From the Inside Looking Out

Effective Community

2011-10-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

Since my last post, my family and I have moved to Sims, NC for me to serve as Pastor of Nobles Chapel Baptist Church. Nobles Chapel is a great church family that is open and welcoming and has been around since 1900! We're a church that is excited for God to use us to do something great in this area. This has been a difficult and exciting year for the church. You can take a look at a video that tells the story of the past year in pictures here. Because I think we're on the verge of something big here, I talked recently about "effective community."

Effective Community isn't a new idea. But it's one that I think frustrates a lot of churches--and social organizations in general, for that matter--as they grow numerically. The small church "where everybody knows your name" starts to grow and you no longer know everyone. People get lost in the crowd. It's a frustrating growing pain when it feels like community is lost.

But there's a difference between community and effective community. Effective community happens within the larger community. I have no data to support this, I'm sure there is some out there, but my hunch is that effective community happens in groups smaller than thirty. Ideally, effective community happens in groups of around 12-15. Think about it, chances are that even in a small church or organization, you have a few that you know better than others. You're more comfortable around them and you share life together at times other than Sunday mornings. Chances are they are similar to you; they like the same things, are around the same age, and likely have kids at the same stage of life. You can share your lives together. That is effective community.

As churches grow, they have to constantly and intentionally plan for ways to create effective community. We have to make a big, anonymous communities into smaller, personal groups. Creating the environment for effective community is not enough. We also have to strategically provide avenues to lead people who attend our churches to find these communities and get involved. In most churches I've observed, there's a huge bottleneck at this point. Worship services have twice the number of people than small groups or Sunday School. The worship service is a big, anonymous community, so how do we lead people to effective community in small groups?

I'm curious, about what you think. How do churches create effective community and then lead people to connect there?

Life Changes

2011-08-02T12:27:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything. And to be honest, there's a lot that's happened since the last time I posted. Compass Student Ministry has been to Deep Impact Camp in Greensboro, NC and had an awesome experience. We've had Vacation Bible School at PBC and it was probably the best VBS I've been a part of. We've done JUMP! Kid's Camp, too. It's been a busy summer.

However, this summer is one that marks a significant change in my life and the life of my family. I've followed God's leading to serve Him as pastor of Nobles Chapel Baptist Church in Sims, NC. My time as Minister to Students at PBC is coming to a close this Sunday, August 7. Boy is this a strangely exciting but terrifying, sad but happy, faith building kind of week.

I am so excited to be stepping out into what I feel very confident is God's call for my life. Nobles Chapel is a church in major transition at a major crossroads in its history. I'm excited and honored that they've trusted me to be their pastor to help guide them into the future as they seek to impact their community in ways they never have before.

And I'm also excited to see what God does at Providence in the future. I believe that the ministries here are at a great place to move forward and I know that our students at Compass Student Ministry are more than capable as leaders to reach their friends for Christ. And I know that the volunteers that lead in so many ways are awesome at what they do.

But in all the excitement comes saying good-bye. That's what is so hard. Thanks, PBC, for allowing me to succeed. Thanks for allowing me to learn. Thanks for allowing me to mess up. Thanks for trusting me with leading students and their families toward a closer relationship with Christ. I am a better minister because of it and I pray that in some small way you're a better community of believers because of me.

Compass Student Spotlight...Kinda-Adam Velez

2011-05-31T14:50:00.007-04:00

This week doesn't highlight a student in Compass Student Ministry, it highlights Adam Velez, the ministry intern at Providence Baptist for the Summer. Adam is an awesome guy who, in the few weeks I've known him, has impressed and challenged me with his passion and vision for serving God. Meet Adam...

Name: Adam Neal Velez
Hometown: Hickory, NC
Other Family Members: Mom...Mary, Dad...Jose, Stepmom...Dana, Stepdad...Bobby, Brother...Paul, Stepbrother...Tyler

Hobbies: Canada (yeah...it's a hobby...or more like a life-style) traveling, music, soccer, running, biking, whatever...
Favorite Musical Artist or Band: Shane & Shane, Salvador, Lecrae

One little-known interesting fact about me is: I am 1/2 Puerto Rican...and my friends claim me as Canadian (one even as the future Prime Minister)

One thing I'd like the world to know about me after reading this interview: I LOVE Canada and dream about living there everyday

I know you have some plans to go on to Divinity School after the Summer. Where will you be going and studying? How do you see God using you post-Divinity School?
I am going to Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco, TX studying Missiology (missions) with plans to do international church planting...in Canada!

You've only been here at PBC for a few weeks. What have been your first impressions of the church as a whole and about Compass Youth Ministry?
This is a very energetic and engaged church. I can tell that it has seen a lot of growth and movement lately, and I love that those involved are ready and willing to take part in that. The warmth and acceptance of the people displays Christ's love, and I am excited to see what this Body does within this community. As for Compass, as hinted by its name, it seems to have great direction and greater awareness, not only of the teachings of Christ, but of our calling as Christians in this world and the role that we play as Disciples.

What's the best piece of advice you can give to:
A graduating High School Senior? Get ready for the greatest part of your life (so far...for it always gets better) and take every part of it as a blessing.
A current college Student? Allow the LORD to search your heart, your soul, your mind, and your strength to pull out not only your passions and gifts, but your greater calling and purpose as you tune into who you really are (or are called to be) in Christ and thus in this world.
Parents (in general, not necessarily just yours)? Live a life of discipleship, recognizing that it is a continual process of growth, of teaching, learning, mentoring, developing, and sharing, one unto another, unto another, unto another..."disciple cycles" as Lecrae puts it. We all want worship to happen, but we must recognize that service is a part of and a requirement to worship. "Missions exist b/c worship doesn't."

If you could do one one thing that would allow you to use your interests and passions to change the world, what would it be?
Learn more languages and travel more to not only plant churches globally, but to unite them as the larger Church Body, all worshiping together and fulfilling the call of Psalm 34.3-"Glorify the LORD with me, let us exalt His name together."

What's one thing that the readers of this blog can pray for you about?
For my known purpose to remain known in my own mind as I transition through things.

Final question: what summer movie release are you most looking forward to seeing?
The new Pirates movie and Kung Fu Panda II (I am a bit behind already...I know)
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Thanks Adam. I look forward to serving with you this Summer! You're already making a positive difference in our church, youth and college ministries, and the community.

Compass Youth Praise

2011-05-26T09:30:00.004-04:00

When an adult approaches the Student Minister and wants to comment on the behavior of the youth during a morning worship service, it's not usually a good thing. "They were passing notes, goofing off, talking during prayer, etc." So when a lady who sings in the choir at Providence Baptist Church approached me at our annual Deacon sponsored Church Family Picnic to comment about the youth during that morning's worship service, I was a little worried.

Boy was I wrong! The choir helps provide volume and fullness to our worship team during the praise and worship set at Providence, so they have a face-to-face view of the congregation during worship. In fact, the "choir loft" is right in front of where most of the students sit together. So when this choir member was leading worship, what she saw she just had to share with me. I'm so glad she did. Here's a paraphrase of what she said:

"The youth during worship this morning were so inspiring and helpful for me to lead me to worship. I looked up and saw them fully engaged in singing to God. They didn't worry about what someone else thought, it was all about them and worshiping God. When I saw that from the choir, it helped me so much to focus on God and worshiping Him too. I hope that others in the service saw their example and will follow their lead. I just had to share this with you because it made such a positive impression and influence on me."

Thanks so much, Kathy, for sharing that with me. I told the students during Compass Youth Worship last night and they were appreciative and excited that their example was noticed and followed by someone who is "older" than them.

Compass Youth, keep it up! Your example is making a difference in our church, community, and world!

Compass Student Spotlight-Spencer Scaggs

2011-05-24T09:48:00.006-04:00

This week's spotlight is on Hickory Ridge High School senior, Spencer Scaggs. Spencer's a lead by example kind of guy that is always friendly and welcoming to anyone at Compass. He never meets a stranger and is always willing to pitch in and serve in whatever way is needed. Spencer and his AP Calculus class were recently featured in the Independent Tribune for a project and contest for building model roller coasters.

Name: Spencer Scaggs
School and Grade: Hickory Ridge High School, 12th grade
Other Family Members: Bob Scaggs (dad), Evelyn Scaggs (mom), Rob Scaggs (brother), and Jenny Scaggs (sister)
Hobbies: Playing video games, guitar, skateboarding
Favorite Musical Artist or Band: RED

One little-known interesting fact about me is: I've never left the country!

One thing I'd like the world to know about me after reading this interview: I love to meet new people and make new friends, and I try to do so every day.

Do you know what you'd like to do for a living? If not yet, what would be your dream job?
I would like to be a computer programmer and video game designer.

What's been one of your favorite memories/experiences in Compass Youth? Tell us about it.
My favorite memory is Disciple Now every year. Getting to hang out with friends and make some new friends for a whole weekend as well as enjoying the Kinetic band's music has always made for a great time. The best part of the weekend, however, is the high point in my spiritual life, getting much closer to God than ever before.

What's the best piece of advice you can give to:
A soon-to-be High School Senior? Do all of your work, and don't let 'Senioritis' take control!

A current High School Student? Try not to get caught up in the drama of school and still do all of your work, you will regret not doing later.

Parents (in general, not necessarily just yours)? Sometimes kids (teenagers especially) mess up, and so you can't always be so hard on them.

If you could do one one thing that would allow you to use your interests and passions to change the world, what would it be?
I would like to create a video game or website organization and donate all of the proceeds to various charities around the world.

What's one thing that the readers of this blog can pray for you about?
Pray that I may be able to start off college well next year.

Final question: which do you prefer, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series or the "Lord of the Rings" series?
A very tough choice, but "Lord of the Rings" wins.
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Thanks, Spencer. I appreciate your always positive attitude about everything in life. Please pray for Spencer as he finishes high school and prepares for college life in the Fall

Compass Student Spotlight-James Max Miller

2011-05-10T09:17:00.003-04:00

This week's spotlight is on James Max Miller. James Max is an all around great guy. He's one of those people who is ALWAYS willing to pitch in and go the extra mile to help you out. When we have events at Compass, he's always bringing a bunch of friends to join him in the fun. And, as you'll see in the interview below, he really wants his friends to know about the importance of a relationship with Christ.

Picture from DiscipleNow 2011. James Max is on the far right in red.

Name: James Max Miller
School and Grade: Freshman at Hickory Ridge High School
Family Members: Annie Miller (sister), Charleigh Miller (sister), James Miller(father), and Sharon Miller(mother)

Favorite Food: Calimari
Favorite Movie:Inception
Little-known interesting fact about me: I am horrible at baseball.

One thing I'd like the world to know about me after reading this interview:
I always do my best at everything that I do.

Do you know what you'd like to do for a living? If not yet, what would be your dream job?
I really don't know what I want to do for a living yet so my dream job is a professional soccer player.

What's been one of your favorite memories/experiences in Compass Youth? Tell us about it.
My favorite experience in Youth was probably the Caswell mission trip. The reason I liked it so much because there was a small group of kids that went and we were all really good friends there, and I just had a really good time.

What's the best piece of advice you can give to:
A soon-to-be High School Student? BE ORGANIZED
A current High School Student? Get to class on time

If you could do one thing to make the biggest positive impact in the Harrisburg area, what would it be?
I would want to be able to share the word of Christ to everyone in Harrisburg along with everyone that is moving here.

What's one thing that the readers of this blog can pray for you about?
My Uncle he has just been going through some rough times lately and he needs prayer.

Final question: who's your pick for the winner of American Idol?
I don't watch American Idol so I wouldn't know.
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Thanks James Max. I appreciate you and your leadership in a variety of ways at Compass Youth. Readers, please pray for James Max and his example that he sets for his friends and teammates on the soccer field. Also, pray for his uncle, that God would help him during these difficult times.

Filling a Need by Filling a Belly

2011-05-05T14:09:00.003-04:00

The Need
There are children in every local school that likely only eat two meals a day--breakfast and lunch served at the school cafeteria. When they go home they may or may not eat because of dire financial situations in their family. So on the weekend, what happens? Many times the kids don't eat.

The Solution
Providence Baptist Church (and other churches in our area and around the country)is stepping up to provide backpacks full of food for these children to have meals to eat on the weekend. The guidance counselors at three of our local elementary schools have partnered with PBC to let us know that there are at least 20 children in these schools who could use this assistance. So for the past couple of months and through the end of the school year (and beyond), with major thanks to our Senior Adult Ministry for providing much of the labor, PBC is filling backpacks for the weekend.

Expanding The Vision
One of the high school students in Compass Student Ministry heard about this opportunity and asked, "What about the summer? What are the kids going to eat then? I would like to figure out something we can do." Awesome. Compass Youth stepping up.

The Plan
Angel Food Ministries provides several different food boxes of varying prices and contents. It's great food at a discounted price. The "Bread of Life Box" is $35 and is designed to feed a family of four 7-9 meals. While this isn't enough food to feed every meal for a month, it's a big start. So we're asking Compass Youth families to help a family in need by providing the money for Bread of Life Boxes for the 20 families represented in the backpack ministry.

These families will receive a note in their last backpack of the year asking if they would like this this assistance for the summer. They will indicate if they can pick it up at designated times/dates at PBC or if we need to deliver it to them. So here's another way you can help: distribution and delivery.

Maybe your family will sponsor one box at $35. Maybe you can do more, maybe less. Ultimately, we will raise the $700 per month (June and July) necessary to provide meals for these families. Maybe you can't give financially, but can help with distribution. We want you to be a part of it.

You can begin contributing to it now by sending a check to Providence Baptist Church and marking the comment line: Angel Food Boxes. The first food order will need to be submitted around June 10. Specific dates and times for money collection deadlines and delivery/distribution will be known when the menu for June is published with Angel Food Ministries.

For More Information
Please contact me, Paul Batson, via the blog comments, email (pbcyouth@ctc.net), or PBC Office phone, 704-455-2813.

Let's continue to make a difference for some families in the Harrisburg area!

Dear God...

2011-05-05T14:00:00.003-04:00

We're still in our Elements series in Compass Youth. This is the next to last week of the series and I've really enjoyed what I've been able to learn and be challenged with as I have prepared to speak each week. We've taken many of the common elements of our faith and tried to understand why we do them.

This week we talked about prayer. We know (or at least we’ve been taught) that prayer is important. Prayer is our communication with God. But prayer is a confusing, sometimes frustrating, and for most, a pretty intimidating thing. I mean, you are talking to the Almighty, so you probably want to get it right. The problem with things that are frustrating is that we give up on them pretty quickly. Think about your latest effort to lose weight or exercise. If I don’t see immediate results then I get frustrated. If it becomes a chore to find time to do it, I get frustrated. If I’m really not sure what I’m doing and don’t know if I’m doing the things I need to do to get the results I want to get, then the whole process is frustrating. Prayer can be like that too.

No doubt, we’ve been taught that there are certain ways we should pray, certain times we should pray, certain postures for prayer, and certain things we should (or shouldn’t) say when we pray. Hands folded. Head down. Eyes closed. End it with “in Jesus’ name”. Pray before meals and before bed time. Pray without ceasing. Say the Lord’s prayer. The list can get pretty lengthy. Is it any wonder that prayer gets intimidating?

But honestly, the Bible teaches a lot of different things about prayer. It can get a bit confusing on the matter too. Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 6 to not pray where you can be seen by men, but in John 11, Jesus prays very publicly when Lazarus was raised from the dead. Jesus also says in Matthew 6 that you should “pray this way” and then says what we refer to as the Lord’s Prayer, but he doesn’t always say those words. And then there’s David in the Psalms that on many occasions is pretty angry with God and doesn’t mind letting God know about it. Can we really approach God that way?

And then there’s this other thing…if God knows everything and if God has a plan for all situations, then what’s the point? I mean the Bible says God already knows what we’re going to say before we even say it. And he already knows what’s going to happen in a given situation, so are we really affecting anything by praying? Can prayer change God’s mind? In Scripture, I think there’s evidence for both. Moses seemed to change God’s mind in Exodus 32. But God’s mind didn’t change when Jesus prayed in the Garden in Matthew 26.

Have we missed the point? Is there something to prayer that we are missing that affects our experience and attitude toward prayer?

What if prayer is more than saying the right words?
What if prayer is more about attitude and mindset?
What if prayer is a conversation that helps us understand God a little better?
What if prayer is less about words and more about perspective?

Here’s what I’ve come to understand about prayer: Prayer is the collection of conversations that says, “God, make all of me look, see, and respond more like You.”

Prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind. It isn’t about a wish list. It isn’t formulaic.

It really is about us. Prayer is about us. It’s about communicating our needs, wants, and attitudes toward God and then, through faith, allowing God to give us His perspective about those things.

But isn’t everything in a life of faith about being shaped into who God wants us to be?

Compass Student Spotlight-The Details

2011-05-03T10:49:00.004-04:00

As you may have seen, each week I highlight one of the students in Compass Student Ministry in the Compass Student Spotlight. Even though we're only two posts in, I'm having a great time with it.

I wanted to share a couple of the details with you about how this happens. I've been asked about some of the details by a few people, so I'm guessing that they probably represent a larger body who may ask the same things. That, or they are the only few people who read the blog and my imagination is running wild with the thousands (cough, cough) of people who are interested in what I have to say.

*I randomly select students to participate. Well, almost randomly, I am trying to be sure that I am balanced in regard to male and female, middle and high school, attender and member, etc.

*If a student is under 18, I always get parent/guardian permission before asking the student for the interview and posting the interview to the blog.

*I'm trying to ask questions that help us get to know each student better, but also provide opportunities to teach us a few things about life, too.

*Very soon, I'm going to give the Spotlight Student the opportunity to be a "guest blogger" and share their thoughts about whatever they chose to write about and post it to my blog. I'm really excited about this. (And Anna, Josh, and others who may be spotlighted before I get this "guest blogging" thing rolling, you can be a guest blogger whenever you'd like!)

Here's where you can help. Maybe you have a question you'd like asked to some of our Spotlight Students. Maybe you are a parent and need some advice from a student. Maybe you're a student and need advice from a student. Maybe you'd just like a random poll of how many middle school students like the color orange. If you have a suggestion for a question or something that can contribute to our total experience with the Compass Student Spotlight, please let me know!

Compass Student Spotlight-Anna Martina

2011-05-03T09:52:00.005-04:00

This week I'm excited to highlight, Anna Martina, a seventh-grader in Compass Youth Ministry. Anna is awesome! She has a true heart for helping people. On Youth Sundays, she's one of the few students who takes up the daunting task of teaching one of the adult Bible Study classes. And it's the Senior Adult ladies class. And they love her! I know you'll love getting to know Anna too!

Anna is on the right. Her friend, Emma, is on the left.

Name: Anna Martina
School and Grade: I am currently a 7th grader at Hickory Ridge Middle School.
Family Members: My dad David, my mom Carolyn, and my two sisters Morgan and Lauren.

Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Movie: Soul Surfer, it's a really good movie and inspired me to never give up.

Little-known interesting fact about me:
I'm a left handed, even though my mom, dad, and my older sister are right handed.

Do you know what you'd like to do for a living? If not yet, what would be your dream job?
I have a variety of things I'd like to be. Since I was a young child, I've had an interest in being a teacher of children with special needs. Others things that I'm interested in include interior design and crime scene investigation - totally different type careers, I admit!

What's been one of your favorite memories/experiences in Compass Youth? Tell us about it.
My first Disciple Now in 2010. I was able to grow closer to God and my friends at the same time. I was overwhelmed with emotion in a good way!

What's the best piece of advice you can give to:
A soon-to-be Middle School Student?
Surround yourself with positive, reliable friends who can help you.

A current Middle School Student?
Pace yourself with projects and other activities, but don't procrastinate. Don't forget to take some time to relax and do the hobbies you enjoy.

Parents (in general, not necessarily just yours)?
Plan fun things with your kids and find out what is going on in their life. Be truly interested when you talk to them and try to help them solve their problems.

If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be?
I would like for everyone to get along--in the household, government, neighbors, and friends.

What's one thing that the readers of this blog can pray for you about?
That I will always make the right choices, and that I will always present myself in a godly manner.

Final question: do you prefer Pepsi or Coke?
Coke, even though I haven't had soda for 49 days.
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Thanks, Anna, for doing the interview. You've already inspired me as a parent with your answers. As for the no soda for 49 days...is that a Lent sacrifice that you've continued beyond Easter? I'm just curious. Please pray for Anna as she requested. She's a cheerleader, she runs track, she's a part of Student Council at Hickory Ridge Middle School, and she's involved in YCI (Youth Commission International). She's in the spotlight a lot so pray that she will continue to represent herself and God well.

Compass Student Spotlight-Josh Crisp

2011-04-28T14:21:00.006-04:00

We have great students in Compass Student Ministry. In fact, I'm so impressed with them that I'd like to use this blog on a weekly basis to help you get to know them better. It is my hope that you'll learn about our students, but you'll also learn from them. They have a lot to say and we all have a lot to learn.
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This week I'm highlighting one of the Compass Seniors, Josh Crisp. Josh is a very talented guy. He writes (not just writes, he WRITES), he sings, he plays piano, and he's steadily working on his ping pong game, too. Anyway, get to know Josh better by continuing to read this interview.

Name: Joshua Crisp
School and Grade: Senior at Hickory Ridge High School
Family: Don Crisp (Dad), Sharon Lagania (Mom), Nicole Varner (Sister), Kimberly Crisp (Sister)

Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese Casserole

One thing I'd like the world to know about me after reading this interview:
I'd really love to be a writer for God and use my abilities there to serve Him in any way I can.

So, you're a Senior this year, what are your plans from here?
Well, I plan to attend college at UNC-Charlotte starting in the fall majoring in English. I'd really like to work towards doing more to serve as a Christian, both in school and out, as well as push to begin a career in writing/ministry.

What's been one of your favorite memories/experiences in Compass Youth? Tell us about it.

My most memorable experience with Compass Youth was during the Charleston Mission trip the group went on a few years back. It was my second mission trip ever taking, but getting to assist Without Walls Ministry in the projects they were running, learning about the members there, and growing a stronger bond with my closest friends in youth was a life changing experience. That was the trip that ultimately gave me some form of direction with my life and what I wanted to do with it.

What's the best piece of advice you can give to:

A Middle School Student? Your best years are coming soon, and it's not about what others want you to be.

A High School Student? It's STILL not about what others want you to be, and don't worry, I've been there, done that, just keep staying optimistic.

Parents (in general, not necessarily just yours)? I think parents are really great actually. I didn't a few years back, but your kids will one day realize your value to them.

If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be?
I really hate it when people have to suffer, whether it's physically or emotionally, so even though it's a bit cliche, I would choose to end the pain for those who are hurting.

What's one thing that the readers of this blog can pray for you about?
If anything, pray for my Dad. He's gone through a lot of stuff recently with surgeries and other physical issues, and he's still hanging in there, but I'm sure as time goes on things are going to get more difficult for him. He gives a lot for my family without thinking of himself. Pray that he may continue to live strong and healthy and to the fullest of his capability, please.

Final question: who do you think will be the winner of American Idol 2011?
Casey Abrams!
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Pray for Josh and his family, especially his dad. Thanks Josh, for being the first to be interviewed for the Compass Student Spotlight. You've set the bar pretty high.

"I Don't Believe What I Just Saw!"

2011-04-25T11:43:00.006-04:00

Baseball fans will remember the Game 1 heroics of Kirk Gibson for the Dodgers in the 1988 World Series. With the Dodgers losing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Tommy Lasorda inserted Kirk Gibson as a pinch hitter with one runner on base. This would be Gibson's only at-bat of the World Series due to injuries to both legs sustained in the NL Championship Series. But with a full count and a one-handed swing, Gibson hit a two-run homer to propel the Dodgers to a four games to one World Series victory.

The radio call was made by Jack Buck. You can listen to it in various places online, but the transcript goes like this:

"Unbelievable! A home run for Gibson and the Dodgers have won the game, 5-4. I don't believe what I just saw! I don't believe what I just saw! Is this really happening, Bill?"

On this post-Easter Monday, my mind has wondered to what the disciples, among others, were thinking about on the days immediately following the discovery of the empty tomb, the various appearances of Jesus, and what would happen now that their world had been turned upside-down.

Did they react like Jack Buck? "Unbelievable! I don't believe what I just saw! Is this really happening?" Probably so. Scripture records that they didn't believe it. They were afraid. It took a while for it to sink in. But once it finally became reality for them, life changed.

So I wonder, what do we do immediately following an encounter with God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit? The Bible is full of different characters with different experiences and certainly different reactions to encounters with God. I'd say we can identify with some of them:

The Jonah Approach (Jonah 1): "I hear you God. Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not doing it."
The Moses Approach (Exodus 3-4): "Okay God, but...(insert excuse here)"
The "Matthew 8 Crowd" Approach (Matthew 8:28-34): "I'd rather have my junk."
The Zebedee Approach (Mark 1:19-20): "You can go if you want, but I'm staying here."

After the Resurrection, Peter's response is the one that seems to sum up all of these pretty well. After Jesus appears to the disciples and others, I'm sure they don't know what to do. They've been told to wait. They haven't been given too much instruction to this point. They don't know what to do with the experience they've just had. So what does Peter do?

He goes fishing.

Peter reverts back to what he's comfortable doing. It's so easy to do what you've always done. it doesn't require a stretch. It doesn't require changing your attitude (Jonah). It doesn't require overcoming obstacles (Moses). It doesn't require you to give up the comfort of second best (the Matthew 8 crowd). It doesn't require decision or commitment (Zebedee).

But it doesn't give life. It doesn't give power. It doesn't change your perspective. Doing what you've always done will get you what you've always gotten.

Don't believe what you just saw? Believe it. Then do something with it.

Best. Communion. Ever.

2011-04-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

Best. Communion. Ever.

That's the way one student described on Facebook last night's Compass Youth Worship Communion Experience. I have to say, it was pretty cool.

We're doing this series called "Elements". The point of the series is to take a look at different elements of our faith and try to understand why we do them, what they are meant to be, and what we should expect during the experience. Often, because we don't know why or what to expect, we miss out the full effect of the event. Communion is one of those experiences.

I believe that to get the full understanding of communion, we have to know the story of the Last Supper. But to understand the meaning of the Last Supper, we have to know the story of the Passover feast. To understand the meaning of the Passover feast, we have to understand the story of Exodus. So our Compass Communion Experience was part of a Seder meal.

The Seder is a traditional and symbolic meal celebrated by Jews to retell, celebrate, and remember the deliverance by God of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt. Each element of that meal is symbolic of some part of that story and the Passover feast, where the Seder is found, is held every year to commemorate this event. Read more about the deliverance from Egypt in Exodus 1-12.

At the Last Supper, Jesus shared a meal with his disciples on the night of his arrest. This meal was the Passover meal. He likely told the story of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. But there were a couple of symbols that Jesus used to identify himself and his mission to the disciples. The second piece of Matzah is usually broken and a portion hidden to represent the searching and waiting for the Messiah. At the point in the meal when it is found, Jesus used this piece of bread (the Afikomen, the bread of affliction) to say: “Take and eat. This is my body.” (Matthew 26:26) Jesus used a well-known symbol to identify himself as the Messiah. The bread of affliction that was broken represented the Messiah before them that was to be broken.

But Jesus didn't stop there. He raised the third cup of the Passover Feast. The Cup of Redemption that symbolized the blood from the Passover Lamb. The perfect lamb that was sacrificed in the Exodus story to ultimately gain freedom from the slavery of the Egyptians. The disciples knew what this cup represented, after all, they were Jews. But Jesus said something different. He said, "Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven." (Matthew 26:27-28)

Hello! The cup that represented redemption through the sacrifice of a perfect lamb was now the cup that represented the blood that Christ would shed for deliverance. Only this time it was and is for the freedom from sin and death to which we all are slaves.

When we celebrate Communion we remember the past. We remember the sacrifice made through Christ for the redemption of our lives. We look inwardly to reflect on and confess the areas of our lives that keep us from approaching God with purity. We look outward and recognize there are people that could join us at the Communion table if they only knew what a great sacrifice was made for them. And we look forward because we know that there will be a time when we get to share a meal with our Savior face to face.

"I tell you, I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29)

Best. Communion. Ever.
Maybe for now. But there's a better one on the way.

Finding the Fragments

2011-04-12T15:11:00.005-04:00

This series we're doing in Compass Youth called "Elements" has been great so far! The whole point of the series is taking a look at some of the common elements of our faith and trying to understand why Christians do them. Sometimes we do things without knowing why and then leave the experience with that element kind of empty because we don’t know what to expect going in. So far we've talked about Church, Bible Study, and Salvation. Up this week is Service/Mission. I get more excited about each week as I hear about the discussion that each of these topics is sparking in small groups.

As we prepare to talk about what it means to serve God by serving others, I'd like to give you a quote from Pastor Chris Weirsma (http://wkc.org) from a message he gave at the Orange Conference in 2010 to help you to think about what service/mission is all about:

"We're called to have a rabid fascination for just about anyone on this planet and, from the teachings of Jesus in particular, some of those categories that are often left out: long shots, late bloomers, last chances, those who are broken, sex trade workers, outsiders, outcasts, children...We're fascinated because every human being on the planet--according to our Gospel--contains a fragment of the shattered image of God in us. Do you dig madly through the people who are around you looking for the part that so captured the imagination of God that he said it was worth his blood?"

I can't wait for Compass Youth tomorrow night!

Rescuing the Dead

2011-04-06T10:09:00.004-04:00

In Compass Youth we are in the middle of a series called, "Elements", where we are taking a look at different elements of our faith and trying to understand what they mean, why we do them, and why they are important. This week (April 6, 2011) we will look at Salvation.

As I have been preparing for this talk for our Wednesday Youth Worship, I came across something written by Michael Kelley in his small group curriculum, "Holy Vocabulary: Rescuing the Language of Faith", when he described being saved (salvation) this way:

"In Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul described all of humanity as being in peril and helpless to save itself:

'And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to this worldly age, according to the ruler of the atmospheric domain, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and by nature we were children under wrath, as the others were also.'

"We often think about being saved like this: We're floating in the sea of sin and death about to drown when, with our last bit of strength, we cry out to Jesus who throws us a life preserver. That's certainly a situation from which we would need to be saved, but that's not what we see in this passage of Scripture. Instead, the picture here is of a corpse, bloated and floating face down in the sea. No strength. No power. No Hope. Then Jesus pulls that corpse out of the water, out of sin and death, and breathes new life into it. That's what it means to be saved."

I'm so thankful that God did through Jesus what I could not do on my own. What about you?

You can follow Michael Kelley's blog at: http://michaelkelleyministries.com/

Last Night at Compass

2011-03-10T10:57:00.004-05:00

Last night we had a great time in Compass Youth! It was great to see some of our Middle School students back after Winter Sports seasons ended. Our two first time guests from last week returned as second time guests this week! Awesome!

We're in between teaching series right now (we begin a new series on March 23 called "Elements") so last night we did something called, "Finding God in the Song." The students were divided into teams of 3-4 and given a song that is or has been popular on Top-40 radio. These songs weren't "Christian" songs, but as we talked about in the Collide series, sometimes God shows up in places that we don't expect Him to be. The students had to listen to their song and highlight places where they could see God or a message that God may be trying to communicate through that song. It was a really cool opportunity to teach each other through a pretty non-traditional way.

We wrapped it up by saying (again) to not miss God when He is working, moving, and showing Himself all around us. God wants a relationship with us, so let's not miss the opportunity for it.

**On a side note, several of our students are dealing with some pretty big issues in their lives. They are a variety of different things from family struggles to health struggles to preparing for college. Please pray for them. Thanks!

God Bless America

2011-03-09T10:42:00.004-05:00

DISCLAIMER: The following post, in no way is meant to question my patriotism or love for the United States. I am honored and thankful to live in this country. It is also not meant to call anyone out who has posted this as their Facebook status. It is merely my perspective and reaction to what I am reading.

There. Now that that is out of the way, what am I talking about?

Over the last couple of days I've seen this "Copy and Repost" status come across several Facebook Statuses (For the record, I officially looked up the plural of "status" and it is "statuses", not "Stati"):

Hi Lord, It's me and things are getting bad here, gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating cost too high. I know some have taken you out of our schools, government & even Christmas. But Lord I'm asking you to bless America, we really need you. Thanks Lord, Love you...( Please Re-Post)

No doubt, things are not as good in the U.S. as they could be. Prices are high. Job loss is significant. It takes a second mortgage to fill up my gas tank. Things are tough.

Maybe it's because I've been given the opportunity to travel to parts of the world that are in much more dire conditions than most of the United States, but I've got to say, United States, you're very blessed. You have hope. You have systems in place to help in your need. You have community organizations, government, churches, etc. to provide you with hope in the middle of distress. You are blessed.

Now, I know that the blessings of God are not limited, but if they were, I'd rather ask that God bless some other countries. I'd ask that He pick them up out of their distress. And I'd ask how I could help.

So perhaps I can offer an alternative prayer to "Copy and Repost" to your Facebook Status. It would be something like this:

Hi Lord, It's me and things are getting bad here, gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating cost too high. But God, I've got it a whole lot better than most of the rest of the world. So please bless Iraq. Please bless Afghanistan and Libya. Please bless sub-Saharan Africa. Bring them out of their distress. Bring peace. help them to experience life with hope. So Lord, I'm asking you to bless someone else, and if you need me to be that blessing for someone else. Here I am. Thanks Lord, Love you...( Please Re-Post)

"Collide" Week 3: Totaled Devotion

2011-03-03T13:19:00.001-05:00

Here's a devotion to go along with the Totaled message from Collide:

Post Collision
By Sarah Anderson

I totally admire creative people—people who can look at a blank canvas, start painting, and within a matter of hours have something beautiful to look at. That kind of thing has never come easy for me. Too many possibilities of getting it wrong. Too much white space to fill. I am more of a paint-by-numbers kind of person. Tell me the area I need to fill in and the color that needs to fill the space and I can handle it. Then I am certain to get the results I want because I followed the appropriate steps through the process. Paint blue, red and green here, here and here, and you get a masterpiece. Totally easy. Do these three steps, and you will get this desired result.

If only all of life promised and delivered such desired results. If only we had a guarantee that if we did something a certain way we would have a certain end. But we don’t. And the truth is, this isn’t a surprise to you. You know that even if you did all the right things, followed the right rules, got the good grades, practiced the hardest and studied the most, it wouldn’t mean that you would always get the results you expect. And the reason this is the case may be a lot simpler than you think.

Life isn’t lived off the recommendations of a step-by-step formula like we might find on a paint-by-numbers. Life, as followers of Jesus, is spent colliding with a very real, very alive, very unpredictable and big God.

If you think about it, this makes sense. Because if life was all about a simple procedure with simple rules and simple guidelines than I think the Bible would be a lot shorter—especially the Gospels where Jesus encounters people on a regular basis to heal their internal and external wounds. If there was only one way things were supposed to go—only one desired result—than I think all we would get is one story. Jesus would tell this one person what they should do, and whatever one thing He said would apply for all of us.

But it doesn’t really work that way, does it? There are four Gospels. And each Gospel is filled with stories—stories of individuals, stories of personal pain, delicate hurts, specific pasts and particular relationships. And Jesus doesn’t just say one thing to each of them. Jesus doesn’t just have one word, one cure, one message. When Jesus has an encounter with people, He collides with them. The Gospels are a collection of stories where time and time again a person collides with Jesus Christ—in fact, all of Scripture is the story of people colliding with a Creator God. And no collision is exactly the same.

So what does this mean for you—someone in middle school or high school? Someone who would consider himself or herself to be a follower of Jesus, but isn’t exactly sure what to do now? Well, if there was a phrase, if there was one thing that Jesus said over and over again to people He encountered, it was this: Follow me. In Matthew chapter 16, verse 24, Jesus says this to His disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

“Follow me,” Jesus said. Where? Doing what? How? Well, you may not want to hear this, but I am not sure how to answer that. Only you can. It may mean going on a mission’s trip. It may mean serving in a place and serving people you don’t typically interact with. It may mean extending kindness, forgiveness and care to people who don’t deserve it. It may mean getting up early to pray one day a week or giving one week’s allowance to a charity or cause bigger than yourself. The point is, only you know what following Jesus—what colliding with Jesus—looks like in your life.

See, just like the Gospels are uniquely personal, so too is your story. If you are interested in following Jesus—if you are interested in being a disciple and in colliding with Jesus—then you are the only one who can determine what that means for your life. Colliding with Jesus is personal. It is unique. It will result in a story no one else can tell because it involves you and the God who made you.

I can’t give you a list of steps, directions or rules to follow to determine the collision that will take place when you intersect with God. I can’t make a promise about the result, about the destination or about the implications for your life. No one can. Except you. There is only one thing that is the same for all of us, only one call and one mandate that we can be certain applies to everyone—regardless of age, maturity, location, skills or fears. Jesus says to follow Him. He says to walk in His steps, even without the certainty of where you will go and how you will get there. Yes, it can be a scary proposition—the idea of colliding offers little guarantee for what just may happen as a result. But you can be sure that something will happen. To you. In your story. Because of your obedience. Because of God’s bigness. Because of your desire to love and honor the call Christ asks of you. Collide with God—not because there is a promise involved but because there is a big God involved, and because your story is involved—your story is on the line. And you just may be surprised to see what God can and is able to do when you surrender yourself to His lead. Follow Him and hang on. Only God knows where you will go from here.

© 2010 Orange. All rights reserved.

"Collide" Week 3: Totaled

2011-03-03T13:06:00.002-05:00

This week we wrapped up the "Collide" series at Compass. It was a really cool week. We had a few first time guests to check out Compass. Cheers to the "regulars" that keep bringing friends with them to Youth! The worship team did a great job leading music.

This week's message was called, "Totaled." We get stuck in "Status Quo" often in our lives. We like the comfort and predictability that comes with that kind of life. We do it in our spiritual lives as well. We get a routine about our faith. We go to church, read our Bible, pray, sing songs, etc. and our faith becomes a series of do's and don'ts and isn't too fulfilling.

The Pharisees were like this. Their faith became a series of things to do or not do and they did it all well on the outside, but on the inside they were empty, dirty, and rotten. Jesus said it this way to them:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. . . . You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” Matthew 23:27-28, 33 NIV

In contrast, there's a story about a group of guys stepping out of "Status Quo":

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22 NIV

A fulfilling life of faith requires collision. Collision requires being willing to step out of comfort and into a place where we are able to collide with God.

Collision is questioning the way things are—the status quo.
Collision is proactive and not reactive.
Collision is placing hope in the bigness of God—in His ability to show up and do something in a way you couldn’t do on your own.
Ultimately, colliding, at its core, is an act of trust.

When two things collide, at least one of them has to change. if God does not change, then we must change. This is a scary proposition. It is an act of trust. It is putting our trust in God that no matter what happens in the collision or as a result of it, we will be better than we were. If you want to change, if you want to find the abundant life that God offers, you must collide with God.

"Collide" Week 2: Blindsided Devotion

2011-02-24T10:16:00.002-05:00

Here's a devotional thought for this week's Collide message:

Not So Different
By Sarah Anderson

I am a fiercely competitive person. From athletics to board games, I like to win. And with each game, match, or competition, I have the tendency to trash talk—to demonize and dehumanize the opposition. Essentially when it comes time to play, I will throw friendship out the window. The objective is to win—no matter what the cost.

In the right place, this can be entertaining. But when I take this line of thinking into the wrong context, it can be pretty unhealthy—maybe even detrimental. See, what is okay when it comes to playing a game, or being involved in a competition, isn’t right and isn’t okay when it comes to everyday life, when it comes to relationships, when it comes to people.

Maybe you know what I am talking about. Competition can be fierce and inherent in competition is the belief that something separates us from others. You could call it an “us versus them” mentality—the idea that there are two teams—the team you are on, and the one you are trying to beat, the one you consider yourself better than. Are you starting to see how this might be a problem in real life? Because when we live with the understanding that we have something, possess something, that doesn’t just make us different, but makes us superior, people—especially people different from us—start to appear less valuable. We start to think of people not just as believing something different, but as being different, being something “other” than who we are. And the more we think this is true, the easier it becomes to avoid colliding with them, to steer clear of interacting with them, learning from them, relating to them.

But this isn’t how we are intended to live. We can’t live in bubbles surrounded by sameness, refusing to look at others who look, think and believe differently from us—making them less than ourselves because their differences separate us in ways we are not used to. Because the truth is, as different as we may be from the person whose locker is next to us, the person who sits across the cafeteria from us, the person who lives across the street from us—or maybe even the person across the globe from us—we can be certain that there is something, at least one thing we have in common.

Look at Genesis chapter one. In the very beginning God made something clear. We may not all be the same, but we do a have a sameness to us, a unifying characteristic that may not make us carbon copies of each other, but draws attention to a likeness we all share. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27 NIV).

There may be people in your life who you have never considered as having anything in common with you. But you do have this in common: God made you, and God made them. God made you to desire love. And God made them to desire love. God made you to crave acceptance. And God made them to crave acceptance. God made us all able to laugh, to dream, to cry, and to experience a full range of emotions and feelings.

So the next time you find yourself afraid to collide with, afraid to learn from, afraid to understand, afraid to welcome and afraid to appreciate someone who isn’t as like you as you expect or are used to, remember this: you do share one thing in common—one important thing. You share the stamp of God’s image on you—both of you. And that is a good place of commonality to start.

Colliding with someone not like you doesn’t mean abandoning the things that you hold dear. It doesn’t mean you lose what makes you unique, or forget the things that mean a lot to you. And it certainly doesn’t mean you become instant friends. It means that when we are tempted to look at someone else and see them as less than we are—as someone who has little to offer us, as less valuable than we see ourselves—that we instead choose to see the fact that God had His hand in making and creating you, and making and creating them. And with that much in common, it just may be that there is something you can learn from them that you didn’t expect or anticipate.

Don’t be afraid to collide because it is unfamiliar. Don’t be afraid to collide because it isn’t what you expect. Don’t be afraid to collide because you think it may be too awkward, uncomfortable or just plain pointless. Collide because God’s image is in you and every other person on this planet. Collide because God has asked us to. And collide because you just may be surprised by what you will get from the experience.

© 2010 Orange. All rights reserved.

"Collide" Week 2: Blindsided

2011-02-24T09:59:00.003-05:00

Last night was a cool night in Compass Youth Worship. We had a great sized group again and I know many were away because of this dreaded flu bug that's going around. Thanks to the Compass Youth Worship Team for a great job leading us in musical worship. Carson, Emily, and Nick, you're doing a fantastic job leading music!

We continued our series called "Collide" last night with a message called "Blindsided." Have you ever been blindsided by God? I mean, did he show up in a place where you least expected to see or experience Him? Too often we box God in and only look for Him at church or in the Bible or in something that says "Christian" on it. But what if God wants to show Himself or show some aspect of truth to you through something that isn't explicitly Christian?

We looked at the story in Acts 17 where Paul is in Athens. He uses the statues that they've created to honor all of their gods and specifically the one to the "unknown God." He tells them he knows the God that is unknown to them. He says this:

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else . . . . ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:24-25, 28 NIV

Do you hear that? Paul uses something that is not Christian to point out truth about God. He uses a saying from an Athenian poet to point out that we are God's children and now that bit of truth from a non-Christian source is now recognized as truth for us all in our Scripture.

So the bottom line of last night's message is: When we collide with God’s truth, wherever it is found, we are changed. The problem is, often we don't look for God except in the obvious places. So I challenge you with this, look for God this week. Look for Him everywhere. Look for Him in the music you listen to, in the shows you watch. Look for Him in the people you cross paths with. Don't be afraid to collide with something you're not familiar with because you just may find God there.

Worship Service Observation

2011-02-22T10:14:00.005-05:00

I've been working on some research lately about the worship services of different religions. I came across some information regarding an Islamic Mosque that offers something quite interesting and frankly, very inviting...a worship observation room complete with refreshments and a host available to answer questions that you may have about the worship experience you are observing.

I was telling my friend, Mike, about this discovery and he raised a good point: What if our Christian churches offered a similar opportunity?

Let's be honest, worship services are weird and uncomfortable for someone who hasn't been to one or hasn't been to yours. When do you sit? When do you stand? Why do you sing? Who are you talking to with your eyes closed? What is the money collected used for? What is an invitation? And why does that one song ask, "Are you washed in the blood? In the soul cleansing blood of the lamb?" That just sounds gross.

So I offer this as a suggestion to any church that can provide it: offer an "observation deck" for your worship services. You may have a couple of "cry rooms" for mothers to take their babies if they get upset during the service. These mothers can still hear and see the Worship Service, but those on the outside can't hear the child crying. What if you had a room like that to host people who want to find out why we do what we do?

Or do you have your services recorded or streamed online? Can you host a chat forum at a specific time and invite others to watch it with you and ask questions via cyberspace?

Let's not take for granted that everyone knows why we sing, pray, and listen to a sermon. Church, let's look for opportunities to inform people about our faith. And in the process, we might just learn something, too.

"Collide" Week 1: Impact Devotion

2011-02-17T10:30:00.002-05:00

Here's a devotional thought for the Collide Series Week 1:

Unexpected Collision
By Sarah Anderson

Have you ever thought about what it would have been like to have an encounter with Jesus? Have you ever imagined what it must have felt like to have Jesus heal your disease, cure your sickness and come to your defense? I have. I have spent lots of time imagining even the possibility of just one exchange with the Son of God, because there is no doubt about it, anyone who felt the presence of Jesus left changed. For nearly every person who encountered Him, there was a happy ending that followed. For nearly everyone…but not everyone. There were a couple of exceptions.

In fact, in Matthew chapter 20, we see a rather bizarre and interesting encounter between Jesus and the mother of two of His disciples. Here, the mother of John and James approaches Jesus and makes a request on behalf of her sons. So what does this proud mom ask of the Son of God? Matthew says it this way: Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom (Matthew 20:21 NIV).

To people living in 1st century Israel, they would have understood exactly what the mother of John and James was asking. She wanted her sons to be honored. She wanted them to be recognized and praised and esteemed for their status. It was a bold request. To her it must not have seemed like that big of deal. I mean, if Jesus was able to turn water into wine, raise people from the dead and multiply some fish and bread to feed thousands, then surely what she was after couldn’t have been that big of a deal. So she did what we just started talking about doing this past week. She collided. She put herself in a position to collide with the Son of God and made a request.

And Jesus said, “No.”

These typically aren’t the stories we spend time focusing on when it comes to studying Scripture. But we can’t deny they are in there. Here, this woman makes a decision to collide with Jesus and she walks away not having received what she came for.

So what does this mean for you? Don’t ask for an assigned seat next to Jesus in heaven? No. I don’t think that is the point of this story. I think the point is bigger than that, deeper than that, more meaningful than that. See, while we have been talking about colliding, about walking away changed, there is the temptation to think that when we do collide—when we put ourselves in a position to be changed—we start to believe that change has more to do with what we want that change to be, and not what God intends that change to be.

The mother of James and John boldly put herself in a position to collide. She saw what this man, this teacher her boys had dedicated their lives to following, was capable of. And so she decided to put herself in the path of a collision, but only because she had an end in mind for what would happen after having collided with Him. For a lot of the stories in Scripture, Jesus said “Yes.” “Lord, open my eyes. Lord, cure my leprosy. Lord, cleanse my son. Lord, raise my daughter.” And Jesus did it. But tucked in the pages of the New Testament are also some stories where Jesus didn’t do what was asked. Because sometimes the change people wanted wasn’t the change He wanted in them.

When Jesus told the mother of James and John that he would not grant the request she made, He was reminding her, and reminding us, that He isn’t a genie. He isn’t a magician. He is God. And as God He has something in mind for you that may be different than what you have in mind for yourself.

And sometimes, when we put ourselves in the path of a collision, while we are guaranteed to see change, it may not always look like the change we anticipate. Colliding isn’t about getting the guts to pray for, ask for or work for the end we have in mind. Colliding is about putting yourself at the mercy of a God who has bigger plans than you have ever imagined and bigger purposes than you can dream of—who is bigger than any collision we can dream up. It doesn’t mean you always get the answer you want. It does mean you get the thrill and the excitement of trusting God to determine exactly what you could and should learn from colliding, from intersecting with the people in your path and thus, with God.

Colliding is scary—even more so when you aren’t exactly sure how the encounter will result. Putting yourself in a place where you collide means embracing mystery and some uncertainty. But it also means embracing the God who is strong enough, big enough and powerful enough to be involved in the process. Who knows how a collision will leave you. Who knows the person you will be at the end of the process. Those things may not be for us to decide. But the good news is you can trust the God who does decide—who is involved in and encourages you to live a life in the path of a collision.

We may not always get the answer we want. But we will always get the God we need, who is in the process of making us into the people He needs.

© 2010 Orange. All rights reserved.

"Collide" Week 1: Impact

2011-02-17T10:16:00.003-05:00

Compass Youth last night was buzzing! Since the start of the new year we've really seen a tremendous amount of growth and consistency in attendance from a lot of students. Go youth! I'm really impressed with students inviting students and making guests feel welcome! I'm always excited to see students hanging out and playing games and talking together before worship and then afterward doing more of the same.

We began a new series last night called "Collide". See my previous post for a summary of what the series is about. Last night's message was called "Impact" and talked about the story found in Luke 8:40-48:

Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace" (Luke 8:40-48 NIV).

The bottom line for this message is: When two things collide, at least one of them is not going to remain the same. When we put ourselves in a place to collide with something/someone then we allow ourselves to be open for change. In the two coming weeks we'll look at what, or rather, who we can collide with to make these changes.

Not many people would place themselves in the path of a moving object. Well, not most sane people. But if you understand the principle of collision, then you put yourself out there. You think about what you need to do, who you need to intersect with to make change happen. With whom or with what do you need to collide? Because if you never collide, you’ll never change.

What is one thing you would like to change in your life? What would it take to make that change happen?

Getting Back to Writing/"Collide" Series

2011-02-17T10:10:00.003-05:00

Wow. It's been a really long time since I've taken the time to do some writing for this page. I'm hoping to get back into the rhythm of doing some more writing and I'm not sure if this counts (actually, I know it doesn't count, but it serves a purpose), but I'm going to post a few devotional thoughts, written by some other people, in regard to the teaching series we are doing in Compass Youth called "Collide". The synopsis of this series is this:

Collide
Ask anyone who’s ever run into a sliding glass door that was closed, or went for the same baseball as a teammate, or experienced a fender bender at a stoplight—a collision changes things. Whether it’s a bump on the head or a cracked bumper, something is not the same as it was before. The same thing happens when we collide with God or His truth or even other people. We’re changed. But unless we put ourselves in a position to collide, everything will stay the same. So are you ready to change, are you ready to collide?

Each Thursday, I'll try to recap the previous night's youth worship experience and offer a devotional thought for the week ahead about what we talked about in youth. Hope you enjoy!

Tiger Woods Commercial

2010-04-08T09:46:00.004-04:00

Nike unveiled a new commercial featuring Tiger Woods yesterday...just in time for the biggest golf event of the year. And really, it features his dad (or his dad's voice) more than it does Tiger. You can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/user/NikeGolf?v=5NTRvlrP2NU&feature=pyv&ad=5188645864&kw=tiger%20woods%20nike%20ad

Much is being said about this commercial, from positive comments to mostly negative ones about Nike's attempt to capitalize on emotion to make a profit. I'm not going into that...

I'd like to quote the monologue from Tiger's father, Earl Woods:

"Tiger. I am more prone to being acquitting. To promote discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was. I want to find out what your feelings are. And did you learn anything?"

Wow. What could the Church learn from that? What if the church approached people that way? Not overlooking sin, but "being prone to acquitting (grace)." Promoting discussion instead of lecturing. Asking questions instead of giving answers.

I'd like to imagine a monologue from Jesus to Zacchaeus (crooked tax collector who sought Jesus in Luke 19):

"Zacchaeus. I am more prone to grace. Come out of that tree, I want to go to your house for a meal. I want to have a discussion. I want to find out what your thinking was. Why you did what you did. I want to find out what your feelings are today. I want to find out what you've learned from that lifestyle that will shape you going forward."

Church, there are a lot of wise words from this commercial. So in the words of Earl Woods, "did you learn anything?"

The Freedom of Barabbas

2010-03-25T15:57:00.002-04:00

The Freedom of Barabbas

6Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

9"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.

15Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them.
Mark 15:6-11, 15a

The Testimony of Barabbas

Boy, did I cause trouble.

Those Romans were so controlling and cruel. We couldn’t stand it anymore. We had enough of their taxed and forced labor. Who were they to barge in and demand that we work for them? So my brothers and I staged a rebellion. We were going to take back the city. Only, there were only thirty or so of us. But we wanted so badly to get these tyrants out of town. So I killed a couple of the soldiers one day. I just snuck up on them and killed them.

That started the rebellion. They ended it pretty quickly. Some of my brothers were killed. Some ran away. I was captured and was preparing to die.

Until that day when Jesus came to prison. He wasn’t there for long. I thought they were going to let him go. Surely they would chose to release him over me.

But they didn’t.

I was released from prison and certain death because Jesus was found guilty of crimes he didn’t commit.

I was free! And I didn’t look back…
----------------------
We don’t know the end of Barabbas’ story. Did he return to crime? Was he different upon gaining freedom? Did he ever think about Jesus again?

Finish Barabbas’ story with what you think he did upon release and his life to follow.

Barabbas was set free because of Jesus’ “conviction” and death. How are you set free because of Jesus’ “conviction” and death?

The Decision of Pilate

2010-03-25T15:54:00.000-04:00

The Decision of Pilate

11Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
12When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" 14But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
15Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
20But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.
"Barabbas," they answered.
22"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
all answered, "Crucify him!"
23"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.
they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
24When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
25All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
26Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Matthew 27:11-26

The Testimony of Pilate

I didn’t know this guy. I’d heard rumors and stories, but I didn’t meet him until that day. What I heard was good. I heard he healed people. I heard he spoke of justice and peace and a life much different than the one I had been taught. This seemed to be troubling to the Empire and especially the Jews, but to be honest, deep down inside of me, it felt like something good.

But suddenly I was thrown into his story. They wanted him killed. They had enough. The made accusations, but I thought he was innocent. Why didn’t he speak up?!

My wife even told me not to get involved. This guy hadn’t done anything wrong. I knew it.

So they asked for someone to be released. It was their custom as Jews to have someone released at the Feast. I tried to talk them into releasing Jesus. They wanted Barabbas. Barabbas! Leader of a rebellion and murderer!

I was getting nowhere. I didn’t want to cause an uproar because then I’d be the one who could die. So I let the Jews do what they wanted. Even though in those few moments I realized who Jesus really was, I let the Jews convince me otherwise.

I gave in.
----------------------
Pilate had some pretty difficult decisions to make. He really had to decide between what was right and his desire to protect himself. He chose to let others influence his perception of Jesus.

In what ways do you allow others to influence what you think about Jesus and especially how you live for him?

What outside influences did Pilate take into account when making a decision about Jesus? How many of those conflicted with his own ideas of who Jesus was?

What outside influences, good or bad, affect your relationship with Jesus? How can you encourage the good and avoid the bad?

Simon Bears the Load

2010-03-25T15:50:00.003-04:00

Simon Bears the Load

21A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull).
Mark 15:21-22

The Testimony of Simon

Where should I begin?

I came to Jerusalem with my two boys, Alex and Rufus, as part of our yearly religious tradition. We needed to make our sacrifices at the time of the Passover celebration.

It was just like any other day during the celebration.

Until we got caught up in a mob. Not just any mob. This one was angry. I didn’t know what was happening, but I was curious. So I found a way to get to the front. It was almost like a parade through town, only this one was violent.

I wish I would have stayed at the back of the crowd. On the parade route, there was a man who was unrecognizable. He was so badly beaten. He was bloody. He was bruised.

He was exhausted. So he fell. I could see why. This man was about to die. Literally. He had to have lost a lot of blood. He was in such pain. And they made him carry his cross. They made him carry his death sentence. But he couldn’t do it anymore.

So they grabbed me. I didn’t know what to do. They told me to carry the cross. It was heavy. It was rough. The splinters dug into my hands as I put it on my back. I felt terrible. I was helping this man to his death. Yet, somehow I knew there was a bigger plan happening through all of this…
-------------------------
Jesus says we all have to carry our cross to follow him. This is a call to die. We have to die to ourselves and put our full trust and identity in Christ. How are you carrying your cross for Jesus?

Simon and his sons were in Jerusalem, possibly to offer sacrifice for Passover. You may know the significance of the Passover meal (see Exodus 12 if needed). Imagine that Simon understood that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice of the Passover lamb for our sin. Try to recreate the conversation he must have had to try to explain the significance of Jesus’ death to his sons.

The Denial of Peter

2010-03-25T15:44:00.002-04:00

The Denial of Peter

27"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written:
" 'I will strike the shepherd,
the sheep will be scattered.'
28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
29Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."
30"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
31But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
Mark 14:27-31

54Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him."
57But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.
58A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them."
"Man, I am not!" Peter replied.
59About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."
60Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." 62And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Luke 22:54-62

The Testimony of Peter

He told me I would do it. I didn’t believe him. I didn’t want to believe him. When Jesus said that we’d all be scattered and afraid, I knew I had to make a bold statement. I always made the bold statement.

I said I would die before I would deny knowing Jesus.

It was easy to say in that room, in that moment. But when the swords were drawn and Jesus was arrested, everything changed. I didn’t want to be arrested.

Even though I said I would die before I denied him, I was afraid I was going to die.

So I hid.

But not too far away. I followed at a distance, trying not to be seen or associated with him. I covered my face as best I could. I stayed in the shadows.

But it wasn’t enough. People knew I had been with Jesus. There was something that was different about me that--even though I denied it—associated me with Jesus.

I couldn’t get away. And, sure enough, the third time I denied knowing Jesus, he looked me straight in the eye and I heard the rooster crow.

I was devastated.
----------------------------
Peter’s story is a sad one. When things got tough, he tried to back away from Jesus. Yet, there was something that was noticeably different about him because he had been with Jesus.

What is different about me that won’t allow me to deny Christ?

In what ways am I denying Christ with the way I live?

Has there ever been a time when you felt the need to hide your relationship with Christ?

Peter was fearful for his life if he was associated with Jesus that night. What reasons do people give today for denying being in a relationship with Christ?

Stories from the Crucifixion

2010-03-25T15:35:00.003-04:00

In Compass Student Ministry, we've been in a teaching series leading up to Easter. Last night we engaged in an interactive, station-based worship experience centering around the story of Jesus' crucifixion from the perspective of four different people involved in the story: Peter, Pilate, Simon, and Barabbas.

The fifth station of this service was Communion, where we saw the first-hand account of Jesus as he explained what was about to happen to him and the significance of his sacrifice on the Cross.

I'm going to be posting in four different sections the Stories of the Crucifixion so that you too can engage in your own way with the characters of that event. Feel free to share your thoughts about these stories as well as what your first-hand account of the Crucifixion means to you.

Following Jesus: My Life with Christ

2009-11-11T10:41:00.003-05:00

If you were to ask me how long I have been a Christian, or how long I have followed Christ, I could give an easy answer like, “my whole life.” At least it seems that way sometimes. I can give you the standard joke, “I was coming to church nine months before I was born.” At least it seems that way sometimes. I really did grow up around and in church every time the doors were open. At least it seems that way sometimes. Yet, I know that following Christ and coming to church are vastly different. I also know that accepting Jesus and following Jesus are vastly different.

If following Jesus begins with learning about faith and prayer, Scripture and church, right and wrong, and God and Jesus, then I began following Jesus as a preschooler. That is what I grew up being taught. I know Jesus loves me because “the Bible tells me so.” I learned many lessons about how to live and how God wants me to live through those years as a young child. But I know that learning about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are not synonymous with following them. So I will say that was a beginning, the foundation (shaky as it may be), for a future following of Jesus.

If you were to ask me when I became a Christian, I would probably say, “March 13, 1988,” because I would know what you were asking. On that Sunday morning, I was in Children’s Church at Hampstead Baptist Church. I was six years old. I heard the standard “invitation” from the leader for that week, Mr. Lance. He told us about how everyone sins except for Jesus, but Jesus died for our sins so we wouldn’t be punished. He told us that we should ask for forgiveness of our sins and ask Jesus to come and live in our hearts if we wanted to be saved. Saved from what? Hell. We’d get eternal life in Heaven with Jesus and God and everyone else who believed in him. Sounded like a pretty good deal to me, so I signed up. From there I knew I should try to do the right things; the things the Bible and my parents told me I should and shouldn’t do. So from then on, I was a Christian and I was baptized shortly after and was a pretty good kid. At least it seemed that way sometimes.

For the next six or seven years, following Jesus became a checklist of do’s and don’ts. Do read my Bible every day. Don’t tell a lie. Do pray at meals and at bedtime. Don’t drink or smoke or say bad words. Do go to church (all the time). I wasn’t following Jesus, I was following the rules. But that was what my understanding of faith in Jesus was like. And I did it pretty well. At least it seemed that way sometimes.

Until one day as a middle school student. I was travelling home from school on the school bus. I happened to be sitting next to a girl who had visited our church with her family the previous weekend. She saw me in youth Sunday School. So she asked me on the bus, “Paul, I saw you at church on Sunday. So you must be a Christian?” Before I could answer with the affirmative a girl in the seat in front of us who had a knack for saying what she thought without a filter between her brain and mouth, spoke up and said, “Paul? A Christian? Yeah, right.” The theology of following rules slowly transitioned into the theology of you’re-doing-things-right-as-long-as-those-in-authority (parents, pastors, teachers, etc.)-don’t-find-out. I was a good Christian when I needed to be, but was not follower of Christ. But it was okay, because I knew God would forgive me. He had to, He was God. At least it seemed that way sometimes.

But that moment on the bus was somehow a divine reaching down of the hand of God to hit me in the back of the head. I realized what I was doing was not following Christ, I was manipulating him into who I needed when I needed him. I was a Christian, I don’t question that, but I was no follower of Christ. A follower of Christ cannot be compartmentalized. Christ must be followed always.

I still struggle with the following Christ by following rules mentality. After the school bus incident, I emphatically decided that I would not have a mistaken identity again. I had to follow the rules more closely. That was how to follow Christ. I didn’t know why I should follow the rules, nor the benefit of the rules; I just knew I should follow them. And I did. I had a daily devotion because I was supposed to do it. I prayed often and even recited the same prayer every night before bed. I went to church without missing a week and was “elected” by the other youth as the president of the “youth council.” You want a Christian? You got one in me.

This is not to say that I didn’t grow in my faith significantly during these years. I gained much knowledge about Scripture, about serving in the Church, and about the work of God in the world. This is very significant in the spiritual development of my life. In many ways, I was much like that preschooler from years prior, learning new things, developing a new life, and laying a foundation (shaky as it may be) for the follower of Christ I would like to become.

It has only been in recent years that I have started to come to some sort of understanding about what a follower of Christ might look like. I am twenty-eight years old. I have been a minister for nine years and called into ministry for eleven years.

I’m still not sure I’m a follower of Christ.

I am a Christian. I trust my life to God through Jesus Christ. What I am finding out is that following Christ is not about following a list of do’s and don’ts. Sure, living holy is something God expects of us. But a relationship with Christ is not based upon a balance of right and wrong. It is about communion with God. It’s about living as Jesus lived. It’s about living a life filled with love and joy because of what Christ did through his life, death, and resurrection, not just because “I am supposed to,” but because the love of God through Christ compels me to live this way. Being a follower of Christ means giving Christ my whole life.

That foundation that was put in place for the first twenty-plus years of my life showed me a way to live in order to please God. What I have discovered in recent years is that being a follower of Christ is more than doing these things, but doing what I need to do to experience Christ in my everyday life.

I am unpacking all the bags of my foundation in the Christian faith, examine all the why’s and the how’s, and putting back into place the things that make sense in a life of faith in following Christ. Seeing different perspectives on the Christian faith, as well as other faiths and religions, through several opportunities to travel has helped me to understand and validate my own faith and practices. Because I have seen other cultures, other religions, and other practices, I am grateful for the pluralism that exists today. I am finding that this examination of my own faith is best done in a community of believers trying to do the same thing with their own. My greatest growth in my life with Christ has been in community with others.

Yet, I’m still not sure I am a follower of Christ.

Why would I say that? How could I say that? Because there are still days that I would rather be a follower of myself. Just as Paul said in Romans, there is always one law at work in my life, the one that says that sin is still there to trip me up just when I want to do the right thing. Am I closer to becoming a follower of Christ than I was when I became a Christian? Absolutely. Will I be closer to becoming a follower of Christ in years to come? I sure hope so.

A follower of Christ gives himself wholly to God, surrendering everything to him, not out of guilt or obligation, but out of joyful compulsion. Until I can do that, I am still not sure I am a follower of Christ.

At least it seems that way sometimes.

Learning from the Rowdies

2009-10-13T14:33:00.004-04:00

Sometimes we see something in pop culture or in secular aspects of life that carry essential truths that are transferable to the church or other organizations. I stumbled across this article about the "Rowdies" (the student section at Jay M. Robinson athletic events) and found it very enlightening for he development of a strong organization that passes on values, passion, and purpose from old to young. Read that article here:

http://jmrobinsonsports.blogspot.com/2009/10/dont-call-it-student-section.html

My thoughts are these:

Older teaching and modeling behavior and practices for the younger. This is missing in many organizations, especially youth groups where the older youth "tolerate" the younger ones.
There is a sense of pride and competition--not in a vain, personal way--but in the mission of the organization, and each member seeks to make it better within the overall strategy of the group.
Mentoring/apprenticing is not just on "game days" but in all aspects of life. Sharing life together adds to the impact of a chosen way to live by the group.
The ones chosing to live this way are noticeable to others around them. And this chosen lifestyle seems to be attractive to others because...
The group is growing.

My questions are these:

How does a youth ministry develop this mindset?
What does this look like from a structured standpoint in a youth ministry?
What traditions, values, and passions can the older youth of Compass Student Ministry develop in the younger youth?

I am excited to say that some of these questions are being asked at Compass Student Ministry and we are intentionally developing a strategy to create this environment for students that come in contact with it. Will you be a Compass Student Ministry "Rowdie?"

Dominican Republic Mission Update #4

2009-08-03T16:49:00.002-04:00

So it's been a few days since I've been able to update you on our mission experience. My apologies for the delay.

We've gotten all of the robbery stuff (see Update #3) taken care of. By that I mean temporary passports secured for travel home tomorrow. Everyone seems to be okay in the wake of the event, of course it's just a scary thing to think about happening to you. We all kind of freeze when we hear a motorcycle coming close by. Thanks for your prayers in this whole matter. We know that none of the stuff will be recovered, but considering the potential outcomes of an armed robbery, we are grateful for to injuries of any kind. In addition, I was reminded by a good friend that somehow God can teach us or bring about good through bad experience, so when it's all in perspective it could be much worse.

Our trip as a whole has been great! The Youth Camp ended on a high note yesterday evening with Sunday Worship services at Iglesia Bautista Gracia Y Verdad. We had a great worship service culminating with one of the older students accepting Christ as Savior. Over the week there where 4 decisions to follow Christ as Savior and several other decisions to recommit to following Christ more passionately.

Today some of us spent some time at the US Consolate Office getting the passport issue finalized then we met the rest of the group at the beach at Boca Chica for some R&R and Celebration of the week. Tomorrow is an early start for us as our flight out of Santo Domingo leaves at 6:55am. Thanks for your prayers and comments and concerns for us as we have traveled, they certainly have been an encouragement and sustaining force this week.

I'll post a wrap up blog with a photo or two upon returning to the US.

Dominican Republic Mission Trip-Update #3

2009-07-31T15:20:00.002-04:00

Wow. Between yesterday and today, much has happened. Camp is still going great. Last night one youth made a decision to follow Christ as Savior and a few others made a commitment to follow God's call on their lives in specific ways. I've been told that attendance has been a little lower than expected, but those that are coming are really gaining a lot.

After evening worship and dinner, we had an unfortunate event happen. As we were going into the hotel from our van, a small gang of motorcycle "bandits" sped up and robbed us. There were about 4 motorcycles with two people on each they quickly sped to us, one jumped off while one stayed on the bike, two drew out handguns, and they quickly grabbed what they could and what we offered so that they would not use any force to get what they wanted. They did not approach Josh and I, but did take Amanda, Evan, and Micah's bookbags and their contents. No one was injured in any way.

We are in the process of getting new passports, canceling debit cards, etc. Things are progressing with this, but are on hold until Monday when we've been assured that things will be quickly resolved by the US Consolate. Unfortunately, there is no real chance of catching the "bandits" or recovering any of the stolen items. What is most important is that everyone is okay. We are switching hotels this afternoon. This is not to say that the hotel did anything wrong or is in a bad location, it just helps to ease our minds to have a change of scenery.

Please pray that all of the details in the wake of this incident will work out quickly and easily. Santo Domingo is a great city with great people. Unfortunately, just like anywhere else, there are always people who look for dishonest gain. Pray that somehow God will work through this to bring about good and glory for His honor and renown.

Dominican Republic Update #2

2009-07-30T15:10:00.002-04:00

It's mid-afternoon here in Santo Domingo. We have just finished Day 2 of the youth camp and having some down time before worship services this evening. Things are going really well. Camp had about the same attendance as yesterday. We learned about the life of Saul/Paul today and how he was Loco por Cristo.

Last night at worship, a guest speaker shared with us about Jesus being the only way to salvation and there is no fulfillment in any other person, activity, or action. At the close of the service, few people made decisions to trust Christ as Savior. Another woman, probably 18-20 years old, had once been very active in the church, but had been living away from a relationship with God for about 6 months. She came to Michael and confessed her desire to follow Christ and turn from those actions that led her down the wrong path. She also wants to publicly confess to the church and ask for forgiveness from the congregation. What maturity...

Speaking of maturity, this is my third trip to Santo Domingo and I am still impressed each trip at the spiritual maturity in this congregation. Most members of the church are under 30 years old. In my observation, as well as hearing from some of the younger members, those church leaders really, I mean REALLY take discipleship and discipling others very seriously. The older really teach the younger. It seems like I've heard somewhere (hmm...the Bible maybe?) that this is the way disciples are made. I can and am learning a lot from the people here.

Please continue to pray for our group. I think we all got some pretty good rest yesterday and last night and the energy level seems to be better today. I will be preaching tonight about "Almost Crazy for Christ." This message will focus on the young ruler who almost followed Christ, but couldn't give up everything to do so.

So I ask you, what is keeping you from being "Crazy for Christ?"

Dominican Republic Trip-Update 1

2009-07-29T14:59:00.004-04:00

Today was our first day in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Travel yesterday was LONG but uneventful, which is always a good thing (the uneventful part). Anyway, we made it to the hotel by around 12:30am and were leaving for our first day doing youth camp at 9:30am. I think we're all pretty tired.

The camp today went really well. It is themed "Locos por Cristos" (Crazy for Christ). Michael spoke today about Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunich and how being Crazy for Christ means listening for His call and following Him where He leads. We sang some songs and played several games, including kickball. Kudos to my dad, who at 53 years old played kickball just like he was a little kid.

With leaders included, we had around 60 people there today. Probably 40 of those were youth. Tonight we are going back out to where we held the camp for an evening worship service. We'll do that each evening through Friday.

Please pray for the camp and those students attending that God will continue to speak to them and they will hear him clearly. Also pray for our group's physical strength and energy to recuperate quickly. Josh shared his testimony this morning, and we all will probably have a chance to share before the week is over. I'll be preaching tomorrow night and Sunday. Please pray for God to speak through all of us.

"This God is Looking for a Body."

2009-07-13T15:39:00.002-04:00

I've been reading a new book by Rob Bell called, "Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile." Rob Bell has been on the contemporary and emergent church scene for several years now, probably most known for his video series, "Nooma." He's the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bell always presents a fresh perspective on a lot of different things; this book I am reading follows the same suit. While I am nowhere near completion of reading it, Bell brings a very interesting point about God that really illustrates this "Middleman" idea I have been pondering and writing about recently.

In Jesus Wants to Save Christians, Bell says "This God is looking for a body." (p. 34) Very interesting. I think very correct. When God, Adam, and Eve were in Eden, before sin entered the picture, the Bible says they walked with God. They actually walked and talked together, I think in some sort of physically real sense. God in a body. It was in these moments that they understood God and communication with God was easy and they could know who God is. Then they messed up. This closeness disappeared and God began "searching for a body."

I think we humans have a hard time understanding God sometimes because "he's not like us." So all throughout history God has sought a physical presence or representation of Himself on Earth. After Eden, God chose the Israelites to be "His body," his representation to the rest of humanity on Earth. Sometimes they did it well, but it seems that most times they didn't. After the Israelites, God came as Jesus Christ to not represent Himself, but to be Himself in a way that humanity may be able to better understand. Humanity still didn't get it and they killed Jesus. After Jesus' Resurrection, God began a new search. This time He left His Holy Spirit to indwell in the humanity that believed in and trusted their lives to Him. Now Christians have the responsibility to host and be "God in a Body."

This is where the middleman comes in. Christians are called as a "chosen people...a royal priesthood." We are to be God in a body. This does not make us gods, but it does give us the responsibility to be the best representation of who God is to those who do not know Him.

Bell says, "God is inviting, God is looking, God is searching for a body, a group of people to be the body of God in the world." (p. 34) He is inviting YOU to take up the challenge. He is looking at YOU to be His middleman. When He is searching for a body, will you do it? Will YOU be "God in a body?"

Church in a Box

2009-07-07T10:21:00.003-04:00

This past week, as you may have read, we talked about putting God in a Box. This was the theme for our mission trip to Charleston. This morning I was reading a fellow Youth Pastor's blog (Andy Lawrenson) and he wrote a couple of months ago about putting church in a box. I didn't catch the blog until this morning, but wish I would have seen it before our first session (Church...God's Kennel?) because it was very much a similar thought process as we learned.

Anyway, here's the link to Andy's post:
http://theaddyouthpastor.blogspot.com/2009/05/church-in-box.html

Hope you enjoy!

Charleston Mission-Day 6

2009-07-03T23:34:00.002-04:00

This is our last full day in Charleston on our Mission Trip, so a lot of things kind of wrapped up today. We worked again at Hope Assembly to finish several tasks that have been worked on all week. We sorted more clothes, finished sanding Hope Assembly's Bus, worked hard to organize a LARGE storage area in the attic/top floor area, worked a lot of bugs out of the sound system in the Sanctuary, cleaned the Sanctuary area, and passed out flyers in two neighborhoods advertising a computer/job skills training class being offered at Hope Assembly.

**A side note, of all the passing out of flyers, this was met with the greatest receptivity. We should consider offering services to people that they know they have a need for. To offer the Gospel door-to-door is a great plan, but if people don't see their need for it, they won't be receptive. Offering a solution to a known and recognized need provides an entry point to developing a trusting relationship that builds the foundation to discuss spiritual needs also. People need to know you care about their day-to-day before they care about hearing anything else.

Anyway, at lunch, we were treated by several of the Hope Assembly ladies to a traditional Charleston cuisine. It was fantastic! We had macaroni and cheese, white rice, limas with ham hocks, collard greens (some of the best outside of my grandma's and Liz's grandma's), red meat links, barbecued pigs feet and banana pudding for dessert. Okay, so some of it wasn't as good as other parts, but it was definitely authentic and prepared with a lot of love and appreciation for our group coming. That was the best seasoning of all.

During the afternoon, we finished up a few of the morning projects and also bagged 300 bags of groceries to deliver tomorrow morning for an event Without Walls does every Saturday called Adopt-A-Block. We will participate in this before we come home tomorrow. We'll go out with several other partnering churches to minister to a city block or apartment complex or neighborhood by delivering food, cleaning up the grounds in common areas, praying for needs, etc.

This evening we celebrated our week with a meal at Gilligan's Seafood Bar & Grill. It was fantastic! If you're in the Mt. Pleasant, SC area, I recommend it. I recommend getting the Lowcountry Boil dish (crab legs, shrimp, sausage, onions, and potatoes steamed together with a side of corn on the cob all for only $14.95). As you can tell it was a good meal, I think everyone enjoyed.

Our closing evening session wrapped up the "God in a Box" series for the trip. Keying especially on Psalm 139 and Job 38, we talked about how God was bigger than our box. We don't realize how all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present God is. David tried to capture this in this Psalm. God is bigger than our box, but he cannot be limited to just being big. He is also small and personal enough to want a relationship with each of us. Amazing, simply amazing. Because God knows us better than we know ourselves, we can trust Him to fully take control of our lives rather than limiting Him to certain areas. In fact, it is because He knows us so well that we can ask Him to search us and show us the areas where we fail to give Him control.

One final note, Compass Youth Ministry of Providence Baptist Church has a group of students that genuinely care about people. I can say that by and large, they care much more deeply for the needs of others than they do for themselves. I have been amazed by the level of drive to accomplish the mission each day. They don't stop until the work is done. I asked tonight about how many seem to be finding an area of ministry that they could see God calling them to serve in. Not necessarily just in the capacity we are working this week, but in any area of life. Several indicated that they are finding that calling. In fact one confirmed his call to go into vocational Christian ministry and a few others said they could potentially see that calling in the future. Please pray for our ministry, I believe that God is moving in a special way and we are on the definite brink of something amazing here.

Charleston Mission-Day 5

2009-07-02T23:35:00.003-04:00

Today was a great day. We started out this morning splitting into various jobs around the Hope Assembly property. We installed vinyl rubber baseboard, swept and mopped the worship center, made brochures, folded and sorted clothes, greeted and helped "shoppers" for food and clothing distribution, cleaned and scrubbed trashcans (yuck!), cleaned bathrooms, and unloaded a van of supplies.

Prior to doing these tasks (which were done with tremendous effort and great attitudes), we heard from Pastor of Hope Assembly, Gordon Cashwell (second cousin to our Pastor John Cashwell, by the way), about the history of Hope Assembly and Without Walls Ministry. He talked with great passion and excitement about the work that has been done and is continuing to be done through this ministry. There is no doubt about his passion for reaching and meeting the needs of the community and ministering to "the least of these" in the difficult communities of Charleston. Many people talk about the need to help "the least of these," but few do it with tears in their eyes. His message was impacting in a greatly positive way.

This afternoon we went out in the community and distributed flyers/brochures for an upcoming marriage conference. This provided opportunities for us to meet people in the area and share a smile and a little bit of hope. Sometimes this was met with resistance and ugliness. Other times it was met with great acceptance and seemed to be just what they needed. One man accepted the conference information with, "Wow! This is exactly what we need, exactly when we need it." God delivers at just the right time.

Tonight our group time was really neat. It was an unprogrammed, unplanned open request night of worship and sharing. We would play a few songs and then talk about "God sightings" around Charleston and our work during the day. These are the times when we were reminded of God through each other, another person we met, or something in our surroundings. It was really a great time. I am amazed by the open, authentic worship by a group of overly exhausted teenagers.

Oh, and to cap it all of, we had the alternator replaced on the van today. You can't have a mission trip without a little vehicle maintenance at inconvenient times!

One a side note, please pray for the group. We are all pretty tired and still working very hard. Ask for God's strength and power to help us through the last day and a half.

Charleston Mission-Day 4

2009-07-01T23:48:00.004-04:00

Today we spent the first half of the day doing some sightseeing around the downtown Charleston area. It was nice to relax a bit before a very busy afternoon and evening.

This afternoon we hosted a block party. So after lunch, we got our supplies prepared and loaded and set out to set up for the big event. We arrived on the scene and set up to about 80% completion when our leader from Hope Assembly was approached by the complex's property manager said that due to guidelines for housing subsidized by federal funds, we could not host a religious gathering on the property. I think an important step was missed in the pre-trip prep by our host organization when they didn't call and arrange things ahead of time. but the manager was gracious in asking us to leave and even arranged with the City of Charleston for us to move two blocks over to a public park where we hosted a great party.

This could have been very frustrating, and it was, but as Mike pointed out, it was a great opportunity for us to really show the attitude of Christ in moving locations. Our group did that with excellence. We quickly moved locations and probably had better attendance at the new location than we would have had in the original. In retrospect, God made things happen just the way they needed to. Ultimately, we served almost 200 hotdogs to a crowd of around 150 people, played lots of games with lots of kids, distributed clothing, and presented the Gospel with at least 3 public decisions to follow Christ. Mission Accomplished!

I'll be posting more pictures of the events soon.

Tonight's group time centered around putting God's power in a box. Just like a electrical outlet, God's power is at our disposal, but unless we tap into the resource, it remains unused. What a difference could be made in our lives and the world if only we relied on God's power instead of our own.

Are you relying on God's power or your own?

I Got Pranked!

2009-07-01T23:29:00.003-04:00

Well...it's started. A few girls (Erica, Hunter, and Emily) decided to pull a prank on me. (See picture to the right) I have to say, they did a pretty good job. They plastic wrapped around the room, including my sunglasses, shoes, and iPod. They spread streamers all over the room. They put sequins in my bed. The silly-stringed the bathroom. And my personal favorite for creativity, they covered the bathtub floor with half full of water Styrofoam cups. Not a bad job! (And don't worry, there was no damage to any part of the room or possessions. Rule #1 for a good prank.)

I found out about it and concocted a scheme of my own. With the help of Kelly C. and Liz B. we secretly and rapidly cleaned the room spotless and I acted like nothing ever happened. They started to wonder what happened. Then I secretly went to the hotel front desk and asked them to call me out of the information and announcements portion of our group meeting to have a "conference" with me. They obliged. After I was called out of our group meeting for the "conference" I let the group know (this is a totally made up story) that the room cleaning staff returned to our room to drop off supplies and found it a mess. The hotel's charge for excessive room cleanup was $250, so the guilty party or parties should come to me by the end of the week to "fess up" and work out a payment plan to pay back the fees. I totally pulled it off. Those who were "guilty" got really nervous and I found out later started figuring in their heads what $250 split 3 ways would cost.

Anyway, after the meeting, Emily fessed up. She was worried to death, so I couldn't keep up the act any longer. I just said "Gotcha!"

You don't mess with the best...

Charleston Mission-Day 3

2009-06-30T22:43:00.003-04:00

Today began our official mission work with Hope Assembly and Without Walls Ministry. As with any mission trip or opportunity, there is much flexibility demanded from all participants. This first day was no different.

We worked in teams this morning to help Hope Assembly accomplish some tasks at the Church/Mission site that had been long overdue. What I have found is that mission agencies/missionaries are so consumed with reaching people and making contacts and building relationships with those they are ministering to that they neglect the "non-essentials." What short-term mission teams are able to provide sometimes are the extra hands to accomplish those tasks. So this morning we split into teams and were able to clean the upholstery of all the chairs in their worship center/fellowship hall, paint walls and cabinets in various locations, clean and organize several supplies areas, sort clothes in the clothes closet ministry area, sand the peeling paint and rust spots on the ministry bus, mowed and trimmed weeds on the church grounds, and cleaned out a ministry van. Not bad for a mornings work!

Right after lunch we went through an attic storage area and found the games we needed for the block party tomorrow. Following that we went into the neighborhood area where we will host the block party and passed out flyers to invite people to come. This was a very difficult task as it was a major stretch from our comfort zones. The area where we are working is very low income, drug-ridden, and generally a pretty difficult place to break down barriers to effective ministry. Our role as a short term mission team is to help staff and provide events (block party) that can help Without Walls Ministry build these relationships and trust in that community.

I am very proud of our group today. They handled changes and the need for flexibility very well. I heard no complaints. They handled a very uncomfortable afternoon with courage and grace. I'm proud to represent and lead this group. I even heard compliments from the Chick-Fil-A and hotel staff about our group.

Please pray for the ministry tomorrow. Pray that our block party will provide immediate opportunities to share the Gospel with people. Also pray that it develops more trust for the community and Without Walls Ministry.

Tonight we talked about putting "God in a box" by segmenting our lives into areas that we allow God to have control and areas where we want to keep for ourselves. Yet, when Jesus called people to follow him, he told them to first count the cost. The cost is everything. We can't give him certain parts, he asks for it all. I'll confess that this is one of the biggest areas of struggle for my own relationship with God because I like to be "in control." I fear the thought of allowing someone else the ability to control my life. It's difficult to do it, but our relationship with God misses SO much when we don't allow Him full control. Imagine what God could do with a life fully surrendered to Him.

What areas of your life do you keep "God in a box" by not letting him to have control?

Charleston Mission-Day 2

2009-06-29T23:29:00.003-04:00

Today was our free day. Without Walls Ministry is closed on Mondays to give their staff a day off (since most are Hope Assembly church staff too), so we had the day free also. So we went to the beach at Isle of Palms, did a carriage tour of Charleston, and went to Hyman's Seafood for supper. It was a GREAT day!

Even though our "official" mission work begins tomorrow, I am impressed with our students. Some asked their waitress tonight if they could pray for anything for her when they blessed their food. Another witnessed to the hotel's "front desk guy." He is a Christian, but did say that he is going through a lot and would appreciate the prayers. His name is Damon if you'd like to pray for him also.

Tonight in our teaching time, we talked about making God look like us. Sometimes our traditions, preferences, teachings, prejudices, etc. cause us to form an opinion about what we think God likes and dislikes. Most of the time this results in God looking a lot like us. This puts God in a box because we limit our ability to see a much broader perspective of who God is and how we approach Him. The challenge is to examine all of these areas mentioned above and see if they are limiting our perspective of God (negative) or what is comfortable and effective for our relationship with God (positive).

What about you? What box do you put God by making Him look like you? Remember, we are made in His image, not Him in ours.

Charleston Mission-Day 1

2009-06-28T23:03:00.003-04:00

Today we arrived in Charleston, SC for Compass Youth's Mission Trip. Being a mostly travel day, I am glad to say it was pretty uneventful. Thanks to God for keeping us safe as we traveled.

We checked into the hotel, ate supper at CiCi's, and then went to the least crowded Walmart I've ever been to. Granted, they were renovating the store and the merchandise was in mild disarray, but I bet when our 25 people arrived the number of shoppers in the store more than doubled.

During our evening group worship times we are talking about "God in a Box." The whole basis for this theme is the idea that we limit God in a lot of ways because we put God in our own little box. This box doesn't allow us to experience God to the fullest because we've limited our ability to see a full picture of God. What a difference it would make in our lives if we took whatever box we put God in and busted it never to be used again.

Tonight's message, "Church...God's Kennel?", took a look at how we sometimes keep God confined to just meeting with Him at "church." This limits our ability to walk with God, to commune with Him in all aspects of life. How often do we meet with God at "church" only to walk out of the doors to only think about Him again when we walk back in next week? How many opportunities do we miss to experience God outside of a worship service when we leave Him at church? Even more, how many opportunities do we miss to show God to others when we leave Him at church?

What would happen in our lives if we allowed God to "run free" instead of keeping Him in his "kennel?" How much more depth would a relationship with God have if we sought opportunities to commune with God in all aspects of life and not just at church?

I look forward to a great week ahead here in Charleston. Tomorrow is a free day as Without Walls Ministry (the mission agency we are working with) gives their staff Mondays off. I look forward to the beach and carriage ride and looking for opportunities to see God "running free outside of His kennel!"

Breaking the Silence

2009-06-08T10:41:00.003-04:00

In his book, Preaching, Fred Craddock says, "God breaking the silence with the Word--what an appropriate description not only of revelation but a sermon, a word tossed against the clear glass of silence behind which people sit waiting and asking, "Is there any word from the Lord?" True to the book's title, Craddock is specifically speaking of the privilege of preaching, but as "middlemen and middlewomen," all Christians are called to sometimes convey a message from God.

The silence is the place people find themselves in waiting in anticipation for God to speak. Silence is uncomfortable. It is heavy. It is deafening. It is important and the words chosen to break it are even more important.

A close friend comes to you and reveals she has just learned she has breast cancer. Stunned, confused, and even angry she questions why God would let this happen. With what do you break the silence?

A coworker excitedly tells you that he trusted God as his Savior yesterday. You've been praying for this to take place and are excited too. But what words do you use to break the silence?

You see, I believe that God speaks to everyone. He does not need people to speak on His behalf, yet He choses to do so. What a privilege we have been given! What a responsibility that has been entrusted to us! It is because of the importance of this task that we must carefully chose how to break the silence. Consider Job and his friends. After losing his possessions, his family, his health, and his money, he is visited by his friends. They sat in silence with Job for a week! A week without uttering a word! Finally Job speaks. Yet, the silence is not broken. He expresses his agony, yet the silence is not broken. When Job finishes, his friends, in sequential order, break the silence. Perhaps in the seven days they waited in silence they should have listened for God because when they speak, the silence is broken with flipant words of questioning and accusation, yet no comfort from God.

Words are so important. Thirty-six chapters later, God is finally allowed to break into the "noise" of discussion and debate and offers His words. Upon hearing this, Job ultimately replies, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5 italics added)

As middlemen and women, when we break the silence on behalf of God it should not be to tell of God it should be to show God.

How do you "break the silence?"

The Middleman

2009-06-02T10:39:00.004-04:00

I've recently been thinking a lot about being a middleman. Over several blog postings I want to unpack this idea of the Church as middleman. In our culture, we don't respect the middleman much--he's the guy who moves a product from supply to demand and adds in his "fees" for doing so. Warehouse and discount stores advertise that "we've cut out the middleman and we're passing the savings on to you!" The middleman doesn't get much love.

Yet, I am more and more convinced that Christians should aspire to be middlemen (and middlewomen). In Micah 6:8, we are called to "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with (our) God." In John 17, Jesus prays for the believers as he sends them into the world to continue his work.

The middleman is not explicitly seen in supply and demand transactions, nor should he be. He is a silent and invisible necessity to connect the two noticeable ends.

I want to be a middleman. I want to be the representative of God that delivers His mercy, His justice, His love, and His message to those who need it. I also want to deliver to God a passion and concern for those in need of Him as I seek to stand in the gap to help connect God and humanity. Just let me be a middleman. And let me do it without adding my own agenda so that people only see God and God only sees people.

Lessons from Children

2008-09-01T20:19:00.001-04:00

I have two children. My son, Ayden, is four years old and my daughter, Ella, is 13 months old. They bring great joy to my life and also, more times than not, bring great teaching and even rebuke to me and my attitudes about life. We spent the week this past week in Myrtle Beach on our family vacation where I learned a great deal by observing my children.
When playing in the pool at the hotel and even in the ocean, Ella was fearless. The deep did not bother her, neither did the waves. She wasn’t hindered by anything. Ayden, on the other hand, was very often frightened by the water being too deep or the waves being too tall. Even in my arms, he was still frightened. I could not calm his fear. He only saw the deep and the waves and it kept him from experiencing more.
I know that Ella knew no better. She wasn’t afraid because she didn’t understand the deep or the waves; she only understood that I was holding her. Ayden, in his much more advanced, four year old mind, could see the problems that could occur even though I held him.
And as I observed I was reminded of my relationship with God. How I wish to be more baby-like in my faith. Child-like isn’t enough; a child can see the problems around him or her and understand, to some degree, the consequences. But to be like a baby with God, only fully grasping that I am safe in my father-God’s arms no matter what I am surrounded with. I’d like to have a faith like that.