Breaking the Cycle

People who molest children, people with various addictions, and people with other destructive behaviors are often part of a historical but tragic cycle.

So are Christian movements and local churches. History demonstrates that the older they get, the more inward they turn. The more established and organized a belief system gets the more it tends to shift focus away from outreach as it focuses more and more on the comfort or survival of the institution.

This cycle is easily seen when comparing the traits of the Christian movement in England today versus that church in the eighteenth century. All of Europe illustrates this on a somewhat macro level – although there are bright and wonderful exceptions.

And many would say that the Christian movement in the USA is headed in the same direction. Are we caught in this same cycle? Could the exciting movements in Africa and Asia only be in earlier parts of the cycle, but bound for a London-type demise?

Cycles and trends are real and powerful, but they do not have the last word. Personal responsibility and the grace of God can always trump the negative influence of history.

A core belief of those who follow Jesus is this – The past does not have to predict the future.

If Christianity in our culture is spiraling into self-centered institutionalism on the way to irrelevance and dissolution, what are you doing to end the cycle? What can we do?

Here are actions steps for me, and maybe you:

1. Read the whole Bible. Not just the parts that feature blessings for me and my family.
2. Do not separate outreach and service from biblical knowledge, exciting worship or discipleship.
3. Pray with my eyes open to the needs of the world not just my family and circle.
4. Invest resources in faithfulness to Acts 1:8.
5. Speak up lovingly, but firmly at church regarding priorities, the poor, the lost… and new carpet for the sanctuary.
6. Remind children that all Christians are ministers. There is no difference between those paid for ministry and those disciples who are not paid.
7. Worship no idols, including family, wealth and security.
8. Be courageous.

What do you think? For more ways to break the cycle and follow Jesus, visit www.iFollowCommunity.com.

Too Valuable to Lose

A few days ago I used the long-term parking lot at the new airport in Panama City Beach, FL. It was late. I was tired. As I eased up to the exit, I found an automated machine as well as a booth staffed by a woman in uniform. I lowered my window and asked, “Am I supposed to use this machine or pull up to you?” I did not realize the depth of my question.

“Come on up here, honey.” I pulled up, smiling and reaching for my wallet. The attendant continued, “I’m not supposed to say this, but I am working hard to justify my job here. You won’t get this kind of service from a machine.”

I smiled all the more as I paid and thanked her. I began to pull away, but she had one more message, “God bless you, and I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.”

On my drive back to Jonathan’s and Mary Ashton’s home, I realized I felt more refreshed that I had a few minutes earlier. Maybe it’s my grey hair, but I’ll take a person over a machine any day.

Job security. A burning question for many in these trying times. Like it or not, the opinion of your supervisor is vitally connected to the path of your career.             

In The Bucket List (2007) Jack Nicholson plays the part of Edward, a cocky billionaire facing terminal illness in a unique way. Sean Hayes has the role of Thomas, the administrative assistant (“slave”) of the mighty executive. At one point Thomas observed Edward demonstrating a glimmer of compassion to a friend. In a kind gesture Thomas whispered to his boss, “I’m proud of you.” To which his boss smiled and responded, “Nobody cares what you think.”                       

Live, work, learn and communicate in such a way that your company cares what you think, especially your supervisor. The more he or she cares, the more likely you will move up, not out.     

I recently created a short test to help people see how valuable they are to their company… or not. Email me if you would like a copy of “Too Valuable to Do Anything But Move Up.”

I appreciate the dilemma and commitment of my friend in Panama City Beach. She’s awake to her situation, and she’s trying to increase her value to the company. At the same time, she is presenting a kind and even Christian witness as she performs her duties.

I hope she’s there the next time I park at the airport.

The Power of a Story

Everyone loves a good story.

I am on the way to a wedding in Sewanee, TN. Someday I will ask Lane, “So tell me your story. How did you and Bill fall in love…?” She will blush, smile widely as precious memories flood her mind, and then she will tell her love story. Powerful.

Part of my energy is invested in leadership coaching through Awake Consulting. Recently I asked a client and friend to write his story – “What were you like as a leader in the past, and how did you get to this point?” He had never connected the dots. This new perspective gave him and his team encouragement. The changes in his leadership style and effectiveness over the past 12 months are radical. He loved telling his story.

Men and women gather in a borrowed room, and someone begins with, “Hi. My name is Bob.” Within moments, people are sharing about their real and difficult struggles, as well as victories. In this confidential and compassionate circle, people struggling with addiction or struggling with an addict meet for accountability and encouragement. One reason this recovery model is so helpful is the power of storytelling.  

Over the past 25 years I have taken over 50 teams of volunteers into various cultures around the world in order to share and receive the love of Christ. Every person that has traveled with me has been asked to do things in preparation for the journey. But no preparation has been more important than the writing of their faith story. It is not easy to write briefly and in way that “works” in a setting far different than the witness’s home environment.

Storytelling is powerful in both directions. I am challenged and amazed as I carefully think through my own journey AND the listener catches a glimpse of how another human has walked this earthly journey. Hearing someone’s story is a blessed gift.

Prepare and tell your stories this week. Write, blog, record, whatever….

Ask someone about their story. Listen carefully, with gracious ears ready to learn from a fellow-traveler.

And then there is THE Story. Have you heard the story of God? How is your story a part of His Story?

Race, Reconciliation and the Church

Some humble reflections on race and the Church from one in recovery – 

1. Because of poor biblical exposition, self-centeredness, fear and other factors, churches and religious organizations have often been the cause and/or encouragement of racism.
2. Effectiveness as a minister requires a commitment to reconciliation, equality, partnership and shared leadership.  These will be very unlikely unless racial healing has been specifically addressed.
3. Diversity is not the same thing as reconciliation.
4. People in areas populated by numerous races (diverse, instead of just two races and a clear majority/minority), may have a hard time understanding areas where race is such a factor – numerically, economically, historically and politically. The requirements of Christian love and holiness do not vary from place to place. However, the challenge of reconciliation is quite different in a small, rural town with two races and a history of racial tension as opposed to a metropolitan area with twenty races and no such history.  
5. Wise churches will create programs, policies and staffing patterns that foster reconciliation and equality.
6. Freedom from this sin, fear, demon and disease is ultimately found in Christ alone.

When this healing process began in my life I had no idea that I would ever be involved in missions and outreach. The process of racial reconciliation has been extremely important in my ability to effectively serve people in other cultures. Over the past 25 years I have had the privilege of serving in America and over 30 other countries. Whatever effectiveness I have had would have been greatly hindered, if not impossible, if God had not initiated the work of racial healing in my life – as part of sanctification, this process continues today.

Your Turn
Regardless of what race is dominant in your church or organization, what are some things it has done to promote racial equality and reconciliation?

What is the difference between an authentic action and tokenism? 

God help us all.

Part 3 of 3 in honor of MLK… and for the glory of God

Leadership Attributes

I greatly enjoyed sitting at the feet of Maxie Dunnam (and Jesus) in worship last Sunday in Memphis. As he shared, I began to think of attributes that combine to make him so effective on the platform and as a Christian leader.

Are you a leader – know a leader – looking for a leader? Think of this list:

Joyful, passionate, persuasive, pastoral, concentrates on transformation not just information, provides theological (biblical, philosophical) context for the message, calls people to “be” not just to “do,” celebrates what God has done (grace), challenges people to join in God’s mission beyond church walls, and acknowledges the mystery of the Gospel (“I don’t have all the answers…”).

Thanks Maxie. May your numbers grow… for the renewal of the church, the glory of God and the good of the world.

PS – This blog is about leadership not Maxie. To my knowledge, he has plenty to do and is not looking for a job!