As we’ve had numerous family members and friends visit with us these last several weeks, one of the things we’re sure to do is drive them by Lee U’s new chapel.  The chapel is almost finished and – wow! – it’s beautiful.  The design of the chapel, while contrasting with the “red brick” campus, stands out as a jewel architecturally.  At the heart of this contrast is the exquisite stone construction.

I’ve heard that the pieces of stone are carried in from the great state of Texas.  They’re not all perfectly pre-cut in the sense that they’re immediately ready for workers to place them on the infrastructure.  In fact, masons cut the stone on-site.  They do this in order to make sure that each piece is fitly joined with the others.  If they were to place the stones on the infrastructure as is, not only would the piece be an eye-sore but also the stone might jeopardize the stability of the infrastructure.

Notice in Romans 6 how Paul speaks of believers needing to come to God and (by faith) offer their members as instruments of righteousness.  Of course, this isn’t to say that Christians are beyond the capacity to sin.  Quite the contrary: as long as persons make everyday decisions, the possibility of “missing it,” whether by overt choice or ignorance, is a reality.  Yet, what we see in this text is that the power of sin no longer has the determinative force that it once had upon those who now find themselves “in the Messiah.”

Followers of Jesus continually have to make the decision not to submit to the threats and demands of the old taskmaster, sin.  There’s little doubt this is a day-by-day, hour-by-hour and (at times) minute-by-minute choice.  Importantly, however, the choice stems from a renewed life-source.  It’s a choice one makes upon living on the new side of things.  Before we connected with God, through faith in his Son, there was no way we could meaningfully resist the gravitational force of rebellion.  We resided on “flesh avenue,” with no means of funding a relocation.  Intended to live on “Spirit boulevard,” various circumstances and states of affairs prevented our living where God intended.  With limited currency, power and means, we did the best we could with where we were.

Yet, the Spirit graciously empowers persons to call God up and ask for help.  And life in Christ is truly a relocation.  In fact, it’s a new life.  A new humanity.  So, how can we continue living on Spirit boulevard as if we were still barely getting by (not really) on flesh avenue?  How can we continue enslaved to the power of sin while knowing that the one whom the Son sets free is free indeed?  This is where things get really interesting!  Paul basically says that you can’t.  You can’t continue to claim “relocation” and “new identity” while not truly relocating and living from a new identity.

Again, this isn’t to say that we won’t make mistakes or go awry at times.  It’s to say that believers come to God, in a posture of faith, and offer our means of relating, communicating, thinking, working, playing, living (!) to God as “weapons to do right” (Rom 6.13 CEB).  Such a move, while couched in the context of a dynamic, relational journey with God, has a defining moment when we cry out to God to cut away that which is not of Him; to shape us into the person that we must be in order that we fit jointly alongside others in the faith family (cf. 1 Cor 12; Eph 2).

While this cutting away process is personal, it’s not private.  It’s not to the exclusion of our relationships with others.  Actually, our relationships are essential to the process.  For God is building a people (a temple!), whose Christ-like character is visible through the renewed shape of our lives.

…to be continued

While talking with a friend a few days ago, something struck me as “blog-worthy.”  We were discussing some reading that I did recently on the subject of Bermuda grass, which is planted in our yard in Cleveland.  Dee and I recently met the guy who installed the sprinkler system in the yard.  He came by to show us how to program the system for regular watering intervals.  Interestingly, I read that Bermuda grass doesn’t need to be watered too often.  One of the reasons for this is that the roots never dig deep in the soil if they are watered everyday.  Going a few days without watering causes the roots to dig for sustenance and anchors the grass all the more into the yard, yielding, in many ways, a healthier lawn.

I thought this quite intriguing as it relates to the Kingdom.  Oftentimes, we attempt to throw off certain responsibilities relating to sustenance (both personal and communal) onto certain “professional” ministers within the local church.  The few.  The proud.  The pastors?  Yet, the biblical witness testifies to a communal responsibility regarding the work of the ministry (see especially Ephesians 4).  And the tendency to rely solely upon the study, sermons, encouragement, visits, etc. of a select few in order to “keep us going” is, in many ways, hindering our spiritual growth (if not killing it altogether).  This isn’t to say that we must go to individualistic extremes, touting “personal bible study” at the expense of community-grounded theological reflection.  However, it begs the consideration of how important it is for churches to embrace the responsibility (priesthood/prophethood) of all believers, not expecting only a few to carry the full weight of ministry.  In many ways, we must dig deeper in God, realizing the importance of our spiritual maturity for the well-being of the faith family.

Blessings,

sdm

Thanks Sonny and Mike for their comments on the previous post (Is God a Capitalist?).  My response was a bit lengthy, so I’ve made it into another post.  May the conversation continue…

I too think that many are blinded by the inwardly focused, “us vs. them” mentality which finds ample sustenance in capitalism.  Granted, there are benefits and detriments to various forms of governance.  And, without a doubt, not all forms of (this worldly) governance are equal (with some seemingly maintaining particular values or principles akin to the Kingdom of God).  Yet, even though a system of governance bears similitude to the Kingdom of God by sharing a particular value or perspective regarding a certain issue/area, the goals of each are held in tact, as well as the overall nature of things.  The Kingdom of God is more than just a set of values or principles.  The Kingdom finds life in the inseparable person and work of Jesus Christ.  As Mike mentioned, “the very nature of capitalism brings it into conflict with the Kingdom of God simply because its goals are the attainment of wealth for the benefit of self.”  There remains a distinction between the worldly system and the people of God.  How else will the world know that it’s the world, apart from the Church truly being the Church?¹

Furthermore, it’s amazing how some folks will defend a particular political party in the name of “morality” or “godly values,” whilst many components of the same party which stand over against the ways of Jesus are rather “hush hush.”  Interestingly enough, some church folks raise the banner of conservatism in the name of “life,” yet have no problem with war whatsoever (no matter the justification).  Further, I have read numerous, cutting articles concerning our government “taking from those who work and giving to those who do not,” particularly in addressing the current health care crisis.  Yet, how might the Kingdom of God envisage caring for our neighbor?  This doesn’t mean that the Church disavows political opinion.  And we must remember, the Church is more than just a bunch of  people who are supposed to be “nice” and passive.  The issue should push us to reflection, conversation and prayer.  Are there ways of community life in which the Church (unwittingly) looks more like a people with a fragmented story than the people who live according to the narrative of the compassionate, hospitable, loving God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (& Jesus)?

Admittedly, some folks (of every people group) abuse, neglect and swindle systems for the benefit of self.  Yet, does this justify the Church turning a deaf ear and blind eye toward the call for loving the neighbor (even/especially our enemies), which is part and parcel to being the people of God?  Oftentimes, if we aren’t careful, the primary impetus for our positions will stand contra the very call of the Spirit to form Christ in us – those who bear his name and live in accordance to his dream, his vision, his character – while the world continues to wage war, deceive, and, ultimately, deteriorate into the abyss of heartless “freedom.”

Peace

¹ See Stanley Hauerwas, A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1981).

I was talking with a friend recently about issues of denominations, interdenominational fellowships, non-denominational congregations and the like.  We were discussing the benefits and possible detriments of each.  This conversation took place on the heels of a project that I’ve been working on in 1 and 2 Corinthians.

Throughout the Corinthian correspondence, the author, Paul, has been dealing with various in-your-face, nitty-gritty pastoral issues, which require a firm yet tactful approach.  The Christlike heart of the apostle bleeds through his exhortations, admonitions and rhetorical prowess, thereby calling the Corinthian believers to reevaluate their relations with God, others in the faith family, as well as unbelievers.  One thing that stood out to me during this study is how oftentimes we miss the big picture of following Jesus as part of a larger community.  It’s easier uncritically to subscribe to popular labels by which we derive a sense of belongingness and then to allow such identity-markers (be it theological labels, denominational affiliations, patriotic platforms, etc.) to trump the dynamic call to follow Jesus in every area of one’s life. Yet, with Jesus as our Lord, where else should we derive our ultimate sense of idenity other than Him?

Granted, it would be much easier if personal piety were the only requirement in Kingdom living.  And this isn’t to knock personal, pietistic commitments which we have adopted as essential in our lives.  The problem arises when our understanding of “Christian spirituality” becomes weighed down with inwardly focused, performance-driven, non-Christlike lifestyles.  And I’m speaking of myself more than any other.

It reminds me of a movie we recently watched called Forever Strong.  The main character in the movie grew to realize how life is directly connected to the well-being of others.  It’s not about being the star of the show (he was a strong rugby player who was the one who scored most of the points).  It’s about winning as a team.  If we embrace a similar mindset in the church (which is actually the NT witness of being the people of God), then we grow to realize that at the heart of following Jesus is the well-being of others (“saved” or “unsaved”).

As I was studying 1 and 2 Corinthians, I was greatly impressed with how Paul, who had every right to demand the privileges of an apostle (e.g. not having to work another job for money), laid down his rights for the well-being of the community.  And this community included many people who were obviously influenced by those who opposed Paul and his ministry.  Yet, the apostle’s “spirituality” was outwardly focused, Spirit empowered and Christ-centered.  His ministry was characterized by selflessness and suffering love.

And in a society where the label “Pentecostal” is oftentimes loosely connected with such selfless and love-infused ministry like Paul’s, I wonder what would happen if we truly grabbed hold of “Pentecostal fire” and were filled with the Spirit of Christ.  Would there be room for hero worship, individualism, and narcissism in our local assemblies?  Would it redefine our understanding of “missions” and possibly critique our certainties regarding spirituality and grace?

Late night musings,  :sleeping:

Shannon

I‘ve been fighting this allergy / sinus funk for several days now.  This morning I broke down and went to the doctor.  Sure enough, I’m allergic to nearly everything that is out and about for the next month or so (living in Pollen, AL).  Got some nose spray, antibiotics, antihistamine/decongestant and a steroid shot.  Hope to be rid of this crud in the next few days.

On the upside, these last few days have been an opportunity to finish up Mere Discipleship by Lee C. Camp, as well as listen to the videos from Woodland Hills Bridge (see my last post).  I think Camp’s book should be read by everyone upon entering God’s Kingdom (especially in the Western world).  He has a knack for confronting many things which plague the church in America (even our own congregation).  The read is very accessible and has a helpful study guide in the back (with chapter summaries, discussion questions, and recommended readings).  I hope to revisit the study with a friend who is purchasing the book soon.

The next few months should be quite eventful.  I’m still studying for the GRE, which I hope to take in August.  As most know, the GRE includes the horrible four letter word… MATH!  Thankfully, I spend most of my time with someone who knows quite a bit about the subject (lol).  Dee has fit me in her schedule for math sessions.  Which is really cool considering she has a way of making the craziest math insights (and jokes) accessible for the hubby.  Her incredible genius combined with her God-given patience gives me hope. 

While preparing for the GRE, I’m also trying to get two more languages under my belt, which should help in my application for a PhD program.  I’m interested in the field of Christian Ethics (maybe getting into a program in Fall 2010).  Further, we’re scheduled to be in several ministry services next month at SMCoG; and, hopefully, another church in the area come June.  It’ll be good to visit Georgia.

D and I are still teaching students on Wednesday nights at ACoG, and I’m still researching a possible 2-year curriculum which will help add proportionality to our theological trek.  I’ve been wondering a lot about the direction of our sessions (a.k.a. Kingdom Seminars).  One of the challenges of student ministry (and any ministry for that matter) is getting a good mix of enjoyable activities (conducive to fruitful fellowship) while, at the same time, teaching the students the called-for commitment of discipleship.  How discipleship is more than “coming to church,” or having an “awesome event.”  I’m afraid that many of our ministries expect too much from big gatherings (whether it’s Winterfest, sports teams or youth “rallies”.)  What is the lasting fruit of such things?  I’m not saying “throw the baby out with the bath water.”  Only, are we really learning what it means to live a life in submission to the Lordship of Jesus?  Have we embraced the challenge of going beyond ourselves (e.g. in our preferences for church events) and caught on to the mission of God’s Spirit in everyday relationships in which we share the love of Jesus with those around us?  I digress…

Dee has comprehensive exams this summer.  Although she is at the half-way point of her PhD studies, she has to pass these exams to be officially considered for candidacy.  I’m sure she will do fine.  However, she doesn’t enjoy the tests (who would?).  So, please keep her in your prayers.  Let’s see, what else is going on?  Well, I’ve got an interview this week about a possible (hospice) chaplaincy job.  Not sure how this will turn out.  I’m hoping to hear back from some other apps as well (in the teaching field).  We’re praying for the Lord’s guidance.

Blessings,

Shannon

Hey everyone!  I want to invite you to check out the new online network project through Woodland Hills church (the local church where Greg Boyd is lead pastor).  The forum is really cool and has great potential for teaching, dialogue, small groups, etc.  The link is http://bridge.whchurch.org/ and there are already 629 folks on board (as of April 30).  Also, if you are in Alabama, you are welcome to join the “Alabama Group” which Jason Daughdrill and I created on the site.  It’s a cool setup for dialogue with folks in the local area (or a bit farther away).

Peace,

Shannon

I would like to unpack a bit further the issue of our last post (Sunday-Monday divide).  I appreciate the comments shared thus far.  The replies have been very helpful.  Sonny brought out a good point concerning the transition that occurred in the church’s identity during and after the time of Constantine.  For those who are unfamiliar, Constantine (ca. 272-337 CE) was a Roman emperor who allegedly had a vision that instructed him to draw the symbol Chi Rho (the first two letters of the word “Christ” in Greek, as seen in the picture above) on his soldiers’ shields during the battle of the Milvian Bridge, Oct. 312 CE.  It is said that in the vision Constantine was instructed, “By this sign you shall conquer.”¹

After emerging victorious in this battle, Constantine attributed the victory to the God of the Christians.  Thus, he and his co-emperor at the time, Licinius, issued what is known as the edict of Milan in 313 CE, which called for religious toleration throughout the empire.²  Until this time, as Sonny mentioned, the Christians were a suffering, persecuted minority.  However, after this edict, Christianity began to take on a more respectable, prominent role in the empire.  That’s a good thing, right?  Not necessarily.

Slowly but surely, the church, in her identity and purpose, began to merge with the empire.  And by the end of the 4th century CE, “the emperor Theodosius finalized the conquest of Christianity, making the faith of the Christians the only legal religion in the empire… The Church had arrived, or so it appeared.  Thus arose ‘Christendom’ – an alliance between church and empire.”³  After this transition, the church began to define the faith in a more compartmentalized manner.  If the empire is understood to be “Christian” and many of its members, for the most part, live in an un-Christlike manner, then discipleship (living under Jesus’ lordship) is emphasized less and less in teaching what it means to be “saved”.  And when one falls prey to the myth of a Christian “religion,” acknowledging proper teachings/doctrines takes precedence over entering a new way of life (now lived in allegiance to Jesus).  Thus, we divorce what we “believe” from how we live.  And as Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.”

As Jeremy, Mike, Dee and Jason have also alluded, salvation entails more than simply claiming to be a “Christian” by title, church membership, and/or experience (e.g. saying the “sinner’s prayer” however many years past).  Not to belittle the relevance of admitting to others (verbally) that we are “Christians,” being part of a local assembly, or surrendering one’s life to Christ in prayer – at the heart of “salvation” in the New Testament is “to participate in the kingdom of God, that long-awaited rule of God, in which the rebellion, with its corollaries of lust and violence and greed and self-seeking, is undone.”4  And, in order to participate in God’s Kingdom, there has to be a change brought about in a person’s life.  He or she must “repent” of the old world order and, by faith, pledge his or her life to Christ.

Such a faith-commitment means that one no longer lives in accordance with the rebellious worldly system (cf. Rom 12.2).  By the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, we surrender each area of our lives to Jesus’ lordship.  Meaning, all of life is sacred or lived out “as unto the Lord.”  As followers of Christ, it is important to realize that our relationship with God is inextricably connected with our relationship with others (even our enemies!).  That at the heart of being witnesses of Jesus is living and loving as Jesus did.  We enter into a Christlike, Spirit-empowered life of love for God and others.  And, of course, we don’t do this by our own strength or smarts.  It is through the empowering grace of God that we enter into this new order; a way of life inaugurated by our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Shannon

¹ Lee C. Camp, Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008), pp. 25-27.

² See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_I

³ Camp, Mere Discipleship, p. 26.

4 Ibid., p. 81.

I’ve been doing some soul-searchin’ of late, particularly concerning the lordship of Jesus.  I’m sure you’ve heard ministers admonish men, women, boys and girls “just to receive Jesus into your heart” or “all you have to do is believe in Jesus.”  My question is whether our neatly encapsulated message is the proper way to go about inviting others to faith in Christ.  Does Christ need acceptance?  Or does our acceptance of Christ equate to a blase confession of being “Christian” which entails little to no change regarding day to day living?

As many of you know, I’m still working on People of Bread by Vondey, but since our pastoral transtition at ACoG, I’ve zeroed in on The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch and, now, Mere Discipleship by Lee C. Camp.  Quite honestly, Hirsch’s work is one of the most challenging reads I’ve encountered in a while.  Not regarding its style and readability.  Challenging – as in driving me to question (in a good way) the motivations and fruitfulness (healthiness) of the way/s we go about “doing” church.

One of the questions that has come to mind over the last few weeks is whether there is scriptural warrant to the understanding of a sacred/secular divide.  Are there certain parts of life (e.g. “church” on Sunday or Wednesday) which are particularly “holy” or “sacred,” while other parts are “secular,” outside the influence or scope of one’s spirituality?  If there is a sacred/secular divide, where do we find Scriptural warrant for such?  If there is not, then why do we oftentimes succumb to this notion in our assemblies?

With Jesus being Lord & Savior of my life, what impact does this have upon how I live?  Is it simply a matter of his saving my “soul,” whilst understanding that my thoughts and actions can never be tamed?  Or is there something more to my professed surrender to the lordship of Jesus whereby every aspect of life is impacted and thus transformed (or being transformed) unto Christlikeness?

What are your thoughts?  Does such a divide exist as evident in our understanding of church here in the West?  Is this helpful or harmful?  What can we do in response?

Thinking out loud,

Shannon

Our church is undergoing a pastoral change this month.  Our current pastor is retiring (after almost 9 years at this particular church).  So this past week, we interviewed three candidates for the position of lead pastor.  One thing is for sure; this process has definitely been a learning one for Dee and myself.  This is the first pastoral transition of which we have been part.

Interestingly, many of the questions and comments shared by our brothers and sisters in Christ concerning the candidates revealed the differing views of what a pastor’s primary role is within a local assembly.  Some were concerned that a pastor have his hands in every aspect of the ministry.  Others asked that the pastor be a “preaching preacher.”  The question was also raised concerning which bible translation the pastor would use.  Some desired that the pastor serve as a facilitator of empowering others, rather than attempting to do most of the work of the ministry alone.  And there were many other comments and questions, some pertaining to family, music preference, motivation for transition, etc.

For those who dare share their thoughts on this important topic, I invite your comments on what you believe is the primary role of the pastor.  Should a pastor be the primary caretaker, visitor, preacher, teacher, administrator, financial decision-maker, etc.?  If so, why?  If not, please explain a bit and maybe share your thoughts and/or expectations regarding the pastorate.  Feel free to reference scriptures, past experiences, etc. in your response.  We’re trying to get at the heart of the biblical picture of a pastor regarding local church ministry.

Blessings,

Shannon

Shannon and I have been out of town for about a week and a half. I had a math conference in Gainesville, Florida for a few days. On our way back to Ga, we visited some friends in Valdosta (Jason, Candy and Joshua). Then, we went to visit our families in Vidalia, GA while Shannon was preparing to preach in a series of meetings at Cornerstone Church. Everything went well, and I thank God for his mercies during both the conference and the church services.

It is amazing to see God work in the lives of people and change them into new creations. That is what happened this week in the services. Shannon spoke three messages from Romans 12 (Holy Rebellion, Rebel with a Cause, The Heart of the Matter) and once from Acts chapters 1 and 8 (Turning the Church Inside Out). They were timely messages about rebelling against the worldly system and living a transformed life in the midst of a secular world (as one follows the Holy Spirit). He spoke about the need for community – that one cannot be “saved” without developing relationships within the community. He cried out for the church to reach beyond our own comfort and into the community which surrounds us that is dying without our intervention. We must reach out even to those people around whom we may be uncomfortable, as they need to see the story of Christ exemplified in our lives.

While we were grateful for this time, we are both happy to be back home in Birmingham. We missed all of our Alabaster Church of God family and our friends in the Birmingham area while we were gone. We missed our fellowship at The Bridge meetings and going to Habaneros after church on Sunday. To all our family at Alabaster: We missed you; we love you; and it was so good to see you last night. (To those who couldn’t make it last night, we look forward to seeing you soon.)

Just one last thought: Where would we be (as Christians) without a family of faith? How has your church family impacted your life? Please take a moment to thank those people who have helped you along your journey to living in Christ.

Peace,

Dee