Self-evident. Really? These familiar words from our Declaration of Independence seem to hold less merit with each passing year.

Today Southern Baptists across this nation recognize ‘Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.’ A national day to acknowledge the value of human life was first set aside in a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. That, of course, was eleven years after the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in the United States. The principal decision repealed all state laws prohibiting abortion.

Now, some 39 years after Roe v. Wade — and more than 50 million abortions later — many in the Christian community continue to pray for Roe v. Wade to be overturned. Of course, with an increasingly liberal set of supreme court justices, such an ambitious goal seems unlikely in the near future. Still many individuals, churches, and pro-life groups continue to wage war on behalf of the unborn.

Perhaps no one more deeply regrets the high court’s decision than Norma McCorvey, better known as “Jane Roe,” the plaintiff in the case. In her book Won by Love, McCorvey explained her changed view on the issue of abortion:

“I was sitting in O.R.’s offices when I noticed a fetal development poster. The progression was so obvious, the eyes were so sweet. It hurt my heart, just looking at them. I ran outside and finally, it dawned on me. ‘Norma’, I said to myself, ‘They’re right’. I had worked with pregnant women for years. I had been through three pregnancies and deliveries myself. I should have known. Yet something in that poster made me lose my breath. I kept seeing the picture of that tiny, 10-week-old embryo, and I said to myself, that’s a baby! It’s as if blinders just fell off my eyes and I suddenly understood the truth — that’s a baby!

I felt crushed under the truth of this realization. I had to face up to the awful reality. Abortion wasn’t about ‘products of conception’. It wasn’t about ‘missed periods’. It was about children being killed in their mother’s wombs. All those years I was wrong. Signing that affidavit, I was wrong. Working in an abortion clinic, I was wrong. No more of this first trimester, second trimester, third trimester stuff. Abortion — at any point — was wrong. It was so clear. Painfully clear.”

McCorvey, now 64, has since been re-confirmed as a member in the Catholic Church. She is an ardent supporter of the pro-life cause.

Having served as a licensed therapist for a number of years, I have personally witnessed the damage that abortion does — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Increasingly, there is concern in the medical community about physical harm as well, including a possible link between abortion and breast cancer.

Of course, only God knows the full scope of the impact of abortion. However, in my therapeutic and ministerial counseling with women, I have seen first-hand the anguish, torment, and far-reaching effects of abortion on family relationships. I only know that what many Americans want to view as a choice is altogether inconsistent with both the words of Scripture in Psalm 139:13-16, and the Judeo-Christian values that our nation’s founding fathers sought to serve as the cornerstone of our republic. Consider these words from President Reagan:

“Make no mistake, abortion-on-demand is not a right granted by the Constitution. No serious scholar, including one disposed to agree with the Court’s result, has argued that the framers of the Constitution intended to create such a right.”

Reagan argued that it is impossible “to diminish the value of one category of human life — the unborn — without diminishing the value of all human life.”

Perhaps the most amazing thing about God is His ability to forgive the sin of those who call upon the name of Jesus. If you have had an abortion, you can still find forgiveness in Him. If you are considering abortion, please reach out to a local Crisis Pregnancy Center. Their staff can help you find solutions that preserve both the life of your baby and the integrity of your emotional self. (Click here to find a center near you.)

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

• Pray for those who may be considering abortion.
• Find a way to volunteer or otherwise contribute to a Christian family ministry or local Crisis Pregnancy Center. (Diapers, formula, baby clothes, and bedding are always in demand.)
• Consider adopting a child or serving as a foster parent or respite care worker.
• Become involved in your local or state pro-life movement, and be a voice for the unborn.
• Pray for an end to legalized abortion in America.

On this Sanctity of Human Life Day, let’s pray and work together for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to be equal rights for both the born and the unborn.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
Does your church participate or somehow acknowledge Sanctity of Human Life Day? If so, how? Do you have other thoughts or comments to share on this subject?

Did you like this post? If so, you might also be interested in these previous posts:

• Doubly Grateful

• Under the Microscope

• Tonight’s ‘Secret Church’: highly relevant

A number of churches and small groups across the country will join this event live where they are, thanks to the miracle of modern technology. Platt has held ‘Secret Church‘ for several years, and it has now become part of the disciple-making DNA of this local church. Held twice each year, Secret Church continues to draw people from all over the country — so much so that overflow seating is necessary on-site. This in-depth time of Bible study, worship, and prayer is intended to help us identify with the many Christ-followers who meet in secret all over the world — not so much out of fear of persecution as devotion to Christ.

As was the case on Good Friday of this year, LifeWay Christian Resources has partnered with Platt’s mission organization, Disciple-Making International, to make this experience available on a whole new level. Platt had originally planned to speak on the subject of ‘Heaven, Hell, and the End of the World.’ And that is a topic of great interest and certainly worthy of discussion. However, Platt decided to shift the focus for this session to ‘Family, Marriage, Sex, and the Gospel.’ He says that this change was made in response to many of the issues showing up in major ways throughout American society today. As a pastor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I must say that I am absolutely thrilled to see someone willing to take on topics such as marriage, divorce, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, singleness, adoption, abortion, and pornography — just to name a few. During six hours of intense study, Secret Church participants will receive biblical teaching and instruction regarding issues that, quite frankly, many pastors — even in evangelical churches — are afraid to tackle for fear of offending others. I am reminded over and over that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is and should be offensive, because we are all sinners standing in need of God’s mercy and grace.

Now I understand that Friday nights in the fall are full of lots of possibilities for activities and entertainment. High school football is still king, especially in the deep South, and many school systems are also enjoying a few days for ‘fall break.’ However, I’m going to challenge you to shift your focus for this one Friday night. We have lots of people sitting in our pews every Sunday who honestly have no real clue about what the Bible has to say about some of these specific issues that are plaguing our culture today, bearing constant evidence of the steady and accelerating decay of Christian values. It was just yesterday that someone said to me, “How do we know homosexuality is wrong? Aren’t people just born that way? The Bible seems to contradict itself.”

Friends, we not only need to know what we believe; we also need to know why we believe it — and how to communicate the truths of Scripture to those in our circles of influence. I’m convinced that it’s only when each individual believer decides for him- or herself to be the salt and light Christ calls us to be, that we will ever see spiritual renewal in our land.

In a recent interview with Trevin Wax, Platt recounted this powerful quote from author Daniel Heimbauch:

“The stakes in the current conflict over sex are more critical, more central, and more essential than in any controversy the church has ever known. This is a momentous statement, but I make it soberly, without exaggeration. Conflict over sex these days is not just challenging tradition, orthodoxy, and respect for authority in areas such as ordination, marriage, and gender roles. And it does not just affect critically important doctrines like the sanctity of human life, the authority and trustworthiness of scripture, the Trinity, and the incarnation of Christ. Rather, war over sex among Christians is now raging over absolutely essential matters of faith without which no one can truly be a Christian in the first place—matters such as sin, salvation, the gospel, and the identify of God himself.”

In his sermon series, Attachment: The Gospel and Our Families, David Platt said,

“There is no question that the picture of a Christ-centered family in our culture is under attack. And there’s no question that the things the Bible teaches us will set us, in many ways, against the culture in which we live. We’ve got to decide from the very beginning whether or not we want to be molded into what our culture says is right, or if we want to be molded into what God says is right. This is not about cultural convenience.”

I couldn’t agree more. All that said, let me share a few comments from respected Christian leaders that help shed light on the fundamental importance of tonight’s topic of study:

ON DIVORCE

“There no longer seems to be much of a stigma attached to divorce; it is now seen as an unavoidable rite of passage. Interviews with young adults suggest that they want their initial marriage to last, but are not particularly optimistic about that possibility. There is also evidence that many young people are moving toward embracing the idea of serial marriage, in which a person gets married two or three times, seeking a different partner for each phase of their adult life.” – GEORGE BARNA, The Barna Group [Full Article Here]

ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

“Our authority to speak to the needs of our nation today is the Scripture. The Scriptures teach that there are absolutes and that there is such a thing as right and wrong. Truth is never tolerant of a lie. The real battleground around this debate on homosexual marriage begins with the question: Who is your authority? We believe that the timeless truth of Holy Scripture gives us the authoritative blueprints for life. We respect those who wish to deny the truth of Scripture. We would ask for a mutual respect in return.” – DENNIS RAINEY and BOB LEPINE, FamilyLife Ministries [Full Article Here]

ON PORNOGRAPHY

“The reality is that pornography is the most abused ‘drug’ in our country and sexual addiction is the addiction of choice among Christians. Based on surveys conducted by Christianity Today, 47 percent say porn is a ‘major problem’ in their homes and 51 percent of ministers say it’s their biggest temptation. For 37 percent, it’s a current struggle.” – MARNIE FERREE, Recovering Sex Addict, Marriage Therapist, and Speaker [Full Article Here]

As the above statements indicate, barring divine intervention, the moral collapse of our culture is imminent. We can and we must do a better job of studying God’s Word, applying God’s Word to our daily lives, and communicating the truth of God’s Word at every opportunity. I have no doubt that your participation in tonight’s session of Secret Church will help equip you to do just that.

The Secret Church Simulcast is scheduled for tonight from 6:00 p.m. to midnight (CST). Click here to find a host site near you.

Watch the brief promotional video:

A number of churches and small groups across the country will join this event live where they are, thanks to the miracle of modern technology. Platt has held ‘Secret Church‘ for several years, and it has now become part of the disciple-making DNA of this local church. Held twice each year, Secret Church continues to draw people from all over the country — so much so that overflow seating is necessary on-site. This in-depth time of Bible study, worship, and prayer is intended to help us identify with the many Christ-followers who meet in secret all over the world — not so much out of fear of persecution as devotion to Christ.

For the first time, LifeWay Christian Resources has partnered with Platt’s mission organization, Disciple-Making International, to make this experience available on a whole new level.

Why would a church-going American want to give up six hours on Good Friday night to participate in this event? That’s the basic question I’ve heard ever since announcing that my own church would host this event. With that in mind, I offer these five reasons to participate in Secret Church:

1. You will be exposed to the vast lostness in this world. Most Christians in America live in a bubble. We live busy lives that intersect with our own churches at many points. Consequently, we often find ourselves surrounded by people who are, for all intents and purposes, just like us. Secret Church will give you an opportunity to see and hear how other believers live out their faith.

2. You will be challenged to re-evaluate your priorities in light of Scripture. Many Christians in America are every bit as self-centered as those who do not belong to Christ. We routinely argue over such trivial things as music styles, ministers’ clothing choices, and the temperature of our multi-level church buildings. We spoil ourselves with the latest and greatest gadgets and complain if a worship service goes a few minutes longer than anticipated — yet wonder why the presence of the Holy Spirit is not sensed more often and more deeply.

3. You will be compelled to know and appreciate God’s Word. Most Christians in America possess several copies of the Bible — but don’t read it regularly. In fact, a 2009 study by the Barna Research Group found that Christians are largely apathetic when it comes to regular reading of Scripture. Still, each year thousands of bibles are smuggled into nations such as China, where there is a deep hunger for the Word of God. David Platt’s love for the Word drives his missions mentality and heart for evangelism and will no doubt anchor his teaching on Friday night.

4. You will be convicted to pray more fervently for the persecuted Church. We have a responsbility to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters — and to share in their sufferings just as they share in the sufferings of Christ. I can think of no better time than Holy Week to pause and reflect on the price Christ paid for our sins. He was persecuted. He suffered. He was killed mercilessly on a cross that was meant for you and me. All this, and yet so many church-goers wouldn’t want Secret Church to get in the way of their weekend holiday plans.

5. You will be emboldened by believers who risk everything because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Persecution of Christ-followers is real, and Christians in America need to realize that fact. So often we take for granted our ability to gather freely to worship and study God’s Word. This is a stark contrast from the reality of millions of believers around the globe. In fact, 100 million Christians live in areas where they face persecution on a regular basis. 400 million Christians live in places where there is threat of persecution. Though perceived as a long shot at present, the fact is that our country could one day become such a place.

Just think what God could do if only a handful of people at churches all across our nation got radically serious about their faith! Renewal? Revival? Restoration of the Church as ‘salt and light’ to our culture and context? All that and more is possible, if we live out what we say we believe. I don’t know about you, but I’d insist on being a part of such a movement of God.

In Radical Together, Platt writes:

True faith in Christ inevitably produces great work for Christ, not works fueled by the flesh in an attempt to earn our way to God, but works fueled by faith in a life that is abandoned to God. And all of it is by grace.

Wherever you are — and whatever you have planned — I hope you will consider making the Secret Church Simulcast part of your Easter weekend. Who knows? It just might be a catalyst for helping us get more serious about living the abundant life Jesus wants us to have — and sharing His message and love with others.  Click here to find a simulcast location near you.

To be completely honest, I have to work at being intentional to get out of my own comfort zone and meet people who aren’t in the church . . . people who aren’t like me . . . people who think and feel differently about news and current events . . and people who basically process life through a whole different lens.

The reality though is that there are many people who call themselves Christians but don’t appear to be any different than the rest of the world. Spiritual immaturity is one of my biggest frustrations as a discipleship pastor — and also the very reason that I’m so passionate about spiritual growth. David Platt, in his book Radical, makes a real case for how Christians in America have in many ways missed the whole point of the gospel. While believers in many other countries are being imprisoned, persecuted, and tortured because of their faith in Jesus Christ, Christians in this country often spend their time arguing about music/worship styles, debating carpet colors, and shopping around for churches that best accommodate their consumer mentality.

I know . . . because I hear these things in my Christian bubble. Often. That’s just one more reason I’m happy to look for avenues to build relationships with non-believers and unchurched people. I believe that it is an absolute sin to focus so heavily on our wants, needs, and preferences to the eternal detriment of those in our communities who are without Christ.

Listen to these words from Platt:

“I think with the way we have unprecedented material blessing, with the way we have a culture built on self, self-esteem, self-confidence. All of these things we begin to twist the gospel into something that it is not. We make it look like us and fit into our lifestyle instead of adjusting our lifestyle to the gospel. In the process we make following Jesus more American than it is biblical. As a result there seems to be a major disconnect between what it means to follow Christ in the first century and what it means to follow Christ in our definition in the 21st century America.” – Christian Post, May 15, 2010

(To read a transcript of David’s interview with the Christian Post, click here.)

Those words are as convicting to me as they are to anyone else. I admittedly have a long way to go in my journey as a disciple. Discipleship is a process; it doesn’t happen overnight. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you don’t have the luxury of deciding whether to be a Christian-in-name-only or a faithful disciple. Being a little bit Christian is just like being a little bit pregnant. You’re either with Him, or you’re without Him . . . and the margin for error is not what you want your eternal destiny to hinge upon.

The times in which we live are absolutely urgent! There are many in our own country who still have not heard the truth of Jesus Christ. As believers, we have one mission in life: to go and preach and make disciples. We are all to be ministers in our own context. May we be diligent to share the Good News — the reason for our blessed hope — while the Father’s mercy provides us the opportunity to do so.

And the next time you hear another Christian complaining about something trivial in the church, take a moment to pray for him or her – and then say a prayer for those brothers and sisters who truly understand what it means to share in the sufferings of Christ.

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 2:3, ESV

For news and  information about persecuted believers, visit Voice of the Martyrs.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What’s on your heart today? How is God speaking in your life? What are your thoughts about Christianity in America today?

Our staff team is currently reading through Reggie McNeal‘s book, Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders. During our team meeting on Tuesday I had the privilege of leading the discussion of chapter three, which was on the topic of self-development. Admittedly, I’ve read a number of books from a wide variety of authors, both from the vantage point of great business minds and well-known Christian leaders. However, this particular book is proving to be one that challenges me to really evaluate myself in some tough ways.

We’re all familiar with the concept of lifelong learning — especially those of us who have to complete a certain number of hours for our professional licenses or affiliations. McNeal, however, talks a lot about something else — ‘lifelong un-learning.’ He defines that term as a “willingess to put yesterday’s ideas, attitudes, and approaches under the knife of new insights and new challenges.” This concept is not really that new to me, but I really like the way McNeal articulates it.

The author explains that unlearning, in the context of Christian ministry, must take place in several key areas: (1) psychological insights that leaders need to have about themselves and others; (2) ministry methodologies; and (3) the skill of cultural exegesis (which is basically a profound way to say ‘examining one’s worldview in an effort to stay fresh and current’).

In his book McNeal touches on a subject that I’ve been observing and talking about for several years: the changing process by which spiritual leaders are identified and developed. He writes:

Spiritual leaders who have trained for institutional leadership, who anchor their leadership in positional authority, and who rely on educational credentialing don’t understand the new expectations for leadership rooted in personal credibility, legitimized by followers, not external agencies. Leaders locked in the old world still believe that people think in secular-versus-sacred dichotomies and are expressing their spiritual quest by looking for a great church to join.

As one who has been well-educated by today’s standards, I must say that McNeal nailed this head-on. People in church and community life are not looking for perfect leaders with multiple academic degrees. They’re looking for people who care about them and who will come alongside them to mentor, nurture, and ‘do life’ together.

Whether you’re working on lifelong learning or lifelong un-learning, the process must be intentional. Those who seek to remain fresh and relevant in a culture that is constantly changing will need to employ a few key strategies in order to successfully reach the goal.

1. We must be comfortable in our own skin. Although counterintuitive to the teachings of yesterday’s career coaches, we must focus not on our weaknesses but instead identify and multiply our effectiveness through our strengths. No matter where we go in life, there will always be someone who seems better in different ways. Better writers. Better speakers. Better thinkers. Once we accept ourselves with gratitude to God for His unique design, we will be better equipped to serve Him and others.
2. We must put ourselves in places where we’ll be challenged. This will involve being willing to surround ourselves with people who don’t necessarily think, look, and act like us. By taking the time to have conversations with others, we will be better able to focus with laser-like precision on what it is we actually believe. We will also develop a deeper level of empathy for those who see life through a different set of lenses.
3. We must have the courage to risk failure. There are very few guarantees in this life. Our ability to advance in our careers, to advance in a particular skill area, and to advance the Kingdom of God will depend on moving forward by faith, confident of His watchcare. Good leaders view even failures as opportunities for learning and personal growth.
4. We must be proactive in taking care of ourselves. Even the best of leaders struggles with maintaining balance and emotional health. In essence, we have to keep doing the things we know we should be doing — getting proper nutrition, rest, and exercise; practicing healthy boundaries in interpersonal relationships; fostering appropriate accountability relationships and processes to help us stay on course.

Perhaps there are areas in your life that could use some re-evaluation — maybe even renovation! One thing is certain: Greatness doesn’t just happen. As the Apostle Paul put it so aptly: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13a-14, ESV)

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

• What things challenge you most with regard to staying fresh and relevant?
• How do you find balance between work, family, and ministry?

I know . . . it’s not especially deep at first glance. But when you spend some time with it and really think it through, I think you’ll agree that it’s a question worth keeping around.

I ran across this post about mega-churches the other day, and I’ve been giving it some considerable thought. In fact, I’ve found myself asking that question: “What are you pretending not to know?”

Having served in a number of churches through the years, I can attest to the fact that young adults indeed seem to be leaving the church — or at least migrating to nearby mega-churches. Whether it’s the coffee shop, the bookstore, or the high-energy children’s programming that draws them in, many medium-sized churches are feeling that frustration and discouragement that comes from having ‘missing generations.’

I have a number of friends and ministry colleagues involved in leadership at some of the nation’s most vibrant mega-churches. These are good people with strong values and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Having grown up in the country, I’ve had my share of turns helping a stubborn old goat get its horned head out of a fence. That experience sure gives practical weight to the old adage, “The grass is always greener on the other side.”

I think that statement bears consideration by the leaders in mega-churches and — dare I say it? — regular churches.

Sure, the folks in ‘regular’ churches are aware at least on some level that:

• The quality of facilities and technology may never match that of mega-churches.
• The younger generations are drawn for some reason to the mega-church model.
• The number of specialized ministries is largely limited by the number of individuals available to staff them.

But the folks in mega-churches are, I believe, also aware of some key things:

• The anonymity factor of the mega-church model makes it more difficult to connect individuals in the life of the church.
• The self-focused consumer mindset of many mega-church attenders presents some real challenges to leaders.
• The bigger the crowd, the more difficult it is to know and respond to individuals in need of ministry.

Rather than looking with envy at another church, why not take some time to focus on the main things?

• God loved us enough to send His Son, Jesus, to die for us — that we might live!
• Regardless of church size, the individuals in them should function as a family.
• People need the love, support, prayer, accountability, and encouragement of other people.
• Our focus is not supposed to be on ourselves but on Christ — and making sure the people in our community and our world know Him too.

Sure, there are lots of things that we often pretend not to know about our specific situations. But today one thing strikes me most that perhaps we pretend not to know. That is the fact that if Satan can get us focused on other churches and their ministry models, other people and their hidden agendas, or our own selfish desires, then he’s got us right where he wants us — in a place of paralysis that prevents us from effectively ministering in our own context.

Let’s stop pretending that ‘if only’ this or ‘if only’ that, then . . . .

STOP IT!

When the trumpet of the Lord sounds, and time is called here on earth, I don’t think we’ll find God asking us why we didn’t do as well as the church down the street or the church across town. I think we’ll find God holding us accountable for doing the very best with what we had and what we knew to be true.

Perhaps more than anything else we need to stop pretending that we’re somehow responsible for the harvest and just be diligent to faithfully and joyfully sow seeds.

INTERACT WITH US
What are some things that you and/or your church are pretending not to know? How are those thoughts impacting your ministry effectiveness? Join the conversation on the Facebook page.

And while I personally enjoyed the distraction, I must admit that it will take more than fireworks and franks to get my mind off these colossal issues that threaten to choke the very life from our republic should a sharp and effective course correction not be made — and soon.

If you read this blog often, then you know that I am a huge advocate for personal responsibility. In contrast to the philosophies opined in the news media, pointing fingers and assigning blame is truly of little help. That’s where the church comes in.

You see, I believe that Christians have a responsibility to do something phenomenal in today’s American society — something that could radically transform the face of the Church as we know it. And yes, I understand that few facets of our economy have been so hard-hit financially as churches and non-profit organizations. When the budget gets squeezed at home, those expenses are among the first deemed ‘discretionary’ — like it or not. Just yesterday I was contacted by yet another ministry colleague whose staff position will be eliminated at the end of the year.

As a realist and a pragmatist, I struggle with optimism. I’m a pretty black-and-white kind of guy. I’m fine with calling a spade a spade, although I probably won’t waste my time trying to convince those who don’t necessarily see things my way. But here’s what I think: I believe that the church in 21st century America has the potential to transform society in ways not seen since the days of the early church, as described in the book of Acts.

As states follow the nation’s lead and assume higher and higher levels of debt, vital services will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated altogether. These services include healthcare, counseling, education, and childcare. And there are ways for the Church to step up to the plate and assume responsibility for filling in the gaps that, quite frankly, it should have been doing all along.

Somewhere along the way, the American Church began to take on the attitude of its typical parishioners. The Church began to believe that its effectiveness was largely dependent upon some of the most superficial things — like state-of-the-art facilities, larger-than-life personalities, highly specialized niche ministries, and entertainment-based programming.

In fact, I would argue that this is still the model of the local church that many so-called pastors, priests, or shepherds would esteem as the pinnacle of success.

They would be wrong. Dead wrong.

As American religious life evolved, many of the seeker-sensitive churches of the 80′s and 90′s made a very subtle, in fact, almost indiscernible transition. They moved from seeker-sensitive to consumer-driven. I suppose that once these churches reached ‘seekers,’ then those individuals continued to expect church to be all about them instead of all about Him. Consequently, the landscape of this great nation is now littered with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of churches that don’t know what to do or how to cope when the money goes away and the lights go out.

I have an idea. I think that it’s then that the Church should best be positioned to tell the world, in effect, “It’s showtime!”

It’s time to show the world that this Gospel we preach is real, is relevant, and is right here. It’s time to show the world that the message we carry is not hindered by a weakened economy — not if we’re really passionate about the message in the first place. It’s time to prove once and for all that if a few ordinary fishermen with no formal training and no budgetary funds can reach people for Christ, then so can we!

Will things improve in America? Well, I guess that all depends on how we define improvement. Do I think the economy is going to take off again and let us enjoy the perks and privileges of being a nation of plenty? No, I emphatically do not believe that. We have essentially kicked God out of our schools, our courts, and our public gatherings in order to satisfy the outcries of a few literally misguided souls. Consequently, I think that God is working out His purposes, and our comfort level is of no concern to Him whatsoever.

However, I do believe that the Church is going to see drastic improvement. I think that improvement will center around four major shifts in the life of our local churches, some of which are transitioning even now:

1. Ministry as we know it will look and feel very different than it does in many of our churches today. We will be forced to view our budget in the light of greatly limited resources. The glitz and glamour of entertainment-based programming will be replaced by ministries that meet the very real physical and spiritual needs of people who are discovering what humility really means.

2. Ministry will become increasingly community-based. In fact, many churches will have no building at all.

3. True believers will be identified only after the faux ‘Christians’ fall away. I hate to say it so bluntly, but the churches in this nation are filled with people who will be stunned and amazed to find that their pet project or ministry must take a back-seat to more hands-on and real-world ministry. The sad truth is that our churches will be better off without them, because to the faux ‘Christians,’ it was never ‘all about Him’ in the first place.

4. As God allows our nation to go through this period of change, the Church will be marked by renewed passion, sharper focus, and more intentional ministry. As a result, we will see people won to Christ because of a true spiritual hunger that for so long has been numbed by a steady diet of materialism and pride. Talk about feeding the monster!

Now please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not a prophet, a priest, or a king. These are merely my thoughts and impressions, albeit after a period of prayer and searching. I could be wrong. And I certainly wouldn’t claim to lay out a timetable for all this. Besides, God could hear and answer the prayers of His people and restore this land to a place of wealth and luxury that we could only dream of. But when I think about how He lived among us during His ministry, I don’t think of extraordinary; I think of extra ordinary.

Plain. Simple. Humble.

So, I guess the answer to our prayers is entirely dependent upon what it is we’re praying. Are you praying for God to stem the tide, protect your assets, and keep you comfortable and secure? Or are you praying for God to do whatever it takes to get people’s attention, that they might see Him and believe before it is too late?

The truth is that, according to Scripture, sooner or later everyone is going to confess Him as Lord. My job as a believer is to pray that God will do whatever it takes – and use me as He will – to make sure that as many people as possible confess, “Jesus is Lord” on this side of eternity.

When this life draws to an end, that’s the only thing that will matter anyway.

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• Opportunities to develop relationships
• Solid Bible-based curriculum

I have plenty of opportunities to address all those factors to one degree or another. This week, however, I was afforded the opportunity to experience part of the process from a different vantage point. For the past two days I was in Nashville at the corporate office of LifeWay Christian Resources, the primary source of the materials used for Sunday School and discipleship classes by the majority of Southern Baptist churches.

The purpose of the meeting was to hear the results from a recent research study that focused on the usability of the Sunday School learner books — and to brainstorm ways that the learner book could be a more essential element of the Bible study experience.

Having served in similar ministry roles for a number of years, I have spent countless hours explaining to teachers and learners alike that the curriculum is not the end-all-be-all; rather, it is a tool to guide the study of Scripture and to help the learner connect the truths of the Bible to everyday life. During my visit to LifeWay, I was pleased to discover that the writers, editors, and creative team members also share that central belief. Their highest priority is to see their products serve a Kingdom purpose by reaching, teaching, and discipling people in communities and churches like yours and mine. The team at LifeWay is also committed to providing avenues for learners to better prepare individually for the lesson time — and to carry out ideas and actions after the class as well.

My inside look at LifeWay found an organization that very much desires to be fresh, relevant, and in-touch with our ever-changing culture — without compromising the never-changing message of the Gospel.

I walked away from this experience feeling confident that LifeWay is not all about the money. The people in this ministry are about life transformation. Their context may be more of a business model that most churches, but these individuals are utilizing their God-given abilities for the sake of the Kingdom.

The eventual outcome of this two-day brainstorming session is not yet clear. However, I can say without reservation that there are some new things on the horizon to help churches better connect with individuals, to help individuals better connect with God, and to help those who don’t yet know Him to understand why all this work is so important.

It’s not about printed materials; it’s about people. More than that, it’s about Him.

You see, a couple weeks ago I was taking a late-night walk through the neighborhood, basking in the quiet, just thinking and talking to God. I’ve never really thought of myself as much of a leader, although throughout my ministry God has clearly and consistently expanded my territory and circles of influence. For a few minutes on that stroll I caught a glimpse of me the way God sees me — as a person who has been uniquely gifted in many ways, hand-crafted by the Creator for the purpose of sharing His love with others. Talk about humbling!

Ministry is a very challenging vocation. It truly is a calling that God has placed on my life, and like the Apostle Paul, I pray daily that He will find me worthy of the calling I’ve received.

One of the things I enjoy most about my work is the variety. I don’t have time to get bored. There are always needs that must be tended, and people who require heartfelt care and concern. I fail at many points, to be sure. In today’s harried culture, sometimes things fall through the cracks. Sometimes needs are not communicated or discovered. Sometimes people demonstrate all too clearly that they are, well, imperfect. Just like me.

I relish the opportunity to be an under-shepherd of sorts, supporting my pastor and staff team, and seeking to do whatever I can to share in the burden-bearing. And as I shared in my message at Wednesday’s church prayer service, I’ve learned along the way that some sheep bite. However, I’ve come to realize that most of those bites are not intentionally malicious.

People and animals have some things in common. Both tend to lash out when they are frightened, when they experience a real or perceived loss of control, and when they feel abandoned. As a minister, one of the things I’ve come to understand is that it’s essential to listen for the meaning behind the stories that individuals tell. It’s important to view them as I do myself — as people who are walking through this spiritual pilgrimage by faith, often struggling, doubting, and fearing the unknown. For many, the prospect of change shakes them to their core. I know because I’ve been there too.

My heart’s desire is to see God breathe fresh wind and fresh fire into His Church. And as the old hymn says, “Lord, send a revival, and let it begin in me.”

The world in which we live is going through some major trials. People are hurting at every turn . . . desperate for hope . . . seeking answers to questions about which they dare not speak. Maybe you’re one of those people.

Life doesn’t always treat us kindly or turn out like we’d hoped it would. But one thing remains forever true: God is in control and is working out His purposes.

Many of you know that music is such an integral part of my life. It is a primary way in which I worship. This week the lines of one particular song have been going round and round in my head. It says simply: “God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand, when you don’t see His plan, when you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”

As I lay my head down tonight, I do so with the satisfaction of knowing that my heart is full . . . my life has meaning . . . and I am loved with a love that won’t let go! God is completely trustworthy. My prayer is that you can know without a doubt how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of Christ. Don’t let another moment pass you by. Discover new life today.

I’ve added a new video to my Vodpod at right. It’s one of my very favorites: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” Check it out!

Before that leftover turkey has undergone its radical transformation into soup or salad, the guilt and fear sets in. Guilt, because you get so tired of breaking those promises year after year. Fear, because there’s so much to do and so little time.

Yes, every year we seem to try and cram more and more stuff into the same 20-some-odd days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shopping and parties and programs and banquets compete for lines on that crazy calendar. You know, the one we used to keep with pen-and-paper — but which many of us now keep electronically so that it can be properly synchronized with the work calendar, the family calendar, and whichever other calendars are integral parts of life as we know it.

In a matter of just a few days, the calendar looks like a multicolored patchwork quilt, with each event assigned its own category and level of importance.

Well, maybe yours isn’t that bad. But in church life that’s not too much of an exaggeration. I love getting together with people — not that I’m really the life of the party — but I enjoy hanging out over a couple cups of hot cider and a few too many of those calories that come on way easier than they come off!

Of course, sometime in between all that shoppin’ and hobnobbin’, the Christmas cards have to get done. And our list seems to grow significantly each year.

Yes, this is Christmas. Busy, bustling, brimming with opportunities for social engagement. Friends, family, and fellowship.

Why, it’s a spitting image of the first Christmas, isn’t it?

Well, not exactly. Rather than trumpets and fanfare, there was a pretty silent night. Rather than loads of people with beautifully decorated homes offering invitations, there was a simple expectant couple, weary from a long journey, looking for a place to stay the evening. Rather than gripes and groans about an over-extended schedule, there was a generous amount of gratitude for an humble stable and a kind-hearted inn-keeper.

As we get ready for the Christmas season, let’s remember what it’s all about.

It’s not about festive parties . . . brightly-colored packages . . . or fruit-flavored punch.

It’s not about cards . . . or calendars . . . or candy.

It’s not about nutcrackers . . . or eggnog . . . or even the nuts in your family tree.

It’s about a love story.

“For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

God loved you so much that He sent His Son to come to earth and live as a human . . . to dwell among us . . . to walk where we walk.

With Christmas we celebrate the biggest “I love you” ever spoken.

Love came down. The stars beamed. The angels rejoiced. And the world was forever changed.

Don’t let all your stuff drown out that message. It’s the greatest message the world has ever known.

Take time to enjoy your holiday season . . . and to proclaim the real reason for the season wherever you may go.