The Church - - Then (1st Century) & Now (2010)

This post is a reproduction in total of Dr. Chuck Lawless's BLOG on 12/28 and he is acknowledged with appreciation.

George Barna has released “megathemes” of the American religious environment as discovered through his company’s research in 2010 (http://bit.ly/eBKWvG), summarized below in bold print. Any honest church leader in America would not be surprised by Barna’s findings.

Alongside those themes, I have included some of Michael Green’s conclusions in his classic work, Evangelism in the Early Church. A comparison of these viewpoints is enlightening.

1. The Christian church is becoming less theologically literate. Basic Christian truths are increasingly foreign, even to believers.

Green: “Primitive evangelism . . . included able intellectual argument, skillful study of the Scriptures, careful, closely reasoned teaching and patient argument. It was no doubt because of the careful teaching instruction they were giving that the authorities were worried about this new movement: ‘You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching.’”

2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented. Believers are increasingly likely to be isolated from non-believers.

Green: “The little man . . . was the primary agent in mission. . . . This must often have been not formal preaching, but the informal chattering to friends and chance acquaintances, in homes and wine shops, on walks, and around market stalls. They went everywhere gossiping the gospel.”

3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life. Present-tense survival issues are more important to Americans than spiritual issues.

Green: “Rigorous Greek thought, honest Greek seeking after truth made people impatient of the worthless deities they had traditionally worshipped. . . . Cleansing, security, and promised immortality – this was the . . . hunger of the human heart to which the state religion had nothing to say, and which refused to be silent.”

4. Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating. Justice and service issues have captured the attention of young believers.

Green: “They [the early church] were concerned with labor relations, slavery, marriage and the family, the exposure of children, cruelty in the amphitheater and obscenity on the stage; increasingly they came to see that the gospel carried political implications as well.”

5. The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian church. Moral absolutes are no longer deemed important.

Green: “Truth was a unity, and it derived from the ultimate reality made personal in him who was the Way, Truth, and Life. It was this conviction which nerved them to proclaim the absolute in a world which was dominated by the relative in its morals, religions and concept of history.”

6. The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible. Culture recognizes the faults of the church, but few specific positive influences.

Green: “Nowhere else [than the church] would you find slaves and masters, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, engaging in table fellowship and showing a real love for one another. That love overflowed to outsiders, and in times of plague and disaster the Christians shone by means of their service to the communities in which they lived. . . . In the early days the quality of their lives was blazingly distinct.”

What do we do with this comparison?

First, the evangelical church is in trouble. Inwardly-focused and theologically-compromised congregations should not expect to make a difference in a non-Christian society. The world of the early church was at least asking questions that only Christianity could rightly answer.

Second, the one hope in Barna’s findings is the passion of today’s young believers for social justice. These believers genuinely trust that the gospel should change the way we live today—not just in the future.

Third, it is Barna’s summary that most gives me pause: “In a society where choice is king, there are no absolutes . . . and Christianity is no longer the automatic, default faith of young adults, new ways of relating to Americans and exposing the heart and soul of the Christian faith are required.” If we understand “new ways” to include such issues as worship styles, outreach strategies, educational approaches, and social ministries, I’m on board. If new ways somehow ignore all old ways–not Barna’s intent, I suspect–I part ways here.

The American church does need new ways, but not at the expense of the old way that matters. The old way meant lifestyle change and willing sacrifice, as Green wrote most powerfully: “Christianity for them [the early church] was no hour’s slot on a Sunday. It affected everything they did and everyone they met. . . . You could mow these Christians down, you could throw them to the lions, but you could not make them deny their Lord.”

We need believers today who live like the early church did. May 2011 take the American church closer to that goal.

This is my (tcf) final post for 2010. I began because my wife and I saw the movie "Julia" in which a young woman who admired Julia Childs decided to do a BLOG post every day. I said every week. 38 times I honored that. Perhaps 2011 will be 52.

Happy New Year to my readers. Live a life of robust faith and allegiance to Christ. God's best!

What if this is all we had?

Recently a Pastor friend attended a gathering of Pastors. The topic of conversation was a recent round of visits to a variety of local churches and an analysis of the Worship emphasis of those churches. The discussion quickly focused on the ‘bands’ and how LOUD the music was. This was affirmed as though that is a biblical criteria for effective transformation of God’s people.

My friend held up his Bible and said in quiet reverence; “What if this is all we had?”

The room went silent – - stone cold silent! For 60 seconds no one said a word. Then, the individual seated at the table with my friend got up and moved to another table. The others quickly changed the subject.

So lets ask ourselves – - “What if this is all we had?”

Textual Narcicissm

November 29, 2010

#40

"What does this passage mean to you? "

Very dangerous question.

The proper 'first case' that must be made is premised on this question:

What does this passage mean as intended by the Holy Spirit and discovered through careful and accurate exegesis.

Textual Narcissism

Exegesis is an explanation. In the NT, therefore, exegesis is the explanation of a given text. Theologically, exegesis establishes the meaning of particular statements or passages. "...exegesis may be understood ... to be the practice of and the set of procedures for discovering the author's intended meaning." Thus, by yielding an understanding of the language, grammar, and syntax of a passage, exegesis provides a solid basis for exposition and application.

This means that exegesis must never deviate from confronting the text of Scripture to determine what it says and means. The historic Protestant principle of exegesis is that the text of Scripture has one sense, so that it is the job of the exegete to uncover what the writer meant when he wrote the passage under examination. Nowadays, it is popular to speak of meanings, plural.... Those who contend for multi-layered meanings effectively abandon exegesis and descend to eisegesis, "a reading into" the text of what the reader wishes it to mean. "This new system would have us understand a text not in terms of its syntactical or semantic structures, but in the variety of ways in which that text is "actualized" in our minds. To state it briefly, we are instructed that we should be reading ourselves as much as the text. Thus, all efforts to find the "real or single meaning" are considered fruitless for most modems, since in their view, texts generate a variety of meaning structures.

To deal honestly and reverently with Scripture we must adopt the historic Protestant emphasis on the intention of the writer of a Scripture passage. "What saith the Scriptures?" must be our watchword as we prepare to expound God's word.

(Adapted from A Dictionary of Theological Terms, s.v. "exegesis") The White Horse Inn

Accurate Exegesis

So, where do you stand on this issue? Consider the meaning of orthotimounta in 2 Tim. 2:15. Failure to do so misleads God's people and promotes egregious error in their understanding of the message of the Scripture. Be diligent in handling the text!

Orthodoxy Under Seige

November 22, 2010

I asked xxxxxxx once for his testimony, and he gave me the most convoluted story I ever heard. Jesus appeared to him in a dream and was standing with his back toward him. That's how he expresses his calling. On the few occasions I've heard him deliver a "message," it's been pieces of shear nonsense tied together with utter incoherent gobbledegook. I have the opinion, and maybe I'm just not as knowledgeable as I should be, but I think his main problem is a lack of regeneration, y'think?

The quote posted above is describing the 'Pastor' of a church plant. This initiative to my knowledge has no support from any other local church. There is no apparent connection to any denominational affiliation. There is no defined doctrinal statement or posture that is known. It appears to be simply the autonomous private agenda of one person.

Please understand, I am by no means opposed to church planting. I also do not believe that there is not a place for purely 'independent' assemblies. I also rejoice when there is a genuine effort to establish a light house for the gospel message.

Having stated those caveats, I believe this kind of initiative is far more prevalent than we may realize. The issues that concern me are:

* The mantle of orthodoxy is under assault to say the least.

* There is no process in place for accountability in the account above. When the Apostle Paul planted churches he regularly presented himself for accountability and review. There was a clear circle of regenerate people with whom he related and connected.

* Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. (Prov. 18:1, ESV).

* The historic position of the orthodox church through the centuries has been the full Authority and Trustworthiness of the Special Revelation of God, our Bible.

* The historic position of the orthodox church through the centuries has been the Sufficiency of Scripture. Today there are a host of 'extra-biblical' positions supported by "experience" but not the work and result of sound exegesis.

It is the conviction of this writer we need to go back to Vince Lombardi - - gentlemen, this is the Bible!

What say you??

Men & Leadership in Ministry

#37
Monday, November 15, 2010

#1

There is a crisis in the American Church. It is gender specific. There is an alarming paucity of men that are willing to engage key roles in Leadership.

I speak to numerous Pastors every day in various parts of the USA & Canada. Regardless of the geographic location, the Denominational affiliation or the church size, this is an issue. It is not becoming an issue - - it already is an issue. This fact causes a variety of dysfunctional anomalies in the assembly. There is a domino affect. First, more and more tasks are performed by fewer and fewer people. Those people suffer what is often labeled "Burn Out". Then, those people say, "Enough is Enough!" They drop out. This produces the final and fatal issue - the Pastor becomes the Lone Ranger.

There is also a sequel to this. The Pastor becomes weary, exhausted, worn out. This produces discouragement that borders on Depression.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/11/11/794661/the-pastor-burns-out.html

There is a solution. It requires significant courage on the part of the Pastor. Here is a proposed sequence for dealing with this issue in a local congregation.

Short Term:

A. The Pastor provides the body with 90 days advance notice of the problem. He does so with dignity and grace. He does not berate anyone. he simply states the problem with frontal honesty.

B. The profile is this. After three months the following list of ministry issues will NOT BE TRANSACTED unless qualified people step forward to do them. No compromise.

C. There is a frequent and sincere offer to train people qualified and willing to do these tasks.

D. Frequent reporting is provided to the congregation keeping them apprised of the progress or lack of same.

Long Term:

A. Teach the body the biblical profile for the men of the assembly; (Deacon, Elder).

B. Apply a biblical standard in enlisting men to be trained and equipped as leaders.

C. Establish the levels of maturity that must be achieved to serve in the various ministry venues.If any given assembly will do just these things significant progress will be made. If the body will not embrace this profile, why would a man want to contiue to serve there as Pastor? He is merely an endentured servant, not a Leader . Think about this and read the following sent to me today from a Pastor in this very scenario - then pray for him and others in a similar situation.

I am struggling, as usual, with the whole idea of XXXXXXX being a small church
not sustaining any real growth. I look at how we are doing ministry, and I truly
believe that we are doing things right, at lest when I compare us to what I hear
about from other churches in our area. It is truly a shame to me at how churches
around us are growing, yet they NEVER preach the gospel. They NEVER preach God's Word. Their corporate worship is nothing but the sappy, wimpy songs played on the Christian radio--it sucks badly. Yet they grow. They have happening youth
groups. They have dynamic small groups. . . . Several news churches have sprung
up around here and they have already moved into larger facilities--things we
have never been able to do. I get very discouraged.

If it is merely a matter of leadership, then I do not think I am going
to make it. I should just quit ministry. There is no hope for me. I have deluded
myself all these years into thinking God has called me to this, sent me to Bible
college and seminary (all paid for), given me experience, a vision, and a
passion for his Word and his glory in starting this kind of church, blah, blah,
blah. This has become a joke of life-wasting proportions. I have witnessed the
gospel to many people, have seen it working in people's lives, only to fizzle
out again--over and over. . . .

XXXXXX is not the typical church, governed by the Jones' and the Smiths, or in a battle over which one rules. XXXXXX is not a weak church. The core of our people are generally mature and strong. There are some high maintenance stragglers to be sure and some stress people, but I know they exist even the best churches.

Anyway, maybe you can help me figure out some of this.

Righteousness Exalts a Nation

#36

November 1, 2010

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. (Prov. 14:34)

Tomorrow the citizens of the USA will go to the polls. They will exercise a sacred privilege that the majority of the worlds population NEVER gets to engage. They will vote. That is, some of them will.

There are reportedly 60 million Evangelicals in the USA. In the 2008 election only 20 million of them voted. Just imagine the difference across our land if all of those 60 million had gone to the polls and voted for policy makers who champion righteousness.

Tonight at SEC we will pray from 6:30 – 8:00 PM that God will cleanse and heal our land. His promise is that if we seek Him, He will be found.

May it be so LORD, may it be so.

Immersed in Competence

#34

October 25, 2010

#1

Yesterday I returned from a series of engagements in Canada. I flew into Charlotte NC. On my way from the C Terminal to the E Terminal I passed a man playing a Grand Piano. He was oblivious to the frantic hordes racing past his instrument. He was smiling, talking to himself (and answering with a chuckle!)

He was playing Scott Joplin Rag. He LOVES that music. How do I know? Because he was utterly and absolutely immersed in the competence he had acquired in the realm of entertaining people by 'tickling the ivories." He was masterful. He smiled - laughed - answered himself! I had an organist in my first pastorate. She was a quiet diminutive genuine lady of the first order. Proper. Polished.

Until that is, she transitioned from A Mighty Fortress is Our God to some of Scott Joplin's Rags. Then she became a human dynamo. She ziped up an down the key board and the bench. She made the place vibrate with joyful expressions of lively tunes.

#2

Both of these people, when engaged at that keyboard, were in their element. They were drawn into a place where the hustle and bustle around them was non-existent. They had focus. They honored the composer. They made His music LIVE.

Here is the lesson for Christians. We are to be immersed in our faith. We are to make "the music live". We are writing a symphony every day with our walk before the God who redeemed us, immersed us in the competence for which he created us.

Do you live to make the music live? Is "The Composer" pleased with your rendition of His Song? It is a joyful thing. Long live the Competent Musicians of His Songs!

Probing Polity

#33

October 18, 2010

#1

The Apostle Paul would be utterly and absolutely dumb founded if he were to examine the Polity practiced in the Evangelical church today. It is a corrupt form of 'democracy' gone to seed. The consequences are devastating and the ramifications are horrific. Christ is defamed and the church looses standing in the world in which we serve.

Consider this. The Pastor or Pastoral/Elder Team invests 60-80 hours per week in seeking to bring Health & Effectiveness to the church via accurate exegesis and proper interpretation and declaration of the Word of God. A 'member', many of whom attend only casually and sporadically at best, have the same 'say so' through the process of 'voting'.

Further, it is quite common to see Robert's Rules, the Constitution or the By-Laws trump Scripture every time. Where did this atrocity come from? It was assimilated from the culture without examination or exegesis. I have encountered this over and over again in my consulting relationship with churches (sic). The cause of such practices are rooted in flawed Leadership. Men with that responsibility simply lack the courage and intestinal fortitude to address the issue. But, oh how they howl and moan about the situation.

#2

There is a solution. It requires the following:

A. Accurate and careful exegesis of the text as to what is and is not acceptable in light of Special Revelation.

B. Loving and compassionate instruction with the people that make up the congregation as to what the text teaches.

C. Systematically changing the governing policies of the assembly to accurately and correctly reflect what the text says. It is never acceptable to simply disregard existing polity documents.

D. Celebrate robustly with the people the implementation and application of a legitimate Polity Structure.

How many Pastors will embrace this challenge? Only the LORD knows!

Church Decline & Spotty Attendance

#32

October 11, 2010

#1

One of the Biggest Reasons Why Churches Decline

Most churches track how many people attend, but few churches know how often people are coming. People do not simply quit church one week; they phase out. They begin by attending less frequently. This issue is one of the biggest reasons why churches decline. Understandably, a plethora of spiritual reasons exist why people attend less frequently, but many churches do not even realize that people are gradually leaving the church by attending less often.

Let me share with you a basic exercise:

Church A has 400 people that come 4 out of 4 weeks (yes, I know that’s a pipe dream, but hang with me for the sake of argument). This attendance frequency means that the church averages 400 in attendance.

Church B has 400 people that come 3 out of 4 weeks (not too bad). But this attendance frequency means that the church averages 300 in attendance.

Church C has 400 people that come on average 2 out of 4 weeks (probably more realistic). They average 200 in attendance.

I’m sure that you get the point by now. Each church has 400 people that are part of the flock, but the average attendance at Church C is much less than Church A. As attendance frequency drops, the churches have drastically smaller averages, without “losing” anyone.

#2

I am not advocating legalism – a haughty attitude that every time the church doors are open everyone must be there. But the family that once attended almost every week and now attends ten times a year is gradually leaving the church.

Attendance frequency. It’s not the most important church health metric, but it’s one that is neglected. And it’s one of the biggest reasons that churches are declining.

(Written by Sam Rainer and posted on Nov. 9, 2009. I have made this argument for the past five (5) years - tcf)

50 Years & Counting

#31

October 5, 2010


#1

On October 2nd we celebrated 50 years of marriage. Francis Schaeffer said near the end of his life on earth; "If you want to do something really radical as a Christian, stay married to the same mate for life." We are working on that noble endeavor. Two essentials to achieve that. 1) You must stay married to the same person. 2) You must live long enough. Much of #1 is on us, #2 is primarily God's work.

#2

Men today let's talk about what it means to lead a balanced life. The 50th wedding anniversary party of a Christian friend was attended by a) his happy wife, b) his children (some of whom flew in), c) his pastor who thought enough of him to comment on his life, and d) about 40 friends. In his case, no one from the office. And he was very happy. Are you living as though a happy wife, children who still want to be around you, a pastor who would be willing to say something nice about you, and about 40 friends would be a great achievement? What more can a man really want?

The quote posted above is from Patrick Morley's National Men's Ministry message for this date. The timing of Providence is wonderful.

So I ask you men - will you, by the Grace of God engage such a glorious celebration? I hope for you and for the Glory of Christ that you do!

Parched Earth - Refreshing Rain

#30

September 27, 20910

#1

We have had 25 days without rain in September here in Columbia. When you walked across the lawn, it crackled. Dry is an understatement. The grass was as brown as a paper sack, lifeless, unattractive. Scorched by the daily 95+ temperatures we have had. Record number of days above 90 for September (Al Gore excepted!!).

#2

I flew back last night from Baltimore. By the time I landed in Columbia it was pouring rain. By 10 o'clock this morning the grass was already showing signs of recovery - that memorable 'green' was emerging, colorful, succulent, refreshing like the rain itself.

God's goodness is like that. There are persistent 'dry times' in our life spiritually. We long for refreshing. When it comes, like the 'greening of the lawn' we know that He has visited us. He has once again poured His indescribable favor upon us. We breath a sigh of cool relief. Thank you Lord!

Taking Responsibility as a Leader

#29

September 20, 2010


Failure to Accept Responsibility is a Failure to Lead

It was caused by forces out of our control. That line is not from a 1950s sci-fi movie in reference to aliens taking over the world. Rather it seems to be the assessment of many senior leaders in the financial services industry as to the causes of the economic meltdown.

"Nobody was prepared for this" is what Robert Rubin, a senior official at Citigroup, told the Wall Street Journal. "Maybe there are things, in context of the facts [the board] knew then, we should have done differently," Rubin admits.

Not acting "differently," however, caused Citigroup to lose $20 billion over the past year and to receive $45 billion in federal assistance. Although Rubin turned down his 2007 bonus, he has earned $115 million from Citigroup since joining the firm in 1999. As for "regrets," Rubin told the Journal, "I guess I don't think of it quite that way... If you look back from now, there's an enormous amount that needs to be learned."

One thing that may need to be learned (or re-learned) is a lesson in responsibility. It rests on three principles.

1. Be aware. Every leader needs to take a moment to drink up the action. You need to step back from the day to day flow and assess what is happening. Acknowledge what is going well as well as what is going poorly. Always be aware that things are not always as they seem and be prepared for surprises.

2. Accept consequences. Few executives need schooling in taking credit, but too many need some reminding about what happens when things go wrong. Accepting the consequences for failure is not a sign of weakness; it's a measure of leadership. While no one likes to fail, the sooner you accept what happened, the sooner you can move forward.

3. Resolve to improve. Some crises are too great for the current leadership to continue. We are seeing replacements of CEOs in nearly every business sector. But the majority of senior executives have their jobs, or new ones, and so they will need to discover ways to improve things. That starts with a resolution to make a positive difference. In crisis it means sacrificing short-term gains, e.g. bonus compensation, for long-term growth.

Behavioral scientists teach us that the first step in recovery is an acknowledgement of responsibility. But sadly too few executives are holding themselves accountable. This is not only bad for the future of our economy. It sets a poor example to younger managers and those about to become managers. Forget what you might have learned in school (or from your parents), these executives seem to say, do what you want to do and deny responsibility.

"The price of greatness," said Winston Churchill, "is responsibility." Something that all of us facing tough times need to remember.

This article is from 2008 and relates to the Finance Industry. It has wide and
legitimate application for many disciplines. Take Responsibility!!

Sense in an Age of Senselessness

September 6, 2010
#28

Bill Gates speech: 11 rules your kids did not and will not learn in school
by Kent Summers on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 8:34am

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

This should be required reading once per week in every calssroom in America. THANKS Bill.

In a Multitude of Speaking . . .

August 16, 2010
#27

Part 1

The Scripture teaches that when we speak, we open the prospect that we will err, sin, stick our foot in our yapper. Dr. Laura proves this aphorism in spades. Caution - listening is much more profitable than speaking. We should listen on a ratio of about 5-1. I had a Conference Call this morning. I wrote in 72 font across the top of my notes LISTEN!

Sure enough. Each time I was inclined to speak (in an hour long call) I noticed that 'neon' banner on the top of the page telling me to LISTEN! Good advice for all.

Part 2

Check out the text of this snafu.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38684474/?gt1=43001

Freedom of Religion or Freedom of Worship?

#25 August 2, 2010


Part 1

In the opening segment of COSMOS, Carl Sagan intones innocently these words: "The COSMOS is all there is, all there ever was and all there ever will be".

In that statement, using the language of accommodation (1984 calls it 'New Speak'), he quietly but absolutely removes the existence of the Triune God who CREATED the COSMOS from the minds of his listeners and proceeds to build an entire worldview on that premise. Lethal!

We are being attacked by this very methodology as I write. There is a Global initiative under way to exchange Freedom of Religion for Freedom of Worship. There is a vast and crucial difference. Freedom of Religion guarantees the right to speak and debate in the Market Place. Freedom of worship removes that free exchange of Truth and limits such endeavors to the confines of an assembly hall, etc. (if even there)

Freedom of Religion

Did you know that you have two Freedoms granted by the First Amendment regarding Religion?

Pilgrims were called Separatists back in England because they wanted independence from the established Church of England. In 1620, they sailed the stormy Atlantic for 63 days on the tiny Mayflower, seeking freedom of religion in the New World.

The First Amendment contains two clauses about the Freedom of Religion. The first part is known as the Establishment Clause, and the second as the Free Exercise Clause.

The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from passing laws that will establish an official religion or preferring one religion over another. The courts have interpreted the establishment clause to accomplish the separation of church and state.

The Free Exercise Clause prohibits the government from interfering with a person’s practice of his or her religion. However, religious actions and rituals can be limited by civil and federal laws.

Religious freedom is an absolute right, and includes the right to practice any religion of one’s choice, or no religion at all, and to do this without government control.

Your rights to Freedom of Religion and the free exercise thereof means:

•The Freedom of Religion is an inalienable right.

•The First Amendment provides for the Freedom of Religion for all Americans.

•The Free Exercise Clause provides that government will neither control nor prohibit the free exercise of one’s religion.

•The government will remain neutral.

(the above material was secured from Google with the simple string - Freedom of Religion)

Part 2

View this Video by Chuck Colson. Then Pray & ACT while it is still day because the night is surely upon us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROmD64hrv9c

Pastor, We're Leaving!!

#24 July 26, 2010

Part 1

Some of the most troubling words that a Pastor hears are "Pastor, we are leaving." That is of course when the Pastor is even informed. Usually, people just disappear and speak to every one in the county EXCEPT the Pastor about their departure. This list is designed to bring perspective to the reader and encouragement to every godly Pastor.

GUEST POST from Jason Helopoulos (Between Two Worlds, July 26, 2010) THANKS to Jason & to Justin!! - Appreciated

Part 2

“What right do you ever have to leave a church?” I can remember that question being asked by my ecclesiology professor in seminary. It is a good question and one that would benefit us all to wrestle with. As Kevin has recently pointed out on this blog, there is biblical warrant and there are practical reasons for entering into covenant through local church membership. Having entered into that covenant our breaking of it should never be done lightly. Clearly, there are reasons to leave a local church. But what are they? I have been thinking about this for the past ten years and this is my attempt at answering the question:

Good Reasons for Moving On—The Four P’s

1. Providential moving—If my job, family, or life has moved me from Dallas to Austin then I should probably find a local church in Austin, let alone if I moved from Michigan to North Carolina. It is right and good to belong to a local church and covenant with brothers and sisters in my own “backyard.”

2. Planting another church—It may be that I haven’t left my home town, but the church I belong to has decided to send me out with others to plant another church in the area. Notice though, that I am being sent out by my church, not leaving with a group of people because I am disgruntled or think it is a good idea.

3. Purity has been lost— It may take different forms, but primarily this occurs when the Word is no longer proclaimed. It could be that heresy is being taught, the Bible is never read or preached, or a much more prominent manifestation these days is that the Word is no longer seen as sufficient; it is used as a seasoning for the message of the week rather than the diet by which the congregation is fed and nourished upon. However, we must be careful here; patience should always be exercised and I must always test my own heart to see if I am “making a mountain out of a molehill.”

4. Peace of the church is in jeopardy due to my presence— This “reason” is hard to suggest for fear of it being abused, as it is by far the most subjective “reason.” However, there are cases where an individual/family can personally become a hindrance to the ministry of the local church and it is best for that person/family to move-on. If this is the reason I am contemplating leaving the church, then I must first test myself and discern whether it is because of sin on my own part. If that is the case then I must be quick to repent rather than move-on. This “reason” should always be approached with trepidation,

Possible Reasons for Moving On – The Three S’s

1. Spouse—An unbelieving or non-church attending spouse is not willing to attend this church, but will attend another with you.

2. Special Needs—Every family has special needs, so this one needs to be handled with care. A possible example may be that my family has a disabled child and another faithful church in the area has a wonderful ministry to disabled people which can help us.

3. Special Gifts—Another faithful church in the area may have asked for you to use your special gifts in their midst for the building up of the body (i.e. organist). Never decide this one on your own. If it is a possible reason, then it is too easy to think too highly of oneself and go running to the greener pastures. This is always something that should be taken to the leadership of your current church and wrestled through.

Reasons Often Used Which are Insufficient

1. Children’s Ministry—The Children’s ministry at another church is better. This cannot be a reason for changing churches. It is rather an opportunity for you to get involved in the children’s ministry of your church.

2. Buzz—Many people will flow to whatever church in town has the current “buzz.” The argument will be that the Spirit is at work there and we want to be part of it. But buzzes come and go. And so do the people that follow them.

3. Youth Group—The unhappiness of our teenage children in the current Youth Group, because of activities, other youth, etc. is not a reason for leaving the church we have covenanted with. I know this one will be controversial. Believe me, I have empathy as a parent and a former Youth Pastor. But our children are not the spiritual directors of our home. They should not be choosing the church we attend based upon their social status and network.

4. Church has changed—Churches always change. Unless the changes are unbiblical than we don’t have a reason to move on. We don’t move on when our wife or husband changes! We are we so quick to do so with the church we have covenanted with.

5. New Pastor—A new pastor is not a sufficient reason to change churches. It doesn’t matter how stiff, impersonal, unfunny, etc. he is. The list is endless. It doesn’t even matter if he is not the most interesting preacher. He is the man God called to this church for this time. And this is your church. Again, unless he is unbiblical why move on? You haven’t covenanted with a man, but with this body.

6. I’m Not Being Ministered to—I tell every one of our new member classes, “If we all walked into church each week and had a list of people we were going to try and ‘touch,’ encourage, or minister to, do you know how dynamic this church would be? Just on Sunday mornings, let alone if we did it during the week. If we each were concerned about the other person and walked in each Sunday with that in the forefront of our mind instead of, “Why didn’t he talk to me?,” “Why doesn’t anyone care about me?,” “Why isn’t anyone ministering to me?” Start ministering to others and you will find that you are being ministered to.

7. Music—Not a reason—whether it is slow, fast, traditional, contemporary, Psalms, hymns, or gospel choruses. Stop using it as an excuse!

8. There are others…we haven’t even mentioned the service is too early, the coffee is terrible, the pastor doesn’t know how to shuck corn (Yep…those are all true ones I have heard).

Swimming in a Pool of Caramel

#23 July 19, 2010



Part 1

Things here are about the same. I feel like ministry here has been like swimming in a pool of caramel the past four years. Everything has been harder than it has to be.

This is a response I recently received to an inquiry I made of a Pastor asking how he was doing.

When you encounter this scenario, and it is pervasively common, rest assured that the ministry he refers to is not ordered by the text of Scripture and enabled by the Holy Spirit. God's work is simply not of that sort. This is not to say there are not obstacles in ministry but they should not come from the people of God that are supposed to be serving with us. If they do, change of a radical magnitude is in order.

Part 2

Herein is the problem. COURAGE - - simple God given raw courage is lacking in most so called leaders. They fear men plain and simple. They tell me, "Tom, if I do that they will fire me." Really! You would be blessed. What are you afraid of? How do you know what they will do.? Proverbs says that the farmer did not plow because he thought he may have seen a few clouds in the air. What shameful cowardice.

Please understand, I am not promoting over-lording or leading as a thug rather than a compassionate shepherd. But, when you continue to promote swimming in a pool of caramel and call it ministry without addressing the causal factors you sir are a COWARD!

Change, institutional change from cultural lethargy to biblical effectiveness is a process not an event. it is accomplished by loving and teaching not by fiat declaration. It takes time, lots of time.

My point is, almost none of the pseudo leaders I encounter have taken even the first baby steps in the direction of change. They are filled with fear (the most frequent command in all of scripture is "Fear Not" - 366 times).

So Pastor, what is in your pool? Just thought I would ask now because there is a day coming when Jesus will ask you that very question.

Boccie Ball & Intentional Disciplemaking

#22 July 12, 2010

Part 1

This past Sunday was my wife's birthday. Our second son and family joined us for a celebration. Eric & I went to Verizon to address several issues with our phone service through that provider. Got EXCELLENT service from a competent and pleasant Verizon Representative. Refreshing.

Not wanting to waste the ambiance of such excellence we then went directly to STARBUCKS and enjoyed a coffee together sitting in those comfortable leather lounge chairs reading the sports page and enjoying the phenomenal relationship that God has blessed us with as Father/Son. As a wimpy act of pseudo-repentance and confession, Eric got his wife a sugary STARBUCKS to go.

Part 2

Nic & Drew wanted to have a little testosterone stimulation so we played a round of Boccie Ball. This is where the application enters the story. Intentional Disciple-making is a life-on-life endeavor. Those Boccie Balls are just colorful excuses to joust and 'buck up' as only guys understand. Pops kicked their kiester but good. Old but wise.

The fruit of this is evidenced in Drew choosing to 'ride home with Pops' after our Sunday AM service. We first put some icing on the cake in my main office. I talked with Drew about the thousands of books in my library. I showed him the obituaries inside Elements of Style by E.B. White, The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker, an essay by William Buckley in my huge Random House Dictionary about the absolute meaning of words. He noticed his picture on my credenza. He remembered what I had said at his Veterans Day Celebration at his school two years earlier and quoted my words back to me verbatim! He simply wanted to 'be with me'. What an honor.

Unknown to them but known to our God is the fact that earlier that Saturday morning while Nic & Drew were sound asleep, I stood in the bedroom and thanked our God for their lives and asked that He use them richly to glorify Christ. There are no words to describe adequately the joy of interceding for those who bear your name in the quiet of the morning. A treasure that exceeds accounting.

You see, those Boccie Balls are just a convenient way to throw a little testosterone around and do some life on life stuff. What a joy. Make Disciples and do it life on life - the only way!

Insane Metrics

#21 July 5, 2010

Part 1

Valedictorian - in schools and college, the student, usually the one ranking highest in scholarship, who delivers the valedictory address at graduation. (Websters New Twentieth Century Dictionary, p. 2016).

Please notice that the honor referenced in this definition is singular. There is one person who is accorded this honor.

There is a 'dust up' in Texas because a school has honored 100 graduates as the valedictorian. What? A spokesperson appealing for sanity in this post-modern insanity stated and well so - "this is more about equity than rewarding excellence". They are correct.

Matthew 25:14-30 is the account of the Parable of the Talents. Some received 5, some 2 and some 1. There is clearly a quantitative distinction in the distribution of talents as there is in the accounting that must be rendered as to what the recipients did with the talents they received.

This is simply a biblical principle and specifically in this parable it is the discretion of the Master as to who receives what, how many and what expectation there will be in the accounting for the application of these talents. The reward is comensurate with the actual accomplishment.

Part 2

Post-Modernism as a philosophical system is hell-bent on destroying any semblance of absolutes. Therefore, the metric they seek to apply is flawed. Student A's performance did not exceed Student B's performance so we will blur reality by giving everyone a big lolly-pop and call them Valedictorians plural. This defies reality and makes the honor a non-honor.

When Jesus returns in the Second Coming there will indeed be levels of reward. If your service was in fact in His eyes worthy of a certain level of honor He will bestow same. If you have been a sloth and not invested the opportunities God gave you He WILL NOT wink and make everyone Valedictorian. Get over it. Live life according to reality.

Even so, come LORD Jesus! MARANATHA!!

The JOY of Pastoring

#20 June 28, 2010

Part 1

I am often asked about the Structure for a Healthy & Effective Church. This is a trick question. Why? Because most of the time the person or group making the inquiry really thinks that there is a "Magic Bullet" hidden away in my brief case. For a small fee (usually they are thinking very small) I will work some voodoo magic and they will be robust, thriving and healthy in about 90 days max! WRONG!

There are essentially three (3) ministry venues that MUST function with excellence for a church to achieve both numerical and spiritual growth. They are:

A. Worship - warm, vibrant lively rejoicing in the God who alone is God. All ages, ethnic groups and genders can join together in this expression of praise and devotion to the Sovereign of the Ages.

B. Fellowship & Instruction - fellowship that is transparent but not threatening. Instruction that systematically equips people in the TRUTH of God's Word. Not what someone thinks about God's Word but God's Word. Those being taught must participate in active learning.

C. Intimacy & Accountability - small groups must build trust. People must reach the point of trusting one another so that they share the deepest life issues. They not only permit but long for accountability that they know will enable them to overcome the selfishness of sin. All participants know and practice the one another commands of the NT. They voluntarily submit themselves to an on-going accountability structure that actually produces spiritual transformation. They love one another as Jesus described in John 13:34-35. **NOTE - Small Groups are not defined on where you meet, how the chairs are arranged, curriculum, etc. They are defined by Intimacy & Accountability. This takes time, Transparency & Vulnerability.

Part 2

Today we enjoyed all of this and more. We focused in our worship assembly on God's Word and the joyful privilege of distributing thousands of Bibles to the BILLIONS of people in China. We received an offering that will purchase 100+ Bibles for those people. When the service 'ended' there were people still loving one another and sharing for at leat 30 minutes. There was a new little man there (4 weeks old). He never made a peep in 90 minutes. What a champion.

This service was followed by our Sunday afternoon Small Group. We ate lunch together. 7 'guys' ate lunch together and talked about their earthly fathers. Talk about rare! It was a joy to me as a Pastor to be part of this level of disclosure and how our fathers shaped our lives. Topped this off with Breyers Ice Cream and Pecan Sandies. Talk about blessing!!

We then viewed session #7 of Paul Tripp's War of Words - a study on proper Christian Communnication. One of our Interns added some additional material that equipped God's people to both listen as well as speak. Good Stuff.

We closed with prayer for one another and for Pastor Greg Dowey who is in China this week distributing Bibles.

Then, I came home and THE TRIBE smacked the deads (Cinn. Reds) right square in the CHOPS! Please understand the reality of this Ministry Structure. It has taken 13 years, much spiritual energy and many many battles to reach this joyful condition. But, it is absolutely worth the struggle. I plead with Pastors reading this to invest themselves in a group of people and pursue this profile. Sola Deo!

Straining at Gnats

#19 June 21, 2010

Part 1

I pastor a Southern Baptist Church. The SBC just conducted their annual Convention held in Orlando FL. Like so many Denominations, there was much harumphing and pious pronouncements - -ad-infinitum, ad nauseum.

The faithful anticipated this assembly with high expectations. The focus of their (our) expectations was the initiative known as Toward a Resurgence in The Great Commission. After many years of corporate denial, finally someone found the courage to serve as 'the little boy at the parade'! They shouted to the world - the Emperor has no cloths. No, the Emperor is Butt Naked!! There were many promises made that real substantive issues would be addressed, corrected and implemented in our ministry future. This writer personally corresponded with personnel serving on the Task Force. I received assurance that this would indeed be the case.

The statistical decline has been a Documented Indisputable Fact for decades. But, the establishment continued to substitute genuine fulfillment of the GC with the number of reported baptisms (both Jesus and Paul found affirmation of ministry in NOT baptizing - they were focused on making disciples!). The lie on this point is that according to our own research on those reported baptisms, fewer than 10% of those baptized could even be located one (1) year after their baptism. If you cannot find them, it is quite evident that you are NOT engaged in intentional effective discipleship.

So, in light of this discovery there was instant repentance, a modification of our theology of evangelism and our methodology in qualifying people for entering the waters of baptism correct? WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Why?

The SBC reports a membership of 16.3 Million. However on our best Sunday we may get 6.7 million in attendance. We must continue this charade at all costs. Never mind that it is not just the little boy at the parade that knows this is a BIG FAT D_ _N LIE! The whole bloody world knows this pathetic Truth and they scoff by the millions. We express a pseudo concern for the lost when we perpetuate such shameful accounting. This kind of duplicitous and shameful accounting destroys the integrity of the Gospel in the eyes of lost and redeemed people alike. But, when you insist on doing ministry with a corrupt theology and a corrupt metric, you are satisfied with the husks of the pig pen. We could go back home and find the Father rejoicing to forgive us and receive us but PRIDE prevents this wise and prudent action.

There was pontification on the evils of the oil spill corrupting the environment and of divorce corrupting the family. Resolutions were adopted on these issues - - only to get stuck in some dusty file drawer never to be seen again. But, there was no action taken on the issues that are corrupting the message of the Gospel; a seriously flawed Doctrine of Soteriology (the majority practice a synergistic rather than a monergistic approach to salvation). To bolster the sagging numbers (those numbers to be worshiped and preserved above all else) the trend is to baptize children at younger and younger ages. One report indicated that 38% of the reported baptisms were children five (5) or under. Ed Stetzer had an article titled Toward Paedo-Baptism written in alarm at this trend.

Part 2

The issues that flash like neon lights in the night that should have been addressed in deep humble repentance and contrition are:

1. The loss of church discipline. Not punishment at the end of the line but Life in Community and people holding one another accountable at the first hint of sin and departure from the narrow way; cf. Life Together by Bonhoeffer.

2. The corruption of the gospel in permitting the 'sinner's prayer' as a substitute for genuine Holy Spirit generated repentance and confession. Pseudo conversions have filled the pews of our churches with unregenerate people who are at ease in Zion. Evidence of this is we need entire departments in our State Conventions titled "Conflict Resolution". If the Holy Spirit does not dwell in the members, no Department from the Baptist Building is going to calm the troubled waters!

3. The use of one a dimensional metric - numbers as the sole dynamic by which we measure ministry effectiveness. More is better - - Buildings, Budgets, Baptism and Butts; or, the ABC's Attendance, Baptism and Cash. God is interested in the Transformation of His people into the fullness of the Image of Christ not mere numbers.

4. Classifying Sin. We will bust you in a minute for drinking an ounce of alcohol but you can be a glutton and weigh 450 pounds and all is well. What would happen to the pulpits across the SBC if we applied some sort of wellness standard to our Pastors that included a BMI index?

5. A Corrupt Polity. The church is not a democracy. No wonder there is chaos. People who have not attended for 5-6 years return to reap havoc via the practice of so called Congregational Polity. Ludicrous.

6. Unqualified Leadership. What would happen if all those who wear the mantle of "Leader" were to be examined by the text of Scripture as to qualification for service in the Body of Christ as a Leader? I work with hundreds of churches each year, many SBC and this is an undisputed fact.

7. The Absence of the Authority of Scripture. There is precious little exegesis to support ministry practices. When there is a credible attempt to apply the principles and precepts of the clear and unambiguous expressions of Scripture, those promoting such are shouted down or perhaps summarily dismissed.

Seven is the perfect number so I will cease. Not because there is not more to say, but enough is enough. I remain an SBC Pastor. But, I will no longer serve in silence. I intend to appeal to those in positions of Leadership to act. I will do so with Grace. I will do so with Passion. I will do so with Tenacity. Those who have served with me know full well what "Tenacity" means.

I invite any who read this post and find affinity with what I have written to join me. I plead with my brother Pastors to be found as Joshua and Caleb. The other ten were miserable cowards and their carcasses rotted in the wilderness. Rightly so.

My prayer is that God will not do less than bring the full splendor of His Holiness and Mercy to bear on our pilgrimage. When He does, we will be TRANSFORMED for His Glory! Amen.

Listening FOR the Word of God

#18 June 7, 2010

Part 1

This article is in many ways a study in the use of prepositions. A preposition is:

A preposition is a word which shows relationships among other words in the sentence. The relationships include direction, place, time, cause, manner and amount. In the sentence She went to the store, to is a preposition which shows direction. In the sentence He came by bus, by is a preposition which shows manner. In the sentence They will be here at three o'clock, at is a preposition which shows time and in the sentence It is under the table, under is a preposition which shows place.

A preposition always goes with a noun or pronoun which is called the object of the preposition. The preposition is almost always before the noun or pronoun and that is why it is called a preposition. The preposition and the object of the preposition together are called a prepositional phrase. The following chart shows the prepositions, objects of the preposition, and prepositional phrases of the sentences above. (quoted from the Interlink Language Center).

There was a time when Christian people gathered together to hear a Sermon could listen TO the Word of God. In the present culture you now must listen FOR the Word of God. What passes for preaching is very often an eclectic collection of alliterated outlines, poetry that has utterly no basis in sound theology and illustrations and stories, very often of an apocryphal nature; no credible citations of source or the identification of people and places . The purpose of such methodology is to produce an emotional buzz. The speaker then gives what is commonly known as an invitation. They plead with pseudo earnestness for the listener to 'respond'. To what? An objective analysis of 50 sermons chosen at random will prove this thesis in spades. There is precious little careful exegesis evident in what passes for 'preaching'. Follow the links for validation of my thesis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBwBG3brj1I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKN4EgMPY_g&feature=fvsr

Part 2

The following simple principles will serve as a guide for those who want to hear, apply and obey what the Special Revelation of God, The Scriptures say to mankind.

1. Does the speaker actually read, explain and apply what the text says?

2. Does the speaker do so "in context". Does the interpretation fit the text when examining what appears immediately before and following the pasage being proclaimed?

3. Would the original hearers understand this passage as the speaker is explaining it?

4. Has orthodox Christianity understood this passage as the speaker is applying it?

5. Does the speaker's explanation lead the listener to a common sense meaning of the text?

I close with the words of one of my favorite OT Prophets, Amos.

"Behold, the days are coming", declares the Lord God, "when I will send a famine on the land -- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. (Amos 8:11)
We are there and it is devastating. Listen with discernment. As John instructed us, test the spirits (1 John 4:1).

Attribution on Everything

#17 May 31, 2010

Part 1

The current culture is driven by internet expressed in a variety of forms; email, twitter, face-book, my space, etc. The results of that is the probability of total vetting or review by a host of people. This makes integrity openly transparent and subject to intense scrutiny.

People with a world view that is based in Christian Theism celebrate such examination. People who claim to be Christian Theist but do not honor this principle get exposed for their duplicity. There are a multitude of exhibits that validate this premise.

Part 2

The principle is simple and not complicated. When you write something original there is no need to attribute or credit any other author. When you cite another author's work, whether a quote or in essence of the content you MUST give credit to the author that produced the work.

There is a term for this practice - PLAGIARISM. The stable of journalism are replete with this sin; The New York Times , The Boston Globe, etc.

When you write, if there is any doubt whatsoever, footnote, end note, give credit to the source from which you drew the data. Better to offer overmuch documentation than to discredit your good name by the theft of a few words or phrases. There is no joy or satisfaction in unwarranted hyperbole or outright theft. Do the work. Take the credit. But, DO NOT engage in theft and call it authorship.

"No Spin" - "Mis-Speaking" & Flat Out Lies!

#16 May 24, 2010

Part 1

The following copy provides the public statements of two figures recently in the news; Campbell Brown of CNN and Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General of Connecticut. The first is a refreshing splash of "No Spin" straight up truth telling that is rare in our land today. The second is from a NY Times article published May 17, 2010. The reader is fully capable of assessing the integrity or lack of same in both statements.

I have . . . always marveled whenever a television anchor says that he or she pays no attention to ratings. I’m pretty sure the last time any anchor could honestly ignore ratings was well before I was born. Of course I pay attention to ratings. And simply put, the ratings for my program are not where I would like them to be. It is largely for this reason that I am stepping down as anchor of CNN's Campbell Brown. To be clear: this is my decision, and one that I have been thinking about for some time. As for why, I could have said that I am stepping down to spend more time with my children (which I truly want to do). Or that I am leaving to pursue other opportunities (which I also truly want to do). But I have never had much tolerance for others’ spin, so I can’t imagine trying to stomach my own. The simple fact is that not enough people want to watch my program, and I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else. (Campbell Brown speaking to the issue of her leaving CNN, May, 2010).

At a ceremony honoring veterans and senior citizens who sent presents to soldiers overseas, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut rose and spoke of an earlier time in his life.

“We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam,” Mr. Blumenthal said to the group gathered in Norwalk in March 2008. “And you exemplify it. Whatever we think about the war, whatever we call it — Afghanistan or Iraq — we owe our military men and women unconditional support.”

There was one problem: Mr. Blumenthal, a Democrat now running for the United States Senate, never served in Vietnam. He obtained at least five military deferments from 1965 to 1970 and took repeated steps that enabled him to avoid going to war, according to records.

The deferments allowed Mr. Blumenthal to complete his studies at Harvard; pursue a graduate fellowship in England; serve as a special assistant to The Washington Post’s publisher, Katharine Graham; and ultimately take a job in the Nixon White House.

In 1970, with his last deferment in jeopardy, he landed a coveted spot in the Marine Reserve, which virtually guaranteed that he would not be sent to Vietnam. He joined a unit in Washington that conducted drills and other exercises and focused on local projects, like fixing a campground and organizing a Toys for Tots drive.

Many politicians have faced questions over their decisions during the Vietnam War, and Mr. Blumenthal, who is seeking the seat being vacated by Senator Christopher J. Dodd, is not alone in staying out of the war.

But what is striking about Mr. Blumenthal’s record is the contrast between the many steps he took that allowed him to avoid Vietnam, and the misleading way he often speaks about that period of his life now, especially when he is speaking at veterans’ ceremonies or other patriotic events.

Sometimes his remarks have been plainly untrue, as in his speech to the group in Norwalk. At other times, he has used more ambiguous language, but the impression left on audiences can be similar.

In an interview on Monday, the attorney general said that he had misspoken about his service during the Norwalk event and might have misspoken on other occasions. “My intention has always been to be completely clear and accurate and straightforward, out of respect to the veterans who served in Vietnam,” he said.

(Update - Blumenthal received the nomination for the Democrats regardless of his lies. This says much about Democrats in CT and also about Blumenthal. TRAGIC! 05/22/10).

Part 2

The Evangelical Community is currently in the throes of a disgraceful display of double talk and duplicity in the case of Prof. Ergun Caner at Liberty Seminary in Lynchburg VA. Prof. Caner apparently, to use his language, has 'mis-spoken' in a multitude of areas on his CV & his resume. Rather than stepping up and providing clarity to these issues by answering the questions being posed , now by a whole host of entities, he has taken the posture of silence.

What exacerbates this fiasco is the tepid and tragic response of Elmer Towns and the University's leadership (sic??). I need not repeat that message here, it is available all over the pages of newspapers and magazines world wide. They first said there was no error or sin in Prof. Caner's conduct. Then, when the pressure came to bear, they suddenly decide they ought to conduct an inquiry.

The Muslim community is involved. The local Lynchburg paper did a front-page spread on this matter. No matter how this matter ends, damage of irreparable magnitude has been done.

In August of 1974 Richard Nixon taught this nation a principle. We are all sinners and we sin - - not 'mis-speak', but flat out lie. He did. If he would have stepped up and humbly asked the nation to forgive him I believe he would have been granted that most necessary grace from the American people.

However, that window remains open for a brief time. When it closes, no light shines through those portals ever again. Such is the case in Lynchburg. Sad. Kudo's to Campbell Brown. May her tribe increase!

Program Not Doctrine

#15 May 17, 2010

Part 1

Cecil Sherman died on April 17, 2010. He had led the so-called "moderate" element of Baptist Life now known as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Dr. Al Mohler wrote a piece on the legacy of Sherman. The following quote is from that article.

Speaking of the adoption of the denomination's first confession of faith, The Baptist Faith & Message, in 1925, he asserted that "no one paid attention to it." He was largely right. The denominational culture that produced the generation of Cecil Sherman was a culture of program, not doctrine.

Validation of this fact is not difficult. So called leaders are all looking for a quick fix, a painless path to numerical and spiritual growth. None exists. Give these impotent charlatans the option of the latest greatest 'program' and a clear path to true biblical transformation and they will snap up the program formula every time. I met with denominational leaders (sic) whose responsibility was church renewal. I began by stating there is no such thing as a 'quick fix'. Less than 10 minutes into my presentation one of them said, 'Tom, we are hemorrhaging, we need a quick fix!'

What don't you understand about the statement 'There is no "quick fix"? The addiction to programs is lethal and deeply etched on the soul of SBC life (and other denominations as well).

Part 2

Consider this statement from the work of James Davidson Hunter To Change The World.

Change in political systems and economic conditions can occur relatively quickly but the most profound changes in culture typically take place over the course of multiple generations. p. 45

Hunter also makes clear that the ideal access to effective change is through those he labels 'gatekeepers'. Most of these folks are also addicted to programs. They are prone to status quo verses change because change brings tension, strife and sometimes outright raw conflict.

What is the solution to the horns of this dilemma? I suspect it is the same as it was for the OT Prophets. Pray. Weep. Persevere. But, DO NOT COMPROMISE THE TRUTH! New Methods, sociological pablum devoid of Theological Substance will produce change and do so rather quickly. Another new program. But, the epitaph of this pathway will be yet another failed and abortive disaster, seeking to substitute program for substance.

The need of the hour is for Leaders who lead with Courage, Compassion and an unflinching dedication to the Truth of Scripture as determined by Holy Spirit directed fidelity to the text, Applied Theology with loving zeal for Christ and His Church. Now that's a novel idea!!

Pray for and with IgniteUS for legions of such Leaders. Our PURPOSE is to build leadership competence to transform Americ'as churches into healthy, intentional disciple-makers.

Follow this link and learn of 'unbelieving pastors'. This is truly a "fox watching the hen-house" issue! http://www.baptistpress.com/bpnews.asp?id=32843