Not Your Mother's Church!

This is the back of the guy who was sitting in front of me at a church service I visited in Denver last week. His jacket says, "Mouth Sewn Shut" and down below it says, "Discharge."
       The name of the church is Scum of the Earth.
       Not exactly your mother's church I suppose!

Pendulum Swings and the "Five-Fold Ministry"

In the Evangelical world there are on-going pendulum swings around what is the central calling of the Church. These swings are often associated with what is known as the "five-fold ministry" of the Church, which is found in Ephesians 4:11-12:
       So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
       It seems to me that we have a great challenge being integrated about this FIVE-fold ministry and calling. We tend to highlight one or two in reaction to the others, in large part because one or more of these is neglected by the Church at any given time.
       So here's a quick snapshot of the past 40 years of the Evangelical Church:
1970s: SHEPHERDING, propagated by Ray Stedman and a lot of other "pastors"
1980s: TEACHING, propagated by the likes of Chuck Swindoll and Charles Stanley;
1980s: PROPHETIC, propagated by John Wimber and the Vineyard movement
1990s: EVANGELISM, propagated by Bill Hybels at Willowcreek and Rick Warren at Saddleback
2000s: APOSTOLIC, propagated by Alan Hirsch and Brian McLaren and a host of others
       My guess is that the hype about apostolic movements has a ways to go, due to prolific writers and practitioners. At some time in the future someone with teaching and.or shepherding gifts will rise up and react to the apostolic types. And so the dance goes on.
       I just would love to be part of a church or movement which wrestled deeply with the integration piece, where all five aspects/callings of the Church were embraced, encouraged, and empowered. That's a church I would like to be part of.

Ronald Reagan's Letter to the American People

Susy and I watched a Larry King Special about Alzheimer's Disease the other night. One of the people interviewed was Ron Reagan, the son of the former president. He read President Reagan's letter to the American people which he wrote announcing that he had the disease. It is worth reading every once in a while.
       I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.

       In the past, Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.
       They were treated in early stages and we were able to return to normal, healthy lives. So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.
       At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
       Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes, I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
        In closing let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
        I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead. Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan 

Comments on bin Laden's Death

There have been a fair number of comments and responses to my blog of yesterday. Public responses and those I received privately. Thank you to all of you who took the time to share. I want to repost a few here (only those who responded publicly):

• Paul said, "it is difficult to prioritize grace, love, and justice."
• Carolyn said, "there's a part of me that is relieved but jubilation doesn't feel right."
• Christian said, "It makes me feel better knowing other Americans felt a bit unsettled after seeing the US reaction. I wish we would cheer steps to deal with the causes of terrorism and crime in the same way we cheer military action against it."
• Candice wrote, "I am not wasting time or energy on this focus, but I know God is in control and we are to live to glorify Him so let's be aware that our words are very powerful."
• Frank wrote, "God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live!"
• Dan wrote, "I think too many of us have revenge in view with Bin Laden's death, rather than simply allowing our governments to pursue justice. And where there's a don't-mess-with-the-US kind of giddiness, well I think that's patently unhelpful and mostly prideful (in a bad way)"
• Lynn wrote, "I am a Christian and my Marine Corps son was a Christian who is now in the presence of Jesus Christ in Paradise. Stephen received a 'calling' on 9/11/01 to defend the freedom that he knew came from the Lord God. He was killed in action on October 6, 2006, in Saqlawiyah, Iraq, along with two other Marines. Our pursuit of OBL was not revenge. It was the defense of the sacrifice that has been being made since the Revoluntionary War. Freedom is God's idea not man's. God expects us, equips us to defend the blessing that He has bestowed upon us." (Psalm 144:1)

Thanks to you all for writing!

Why I Don't Cheer Bin Laden's Death

"Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord God, "and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?" ~ Ezekiel 18:23
The world now knows that Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan this past weekend. President Obama gave the order to American military and/or CIA agents to kill him in a compound in Abbottabad.
       I watched CNN before Obama made the announcement last night, and observed as hundreds and then thousands of people gathered outside the White House and at Ground Zero and cheered Bin Laden's death. Somehow those images of Americans cheering was unsettling to me.
       Now before you blast me as anti-patriotic, let me explain my processing about this.

• Justice on earth has been entrusted to governments, justice in eternity is God's alone. We do well not to mix up these two;
• To be a powerful and great nation takes humility, not pride. The Roman Empire was incredibly powerful and full of pride. That empire crumbled;
• I learn much from Dietrich Bonhoeffer who opposed Adolph Hitler and likely would have assassinated Hitler if he had the opportunity. Bonhoeffer was deeply distressed by the possibility of killing someone to save millions of other people's lives. In short, Bonhoeffer never lost sight of the value of every human life;
• I take no pleasure in the possibility or probability that Osama bin Laden will spend an eternity separated from God in hell. I believe that unless bin Laden repented of his sin and put his faith in Jesus Christ he will be separated from God for eternity. This separation is ultimate torment. This deeply saddens me and I hope that in his last moment or hours or days on earth bin Laden found Jesus Christ as his Lord.

       Please hear me on this. I do not think it was wrong for the American government through the CIA and Navy Seals to kill bin Laden. I seriously doubt that killing bin Laden makes the world a safer place, but that's a debate for another day. I too am grateful for the courageous military servicemen who serve America and the world.

       I too am haunted by images the Twin Towers having planes flown into them. That was in my "hometown" and the terrorist attack on 9/11 is very close to my heart. However, gaining pleasure about bin Laden's death does nothing to change the events of 9/11. Vengeance is a short-lived thrill.

       My friend Sherry, who is from Egypt, quoted Ezekiel 18:23 today: "Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord God, "and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?" I am grateful to Sherry for this reminder - it is especially poignant to me that someone from the Middle East quoted this verse.

We made the cover of Time ... for the wrong reasons!

We Christians made the cover of Time magazine last week! Great, right?
       Or not.
       The story concerns whether there is a hell or not. Many thanks to Rob Bell and his publisher for putting Evangelical Christians in the news. It's just too bad that the issue we are becoming known for is so speculative and mysterious and is NOT the main thing!
       My brother quotes Dallas Willard on his blog the other day: "Nothing fails quite like success.” This is so, so true. It's very difficult not to be influenced by six-figure book signings, which Bell received before Love Wins was published.
       It is very difficult to resist the lure of a growing church with cash flowing in because of the giftedness and appeal of a speaker. Simply put, it is the rare individual who can ride the wave of success and not stumble badly in the process.

My Dogs Stress Me Out at the Vet!

I brought both my wonder-dogs - aka Bailey and Angel - to the vet the other day to get their annual heartworm check (see photo at left of them in the examination room).
       Every year when I do this I vow to NEVER, EVER bring these two canines to the vet together, because it is sheer CHAOS every time I do so! But, alas, I forget from year to year.
       This week was no less chaotic than previous years. We walked into the waiting room and there were two miniature dogs (they looked like overgrown rats) and they started barking like nut cases!
      In typical fashion, Angel the old lady puts her tail between her legs and starts whimpering. I want to say to her, "Angel, you can kick those dogs down the street with a swipe of your tail! Get some courage old girl!"
      At the very same time that Angel starts whimpering Bailey starts barking and growling like a caged lion. She is yanking on her leash so that my arm feels like it's about to fall off. I think to myself, "Someone give this animal a tranquilizer please!"
      Well all was fine with the dogs - no heartworms - and they even did OK with getting their temperature taken with the rectal thermometer!
       Next year I HAVE to remember to take the dogs to the vet separately!

In Memoriam: David Wilkerson

I just heard the news that David Wilkerson, founder of Times Square Church, was killed in a car crash in Texas today. This impacts me on a number of levels, but especially because I am close friends with Wilkerson's daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Roger. I pray for God to comfort the family in this time.
        Earlier today before his death, Rev. Wilkerson's organization, World Challenge, posted a devotional by him. You can read it here. These are the final recorded words of a man who finished well with God and in his mission on earth:

"To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, 'I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.'

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world."

The Best Advice I Got as a Senior Pastor

In 2001 I became a senior pastor of a church - Crossroads Church in Amsterdam. I was in that role for five years. Before taking the position I asked several senior pastors what advice they would give me as I entered into this new role. One bit of counsel stuck with me.
       "Find a very good therapist and start seeing him regularly," said one of the pastors.
       "But I'm not that messed up!" I protested. "I wouldn't know what to talk about with such a person?"
       The pastor responded, "Well, first of all, you probably ARE that messed up but don't know it. And if you are NOT very messed up you will be within a year of becoming a senior pastor."
       He was right on both counts - I discovered that I AM that messed up, and became even more messed up being a senior pastor.
       Since 2001 I have been helped by two exceptional therapists - one in Holland and the other in Denver. Over those 10 years I have regularly seen a therapist for more than half that time.
       Perhaps you are reading this and saying, "Phew, I'm glad I'm not screwed up like Brian is!" But if you are still reading, I have three considerations for you about this:
       First, I truly want to finish well in life and ministry and need help with my psychological/emotional well-being. I cannot do this on my own;
       Second, I have spoken with senior pastors who seek counseling because they feel like they (the pastor) has been victimized by an elder board, congregation, or denomination. So they find a counselor who often validates their victimization. This is a bad bad use of a counselor;
       Third, "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Being a senior pastor can be heady stuff, and is not grounded very well in reality. People sometimes confuse a pastor's giftedness and talent with his or her character and inner life. I have found that a good counselor helps mitigate against this phenomenon.
       I don't have a lot of this figured out, but I do know that two therapists have helped me a whole lot on my journey over the past decade and I am grateful for them.

N.T. Wright and The Challenge of Jesus

       A significant part of the vision of The Isaac-Ishmael Initiative which I am launching is about being God's image bearers. And this is also our vocation, as N.T. Wright says. This has "crazy" consequences, such as Jews and Muslims coming together in and through Jesus to worship Him and to love each other. Crazy, I know.
       My inspiration is from Wright's book, The Challenge of Jesus. Check out this quote.

"The key is that humans are made in the image of God.

That is the equivalent, on the wider canvas, of Israel's unique position and vocation.

And bearing God's image is not just a fact, it is a vocation.

It means being called to reflect into the world

the creative and redemptive love of God.

It means being made for relationship,

for stewardship, for worship -

or, to put it more vividly, for sex, gardening and God."

~ N.T. Wright, The Challenge of Jesus

Church as Industry

We went to our home church, Lookout Mountain, for the sunrise service yesterday. Later in the morning we went to Flatirons Church near Boulder for one of their six services in their new 4,000-seat facility.
       Back in 2005-2006 I spent a lot of time at Flatirons when they were in transition between lead pastors. I did some consulting there and preached a number of times. Prior to the previous senior pastor leaving the church had about 5,000 people attending. It then fell to about 3,500 before Jim Burgen became lead pastor.
       This weekend they had 6 services over Saturday and Sunday and probably more than 20,000 people in attendance (it was Easter however).
       I am torn about Flatirons after being there yesterday. First, some things that I appreciate:
* I thought the worship was theologically solid (loud, guitar-driven - I used ear plugs!);
* The message by Jim and the follow up to Communion by Scott was clear, concise, and honored the Biblical account of Jesus' resurrection very well;
* Flatirons has showed that it desires to "give themselves away" to the local community and around the world;
* They are evangelistic in a good way, focusing on people who are far from God.
       I am left scratching my head about some things that came to the surface in being at Flatirons again:
- I appreciate that Flatirons knows their "target audience," but I wonder if the light and smoke show is that necessary to reach them and I wonder what it says about worship;
- The financial cost of putting on a worship service is astronomical and I wonder if that is ultimately wise stewardship;
- Here's my biggest concern: Flatirons is a "one-stop shop" where you get every service you can think of - children's ministry, youth ministry, college ministry, single parents. If you have a need or desire it will be met at Flatirons. It's like going to a mall and finding every store that you want and consuming in great quantity.
       My critique is not of Flatirons specifically, but rather I am wrestling with the large church model which is so prevalent in America. Flatirons does many things in a great manner and touches people for the Kingdom every week. I respect their ministry in many ways. And yet I am left with some questions which I need to ask and consider deeply.

A Different Kind of Seder

Last night's seder at my church changed for me in an instant when I was introduced to a guest who simply showed up because she was looking for a Passover seder in town.
       She is relatively new to Denver; a reformed (liberal) Jewish woman from South Africa. She googled "Passover Seder Denver" and ours came up! Way to go, Google! She found a seat at the table where Susy and I were seated, so we spent the entire evening with her over the meal.
       The moment I started to talk to our guest I thought about the Haggadah in my hand which I recently finished writing. There I was thinking, "Have I communicated well about Jesus? Is the Gospel clear? Is there anything unnecessarily offensive to a Jewish person?"
       What I realized after the seder was that I felt so ALIVE through the evening because of our new friend who found her way to our seder tonight. A friend reminded me afterward that seeds are planted and watered in people's hearts on evenings like this. God's ways are not our ways. Pretty amazing.

Images from First Passover Night

We celebrated the Passover Seder Tuesday night with 30 people at our friends' Jamie and Carol's place. Here's some images from the evening.

Columbine ... 12 years later

Twelve years ago today two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado went on a rampage killing 12 students and a teacher.
       The scene of that massacre is about south 5 miles of our house. In fact, Steven and I umpire baseball games at Clement Park which sits adjacent to Columbine High. Last weekend we umpired on a baseball field that sits right on the edge of the Columbine Memorial. Look out into centerfield and you see the mounds of dirt which mark the beginning of the Memorial area.
       Today I will go to the Columbine Memorial - along with hundreds of other people - to remember the 15 lives lost on that tragic day. While I do not have any personal connection with the people who lost their lives, I feel strongly about the sanctity of all life. This is a time to ask God to protect His creation, that future Columbines will not happen.

Reflecting on Pesach

Today is the first night of Passover. We are hosting a seder with about 30 people at a friend's house. It will be the first time I am using the Haggadah which I recently wrote and got printed. Quite frankly I am a bit nervous about using this booklet as I share some personal reflections on the Passover in my life.
       For the past few days I have done a lot of reflecting on Israel's slavery in Egypt, God rescuing them, and the people eventually wandering in the desert for 40 years.
       I doubt that the likes of John Grisham could write a more suspenseful story than what is found in the book of Exodus. What makes it most suspenseful to me is not whether God will save the people, but rather if the people will have the courage to leave Egypt and enter the desert/wilderness. Will Israel obey and follow God from slavery to places unseen and unknown?
       I suppose that is the question for all time: Will we leave our "Egypts" (whatever that may be in our lives) to the wild unknown with God?