Christ In The Shadows

Christianity has come a long way since the Apostle Paul’s ministry team kicked up dust along the road leading them to their next meeting. We are farther still from the time more than a million people fearfully camped around a smoking thunderous mountain known as Sinai – a place God chose to tangibly manifest His presence. It was at Sinai that He gathered the chosen so He could begin to show them how to live in harmony with Him and one another.

The smoke, thunder, and fire of Sinai carried a visual and audible message. The commandments on tablets of stone, the newly introduced laws for religious and communal living, communicated a message about their God and what He intended to do. In 1450 B.C. the mountain manifestation of Yahweh resulted in frayed nerves and stinging, smoke-filled eyes; the event instituted a way of living that was by any measure complicated and largely unachievable. Can we even imagine the impact of that astounding mountain experience?

Today Christians gather to worship their God in lavish facilities where the air is filtered, heated or cooled, and the sound is reproduced for clarity and comfort. Our expressions of worship use sophisticated musical instruments and arrangements, choreographed dances, and in-depth biblical exegesis. For the most part we manage our experiences with God – the time, location, style -- we even get to choose the methods. It is a far cry from the out-of-control mountain turmoil where our belief system began to take shape.

Though vastly different worship experiences, the 1450 B.C. and 2007 A.D. occurrences both reveal important truths about God and His desire to live among us. We know that God hasn’t changed over the centuries, so the record of Sinai and all that went on during that period is significant in our quest to know him. We could go so far as to say that without a clear understanding of the foundational and elemental truths that cascaded down the cliffs of Sinai, our understanding of God is incomplete. Surely the Pentateuch survived centuries of upheaval and disaster for reasons beyond the preservation of a historical record. There must be a significant revelation of God residing just beneath the legalism and ceremony that He preserved for us in scripture.

If we carefully browse amidst the smoke, thunder, and bloody sacrifices, if we examine the many facets of Levitic worship and Israelite communal living, a clear image will come into focus. There in the midst of the smoke and fire we’ll see the figure of a man. In the shadows of the Old Covenant story we can see the image that links all of history and scripture; there in the shadows we will discover Jesus Christ. He is there waiting for the signal -- preparing for that long appointed journey to the hill we call Golgotha.

A Compelling Reason

One of the important issues for the preacher is to adequately understand those in her audience. Jesus was a master at this… He consistently told stories that intimately connected His spiritual message with the daily experiences of those listening to Him. He used weddings, war preparation, coin collecting, rebelling children, criminal activity, lost sheep, farming, and even dead fruit trees to convey life-changing spiritual truths to his audience. Virtually every sermon had a memorable story embedded somewhere in the message.

While some may insist the Gospel transcends culture, and preachers simply need to preach the word, Jesus’ consistent use of practical and poignant illustrations suggests that good preaching requires more than simply laying out the facts. While the spiritual needs of mankind are rooted in the same soil of sin and rebellion, gaining access to individual hearts and minds requires careful and deliberate words and actions. The good minister creates a bond that will sustain and guide the flow of truth -- perhaps that’s part of our discomfort with prison ministry. We may recall how close our anger brought us to illegal activity? Before Christ, we likely used illegal substances, drank ourselves crazy, or drove under the influence.

While we may not specifically think about relating to our audience, those of us who teach and preach inherently understand the issue. It is that knowledge that can push us away from preaching to people we believe can’t understand or relate to us. In large part, short-term missionaries can effectively skirt the issue of connecting with their audience, as they cling closely to the interpreter -- someone who can take their message and make it understandable. With an interpreter, short-term missionaries can stand tall in the pulpit, confident that their message will be given relevant explanation and expression.

The issue of connecting and relating to our audience is exactly what keeps so many from prison ministry. Oh, that the cultural chasm between us and the inmate was only language… if all we needed was a good interpreter. We would probably go to prison in mass. But ministry to inmates involves bridging issues more complex than languages barriers. It has much more to do with unfounded stereotypes and unrealistic fears. The prison population is much more like us than we care to admit. Many of those in prison were convicted of activities we have done, or thought about doing. Talking to prisoners can be traumatic, as we are confronted with who we once were, or possibly some darkness with which we still struggle.

Paul opened up this unsettling can worms as he instructs the Corinthian church regarding immoral living. In chapter six of his first letter, he lists all the sins that get people in trouble, stating that such people will not be part of the Kingdom of God. The following verse stirs the emotions a bit as he suggests that people in the church were “just like that.” The difference came because they were made right through their faith in Jesus.

In the light of Paul’s assessment, it would appear that if God somehow removed his grace from our lives, the Sunday morning congregation would look surprising similar to the county prison population across town. Conversely, if the grace of God would somehow visit our prison population, it would look remarkably similar to our Sunday morning gatherings. Maybe I’m not thinking straight here, but could we conclude that the gospel is the only difference between the two groups? If so, we have a very compelling reason to take it to prison!

Risking Rejection

What is it that motivates you to roll out of bed in the morning? What incentive pushes you to tolerate and even embrace the routine and boring activities of most days? What is your grand purpose and what activities satisfy your quest as God’s creation?

Paul made an interesting comment regarding those issues of motivation during a sermon delivered at Antioch, Pisidia. The brief remark is a minor part of his main point, but it accentuates a divine perspective about our everyday lives and the decades we spend here on earth. Paul said, “…after David had served his generation, according to the will of God, he died…” (Act 13:36) This short and obscure summary of Israel’s most celebrated king speaks clearly. I hear Paul suggesting several things: 1) David’s purpose was ordained by God, 2) It was all about serving others, 3) The mission determined everything. As we read through the Old Testament it is easy to detect the failures of the Kings following David… it seems their collapse came after loosing sight of those three life-guiding principles. The church has often failed for the very same reasons.

As I studied the messages to the seven churches, I was frustrated by my inability to precisely discern the issues that were weighing them down. Certainly, each of the churches understood exactly what Jesus was saying to them at the time, but from our vantage point today the details are cloudy. As I wrestled with the scriptures, I was prompted to view the Revelation passage through the light of Paul’s comments about David’s life. Is it possible that the unhealthy spiritual climate in those churches was somehow connected to a lack understanding of those life-guiding principles? Could their struggles with love, persecution, false teaching, rebellion, perseverance, and lethargy all have roots in a fundamental misunderstanding of their identity, motivation, and mission? Consider this irrefutable truth: when a church looses its grip on those foundational issues of Christian living, strife and decline soon follows.

Pastor Rick Warren has changed the face of church ministry in North America by high-lighting the “power of purpose” in ministry. Could I suggest that “lack of purpose” was the major problem in the Laodicea church? Did Jesus characterize them as lukewarm because of their lack of passion, or lack of purpose? Let’s reflect on His figurative language of hot, cold, and lukewarm water -- a subject uniquely familiar to their city.

They were situated close to the famed therapeutic Hot Springs of Hieropolis. As steaming water flowed from the Hot Springs toward Laodicea it cooled and arrived there lukewarm -- too cool for medicinal purposes and too warm for refreshment. As the water continued to run toward Colosse it cooled and became a refreshing resource for that city. Given that background, it is evident that Jesus was addressing the Laodicean’s works – their failure to impact their community; their brand of Christianity didn’t benefit anyone – it wasn’t therapeutic or refreshing. Christ’s admonition was an effort to motivate them: be hot or cold, not lukewarm like the useless water that flows through your city!

This figure of speech brilliantly illustrates the value God places on ministry outreach. He has given every fellowship a specific purpose and mission, and from this passage we learn that He is prepared to measure and pass judgement on its execution. Can we dare risk His rejection as did the Laodiceans?

Let’s renew our efforts to lead life-giving churches, investing His power and wisdom in the mission assigned to us. The church is empowered to change the spiritual and social fabric of the community and world. The issue that often bogs us down has to do with our course of action. One guiding principle seems to be evident in all of this… whatever we serve should be piping hot or icy cold; lukewarm just won’t pass the muster.

Vision's Twin Sister

Over the last decade or so the topic of Christian leadership has held its place near the top of the “most requested” list of conference themes. For many it stands as an energizing concept, a strategic component of their ministry.

On the other side, it can be unsettling to the folks who are comfortable with the way things are. While scripture does not present any specific tutorial for leaders, it is hard to escape the significant role they have played throughout history. God always appointed men and women to talk and walk in His stead when He stepped across heaven’s threshold to guide His people. Each of the sixty-six books of scripture illustrates the divine process of leadership appointment.

In reading through the life of Joshua, I came across a sermon he preached to Israel near the end of his years. He reviewed their covenant with God and reminded them of their responsibilities. We often quote the challenge he set before the nation: "Choose this day whom you will serve." Joshua's intent was to confront God's people with the issues that could separate them from the land He had promised to their families.

After reviewing the covenant and hearing Israel passionately decide for God, chapter twenty-four records Joshua's final, and likely most rewarding action as Israel's leader. The passage reads: "Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance." It is a statement bursting with implications. Every Israelite had fought and endured the ravages of war; they had wrestled with the pain of both personal and community failures, and it was all in pursuit of the vision God had given to Moses. Suddenly, in this defining moment of their 40 year journey, they were told they could reach out and grasp hold of it. I’m sure for most the idea was a bit scary. No longer was this about a community or national achievement -- it became intensely personal, and there were untold risks involved. Joshua gave each person an opportunity to stake claim to their family’s unique destiny.

Destiny is vision's twin sister; they are inseparable - share the same DNA. For decades, Moses cast the vision of the Promised Land before God’s people, but with Joshua's leadership the vision moved more clearly into focus. It became an individual matter. Now there were family names and geographical boundaries attached – a personal destination with tangible benefits. It was no longer simply a promise, but location with street addresses and zip codes. It was a distinct place to live and prosper. It was their destiny.

There are some believers who remain unstirred by vision's beauty. On occasion they may bask in her glow or bow in wonder, but their quiet and conventional lives remain untouched by her charm. Somehow they remain blinded, unable to recognize the splendor of God’s plan for their lives. It is for such a time and person the leader was born.

The Christian leader’s vision is intensely personal, yet it is never given for the leader. The vision is imparted by God for the benefit of those who will dare to fight and follow. It is an inheritance not only found on heaven’s distant side, but a destiny waiting here amidst the pain and sweat as we fight to conquer Canaan.

Having Your Cake and Eating it Too

The “man on the street” poll can present a confusing look at what people really believe. Opinions concerning everything from political issues to the dynamics of church leadership fluctuate wildly, depending upon how a specific issue touches a person’s life. Most think taxes should be cut, however the majority also oppose reducing government entitlements and programs. In regard to church activities, many think the expenses of additional church staff is unnecessary, however they also clamor for more bible studies, better music, and elaborate and exciting youth and children’s departments. As a rule, issues never seem important unless they somehow personally touch us. This duplicity can be attributed to the horrible “having your cake and eat it too” syndrome (HCET)

It has occurred to me, as a non-professional, that the American Psychiatric Association should identify and name this dreaded disease so it can be treated. Perhaps giving it a clinical name, such as HCET, could be a first step for government funding -- setting up treatment centers in all major U.S. cities. Imagine the difficulties in treating this insidious disease: HCET patients requiring medication refuse to ingest it because of the yucky taste; they seek counseling, but won't talk about it; make appointments for treatment, but ignore doctor’s orders. This horrific situation cries for medical and government intervention!

The work of ministry often falls victim to the dreaded HCET rationale. There is only one cure that seems credible to me – accurate information about the church and its mission. Christ’s charge to disciple people requires a very personal analysis and involvement. Churches in every part of the world share the responsibility. Christians do not have the option of celebrating the call one day, then refusing to get involved the next. The divine mission of the church is our raison d'être – it is making disciples.

The great cause of discipleship is often maligned by Johnny-one-notes -- vocal and narrow thinking believers that see “foreign missions” to be the only discipelship focus. A balanced perspective sees Global outreach as part of our service to God, but there are also compelling reasons to focus on local ministry. The church needs to impact its own community before it dare think it can be effective elsewhere. The local church should be about the business of raising up leaders, teaching and training them to be good citizens of this kingdom, as well as heaven’s. If the process isn’t there, neither will evidence of authentic outreach exist at home or overseas.

The entirety of Jesus ministry was focused on preparing his congregation (disciples) for turning the world upside down. The key to His success can be found in His process of preparation - pouring his life into those few that would carry on the work after his departure. Paul understood the process clearly. He instructs Timothy in his second letter to the young minister: “Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.”

As you read this article, you may have recognized your own unique case of HCET syndrome – areas of your leadership may be listless and unproductive. HCET may have even ravaged your entire family and church. There is help and healing. If we boldly embrace the purpose and mission for our lives as leaders, God will miraculously treat our debilitating malady. As we courageously embark on the journey, faith will administer its own healing and energizing power. HCET syndrome - be gone!

Possess the Land

The descendents of Joseph came to Joshua with a complaint. It went something like this: "we need more room for our families, do something about our problem."

Joshua took their issue under consideration and came back with a solution. He recommended that since they were such a vast and prosperous people, they should go ahead and drive out the inhabitants and expand their boundaries. Ignoring the challenge, they came back again with the same complaint: "We are not powerful enough to do that... give us more land."

So in an act of conciliation and wise leadership, Joshua gave them an incentive to become warriors - he designated more territory as officially theirs. The catch was that they still needed to clear the heavily wooded areas and drive out the inhabitants that lived there.

It was the Valley of Jezreel that they really wanted - it was their destiny. It was a fertile land at the base of the mountains in which they were living. But Joshua refused to rally the army of Israel to clear that area of the enemy for them. The prospering clans of Ephraim and Manasseh would need to rise to the occasion and get it done on their own.

The unfortunate story is that they never had the courage to fully embrace their destiny - they were content to live in the mountains. It wasn't until David's monarchy that Israel finally realized the bounty of the fertile area God had given to Israel.

The lesson seems to speak to us as Christian leaders. We can not be content to merely hack out an existence in the mountains - spend our energy clearing trees and brush. The fertile valley awaits our cultivation, but we are required to embrace our destiny with courage and resolve. We must become warriors!

Our families, our communities, indeed the world is watching and waiting to see us bring the bounty of God's kingdom to our world. It is not the bounty of a physical inheritance as with Israel, but the delightful and fulfilling fruit the Spirit grows within the soil of the human heart, a land in desperate need of cultivation. (Joshua 17:14-17)

Worship with Excellence

Responding to God is our worship, whether it be in song, speech, or action. It may be the result of a fresh revelation, unexpected blessing, or simply acknowledging His lordship in our lives; worship is nothing more or less than our personal response to God.

For Christian leaders, worship takes on a unique dynamic. Standing in the pulpit, overseeing a staff of ministers, writing, ministering to others.... it is all a response to some level of revelation about God's plan and calling for those they are leading. For the minister, worship comes through communicating the epiphany he has received - an incredible privilege and responsibility.

For more than anyone else, a leader is called to express worship with humility and excellence. It must be with humility because of the revelation's divine origin, and with excellence because the message or action must exactly replicate what was received. Every event in the leader's day can be a powerful opportuinty for worship. Even church business meetings can become quite sacred - a time to explore and communicate "the plan and strategy" for establishing God's Kingdom on earth.

In reading 1 Chronicles, I was inspired by the ministry descriptions given to the priests and other members of the Levi family. The various family groups were called and commissioned to present a facet of the sacrificial worship experience to Israel, and they wholly committed themselves to the highest possible level of perfection. It was not a "who would like to do this or that for God." The delegated task, whether priestly, managerial, musical, or military was viewed as an act of worship and approached with nothing less than extensive training, coupled with a passion for excellence.

The musical expression of worship wasn't lead by mediocre musicians... the singing wasn't directed by "someone" who enjoyed music. The musicians were all highly trained professionals (1Chronicles 25:7). The gatekeepers weren't folks who just happened to be hanging out near the tabernacle entrance area - gatekeepers were highly trained with expertise and passion for doing whatever gatekeepers did at the house of the Lord (1Chronicles 26:12-19).

Given Christianity's roots in Judaism, I doubt that Paul settled for anything less than excellence from those he placed in leadership in his churches. He recognized that giftedness and effectiveness go hand in hand, and Paul was adamant about the need for people to understand and walk in their gifts.

It is a challenge for everyone in leadership. Are we still passionate about communicating the epiphany that once captured and inspired us? Is our staff passionate about excellence in ministry? Do our sermons, teachings, business meetings, and leadership opportunities exhibit anything less than our greatest and grandest efforts in worship?

Destiny's Children

The topic of vision has been hot within Christian think tanks for some time. It stands as a foundational concept for those desiring to build more effective leaders -probably an irritant to those happy with the status quo. I love discussions about the power of vision, and I'm on board with those who proclaim its value for leaders.

I was reading in the book of Joshua and came across his sermon to Israel near the close of his life. He reviewed their covenant with God and reminded them of their responsibilities. We often quote the challenge he set before them: "Choose this day whom you will serve." Joshua's intent was to confront God's people with the issues that carried the power to separate them from the land God had promised to their families.

After reviewing the covenant and hearing Israel passionately respond for God, chapter twenty-four records Joshua's final, and likely very rewarding action as Israel's leader. The passage reads: "Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance." Every Israelite had fought and endured the ravages of war and the pain of personal failures - all in pursuit of the vision. At this moment in Israel's journey they were individually commissioned to live the vision. It was a fresh understanding - they had become people of destiny.

Destiny is vision's twin sister; they are inseperable - share the same DNA. For decades Moses cast the vision of the Promised Land before them, but with Joshua's leadership the vision became very personal. Now there were family names and geographical boundaries associated with the vision. Each Israelite suddenly saw the vision as a personal destination with very individual benefits. No longer was it only a land of promise, there were names and street addresses attached - it was a place to live and prosper.

For some, vision's beauty hasn't been enough to stir them into action - not changed their lives. On occasion, they may bask in its glow or give verbal assent, but their quiet and quaint life has never been energized. The warrior is still hiding somewhere within them. Perhaps it is because the brilliant face of destiny has yet to be seen.

The most passionate battles are fought by those who have a personal stake in the outcome. It seems to me that if leaders could more carefully communicate the personal destiny awaiting every believer, if they would proclaim a quality of life far beyond present existence, it would cause God's army to grow more rapidly and live more passionately.

People should understand the vision we carry as leaders is not for us and our family. The journey is not about benefiting the leader, it has to do with a destination with every person's zip code and address attached. An inheritance not only on heavens side, but a destiny for each one of us living here in Canaan.

Buy A Sword

The conventional thinking about Christian leaders depicts them being quiet, passive, and certainly non-violent. The "turn the other cheek" and "give him your shirt also" passages stand as the benchmark for any minister of the gospel. But I wonder if we have forced the passive mentality of ministers a bit further than Jesus intended.

While we certainly should live in peace with all men to the best of our ability (Romans 12:18), Jesus recognized the need for a pragmatic relationship between ministry and efforts for peace. What prompted me to consider all this came as I was reading through the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Luke records a conversation (Luke 22:26,37) wherein Jesus alerts the disciples that a totally new environment for ministry was about to commence.

In their previous ministry trips (the sending of the twelve and seventy) Jesus instructed them to take neither money or baggage. But the future would look quite different, and they would need to change their ways. Jesus clearly instructs the disciples to raise finances and organize their ministry trips. The most alarming part of this passage requires ministers to purchase swords (dagger might be a better translation) for protection. It appears that with Jesus' crucifixion and ascension the whole climate for ministry was about to change. A new mindset would be needed.

There isn't universal agreement on what Jesus was communicating here. We have only two options: the swords Jesus mentions are figurative, or Jesus literally saw swords as necessary for the disciples' future ministry trips. Regardless how we decide to interpret the passage, one thing is clear - times were about to change and the disciples were going to have to shift their ministry mentality. While walking with Jesus, He insured the disciples' personal safety, but in the future they would not have the same level of protection. If Jesus was killed, it would also be open season on those who preached in His name.

So, as the church goes forth into all the world, we need to recognize that logistical or political climates are constantly changing. What brought revival in the USA in the fifties may very well be inadequate today. What transformed an entire nation in Asia in the seventies may be impotent in awakening contemporary Europe. Some scenarios may require a minister to pack a weapon for protection, in other settings doing so could be catastrophic. These two verses raise the inevitable scenario all leaders face - a different world. We must be alert and aware of the times and seasons in our communities and nation. We should always be asking questions about how God is tuning the ear of a nation or people.

Let's be servants who rightly discern the seasons; be among those who wisely plan and walk out the call. Of one thing we can be sure... no matter the situation encountered, He will be with us always, even to the far reaches of the earth.

Entitlement vs. Accomplishment

Training a new employee involves a lot of hands on attention. All businesses have procedures and policies that guide what happens within their organization, and it's important that new employees catch hold of them early on. Workers will sometimes disregard existing procedures and attempt to impose their own. If left unchecked, confusion and chaos will cascade through the organization like flood waters.
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One day Jesus took some time to highlight one of His kingdom's core values - humility. He was watching as banquet goers jockeyed for the more important positions at the table. They wanted everyone to recognized their greatness. The need for recognition motivated them to behave in ways detrimental to the kingdom He was building. What Jesus told the attendees was something like this, "Don't promote yourself. If you do, you'll only embarrass yourself." There is a better way.

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He said, do this instead: "Don't seek a place at the head table, sit near the back of the room. Then, if those in charge recognize you as important, they will invite you to sit in the front. In that way, those in attendance will have the opportunity to properly honor you, and you won't risk embarrassing yourself."

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The world is full of those convinced of their own importance. Go to any banquet and you'll find a head table filled with important people. The error is not with having a head table for important people, the problem could be with how those folks obtained or hold their seat. Is it a place earned or a position of entitlement? In the kingdom of God there are no places of entitlement... everyone is equal as persons. There are no categories defined by race, gender, finances, or social status. The greatest serves others and the servant becomes great.

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Notice how greatness is gained -- by activity. If it is true that entitlement positions don't exist in the Kingdom of God, our level of greatness can be enhanced in only one way - as we serve others. Jesus was making it as simple as possible. But out of that simplicity comes the main point. Greatness comes through pursuing the mission, not status. Yes, our mission has everything to do with people, but it goes much further. Jesus' washing of the disciples feet had nothing to do with personal hygiene and everything to do with enabling them to become men who would change the world.

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A lack of understanding about entitlement and service has filled Boardrooms with men and women lounging upon seats of entitlement - they may have once served others, but no longer. They may have once contributed to the mission, but they have lost their passion. Christian businesses or ministries that embrace entitlement over accomplishment have ignored the very fabric of what makes the Kingdom of God unique. It is sad to see how the entitlement mentality has hamstrung otherwise fine denominations and ministries.

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If the church is going to turn the world upside down, we need to first allow the kingdom message to turn our own world around. On this one point concerning humility and service, Jesus' larger message must penetrate our understanding of what it means to become a servant, and how believers can righteously aspire to greatness in the Kingdom of God. We are in dire need of a few more great men! Luke 14:7-9

Lightning In our Hands

There's nothing more awesome than watching lightning streak across the summer sky, then waiting for the ensuing crash of thunder to announce what we try to forget -- the overwhelming power and destruction of nature's forces.

Lighting strikes have been observed by man since Noah led his procession from the ark on majestic Mount Ararat. To the ancients who knew little about science, lightning spoke specifically of the unseen spiritual world around them. It was a constant reminder that mankind was part of something much larger than themselves - there was a world of unseen forces that were active, and apparently warring, in the heavens.

Certainly, when Jesus walked the earth lightning cast a strong mystical shadow on those living in Palestine. When lightning lit up the Jerusalem skies it probably reminded Jews of the judgment that God was capable of pronouncing. During violent storms parents would likely calm their children with stories of how lightning reminded everyone of God's presence and power in the heavens, and how lightning accompanied Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai. In the minds of first century believers, lightning carried a definite connection with the spiritual realm.

This background is important as we read Luke chapter 10 - the account of Jesus sending the 72 disciples to prepare villages for His ministry. When they returned and gave their ministry report, Jesus became emotional as he heard of their exploits. He illustrated (as He did most teachings) their earthly ministry activities as something akin to lightning flashing in the heavens, then in the same exchange, as Satan somehow falling amidst that lightning

In the ministry of the seventy-two, Jesus could see an escalation of the battle in the heavens -- a new onslaught against the evil spiritual world. As lightning cuts through a quiet sky, neutralizing oppositely charged cloud formations, the ministry of the disciples was likewise piercing through the devil's dark strongholds on earth. Satan's deception of the nations was being attacked with new power and strategies.

The excitement (joy) Jesus expressed came as He witnessed how His divine plan of redemption gathered human warriors for the battle - men and women commissioned to assault evil in His name. Our mission as believers is to carry the commission given the twelve, the seventy-two, and the one hundred and twenty. As we go to war in His name armed with varied methods, strategies, and doctrinal perspectives, we will be as lightning in the dark sky... discharging and destroying a long standing evil charge in our world. As we go in His name, it is as though we carry the very awesome power of lightning in our hands.
(Luke 10:17-20)

Magnetism

I was sitting at the breakfast table with Linda (my wife) chatting about a variety of topics. Somehow we landed on the subject of effective communication from behind the pulpit. We talked at length, covering everything from preaching style to the variety of giftings. At one point one of us brought up natural charisma and the incredible power those so gifted can wield. I observed that most believers are confused about charisma, and have trouble differentiating between the natural and spiritual kind. We concluded that it must be a difficult journey for those having natural charisma - possessing the ability to move people toward virtually any goal - godly or ungodly.

That caused me to think about magnetism... It is a force field created by the presence of an A.C. voltage. If electrical conductors (wires) are configured in a certain pattern and electrical current travels through them, it will create a force field which will attract or repel most metals. That is the basic science behind electric motors - it is all about magnetism.

Christian leaders must become magnets. Leadership will not occur unless a magnetic individual creates a force field that attracts people, moving them toward the leader and a mutually accepted destination. Paul taught this in 1 Corinthians chapter eleven. He wrote,"follow me as I follow Christ." He desired people to move toward him and his vision of reaching the world.

Leadership is stepping into a room and creating a magnetic field that not only draws people to God, but to the vision given to that leader. If the person identified as leader draws people's eyes only toward God, that community of people will soon splinter and disintegrate (Proverbs 29:16). There must be the presence of a magnetic vision that keeps people focused - not on a man, but on God's mission. If leaders want their people to stay and fight alongside one another, it must be based upon a clear cause, not their care for the leader. The leader will make mistakes and mess up regularly - it will be the vision that keeps everyone battling, despite the barrage of weapons leveled against them.

Electrical magnetism requires three things: electrical conductors, an electromotive force (voltage), and a completed circuit. All three of these will vary depending on the circuit design and application. As leaders, we need to endeavor to be good conductors, use the maximum available electromotive force, and refrain from resisting the methods and strategies required for moving a community of believers.

Methods Matter

For a multitude of rational and well-intentioned reasons, church leaders have often chosen to approach missions with little regard for the biblical pattern provided within scripture. If New Testament principles were adopted and applied today, bringing closure to the Great Commission would truly be within the reach of this generation; the power and results would more closely parallel the pages of Acts.

Questions begging for attention ask: Do conventional “missionary” endeavors and projects supported by evangelical churches around the world compare with the methods and principles set forth in scripture? How does the fruit of contemporary missionary work (considering financial and human investment) compare with that in the first three centuries? The answers to such questions may be discussed and debated in academic circles, but seldom do church missions boards and leaders busy themselves with resolving the conflicts raised by their methodology. Consequently, money, energy, and people are too often invested in ill-advised and unproductive missions ventures.

Church leaders pat themselves on the back as they tally up the thousands of dollars given to the many misguided projects. It would be humorous (if unsaved people were not in the balance) to listen as church leaders measure their missions efforts in terms of dollars spent rather than kingdom results. Would it not be imprudent for a business to measure success in “dollars invested” rather than return on the dollar? Could we say it is often true for cross-cultural ministry as well?

Over the centuries God has unquestionably honored the vision and commitment of those called to foreign lands and people. Great exploits have been accomplished by men and women who sacrificed families and fortunes for the sake of winning pagan people isolated from the gospel message. The excellent work by Ruth Tucker, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, provides a biographical history of those God used to reshape the world. With awe and gratefulness we stand upon their shoulders to see and understand God’s revelation for this generation, the generation of missionaries that may actually usher in the second coming of Jesus.

Over the last half-century, a multitude of men and women have been called by God to rethink the entire scope of mission theology and strategy. The voices of men such as Donald McGavern, Melvin Hodges, Ralph Winter, Don Richardson, and Peter Wagner have clearly impacted the process and methods of missionaries worldwide.

Let’s continue to identify and embrace new wineskins along with our new wine. The old days are gone and the future is here – days that demand powerful, strategic, and relevant messengers of the Kingdom.

Purveyors of Light

"All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" Jesus could not have rankled religous leaders any worse than with His perceived laissez-faire approach to people who sinned. Try to place yourself among the onlookers as the Rabbi took time from His busy schedule to defend a woman caught in adultery - then releasing her without a word of condemnation.

On another occasion a woman interrupted Jesus' teaching, poured perfume on His feet and then wiped them with her hair - an act bursting with all kinds of inappropriate connotations. From a purely religious perspective, how could any God-fearing person not question such behavior? The scriptures are replete with examples of Jesus accepting sinners: tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, and the like. The dregs of society were comfortable with Jesus, and most confounding, Jesus was comfortable with them - he did not attempt to curse their darkness

On occasion, I'll try to navigate through my dark garage after I close the overhead door. I know where the cars are and I know where each item in the garage is located, yet I invariably bang into something or trip as I make my way across the room. I could become angry and curse or destroy the items that cause me injury, still the darkness would leave me vulnerable to nasty bumps and pain.

One thing about darkness, whether spiritual or natural, it's not a condition that can be corrected by darkness removal. The only antidote for darkness is light.

Jesus' ministry reveals that the remedy for mankind's darkness is not found in cursing, managing, or extracting it. The remedy for darkness is spiritual light. Jesus, as the light creator, knew its incredible effects upon both the natural and spiritual realms of existence. People stumbling, tripping, and injuring themselves are best served by light.

Consequently, Jesus spent time with the woman at the well, stooped to help the adulteress, and ate with the crooked tax-collectors. His focus was not in removing obstacles that tripped them, but in shining light into their lives so they could clearly see the path for their journey.

Our message to the world should echo the words of Jesus as he released the woman from her stoning: "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." (John 8:1-12)

It's All About Me!

"Hey John, you know that preacher we met at lunch yesterday, he's starting to minister just like you. In fact, he's got his whole ministry team baptizing people. His meetings are starting to draw some pretty big crowds, perhaps we should rethink how we do ministry. This whole traveling on foot thing we're doing -- it's yesterday, man -- we need to move faster and speak to more people. How about we start raising money to travel by horseback - imagine how many more towns we could visit, how many more people could hear you speak."

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At one time or another all Christian leaders wrestle with the issue brought by John the Baptist's staff -- self-preservation. Someone will emerge from obscurity and begin to move the spotlight. He may not preach better, but he is a new voice and it is distracting folk - the attention is no longer on us. When this happened to John, he made an unlikely decision about his ministry future.

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John's life provides a portrait of a man with incredible spiritual depth and strength. He understood the role God had given him, and he understood God's plan was bigger than a single individual. In other words, it wasn't all about him. He may have been an unsophisticated and simple man, but he was a spiritual giant on the inside. He proved to be a powerful and captivating preacher; he single-handedly changed the spiritual landscape of his country, but he knew it was not all about him. He was comfortable in his skin and secure in who he was. He didn't have to push others down in order to look taller.

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As we read about John's ministry transition, it's easy to take the ministry competition incident for granted. We assume it was natural for him, but my observation of human nature tells me otherwise. The Bible is filled with Godly men who didn't properly discern the seasons of God. Too often we hear of ministers whose image becomes tarnished in their later years. As men and women grow older, they sometimes wage an ego-driven war to maintain their power and prestige.

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I recently read about the last years of famed Azusa Street pastor, William Seymour. In 1909 the revival at his Azusa Street church had waned, with only a hundred or so people attending the weekly meetings. While traveling to minister, Seymour invited Evangelist Charles Durham to fill the pulpit during his time away. As Durham ministered, many were healed and baptised in the Holy Spirit. Thousands of people began pouring back into the church each week. When Seymour heard about the meetings he rushed back to Los Angeles and promptly pad-locked the door so Durham couldn't preach. Durham moved his meetings to another site, and Seymour was left with a scant 20 people.

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The remaining years of Seymour's life were reduced to welcoming tourists to his Apostolic Faith Mission, the site of the Azusa Street revival. His ministry entailed little more than telling visitors about how things used to be.

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John the Baptist's words to his staff speak volumes to leaders today: "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." It seems we all have a choice to make in the area of self-preservation. We can fight to maintain our small niche of power and prestige, or we can discern the seasons of God, diligently lifting others to their place for tomorrow. In so doing, God can continue to bless us while accomplishing His plans for the coming season. (John 3:30)

Fig Tree Experiences

It seems almost incidental.... Jesus meets a young man and they have a brief discussion about a private moment in his life. When Philip introduced Nathanael, Jesus said, " I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you."

The temptation is to hurriedly read past the exchange and discover the more compelling outcome with Jesus. But the brief conversation calls out to us. Though it is hidden, we sense a profound moment. The reader is drawn back to search for clues as to what may have happened to Nathanael under that fig tree. But we are not allowed to know - it's private. God provides no details and we are left to wonder about the disciple's personal life.

We don't know whether it was the "experience" under the tree or the "revelation" given by Jesus that impacted Nathanial so profoundly. But, we can easily detect a major shift in how Nathanial perceived this new Rabbi. What happened under the tree? Was it a prayer Nathanial had prayed? Was it a passionate request asked of God? Was it an "under the fig tree" business decision?. Perhaps it was moment of rededication, maybe a life dominating sin finally overcome.

During His lifetime, Jesus called and enabled men and women for leadership roles - he continues raising up leaders today. Whether those called attain or experience all that God has prepared may very well hinge on those "fig tree" experiences -- monumental private moments about which no one else will ever know.

In my life, the most decisive moments have been ones few people know about. The irony carries the lesson well: what occurs in privacy under the fig tree, may very well define the call and scope of our ministry in public. Fig tree experiences determine whether leaders will achieve their destiny and lead, or join the rank and file - content to follow? (John 1:45-51)

Who's Drinking the Wine

In his gospel, John clearly states the purpose for the biography; he wrote it so readers would believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and in believing, gain new life. To fully appreciate John's story we should pay careful attention to the message Christ's actions communicate. Aside from proof that Jesus could do miracles, how do the "signs" recorded by John instruct us about His mission and spiritual kingdom?

The Gospel of John tells of the day when Mary, Jesus, and some of the disciples attended a marriage ceremony in Galilee. The festivities were well into the week-long event when things suddenly came to a screeching halt. To the host's surprise, all the wine had been consumed, and some of the folks were unhappy and ready to pack things up and leave.

Those of you with any level of experience in long celebrations understand the importance of wine at a party. We may cringe a bit to think that Jesus was part of such an environment, but we need to remember that Jesus lived before the modern American fundamentalist movement. Jesus seems to be a comfortable participant in his culture, knowing that his kingdom was not of meat and drink.

You know the story... Jesus saved the day for the bride and groom. Through his miraculous intervention, about 150 gallons of water were turned into wine, ensuring that the celebration would continue with all the frivolity the host intended.

But this story isn't simply about Jesus turning water into wine. While it may show concern and commitment to the people of His community, John included this miracle for its prophetic and figurative implications. The life and ministry of Jesus was about spiritual wine... about serving humanity a libation far more intoxicating than fermented grapes.

Through this miracle we see the true mission of Jesus portrayed. As He instructs the servants to fill stone pots with water, we can appreciate an underlying message. It is a metaphor that points to the coming birth of His church; Ordinary vessels filled with supernatural drink. The miracle directs our attention to our divine mission -- His people serving those downcast and sad, those poor in spirit. The new wine is much better than the old, for all who drink of it will gain a new kind of life.

The wine of His making is not for spiritual self-indulgence, nor to fuel spiritual egos; it is not for displaying in elaborate man-made wine racks. His new wine is to be ladled into our communities. It is to be refreshment and remedy for all those folks looking for that good stiff drink; it is to help and heal the needy -- enlarging the kingdom of God on earth.

Well, if that's the case, let's plan a big party. Let the celebration begin! (John 2:1-12)

Things That Go Bump In The Night

It had been a frustrating week at the office... A staffing situation was unsettled and the help I had been counting on during the most hectic season of the year was out because of health problems. I was in the midst of a 60 hour week and I was beat, ready for a long night of rest.

But last Thursday morning at around 4 o'clock I awoke out of a dead sleep and the Lord began speaking to me for a couple hours. Lest you think I'm some kind of nutty mystic, this is not something normal for me. I can be a night person and study long into the morning, but once I hit the sheets I'm wasted until after my morning shower - not so on Thursday. It was the kind of awakening that comes when you hear something go bump in the night.

During this early morning meeting, He addressed some personal issues I had been concerned about, but most inspiring were the teachings given about two unrelated passages. I had not read them in the previous week, and to the best of my recollection, had not entertained any discussion or thought about them. The communication was so explicit that I was compelled to go to my desk and take notes -- almost two pages. The Lord even asked me a question about what I thought about a particular verse. Mind you now, it wasn't an audible voice, it was a mind thing, but a heart thumping experience non-the-less.

I'm hoping that this initiated a new phase in my relationship with God. Generally, he speaks during sermon preparation, while listening to a sermon, or during prayer. This was definitely a bonus session for me!

So, it's getting close to my bedtime now -- time to enter the land of crazy dreams and the friendly Sandman. I will admit the early morning session prompted me to make some changes to my sleeping habits. Now I turn down the volume of my sound machine quite a bit. You see, I want to be sure it doesn't drown out the noise of anything that might go bump in the night. (I Samuel 3:10)

Apostles -- Foundational and Strategic

After a two week sabbatical, I am back at the keyboard and will resume the weekly postings on our Life Beyond the Pale blog. I return to the topic of five-fold ministries, and the divine energy God calls them to infuse into the church today.

The word apostle is a transliteration of the Greek word apostolis, which carries the thought of being sent forth. In secular Greek (from which the word was borrowed) it had a military connotation: sent forth to achieve a military objective. I think it an injustice to dumb down the the biblical definition of apostle to simply: one sent. It seems to me that in so doing we drastically diminish its spiritual role within the five-fold listing. If the only criteria for apostleship was being sent forth, everyone reading the Great Commission would meet the qualifications for apostleship.

Several interesting facts about New Testament apostleship may guide us to a fuller understanding of the apostle: 1) There were in Paul's stable of ministers, a group (including at least one woman) that he designated apostles, 2) their role was much more strategic than simply being sent forth, 3) they were given a special "grace" that enabled them to carry out a unique ministry (i.e. their function [office] prompted the title apostle).

Aside from a purely arbitrary "cessation" approach to the Spirit's activity in the church today, there is no scriptural evidence that suggests any of the five-fold ministry gifts were somehow targeted for removal from the church after the first century. Given that understanding of scripture, the question becomes, what does an apostle bring to the church and how can we honor and embrace that ministry?

It is hard to deny that New Testament apostles carried an anointing and authority for building. Paul states that he was given the "grace" to be a wise master builder. Consequently, we can logically conclude that those he identifies as apostles were likewise gifted to partner with him for bringing order and structure to the work of ministry (wise master builders).

Apostles are those appointed and anointed by God for bringing form and strategy to the church. Throughout history apostolic ministers have emerged, powerfully launching new initiatives and redefining traditional church polity. What often resulted from their ministry was a denomination bearing their name, created to carry the movement to the next generation. But institutions are not what God designed for bringing form and initiative to the church - it is gifted men and women. Consequently, denominations have largely failed to maintain any level of spiritual vitality and vision - many becoming relics of glorious days past.

As we look around our cities today, we note a growing number of large ministries that are labeled megachurches. The reason for their ability to rapidly grow can be found when we identify the ministry gift of the leader of that church. He may be called Senior Pastor, but it is his apostolic gift that provides the impetus and structure for reaching and accommodating his grand vision. He is a networker, strategist, and carries a vision for his city and the world.

So, maybe we should muster up the courage and call such folks apostles rather than pastors. Those so gifted can be easily identified by their immense vision, ability to raise up spiritual sons, and the entourage of gifted ministers who work together to guide the organization and effectively carry the ministry load. (Ephesians 4:11)

Teachers - Uncovering Gems from Scripture

Some years ago I was assembling a team to teach at a gathering of national leaders in Central America. In addition to a few teachers, the team included several pastors who were interested in learning more about the missions work.

I knew the pastors were hoping to preach, but I needed to limit their pulpit ministry so the invited teachers would have ample time to develop their topics. During preparation, someone commented to me: "Pastors should be able to teach, why limit their involvement?" The question revealed a dangerous oversight in respect to the specific role of the teaching ministry gift in the church. While it is true that all pastors teach, they are not all teachers.

I know many people who enjoy playing music, but only a handful could be considered musicians -- the difference is quite easy to recognize. The one creates a melody, the other a work of art. Likewise, many can teach from the scriptures, but few are graced with the ministry gift. Teachers are anointed to communicate profound biblical insights that challenge and captivate the heart -- they confront us with truth.

Those graced with the teacher ministry gift have no need to delve into questionable theology or twist established doctrine. Like a miner digging into the mountain of scripture, time and time again the teacher will return from his work with radiant gems to share with the church. His messages correct wrong thinking and debilitating attitudes -- they keep the church on a proper course. While all ministers are called to teach and disciple those in their care, sitting at the feet of a teacher transports the student to the deep places in God.

There are many warnings in scripture about teachers who forsake the truth and teach doctrines alien to God's word. The church must be cautious in rightly perceiving the role and ministry of its teachers, not mistaking cleverness for biblical insight. The men and women who uncover, cut, and polish the life-changing gems from scripture are essential to building strong and world-changing churches.

Let's keep our ears tuned and pulpits open to the ministry of the teacher. They may lack the bling of the four complementing gifts, but if we listen closely we'll find ourselves inspired and on the right course with God.