Time for What You Love Most

by | Oct 30, 2018 | church, culture, discipleship, Faith, Leadership, Pastor's Reflections

Sitting in front of his home, he dropped the truth-bomb in the form of a question: “How much golf are you playing these days?” My response, which fit perfectly the nuances of the culture, was simple…” Doc, I’ve got so much going on, I can’t find time to even get to the range.” His response has stuck with me now for more than sixteen years: “Chris, golf is kind of like your quiet time with the Lord…you always have time for what you love.”

Now I am not making a play for more time in the fairways. (Honestly, anyone who has ever played with me knows I have very little experience in the fairways. My game is “Army golf”…. Left, Left, Left, Right, Left). The truth really resonates though…you always have time for what you love most…what is most important.

I remember some time back…a person came to me for spiritual advice. Actually, the previous week’s Sunday message really spoke to the situation, so I asked if the person had been there to hear it. “No, I was doing ____.” By the way, it was a good thing that this person was doing! It seems though that the activity was not the best thing. Honestly, though, that’s the real choice for most of us. It isn’t that we are choosing between helping a little ole lady across the street or robbing a bank. In that case, the choice is clear. More often in life, our choices are between good and best in any given matter.

Let me propose 3 considerations, which are not exhaustive by any measure, that should guide the decision…if we want to experience God’s best in our lives.

First, has God already spoken to the decision? As a pastor, I am admittedly more in-tune with (and biased toward) church attendance than a lot of Christians. Often times I will hear, “My schedule is so busy that the only time to do ____ is on Sunday, so we chose to do _____. Is this a faith issue? Has God already spoken directly to the matter? (See Hebrews 10:23-25 as one example). How do the “one another” passages of Scripture get fulfilled if we are not with one another?

Second, how does this decision directly affect others? Now I know that our default thinking on matters of faith is how does our decision affect us? If I skip church today, will I be less tired, happier, less encouraged, etc? What if, though, we considered our actions from its impact on others. Does my absence help the body? Does my absence free up a needed seat for someone else? Does my absence become a distraction or perhaps keep me out of place, so that I cannot help someone else with a struggle in their lives?

Third, what message does my action communicate to others? When our boys were growing up in the home, we had busy lives like everyone else…but we worked to make sure we were in our place in our assembled church every Sunday. (By the way, this conviction preceded my work in vocational ministry). As such, both of my sons have left the home and for years have faithfully attended and served in their local church bodies. Is that because we took them to church? Not completely, but I think it helped solidify priorities in their minds. Besides, Proverbs 22:6 implies that if we want our children to follow in our/ the Lord’s ways, we must train them up in the way we should go.

I talk with dads often who want to be the spiritual leader in their home. I believe they genuinely want to be the best at it. What I also believe to be true is they ARE the spiritual leader in their home…the only question is where are they leading? If we regularly choose the lake house, or travel ball, or sporting events, or working Sundays, or relaxing by the pool…we lead those who look up to us to believe that there more important things to do than to be connected to the body of Christ. I don’t think that is the intended message…and I am not certain that it is immediately evident that the values are transferred from generation to generation. Eventually, though, it happens. Your son drops church from weekly to monthly to a few times per year at best. He chooses work ahead of other things that you wish he gave higher priority. He passes these new values on to your grandchildren (his children) and you wrestle with why his faith is so shallow. Could it be, as my friend Allan Taylor said to me recently, “Your leadership is perfectly designed to give you the results you’re getting.”

I could go on, but I wonder if the Lord might already have signaled your heart about a change you should consider. If so, know this: God allows (and even encourages) U-turns.

Grace and Peace.

Discipleship is a ministry of unequal equals

by | Aug 7, 2018 | church, Devotions, discipleship, Leadership, parenting, Pastor's Reflections

In my morning reading from 1 Thessalonians (I said Thessalupians in my head…and if you are a Veggie Tales fan, you know why), I was captivated by the description Paul used to describe his ministry approach among this people: But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. (1 Thess 2:7). In this description Paul displayed his ministry approach as a contradiction of sorts to the experiences of the church…and an example of an approach that is helpful to consider; therefore, it is a model for us to emulate.

Paul first showed how his ministry was distinct from the experience of those the church was familiar with. Before these Gentile people ever became Christians, they had observed the ways of religious people. He did not come with flattering words that would manipulate the crowd or seek to win their affection through the art of rhetoric, nor was he exemplifying a front-facing humility with an underlying desire for personal gain (2:5). He was not seeking to shore up some underlying self-image deficiency by seeking glory; rather, working from a deep well of his relationship to Christ, he simply served the people what they needed (which may differ significantly from what the would have preferred or desired, 2:6).

Then the picture…I was gentle…like a nursing mother to her own children. This imagery conjures up numerous thoughts…but a couple stand out prominently in my mind:

  • Nursing mothers give of themselves. In the same way, a discipler must give of his/her own storehouse. Anyone can read a lesson plan…but disciplers have walked the path, internalized the Word, and feed others from the overflow.
  • Nursing mothers are responsive. This is sometimes responsive to the audible cry of a child; however, there is an intuitive sense between a mother and her own infant. They can be in different rooms and the mother sense a need that the child has not yet fully expressed.
  • Nursing mothers are patient. I have never known a nursing mother to say to her child, “We have 3 ½ minutes to get this done so hurry up.” They let the child take what is needed, when it is needed, as it is needed.
  • Nursing mothers function from a deep love for their children. They endure all that they do…solely for the benefit of the child. (In the process, they also gain…but their gain is not the motivation). Disciplers live, serve, and give of themselves to those they disciple (2:7).
  • Nursing mothers model unequal equality. A mother’s OWN CHILD is part of her…her own flesh…(EQUAL) and at the same time, is wholly dependent on the mother for life (UNEQUAL). A disciple-maker is, in one sense, a needy and dependent human existing under the gracious covering of God. In another sense, the discipler acknowledges and serves as one through whom God sustains new life and brings it to maturity.

Now I could go on and on. (I am a preacher after all). However, if we could just see ourselves in the way Paul saw himself…if we only trained ourselves to serve as he served, love as he loved…we would have a lifelong pursuit of joy realized in raising up infants to maturity so they could feed their own children as well. The strength for this rising up from the wellspring of God’s gracious and loving provision toward us and our corresponding affection for our own children…serving them as unequal equals.

Shalom.

(DON’T) Just Follow Your Heart

by | Jul 12, 2018 | church, culture, Devotions, discipleship, Faith, Leadership, pastor, Pastor's Reflections

How do you know the “right decision” to make in life?

  • Some would say, “Just follow your heart…”
  • Trust the “inner voice.”
  • Listen to your heart.
  • The heart wants what the heart wants.

All of these sayings could find themselves on the cover of a Hallmark card or in the affirming comments of a Facebook thread…but does that make them accurate?

Can we really trust our “heart?”

Scripture reminds us that, “He who trusts his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26.

This proverb really captures the essence of the tension we face daily in the discernment and decision-making phases of our lives.

First…there is the affirmation of CHOICE that is given to each one. “He who trusts…he who walks…” Here there are two truths: What a man does (his walk) testifies to what a man thinks in his heart (his trust). It is foolish and inconsistent to look at a man’s evil activities and then comment, “but he has a good heart.” That is patently untrue, unbiblical, and unhelpful.

Jesus said, “Out of a man’s mouth comes the meditations of the heart” (Matthew 15:18-19). Anger spews from an angry heart. Attacks, slanders, lies…they all overflow from the percolation of the evil within a man’s heart. Kindness, humility, and meekness rise up from a heart rooted in and committed to Christ.

It is critical to accept this truth because without it we are left with self-help practices of learning to “count to 10” before we speak or some other form of behavior modification. Until we identify the source of the problem we will only treat the symptoms. The prophet Jeremiah helps us to identify the source when he states, “The heart of man is desperately wicked…who can even know his own heart?”(Jeremiah 17:9).

Second, there is the identification of the source of our authority in life. Do we trust in our feelings, logic, leanings, or polling to determine what is right? Aren’t the outcomes of such ideas the billboards of foolishness…the enacting of laws that allow the taking of a living child before birth, but the preservation of a murderers’ life while on death row? In the case of abortion, are we (as a society) not elevating one life over another (the mother over the child) and in the case of death row…the inmate’s life over the offense to the image of God and the necessity for justice?

We choose which authority to rely on: our hearts…or Holy Scripture. Because of our wicked hearts, it is difficult to submit to Scripture, but only God’s Word (the objective standard for truth) can deliver us from the consequences of evil.

Third, there is the reality of consequences. No one draws salt water from a spring, or fresh water from an ocean. You cannot follow the heart and expect protection from the consequences of unwise living. Following your heart leads to a fool’s reward…with one exception: a heart that is intentionally turned to and dependent on the Lord will find its delight (Psalm 37:4-5). To follow one’s heart apart from God’s Word is to live foolishly (as if there is no God but self). However, to bow before the Lord, to submit to the truth of His Word will always deliver.

I suspect we all “monkey around” with the truthful declarations of the Lord in hopes that we can find a way to pursue wickedness with a clear conscience. Such desire is foolish. Choose a wise walk. Follow Jesus, not your heart.

Four Reasons for Groups

by | Jul 6, 2018 | church, discipleship, pastor, Pastor's Reflections, Teaching

What an amazing privilege to serve with you at Englewood! Jodi and I are grateful to the Lord for leading us here, and grateful to you for welcoming us. We are so excited about serving alongside this great church in all that the Lord has for us!

I have been asked a few times what my specific role entails. In a sentence…I am responsible to provide leadership to the education, discipleship, and evangelism ministries here at Englewood. I am excited about this role for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that developing Christ-followers is the Lord’s design and desire for each one of us.

Here at Englewood, we believe that Groups ministry (Bible Fellowship Groups…or BFGs) is an essential tool in the disciple-making strategy. While not more important than the other elements of discipleship ministry, BFGs play a unique and essential role in the process. As such, we desire and expect that every member of the Englewood family to be involved in a BFG. Why would we hold such a “strong stance” on participating in groups? Four reasons come to mind:

  • Groups foster community. It could be easy to get lost in a church family of thousands, or a worship service of hundreds, but in a BFG of 8-20 people, everyone knows your name and your story.
  • Groups provide accountability. Accountability is often seen as a “bad thing” in our current culture but it is an essential part of the New Testament church. Jesus instructed in small groups. He sent out the disciples from small groups and they reported to one another what God had done in and through them. (Matthew 10:1, 11:1; Luke 10:17). The writer of Hebrews affirms that one of the functions of church community is to encourage one another to “love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23-25). This is accountability! In addition, Groups serve to help restore those who have fallen prey to the enemy (Galatians 6:1-2).
  • Groups promote conversations about the Gospel. A great way to learn the implications of the Gospel for our lives is to live it out and discuss our experiences with other trusted believers. These conversations challenge us. They encourage us. They sometimes correct our ideas about holy living and mission. We learn more and better as we bounce ideas around…in conversation.
  • Groups serve to develop and multiply. Groups are not an end in themselves; rather, they serve a prescribed end. Discipleship always results in sending. Always. ALWAYS. My first teaching experience in church life was in a 4th grade Sunday school classroom. Then an adult class. Then later as a “director of numerous groups. Jodi and I have been part of groups all of our growing years in church and, honestly, I question if I would be in ministry today if I had not been given the opportunity to teach and lead. I know I was terrible at first…but God shaped much of who I am today through those experiences…and perhaps He used some of what I did to shape others as well.

One last thing…and in many ways, the most significant personal thing I have gained from group life…is friendship. I found men who loved me enough to invest in my life. These men were courageous enough to help me see blind spots in my life. Groups helped Jodi and me to develop a strong marriage and learn to be more effective in our parenting. Groups…provided the relational structure that God used (and uses) to shape me into the image of Christ.

So…are you involved in a group? Are you part of a BFG? If not…why not? More importantly, would you consider trying one out for a few weeks? I’d be honored to help you find one where you can both grow and help others grow as well.

Thank you for allowing me the unspeakable privilege to serve with you.

Until He comes,

Pastor Chris

This article was originally published in the July/August edition of the BEAM, the newsletter publication for Englewood Baptist Church, available HERE.

Redeeming Social Media

by | Jul 3, 2018 | church, culture, discipleship, evangelism, pastor

The number one reason people say they find it difficult to have gospel conversations is they can’t seem to get the conversation started. What if…you could?

In a world inundated with connectedness, what if it were possible to leverage things like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Blogs, YouTube, and the like for the gospel. Would you? We live in a highly connected world. Love it or hate it…Social Media is here and here to stay! I know…I have heard the same things. A man (or woman) stands up and declares that they are unplugged and will only talk by phone. No text, no email, no Facebook. Ten years ago that was a tenable position. Today, it is the equivalent of taking down the mailbox in front of your home.

Now my goal is not to convince you to jump into the fray of social media. In fact, I am betting that if you’re not already there…you’re probably not reading this message J. Instead, my goal is to influence you to maximize this tool for the gospel.

I recently read that an overwhelming majority of millennials believe social media to be helpful, and they receive a huge amount of information/news/perspective from sources on the web. Their “feed” is where they plug in and they can peruse huge amounts of content as they scroll through stories ranging from the latest fashion, gossip, world events, and debuts of the latest technology.

What if…you and I were present in the feed? Well placed and interesting articles, pictures, and memes are great ways to “slow the scroll” in order to catch a little attention. Now, before you declare me a crazy person (which may be true) I am wondering if you could use this instrument of connection for good? Here are a couple of ways that may prove effective:

  1. Share a Verse. If you use a bible app like YouVersion, there is a graphic of the verse of the day…as well as a way to easily create your own. Be “that guy” who shares a verse a day (just one) in the morning on your Instagram.
  2. Share and Retweet. At Englewood, there is an event or activity being promoted several times a week. When discipleship classes relaunch, there will be promotion pieces available that you could share.
  3. Tweet a Takeaway. I usually grab a “nugget” or two every Sunday from pastor’s messages. Tweet it and tag him in it.
  4. Brag on Someone “status.” Snap a pic or just mention how someone blessed you. For example, a status like, “I LOVE how pastor Jordan loves my kids. @EBCrockymount is blessed to have him.” #EBCkids. We have so many awesome servants here, this one is easy!
  5. Church Selfie. Grab a friend and snap a fun selfie in your Bible Fellowship Group, with your friends in the EDGE, hanging out at the Café or just coming into the building. Even an after-church lunch selfie with friends that tags the church are wonderful!

These are just five quick ideas of how you can open the door for a conversation…one that might lead to Making Friends Forever at Englewood.

Why I Ask You to Stand…

by | Jun 13, 2018 | church, Leadership, pastor, Pastor's Reflections

This week, I was privileged to preach at my new church. I had done so once before as part of the search process, but this week my pastor was away and the responsibility of the morning message fell to me. As has become a customary practice of mine, I invited the congregation to stand with me “in honor of the reading of the Word of God and in a tangible acknowledgment of its authority in our lives.”
I have not always had this practice. Along the way, I became stirred to begin the practice after studying texts like this PASSAGE from the Book of Nehemiah.
“And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they [a]asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had [b]given to Israel…5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. (Nehemiah 8:1,5-6, NASB). 
3 Reasons:
  • It REMINDS ME of Authority. By standing, I am acknowledging that something or Someone more important than me is speaking.
  • It is a sign of honor. When judges enter a courtroom, “All Rise” is heard from the bailiff and everyone is expected to stand. When the President of the United States enters a room, the people stand.
  • The change of posture prepares me. When I pray, I bow my head and close my eyes. This is not required but my posture reminds me that I am submissive in that moment. I am responding to or seeking something from One who is greater…not lesser (like my servant) or an equal (a high school buddy). By standing for the public reading of Scripture, I am preparing to hear something significant.
In the age we live in, where everyone has a blog or social media following, and the role of personal opinions is often elevated to a supreme place of authority…let me offer a couple of caveats.
  • Standing for Scripture reading when I preach is a personal practice…not a biblical demand. If I am in a service where this is not the customary practice, I’ll likely not make an issue of it to stand while everyone else is sitting. Doing so may inadvertently turn the attention toward me and away from the Word…precisely the opposite of my heart’s desire.
  • My convictions should not necessarily be every other preacher’s convictions. Each man stands before his Master and gives an account for what his Master has required of him…not what the Master requires of another.
  • Finally, I recognize that the practice could become a point of challenge for people with different religious backgrounds. I remember a conversation once with Dave. He has been part of the Catholic church at a point in his life and had a bad experience. He really struggled with any practice (like the liturgical call to stand, kneel, or participate in responsive reading) that reminded him of that experience. Like the Apostle Paul, I would never want to create an unnecessary stumbling block to the faith. If eating meat causes a brother to stumble, I’d choose to be a vegetarian for the cause of Christ. Anything else is unloving. (See Romans 14:1-15:7).
So that is the why of one of my “odd” practices. Be well! I’d love to hear your thoughts if you have some for or against my practice or logic…