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Dear Salvation Army, Do We Shoot Our Wounded?

blood and fire

We are an Army of Salvation.
An Army of Holiness.
An Army of Hope.
An Army of Compassion.

But do we shoot our wounded?
Those who have worked on the front lines…
Those who have fallen…
Those who have broken ranks…sometimes..

This is probably an uncomfortable topic.  This is most likely similar to picking a scab…but I think we should.

Years ago, and in some places still today farmers will treat the wounded horse if they can.  Many will send for veterinarians.  Most will find means to help the wounded animal…but every now and then there are just some wounds that won’t heal.  Every now and then a break in the horse’s leg is irreparable.   Sometimes this is done out of compassion.  Other times because the animal is now more of a liability than an asset it is shot and killed.  There are far better solutions.  I am not a hippologist or an equestrian by any means, but it seems to me that others have found ways to save these animals.  Some have sent these wounded horses “out to pasture” to become therapy horses or they are donated to petting zoos or camps.  Most of the time there is a way to save these animals besides shooting the wounded.

Dear Salvation Army, are we seeking out ways to save the wounded, the weary, the broken, the ones in need of reconciliation and spiritual saving?  Or…are we shooting the wounded?

Can an Officer or Local Officer Admit To Sin & Temptation?

sin
It almost seems like a “hush, hush” type of topic.  “Well we don’t talk about sin in the corps and in our leadership”, one might utter under their breath grimacing as they do.  “We can’t admit we too struggle with this sin. We can’t let anyone know.”  Why is this such a touchy subject?  Why can’t we all admit that we are still sinners saved by grace?  I must be careful here because I do not wish to imply that we just go on sinning, but we can be redeemed and given the power to overcome…but why are we hesitant, why do we pretend and hide these things from each other?  Are we not to keep each other accountable?  Are we not to be vulnerable before each, those in whom we can trust?  Ah, I think this is the crux of the situation…because there are still many within our Army that shoot the wounded.

Changing Our Focus
All too often we focus so much on the mission and saving the lost that we neglect the solider.  I do not intend this to mean that we cater and prop up and pamper, but when all of our energies are focused outwardly into the world we possibly run the risk of weakening our ranks.  There must be edification, concentration and preparation of spiritual care given to our soldiery or our Army.  We cannot allow temptation to take hold where we are able to prevent such a decay to occur in the first place.  There must be pastoral care given to both Officer and Soldier. It must be intentional.  It must be emphasized.   It is brother helping brother, sister helping sister as we fight shoulder to shoulder.  When one of our brothers or sisters slips and falls we must help to pick them up, we must help to carry them not shoot them!  We must lovingly restore them!  (Galatians 6:1)

Is There A Sin That Is “Shootable”?

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Yes there ought to be consequences to sin.  Immoral behavior, which includes slander, and gluttony (Thank you General Cox), must be dealt with and addressed.  In so doing, can we still restore a dear soldier or officer within our ranks?  In the past such situations were dealt with harshly and people were turned out of our army with nothing.  I am thankful in some circles who have seen the error of this response and have begun to deal justly but with compassion and grace.

What happens to one who is “tossed out” or thrown out?  Is there some measure of a restoration plan in place or are the Army’s hands washed and done with such an individual?  Is there any sin that is shootable?

Grace & Compassion

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Grace, which Christ bestowed upon us has to be evident in how we deal with others.  Grace and compassion is beyond our human grasp and yet the Holy Spirit can and will provide this to us when we love instead of shoot those who are wounded.  Do you remember the parable of the unmerciful servant?  He was forgiven by the master a sizable debt and then he goes and attempts to viciously extract the debts that were owed to him.  When the master found out that unmerciful servant was punished.  I do not want to be an unmerciful soldier and officer of this army.  We cannot operate solely within a mind set of stiffness, legalities and policies and procedures…where does grace and compassion fit into this?

Punish? Yes.
Shoot?  I sure hope not.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 3:23-24)

Dear Salvation Army, we are so outspoken about the need for more soldiers and officers, could it be that impart we have already shot some of our wounded who could have facilitated some of our need?  We do need more able bodies on the front lines, but do not forget about those who are wounded and are in need of loving restoration when this is possible.  God’s grace still outshines the grace that is evident in our Army today.

-Just something more for our Army world to ponder today.

Lord, you grace is enough!
Come Lord Jesus fall afresh on us again!

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Dear Salvation Army – OneArmy…Is it possible?

One Army, one mission, one message,
One Saviour and Lord of all;
An Army with purpose and passion,
We are united to answer his call.
An Army following Christ together,
Reaching the lost with his love;
One Army, one mission, one message
For the world.
-(Commissioners Robert Street and Dick Krommenhoek)

In an ever progressing world that is often full of strive, turbulence and pain…can we be One Army?

In a world where outbreaks of Ebola, AIDS and other horrifying diseases plague men, women and children…can we be One Army?

What is our Mission?

What is our Message?

I know our Salvation Army leaders including General Bond have already clearly articulated the answers to the above questions.  They are:

VISION

ONE ARMY: We see a God-raised, Spirit-filled Army for the 21st century – convinced of our calling, moving forward together

We will…

  • deepen our spiritual life
  • unite in prayer
  • identify and develop leaders
  • increase self-support and self-denial

ONE MISSION: Into the world of the hurting, broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost, reaching them in love by all means

We will…

  • emphasise our integrated ministry
  • reach and involve youth and children
  • stand for and serve the marginalised
  • encourage innovation in mission

ONE MESSAGE: With the transforming message of Jesus, bringing freedom, hope and life

We will…

  • communicate Christ unashamedly
  • reaffirm our belief in transformation
  • evangelise and disciple effectively
  • provide quality teaching resources
    (Source: OneArmy)

Two Questions To Ponder:

2. Who is “WE”? 
It is you, it is me, it is every Soldier around the world who is willing to wage war against sin and darkness.  We MUST become One.  We cannot fight independently because our Mission is too great to wage solo missions.  We are called by God to proclaim His name to the whosoever and often times those we reach out to are despondent, hurting, lost, poor, wretched and marginalized by society.  This battle is tough.  “Army” life is not “cushy” or comfortable.  We serve a purpose and we cannot afford to hunker down in corps buildings babbling about the glory days while we do nothing…that is a vision lost!  Our call…you and me – “WE” are One Army and we must begin to act like it if we are to progress and transform lives!

one army

1. Are we encouraging “Innovation in Mission”?

What does innovation in mission look like?
Is this universal or regional?
Can we possess varying missions in various places around the world and still maintain “OneArmy”?

Secondly, are we truly willing to risk A LOT in order to accomplish our Mission?
Innovation in any organization, movement or church will cause initial turbulence and occasional upheaval.  Innovation requires that pesky element called “Change” and often time most of the time people (in general) do not like change.  One Army calls its soldiers and officers to become more innovative in our mission.  We must grow, adapt, and multiply.  Discipleship making is vital in our army.  We cannot accomplish our mission without forces on the ground.  We cannot win souls if no one is willing to step out and say “here I am, Lord send me!”   Discipleship is a fundamental calling to all of Christ-followers including Salvationists.  We just fancy our disciples to become additional soldiers in our army and wear the uniform along side us.  But are we truly prepared to make disciples and salvationists?

We are individuals, uniquely created by God and yet we are also called to work together to accomplish this great commission here on earth.  Becoming more missionally minded will force us to adapt, change and become pioneers and innovators in this army.

The Salvation Army needs YOU!
The Salvation Army needs Me!
Without individuals who are willing to throw caution to the wind, to push and strain not only relevancy but sincere, godly holy living as men and women of the Most High.  We cannot settle for what we have accomplished in the past to get us through to tomorrow.  We cannot rest and relax when still so many marginalized in our world suffer under so many oppressive elements.

Innovation can and will take on numerous forms, and as William Booth once said to Bramwell – “Do something!”
We must do something!
Do the impossible.
Dream for those who cannot dream because life’s nightmares have deprived them of dreams.
Fight for those who are suffering, those who are poor, those who are unrepresented and misunderstood.
Put away the judgments and the scorn and the cynicism and pray for better attitudes and eyes that see others the way that Christ see them.  We MUST become One Army.

-For divided we will fall.
-Divided we will fail.
-Divided sin claims victory and victims continue to live in physical and spiritual hells.

Dear Salvation Army…One Army is NOT a Dream!
One Army is possible.
One Army is relevant in our present state of things within and without the Army.
One Army is nothing without holy men and women willing to fight side by side for a purpose higher than any one person.  It is this continuation of the great commission that is at the forefront of our Army’s mission and purpose.

Are we ready to take this stand?
Good!  Then it begins on our knees before the Father who is the only One who can make the impossible possible in our efforts.  It is no good to simply add more uniforms to our Army unless we do so with holy intent and a willingness to be transformed completely by the Holy Spirit.  It is no good to simply come to services and pretend to buy into the holy mission but in our hearts we have not yet allowed God full access of our heart and lives in a full surrender.

Dear Salvation Army, One Army – One Mission – One Message IS POSSIBLE…but it MUST, MUST, MUST begin on our knees as we anxiously await the Holy Spirit’s leading and prodding.

-Just something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

2

Opening Our Eyes

“Opening up our eyes”
By Captain Scott Strissel

“…this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” -2 Corinthians 4:4

Have you ever seen those air freshner commercials? It is the commercial where blind folded people are placed in very cluttered, dirty rooms that have been sprayed with this air freshner product. Surprisingly, the blind folded people could not detect the state of their surroundings as the air freshner covered up any trace of foul odors. Once the blind folds are removed, those who had been blinded are surprised and also revolted by the cluttered, smelly things around them. Because of their temporary blindness they were oblivious or aware.

Sin has a way of blinding us all as well. In that state of blindness we are oblivious to our surroundings and just how bad it truly is. We can cover it up for a time, we can pretend it is something other than what it truly is, but eventually we have to open our eyes and see. We have to look around and wake up. Sin tries to convince us that things are okay when in fact things certainly are not. We can’t cover up our sins. We cannot live these blinded lives anymore. We must wake up and allow God to clean our cluttered hearts. Let God open our eyes today! -Just a thought.

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Saturday Musings…in an airport. (I’m looking up)

I am sitting in the airport right now waiting for my flight. There is a cup of hot steaming coffee next to me still too hot to drink. It is my vice, my friend.

As I sit in these delta blue pleather seats surrounded by other travelers currently, temporarily displaced and homeless until they make that connecting flight, I feel like I am in limbo. I don’t just mean this airport. Perhaps that stimulates these rambling thoughts in me now. Other travelers seem unperturbed by this. They have white plastic earphones in, blank stares on tired faces attempting to tune out the world around them. We are a curious bunch…simply waiting here.

Souls connect like this all too often. Close enough to touch, within arms reach and yet a million miles from a smile. Isn’t that kind of how our world is evolving? So close that we are too close…and so we put earphones in our ears in order to drown out the thought that others can see will see who we really are. We are close and yet we don’t want to be close. We are all traveling in the same direction and yet we attempt to ignore those around us all the while pretending to make ourselves busy with papers and tablets and anything else.

We are alone in our consuming lives with dour stares and tired eyes. Is this what we have become? Is this what we wanted to become? I say no. I say look up. I say engage people around us.

This is me attempting to re-engage myself.
This is me attempting to unplug my device and plug myself into the real world with real people again.
This is me waking up to the call for passion, compassion and genuine care for others around me.
This is me realizing that I can’t simply ignore the world that is crashing around me anymore…is this you too?

I’m taking my white earphones out.
I’m looking up.
Can you see the smile on my face?
Can you see these revitalized eyes?

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Music review: U2 “Songs Of Innocence”

Photo Sep 11, 10 38 39 AM

The release of this 11 song LP “Songs of Innocence” by rockers U2 has created a lot of buzz in the last couple of days.  Apple purchased the music and gave it away for free to every Apple owner on the planet at the release of iPhone 6 and the upcoming iWatch.

Their recent concert at Apple's release party
Their recent concert at Apple’s release party

Some have labeled U2 as sell-outs because of this move.  Bono, U2’s front man and lead singer, didn’t hide the fact that they were compensated for the use of their music.  It was just a business deal and a generous gift from Apple to their customers.

My Music Review: 
“Haters are gonna hate.”  It’s their opinion and that’s fine.  I’m kind of a fan-boy of U2…but hang on, don’t stop reading because I have some criticism of this latest offering.  I have listened to U2 since “Rattle and Hum” Rattle

The Albums I loved: “Joshua Tree”, “War”, “Achtung Baby”, “How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb”

The Albums I Hated: “Zooropa”, “Pop”, “No Line In The Horizon” (except for Cedars of Lebanon).

This latest offering “Songs of Innocence”…let’s see, how can I describe it?
Here are a few descriptions that come to mind:
*Punchy
*Forced
*Meh
*Haven’t I heard this before?
*Feels contrived.

What I liked:
-The Edge
I enjoy hearing the guitar riffs from The Edge…hence the “Punchy” description.  He has a way of placing those riffs to explode your ear drums and enhance any song.  Few guitar players of The Edge’s caliber has the kind of influence and identifiable sounds.  It’s like hearing Sting sing…you just know immediately who is singing.  That’s how it is with The Edge for me.
-Bono Vocals
Similarly, like Sting, Bono’s voice is easily recognizable.   In this latest LP “Songs of Innocence” Bono’s vocals do not disappoint.  He wails, sails in the rafters and nails every note which is uniquely “Bono”.  It’s the kind of music you want to get in your car and crank it to “11” (Sorry Spinal Tap fans).

I am also a fan of their global efforts to end A.I.D.S. and to help people around the world who have no voice.  Bono and the rest of U2 are amazing within the realms of philanthropy.  They just seem to get it, and they aren’t just charitable by word or a kind of “look at me” style of “charity”…they actually do the tough work as well.  See this link – Red (okay haters out there, stop gagging and fake retching)

Two songs that I currently love on this recent LP are – “Raised By Wolves” and “Sleep Like A Baby Tonight” which I think tap into their passion to help the helpless and to throw the punch at the apathetic and those that hinder efforts of compassion and love in our world.  Bono can often be quite critical of the Church as well as “Religion” in general, and this LP is no different.  With such gut punching lines like;
“Hope is where the door is
When the church is where the war is
Where no one can feel no one else’s pain…” (from ‘Sleep like a baby tonight’)

U2 paints their worldview very clearly in their songs and this is something that resonates within me.  They don’t have to be overtly “religious” to declare that they care for others and for something more than themselves.  Honestly, I can’t help but hear deep theological undertones within their music and a sincere passion to search for the truth and for God.

What I didn’t like:
This album felt forced.
Some songs seem unfinished to me, or perhaps a little less polished.  Perhaps it had to do with the way it was released.  Maybe that’s it.  I felt that maybe this publicity campaign with Apple pushed the release of this album up far too quickly for it to develop into something truly great.  It left me feeling “meh”…it was okay.  I felt as if I had heard this all before.  It wasn’t unique with the exception of Bono’s vocals and The Edge’s guitaring.  It just left me wanting more.  It left me longing to hear something as epic as Achtung Baby once more.

I’ve only listened to the complete album a handful of times so far, and I’m sure I will listen to it a lot more since I’m a fan.  Maybe, like other albums I’ve owned over the years, it just takes time to grow on me.  I don’t know.  Time will tell.

I currently give U2’s “Songs of Innocence” 3 out of 5 stars3-stars-out-of-5

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“31 Ways To Pray To Pray For Your Kids” App Review

Today I am reviewing this Apple App available on iPhones/iPads:
31 Ways To Pray For Your Kids

Written by Bob Hostetler
His website: Bob Hostetler’s Official Website

Photo Sep 11, 9 09 41 AM

If you’re anything like me you rely on a daily schedule to accomplish everything on your “todo” list.  In the hustle and bustle of our daily routines it is easy to forget something along the way.  One thing we mustn’t every forget in our daily lives is prayer.  Prayer is vital.  Necessary.  Prayer is that critical connection to our Father in heaven who desires our fellowship and conversations.  Coupled with our busy lives, our children, grandchildren, youth at church need our prayers!  How often do we honestly pray for them?  This isn’t a guilt trip, this is an honest review of a tool that we can employ as a daily reminder.

Think of this app as a call to personal prayer for your children!  Do you need help and accountability in this area of your spiritual life?  Then check out this new app!  I am not saying that our lives should revolve around technology, but this could be a very useful tool to remind us and to guide us in moments of prayer for our children!

The ’31 ways to pray for your children’ has a very simplistic user-friendly interface that directs the app user to daily readings as a help for directed prayers.  Here are a few screen shots:

The opening screen gives you two choices: Read the selected reading for the day, or merely start with the very first reading.
The opening screen gives you two choices: Read the selected reading for the day, or merely start with the very first reading.
Another useful tool is the daily reminder setup. The user can set up a daily reminder so that prayers for our children is not an after thought, but is brought to the forefront in the form of a notification.
Another useful tool is the daily reminder setup. The user can set up a daily reminder so that prayers for our children is not an after thought, but is brought to the forefront in the form of a notification.

This interface of this app is simplistic.
It is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye,
and provides us with the opportunity to not only remember to pray for our children but also provides directed readings of the day so that our thoughts are trained.

Bottom line: Should you buy this app?
Cost: $1.99.
If you’re like me, paying $2 for an app isn’t much of a stretch if you buy apps all the time.  The real question for us is do we need helpful reminders to pray for our kids?  I say ‘Yes’!  In our world full of pressures and dangers our children need our prayers!  We cannot neglect this important, powerful tool!  I would probably pay much more if it helped me focus and train my thoughts on my children as I attempt to bathe them in prayers daily.  I am sure you would do the same.  Check this app out!  I’m giving “31 Ways To Pray For Your Kids” four out of five stars!  stars

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Dear Salvation Army – Identifying Critical Needs (Disccusion & Feedback)

Pretend for a moment that you have a voice in This Army…because YOU do!
Pretend for a moment that regardless of resources we can tackle these critical needs in your ministries.
Pretend for a moment that we serve a God who can perform miracles both big and small…oh wait HE DOES!!

Why pretend?
Live it!

So today I wanted to ask a relevant question for all of you out there in this mighty Army…what are your critical needs? What are the troubled areas of your local ministry? We should take a hard look at trouble areas within our local army. This may hurt, but it is worth it!

Secondly, what do you see as a critical issue(s) currently in our global Army?
What struggles do you see that perhaps we’re ignoring or placing a bandaid on? How can we pull infection out from their roots? How can we remove the barriers from our forward march?

I believe in a global army, bu

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But a global army can’t exist without the local army serving and reaching people for Christ! We can’t hobble into the next decade. We can’t limp on unless we heal tender, critical areas.

Questions:
What are these critical areas?
How can we identity problematic barriers?

We can not pretend they do not exist or that they will simply go away.

In the “comment” or “response” section below I want to hear from you today! I would like to hear about two things:
1. What are your local critical issues and needs?
2. What are your local blessings? (in other words, “What is God doing in your community?”)

Let’s ponder this together today!

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Dear Salvation Army – Who Are You? (Our Identity In Our Army)

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Who are you?
That question has been asked by every human who has ever lived one time or another.

Sometimes…
Identity is tied to what you do.
Identity is tied to who you marry.
Identity is tied to where you live.
Identity is tied to how many degrees you have hanging on the wall.
Identity is tied to the level of power and authority you crave and attain.

But in our Army…who are you?
I don’t mean “what is your rank?”
I don’t mean “where are you stationed?”
I don’t mean “Who are your parents or how many family members do you have in the army?”

Who are you in and out of The Army?

Questions for personal discovery and something to consider:
Is my personal identity solely link to the Army?
Do I “have a life” outside of the army?
What are my hobbies?
What am I passionate about?
(There are probably more questions to consider here as well)

Truth #1

Let me relieve some of you out there who feel burdened today that you aren’t doing enough or aren’t always equipped (or good enough) for The Army…

>>We ought to possess an identity that transcends The Salvation Army and is not completely chained to the Red, Yellow and Blue. Did you just gasp? Are you surprised by this? I hope not. God did not make us all unique and individuals in order for us to all dress the same, talk the same and become robots in uniform. Forgive me…that sounded harsh, and it really didn’t sound like that in my head. What I mean by that is this: Don’t let the Army be your only identity. I love The Salvation Army. I am a fourth generation Salvationists. I should bleed red, yellow and blue…but over the years I have come to the realization that I cannot be The Salvation Army every moment of every day because I will begin to lose who God has made me.

That sounded a little selfish, but it’s not. We ought to find the time to find ourselves once in a while. We do a disservice to God if we allow the work to consume us and in the process we lose our way as people of God. Even Jesus got away from things. He took time to commune with The Father in solitude.

Self-Care:
Self-care isn’t being lazy.
Self-care isn’t putting off responsibilities.
Self-care is about becoming re-connected with God.
Self-care is about finding your personal identity again.
Self-care is about tapping into that spiritual well that can and will replenish our tired, empty spirits.
We need to find ourselves again.
We cannot work ourselves to death.
We are God’s soldiers but what good is a tired, exhausted, spiritually dried out husk?

Truth #2
Do not give your identity away to anyone or anything.

God made you unique.
God didn’t make a mistake.
God alone owns your identity…not your job, your friends, or even the Army. God wants to use us through our unique identities.

There is accountability .
There is peer to peer guidance and mentors for the purpose of discipleship, maturity and holiness. God can and will use these means to produce in us a deeper sense of our identity as well, but beware…don’t give your identity away to anyone or anything other than The Lord.

The result of giving your unique identity away?
You begin to lose a piece of yourself.
You begin to hang your hopes on things that are temporal and fading.
You will find disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment.

Who are you?

You are first:
A Child of God…you are His!
You are His precious possession.
You are matter to Him.
You have an identity beyond just the Army…but you can use that identity to make changes, make a difference and to help heal the brokenness in this world and sometimes in our organization/mission.

A Word To The Wise:
Don’t allow the Army to be your only identity.
Take time for self-care.
Be willing to be teachable by trusted mentors, accountability partners and most importantly The Holy Spirit (who can and will use these people and others).
The safest place for your identity to reside is within the hands of God…not your rank, not your position, not your appointment, not even your family and friends. Yes ministry and our lives are holistic. Yes our identity is linked to this ministry that God has placed us in…but make sure you remember that your identity, your life, your heart belongs first to God and God alone and from there prayerfully invest yourself as good and faithful stewards.

Just something more for our Army and its Soldiers to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

1

Mark Driscoll Was Right…

Questions some of you might be thinking about right now having read the title:
“What was Mark Driscoll right about?”
“Did I miss something?”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Barf, barf, barf…what?”
“Has this blog and its writer joined the dark-side?”

The Preamble:

Let me clarify what Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church was right about before the pitchforks come out and the mobs with torches attack.
We all know him because of the recent news stories and the controversy surrounding his ministry in the recent years.  If you have been living under a rock or haven’t really cared one way or another, here’s a link to read up on: Driscoll Controversy

I am not here to throw more fuel on the funeral pyre of Pastor Driscoll’s ministry.  I think there are plenty of bloggers out there who are doing a bang up job in that department…maybe a little too much.  I do not wish to become a bitter blogger who dances and celebrates whenever a “celebrity Christian” falls from grace.  I pray that this never becomes my identity or the identity of this blog http://www.pastorspondering.org.

Mark Driscoll’s response – Update from Mark Driscoll

Here’s what Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church got right:
Mars Hill Church was founded in 1996 and has since become the largest multi-church “Mega Church” in the United States.

Why did they grow so fast?
What was their secret?

Mars Hill Church  understood and was a major catalyst for the Emergent Church movement.  Along with its modernistic church/rock feel they had a way of connecting with younger generations of our country.  They were able to plug tech-savvy  generations into a very relevant God with whom they could relate to and understand.  Mars Hill Church, not just Mark Driscoll, branched out and created a relevant heavy worship music driven service(s) to reach the young adult/single adult communities in over 5 states.  At their peak they had a weekly attendance of over 12,000 members.  They were successful at being cutting edge.  They were willing to take risks.  They were creating other disciples and branching out through small groups and para-churches…they. got. evangelism. right.

What We Can Learn From Them:
There is much to learn from Mars Hill Church and other churches out there who have been very successful at reaching people for Jesus.  There should be something good to take away from such ministries.  Are there downsides?  Negative implications?  Controversy and inaccurate/jumbled up theologies?  Yes, yes and yes.

But…

Could we be more cutting edge?
Could we take more risks in evangelism and discipleship?
Do we develop leadership based ministries that cultivate and grow additional disciples and leaders?

Another lesson to draw from Mars Hill Church in my opinion is this:
Success is not solely about numbers.
We can play the statistics game.  We can do “splashy” events to draw in a few extra families…but is it only about sheer numbers of attendees?  No.

Success in ministry is about being faithful to the place(s) God has called your ministry to be.  If He has called you to minister to a senior citizen demographic then minister to those seniors through relevant and dynamic methods that will be suit them.  If God has called you to minister to the outcasts and rejects in society, then prepare relevant and hard hitting applicational methods to best suit the down and out.  Where God has called us, we must respond and be willing to step up and extend a hand to all who would hear and receive.

From Discoll to Willow Creek – Change is tough!
A few years ago (2008) Mega Church Willow Creek recognized that their ministries needed to have a “re-alignment” from Seeker-Sensitive services to developing a more mature discipleship growth initiative (to read more on this, see this article: Willow Creek’s change).  This adjustment took guts and could have been seen as a detriment to their ideology and mission as a church…but they took this step anyway.

I am not trying to lump Willow Creek in with Pastor Mark Driscoll here.  But what I am attempting to do is display the need for change in any church regardless of where God has placed us.  We cannot operate in the long term using the same tools we first began with.  Perhaps for Mars Hill Church the old tool here is Pastor Mark Driscoll…perhaps a long term change requires a new identity and new leadership…I don’t know, I’m just spit-balling here.  

When it comes to change there are some truths here to be grasped:
Life changes.  Times progress.  Culture and society changes.  I also do not believe that the Holy Spirit is ever static in reaching out into our brokenness and restoring shattered lives.  We too should recognize the pivotal moments when change must take place.  We too ought to be prepared to move when the Holy Spirit tells us to move.

Can we learn something from Mars Hill Church?  Yes.
Can we learn something from the whole Mark Driscoll debacle?  Yes.
Are we willing to adjust our ministries and are we prepared to move when the Holy Spirit moves us?…..um…maybe?  I don’t know if we truly are.  I’m just being honest.  I can’t say that we are really prepared for such a venture.  It’s scary.  Change is frightening to a lot of people.  Risks also have their downside which is known as failure.  Are we prepared to face failure?…I don’t think we truly are.

My Two Cents:

Mark Driscoll, Lief Moi and Mike Gunn did something right when they founded Mars Hill Church.  They longed to engage a younger generation.  They took risks…and they adjusted and changed.  I cannot say that I agree with Driscoll’s stance on a lot of topics, especially Women in Ministry, his use of language (in the past), his treatment of former staff members, his use of mission funds…  I cannot say that I am all too pleased with what has taken place on either side of this debacle in Seattle…honestly it’s quite sad for the Church (big ‘C’).  I also know that I have no right to judge.   I also know that I am not in any position to criticize, but  I would rather err on the side of grace, prayer and compassion than I would on harsh judgement, negative responses and name calling.

Jesus was very harsh with certain teachers of the law in His day.  He did not hold back…but He was also God’s Son.  He understood what people were thinking and He cut to the quick when dealing with judgmental, hypocritical law abiding scholars.  I sure don’t want to end up on the wrong side of that conversation with my Lord.  That is why I think it prudent to prayerfully point out inaccurate theological teachings.  We should conduct ourselves with prudence and respect while attempting to live out holiness practically and reverently.  Does that mean there isn’t room for debate, constructive criticism and disagreement?  No, not at all…just be careful because in the process we may miss out on or overlook some very teachable moments.

Just something more to ponder today.
Okay, now you can light your fires and hoist your pitchforks.  😉

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Dear Salvation Army – Hell?…No!

“We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.” (Salvation Army Doctrine # 6) 

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People are going through hell right now.  
Sometimes life choices and wrong decisions lead to hell on earth.  
Sometimes hell breaks loose upon the innocent by others or financial woes and health issues.

Hell is alive and well here on earth.  
But…

Does it have to be?     NO! 

You see, though hell in the realms of eternity is “eternal separation from God”, there are many, many people who are enduring hell while they live here and now.  Suffering is real.  Sin is real.  Sorrow, anguish, guilt, pain…all real.  What can we do about this hell on earth?  Are we not called to do something?  Are we not called to offer compassion and care?  

Who is the whosoever?  
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It was you and me.  
It might have been our Moms and Dads, our brothers or sisters.  
It is that neighbor across the street.  
It is that person who comes to our food-shelf.  
The drug addict who is on his fourth round of rehab.
It is anyone who is living through hell right now and wants to be saved from it.  

Jesus came to free us from hell both on earth and after earth.  
He came to redeem us from certain death because of sin.  
He chose to willingly die in our place and His blood makes us clean.  
Jesus died for the whosoever…regardless of the depths of sin and decay in the heart.  

What if I’m not good enough to save?
This question is such a lie.  Don’t buy this lie!  
“For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23
That’s right…ALL.  Everyone one of us is not good enough.  Everyone of us has fallen short, messed up, screwed up, royally wasted every opportunity and burned every bridge in our wake.  It is for everyone who has thought hope – should never, could never be ours…but it is!  
Jesus has saved you.  You don’t have to be good enough…we will never be good enough to save ourselves.  Jesus comes to our level and plucks us from our own personal hells.  He can do that for others as well.  

blood and fireDear Salvationist, people around our corps buildings and other places that we hang our shield and crest…some people around our neighborhoods are going through horrific hells right now.  We can help!  We should help!  This isn’t some sort of social fellowship without an outward reaching – NO!  We are called to be Christ’s hands and feet and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, help extinguish the flames of hell in peoples lives today.  We have this sacred duty to perform.  We are charged with not only the souls of our brothers and sisters in uniform, but in the soul care of the helpless, downtrodden, the outcast and the poor.  All of whom have experienced hell on earth.  All of whom may never have felt the soft touch of compassion and love before.  Who may initially spurn our efforts and attempts to help because they fear we have ulterior motives because that is what the world has taught them through hard lessons.  

Sin and death and hell are here and now.  People aren’t required to wait to reap these rewards in some sort of horrific afterlife punishment because they are enduring them now.  

Beware of Hardened Hearts and Apathetic Care!
We minister to many who have been marginalized and cast out from society.  Many carry with them that bitterness from hard living.  Dear Soldier, it would be very easy to become angry with such a soul.  It could sometimes be very justifiable.  We serve many who might take advantage of our gifts of compassion, and yet because of God grace that we have firmly accepted, we cannot in good conscience and love, harden our hearts and provide empty apathetic care to those in need.  We may be the only light of Christ in a world of hell that they see.  Take every opportunity to share that light!  Take every opportunity you have to rescue these poor souls from their own personal hells.  

Can we leave a poor wretch in such a condition if we have the power to transform lives in Jesus name?  I say ‘no we can’t’!  
Hell is more than some fire-pit of punishment doled out on the wicked at the end of all things.  Hell is here and now among us.  Hell’s flames of sin has decimated families, wrecked havoc on the hearts of men and women and Satan would love to convince us that there is nothing that we can do to help extinguish such a fire.  Don’t buy that lie!  We are witnesses for Jesus!  We can live as kingdom people here and now, and in so doing we can say to Hell – NO!  While we aid our poor brothers and sisters who are without hope by employing the Holy Spirit as our guide and strength.  

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7-7

“Storm the forts of darkness, bring them down, bring them down!
Storm the forts of darkness, bring them down, bring them down!
Pull down the devil’s kingdom,
Where’er he holds dominion,
Storm the forts of darkness, bring them down.
Glory, honor to the Lamb,
Praise and power to the Lamb;
Glory, honor, praise and power,
Be forever to the Lamb.”
(Storm the Forts of Darkness, Robert Johnson 1884) 

Something more for our army world to ponder today…to God be the glory!  
“Go for souls…and go for the worst!”  

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