Dear Salvation Army, Do We Shoot Our Wounded?

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?

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”?

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

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!

September 18, 2014 8

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. 😉

September 8, 2014 1

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)

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?

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.

Dear 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!”

September 5, 2014 2

Salvation Army – 7 Scriptures To Live By

There are many, many cherished verses stored up in our hearts. Some we learned in Sunday School many years ago, while others we have come to love and accept through personal trials, bible studies and other opportunities to feast on the scriptures.

A Cautionary Note:
As we read through passages in the bible make sure care is taken to first understand the context of the verses we are reading. Understand to whom they were written first, the historical background, possibly the original reasons the author wrote them in the first place. It can become easy to merely pick and choose certain scripture verses which seem to fit nicely into our lives while ignoring the rest. Do not pick and choose! Yes, we store up specific verses from memory and these are good, but make sure in memorizing verses that you understand the context and meaning as well.

Here are only seven passages of scripture which are meaningful to me that I would like to share with you. There are many, many more passages in the scriptures that I could list here, but these are just a few:

7 Scriptures To Live By:

1. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5,6

We place our all in the hands of God when we say ‘yes’ to Christ. As followers of Jesus we must find our footing in this world that is not always safe and “fun”. We endure hardships at times. There will be struggles along the way. We will encounter opposition from time to time. Trials and even persecution may take place to those who follow Christ. Can we place all of our trust in Him? Do we trust Him enough to allow His leading to guide us? Do we really believe that He will make our paths straight? There is nothing here that promises things will get easier. There isn’t anything listed here that states we will find “prosperity” or receive smooth sailing through life. But this Psalm does say that if we acknowledge Him; if we place our trust in Him, if we walk in His ways that He will direct us. Can we live by this, as difficult as life may be sometimes?

2. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Jesus was speaking to His disciples in this passage. This is before His arrest and crucifixion. How could Jesus talk of peace in the midst of pending violence and death? How can we find peace in the midst of turbulence our lives today? Truth: God’s peace comes to us despite the world and its craziness around us. His peace can fill our hearts and lives despite the storms that “would our way oppose“. Jesus speaks of an inner peace. A peace that helps us walk by faith. A peace that transcends worldly problems big and small. His peace is eternal when the temporal trials and problems fade away. This is a peace and a passage to live by today!

3. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12,13

Peter writes of trials to a persecuted early church. Suffering, torture and even death were very real to the early church. Today there are still places in this world where Christians are martyred for their love and faith in Christ. We may not face this extreme for our faith…but others do. With that being said, can we stand firmly on the truth of Christ and His resurrected power of salvation despite the suffering we may receive? Is Christ our Lord and Savior only in the good times when things are going our way? I hope not! May we be bold in our faith to stand firm. May His love be reflected in all that we do. May we be dispensers of God’s grace to the world around us even to our enemies and those who would laugh and scorn us. Stand firm and live for Him!

4. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Paul writes to Timothy to remind him of his calling and to persevere. He is young but is following in Paul’s footsteps as a leader in the early church. Leadership, no matter where it is, requires resolve, wisdom and strength. Paul reminds Timothy and also you and me to be bold in our faith, but also that we have been given power of the Holy Spirit to overcome and live holy lives. We can do what God has called us to do. It is not impossible. No task that God gives us is impossible with His Holy Spirit leading us! We are powerless without Him, but with Him we can live this life and we can share this life and hope with others.

5. “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
Once again I share with you a passage that is dear to my heart. It seems a lot of these verses that I have selected revolved around trials, suffering, and faith…true! We all endure. We all encounter trouble of every kind. It may come to us in various forms. It will vary from person to person, but ultimately where does our hope reside? The answer: In Christ alone! Psalm 55:22 reminds me of how important my prayer life ought to be with my God. He wants to fellowship with me. A mighty, amazing, all-powerful Creator of the Universe wants to fellowship with little you and me. WOW! A part of that fellowship is sharing with Him our troubles and our concerns. Do we go to Him with our cares…all of them? Is this only a bed time or early morning time conversation? NO! It should be a continual conversation with our Lord. Casting our cares on the Lord isn’t just some wish list of demands. It isn’t just a laundry list of gripes and complaints either. Our cares should include whatever concerns us – big and small as well as the cares of others – our children, families, friends, neighbors and even our enemies. That last segment of this verse says, “He will never let the righteous fall.” I take that to mean He will protect us from spiritual battles. He will uphold us in our sorrows and times of despair. He will ultimately deliver us from this life one day and we will finally know that Divine fellowship fully. What a promise! What a joy to know that we serve a God who is personal and loving and protective of His children!

6. “You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.” Psalm 139:1-6

This passage is near and dear to my heart because of the understand that even before I existed God knew me. I don’t wish to delve into anything theological like “Predestination” or anything…but this is comforting to me and it should be to you as well! God knows us so intricately, so personally. How amazing is that? How awesome is He? So much could be said about His knowledge of us. So much could be written on this topic of prayer and of worship. This Psalm is one of my favorites for the reason that God is a personal God. He isn’t some deity that wound the world up, put it on some cosmic shelf and walked away…No! He lives within us. He communes with us. He loves us so very deeply and longs for us to, in some way, reciprocate this love relationship with Him! What a comfort it is to know we serve a God who knows us so well!

7. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (and verses 1 – 8)

Jesus is the only way to the Father. Some might say this preaches intolerance of other religions. Some might say that this verse is wrong and that there are other ways to “heaven”…but I don’t. I firmly believe Jesus has provided humanity with an eternal hope. But more importantly this isn’t about getting a ticket to heaven. This isn’t about making sure we don’t go to hell. This is about restoring a right relationship with God. Mankind needs salvation. Mankind cannot save itself. We have a hope of restoration, reconciliation and salvation through Christ alone! This is a verse to live by because Christ offers unmerited grace. Christ offers restoration and deliverance from sin. Christ has bought our salvation with His blood. We can live by this verse because we can receive this freely and live joyfully in a restored relationship to the Creator.

QUESTIONS:
What are some of YOUR favorite passages?
What are passages you love to read?

Something more to ponder today! To God be the glory!

September 4, 2014 3

Dear Salvation Army – 3 Reasons Not To Do Away With The “Red Song Book”

“Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.”
-Fanny Crosby

I have written in other blog entries, dear Army, the need to revitalize our forces. There is a need to adapt to certain modern music for the purpose of reaching other generations. There has been some discussion about how some forms, like brass bands could use a tune up (see article:Brass Bands) But, we should never lose our heritage in the process! We have a rich history to preserve while at the same time evolve. It is not that the gospel message is outdated, for it could never be so, but rather the means of conveying that message in a ever progress society should adapt.

I don’t think anyone is truly considering the “doing away with” the Red Song Book…yet, but I wanted to present a case for the Red song book of The Salvation Army. I realize that it does somewhat vary from country to country but what if one day these books are no more? I know something else will eventually take its place, but what?

I do not want to sound like a traditionalist or someone who is so firmly entrenched in the past that I am no good for the present and future. But what is at stake here? What will we lose if we some day in the near future decide the red song book is obsolete and irrelevant? I am not defending a sacred cow here only wishing to hold onto something that contains some deep devotional prayers. So, without further adieu here it is:

3 Reasons Not To Do Away With The Red Song Book:

1. It Is A Link To Our Past:
Obviously not all song writers in the red song book were Soldiers and Officers of the Army. But certain names pop out of these pages. Names that fought the good fight. Names that are forever linked to souls who gave their all for Jesus and for this army. Many wrote these cherished songs in the midst of trials and troubles they themselves were going through. These are testimonies of saints who have paved the way for us. We shouldn’t revere them or place them on pedestals because I am positive they wouldn’t want that. Many of these writers wrote these solemn words that we sing to show others the way to Christ. The purpose of their writings was to usher us into a deeper relationship with the Father.

Many of these saints were humble servants of the Most High. They are inexplicably linked to the war we still wage upon poverty and sin in our world today. Though time has marched onward this battle is still very real and we need to be reminded of our past as we diligent fight on in the present as Soldiers of God!

2. Depth of Lyrical Devotion:
I play modern worship songs on Sunday along with the use of the red song book. Although I love some of the modern songs, and they are getting progressively richer in lyrical depth (not just repeating the same phrase over and over like they used to), they can not match some of the depth that hymns from our red song book can produce. I say some, because not all are rich in meaning and personal conviction, but many carry with them heart-felt anthems of praise and petition. “O boundless salvation! deep oceans of love, o fulness of mercy, Christ brought from above…” -William Booth. I’m sorry Chris Tomlin, I love you and your songs but these words still penetrate more deeply in my heart.

3. Holiness Theology

Not all songs in our red song book is perfect, nor do many of them line up theologically on sound footing. But many rich lines of holiness speak of more than just salvation as our goal. Becoming Christ-like in our hearts and lives. The full surrender to His Holy Spirit…these are powerful visuals for us all to absorb. If these powerful lyrics fade from our Army world what will fade next? I don’t say that as a threat or as some sort of scare tactic, I just hope that as we attempt to update and adapt to our world that we never compromise our holiness theology and that of our historical presence in song. There is still a place, a very prominent place for Albert Orsborn’s “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me“, or Sidney Cox’s contributions or John Gowans and the entire contribution of former Generals and the Booths.

This Red Song book shouldn’t been displayed in a museum of history of how our Salvation Army used to be…no! It should be sung. It should be used, albeit carefully from time to time. But may we never throw out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak, as we attempt to modernize and update our army and, in the process lose this identifiable link to such a rich heritage. These are only a few reasons why we mustn’t do away with our red song book…it is a primer of sorts, a conversation starter.

Questions to consider:

How are we using the red song book? Is it being used in our corps? Do we have other reasons to keep these songs around? Do some of these songs still speak to us as we live out our lives? Do they still convey a need for a Savior and for holiness in a person’s life? How might we update these lyrics to fit our worship today? How can we include such powerful words in our corps and in our lives?

Something more for our Army world to ponder today. To God be the glory!

August 28, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army – Favoritism & Leadership

“A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.” -John Maxwell

Here is my mistake – I am guilty of showing favoritism.

Favoritism: I have caught myself doing this in my ministry.
Perhaps you have caught yourself doing this too…if not, good job, nicely done!

Favoritism can also be a crutch for leadership. Some leaders refuse to do the hard work in developing others for certain tasks, and instead appoint people that they know, they appoint their friends. Pretty soon, instead of iron sharpening iron, there is only “yes” people available in this in-bred leadership model. This type of favoritism happens in our army. As I have already said, I have been equally guilty of it from time to time. Sometimes it is effective, but is it right? No. Other times it stifles growth, creates conflict and disharmony among the body.

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. ²Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. ³If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” ⁴have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” -James 2:1-4

I understand this verse was written to a specific group of people thousands of years ago, but unfortunately human nature has not changed much since then. We are still guilty, at times, of showing favoritism even in our army world. It usually doesn’t come in the form of serving the poor, but it does come in the form of selecting local officer leaders in corps, and in a wider focus in selecting specific officers for certain tasks. I think it happens more than we all care to admit, for to admit something like this indicts us all.

Questions to consider:
Who do you surround yourself with? Are they all “yes” people? If you are in leadership: who have you selected to serve in leadership roles? Are they your friends? Are they people you have shown favor? Are we willing to take a hard look at how we conduct ourselves in leadership? What is the principle of our purpose? Do we hold that principle as priority in all that we do?

Chosen Last On The Team:

Do you remember the school games we used to play? Two captains were usually chosen to pick teams. Little by little children were picked based on their skill set, or how those captains viewed those kids. Finally the last few were picked and, for that last child picked, there was that sinking feeling. That sadness in the heart. The captains would sometimes fight over having to pick that last kid. “You take him, I don’t want him.” “No. you, it’s your turn to take him, I had him last time!”

Those moments are never the brightest of humanity’s light, but it certainly carries over into adulthood more than we care to admit. I was luckily never that kid to be picked last, I was one of those athletic kids and sometimes I was one of those captains begging for the other captain to take the last child…I’m not proud of that.

Thankfully Jesus never operated on a “favoritism” principle. He could have gone right to the synagogue and selected the best and the brightest to be His disciples. He could have drafted the best, most articulate talent for His disciple-squad, but He didn’t. He could see into the hearts of people. He didn’t select the most socially adept. He picked hardworking, rough around the edges, common folk to become His disciples. He chose the “last picked” as His first choice. He chose some who were considered the pariah of society. He blazed a trail in His selection and He did not display favoritism of any kind in doing so.

To The Last:
If you have been on the brunt end of favoritism in your life or even in this Army, know this – Christ has picked YOU! You matter to Him! You are needed! He wants to develop in you a lasting love that can reach lives only you are capable of reaching! He believes in YOU! Do not doubt your importance in His kingdom! It doesn’t matter how other people see you. It doesn’t even matter if you are never chosen by “those leaders”. He, God, Creator of the Universe has chosen You!

To The Leader:
Be mindful of how we conduct ourselves as leaders. Be careful how we select those around us. Watch out for the pitfalls of favoritism and inbred leadership amongst “yes” people. When we fall into this trap we might, for a time, discover decisions are made with little to no resistance but in the long run we need even those who respectfully disagree with us. Don’t chose leaders because they are our friends or we “like” them more than others. Consider the variables. Take chances on people. Don’t hurt them, or punish opposing views. Don’t isolate or ostracize. Cultivate trust. Listen to others you lead…actually listen. Pray about decisions before you make them. Attempt, in all situations, to reflect Christ.

Remember: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1

Something more for our army to ponder today!

August 27, 2014 4

“My Wife Is The Pastor Too…Breaking The Old Molds”

My Wife and I are both pastors. We both went to seminary. We both earned our ordination…in fact (as humbling as it is to admit it) my wife had a higher GPA than I did.

A number of years ago, however, my wife received a phone call from a parishioner who refused to talk to her but instead demanded to talk to “the pastor”. Even among duel ministries where equality of leadership should be present, there is still an old, tired, stubborn mold that hasn’t broken yet. Just because I was a man, it was assumed that I was the “head/lead” pastor. It wasn’t about me not wanting to be a leader, but as a co-leader in our ministry, my wife’s role should have been perceived as equal but it was not. Let me just tell you that when I received that phone call, I wasn’t a happy camper. This subject actually comes up more than I care to admit. When crucial decisions have to be made in church, for some reason all eyes fall on me…the guy…and I hate that! I’m not trying to abdicate my role as pastor and leader, but my wife is also the pastor and leader in our church. We’re co-leaders together! (okay…stepping off of my soapbox, but only a little)

This is probably more frustrating to me than it is for my wife. She is an easy going type of pastor, who is full of compassion and hope. I guess she might be better at forgiving an indiscretion such as this, I am sure this wasn’t the first time, nor will it unfortunately be the last time. I struggle with this though. I desire others to see how vital this wonderful, loving, smart, gifted woman (whom I’m truly lucky to call my best-friend, partner and wife) is to this ministry. We are serving in this church together! She is just as important of a pastor as I am!

We may think we are all equal in an ever evolving, progressive, “all inclusive” world…but we still have a long way to go…especially among the Church. Ironically, the body of Christ ought to be progressive when it comes to equality with whom serves as leaders and worshipers as well as those we are reaching out to. But it isn’t always the case. Why do we have such a hard time allowing women leaders to preach? I don’t personally have trouble with this at all, but I have witnessed this resistance. Is it only generational? Are we only meeting resistance from older generations where the predominant thought of that generation was that a woman’s place was in the home? I don’t mean to start a generational war, because I have a deep respect for those who have blazed a trail for our present generation both in ministry and in our society…but how can we move forward when some of these deeply entrenched thoughts still exist?

Questions to consider:
Why is it so hard to break out of these old gender roles as Christians? Does the bible actually say Women shouldn’t preach or be church leaders? If we believe that to be true then how do we then reconcile the fact that Jesus had female disciples? What is the Church afraid of? How can we change this conversation?

Breaking the Old Molds:

If we truly believe that God has made all of us equal, regardless of gender, why are these old molds still lingering? That same question about the bible and why the apostle Paul wrote seemly so harshly towards women in church comes up from time to time. What did he mean? Does that include all women everywhere? The answer is absolutely no! Yet many churches still today use passages such as those found in 1 Corinthians 14 to justify it’s stance on women in ministry. Where is the context? Where is the appropriate interpretation?

Fact: Paul was addressing one specific church, the church in Corinth. They had some specific issues and Paul was speaking directly to THOSE Christians. My fear, when it comes to biblical interpretation and application (especially when it comes to Women in ministry) is that people can and will pick and choose passages and apply them to suit their needs. This too is another mold we must break!

Jesus had disciples who, not only included men but also women. Jesus was truly counter-cultural in His day! Jesus was revolutionary. If we are to be like Christ in every way, shape and form, then even in the “who” of leadership we ought to be inclusive beyond the “traditional” gender roles of leadership.

Dear phone caller from church…my wife is also THE Pastor too.

Something to ponder today.

August 25, 2014 1

Dear Salvation Army – Salvation Isn’t Enough!

Dear Salvationist,
It isn’t enough to merely accept salvation at the penitent form when we initially accept Christ as our personal Savior. It is not enough to repent of our sins just once at that penitent form. Once we have received this initial sanctification we have invited the Holy Spirit to take up residence within our hearts and lives. The very same Holy presence who bore witness to the creation of the universe and to the crucifixion and resurrection wants to bear witness to and actively engage in our spiritual development. Salvation isn’t enough because it only leaves us forgiven. Receiving forgiveness and being cleansed is only the beginning of our spiritual journey.

Transformation must begin to take root within us. It is like scraping off the old, worn wallpaper in a home. Once the old wallpaper is gone and the bare walls are exposed one does not simply leave them naked and exposed. Those walls will only reflect the barrenness of an unfinished place. A true craftsman and interior decorator will not let those walls remain unfinished. Those walls will be painted with diligence and focus. Not a spot will be missed. Those walls will be finished, and when they are finished they will reflect beauty again and make that home hospitable once more. So it is with our lives. The Holy Spirit does not wish to leave us unfinished. Yes, we have been stripped of the old, broken, sinful interior. The walls of our lives are now clean, but they are unfinished. They are incomplete. Something is missing. The Holy Spirit longs to then begin this transformation within us. He longs to diligently focus us. To expose unfinished places of our hearts. He longs to repair us. To patch the holes. To remove the rot. He longs to remake us in a way that we will reflect our original beauty again. The Holy Spirit longs to make our lives holy. He longs to restore in us the image of the true Master builder.

Salvation (Initial Sanctification) Is Not The End But The Beginning:

Once we kneel at that altar and confess our sins we do not then claim to have gained holiness, no! We have only just begun to allow His Holy Spirit to begin this work within us. This sacred moment is not an ending, but a life long beginning. I am not saying that Holiness will always take a lifetime to fulfill within us, but that this spiritual journey IS for a lifetime!

The Goal: Christ-likeness!

Dear Salvationists, our goal isn’t to look and act like our founders of this army!

No! For even our dear founders were striving to look and act like the very One who gave up His life as a living sacrifice for us all! Our goal in this thing that we call “holiness” is to act and reflect the very nature of Christ! Some might respond, “but that’s simply not possible!” I would agree with you if we only approach this daunting task as a human and with the only strength and power of humanity as our guide. But we have One who is within us! We have One who has more strength and power than we could ever fathom. We have God’s Holy presence with us to be that bridge amongst the impossible! A surrendered life is the reflection of Christ! We do not simply accept salvation at the penitent form and get up complete and transformed. Yes, we must be careful to conceded we are being transformed at the moment we say “yes” to Christ, but that completion of holiness can only be accomplished when every fiber of our being is fully surrendered to the will of Christ. Is it fully surrendered in you and me? Are we prepared to make that full submission? It will cost us everything and yet we will gain everything in the process.

Salvation Begins The Transformation In Us – Get Up!
Dear Salvationists, get up from the penitent form! Do not linger there forever! I do not mean that this sacred moment wasn’t important but there is still work to be done within us! We cannot fully realize that completion if we are not prepared to move. If we are not prepared to get up from the altar of our salvation and step into a deeper fuller relationship with the One who saved us! He longs to transform us, but we must be willing to surrender those places exposed by His conviction and prodding. When He prods us, it isn’t to shame us, it is to heal us completely from the ravages of our old lives. These remnants of depravity must be removed from us. If they are not completely removed, they will hold us back. They will prevent us from fully realizing Christ in us. Refusing to relinquish such a stronghold can and will limit our reflection of His light into this world as well! We were saved and set apart for a higher calling, but how can we realize this higher calling if we still entertain the whispers of the old life? We were saved for so much more than mediocrity in our faith walk! Get up, dear soldier and listen to His still small voice in your life today!

Yes, Salvation isn’t enough…it is only the beginning of our mighty and holy transformation!
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Something more for our Army to ponder today, to God be the Glory!

August 25, 2014 2

Dear Salvation Army – 5 Reasons New People Leave The Corps

Every church struggles with keeping members. Jesus never said anything about filling chairs in a church building but He did say a few things about making more disciples. Every church, from time to time, struggles to find its place in the community. Needs have to be met. Souls have to be sought. A ministry niche’ has to be cultivated. What is your corps’ niche’? I don’t mean some sort of lure or hook to pull people in. What I do mean is this: who is your corps targeting to minister to? What do your services look like? Are they geared for a multi-generational audience? If we follow the instructions of Paul and become “all things to all people” (1 Cor 9:22) what does that look like in our corps today? What happens when our corps must make crucial decisions to change and adapt for the sake of becoming all things to all people (for the purpose of sharing Christ) because presently they are not? Can this change take place? How do we adapt? What sort of steps are required? How can we prevent new people from leaving and keep them coming back and getting involved in our ministries?

Here is a list of 5 reasons new people leave the corps. This isn’t the end all and be all of lists, it is just a primer to an often more complicated topic. I am sure as you read this list there will be more that come to your mind. The intent of this article is to help us figure out why some are leaving our corps and how we can stave off this decrease in fellowship. I do not want to make this point and emphasize only numeric success by any means, but it is the purpose of this article to help us see why some are leaving our corps after only a few visits. Perhaps we can change our corps’ perspective on things and how we engage with one another as well as with new people.

5 Reasons New People Leave The Corps

1. Felt Unwelcome
It seems so obvious and yet visitors to our corps for the first time need to be shown friendliness. They would like for people to remember their names after telling it to a few people. Generally they do not want to stand up and be recognized as a “new visitor”, but they would like a few people to talk to them and to show an interest in who they are. The feeling of being unwelcome in a corps should be the last feeling one should get in our buildings. After all, we are here to minister to the whosoever…right?

2. Lack of Fellowship
Personally I love it when, after the service, people just seem to linger and talk. It is a sign that people generally care for one another. It is also a sign that there is real fellowship going on among the corps’ soldiery. When the corps is unbalanced and there is division instead of unity visitors can sense it. I’m not talking about some sort of “sixth sense” here, it is just obvious in certain types of body language that something is off about the fellowship…or lack thereof. New people want to feel a sense of belonging to something. A place for them to fit in. They would like the chance, at times, to go out for coffee or lunch together following a service. But if real fellowship is not taking place in the corps and instead division is causing quick exits after services, you can be sure new people will attempt to find the exit very quickly too.

3. No Ministry Geared for Their Generation
We serve many generations in our corps. There has to be a balance and in so keeping with the idea of the Apostle Paul we must attempt to “be all things to all people” in how we proactively minister. If you have thirty young adults in your congregation there ought to be something specific to reach them at a deeper level somewhere during the week. If you have a primarily senior corps and only a hand full of teens make sure you have something for both the majority of seniors as well as the teens. When a new comer visits our corps is there something for them to become engaged in? What keeps them coming back? I don’t mean to say that we bribe them, but do we have relevant applicable ministries that they can not only serve in but be spiritually fed by?

4. Army Lingo Not Explained
Sunday announcement: “next week the DC will be here to install the YPSM, oh and don’t forget about DYB coming up shortly in preparation for Youth Councils.” No offense but I knew what that announcement was about, you probably did too but that new person sitting in the back pew who is barely catching on to how we Army folk worship has no clue what we’re talking about. This doesn’t mean that we have to stop the announcements and/or explain everything but perhaps we could be a little helpful to new people and clue them in once in a while. Hearing foreign terminology in a new place can be intimidating and a new comer can begin to feel like an outsider who doesn’t really belong and is not wanted. It is very easy to get into army lingo in services and bible studies and forget that some new people won’t have a clue to what we are saying without taking the time the properly explain or have someone there to help as these terms are being shared.

5. Members feared new visitors
It sounds dumb, but it’s true. Some corps members do not like change, and change can come in many different forms even in the form of new people. Some corps members will complain that we need “new blood” in our corps and yet when that “new blood” walks through that door they treat them with as much disdain as a new worship song being sung for the first time. Change is hard, and yet how can we keep new people coming back if members are afraid of change – even for the good? Education needs to take place. Some corps members may not even know they are acting this way towards new people. It intimidates some corps members. Perhaps some even feel that they might lose power because a new person seems more energetic, charismatic and even more educated. These intimidated corps members begin to show outward, yet subtle aggression towards these new comers, and the new person won’t have a clue why they suddenly feel a sense of hostility. Change, even with new members, can suddenly cause fear and unfriendliness to occur.

Beware:
Be sensitive to the needs of new people. We don’t have to cater solely to them, but we ought to make our worship spaces available and friendly so that all are welcomed – the new and the not so new. Beware of possibly hurdles new people might have to jump in order to “fit in”. Find a new place to worship isn’t easy, especially if this new person as NEVER worshiped in a church in their lives and this is their first attempt. We are the body of Christ and as we extend His love to new people may we display to them and each other genuine love, compassion and grace. May our fellowship be so sweet that we linger in each other’s company. May we seek to minister to all people. Finally, may we be open to change and, with the grace of God, usher in new soldiers for this mighty work!

Something more for our army to ponder today!

August 21, 2014 15

Jesus is Crooked (A Poem)

Jesus is crooked on our bible study wall
no one seems to notice, no one at all
He hangs there with arms slightly askew
tell me dear reader, what am I to do?

For with our starched shirts and proper attire
with ties tied tight we proclaim “blood and fire”
but Jesus just hangs there and so do we
never quite venturing outside in the streets

He, by all accounts was far from straight laced
He broke many a custom but did so with grace
healed the outcast and reject, the slightly askew
tell me dear soldier, isn’t that what we ought to do?

Sure we should offer both rules and the grace
impossibly crooked so the lost see His face
never just stuck within walls of a corps
tell me dear soldier, is that what we stand for?

Yes, Jesus is crooked on our bible study wall
a reminder for the seeker and those who would call
A Revolution of love and grace must begin
for all of us crooked, broken and riddled with sin.

August 20, 2014 0

Category: Church