Second Look @ Sunday

Some quick take-aways for me from yesterday:

• You have to get to AMC Stadium 16 pretty early to beat Marty Smith there. When I got there, he had already worked up enough of a sweat that he needed to take off his jacket (his hat).
• Thankful for Ascended. They worked hard and it clearly paid off.
• By the way guys, if you have a Twitter account, use it.
• Was surprised to see Lindy Weatherly join us. Anxious to hear her notes from the service.
• Big idea: God is always faithful and He is still in the redemption business.
• In what part of your life do you need to experience redemption?
• So sweet to see some of our people serving the residents of Riverwalk Communities. Here's the proof that I even participated.
• Had a great time at lunch hearing one of my high school friends share her heart for missions. It is amazing what God is doing in her life. Abso-freakin-lutely Amazing.
• Sad news came to me on Sunday night: another friend from the youth group I grew up (quite literally) in passed away Sunday morning. I got a chance to spend a few moments with him on Saturday evening. Not enough time in hindsight. He truly was semper fi (always faithful).
• Finally: looking forward to a great Super Bowl with two legendary teams. Now just have to determine the perfect venue to watch it at.
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The Big News

So for the last few days, I've been promising BIG news regarding Discovery Church. Yesterday morning, we made the announcement during our worship service. So what's the big news?

This past week, I had the opportunity to sit down with an incredibly gifted friend, Christa Shore. Last spring she was named Evansville Woman's Woman of Influence. You can read her official bio here.

Christa and I sat outside of Starbucks and talked about the amazing things that we had seen God doing around us in the past few months. We celebrated God's provision for two new lungs for her husband, Mike. We shared about the joys and struggles in church planting. Before we left, I had asked Christa to pray about joining the Discovery team as our worship leader. The next day, she called and informed me that she felt God opening an incredible opportunity and was excited to be a part of that team.

People are People

Why is it always easier to look down on someone with disgust than it is to begin to relate to who they are? I know...deep question to start thinking about this early in the morning. Here's why I am thinking about it:

I happened to talk with a friend yesterday who was being berated by a collections agency over a medical bill. It was a classic example of the lack of communication between insurance companies and health care providers. The person lost in the middle was the patient. The collector was

speaking with disdain and disgust to my friend because the payment had not been made. There was no real concern about the issue; it was a mere matter of finances. The person did not matter; the check did.

I feel like too often we (including me) get lost in

our own personal agendas and completely forget that there are multiple sides to any one story. The bankruptcy courts are not just filled with over-spenders, but with people who were down-sized, divorced and otherwise broken. The collection reports are sometimes those who were overzealous in their purchase agreements; they are just as likely those who are encountering situations they never dreamed would exist. They've just discovered a horrific disease. The other car seemingly came out from nowhere. The company has relocated their job far, far away.

In the early to mid-80s, electronic music was it. One band stood above all others in this particular genre, Depeche Mode. The British band hit it big in 1984/5 with their single, "People are People." Their message resonated in an era of proliferation and posturing. People matter. They might have a different hue to their pigment than you but they are still people. Their 401(K) might have less commas and zeros than yours but they are still people. Their lives might be messier and more confused than yours, however their lives still matter.

One of the core beliefs at Discovery Church is that there are no perfect people. In fact the sign outside of our worship environment says: "No Perfect People Allowed." This does not mean that we do not address our sin or shortcomings. We just enter that discussion with grace. The church needs to be leading the way to acknowledge brokenness, identify the systemic problems that have contributed and begin to address it in meaningful way. After all, people are people. All made to reflect and bear the image of the God.

What Would Jesus Say to President Obama? (part two)

President Barack Obama is one of the most gifted communicators that I have ever witnessed. He has an amazing command of the English language (unlike our former President who once created the word: misunderestimated). One of the elements that makes Obama sucha  gifted orator is his use of self-depricating humor. Some of my favorite Obama quips include:"Contrary to the rumors that you've heard, I was not born in a manger ... I was actually born on Krypton, and sent here by my father Jor-El to save the planet Earth.”

• “I got my middle name from somebody who obviously didn't think I'd ever run for President."
• "If I had to name my greatest strength, I guess it would be my humility. Greatest weakness? It's possible that I'm a little too awesome.”

Unfortunately, when every word that you say is immediately 

transcribed and broadcast across the planet, you need to be extremely cautious about what you say. Last month, our President appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." 

During that appearance he made an off-handed remark about his bowling that was very hurtful to many individuals. In light of that moment, I think Jesus might remind Mr. Obama, "Watch your words."

Pearl Strachan once wrote, "Handle them carefully,  for words have more power than atom bombs." Centuries before she would pen these words, the Apostle James said that the whole world is set on fire by our tongues. He was reminding us of the destructive nature of an undisciplined tongue. (To read all of what James has to say about the tongue, click here.) I believe Jesus would encourage Barack Obama to watch his words, to be intentional about what he says.

What Would Jesus Say to President Obama?

As we head into this portion of the series, I want do put out a couple of disclaimers. Too many people enter into the discussion of politics with the view that God has a particular allegience. I found a bumper sticker a couple of months ago that had a very imporant truth:

Disclaimer: God is not a Republican or a Democrat. I believe that there are elements to each of the major parties platforms that God would celebrate. I also believe that there are elements to each of the major parties platforms that would grieve the heart of God. Political parties, like every other group, is filled with broken and screwed up people. Of course, they would occasionally act in a way apart from what might be God's perfect will.

Disclaimer: I think Jesus would find plenty of things to say. Over the next few days, I am only going to highlight a few of them. Do not pretend to take this as the full-meal deal, but rather perhaps an appetizer. 

What Would Jesus Say to Bono (part three)

What would Jesus say to the self-described "Imelda Marcos of Sunglasses"? What would he say to the 2005 Time Magazine person of the year (along with Bill & Melinda Gates)? His music has earned him legends of fans. His humaniatarian work has earned him the respect of world leaders and other dignitaries. The most pressing question though is what would Jesus say to him?

I suppose Jesus might say...

"Keep searching for me."

Bono grew up thoroughly confused by his religious experiences. As 

the son of Catholic father and Protestant mother in Ireland where that division is not merely a religious issue, but also very much political, he felt confused. "I never had a problem with Christ, but Christians were a different story." Late in his teen years, he began an honest search that would lead him to trusting in grace. He continues to seek grace on a daily basis, relying on the work of Christ on the cross.

At the heart of the Easter story that we celebrated last weekend is the story of people seeking God. After watching their teacher be crucified on a wooden cross on Friday, his disciples went to continue their mourning on Sunday. They brought ointments and oils much like we might bring flowers to a graveside. When they got to the tomb, the stone had been rolled away. Their rabbi, their loved one, was missing. 

Mary stumbled upon a man she assumed was the gardener and she asked him, "What have you done with him? If you've done something with him, just let me know where you put him and I'll take care of him." In the midst of her desperate search for Jesus, the man replies to her: "Mary."

Jesus was there. He called her by name. In hearing her name called, she responds, "Rabboni" (which means Teacher). It's as if Jesus looks at her and says, "Mary. Boo...it's me, Jesus." 

Today, some of you are still searching, looking for something. In the midst of your doubts, questions, confusion, Jesus wants to meet you right where you are. He wants you to know that He is not dead; He is right there with you...and He is calling you by name. He wants to meet you where you are.

To Bono, to you, to me, Jesus says, "Keep searching." If you have never really trusted him, keep asking questions. Keep looking for answers. If you are a Jesus-follower, keep working out your faith with fear and trembling. Keep seeking Him who sought you.

What Would Jesus Say to Bono (Part Two)

What would Jesus say to the self-described "Imelda Marcos of Sunglasses"? What would he say to the 2005 Time Magazine person of the year (along with Bill & Melinda Gates)? His music has earned him legends of fans. His humaniatarian work has earned him the respect of world leaders and other dignitaries. The most pressing question though is what would Jesus say to him?

I suppose Jesus might say...

"Great job putting your faith into practice."

In James 2, the brother of Jesus argues that we can tell genuine faith by how it impacts our life and how we demonstrate that faith on a daily basis. He gives the example of seeing a hungry, naked person and telling them: "Praying for you." What good does that do? Did that solve their hunger pains? Did that warm them up? No. Real faith would not merely utter words, but live it out in a "let's go to Cicis and get you some pizza buffet and stop at Target before we do that (you know: no shoes, no shirt, no service might be a problem). 

Faith is not merely coming to church for a service on Sunday. If the only evidence of your faith is your attendance on Sunday morning that is not faith; it is a hobby (thanks Ryan for the help with that line). As Bono has said, "Love thy neighbor is not advise. It is a commandment."

After a 1985 trip to Ethopia sponsored by WorldVision, Bono's world changed. He could no longer ignore the cries of hunger from Africa. He could no longer drown out the cries of the orphaned children grieving the loss of their mother to a virus that also infected them. He had to do something. He had to put his faith into practice. He helped launch a variety of NGOs to address the issues of the forgotten continent: DATA, One Campaign, and Make Poverty History. I think Jesus would commend these efforts.

I Got the Power

After being without electricity for nearly 80 hours, Vectren finally got power r

estored to our house today. What a blessing. You forget how much you rely on electricity until

you do not have it anymore. Here are a few things that I have missed being able to do over the last 3.5 days.

• SportsCenter
• The internet & blogging
• Lights in the bathroom
• Clocks
• Charging my cellphones
• Lights to read by
• The washing machine
• My refrigerator & the food in it

And think it was only 3.5 days. What would you miss?

9/11

Vince Antonucci asks the question today, "What were you doing seven years ago today?"

I remember very clearly the events of 2001. I remember hearing on Bob & Tom that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. Not many details were available and I supposed they meant a little crop-duster. I went into Jojo's to meet a friend for breakfast. When I came back out and started up my car, I heard the latest update: another tower had been hit. I was headed to my parents home (less than a mile away) and by the time that I arrived there the Pentagon had been hit. I immediately went to Olivet where we spent the day wondering what we could do and how we could speak in the midst of the crisis.

Often we encounter tough times, even earth-rocking devastation. How do we continue to function in the midst of the pain? Where do we find hope in the midst of the crisis? How can we move on when there seems no where to go?

"Turn to God." The answer seems trite, a little too Sunday-School. Yet, sometimes the answer is the obvious. Just because 4 seems like the easy answer to 2+2=? doesn't mean it is wrong. Psalm 77 reminds us that even when it seems like God has forgotten us, we can continue to trust in Him.

God & Politics

In light of the Indiana primaries that just occurred, I found this story particularly interesting. It seems that after years of being tightly linked to the Republican party that many evangelicals are shying away from politics altogether. The signers of this new manifesto are some of the leaders in the evangelical world, including my former ethics teacher: David Gushee.

What's your thoughts? What role should the church play in politics? What about individual Christians? What is their responsibility?

I am the Champion...Almost

Plantingspace.com hosted a NCAA Men's Basketball Bracket Challenge for church planters & bloggers. I entered not expecting much. After the first weekend, I was a miserable 59th out of 135. Less than impressive. Clearly I was not in the same league as these men and women of genius.

However the games were not over being played. I slowly began moving up the rankings. Going into Monday night's championship game I had risen all the way to 19th. If Memphis won (which they easily could have), I would have finished a respectable 25th. Not embarrassing, but not great. However, Memphis did not win, Kansas did.

Like the legendary phoenix, I rose from the ashes to new heights. No, I was not the champion. But I did finish 5th. Which put me firmly in top 3.7% of church plant prognosticators. I might not have been smart enough (or worked hard enough) to finish in the top 10% of my high school class, but in this competition I did. Thank you Derrick Rose. Thank you John Calipari. Most importantly, thank you Mario Chalmers. Thank you for making me special.

Know When to Fold Them

The headlines in tomorrow's paper will no doubt be about the Ohio and Texas primaries. There will be celebrations of Hillary Clinton's win in Ohio. They will say that Texas is still too close to call. Yet below the fold will be the story of two men who decided that it was time to fold.

Mike Huckabee stepped away from the Republican campaign today. Huckabee's attempt to win the nomination has seemed at best to be a long shot. However, he persevered even when the pundits said he was finished. In fact, he even won primaries after he was supposely finished. He stuck it out until it was abundantly clear that he could not win. In doing so, he helped keep John McCain, the newly crowned Republican nominee for President, on the front pages and relevant.

Brett Favre also announced today that he was hanging up his spikes. Favre, the holder of nearly every major passing record, stepped away from the game yesterday. He stated that the issue was not his physical ability to compete, but rather his mental fatigue. He realized that the Green Bay Packers were not likely to win the Super Bowl and so it was time to quit.

So what do we learn from these two men?

First, if it's not possible to achieve your objective, it might be time to quit. Rather than wasting valuable resources and time on the impossible, move on to something else that you could thrive at.

Second, when you do call it quits, it does not hurt to do so gracefully. Both of these men demonstrated an amazing amount of tact in calling it quits. They refused to trash others; instead they focused on the positive experience that they had.

Two questions do remain however. Who does Chuck Norris endorse now? And who will be the recipient of the next Colbert bump?

Starbucks revisits standards

I'm a Starbucks fan. After reading Joseph Michelli's The Starbucks Experience, I developed a great deal of respect for how the company tries to run its business. Starbucks' commitment to the environment, the coffee workers in the third world, and its corporate standards were inspiring. Today, Starbucks has reinvigorated my passion for them.

After noticing that the average customer was having a less enjoyable experience, Starbucks is taking a radical step. They are closing their stores nationwide for three hours tonight to re-train each of its 135,000 employees. Chairman and Chief Executive Howard Schulz explains the rationale in a memo to employees. "We are passionate about our coffee. And we will revisit our standards of quality that are the foundation for the trust that our customers have in our coffee and in all of us."

What a great example for the church! What are we passionate about? How do we insure that the quality of the experience for our customers (the unchurched/dechurched) is equally inspiring? Thanks Starbucks for setting a great example in how to build trust with those who visit.

Going Tiger

The early morning news shows and the Internet were ablaze this morning with the news of the escape and attack of a Siberian tiger at the San Francisco Zoo on Christmas evening. The tiger, in a manner yet to be determined, escaped from its habitat and attacked three young men from San Jose. Two of the victims are in stable condition, while the other died at the scene.

The attack reminded me of the Sigfried and Roy incident from not too long ago. Following that unfortunate event, there was great public outrage that the tiger might attack. Chris Rock, the well-known comedian, finally stated the obvious: "That tiger didn't go crazy. It went tiger."

The truth is that tigers, like many other animals, were not designed to be put on display. They were designed as predators in the wild. While we may put them in cute cages, and even occasionally dress them up in cutesy outfits (like at the circus), they still remain wild beasts whose natural instinct is to attack.

All of these thoughts made me wonder about the purpose of man. Surely we were made for more than punching a clock, surfing the web, or daydreaming. We were made for a purpose as well and until we find ourselves living within that purpose, we are going to feel as out-of-place as a tiger with a tutu, standing on its hind legs as kids scream for cotton candy.

In the coming year, may you find your reason for existence. May you encounter the purpose for which you were created. May you experience life at its fullest.