Permission To Pull The Plug

Why do we do what we do? Lately, this question has lodged and rattled within my mind...specifically in relation with my church. So, why do we do what we do?

Let's first start with yet another question - who do we exist for? After all, once we define the who we can then define the why. Luckily, we don't need to look far as Jesus already answered both of these questions.

For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:20.

Who - the lost. Why - seek and save.

Funny how questions we often complicate are really pretty simple. As such, the core question quickly becomes - does any given ministry bear the fruit of seeking and saving? A simple yes or no question. Flat out easy to assess with the one caveat of honesty. And sometimes honesty stings. But, if the answer is no, why continue on?

Don't get me wrong. It's not easy pulling the plug...although, sometimes necessary. And let's not forget...Jesus already gave permission. That's right! Your permission slip is already signed.

You may think this post is a tad harsh. After all, aren't we called to care for the orphans and widows? Sure we are...but, why do we assume these orphans and widows are already believers?

More to follow along these lines at a later date. Until next time. Jed.

The Memorial Driven Life

Got lost with my six year old last night. Laughing and watching movies of her just a few months old. Chilling on the living room floor...surrounded by those baby toys. Crying at times. Trying to roll over without success.

As I said, we got lost. Bed time was long overdue. But...this time together was amazing. Made me stop and think. Sometimes, it's good to get lost.

Get lost in the memories. The memories of where we've been and where we're going.

This stone I have set up as a memorial pillar will mark this as a place where God lives. Genesis 28:22.

A memorial pillar. A place where God lives. These simple truths resonate with my six year old. Through the memories of movies. Reflecting how God has blessed and provided. No joke...this time together was the best sixty minutes over the past few months. And...all because we slowed down and got lost.

Good thoughts for church leaders. Getting lost that is. How about your staff? Your lay leaders? Even your congregation? Perhaps we should pause and point to the memorial pillar as a place where God lives. The memories of where we've been and where we're going. Providing the fuel of purpose.

Celebrate the life change. Build the memorial. Whether streaming online or broadcasting within, we must not overlook. You already know the people. Those changed and impacted by your ministries. They're flashing through your mind. So...go! Capture the life change. Build the memorial. Then...all will know this place is a place where God lives!

Here's the very next verse after the one above. Jacob set out again... Not stalled with the past. Rather...fueled by the past. The fuel of purpose.

Time for the practicals...

- Record some testimonies. Show them online and during gatherings.
- Create some tangibles. A picture and quote within handouts. Or, why not some standing banners.
- Spread some stories. People being asked, "Did you hear...?" They'll be contagious.

Now, go get em for Christ! Until next time. Jed.

Man's Best Friend & Me

Let me tell you about my life...actually, let me tell you about my dog's life...

We have a Yorkshire Terrier named Reeses. He's nine years old in bone and two years old in heart.

I love him.

My wife dislikes him...leaning towards hate from time to time. She should probably repent.
My kids love him...although testing his patience more often than not.

His bed is soft and warm. His dish is always full. His toys and treats are many. He freely roams and often sleeps. No cares, fears, or worries. A simplistically sweet life. And...he's only my dog.

What's my point? Well...we're beyond blessed. Even our pets live far better than most. Kind of makes me wonder. What about me? Am I a blessing to others besides my dog? What about you?

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:7-11.

So...here's one simple question. Could this passage be a thank you to you? Thank you for showing love. Thank you for cheerfully sharing your home. Thank you for serving one another. Or...is your dog the only recipient?

No judgment here as I wrestle with the above as well. Regardless, an answer is warranted from me and you. So, allow this answer to settle. Allow the Holy Ghost to direct, guide, and lead. Go to it my friends. Until next time. Jed.

Who's Your Target Audience

A few posts back...I noted target audience. As a church, do you know your target audience? Not the group. Rather, the specific. Knowing the specific will frame and shape nearly every decision. Just consider these statements and questions in relation to the specific.

I am...
My occupation is...
I would describe my family situation as...

I am originally from...
I spend my free time...
My life would be better if...
My favorite television show is...
My favorite radio station is...
I buy my cloths at...
I read...
The most important thing in my life is...
My dream is to...
My greatest practical need is...
I socialize with...
I think Christians and churches are...
I would attend church only if...
I would grow spiritually if...
My name is...

Huh. You may say... What's the point? Don't we exist to be all for all to all? But, I would challenge the opposite. Through honing and narrowing, you're actually broadening. Let's break that one down a bit...

Say your target audience is Sam. Sam is only ten years old and he loves your church. Why? Well...your church speaks his language. After all, your church knows his aspirations, dreams, favorites, and needs. Your ministries address and engage these areas. With Sam...his parents now come and sit during your messages. His grandparents come as well...so they can partner with a vision and impact their Sam and others like him. United with cause and purpose! Sam just grew across three generations and all by honing and narrowing upon him.

Once again, as leaders, close your doors and address these statements and questions. Who is your target audience. A ten year old girl? A thirty year old mom? A seventy year old grandfather?

The specific will guide and shape events, outreaches, and services. Why? Because you're now able to answer - what's your target audience hoping and seeking and how does your congregation rally around and reach out to your target audience. That's how you spell IMPACT!

Without the specific...hours and resources may be wasted and/or underutilized as the context of target audience is null and void. And...context is often the majority. Until next time. Jed.

Am I Willing

Who wants to be used by God? Well...I do of course. I'm sure you're with me and we're likely an overwhelming majority. So, perhaps we're asking the wrong questions. What about - who does God use? What about me, our churches, our families, or you? Are we being used by God? Scripture offers some unique examples with often bizarre and wild twists. Here are just a few...

Think of Moses. A raging mob before him. A raging sea behind him. A raging army rapidly approaching. His response? Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. Exodus 14:13. Wow!

Or...Jonathan forging into the Philistines with his armor bearer close behind. Thousands upon thousands of Philistines. Only two swords in all of Israel. You got to be kidding me. Right?

Gideon is another. All inflated and prepared with 32,000 men. But...God quickly whittled them down to 10,000 and then again to 300. Now that's poor odds.

How about Joshua communicating the battle plans for Jericho? 1) Walk around the walls. 2) Walk around the walls a bit more. 3) Blow some horns really loud. What in the world? Seems nuts...at least to me and you.

What's the common thread throughout? A vast list of experiences and references from each? Not really. Rather, the qualifications narrow to only one. Willingness! People who were willing to be used by God. No matter how bizarre or wild. Just simply willing. And...through this willingness, the hand of God moved in BIG ways.

As Christmas approaches and New Years rests upon the horizon, it's a good time to remind. Remind ourselves and those God has placed around us. Despite the adversity and uncertainty of today, God still moves in BIG ways. He's looking for vehicles to use and the only requirement is willingness. So...perhaps we're asking the wrong question yet again. Shouldn't it be - are you willing?

Let's follow the example of Mary whose world was turned upside down one evening long ago.

Luke 1:34-38: "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. ---- For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

In the midst of her adversity and uncertainty, Mary proclaimed willingness. The result was the redemption of man! So...whether raging seas, two swords, 300 men, or blowing trumpets...may it also be with us.

Thanks to Wes Bell, the Lead Pastor of Harvest Chapel as this post was inspired from his recent message. Click here to see his blog. Good stuff!

The Question Everyone Is Asking

Last weekend, my three year old riddled me with one pretty simple question. Here's a summary of our conversation.

Her: "Daddy? I can't see my heart...but, I want to see God. Where's God?"

Me: "Well sweetie...God is everywhere."

Oh boy, now I messed up. What's with my hippie answer? Such an idiot!

Her: "But, I've never seen Him. Where is He? I want to see Him."

Me: "Well...you see...it's kind of like...well...something like..."

Now, how do you explain God to a three year old. After all, this question has haunted and taunted me for decades and counting! I landed upon some wacky analogy involving fun fruits. I'll spare the details along with my embarrassment from this blog. But, I'd like to think it was earth shattering. :-)

So...where is God? This question begs an answer as my three year is not alone. We're all asking. Where is God in my ache, doubt, fear, hurt, pain, sorrow, and worry? Where is God in my everyday life?

"Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together." Jesus. Revelation 3:20.

Turns out...God is only one response away. Our response to invite Him in.

What now leaders and teachers? Simply put. Keep the main thing the main thing. Above all, carry the cross. Look past classes, events, outreaches, meetings, and programs. Let life change rule the day. Are people answering this knocking? Opening their doors?

Success must not rest on dimes and dollars. Success must rest on life change as we have the answer to the question everyone is asking. Where is God? Well...He's ready and waiting on you and me!

So, is life change active within your ministry? Until next time. Jed.

My Story Of Story

Recently, I attended Story and it was an amazing couple days. With speakers such as Dave Gibbons, Thomas Fluharty, Micheal Hyatt, Don Miller, and Ed Young and worship from The Sycamore Band, I'm not even sure where to begin. So, I don't plan to begin anywhere and will allow Scripture to speak of my experiences and thoughts.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother and sister in need but shows no compassion - how can God's love be in that person? 1 John 3:17.

This a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies, he is God alone. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17.

...upon this rock I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18.

It's impossible to say it better. So, let the above soak in.

On a separate note, Thomas Fluharty and his wife Kristi authored and illustrated Fool Moon Rising. It's an amazing book for your children and grandchildren. Get a copy!

Steeple Transformation

No thank you. I'm simply too busy and not in need of any additional business. These words were recently spoken to me. Pretty much leaving me speechless. I thanked him for his time and then hung up the phone.

Let's call this guy Hank. Hank owns a business and I was offering referrals with virtually no investment from Hank. Potentially generating thousands in sales for Hank. From my perspective, it was a huge win win. From Hank's perspective, it was simply additional noise in an already noisy world.

Huh. Shortly after this experience, my head started to spin. I was amazed, astonished, confused, and puzzled. What just happened? What went wrong?

The church and the lost instantly popped to mind. The lost are everywhere. The car behind us, the cubicle next to us, the house next to us, or the seat in front of us. Ironically enough, the church is everywhere. Across the bridge or down the street, a steeple is likely around the corner.

But, does the church ever relate with Hank? Looking at referrals, the lost, as simply additional noise in an already noisy world. The lost walking past these steeples. The church huddling underneath these steeples. Only drywall and lumber separating the two. Yet, this drywall and lumber appearing as mighty walls. Perhaps it's time for a reverse Jericho...with the church blowing their trumpets and allowing their walls to crumble.

I'm not here to condemn or convict. I love the church! I'm part of the church. But, I cannot ignore the stirring of God. Telling me to roll up my sleeves and get dirty as reaching and saving the lost is dirty business. It will stretch our comforts and customs. It will remold and reshape our steeples. It will not only change the lives of the lost...but, it will change me and you.

I can only speak for myself. But, I'm ready...ready to...

- Let go of my me mentality.
- Stand behind the leaders God has lead my way.
- And...short of sin, do whatever it takes to reach and save the lost.

Anyone with me? Let not Hank infiltrate our steeples as these steeples cost God the life of Christ. Until next time. Jed.

Get Dirty

Did you know more than one billion people don't have access to clean safe drinking water. That's one in six of us! In fact, 80% of all diseases originate from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation. Wow! Parkview Christian Academy will be change agents for these startling statistics by launching a Dirty Water Campaign in early November.

Parkview Christian Academy has partnered with LiquidWater.com who inspire and resource like minded organizations to "get dirty" and help tackle the global water crisis. Together, Parkview Christian Academy will be raising funds to dig wells in Africa. These wells will literally transform villages overnight. Every amount large or small has a lasting impact as a gift of only $20.00 provides clean water per child for the next twenty years.

So, what's a Dirty Water Campaign? The parents and students will drink only water for three weeks. The money saved by not purchasing coffee, pop, and so on will be donated to the cause. 100% of the money raised will go straight to Africa and straight to to these wells. Through this Dirty Water Campaign, the students will learn to give back and transform the world in which they live.

And we have great news! Businesses, churches, families, friends, neighbors, and most importantly you are all welcomed to join this great cause! If you're interested in participating, please contact Jim Apker at 630-553-5158 or via email at japker@parkviewchristian.net. Don't forget that 100% of the money raised will go straight to Africa!

Innovate Arts Mash Up

The sessions from this year's Innovate Conference are up. Although, all are well worth your time. Don't miss this one. Needing a boost of innovative inspiration? This one is the ticket. Noted as the Arts Mash Up and highlighted by the folks at:

- Community Christian Church
- Relevant Church
- Crossover Church
- Liquid Church

Words cannot express the coolness and uniqueness of each. The simple wow factor of reaching their culture for Christ. Invest the time. Watch it and please let me know your thoughts.

Innovate

I'm sitting here at Innovate 09 at Granger Community Church. So far, I've been blown away by a few simple principles.

- Hospitality. Now, I'm all about hospitality and have shaken many a hand while walking through church doors. But, something is different here...permeating and resonating throughout their culture. The annoying part? I can't quite put a finger on it. I believe it relates to being overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by people who will do anything and everything to ensure my visit is simply the best! Overwhelmed by love. And...I love it! After all, aren't we introducing guests to an overwhelming God. Seems to make sense to me.

- Impressions. The entry doors are glass. Glass of course attracts fingerprints. Anyone with kids will attest to this simple truth. I just watched these doors get cleaned...only a couple hours into the day. No need to do so. They looked ok. But, the attention to this minor detail speaks volumes to their heart. And...don't be fooled. Hospitality and impressions are virtually one in the same!

- Innovations. This one shouldn't be a surprise. Innovations at Innovate 09. The world screams innovations in every market place. From cars, computers, homes, or phones. Why should the church get an exemption? I greatly appreciate their creativity...as this creativity clearly reaches out and speaks into their community.

- Questions. From the first session, there are still two questions rattling within my head. Why should people go to church? And...why should people go to my church? Pretty basic. But, these questions will frame and form the foundation of your congregation. Do you know your answers?

Hats off to the folks here at Granger! Thanks for everything and I'm looking forward to the remainder of Innovate 09.

Just An Ordinary Case

Well...my engaging concept (aka, my case for my iPhone) has vanished. If you ask me, my wife is guilty. After all, she hated this concept. Perhaps she feed it to the dog or flushed it down the toilet. Either way, she better repent as I'd hate my case to disrupt her relationship with God. :-)

In turn, I recently headed to the Apple Store and walked out with a new case (see picture below). No fancy flare. Just an ordinary case. And...I'm ok with ordinary. As silly as it sounds, ordinary defines life.

You see...what we do with ordinary will determine whether we ever experience extraordinary. Hmmm. Come again? What we do with ordinary will determine whether we ever experience extraordinary. Doesn't the Bible speak the same truth?

You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things (Matthew 25:21). The underlying principle? Be faithful with what God has placed within your hand and He will grant you the desires of your heart.

Makes me think of Moses. When he was throwing forth concerns, doubts, excuses, and fears. Here...God breaks it down with a really simple question. What is that in your hand (Exodus 4:2)? I envision Moses scratching his head. Probably thinking what a dumb question. You're God! You obviously know what's in my hand. Is this question a trick? But...after some sinking in...God revealed to Moses the same principle as noted above. Be faithful with what I've placed within your hand. The rest will come. For now, just be ordinary!

So, ordinary is ok. Ordinary is good. Ordinary transforms life. People come to Christ through ordinary circumstances and conversations. Whether within grocey ailses or hospital rooms, people are impacted and reached by you living out your ordinary life...grasping and gripping what God has placed within your hand. Holding on tight as the desires of your heart are just around the corner.

Don't forget. What you do with ordinary will determine whether you ever experience extraordinary! What's in your hand? Until next time. Jed.

Can You Hear Me Now

Once upon a time, I was just about to dream and...a nudge. It was my wife. I'm sure out of love and respect.

"There's a cricket," she says. "Do you hear him?"

Internally, "What in the world. I'm sleeping over here." Externally, "No sweetie." Rolling over. Drifting and longing to dream...another nudge.

"Not inside. The little sucker is outside. Go get him!"

For a moment - a very brief moment - I considered arguing, disagreeing, and flat out refusing. Rather - after coming to my senses - I headed out with flashlight in hand. Now, pinpointing one cricket is basically an impossibility. So, combined with lots and lots of Raid, I reverted to scare tactics (aka loud noises). Somehow, I conquered and tamed the midnight beast. Dumb luck I guess.

Peripheral noise. Sometimes cricket like and other times giant like. A sleep robber nonetheless and often times for more than just one. Sending some out into the darkness while others fear and fret. Paralyzing. Debilitating. Conquering the directives, goals, and objectives of life. Leaving you drained, exhausted, and tired. Leaving you one and only one option. Simple surrender!

Perhaps peripheral noise is better noted as persistent noise. Either way, this noise is annoying and distracting. Only masking the real disease. The fatal disease of misguiding and unraveling.

What persistent noise is annoying and distracting you? Leading to misguiding and unraveling your life? Time to get out the Raid! Don't rely on dumb luck. After all...dumb luck is just that...dumb. Until next time. Jed.

Nostalgia - Memories, Moments, & Smiles

Nostalgia. A sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time. We all have at least one. One memory. One moment. One smile. So, here's some nostalgia from my childhood...a little trip down memory lane.

• Within the parking lot of McDonald's. Sitting alongside my grandpa. In his old truck. Eating a fish sandwich after an afternoon of fishing. Laughing and smiling.
• Watching the nightly show of flickering fireflies. A masterpiece.
• Resting against a fence post. Looking across the snow covered fields. Falling in love with the amazing beauty of creation.
• Soaking in the warmth of a radiator. Lying on the kitchen floor. Listening to the old farm house creak and clank.
• Playing hide and seek with Scottie, my dog. (Side note. I was an only child.)
• Listening to the sounds of holiday prep. Blenders, buzzers, pots, and pans. Basking in the glow of holiday lights.
• Enjoying a Mars Bar after golf lessons. Thanks dad!

These memories, moments, and smiles have defined and molded the person before you today. The person sitting opposite your monitor. Blogging and typing away my nostalgia.

What's your nostalgia? How has this nostalgia defined and molded you?

Just as important. This nostalgia plugs into the local church. Into your church. The hugs, laughs, lessons, ministries, prayers, sermons, and tears of yesteryear. Defining and molding. Thus, here's the important point. Ready? Get your notepad and pen. And...go.

The only way for a church to move forward is to look back. Paradoxically, change can come only when the good past is guarded with passion. (pg. 69 of Transforming Church by Kevin Ford)

Eternal Or Tacky

What grabs attention? Perhaps something shocking? Do you slow to peek, peep, or peer at whatever debacle sits roadside...usually encompassing someone's misfortune. Yes, this misfortune is shocking at times. But, is shocking always better?

More than shocking...I love to preach engaging. Engaging grabs attention! An engaging conversation, culture, painting, people, picture, piece, etc. Engaging will accomplish just that. It engages people, which cracks the doors for true conversations...for soul conversations. These cracks are the significance of life. These cracks are what thrusts doors open for eternity. These cracks are an engaging concept.

To risk some silliness...this engaging concept is why Mickey Mouse poses within my watch. Sure, I love Disney. But, this watch is also a great conversation provoker and starter. Provoking and starting and hopefully leading to the significance of life...these cracks. Sounds silly, right? But, conversation tends to flow and grow quickly beyond a cartoon mouse. I recently applied this philosophy to my iPhone. A picture of my new case is below...my wife hates it. I tried to explain my engaging concept. But, we seem to lack a kindred spirit. Instead, she goes straight to...what was it again...oh ya, tacky. Your thoughts?

Whose Work Is It Anyways

Recently, I attended a book tour for Killing Cockroaches by Tony Morgan. Tony had some great insights and thoughts. Here's one that stuck with me...

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Now these are the gifts of the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT)

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up. You mean God's work rests upon God's people? The short and long answers are yes. Regardless, we prefer to punt this responsibility to the pastors and preachers. After all, let's keep evangelism where it belongs...in the pews. People come to the pews. How they get there is a little foggy. But, once there, the pastors and preachers do their thing. They preach to the pews, as we sit and smile and pretend our lives are the perfect sunset. Let's review. Come to the pews. Preach to the pews. Sit, smile, and pretend. Call it a pew mentality.

This mentality racks up the victims, including myself. It's comforting. It's nonthreatening. It's warming. Let's be honest...it's just flat out easy! The one thing it's not is engaging. What did Paul say again? Something about equipping me and you to build up the church. Ok. Slow down a notch and allow this truth to sink in. ME and YOU. Who? ME and YOU. One more time. ME and YOU.

So, no more belly aching, complaining, finger pointing, griping, or name calling. Evangelism must no longer be an event. An event is planned. An event is scheduled. An event has a start and finish. Evangelism must be a lifestyle. Bottom line...God's people must be engaging!

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Fairly obvious God is trying to tell me something...perhaps about my personal life. :-) After all, there's always room for improvement. Right? Any thoughts?

Camp's Rants & Raves

We just got back from Family and Youth Bible Camp. What a great week! I tagged team the senior high with my friend Nick Marcoux. And…as always, we had a blast!

Here are a few glimpses…

- Serving the Lord with your all in the ordinary will result in the extraordinary. “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” (1 Samuel 16:11). This is Jesse talking of his youngest…David. David was living an ordinary life…serving God with his all. The rest of the story speaks for itself.
- You might not make it across the street, home, through dinner, or whatever. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart (Ecclesiastes 7:2). Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it’s here a little while, then it’s gone (James 4:13-14).
- Knowing you might not…what are you going to do with Jesus? Forget all the other questions. This is the only one that truly matters.
- Listen to the Paul within your life…there’s likely more than one. Paul advised them saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul (Acts 27:9-11).
- What is it costing you to follow Jesus Christ? Then King David said to Ornan, “No but I will surely buy it for full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing,” (1 Chronicles 21:24).

Also, here are some questions asked by the senior high…all eye openers…

- If you feel as if God is calling you to do something bigger than what you are capable of doing, how can you feel the confidence to do great things for God?
- Why does God not let something happen that you have worked hard for and would be able to praise Him through?
- Other than an accountability partner, what are good ways to break a habit, as in a habit nobody knows you do?
- How far is too far when it comes to dating? When does it become a sin? What’s the most advisable way to resist the physical temptations and sexual temptations from the opposite sex?
- What do you do if you have a friend who is a believer, but doesn’t attend church?
- My dad is probably not a believer. Besides praying, what are some other ways to also influence him?
- How should I begin to talk to someone about Christ? What should I say first?

Camp was a huge success! God moved in mighty ways and I’ll forever be grateful…for we serve an awesome God. Until next time. Jed.

How Would You Respond

A battered and intoxicated man stumbling and wandering around your church’s parking lot. How would you respond? The classic duck and weave and through the front doors as if you hadn’t noticed. Or…perhaps with some good old fashioned compassion. Well…Pastor Tommy Jackson had the same question and decided to play the part. He stumbled and wandered while being disguised as battered and intoxicated. And he played the part well. Well enough that no one recongnized him. He even went as far as having the cops called in. How did his congregation respond? A local news cast has the footage. Check it out here and let me know your thoughts. A pretty wild idea. I like it. Until next time. Jed.

That Mystery Key

Sitting in my driveway…my friend managed to lock himself within his trunk. Keys within his pocket and no other way in or out. Don’t ask. Stupid high school stuff. In the end, his sister came to the rescue. A spare was left behind…just in case history repeated itself. Fortunately, it was never needed.

Just yesterday I went though our keys. Keys for anything and everything. Cars, churches, clubs, halls, homes, and offices. Kind of a mess. I still ended up with a pile of mystery keys. Holding on as if someday I’ll remember. Ya right.

Keys gain access…even through the hardest and toughest of doors. A simple twist and there you go. Boldly walking across the threshold.

People so often lug and tug the baggage and luggage of life. Searching and seeking for the mystery key. The key that will open, unlock, and free. Perhaps a counselor or doctor. Perhaps our friend Google. That key is out there somewhere. But…these people still lug and tug. Lugging and tugging past you and your church. Looking up and neglecting or even scoffing. At least never thinking. The church? Do they make keys?

Not the church…but, Jesus Christ who is embodied and represented through the church. Through us. We have that key. That mystery key. Do your relatives know? How about your colleagues or friends? Better yet…how about you?

People lugging and tugging past you and your church. Please stop, pause, and consider. But how? Relationships! After all…we were once lugging and tugging. But, we’re free (John 8:32). Not perfect or even all together. Simply freed and united through the blood of Jesus Christ. Related with the beliefs, experiences, and thoughts of fellow brothers and sisters.

Relationships. Or should I say…transparent relationships will get those luggers and tuggers to stop, pause, and consider. And when they do…we'll be there with the Key! Opening, unlocking, and freeing. Boldly walking across the threshold. Until next time. Jed.

The Earth Opened & Swallowed

The story of Korah within Numbers 16. One of my favorites. A twist of bizarre and simple…topped off with a wow. Israel stranded within a wilderness. Moses with the lead.

Korah was sick and tired. Sick and tired of roaming, wandering, and wondering. Come on…there must be a better way. What’s wrong with Moses? Where's this land of honey and milk? The battle cry was sounded!

Have you ever been there? I have. Near the back…tossing comments near the front…with the best intentions and motives. Right?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a proponent of change. After all...change is now embraced and expected. So, shouldn’t we cheer for Korah? Perhaps a high five or two on his way to Moses. Who wouldn’t be sick and tired? Stranded within a wilderness.

So…what became of Korah? Numbers 16:32-33 notes, “The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the men, along with their households and all their followers who were standing with them, and everything they owned. So they went down alive into the grave, along with all their belongings. The earth closed over them, and they all vanished from among the people of Israel.” Numbers 6:35 notes, “Then fire blazed forth from the Lord and burned up the 250 men who were offering incense.”

Ouch and wow! Korah went down…literally. Can you imagine? Now…that would be something to blog about. So, what does all this mean? How can I relate?

We all have ideas and thoughts. How to preach better, reach better, and teach better. Ideas and thoughts are sweet. Implementation and presentation? At times…a little bitter. Let’s not get lost within the strategies and tactics of Korah. Stop tossing from back to front. Instead…stand front and partner and implement new stuff!

New stuff is good. New stuff is embraced and expected. Israel was in the midst of new stuff. And…this new stuff appeared to be flawed. Marketing guru Seth Godin stirred the pot earlier today. Seth notes, “When the new stuff doesn’t work, do the stuff more and better.” Just because the new doesn’t work - let’s not revert to the old. Let’s not leave a wilderness to return to slavery. Stay the course. Stand front and partner and implement new stuff! Until next time. Jed.