A Time to be Triumphant

Today is Tuesday, two days into Passion Week, two days after preaching on the traditional passage of Jesus' triumphal entrance into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11).  I admit though I am not feeling very triumphant today.  I still see snow outside on the ground.  I lament the realities of uncontrollable situations.  Regardless of how I feel about the wonderfully intricate water crystals still dotting the landscape, this is a great week indeed.  The preparations for Easter are underway.  It is truly a blessed time.

Today I find myself perplexed due to further reflection upon Sunday's preach.  Why has Jesus' entrance been traditionally called the triumphal entrance?  I realize the implications of the donkey (Zech 9:9) and the symbolism of the palm waving (Judas Maccabeus was welcomed in this manner as his dynasty was set up lasting a hundred years) but the triumph is not until Sunday.  The real victory is not until the realization by the disciples that the tomb is empty.  So why the naming of the entrance in this way a week before the true triumph?  Regardless, I am fascinated by Jesus in this passage as he rides into Jerusalem with a purpose.  Knowing where this ride will ultimately take him - he still rides.  Knowing the danger, knowing the risks, knowing the cost - he still rides into Jerusalem.  We know how the story ends - Resurrection!  True triumph.  This event catalyzes the disciples to go from from fearful to fearless.  Fear is no longer an option for them as they now know the risen Lord.  Fueled by their faith in him and the hope they now possess they commence the amazing spread of this gospel message (Gospel means good news).  Many are met with a torturous demise, but they did so boldly.  The result - God's Church, followers of Christ, grew.  The numbers grew in a staggering rate (over time some exaggeration has probably occurred - but staggering nonetheless) considering the opposition, the risk and the danger.  Truly inspiring.

Where is his church today?  Where does it stand today?  What is it doing today?

The answers to the these questions are given by many.  From inside the church and from outside the church.  There are conferences held and speeches given, studies conducted, polls taken all in an effort to answer these questions.  I will not list any statistics here as there are too many and they are easily found on the internet.  What I will say is that most of them, if not all, will claim that the church in the West is in a freefall.  Many studies will say that decline is evident in all denominations.  This is no surprise to most as the conversations that take place at administration levels for  most denominations is confirming of this.  Ask them.

Is the talk about the demise or the decline of the church true?

(The book Freakonomics has taught me that there is often another truth at play). It should be noted that there may be some factors to be considered and accepted before the shout of decline occurs.  Generational, cultural and social  paradigm shifts have changed the world's reality.  This has affected not only the role but also the appearance of the church today.  Also how studies are conducted can cause the outcomes to be somewhat skewed.  If a declining Sunday attendance is noted it may simply be the result of more people needing to work on that day to accommodate job expectations.

What if it is true? 

What if the church in the Western world is actually diminishing?  If it is we should probably move the conversations toward the why.  Why is it in decline?  Has the church become fearful?  Has the church lost its sense of purpose?  Has the church run its course in this part of the world?  Many will have great thoughtful researched answers for these questions - I just have a thought  - "If you are not taking ground perhaps you are losing ground."  Perhap it boils down to just another question - "has the church become too defensive?"  Has the church become to worried about what it has?  Have we become too protective of what has been gained? (okay that's a few questions)  This may sound odd coming from a hockey fan and player where many times I have heard "the best offence is a great defence" (watch the New Jersey Devils) but I am not so sure in this case.

In a book called The Empire Strikes Out a man named Sir John Glubb and his book the Fate of Empires is cited for his research into past empires particularly their rise and fall. Glubb has put the rise and fall of empires into 7 stages.  He claims that with few exceptions most empires go through the same basic life cycle.  The first stage is the conquest or outburst stage.  The beginning time when caution is thrown to the wind and taking new ground is done with great energy and courage ( disciples?).  This stage is followed with one of great initiative and enterprise.  Achieved quickly and with a "reckless bravery".  With every stage more is accomplished until the need to conquer is replaced by the need to protect. The energetic time of conquest has reached its zenith. Now begins the time where there is something to lose.  Attack is no longer the goal.  The ability to counter-attack is lessened as walls are built and procedures created to defend what has been achieved and attained.  From this point stages of affluence and decadence follow which usually signals that demise is on the horizon.  Of course by this time no one can see that the forest is burning all around them because they laud themselves with past victories and intoxicate themselves with their arrogance of superiority.

Does this look familiar in any way to the current alleged situation with the Western church?  To an extent, at least.

During my reading of Glubb's findings it struck me that it might be applied to organizations and denominations and not just military/ruling empires.  My fear is that the Western church may be following this cycle.  I am not suggesting that God's church has become defensive or even God himself so much as I am suggesting that those tasked with its leadership may have.  It appears at times that there is less concern with taking new ground and more with protecting what is already attained.  Is the concern of saving those places that were once bastions of kingdom business but are now only worn reminders of what once was preventing the taking of new ground?  Are the risks associated with new conquest too intimidating for the current church?  Is the cost too much for what can be achieved? (Could it be any more than it was for the disciples in the first century?)  Has retreat been sounded? Is the slogan "All the World for Christ" no longer the goal?
"If you are not taking ground perhaps you are just losing ground".  A worrisome thought and not very triumphant.

If this is true and the western church has lost its zeal and is hurtling toward becoming obsolete or worse oblivion, does it matter?

I heard it said once - "God's mission has a church not God's church has a mission".  It is God's mission, it cannot decline.  He will make a way. For spectators this should ease their panic. For disciples this should ignite to action.

God has invited us to partner with Him as He redeems the world.  Whether the West continues to respond is irrelevant as God will not be thwarted.  Not by those outside the church and certainly not by those inside.

The Great Commission has been given (Matthew 28:19,20).  It sounds like something for the fearless.  It sounds like an opportunity to be triumphant!  Any takers?

Flawed

Have you ever been amazed by God's beauty? I am sure you have it is not hard to see. There are those times though when we see it in such grandeur that our breathing is slowed our hearts quicken and our brains strain to accept the wonder of his work. I have witnessed God's work in many forms. I have seen the raw power and heard the magnificent roar of Niagara Falls. I have observed the slow and quiet strength of the Columbia river.  I have been stunned at the solemnity of a sunset. All wondrous. But nothing quite captures me like the mighty Rocky Mountains. Man, those mountains! When I am in the midst of them they have a tremendous effect upon me.  I am humbled. A big feat in itself.  I am humbled by the sheer size and magnitude of these monuments of God's presence. They are huge and inspiring and I am made aware of how small I really am. They do that - make you feel small simply because they are so huge.  So as I stand and stare and try and soak in the awe and get my heart and intellect to sync together I am overwhelmed with emotion. They are perfect and flawless in their glory. A privilege to look upon.  If you have never seen the Rockies in person put it on your bucket list.

Yesterday I would have said that the Rockies would rate as the most beautiful and amazing object of God's creative genius that I had ever witnessed. Many I am sure would agree. Today I would not say that. I would not say that today because of yesterday.

Yesterday started off normal enough. I woke and did the usual things to get ready for the day. My task for the day was to simply drive. That was all just drive. Someone had asked me if I could drive them to a place that was a couple hours away as they had no way to get there and it was very important that they get to this place. I said yes, after all a nice drive is good for me. I love to drive - it calms me and allows me to clear my head. I assumed (you know what can happen when you assume) this would be fairly uneventful. I had no idea that God would open my eyes a little farther so that I could see just a little clearer. He did this in a most unusual way.

This person I was driving came into my life just over a year ago and he has become my friend. I really enjoy his company. He is one of those people that you cannot help but like. He is generous and kind. He smiles most of the time. He is one of those people that makes you feel better just because he is there. So when he asked me to give him a ride it was any easy yes.

Not all would agree with my ascertation. Not all would come to the same conclusion as I have. Why would they not see him the same? My friend is addicted to crack. If you have any understanding of this addiction you will understand why not all see him in a positive light. His issue has become his label and overshadows who he really is. For many unfortunately his addiction is all they see.

Why has this happened? I believe the reason to be simple. We as humans have an adept ability to notice the issues in others (seldom ourselves) . We all do it - we all have picked out the "flaw" in others at times. No matter what it may be - addiction, personal appearance, lineage or economic status. Often it seems like a talent. All due to broken human nature (sin) to be sure. It is entirely unfortunate that this happens, not only to the person whose flaws have been observed but for the one observing. They miss something magnificent.

Yesterday I drove for a couple of hours with a man who many may have written off simply because of one "flaw" he has (Granted it can very destructive but if you spend anytime with someone who suffers from debilitating addiction you will see that most of the destruction occurs to themselves). I have come to know a great deal about this man. He is very talented. He has a vast amount of knowledge about landscaping, farming, construction, the oil industry, and life in general. He can fix much and what he can do with a Bobcat (skid steer) is as amazing as a talented artist with a brush.

 This is where God opened my eyes.

As I have said this man is a great guy and is my friend but I confess that I was not able to see him aside from his addiction. I too had trouble seeing him as God has made him,  as he was intended to be. God please forgive me.

I had thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the treatment centre where he finds himself for the second time. I pray it is the last but no more than he. It was a joy to be in his presence. When I got home and chatted with my wife I played the day over and then it hit me. It hit me like a hammer in the form of a question - "As we look at the grandiose mountains do we ever pick out the "flaws"?  The question floored me and the answer is obvious - no. When we look upon  the handiwork of God in a mountain and see the jagged juts and points, the incongruency of the peaks or random crags and caves do we see the issues, the mistakes, the flaws? Of course not - because there aren't any. Then why do we see them in his crowning achievement? Why do we see them in our friends, families and strangers.  Are they any less wondrous of a creation than the inanimate objects that fuel and inspire our poets and songwriters? I leave that question to you.

I once believed that the Rocky Mountains were the most amazing thing I had ever seen in God's creation. God has shown me through my friend I was wrong. It is not the mountains but something that we are surrounded by all the time. It is and always has been people. People created in the image of God (Gen 1:27).

Thank you Lord for the reminder.

Jesus - Beautifully Relevant.

In the culture of Christian ministry one of the words I believe that has become completely overused and abused is the word "relevant".  One can see this word used in a vast amount of articles, mission/vision statements, and books when addressing the subject of ministry tailored to supposedly the "next" generation, culture, community or group.  So many times the word is used to describe an idea, philosophy, etc. that is completely not relevant at all.  I am on the verge of loathing this word - I know extreme but true.  So I was extremely tainted to the magazine Relevant before I had even read it simply because of the name.  I had a pre-conceived idea that it would be just more white noise about ministry with no relevancy at all.  I hear your thoughts - unfair, judgemental, biased, pig-headed.  I agree - I can be these things.  But again thanks to my wife (she is the wizard behind the curtain to my big bulging head on a screen) I began to read it and I was amazed - it really was RELEVANT! She was right.  It is truly a fantastic magazine that speaks to the current culture and its issues. The articles are thought-provoking and spiritually challenging. There are also great reviews on music, movies and literature.  The  current issue is their 50th and it is well worth the read.

So the other day while I am sipping some green tea, I  was riveted to an article written in Relevant by Alyce Gilligan entitled "Loving the Least of These".  The article features James Barnett the twentysomething founder of an organization called Clothe Your Neighbour as Yourself.  After experiencing injustice in Nicaragua he was moved to action. I was inspired by this young man who upon his return began a mission of sacrifice for God's Kingdom.  It was not so much what he began doing, although living out of your van selling t-shirts and using the profits to minister to marginalized people is quite admirable, it was the connection that I could make with his passion.  This young man had an experience with his Creator which moved him to action.  I love action.

What he is doing is not revolutionary or original from a service perspective, as there are many agencies and organizations that minister to the marginalized communities of the world.  What I found so compelling was that I could identify with him as a person and  he was doing something attainable.  He was not some big corporation or organization with its administration and machine-like operational standards.  He was "just a guy" who wanted to  make a difference in the lives of people.  I can relate to that.  But don't get me wrong.  I am not saying that big corporate benevolence and large charities are wrong or bad.  Heavens no!  There has been much ministry accomplished and suffering alleviated because of their ability to mobilize people and resources.  However, it is often difficult to get jazzed up or inspired personally about a brand or logo.  It can be hard to connect and identify with a slogan or ad campaign (This is evident by Coca-Cola's new commercials that try to connect with their customers on a personal level).  While these are great P/R and fundraising machines and have a great ability to inform they can be impersonal and appear removed from the street level.  Having said all that, God uses many mediums to work in his kingdom.

I am not completely sure why, but there is something special  and inspiring about seeing someone, just a regular person, moved to action by their faith and concern for the people around them.  James Barnett, and people like him, show the rest of us that God is still working despite the polls and stats that say the church is in decline.  Stories like this one show us that God and His mission are not confined to bricks and mortar and gatherings on Sundays only. What a big "holy cow" revelation (sarcasm intended). 

In the above mentioned article James Barnett is quoted as saying " I want people... to make a commitment to live differently.  Not just admiring the truth, but following the truth."  (John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life").

When people follow Jesus where he leads, being relevant will not just be a word in a mission statement or in a conversation at a trendy coffee house - it will be a reality.

"Too Many Mind"

So way back about eight months ago my incredibly intelligent and persistent wife urged me to join a father and son/daughter Shotokan Karate class because my son , like a true boy likes kickin' and stuff.   I was hesitant at first because I imagined getting beaten like a dog in front of him could cause him to think his father less than invincible and I want to keep that illusion going for as long as possible. My sweet spouse continued to gentley encourage me to do this and I took the plunge with the boy and it has worked out really well. As usual she was right again.  I am now an orange belt! Joyfully my belt colour is no longer the same as the traditional colour associated with cowardice (it was yellow - blech!).  I am learning much and trying very hard, it is not easy and I do not think the RCMP will be requiring me to register as a lethal weapon any time soon but in time who knows.

Taking up this activity at my advanced age of 38 has taught me much about focus.  Focus is a key element in becoming a good Karateka.  Of course this new found love of Shotokan Karate has given me a new appreciation for the movie  The Last Samurai  starring Tom Cruise.  It is a great movie about honour and loyalty and Bushido - the way of the warrior. It is a very good movie due to the action sequences but also because it showcases the Samurai and their dedication to who they are and what they do.

In the film Tom Cruise's character, Captain Ulgrin, is taken captive by the rebel Samurai leader Katsumoto. During his captivity he observes this culture and he develops a strong admiration for the samurai, their cause and way of life and actually begins to train as a Samurai Warrior.  In one of the scenes where he is training he is having great difficulty with his opponent until Nobatathe, the son of Katsumoto, says to him during a break "too many mind - mind the people, mind the opponent, mind the sword ".  His english is broken but his words are full of wisdom. Too many mind - means he is thinking about all that is going on  - the distractions and needs to focus. Focus is a vital element in so much that is done in life. Without focus most activities have no quality.  If I ever need surgery I hope the doctor has great focus.

All this has me wondering if this is not one of the greatest issues for the modern follower of Christ and the  Church - too many mind.  There is so much today that competes for our attention and energy.  The distractions are endless. I am easily distracted by shiny things. But perhaps a reason that so many Christian churches are having struggles is because they, like Captain Ulgren have "too many mind". Too mindful about the latest trend, gimmick or system. Too mindful about the church down the street. Too mindful about being cool. Too mindful about changing. Too mindful about not changing. Too mindful about being right. Too many mind =  no focus - no life.

No focus usually means poor effect or  poor results. I think if honesty is employed this is a great descriptor of the current state of the Church in general. The great part though is that when the focus is on Jesus scripture (John 14:6a) assures us that he is the way the truth and the life -  something to keep in mind.

Today is her birthday!

Nine years ago today my baby girl was born! It was a great day and a great end to 38 hours of labour for my wonderful wife.

One minute my daughter was where babies stay until they say "okay I want to stretch my legs" and the next minute there she was - all red and puffy. The doctor needed to perform an emergency C-section so things got a little dicey and a little too graphic for me - they really should use dark coloured tubing instead of clear! I persevered and held my wife's hand and tried to look all brave and strong and then the doctor said those magical words - "stand up and see your baby be born" (a sheet was protecting the view of the work going on) I obliged of course and when I did I was privy to seeing literally what my wife is really made of - could have done without that! But I was able to see my precious pink and puffy girl get born. My first words that I uttered in that timeless and enchanting moment were not what the fairy tale birthing stories contain but something slightly different. Some men may have wept, some may have been speechless, some may have said something cliche like "oh how wonderful" or "she's beautiful" I said "look at the size of the head!". This of course freaked my wife out somewhat because of course she was not able to see over the sheet and believed that she had given birth to a mutant baby - of course the nurses all said that was normal ( not giving birth to mutants but head size) - apparently babies heads are bigger than their bodies - who knew. This was a conversation piece that my wife and I had after and I learned not to be so blunt. I am a quick learner.

Nine years ago tody a chapter began in our lives that has been full of laughs, some tears, some diapers, some stress (mostly due to diapers) and huge amounts of joy!

I thank God the Creator for entrusting me with something so precious as my little girl and for giving me the honour of raising her. I ask for his strength to deal with whatever life may throw at us and his wisdom in teaching her about Him - my most important task as her father.

My buttercup - I love you - you make my heart sing - Happy birthday.

P.S. Check back in another nine years to see how I am doing through the teen years!

Stats vs. Stories

I have something to admit.  I am not afraid to say it.  I am a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.  I am proud to say it.  I realize of course that there may be some readers who will be appalled at this announcement but I make no apology, unless you are a fan of that team that is east of Ottawa and west of Nfld and Labrador (my keyboard will not allow me to type the name  - thankfully) and then you may need to see a doctor and it would be cruel and in bad taste to ridicule you.

Back to my rambling.

If you have been following hockey in the NHL you will have no doubt noticed that TML are making an incredible push for the playoffs.  They may even make a movie about these late season heroics!  I have been playing close attention to all of the games and what's more their stats - player stats, team stats - goals, assists, hits, save percentage etc.  I have even been paying attention to the other teams that they are trying to catch - their home and away record, number of games left, etc.  I have been making calculations about how many games my team needs to win and how many games the other teams need to lose to clinch a playoff berth.  You probably get the point - stats and more stats.  They are helpful for many things.  In this case, I think they are more helpful for Las Vegas bookmakers and player agents trying to negotiate new contracts because when the two teams get on the ice the winner is usually the better team in that game - period.  All the stats and the analyzing go out the window.  This year the Toronto Maple Leafs have made a valiant effort to get into the post season and they have some great stats.  Some players are having career years for stats, but in four games their season may or may not be over.  And, if it is over you can take all those stats and toss them into the nearest trash bin because, unfortunately, they will mean nothing.  Harsh but true.  There will be great weeping and gnashing of teeth and I will be among those doing so.

So do the stats mean anything?  The stats will say again that for the sixth year in a row this storied franchise will be golfing, and many will make their snide remarks.  But will that be an accurate reflection of this season?  No way!  This team which is the second youngest in the league have made dramatic improvements - they have done remarkable things and it has been the most entertaining season of the last six, in my opinion.  My point?  Stats will never tell a complete story - but a story can.

Stats should be used to inform - perhaps highlight - some important issues or factors, but they are incomplete and should never be used as the sole deciding factor.  They lack context, texture and emotion.  No where has this proved more true to me than in Christian ministry.

I believe ministry is reflected most accurately in stories.  The inspiration for ministry is derived from the belief in the Bible and, more importantly, who it tells a story about - Jesus Christ.  Jesus is Jewish and he told stories.  Some were in parable form, some not.  But, it has always been the custom of the nation of Israel to tell stories to tell the story.

Stories capture the context, the texture and the emotion.  The stories we tell about the people we serve is what truly informs and creates passion and inspiration.  Our stories tell of miraculous growth even if in incremental steps.  Our stories tell of personal victories and experiences that mold us and shape us into who we are and who we will become through God's working Holy Spirit.

I listened to a man's story today who suffers from schizophrenia.  His story inspired me and helped me to understand who he is and where he has been and how far he has come - stats on his illness could never have done that.

Stats can be important but, in this writer's opinion, they never tell the whole story - only stories do and the "honour" is being part of them.

Redivivus

It has been a while since my last post (I can hear the trumpet in the back ground) and due to some gentle encouragement from my lovely wife - I love my wife -  I have decided to try again. I confess that I am not a writer - I am a talker - a verbal person who would rather talk than write. It  is easier and I am admittedly lazy at times but my wife has won the day so here I am writing a post about writing a post.  

I offer the word Redivivus as the theme for this post - it is latin for "restored or living again". It makes me feel smart to say something in latin. So here in I apply it to this blog - it is living again. 

Actually Redivivus is the word my wife and I would use to describe our lives since we were restored to Christ and what we would like to see happen to his church. If my laziness does not get the better of me I will write from time to time on my thoughts and opinions about this and other musings - I may let my wife edit before I post and I may not - do not hold her responsible for any future rants. I like to rant but not rave - raving is over rated.