Driving down the road this morning I was rehearsing in mind my thank you talk. "thank you for your faithful support to IL Ministries... It's making a difference in the lives of pastors and people across this state..." then I would share two or three things that are happening. Connect with the people in a closing statement.
The routine that I used to sweat over has become fun and comfortable. I love the discussions in the church lobbies that follow.
This morning is different because of the Word of the Lord. The word spoke to me and is causing me to rethink.
The Word of the Lord:
This is what the lord says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the lord.
If there is anything to report, anything to share, anything to celebrate, any reason to give it's this... I want to know God more, I want to delight in His ways more, Jesus loves me and He loves you!
What else is there? When we speak to God, He listens.
There is a passage of Scripture that amazes me, it's in James: Elijah was a man, just like us! So, if Elijah, the man who called down fire. Elijah, the man who ran faster than any man ever before, Elijah, the man who never died... Just like me?
Oh to know God more and to boast not of works nor tell of my good deeds but to boast in this, God knows me!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
10 Simple Things Good Pastors Say
1. Please forgive me.
Better than "I'm sorry," which can often be followed with an "if" or a "but," these words indicate a humble heart. Bad pastors hide their faults behind the cloak of their authority, practice self-defense against all charges, and basically pretend. Good pastors know they mess up and admit it.
2. You're right.
Good pastors know they're not always (not usually?) the smartest, most "spiritual" person in the room. They are zealous to give credit and acknowledge achievement and intelligence, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it encourages and empowers others.
3. You're wrong.
Bad pastors chicken out when it comes to calling people on sin or biblical ignorance. Good pastors brave potential conflict and hurt feelings and say "You're wrong" in gentle but firm ways when necessary.
4. Jesus loves you.
Why did we stop saying this? I think because it became cliche. I'd love to see a recovery of the art of "Jesus loves you." Strategically said at times of others' admissions of failure, sin, or trouble, "Jesus loves you" is a fantastic way to speak the gospel into people's lives.
5. I love you.
I think one reason we stopped saying "Jesus loves you" to people is because we don't really love them ourselves. Might as well save the hypocrisy, eh? But good pastors lay their lives down for the sheep. Telling people you love them is a reminder to them and to you that sacrificial love is your calling.
6. Me too.
Next to "Grace is true" (see below), these might be the most important words in pastoral counseling. Bad pastors trade regularly in "Not me." In the pulpit and in the office, bad pastors set themselves apart from their congregations with tales of adventure, spirituality, and personal holiness. In the pulpit and in the office, good pastors talk of their own struggle and say, "Me too." I have seen entire countenances change when I've said some variation of "Me too."
7. Any time.
Of course you don't mean it literally. But you kinda do. Good pastors are available.
8. Thank you.
Bad pastors think they're owed. Good pastors know everything is a gift.
9. Grace is true.
Better than "I'm sorry," which can often be followed with an "if" or a "but," these words indicate a humble heart. Bad pastors hide their faults behind the cloak of their authority, practice self-defense against all charges, and basically pretend. Good pastors know they mess up and admit it.2. You're right.
Good pastors know they're not always (not usually?) the smartest, most "spiritual" person in the room. They are zealous to give credit and acknowledge achievement and intelligence, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it encourages and empowers others.
3. You're wrong.
Bad pastors chicken out when it comes to calling people on sin or biblical ignorance. Good pastors brave potential conflict and hurt feelings and say "You're wrong" in gentle but firm ways when necessary.
4. Jesus loves you.
Why did we stop saying this? I think because it became cliche. I'd love to see a recovery of the art of "Jesus loves you." Strategically said at times of others' admissions of failure, sin, or trouble, "Jesus loves you" is a fantastic way to speak the gospel into people's lives.
5. I love you.
I think one reason we stopped saying "Jesus loves you" to people is because we don't really love them ourselves. Might as well save the hypocrisy, eh? But good pastors lay their lives down for the sheep. Telling people you love them is a reminder to them and to you that sacrificial love is your calling.
6. Me too.
Next to "Grace is true" (see below), these might be the most important words in pastoral counseling. Bad pastors trade regularly in "Not me." In the pulpit and in the office, bad pastors set themselves apart from their congregations with tales of adventure, spirituality, and personal holiness. In the pulpit and in the office, good pastors talk of their own struggle and say, "Me too." I have seen entire countenances change when I've said some variation of "Me too."
7. Any time.
Of course you don't mean it literally. But you kinda do. Good pastors are available.
8. Thank you.
Bad pastors think they're owed. Good pastors know everything is a gift.
9. Grace is true.
Good pastors take the opportunity to glorify God by "talking up" his amazing grace every chance they get. We received a letter at the State Office just yesterday from a newly credentialed minister who God miraculously rescued from sin. I was reminded several times in the meeting "grace is amazing!" Bad pastors may say grace is true but the context of their teaching and the expectations in their leadership say "Your works must be this high to ride this ride."
10. You're approved.
Everyone wants to believe they have what it takes, which is why it's such a bummer to hear the first half of the gospel and learn we really don't. Don't leave your people hanging. Be a good news pastor. Bad pastors beat their people up with their failures. Bad pastors are always disappointed. Good pastors know grace is true and Jesus is Lord, so they are ready to challenge every self-despairing soul with the wonderful truth that in Christ we are approved by God. Good pastors tell people they do have what it takes when they have Jesus' righteousness. Do you trust Jesus? You're all set, then.
10. You're approved.
Everyone wants to believe they have what it takes, which is why it's such a bummer to hear the first half of the gospel and learn we really don't. Don't leave your people hanging. Be a good news pastor. Bad pastors beat their people up with their failures. Bad pastors are always disappointed. Good pastors know grace is true and Jesus is Lord, so they are ready to challenge every self-despairing soul with the wonderful truth that in Christ we are approved by God. Good pastors tell people they do have what it takes when they have Jesus' righteousness. Do you trust Jesus? You're all set, then.
Be a Gospel Preacher!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Good Sign
I am sitting at a McDonalds in Southern IL with a great cup of coffee and a fruit and yogurt parfait. Great breakfast for weight watchers! I was finishing some reading and a family started filing out of the play area. At least 10 family members and one two year old. The two year old was screaming, "I don't want to leave!" She was crying and throwing a fit like I haven't seen in a while. I smiled as the mom and dad looked embarrassed. I refused to give them the look, "my kids never did that". Oh how I remember that look when our kids were throwing fits. Not me, I sympathetically smiled.
It made me think of a time several years ago on a Sunday Morning. I was sitting in the lobby of the church while 30 or so folks were finishing visiting for the day. I had already been at the church for six hours, two services, an impromptu meeting with the elders and I was tired. I wanted to go home and head for my Sunday Sabbath Nap.
Gene sat down next to me and said, "Someone would have forced me into this place four years ago and now they have to force me out." I have noticed that when the church is experiencing a healthy season, people aren't anxious to leave on Sundays. They enjoy one another. I remember seeing people praying for one another, laughing together, and crying together. I often talked about how to stand in the lobby of the church so that the circle remains open and inviting.
I know it's not the most vital sign of health in a church but it was an easy one to read. Do people enjoy sticking around? Are circles open to others? I am reminded that 90% of the people who are not in a church on a Sunday Morning don't feel the message is relevant and don't think 'we' care! So when people are sticking around 'caring' that's good, right?
It made me think of a time several years ago on a Sunday Morning. I was sitting in the lobby of the church while 30 or so folks were finishing visiting for the day. I had already been at the church for six hours, two services, an impromptu meeting with the elders and I was tired. I wanted to go home and head for my Sunday Sabbath Nap. Gene sat down next to me and said, "Someone would have forced me into this place four years ago and now they have to force me out." I have noticed that when the church is experiencing a healthy season, people aren't anxious to leave on Sundays. They enjoy one another. I remember seeing people praying for one another, laughing together, and crying together. I often talked about how to stand in the lobby of the church so that the circle remains open and inviting.
I know it's not the most vital sign of health in a church but it was an easy one to read. Do people enjoy sticking around? Are circles open to others? I am reminded that 90% of the people who are not in a church on a Sunday Morning don't feel the message is relevant and don't think 'we' care! So when people are sticking around 'caring' that's good, right?
Friday, May 6, 2011
A thought for Mother's Day
I read this blog and thought that I would share it. I hope it gives pastors some fresh thoughts for Sunday. A friend of mine told me that Mothers Day was one of the toughest Sundays of they year.
Mother’s Day is a painful day for many in the church. Russell Moore offers a good suggestion [1] for pastors.
(Dr. Moore was recently on FamilyLife with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine, and you can read or listen [2] to their discussion on infertility, adoption, and the rearing of children who were adopted.)
I was also reminded of a section from a Mother’s Day sermon by John Piper [3] where he addressed some various issues of pain that can be associated with this day:
There are millions of single women, and many will stay single.
There is a grace from God for that—a very special grace and for some even a calling.
There are women who are single mothers and the marriage element in the calling I just described is painfully missing.
Jesus Christ has a grace for that.
There are women who are married and cannot, or, with their husbands, choose not, to have children.
Jesus has a grace for that.
Update: I thought this comment below from a wise brother was worth highlighting:
Pastors, if there are two things I would add they would be as follows.
First, please avoid making a distinction between mothers and non-mothers in a physical way (e.g. having all the moms stand up or giving flowers to all the moms). I well remember sitting in a Father’s Day service where all the dads were asked to stand. I felt like there was a huge neon sign over me that kept flashing “not able to have kids, not able to have kids.” My wife felt it keenly as well: she began to weep. The most pastorally sensitive leaders I know avoid this like the plague. Instead, they acknowledge the day and proceed to pray earnestly for the full range of emotions that are being experienced on that day (since it is often quite painful, not just for those unable to have kids, but for those estranged from their moms, those moms who are estranged from their kids, those who have recently lost a mother, etc.).
This leads to the second thing. As Moore indicates, it is important to recognize that there are many conflicting emotions going on during a Mother’s Day service. It is crucially important to pastor all the people through that time. Here is the prayer I would offer on Mother’s Day:
Heavenly Father, on a day like Mother’s Day there are so many different emotions that we bring to you.
Some of us bring emotions of deep gratitude and joy for the mothers you have blessed us with, mothers who have
loved us,
cared for us,
walked with us
and taught us how to live well.
We praise you for such love shown to us through our moms and we pray for all those who are moms, that you would give them:
strength where they are weak,
wisdom where they are unsure,
patience with the many demands placed upon them,
faith in your care for them and their families,
and love—deep love—for those whom you have given them to nurture.
Others of us bring emotions of sadness and pain. Some of us are saddened because our relationship with our mom is not easy, or was not easy, or perhaps never existed at all.
Please
meet us in our pain,
heal our hearts where they are wounded,
soften our hearts where they are hardened,
and enable us to forgive and to love even those who have hurt us.
Others of us are saddened because we long to be moms, long to have children, and yet are not able to do so.
Father of mercies,
give us comfort in our sadness,
trust in you despite unfulfilled longings,
and joy in knowing that you never stop loving us or having our best in mind.
We pray these things to you as our Father, who loved us before the world began, and will love us forevermore.
In Jesus’ name, amen!
Mother’s Day is a painful day for many in the church. Russell Moore offers a good suggestion [1] for pastors.
(Dr. Moore was recently on FamilyLife with Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine, and you can read or listen [2] to their discussion on infertility, adoption, and the rearing of children who were adopted.)
I was also reminded of a section from a Mother’s Day sermon by John Piper [3] where he addressed some various issues of pain that can be associated with this day:
There are millions of single women, and many will stay single.
There is a grace from God for that—a very special grace and for some even a calling.
There are women who are single mothers and the marriage element in the calling I just described is painfully missing.
Jesus Christ has a grace for that.
There are women who are married and cannot, or, with their husbands, choose not, to have children.
Jesus has a grace for that.
Update: I thought this comment below from a wise brother was worth highlighting:
Pastors, if there are two things I would add they would be as follows.
First, please avoid making a distinction between mothers and non-mothers in a physical way (e.g. having all the moms stand up or giving flowers to all the moms). I well remember sitting in a Father’s Day service where all the dads were asked to stand. I felt like there was a huge neon sign over me that kept flashing “not able to have kids, not able to have kids.” My wife felt it keenly as well: she began to weep. The most pastorally sensitive leaders I know avoid this like the plague. Instead, they acknowledge the day and proceed to pray earnestly for the full range of emotions that are being experienced on that day (since it is often quite painful, not just for those unable to have kids, but for those estranged from their moms, those moms who are estranged from their kids, those who have recently lost a mother, etc.).
This leads to the second thing. As Moore indicates, it is important to recognize that there are many conflicting emotions going on during a Mother’s Day service. It is crucially important to pastor all the people through that time. Here is the prayer I would offer on Mother’s Day:
Heavenly Father, on a day like Mother’s Day there are so many different emotions that we bring to you.
Some of us bring emotions of deep gratitude and joy for the mothers you have blessed us with, mothers who have
loved us,
cared for us,
walked with us
and taught us how to live well.
We praise you for such love shown to us through our moms and we pray for all those who are moms, that you would give them:
strength where they are weak,
wisdom where they are unsure,
patience with the many demands placed upon them,
faith in your care for them and their families,
and love—deep love—for those whom you have given them to nurture.
Others of us bring emotions of sadness and pain. Some of us are saddened because our relationship with our mom is not easy, or was not easy, or perhaps never existed at all.
Please
meet us in our pain,
heal our hearts where they are wounded,
soften our hearts where they are hardened,
and enable us to forgive and to love even those who have hurt us.
Others of us are saddened because we long to be moms, long to have children, and yet are not able to do so.
Father of mercies,
give us comfort in our sadness,
trust in you despite unfulfilled longings,
and joy in knowing that you never stop loving us or having our best in mind.
We pray these things to you as our Father, who loved us before the world began, and will love us forevermore.
In Jesus’ name, amen!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Disturb Us Lord
Disturb us, Lord when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore!
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)