

Of course as you get older you appreciate that things that really matter more and more, it is especially true for me regarding my children. They have made life worth it and really keep me focused and engaged in the future. Even when things don't work out the way you think they should or as you had wished, they make all the ups and downs worth it.

I have allot of thoughts flowing around these days but will have to get them organized and start writing them out and hopefully some of you will interact with me regarding them.

Trusting and Resting in Jesus

This last Sunday I taught at our church about the 'mind games' we play with ourselves and with others. Within the context of that talk I made the statement, 'The way in is the way on.' I was stating it in the context of staying in touch with our need for dependance and rest in the sufficiency of Christ and His provision. What I am saying is that we began, engaged in a relationship with Christ through faith and the truth is the way on is accomplished through faith as well. Not 'principles', 'keys', 'steps' 'choices', or other methods of growing in or maintaining our relationship with Christ. There is nothing wrong with 'keys', 'principles' et cetera, in and of themselves, but when we begin to rely on them as a means of justification, we are making a subtle shift from relatioinship to religion in my opinion. It seems to me to be deeply entrenched in humon nature to become prideful when we are able to achieve spiritual goals that we or others set up. For instance, we make a commitment to pray every day for 15 minutes and read the Bible for 30 minutes daily. Is that a bad thing? Of course not, who is going to come against prayer or Bible reading? The problem comes when we conclude that we are 'more spiritual' than someone else or feel like this somehow gains up a closer standing with God. It's not wrong to do good things, what's wrong is to draw the wrong conclusion and becoming judgmental towards others who don't meet the standards thay you have set for yourself.

You've been erased!

I received an inquiry recently regarding my absence from the 25 year anniversary of the Association of Vineyard Churches and the 30 year anniversary of the Anaheim Vineyard. Along with it came a question regarding my exclusion from a songbook that included the Vineyards top 100 songs.
Hmmmm, Don't know exactly what to say, other than it's okay. It is a bit strange to be 'erased', but on the other hand I probably received more accolades, visibility and affirmation than I deserved in times past. In other words, at one time I was very visible in 'the movement', now I'm invisible, neither has anything to do with who I am.
When I was 'visible' or popular, whatever the right word is, I tried to accept it and be as down to earth as possible. Now being invisible, I seek to handle it the same way. 'The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.'
Seen or unseen by people, I am still a child of God, attended to and looked after by God my Father, I'm good with that.

Isolation and growth

I was reflecting on the last 3 years of my life recently and specifically thinking about the times that I spent disconnected and isolated from others, my choice. It's what I felt like doing, I was trying to avoid relationships and any connection with most people. When I say it is what I felt like doing, what I mean is I followed that inclination because I thought it would make me feel better. Well it didn't and in fact as I look back on all that alone time, I really can't identify any way in which I was helped. I can't think of how I profited or what I gained. What I thought would do me some good, did me no good at all. Which isn't terribly uncommon, we feel an itch we obey the impulse to scratch it, even if does more harm than good. I was infected with Poison Ivy one time and it was bad, really bad. I wanted to scratch the itch really bad, but it only made it worse and would cause it to spread. I had to resist the urge to do what felt like the right thing to do. I think there are many things like that in life, things that call upon us to obey and impulse, take an action, in the name of resolving something, when there are times, many times when the right approach to something is the exact opposite of what we feel is the right thing to do.
That's how it was with my isolation, it felt so right, I desired to be alone, couldn't wait, yet in the end it didn't help me at all. Obviously I'm not speaking here of withdrawing to contemplate, to draw near to God, God was there, but I wasn't drawing near.
I don't really have anything profound to say about this, in fact what I am experiencing now isn't any kind of revelation, but when I contrast the benefit I am receiving from being connected and engaged, over and against the isolation, there is no doubt that being connected is the way to go.

What we are engaged in and who we are engaged with is important as well. I am engaged in redeeming relationships with others and seeking in what ever little ways I can to sow into the Kingdom of God. I keep my eyes open and try and be alert as to what the Father is doing and any ways I can align myself with this. From all of this I am replenished and being healed and drawn forward.

When is a friend a friend?

When is a friend a friend?
I had someone tell me recently about a revelation he came to regarding a 'friend' of hers. I know this person quite well and I knew who she was talking to me about. It totally suprised me when she said you know I just came to realize that 'Jane' -not her real name- really isn't my friend. Although suprised I felt like I knew what she was saying, I also didn't think it was my place to question this 'discovery'.
When I say I think I knew what she was saying, it was because over the years I have come to realize the same thing. That there are many people who say they are your friend, they would say that to you and would say that to others, but their behavior contridicts this claim. We all go through times when our friendships are closer than at other times, but I guess the question to ask is what is the relationship like in times of trouble? Someone told me when I began experiencing difficulties in my life, that I would find out who my friends are and they were right. The person who told me that in fact has turned out to be a wonderful and available friend. The truth is I don't see him much and we can go for long periods without communicating, but when I needed him most he was there and if I needed him now he would be there no doubt about it.
This has actually been a wonderful discovery. It's not that some of the people that I would have thought were my friends aren't nice people or even good people. More than likely they are, they just aren't real friends. And that is okay, you can only have some many really close relationships, so there is no use fooling yourself and spending energy on relationships that are based on pretense. No one needs that.
I have also discovered and realize more each day that the people that I am the most concerned about, in terms of there opinion of me, are the six people in the picture on my myspace home page. I am happy for the friendships and there are more than I could ever hope for, but the indespensible relationships are with my six children and my two grand daughters.

Real men don’t like worship!

I recently read an article published in a periodical of a well known Christian college that blamed the decline in attendance for men in church to the worship. Specifically worship that is too feminine or intimate for men. The article was written by a woman, I don’t know whether that is here nor there, but it is interesting that a woman came to the conclusion that intimate and personal worship is hindering men from connecting with the church.

The article specifically pointed to songs like Breathe and songs like Draw Me Close To You. Both are very popular songs in the church today, with at last count Breathe being recorded on over 100 projects, one of the best selling of these is Michael W Smiths rendition, who happens to be a man.
Let’s look at the lyric to Breathe and see if there is something inherently feminine about it.
Breathe
Maria Barnett
This is the air I breathe; this is the air I breathe
Your Holy presence, living in me

And I am desperate for you
And I’m lost without you

This is my daily bread, this is my daily bread
Your very word living in me

Not to exegete the song like you would scripture, but I will use scripture to support the song.

When I read the words ‘this is the air I breathe’, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘In Him will live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:28)
Is a statement that describes the truth about our relationship with God, that we owe him our very existence, feminine? Or is it simply a very direct and intimate, maybe too intimate?

The chorus of the song is very simple and reminds me of the some of the writings of King David, who I’m thinking was kind of a manly man.



Psalm 42
1. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
First of all I would recommend that you read the rest of this Psalm, it is so emotional, personal and so intimate. And that is what I think we are dealing with here, not that ‘worship is feminine’ but for some it is too intimate and therefore uncomfortable, therefore we should beef it up? The article actually suggested that we need more songs like ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’, nothing like bringing up images of the Crusades.
This Psalm of David’s is clear declaration of David’s desperate need and longing for God. Are we going to dismiss David as being to expressive, too intimate, find our selves repulsed by his passion, like his wife Michal did when he danced naked before the Lord in front of the people! In answering Michal’s rebuke David proclaimed ‘I will become more undignified than this.’ Okay I admit, I would generally find myself aligning with Michal and would have been exceedingly uncomfortable with David’s ‘worship style’, but the question in worship is not ‘what makes me comfortable’, the question is ‘What does God require?’ Worship that is honest, open, passionate and deeply relational?
The last stanza of the song is pretty clear, referring to Jesus being our ‘daily bread’ ‘your very word, living in me’. Need I say more?
What I think we have expressed in this song and songs like Draw Me Close to you, are modern day Psalms, people penning the thoughts, feelings and emotions that they have when they reflect on God and His splendor, His love, mercy and grace. Are we going to argue that men need this sort of expression less than women? Are we going to say that it’s okay to express emotion without restraint at a sporting event, but when we are dealing with the most profound truths in the universe we need to reel it in? I could go on but I’m probably over my space limitations already. Maybe next month?
Real men don’t like worship! NOT!!

THE ESSENCE OF WORSHIP PT 2 TRUTH

Truth and Worship

In the previous blog I wrote about faith as one of the three characteristics that make up the fundamental substance of worship.
We all know that worship can be defined in many different ways and I’m certain that we know that worship is more than singing. In fact singing is a simple expression of our worship, a way in which we express our love, adoration and devotion to God.
What ingredients are essential for worship to be expressed whether in singing, through service or ministry? In my last article a proposed that I felt there are three primary characteristics that are necessary for worship to take place, faith, truth and intimacy. In my last column I wrote about faith or what I also call expectancy. The Bible says that ‘He who comes to God must believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those who seek him.’ It also says that ‘without faith it is impossible to please God.’ Therefore it is hard to imagine worship taking place where there is no faith. Gosh the Apostle Paul says in Romans that ‘ that which is down apart from faith is sin.’ So I think it is pretty obvious that faith can be seen as central to all that we do in the kingdom of God and especially in worship.

In this article I want to look at another ingredient that is a essential part of worship; truth. Jesus said, ‘those who worship God must worship in spirit and in truth.’ Which begs the question, What is truth? I think the truth that we are talking about in relationship to worship is recognizing the truth about ourselves and the truth about God. If I only consider the truth about myself without considering the truth about God I’m in big trouble. If I am honest with myself about myself then I fall way short of being all that I should or want to be. We can be dishonest with ourselves about our own condition, trying to cover up by outward appearances and internal rationalizations. But that is a huge mistake and something that God won’t stand for. David tried to go along his merry way after his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, but God sent a prophet to expose not just what he did but the condition of his heart. Many believe Ps 51 was a result of this ‘revelation’!

What is the first thing David says when he becomes aware of the truth about himself? He appeals to the truth about God!
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

When we realize who we are and what we are made of, we become acutely aware of our short comings. But instead of drawing back and trying to hide we need to run quickly to the cover of his ‘unfailing love, his compassion, his mercy.’ It’s the difference between the two men who Jesus observed praying, one thanking God he is not like ‘that sinner’, the man who was standing next to him. The other unable to even lift his eyes to heaven, calls out ‘ oh God be merciful to me a sinner.’ Which one walked away justified? God’s responds to a humble and contrite heart.
To worship in truth is to recognize that we are ‘poor, wretched, blind and naked’ and that we need to be clothed in the beauty and purity of the Lord. I cannot come to God on my own merit, but I can come freely and boldly to the throne of grace through the blood of Jesus that cleanses me and opens a way to God for me.
It is a comfort to know that the truth about God, trumps the truth about me, that is, as long as I am honest enough to admit the truth about me.

The Essence of Worship

Faith -- The Essence of Worship

Essence: 1. Identifying nature: the quality or nature of something that identifies it or makes it what it is. Basic feature: the most basic element or feature of something

I first became involved in leading what we would call contemporary or modern worship in 1976, yes I know, ‘long ago in a galaxy far, far away’. It was a time when churches were just beginning to use ‘worship teams’ or ‘praise bands’ and the catalogue of music was somewhat sparse and was made up mostly of choruses that came from the Jesus Movement. In terms of resources like instructional materials, seminars, books and such, they just didn’t exist.

Fast forward to 2007 a time in which we have more resources than we could possibly digest in our lifetime. I recently signed up for a membership with CCLI (Christian Copyright Clearance International) that gives me access to 9,000 songs! Needless to say there is a lot of stuff out there, much of it really good and really helpful. I can assure you as well that there is a mountain of teaching regarding every aspect of worship and of course the church being the church lots of debate about virtually every aspect of worship ministry.

I want to focus worship and its essence, or ‘its most basic’ elements. I believe there are three ingredients that are necessary for worship to take place and for it to honor God and affect us. One is faith or what I will call expectancy, two would be honesty or truth and three would be intimacy. For this post, let’s focus on the ingredient of faith.

The scripture tells us in Hebrews that ‘without faith it is impossible to please God’. Therefore I would argue that without faith it is impossible to worship. The Bible doesn’t quantify the amount of faith we need, but we need some level of faith when we approach God, ‘he who believes in God, must believe that He is and He is a rewards those who seek Him.’ If we are approaching God, it must mean that we at some level believe in Him.

“God loves me, He wants me to come to Him” -- this is the attitude we need to approach God. He has good plans for us. Again as the writer of Hebrews tells us we are to ‘enter boldly into the throne room of grace through the blood of Jesus.” Or confidence is not in ourselves, it is in God, it is in the fact that we are at peace with Him because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, who has provided full access to God the Father for us.

So when we worship in faith, our expectations are that God has good intentions towards us and that not only will we honor Him when we draw near through worship, we will be refreshed and blessed as well. Without the ingredient of faith there is no worship.

I would encourage you to think before you worship. Prepare your heart by considering who He is, what He has done and what He wants to do in your life. Then approach with expectancy. I believe He will reward your faith in Him.

Read comments again!!!

I have been very remiss in keeping up with things, I'll tell you why soon, but as a result of updating my blog I came across several really good comments from people in response to the Haggard post. So when you can read the comments people make.
My next post will be related to worship and what I think are the essentials.

Blessings,
carl

Read the comments

I'm guessing that most people don't read the comments after the blogs I post. But the one by Mike, is something we should all consider. In essence he is asking whether or not there is a correlation between the 'fallen leader' and the community of faith they fall within. In other words, do those who follow, those who support and those who idol's the celebrity leader need to take some responsibility for the 'failure' of their leaders. I place quotation marks around 'fallen' and 'failure' because I wonder about how we are going to define this. It almost goes back to the old question of whether or not if a tree that fall makes a sound if no one hears it. The fact is for years, maybe decades, a persons ministry is applauded and supported until the 'chink' in the armour is discovered. So for 20 years the person is a saint, a hero and icon and then suddenly they are deceivers, hypocrites and liars. Hmmmmm, could it be that some of the responsibility lies elsewhere? Could it be that when we develop systems which support celebrity outside of accountability, we are simply getting what we ask for?

We say that when 'one part of the body hurts we all hurt' but what we really say is because one part of the body hurts I am hurt', therefore we can judge and 'rebuke' the one who hurt us, without any attention being directed to our idolatry or our participation in the fallens, failure.

Another thing we should consider is, What about 'church discipline'? Could it be that the reason it is so dysfunctional and ineffective, is because there is nothing of this nature expressed in the scripture. Where does the Bible express and explain the exact procedures for 'church discipline'. Where does the Bible use the term 'church discipline'? Please don't quote Matthew 18 because that is all about forgiveness and restoration's. Please don't quote Galatians 6, because that is all about 'restoring such a one with gentleness'. Please don't quote Paul to Timothy who didn't in any way shape or form explain what the exact repercussions of 'rebuke and elder publicly' meant. We are the ones who have imparted meaning and definition to these text. No one on the planet can argue that they are explicit and defined for us.
We are left with general principles, biblical stories and common sense to develop philosophies for discipline and procedures. And in many cases, most cases? It appears none of the afore mentioned are utilized to bring about the healing and restoration of the fallen. The fact is, it appears to be the exception not the rule, when gentleness, compassion and any sense of fairness if applied when dealing with the fallen.
Mike raises a valid question and I have yet to hear or read about anyone who has addressed it. I guess it is so much easier to point the finger and wag the tongue, than it is to actually deal with these things in a just, fair and biblical manner.
As Bill O says, 'Am I wrong?' Inform me. Give me clear and tangible examples of when, where and how things are different. Something that is more than an accepting. In my opinion it is to far and in between. What's amazing is we have had 2000 years to figure it out and we are still muddling around.

I'll eat my blog!

Note: I don't feel any different about this today than I did when I wrote this opinion. There is alot of posturing and proming going on related to this situation. I don't know where people come up with the 'formulas' for their processes or the time tables they throw out there, but they do it none the less. My feelings about this no doubt are influenced by my experience, but not only as it relates to me, but to so many people I have watch over the years. It is all just so sad and in my opinion shameful. I have recieved some stinging comments already and I have now respoinded, but I would love to hear from anyone who can shed light on the situation. I do know that restoration happens but it is rare and it isn't simply the result of a person failing to go through a process. If you care at all about the state of the church, how we do business, please read this, please think about this, it will happen again, will we ever get it right?

By now millions of people have been made aware of the failings of a Nationally known Christian leader, Ted Haggard. Some will wag their finger and click their tongue. Others will blindly and foolishly stand by their man, no matter what the facts are. Still others will broad brush all Christians as liars and hypocrites. But very few will step back examine themselves and then reach out to a brother who has fallen short of the the standards he himself has set, let alone what we would consider Gods standard.


Those who wag the finger, will single out the nature of the sin and condemn him. Somehow coming to the conclusion that our brothers sin is somewhat blacker and darker than any sin we might commit. How does one distinguish between a sexual sin and the sin of gossip? Is gossip somehow less harmful? Ever read the book of James? How about greed, selfish ambition? Has anyone ever been 'disciplined' for those sins? So what am I saying, that sexual sins are excusable and to be over looked? Not at all, but what I would say is, if we are going to 'discipline' then we should do so without partiality as it relates to the sin or the sinner.
Is there a pastor on the planet who has been disciplined for slander or gossip? Yet gossip is justified, overlooked and accepted as necessary, 'we need to know these things'. I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard this justified in Board meetings or Leadership gatherings.

I once heard a definition of gossip as this, 'it is telling the truth about another person that no one needs to know
."
The problem I have with 'church discipline' is it is so terribly flawed and inconsistent. Please someone somewhere give me a list of 'fallen leaders' who have not simply been disciplined, but restored! The vast majority are simply kicked to the curb, abandoned never to be heard from again. Or as the headline of today's paper read, "Pastor dismissed!" And dismissed he will be, left for the most part to face not only the damage of his own sin, but to bare the sins of those who have embraced him in his success, but don't know how in the world to approach him in his failure. I'm sure that those who are responsible for his 'discipline' will indicate that they are committed to him and will support him, but I have my doubts.
Okay and what about the disciplining of the disipliners! Will we be allowed to examine the examiners? Can we get a peak at their Internet history? Can we review their hotel bills? Their checkbooks? Can we speak with their neighbors, spouses or other family members? Will they reassure us that they have no 'secret sin', that is NO SIN that we are not aware of. Or are we to simply trust them to do what is in the best interest of the man, his family and the church. Please don't do that. Do not trust or take the word of those in charge of the process without them having to prove they are trust worthy. They shouldn't disclose the details of the process, but they should be wide open to how the operation is going and the qualifications of those performing surgery. Have they done this surgery before? How many people have they brought though a restoration process? Where are they? How are they doing?

I can here people now trying to dismiss me or invalidate what I am saying here, 'Oh he is just bitter.' I'm sorry but first of all that isn't the case. Secondly that isn't the issue. The issues are completely related to what is happening to this man Ted Haggard and his family. What is going to be done for him and them. Yes him, he can't be discarded because sin has been discovered. There is NOTHING in the BIBLE that encourages anything other than for him to be given help, 'restored with gentleness'. Send this out far and wide and show me in the Bible where he even has to be dismissed. What it says is he is to be 'rebuked' and publicly, 'so that all may fear'. Really so everyone will know that we don't play favorites. But we do, we have favorite sins that we discipline over and others we simply overlook. Can you imagine if a pastor rebuked before his congregation for sinful behavior, repented and moved forward in that church. Gosh I wonder if his preaching might become a touch less condescending? I wonder if the messages would be stripped of their shaming tactics and guilt inducing exhortations? I wonder if a message of compassion, grace and mercy might appear in place of these? Okay, I'm just fantasizing!

I also wonder about the people 'close' to Ted, how could they not see signs that he was not doing well or that he had 'developed splits'? Maybe they weren't that close at all. Maybe there had been a separation allowed to develop between him and those who worked 'for him', rather than with him. Gosh I wonder if the 'wonder boy' had been idolized by those around him, to the degree that they were blinded to his fallen nature.
I have serious doubts about a process which begins with someone being 'dismissed'. I don't think we will ever see or here from Ted again at the same level he is operating today. Therefore where is the restoration? Oh do you mean he can go to church? How nice.

Yes this ticks me off, without excusing any of his behavior. But his behavior doesn't for one minute justify the behavior of others. He may have 'disqualified himself' from 'elder ship' at least for a season, but he has done nothing worthy of what he is about to face from his brothers and sisters. Maybe those outside the Christian community have a right to respond to a person who has declared publicly his problems with them. But I don't think the church has much of right to do anything but to figure out 'what help is' and then give it in abundance, without judgment, lest they themselves be tempted. Tempted to do what? Sin against this brother.

I will tell you this here and now, if Ted Haggard of how the church finally does the right thing and ministers to a hurting and broken man and family, bring healing and restoration to them. I will eat my blog!

Not my thoughts, but something to think about!

THERE ARE MANY WHO SEEK KNOWLEDGE FOR THE SAKE OF KNOWLEDGE: THAT IS CURIOSITY.

THERE ARE OTHERS WHO DESIRE TO KNOW IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY BE KNOWN: THAT IS VANITY.

OTHERS SEEK KNOWLEDGE IN ORDER TO SELL IT: THAT IS DISHONORABLE.

BUT THERE ARE SOME WHO WOULD SEEK KNOWLEDGE IN ORDER TO EDIFY OTHERS: THAT IS LOVE.
Bernard of Clairveaux

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Vineyard Blog

People have asked me where is my 'Vineyard blog', it's in the March archives. If you can't find it there let me know, I think I can get it to you. Thanks for your interest.

God. Wow!

From the New Heritage Dictionary:
Devise:
To form, plan, or arrange in the mind; design or contrive: devised a new system for handling mail orders.

Many of us have made mistakes, sinned, blew it, screwed up, whatever you want to call it. We have tried to mess this thing called life up in so many ways that it's hard to believe we are still standing.
What blows me away in my case is that I'm not just still standing, I am thriving. I have a more dependent and fruitful life in God now than I've had in decades, literally.
It is not because I have read the Bible more, prayed more, witnesses more, served more, sacrificed more or anything like that. I don't do those things to be blessed, I do those things because I am blessed.
I have had number of people tell me of late that they believe that God is doing great things in me, that I am in a season of favor and blessing. Well it is not because I deserve it or have earned it. The very most I have done is not quit, that's been my big part in this. I have never stopped believing in God or His good intentions for me, even when things were agonizing and dark. Even when I had absolutely nothing and couldn't figure out how I would ever see the light of day, I just couldn't stop believing in Him. I must state also I wasn't really counting on things getting better. I figured if it was my lot to live in that condition, so be it, I knew God didn't owe me anything. The truth is and I know it's not this way for everyone, but I had to come to a place of having nothing, so I could know I had Him, or better yet He had me.
You see there is evidence that God is a schemer, that he figures out how to bring about good from bad. He brings beauty forth from the ashes, revives, restores, strengthens and blesses. Even when we are outcast, when we feel abandoned and lost, God is making plans, devising ways to bring us back, even from death to life. It is way bigger than devising a 'system for delivering mail orders', he devises ways to deliver us!

There is this fascinating verse in 2Samuel 14:14

Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.

This was stated in reference to Absalom , who had been sent to a 'city of banishment', a place from which no one returned. Yet it was God's heart to bring back someone from such a place as this. A place he deserved to be in. A place he was required to stay in! Still God was planning, figuring out, making a way, for the banished person to be restored to his family, to community, to life.
Can you imagine the God who said, "Let there be light and there was light", trying to 'devise' a way to bring good out of bad. It may seem like a tall order for you and me, but it isn't much of a challenge for God at all. It is His heart to do so, it is in His nature to redeem. He specializes in building with flawed materials. Have you ever read the Bible? Some of those folks had some serious problems and yet God was able to do remarkable, miraculous things through them.
The players have changed today, the people we read about in scripture are long gone, but God is the same, 'yesterday today and forever'. ' He is faithful even when we are faithless', how do you lose in a deal like this?
He starts and He finishes, He never fails and His love endures forever. Amen and amen!

Friends a different view

In another blog I wrote something to the effect that everyone who calls themselves your friend isn't necessarily your friend.' I certainly came at it from a more critical point of view, which I think is alright, actually I think it's good. If we never looked at things critically Christians wouldn't have their faith today. It was Paul's criticism of Judaism that gave us the letter to the Galatians. The Apostle John's concerns regarding Gnosticism, simply stated, spiritual elitism, that gave us 1John. Without criticism we wouldn't have The Apostles Creed, the Church counsels or loads of other important things. In other words I believe we should examine things to see if they are true, kind of a Berean thing.
Having made that clear as mud, let me proceed to wax eloquent about the beauty of friendship. If you have friends, people who know you and love you, you are a very fortunate person. Friendship is such a wonderful gift, it keeps one safe, it keeps us growing and moving forward. There is no way that I would be where I am today on my own, I have needed friends to help me, sometimes carry me. They helped me to believe that everything was going to be okay, that I would make it if I just hung on. The friends God has given me have made all the difference in the world to my life. They have given to me when I had absolutely nothing to give in return. They have brought healing to me, have nursed me along that way and have supported me as I have made my first feeble steps forward. To have friends that love you unconditionally, who stand with you and stand up for you is something I hope everyone experiences.
The truth is I didn't even know I had friends like this until I was in a difficult and dark place, it became very evident to me that I did because they came an met me there.
What has made me think about my old friends, is the new friends that I am making. I couldn't make new friends now if it wasn't for the kindness and generosity of my old friends, so I even owe that to them. I am grateful because making new friends has enriched me so much, bringing new challenges to me,
stretching me, making me think and bringing me joy. There was honestly a point in time that I felt I could never be happy again and I was resigned to it, believing I didn't deserve to be happy anyway. But that's not the case, I feel alive again, I have hope, dare I say I am enjoying life.
Now I want to be a great friend, I want to be someone who is faithful, loyal and loving. I want to give out of the abundance that God has given me, I am willing to risk, I am willing to lose.
There was a time I would have thought only of self preservation, not wanting to experience hurt or loss again. But then you meet people who draw you out, who cause you to risk, because the reward is so attractive. If you can know and be known and loved, it is worth the risk. If you are stirred up to be better, to do better, it is worth the risk. If you can add something to someones life, if you can bring healing to someone else, it is worth the risk.
God gives us so many gifts, he is so generous in all His ways to us and I'm thinking one of the greatest gifts He gives us is friendship.