Last week I had the distinct honor of visiting Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The later I have been to many times and love, the former…never. The reason was to pay a visit to Julio and Suzette
Volcy. They are church planters with Christian Associates. His intention is to start a church in Petionville, a part of the massive city of Port au Prince. I believe the official numbers for residents of the city are around the 5 million mark. Most say it is about the size of Chicago – an immense city (some estimate many more).
I know Haiti has gained a substantial amount of international attention since the earthquake in 2010. It was a gigantic quake with literally scores of aftershocks. The Haitian government estimate at least 316,000 died in the catastrophe. The multiplied tragedy is that Haiti was the poorest country in the western hemisphere before the mindboggling natural disaster occurred. The city is enormous without a central sewage system. The road system is quite undeveloped and transportation is arduous, and that is an understatement. If you think the roads are bad in your city, quit complaining. For many of the roads in the city you need to think of driving through a wheat field, only about 10x worse. I needed a kidney belt just to drive around. The picture to the left is the highway just before the Haitian / Dominican border. Also, the poverty is pervasive (I just read over 50% unemployment, some say it is up to 60%).
Into this context Julio and his wife Suzette (and 3 beautiful kids) are seeking to establish a church with a missional/incarnational approach. The percentage of churched in the country is quite high (I heard up to 40%), but in many ways it is an institutional model tethered to traditional mindset. It appears that the church is mostly insular in its approach relegating Christianity to obeying rules (many which are church established) and going to worship services.
The work we (CA) are doing is based upon a premise that the church is for the world. Julio and his team get this. They are involved in clean water projects, health care, education and discipleship of young men (Julio runs a Teen Challenge ministry mentoring up around 50 young men). What I discovered while there is Julio is an incredibly influential leader in his community. It seems that he is looked up to by most folks and is poised to make a tremendous impact. I got the distinct impression while there that this group is not only planting a church, but preparing to re-Jesus the city, even the country with a fresh recasting of the Gospel…a whole Gospel. They are not only planting a church, but praying and working to change their country.
That is what I am in this for. The transformation of the nation with the transcendent hope of Jesus. God’s plan? I am persuaded that it is through establishing a different kind of church…Kingdom outposts doing the King’s work throughout the world.
I am grateful.
r
While perusing FB today, I came across the below quote from Lance Ford. http://www.facebook.com/lncford
“Both “servant-leader” and “servanthood” are watered-down terms that fall short of the necessary gumption to overcome the leader-centric mentality that saturates the church world. They are but twists on a vague notion of semi-humility. In many evangelical leadership cultures the idea of a servant-leader is in reality tantamount to a benevolent dictatorship.”
I wholeheartedly agree with Lance on the statement (As a matter of fact, I come out of a denomination that actually uses the term “benevolent dictator” as a common descriptor of good pastoral leadership – I am not joking – wait, I just threw up in my mouth as I recalled that fact), but some of the dialogue that followed in the FB thread seemed to be more of a reaction to what I would call an unrestrained American version of what leadership means, which seeks to somehow extricate the term from our vernacular like that will make the throbbing desire for attention or power go away.
I haven't read Lance’s book (so he may deal with this in it), but the question I might have from the FB thread is how does it fit with Paul, while talking about spiritual gifting saying, "the one who leads, do with zeal..." The word means to have charge over or rule. I'm certainly not contesting the servant/slave model or the need to live as a follower under the Kingship of Christ, but to dismiss the term leader seems like it may be an overstatement that misses the point. Look, leadership happens regardless if we say the word or not. It can be very good or very bad. Why is there a line to listen to authors (like Lance) or pastors or conference speakers? An aside: it probably wouldn’t hurt the American church to have moratorium on conferences and guest speakers for a year – any kind of big shot stuff. Revival might actually break out.
BTW – this is not to in anyway dismiss Lance or his book. I have heard nothing but good things about him from friends I have that know him well. I hope to take a look at the book in the future (as usual, there are many in my queue right now – here is the Amazon link), but I am speaking to a general reactivity to the term that I have been picking up.
What do you think? How should we view the term "leader?"
Is there a legit leadership function that God empowers and uses to help His work in the word?
Headed for Haiti and the Dominican Republic today. Please pray for me that I would have a sensitivity to those around me and that God will keep me from sickness.
I will be with Steve Adams (CA’s Latin American director). On the way back, I will stop in Denver for CA’s Engage event (candidate assessment) and a colossal strategic planning day.
rf
When we live our lives as missions, we become aware that there is a home from where we are sent and to where we have to return. We start thinking about ourselves as people who are in a faraway country to bring a message or work on a project, but only for a certain amount of time. When the message has been delivered and the project is finished, we want to return home to give an account of our mission and to rest from our labours.
One of the most important spiritual disciplines is to develop the knowledge that the years of our lives are years "on a mission."
Henri Houwen
Ok, I know that heaven is a debated topic – eternal “floaty” place or New Creation or blah, blah, blah. This post really isn’t about the theological place, but more of longing and musing. I was simply thinking about Christian people I have respected from history I would love to meet, to have a coffee or pint with and chat.
Ok, here is my list (drum roll please):
1) C.S. Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963)
Special Question for Clive: How did you like how Anthony Hopkins portrayed you in Shadowlands? Seriously, I have a hard time thinking of Lewis now without connecting him to Hopkins. Weird, huh?
2) Martin Luther King (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)
Special Question: Did you realize the colossal proportion of what was going on around you, or was it just; I am doing the next thing I can do?
3) Mother Teresa (August 26, 1910 – 5 September 5, 1997)
Special Question: What sustained you when you recognized that even though you were helping scores of incredibly needy people, you were barely denting the need?
4) Dietrich Bonhoeffer (February 4, 1906 – April 9, 1945)
Special Question for DB: How did you coalesce the needed courage to act in the middle of one of the greatest tragedies in human history?
5) Author of the “So Called Letter to Diognetus” (2nd Century)
Special Question for our mystery guest: Who are you? Many presumed that the person who penned this letter was Justin Martyr, but…anyway. Here is a short excerpt from the letter. Take a read - you'll love it!
I know, history often portrays folks in a certain light and in reality, each of these people might not be the most enjoyable to hang out with (probably because of their intensity), but it’s just for fun. Questions I wonder about would be like, did they like sports, did they ever struggle with depression, how did they experience God, did they struggle with cynicism…stuff like that.
Who would you like to chat with from the past?
What would you want to ask them?
We had a great time last night gathering here in Spokane, WA with folks interested in Christian Associates ministry in the world. We call it our 100 Who Believe. We are looking for 100 people who believe that the church can be different in Western Europe and beyond and are willing to invest toward that end.
If you are looking for a way you can tangibly change the world for Christ, you should consider a monthly gift of $25 or $50 to assist what we are doing in some of the least church cities of the world.
Click here to start helping. Thanks!
One of the most befuddling (when I say befuddling, I mean I just can’t figure it out) things about Christianity for me is the juxtaposition between Jesus’ holy and our holy. When Jesus, the most holy and pure person ever, rubbed shoulders with the non-religious (“sinners”) they were amazingly attracted to him, but when most Christians come in contact with the non-religious (“sinners”) there are adverse reactions. You’ve seen the reactions toward Christians – they are haters, homophobes, judgmental, bound up – all reactions to Christians trying their level best to be…you got it, holy.
There is consistent and strong evidence that suggests that most people still find Jesus incredible attractive, at least intriguing. The evidence is even stronger that people don’t find Christians that way. Christ followers are to be holy yes, but there must be something different in the balance here.
In 1953, C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter:
“How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.”
Irresistible? That might be worth rediscovering.
I believe that there must be a reorientation of our understanding of holiness. Instead of an externalized “we have to look or act a certain way” type (usually a form created by some ecclesial authority), I really believe that we must look carefully at what our model, Jesus portrayed for us.
Here are a few ideas that might help:
1) Never react
You have heard the saying, “Never let them see you sweat.” Well, I don’t want to be disingenuous, but it would serve us well to move away from our own reactive posture. One reaction generates another. I have made an internal vow that I will never react to someone else’s behavior, regardless if I am in agreement with it or not. I could be just freaking out inside, but on the outside, I want to behave and act with love and honor toward whomever I run across. Why? See #2.
2) Recognize the Imago Dei
Ever person you see, every man or woman you lock eyes with was created uniquely in God’s image. Sin has certainly injured that, but there is still a deeply embedded dignity, ontology worth…even in the worst of the worst (although how does a scale on this stuff really work when each of us have sinned enough to draw the holy Jesus to a cross?). The Imago Dei actually has profound implications if we can live into its truth. We can treat people different, with honor beyond what their behavior might warrant, because of who they are, not what they’ve done or are doing.
3) Learn about humility
Part of the reaction Christianity gets is because of its desire for control and power. I know, you may not see it this way, but think about this. Why do people get mad or reactive? Answer: Because something is being taken from them. For many, I might say, most Christians, believe that our country was started as a Christian nation (debatable, but not at this time) and feel like it is being hi-jacked by _________________ (you feel in the blank). The upshot of this is a reactive posture toward culture. Need I remind you that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood (Ephes 6)?
4) Spend time pondering the Gospels
This is really the main reason I think there has been a “red letter” (reading Jesus' words, as opposed to Paul, et al) shift in many people view of Scripture. We need to read the Gospels slowly, read them often, and read them believing. I read years ago in a Eugene Peterson book (from Eat This Book) that we are to read Scripture meditatively. He described this notion with an ancient analogy. He said the idea of meditating on Scripture was liken to a dog gnawing in a bone. If you have ever seen that, the visual image lurches out at you. A dog tirelessly grinds on a bone in a hundred different directions, seeking to mine out every possible prospect of meaty goodness (you gotta think like a dog to really get it – ok, just like me eating a T-bone steak). When was the last time you meditated on Jesus’ life found in the Gospels? There is something captivating and reorienting about Jesus…how he lived, what he said, how he responded, how he showed compassion…
and yes, how he was holy.
Question: Have you ever been injured by Christians (or the church) trying to be "holy?"
There has been much talk recently (at least in the Missional conversation) about the apostolic. It's function is a critical and needed piece to reforming the church into what it is supposed to be in the world, a beautiful and radiant bride. A community of followers who actually look and act like Jesus. Unfortunately, like much of what happens in the church (particularly with the American, commercialized, hyper-entrepreneurial version) it looks like it may soon be overdone. Similar to how the term “missional” has grown to mean almost everything and almost nothing, it appears that the term "apostolic" may quickly move from the arena of being overly stigmatized to over-used (which usually translates to misused).
Why do I say this? One of the main reasons is seeing how many people now self-identify as “apostolic.” It’s a veritable contagion. It seems like any one who actually cares about the world and the gospel fancies him or herself as apostolic. I am not persuaded. Case in point: While consulting with a large-ish church recently I had their entire leadership team (staff and elders) take the APEST test (found here). The APEST is a test constructed by Alan Hirsch, et al that attempts to identify a persons location within the 5-fold leadership functions of Ephsians 4 - Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd and Teacher. One of the key leaders from this church whose sole role is to teach tested out as apostolic. When the rest of his team were asked what they saw as his primary calling, to a person, they all cast him as shepherd/teacher. If this were an isolated example, I would have just chalked it up to a “fluke,” but it hasn’t been. There are more apostolic folks running around then ever. You can hardly go to the Grocery store these days without running into an apostle (note sacrasm). Can this really the be? Has it become the sexy…wanted gifting? I’m just gonna say it; the church is often simply crazy in it’s panting for the new (or old in this case).
A little advice: If you think you may be called to the apostolic keep in mind at least these two things.
1) Apostles were and ought to be required to have the recognition of their peers.
Others should be able to attest to the fact that a person is operating in the apostolic. Like the person cited above, if everyone you are ministering to say that you aren’t, you aren’t (the converse is only potentially true). It is more than a personality assessment. Testing of this function should be done by those who are affected, not by the person thinking he might of might not be. It is really an assessment of impact, not of personal perspective or passion.
2) Apostles must have specific fruit.
It must be demonstrable. The “proof is in the pudding” (not sure where that saying comes from). In other words, there should be observable fruit such as established churches (starting one might not be enough), spiritual children in mission and penetrating the gospel into targeted areas.
There are more of these caveats, but these two alone will allow us to begin to parse out the throngs a bit and help us test all things. We are supposed to be the… “one holy, catholic, and apostolic church.” Again, the "function" of the apostolic is pivotal to the church being who it is supposed to be. We desparately need the church to carry with it an apostolic impluse, but not necessarily a church full of apostles.
BTW - You can even get a cool apostolic button HERE. Check it out.
Today's post is by Julie Jones. Julie is a collegue of mine at Christian Associates. Her and her husband, Darrin have ministered in France and Morroco and are amazing people.
Brennan Manning in his book, Lion and Lamb takes a look at two views of life and theology. As I read this chapter I was struck with the powerful reminder that the way we see life and interpret theology greatly influences how we plant churches, what kinds of churches we plant and ultimately what kinds of lives we lead.
As peoples, nations, states and cultures have expanded their horizons and envisioned broader boundaries; Pioneers have always led the way. Over time, however, a second group emerges: The Settlers. These two groups couldn’t be more different in both perspective and practice.
The Pioneers set out on adventure and, in fact, this is one of their key words and main drives for existence. Life is “a wild, fantastic and explosive gift,” says Manning.
Settlers are more concerned with putting down roots and, well, settling. Life for them is “a possession to be carefully guarded”.
Theology for the Settler is geared towards answering all of the major questions and largely taming God. Safety, security and happiness are high ideals for the Settler. Faith involves trusting for the safety of the settlement. In Settler Theology, God is the Mayor and keeping peace and quiet are the main concerns. Jesus is the Sheriff and he was sent by the Mayor to enforce the rules.
In Pioneer theology, there is an emphasis on talking about what it means to receive this mysterious gift. The Pioneer embraces untamed nature of his faith and, truly, “faith is the spirit of adventure…(and) obedience to the restless voice of the Trail Boss.” “God is the Trail Boss. He is rough and rugged, full of life. He chews tobacco, drinks straight whisky and he lives, eats, sleeps and fights with his people.” Jesus is the Scout and by observing the Scout, one learns how to be a Pioneer.
To use more Wild West lingo, Settler Theology sees the church as the courthouse: the center of town life. The courthouse is “the settler’s symbol of law, order and stability and most important, security.”
In Pioneer Theology, the church is the covered wagon. The church is literally like a house on wheels; always on the move. Life in the covered wagon is rugged, community-based and battle scarred. It is messy but always an adventure and with the Trail Boss in the trenches with the Pioneers; it’s well worth the risk.
“The church claims to represent Jesus on earth but in fact it often supplants Him”, Manning asserts. We are the community of the Covered Wagon Church where safety takes a back seat to adventure and embracing the mystery of God is more important than taming Him.
After returning to the US after eight years abroad the urge to settle has hit with a vengeance. I want to set down roots and to make my existence comfortable. I am arrested by these thoughts, however. Is this what God really desires for me? What adventure might I miss if my roots anchor me too much to this world?
I know deep in my soul that I want to be a part of the Covered Wagon Church Planting Movement. I want to be a part of something greater than my personal comfort and myself. The unsafe and untamable God calls me to more…This is why I joined the Christian Associates movement.
What about you?
Rob: If you are interested in church planting, you can get info by logging into Join the Movement or drop me a comment on this post. Thanks!!!
Easter was a very complicated and multi-layered holiday for me this year. There is a reason for this complication. This year three important events took place for me. The obvious is it is the day that the Christian church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. Another, a few years ago my mom died rather unexpectantly. Lastly, it is the day my beautiful daughter was born.
A death, a birth and a resurrection. Wow! One, I still grieve over…the loss. I still miss my mom like her passing happened yesterday. She was such a humble and devoted lover of her husband and her sons. The second, I wept and still weep over, only with sheer joy. Being a father of such a remarkable young woman is one of the greatest wonders and privileges this life has offered. The last, Christ’s resurrection, I celebrate its reality and hunger for its fulfillment in me. I literally quaked yesterday as I heard the story once again told of the Christ event, culminating with his grand rising from the grave. As Russ Davis proclaimed yesterday at our community gathering, it literally changes everything! I couldn’t agree more!
What an emotionally bewildering…and anticipatory day!
In Psalm 102:14 it says, “For your people love every stone in her walls and cherish even the dust in her streets.”
Do you love your city?
I just returned from a whirlwind trip through Europe seeing some of the most amazing places in the world. You doubt me? I was in Nice and Cannes, France. I was in London and Cambridge. I visited the amazing cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and the historic Utrecht. There are many other beautiful cities, but those listed above are at least on the list.
The thing that I realized though was, I love my city. If you don’t know already, I kind of travel for a living. Each time I am gone I am more resolved as I return home that, at least for now, I am called primarily to a mid-sized city on the eastern side of Washington state, in the U.S. Spokane. It is not THE most beautiful city in the world, but it does have it's allure (the picture to the left is of the riverfront park downtown at dusk). I do love it. To many, my city is like a modern day Nazareth. You know the part of the Bible; “What good can come from Nazareth?” To many of my internationally savvy friends the thought of being in Spokane seems beyond the pale. Way to insular…limited. It’s too mono-cultural, it’s too small, and it’s at the “end of the road.” You will actually hear people, kind of tongue in cheek, refer to my city as, “Spo-Vegas” or “Spo-Compton.” I’ve actually used those caricatures before myself. However, I do occasionally get defensive as well. I suppose the old adage applies, “I can talk about my __________, but don’t ever let me hear you do it.” As the proverb goes: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I guess that is where I am. I see all of the above listed shortcomings, but there is obviously something more than the raw observation. I think it has something to do with calling.
I am not sure that everyone has this feeling for his or her city, but if we hope to do mission, we must love the city where we live. It needs to be sort of a love affair (ok, love/hate maybe). We must not look beyond it. Ask God for a deep, enduring affection for the pains, the laments, the laughter, the joys…the people of your city. That really is the genesis of authentic mission. Falling in love.
By the way, the Messiah came from Nazareth. Bam!
Abraham Joshua Heschel: The Sabbath
This has got to the best book on this subject ever written.I would rank it as one of the best books I've read this year!!! (*****)
Chris McChesney: The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals
Vision and strategy are only part of the equation. Lack of execution of a plan is the dream killer. This book is helpful. (****)
Donald Miller: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story
Really enjoying this book. It is not earth-shatteringly insightful, but D Miller's writing style is always engaging and has made me go, "hmmm," more than a few times. (****)
Mike Breen: Launching Missional Communities
Read while in Europe. Pretty good, yet quite elemental. Honestly, seems like stuff we worked through a long time ago. For some, however, I'm sure it will be helpful. (***)
Joshua Foer: Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything
Fascinating and fun to read. Alas, you can gain techniques to assist memory, but in the end, you are still stuck with your raw material. It was very enjoyable to read though. (****)
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