It is finished...

had my last class at ATS yesterday afternoon. It was biblical aramaic. Not sure if I would have guessed that three years ago when I started. I'm coming down the home stretch. Got a 7 page paper and a take home final left to complete by Monday. I am really not sad to be done with school. The whole time has been somewhat grueling. The best was when Shaina and I were working a total of 5 jobs between us and I was going to school full time.

Maybe the reason I am most excited to be done is for Shaina. Since we've been married, she has worked at a car dealership that seems to have had connections to drug sales as well...managed a Wendy's where she arrived each day before 6 a.m. to open the store...worked her butt off for minimum wage at a fruit farm...then for minimum wage at a pizza shop...and then finally at Kohls where she has worked her way up from a part time peon to fulltime management.

The road ahead is still bumpy, 7 years of school loans to pay off, life in ministry where sometimes, there is little joy, little fellowship and little evidence of making a difference. But Shaina and I have truly delighted in each other through every step. Maybe the area I am most thankful for about our marriage is the amount of laughter we share even in the midst of some junk. Here's to the end of a long road of school. Don't celebrate too long...we've got a plane to catch! haha.

Creatures Creating

In my worship design class on Monday, we had a group lead us in a time of worship based on the creation account of Genesis 1. The devotional 'sermonette' was based on humanity as co-creators with God. This is interesting to think about...that God's creativity resides within God's creatures. I have some thoughts on this...maybe I will get to them some time soon.

Not today though. At one point in the service, we were encouraged to worship through creativity. There were water colors, markers, magazines to do collage type stuff and just blank paper to write on. It was a really cool time to just express ideas/themes that were given by God. I spent some time writing some poetry/lyrics...I used to do this frequently, but not in a long time. I was enamored with the breadth of God's creative genius...Here's what I came up with in 10 minutes.

You Made the stars, the planets, the galaxies.
You Made the brain, the liver, the patella tendon.
You made this heart
Now make it beat with yours.

You made the cow, the platypus and the armadillo.
You made the manger, the cross, and the tomb
You made this life
Now make it rise with yours.

You made the Sudan, the Rockies, the Pacific
You made these eyes, these ears annd these feet
You made these bones of mine
Now breathe them back to life.

Make me New, Take me to
The quiet place of still water.
Let me drink deeply. Make me new
Make me new, Make me new
You make all things new.

How do you connect with God through creativity?

Weighing in on Theological Education

Seminary is an interesting experience.

My view of God, of the Bible, of the Church...all have changed somewhat drastically in 3 years...in some ways for the better...some ways I'm not so sure.

There is certainly a subjectivity involved in Seminary that is in one sense liberating and in another sense devastating. We aren't told what to believe. We're told about the differing perspectives on things and then left to make our own minds up. This has made me a very critical thinker, but it has also left me wondering about all things God, Church and Bible oriented.

Big questions gnaw at me.

Can we say the Bible is inerrant? If not, does that mess anything up?

Did God ever desire such an institutionalized form of Christianity? If not, is there any way to go back?

What is the ultimate purpose of the cross? Salvation? Magnifying God? These are hugely different answers with hugely different implications.

Perhaps the thing that is on my mind about seminary right now is the lack of moral guidance and accountability. There are some things that are absolutely not subjective! Child pornography is not left to one's own preferences. Allowing things to get to a place where your spouse walks out on your marriage is not an acceptable thing! Telling someone that you've married the wrong person and want to marry them instead...is not a conversation to be had. Participating in same sex relationships is not a choice left to the individual! Alcoholics Monday through Saturday, should not be preaching messages of right living on Sunday.

Yet these things are happening in seminaries across the country. Want to know why our churches are a mess of moral failure, because our leadership leads the way. I'm not saying that pastors aren't allowed to have faults, sins and the like, but at some point, we need to draw the line and say look, if you're called to the ministry then start living to that standard of humbly serving the people of God.

I know this sounds harsh...but the Bible has a prophetic message about spiritual leadership leading the way spiritually...and for the sake of political correctness, we have lost our prophetic voice...and the world sees it.

Post of Randomnocity

1. 14 to go.

I think the Pistons have run their course. They'll be lucky to steal one of two at the Palace.

2. This is revolutionizing the car industry:


3. Greek Vocab Quiz Round 3...24 out of 25. Collectively now, 52/75. 70%. We are nearly passing Greek!

Theology of Rest

You know what, I'm tired.

We had a giant fundraiser event known as the Mission Auction two Saturdays ago. It was great, but it took a lot of work/effort out of many people.

The Monday after the event...I had a meeting to gear up for the next fundraiser we're doing, the city-wide softball tournament.

This month I'm preaching Good Friday. I've got a progressive dinner April 11 which is a huge event. I have somehow found myself in the middle of planning a Leadership Summit for April 25. Then I've got the tourney fundraiser on May 1-2.

I've got a full work load this quarter which is in English, Greek and Aramaic and all has to be done in 9 weeks instead of 10 because of our trip to Kenya.

I will submit my final assignments and board a plane for two weeks to Africa.

These things are all great/important things. But what I'm convinced of is that more important than these is Sabbath Rest. Not just 7th day set apart stuff, but seasons of the year where withdrawing from the routine is the end goal. I plan to do this the third week of June. No church work. No school work. Just me and the Lord. Of course as I write this I begin to think that June is the prime month for young adult ministry...we will need to host a "Thanks for the Support" Kenya celebration dinner event...

There is something startlingly wrong with a theology of 'drivenness', even if it is "Purpose Driven". It's no wonder so many in our churches are zapped of energy, fresh/creative synergy and vibrant ministry. We need to reclaim a theology rest. But I can't do that now...I've gotta go read for class.

When's the last time you Rested in the Lord?

back to the grind

Why is it that my spring break goes by like an hour?

Monday begins the last round of classes. Combine a lack of motivation to do this anymore with the fact that I have to do it all in 9 weeks so that we can head to Africa, and I am pessimistic about finishing strong.

Leading off this final quarter will be a course on Worship on Mondays. On deck? A night class on Christian Theology. In the hole, Greek III...Considering that I put forth minimal effort in Greek I-II, this could be the most challenging course. Batting Clean Up...Biblical Aramaic. That's right, I will be able to read Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic after this quarter.

If you think about it, pray that I would find motivation.

Well, I'm done thinking about classes...I have a date with March Madness.

Sigh of Relief

Finals are officially done. 35 pages of sheer brilliance, a Greek final that only had 10 questions but took two hours and a presentation on war and pacifism and my quarter is in the books. I am officially 8/9 of the way to the Promised Land. One more quarter to go.

But first a break. You ever have something where you had low or minimal expectations and then the reality turned out to be fantabulous? Well last week I had finals all week and then knew I had to come back for class today (Monday) so I was looking at a short spring break from tuesday-friday and then back at it the following Monday. It turns out that I have a whole second week off! Life is good.

I have ordered my books for the last quarter of my master of divinity. I am taking the max of 4 courses: Worship Design, Theology I, Greek III and Introduction to Biblical Aramaic. I wish I was ending with theology of naps or sports ministry 101, but this will challenge me instead to end strong. The thing I will miss about seminary more than any other thing is studying the Hebrew of the OT. I can't believe I'm saying that but I have loved it!

Time for bed.

Hosea

I am in a small class at seminary that is engaged in the study of the book of Hosea. The book is challenging in a lot of ways.

It is challenging in terms of its language. The original Hebrew text is complex in spots with difficult vocabulary. There are even sections where I am able to translate every word and still have no idea what it is saying.

It is challenging theologically. God calls Hosea to marry an adulterous woman. What does this do to our understanding of God?

It is challenging devotionally. The main gist of the book is that Assyria is coming for Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and that Israel will undoubtedly perish if they seek for aid from anyone but God. But time and time again, they forget God and pursue other lovers.

Perhaps the greatest insight into this book that I have gained so far is that we cannot be too quick to jump to Gomer (Hosea's adulterous wife), who represents Israel. Instead, if we linger on this call from Hosea's perspective, it unlocks a powerful message. Our sin, my sin, your sin is devastating to God. And while we continually play the whore, God begins to woo us, to seduce us, to draw us to himself. This is a love affair. Those who would deem that the OT is Law and the NT is love and grace have not truly read the OT.

Truth be told, I am an adulterer to the Lord. I fill up my time, my schedule, with appointments, meetings, ministry opportunities, seminary classes and schoolwork, but I do not spend time with the deep lover of my soul. I have been that guy to lift my hands in worship on Sunday morning when I haven't lifted my eyes to his gaze all week. I do not trust God for things like attendance at an Africa fundraiser. There are times where I'd rather withdrawal and watch a cavs game on tv than sit in the company of God's people. God has ransomed me and I've forsaken him. Yet that gentle wooing (Hosea 2), that scandalous seduction of the Most High God will not let me escape.

So, reality check...how are you a whore?

What is the Gospel...really?

This week in church we will be talking about the Good News a.k.a. the gospel.

Wouldn't you know it, I have an evangelism assignment for class that has me define what the gospel is in 2-3 pages. I typed up a first draft last night. Here it is. I encourage you to engage in this conversation. What is the Good News?

_______________________________________________________________________________

The gospel message of the Christian faith can be summed up in three distinct, yet interdependent frameworks. The good news is eschatological, transformational and missional. Stated another way, the gospel is kingdom, new creation and empowered.

The Eschatological Framework

The message of Jesus is undeniably framed with a new kingdom mindset. In the gospel accounts, Jesus speaks more on ‘the kingdom’ than he does on any other topic, including love and prayer. Thus, our understanding of good news, must be developed in the context of kingdom. Jesus has ushered in a new movement in the metanarrative of God and at the heart of that movement is the reestablishment of God on the throne and his creation recognizing his reign. The good news is that God is sovereign.

The Transformational Framework

This new movement of God is a movement back to Eden. The redemptive act of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is good news. Humanity has now a new propensity toward redemption and reconciliation with the Most High God and while the cross is the catalyst of this new movement, it is the Spirit that was sent to the world that enables transformation, namely through new creation. The life yielded to the work of the Holy Spirit is one that is truly washed clean and made new. Perhaps an even more significant result of the cross than the atonement of one’s sin is the fruit of the atonement in creation of new and resurrected life. The gospel of Christ offers hope to the hopeless and redemption for the irredeemable. The good news is that God has set the captives free.


The Missional Framework
The gospel message has never been meant for individualistic consumption. It has always taken place in the context of ever expanding community. This is indicative in Jesus’ great commandment (Matt. 22:36-40) and great commission (Matt. 28:18-20). The aim for the people of God is to radically love their neighbor. The primary purpose for the people of God is to make disciples. In other words, the gospel is not designed to exist in a vacuum but is to be intentionally shared and lived out by the people of God so that more and more people can encounter the Most High God. The Holy Spirit empowers the people of God to share the message of hope and truly offer the love and grace that can be found in Jesus Christ. The good news is that God has empowered his people to proclaim Him.
It is in these three settings that one understands the gospel. While the eschatological notion of the kingdom of God is in some ways distinct from the redemptive new creation process guided by his Spirit and the mission God’s people have been called to, it is not separable from the other two aspects. God’s reign is necessarily linked to God’s redemptive work among individuals and communities and is enacted and proclaimed to the nations through the empowering of the people of God. Likewise, God’s redemptive work must be situated in the context of orienting one’s life around God’s supremacy and God’s call to preach good news to the captives. Lastly, the mission of the people of God (the Church) is ineffective unless it is set in the context of redemption and magnification (worship). Thus, the three aspects of the good news of Jesus Christ are individually significant but interdependent nonetheless.
Understanding the gospel in this context greatly informs the individual, as well as the community about how the good news should be articulated and relevant to them. As the person and people of God discover more deeply what it means to worship God in the highest as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, they come in contact with holy God and through their authentic relationship with God become a radiant witness to his majesty. Similarly, as a community yields themselves to the redemptive work of the Holy Spirit and become active participants in the New Creation process, the transformation that takes place can not help but be noticed by those desperate to be set free. Lastly, the people of God who are empowered and anointed by the Living God to proclaim in word and deed the good news of what Christ has done on the cross, are actively and purposefully rubbing shoulders with the people in dire need of a Savior. It is not so much that the people of God develop an effective or strategic plan to evangelize the lost people of the world, but instead, through God’s powerful, life-changing work, the community of Christ followers saturated with the Holy Spirit can not help but drip the hope of the gospel to all they encounter. That is the Good News.

Its that time again

Back to school tomorrow. As usual, I've got 16 grueling hours. To be tackled this quarter:
Ethics
Evangelism
Greek II
The Book of Hosea (Hebrew track)

I need to crank it up a notch this quarter as the difficulty and workload for these courses is higher than last quarter.

I also have a few other big things on my plate.
-Stay tuned for these!

A Christmas Day Miracle

Report Card Time

Greek I A
Homiletics A
Theology II A
Missions A
Doctrine of Holy Spirit A

5 classes 5 A's! You may not think that this is a big deal, but at Ashland Seminary they grade on a weighted system. 97-100 = A 95-96 = A- 91-94 = B+ etc.

This quarter definitely helped the ol' GPA out a bit, but I still hold to my conviction. 'D' is for Degree (or Diploma, or Divinity).

So, I know parents that bribe their kids to get A's. Please feel free to do the same. You can send your check or cash gifts to the B-Smooth Fund 555 Genius Boulevard.

Haha. I am reminded of the Old Testament mega-theme...Pride comes before the fall.

Growth Barriers

I think being in seminary has caused me to think about things that are odd. Or maybe that all stems from eating paint when I was a kid or something (anybody else take all their stuffed animals outside and line them up as spectators to watch a grueling football game...played by myself, where I was the qb, running back, widereceiver and defense?)

Anyways, here's something I have been meandering around lately. Church Growth.

Guys who ate more paint than I did spend their whole lives studying and writing about this phenomenon. My mentor gave me some info from a conference he attended so I have highlighted some of the points from that conference as well as some of my own thoughts on the topic below.

The commonly held growth barriers in churches are 75, 200, 400, 1000, 2500. There are reasons for this such as group dynamic, leadership style and congregation mindset. For instance if you are in a church of 75 or 200, you might have high expectations of the pastor to offer care and visitation to all the people in the church. In a larger church, that becomes impossible and the call to pastoral care falls on the congregation (It should fall on the congregation regardless, but that's another post).

So typically a church hits a barrier and they flatline or plateau. They either make the necessary adaptations and grow or they stay stagnant until the other side of the plateau arrives. So how do we break through barriers? I'm glad you asked. Here's 5 keys that I think make this happen.

1. The Church Must WANT to grow
If a church likes the familial structure of a small church, then there is no chance of breaking growth barriers and increasing the size of the church. There is probably a place for familial churches, but generally, conversion is rare in a place like this and eventually the church will fizzle out. If the early church is any indication, numbers should be added to the church. Even if the pastor wants growth, the people have to want it and be willing to abandon the "way we've always done it" to make that happen.

2. The Role of the Pastor MUST Change
Generally speaking, this is how I have heard the role of the pastor differentiated between sizes of churches.
A.Shepherd (takes care of all the people)
B.Rancher (Oversees the work being done on the ranch and steps in where needed. Remains hands on)
C.Executive (I know I know...we've gone from the farm to the city...I don't write the stuff.) The Executive makes sure that the Ministry is happening and the church is functioning well in all areas...steps in where necessary.
D. CEO The CEO makes sure that the Vision is being enacted and coaches the key leaders to make sure they are doing what is necessary to succeed. In general the CEO does very little actual ministry but empowers the masses to do the ministry.
Some growth stunts because pastors are uncomfortable with adapting to a new model.

3. Leadership Training Must Be a Key Initiative
Teachers must be taught to teach effectively.
Ministry leaders must be empowered to empower their teams
Staff must be trained and focused on the vision and mission of the church.
Untrained and Immature leadership is like giving car keys to a 3 year old and expecting good results.

4. Staff must adapt from 'Doers' to 'Builders'
Coaches don't typically play in the game do they? They have to see the big picture and be able to effectively empower the teams to win. This is easier said than done, but a valuable lesson for staff is to let their key players fail. Bailing them out everytime they don't execute is not helpful in their growth as a leader.

5. Effective Small Group Ministry Must be the NORM
If the pastors are to be relieved from their role as primary care givers to the people, then things have to change. The pastor's time needs to be guarded so that they can deliver the Word of God on Sunday Mornings and catalyze leaders to bring about the vision of the church. Where will the care for the people come from then? It comes from small groups. If I am plugged into a small group of 8-12 believers who are intimately involved in my life, then when I have a surgery or a death of a loved one, a loss of a job, etc. I will be cared for. Discipleship takes place in this context more than any other. Too many Christians think that hearing the Word of God on Sunday mornings is sufficient for growth. This is not the case...it happens in intimate, authentic community.

Well there ya have it...5 Keys to Breaking Growth Barriers. I'm curious, if you are in a church, which of these 5 is going well or going...not so well? Are you stuck at a barrier?

I am a machine

Finals week used to kick my butt. I used to dread the papers, the exams, the presentations, the sleepless nights. Now? I own finals week. I'm kidding...but this quarter of finals is perhaps the easiest I've had in 7 years. My missions prof got called to active service in Iraq and shortened the quarter and made all the work due before Thanksgiving. That class is done. My homiletics (preaching) class has everyone preaching during the last three weeks of class. I volunteered to go first and just have to show up and hear the other sermons these last couple weeks. My theology class demands a 5 page paper on Eschatology and a take home final...both which will be done over the next few days. My Greek class has a take home and in class portion to its final both of which are open notes.

Tomorrow Shaina has off and it is typically set aside as my schoolwork day. I may not do anything because I can. muhahaha.

Next quarter I have a ridiculous work load which includes taking the book of Hosea in Hebrew...I will whine then.

Tomorrow? I conquer a Christmas Pine and bring its dead carcas into our home. Ima go lumberjack on it.

Church...What the heck? Why the heck? Who the heck?

ok...theology paper due monday. I'm halfway done and taking a breather...by blogging of course. Help me out. Who is the church and why does the church exist? no surfacy stuff here...its theology class...give me the deep profound stuff.

So far...so good.

The crazy week is going well so far. We had a great turn out for help on Tuesday night for dinner prep for our Wednesday Night Small Groups. All the prep work we did Tuesday made Wednesday flow pretty smoothly. Wednesday I got up extra early to do the take home portion of my Greek Midterm, then I took the actual in class midterm for Greek. Went straight from class to church to get the meal going, then straight from church to basketball at 8:30. I got home around 11 and Shaina and I crashed until after 10 today! We both had the mornings off, so it was great to catch up on sleep. The rest of my week is geared towards fundraising.

The goal we are working toward for our Kenya Mission Trip is $36,000! That is no joke. I believe wholeheartedly in what this trip is about and the long term and eternal implications that come out of this developing partnership.

We need more of you to come to the Murder Mystery Dinner! I'd love to see 20 tables represented! Invite your friends, Force your families, It's gonna be a hoot!

My Saturday is potentially nuts. I will be in at the pizza shop at 3 a.m. to get the pizza prep done for the day, to Wadsworth for Fundraiser #1 at 7 a.m. and then prepping, setting up and running Fundraiser #2 until between 10 and 11 p.m. I'm not sure, but an 18 hour day might wear me down. haha. But I will press on because the stakes are too high. There are kids who need love, food, drink, medical assistance and Christ. 18 hours is nothing compared to the cause of Christ in reaching the Least of These.

grace

Here's a good monday message. Dr. David de Silva lectured at the Ashland fall lectureship today. While I would say the talk lacked zeal and generally was hard to stay attentive towards, there was something profound that will hopefully rock your world!

It has to do with the word GRACE. This word in first century Greco-Roman culture was not a spiritual word. It was not a Christian word. It was simply a word that meant "favor". There were three aspects of grace that helped to define it.
1. The Giver...usually one who was more well endowed than the recipient. He or she bestowed unmerited favor upon the recipient.
2. The Recipient. Not only did the giver give the gift, the recipient had to actively receive it.
3. The Reaction. Not only did the recipient receive the grace, but they had to respond to the gift by showing 'faith' and good will toward the giver.

This concept of grace should challenge us. When Paul writes about the grace given to all who believe in Christ, we have to understand it in this light. There is a threefold ideology that should be present...God's gift, our acceptance of that gift (which seems to call into question Reformed Theology), and our response toward the giver of the gift.

The above picture is of the Three Graces. This shows the united nature of the three elements of grace.

So...how are you responding to the Giver of Grace?

Margins

We are either people who live within margins or people who live outside their margins. Those who live within have got to know the power of the word "No". Those who live without, don't have time to say "No".

I am marginless this week...and most of the time for that matter. I work 2 jobs and am a full time grad-student, a husband and a guy that tries to stay in shape by playing basketball. I am really feeling pressed this week. Deadlines, Timeframes, Due dates, Schedules, Meetings, Obligations, Expectations, Assignments...its neverending.

Yesterday as I was running from my last class of the day at 4 p.m. to Smithville to pick up my stuff for the rest of the night, then heading to church for dinner and Alpha, I decided to stop at WalMart and pick up some flowers and a card for Shaina. The card I got was perfect for how I feel right now...It said something along the lines of "I'm sorry I'm so busy and if I had 5 more minutes each day..."

If I'm honest though, 5 more minutes is not what I need. I'd fill them with the rush and frantic tasks that are swarming all around me...What I need is boundaries...margins.

The problem is, I don't know where to start. I would actually have to budget time to think about how to limit my margins and frankly, I don't have time for that. So here's to a week of Marginlessness: where everything gets done halfhearted, or not done at all. Prayer time and scripture time are both limited or eliminated...time with Shaina is obliterated, and my blood pressure has to be a few points higher.

How are your margins?

Holy Spirit

So I have a theology class right now and my first assignment is to write a credo (creedal statement) about our beliefs of the Holy Spirit.

This is maybe the most difficult topic to come to any conclusions or finality on.

So...here's your chance to get into a grad student's theological credo...

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE OR WHAT HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED RELATIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT?

a day in the life...

Here was my Wednesday:

Alarm went off at 3:15, I went to work at 3:30 at the pizza shop. I busted my butt to get all of the prep work done for the day (it's a school week, which means double and sometimes triple the workload.) I got done at 6:45, went home, showered, put together my school stuff and took off for school at 715. Arrived at the school at 750 and got situated for my Greek class at 8. From 8-Noon I was in Greek. Had a lunch pizza hut trip with a couple of fellow theologians and returned for my Missions Class at 1. Sat in that class until 4, took off back to Smithville, returned at 445, saw my wife for the first time, played the guitar for a few minutes and then back in the car, this time to Wadsworth, arrived at 530, talked to Shaina's dad, met up with my buddy Todd and ate dinner at the church, then went to our Alpha group from 630-8. Convinced Todd to come to basketball and went and played at open gym from 830-10:30, got home, had a bowl of marshmallow mateys, checked a day's worth of emails, showered and climbed into bed at midnight, only to be back up at 530 to work again today.

I just got done with the prep work and I feel like sleeping.
-Notice how much time I spent in quiet with the Lord.
-Notice how much time I spent furthering his kingdom.
-Notice how much family time I had.

At basketball I found myself angry a lot. I am a uber-competitive person and it gets the best of me. I was not Christlike in playing with these guys and it seems obvious to me that these actions stem from my insanely busy and rushed lifestyle all day. The absence of my time with the Lord deprived me of drinking for His cup and deprived those around me to be deprived of my Christ witness...Can you relate to this at all? How do you juggle your day with consistent time with the Lord?

So it begins

In honor of starting my last year of seminary.

(Keep an eye on the synchronized guitar swaying. Its a lost art...it really is.)