In class on Monday afternoon, we talked about the importance of creating intimacy as a key role for the pastor. The fact that most people hear intimacy and usually think only - or mainly - about sexual activity reveals an underlying struggle in the battle to foster intimacy with those to whom we minister.
We live in a world where intimacy has been redefined to the point where many people struggle to understand what intimacy is really supposed to look like. Over the last 100 years, our society has changed significantly, both for the better and the worse. While I acknowledge many benefits from our "advancements" over the last century, I want to focus in this post on some of the things that have been lost.
The advancements in technology have significantly changed the way we communicate. A little over 100 years ago, you basically had two ways to communicate. You could talk face to face with someone or send them a letter. Today, we can call, Skype, text, email, and use a variety of other methods of communication. With social media websites like Facebook, we are able to maintain "friendships" with thousands of people. While there are benefits to these changes, there is a significant downside that we often fail to recognize, or at least acknowledge. One of the casualties resulting from this myriad of communication options is the lack of depth in most relationships. While many people have a lot more "friends" thanks to Facebook, few - if any - of those relationships develop to the point of real intimacy. I may know what musicians hundreds of people like. I may get to see their pictures from a sporting event or read a catchy quote from the book they are reading. But do I really know them?
Study after study shows that while this generation of young people is the most connected in history, this same generation experiences levels of loneliness, depression, and abandonment that have never been seen before. We know more (people), but we know less. Our relationships have become much more shallow. When friends communicate mostly though texting and messages, they lose the ability to see one another's expressions, read body language, and build the level of intimacy that only comes through spending time in one another's presence.
Is it any wonder that more and more people feel disconnected from God and have a hard time developing a deeper relationship with God? The Bible is not a catalogue of text messages. The Holy Spirit seeks more than an occasional status update on how your life is going. The Father does not just want to get an occasional call from his children. God desires deep, significant intimacy. And in a world where we seem to be moving 100 miles an hour and multi-tasking, developing that kind of intimate relationship is extremely challenging, if not impossible.
In addition, the saturation of marketing as a part of our society has created an environment where almost everything is measured on a surface level. Magazines spend hours perfecting their cover photo. People pay thousands of dollars to have surgery so they can look a few years younger. The label on clothing seems to be more important that the person inside the clothes. We are told over and over again that our value is determined by what car we drive, what pants we wear, what we drink, and a variety of other products that will make us the best person possible.
We have to be careful. This is the same attitude that led to things such as Hitler's campaigns of euthanasia and genocide. I am not saying that we are all headed for mass murder, but when we determine someone's worth based on their appearance, we are focusing on the wrong thing. The reality is that things haven't changed much, even after thousands of years. God told the prophet Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) While this has always been a struggle for people, our societies overwhelming focus on the surface has made it even harder to listen to and live according to the words spoken to Samuel.
The third leg of this stool is the immense sexualization of nearly everything. It's nearly impossible to watch TV, listen to music, or even walk down the hallways of a school and not be overwhelmed by the ways in which sexuality is shaping our society. A recent study determined that "92% of the 174 songs that made it into the Top Ten in 2009 contained one or more reproductive messages, with an average of 10.49 reproductive phrases per song." Sexuality is everywhere and almost nothing is off-limits anymore. I am not trying to be a prude, but this kind of exposure can be destructive emotional, socially, and spirituality.
Our society is teaching us to pursue immediate gratification. This onslaught of messages for cheap and easy intimacy is welcome news to a generation starving for attention, affection, and acceptance. Like a child raised on Cheetos and candy bars, this steady diet of a message that teaches short-term, immediate satisfaction develops a habit of "consuming" whatever brings happiness at the moment, regardless of the long-term "nutritional value." The very "solution" to loneliness that our society parades before us is actually making things worse.
So into the midst of this mess steps the pastor. She brings a message that is contrary to the one the world is screaming out. As voice after voice cries out in anguish, grasping whatever quick fix is available, the pastor seeks to share a message that brings true salvation, but also requires real intimacy.
People ask me all of the time why so many young people are leaving the church. I could probably list off dozens of reasons, but the scenario listed above would probably be at the top of the list. When we swim in water that is polluted with shallow relationships, surface assessments, and a sexualized view of most everything, we are sure to get sick.
So what does the pastor do?
Does he ignore everything around him and cluster his people in a bunker? No. We are called to be salt and light to the world. We cannot hide our light under a bushel.
Does she embrace the world and simply deliver the message of God by dressing it up in the clothing the society offers? No. What good is a salt that has lost it's saltiness?
The pastor must start by examining his own heart and mind. While he cannot dictate how everyone else should live, the pastor can dictate how he lives. He must set expectations and standards for himself that allow him to maintain his saltiness and shine his light. This will not look identical for every pastor, but the principles cannot be ignored.
Then the pastor must live her life in a way that reflects the light of Christ. She will not be perfect, but she must pursue perfection. Without judging others, she must present her life as a living sacrifice that embodies the character of God. When she does this, the light will expose the darkness in her midst, both in the lives of others and (here is the scariest part) herself.
This is not an easy journey or calling. Being a pastor is an immense blessing, but it also carries significant challenges. As I wrestle with all of the questions raised by the challenges above, I don't have all of the answers. But I will, in the words of Paul, "press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)
shine!
Jason
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Good words
I am still struggling with the reality of Jeremy King's death. This week I have still expected him to stick his head in my doorway, smile, and ask what he can do to help. That was who Jeremy was. He was a man who embodied humility and servanthood.
As I reflect on Jeremy's life and on my own, I am challenged by his example. I have had a number of people comment on the words I shared, along with Patrick and Adam, about Jeremy at his funeral. To every person who made a similar comment, I have responded by saying that Jeremy made it easy.
I have attended and participated in funerals where it might be a challenge to uncover a lot of good words about the person who was being remembered. In Jeremy's case, the opposite was true. There was not nearly enough time to share all of the good memories I have about Jeremy. While I would not consider him a close friend, we had grown much closer over the last year as we served alongside each other on staff here at Rochester Church.
Whether he was standing on stage, practicing with the praise team, or sitting in my office talking about ministry and life, Jeremy was always the same person. He didn't have any pretenses or pride. He was not arrogant or self-serving. He was a good husband and father. He was a trustworthy friend. He was a man of God.
The word eulogy is a Greek word meaning "good words." There have been endless good words shared about Jeremy over the last week because he was a good man. He was a witness to what it means to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Reflecting on his life over the last week has challenged me to be a better husband, a better father, and a better friend. I pray that when my time on this earth comes to an end that I will have lived in such a way that people speak good words about me.
Jeremy, I miss you.
shine!
Jason
There are two funds that have been set up for Veronica and her children as they deal with the loss of Jeremy. If you would like to contribute, here is the information...
You can send funds to the Rochester Church of Christ. Checks should be made payable to "Rochester Church of Christ" and earmarked "Member Care Fund." It would also be helpful to enclose a note mentioning Jeremy. Those checks can be mailed to:
Rochester Church of Christ
250 West Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
You can also donate to DeeperStill Ministries. Go to any Chase Bank, and make a deposit into account No. 879368868.
As I reflect on Jeremy's life and on my own, I am challenged by his example. I have had a number of people comment on the words I shared, along with Patrick and Adam, about Jeremy at his funeral. To every person who made a similar comment, I have responded by saying that Jeremy made it easy.
I have attended and participated in funerals where it might be a challenge to uncover a lot of good words about the person who was being remembered. In Jeremy's case, the opposite was true. There was not nearly enough time to share all of the good memories I have about Jeremy. While I would not consider him a close friend, we had grown much closer over the last year as we served alongside each other on staff here at Rochester Church.
Whether he was standing on stage, practicing with the praise team, or sitting in my office talking about ministry and life, Jeremy was always the same person. He didn't have any pretenses or pride. He was not arrogant or self-serving. He was a good husband and father. He was a trustworthy friend. He was a man of God.
The word eulogy is a Greek word meaning "good words." There have been endless good words shared about Jeremy over the last week because he was a good man. He was a witness to what it means to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Reflecting on his life over the last week has challenged me to be a better husband, a better father, and a better friend. I pray that when my time on this earth comes to an end that I will have lived in such a way that people speak good words about me.
Jeremy, I miss you.
shine!
Jason
There are two funds that have been set up for Veronica and her children as they deal with the loss of Jeremy. If you would like to contribute, here is the information...
You can send funds to the Rochester Church of Christ. Checks should be made payable to "Rochester Church of Christ" and earmarked "Member Care Fund." It would also be helpful to enclose a note mentioning Jeremy. Those checks can be mailed to:
Rochester Church of Christ
250 West Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
You can also donate to DeeperStill Ministries. Go to any Chase Bank, and make a deposit into account No. 879368868.
Monday, September 13, 2010
A new season of ministry
To my family at Rochester Church:
Yesterday, I announced I am expanding my responsibilities here at Rochester Church. I wanted to take a few minutes to address what that means for our church and the Ministry for Families with Youth.
I am excited for the future of Rochester Church. We are entering a new season filled with hope and opportunity and, as we partner with God in the future, I believe we will echo the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)
As we begin this new season of ministry, I want to begin by saying that I will continue to be involved with my ministry to Rochester’s families with youth. My new role is an expansion of what I have been doing for the last five years. My goal is to help create throughout all four LifeStages the environment we have developed over the last five years in Families with Youth. I will continue to work with our students and families as my responsibilities expand.
As I mentioned in a meeting with parents and students on September 1, my desire is to continue a significant level of personal interaction with students in the future. That will require us to raise up and equip more volunteers to help with some of the logistical functions I have personally taken care of in the past. These volunteers will allow me to continue to interact with students and families as well as address my new responsibilities. In addition, we will be considering additional staff that I would work with and mentor as a ministry partner. As we evaluate the best way to effectively minister to our families with youth, we plan to include our students and families in any significant decisions regarding staff.
In my new role, I will also be supporting and coordinating pastoral efforts for all LifeStages. Working with Elders, Pastoral Care Ministers, Staff, and others, my goal is to increase our pastoral care for the family here at Rochester Church. In addition to ministering to those in difficult situations and seasons, we are going to be more intentional about creating ways to increase ongoing pastoral connections with the families here.
There are two other aspects of my new role that we believe will aid people in getting connected and staying connected. I will be coordinating and supporting our new member integration efforts. As we seek to help people connect, grow, and serve here at Rochester Church, we are hoping to build on the things we are doing to facilitate even more opportunities for new members to become an active part of this church body.
The other piece is to help people stay connected. One of the most important venues for creating an environment where people can establish deeper roots at Rochester Church is through small groups. While small groups have been an important part of the lives of some of our members, we are convinced that we can, and must, place a more intentional focus on small groups. Small groups is one of the most important places at Rochester Church where we can connect, grow, and serve.
I am excited about the future here at Rochester Church. I believe that God is going to move powerfully around us, in us, and through us in the months and years ahead. As I have told some of you before, I believe that God does some of His best work in seasons of change. As we move into a new season of ministry here at Rochester Church, I am blessed to be a part of an incredible team and a wonderful church family. I will enjoy continuing to work with our students and their families while expanding into new areas of serving. I look forward to many more years of working in the Kingdom with you.
shine!
Jason
Yesterday, I announced I am expanding my responsibilities here at Rochester Church. I wanted to take a few minutes to address what that means for our church and the Ministry for Families with Youth.
I am excited for the future of Rochester Church. We are entering a new season filled with hope and opportunity and, as we partner with God in the future, I believe we will echo the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)
As we begin this new season of ministry, I want to begin by saying that I will continue to be involved with my ministry to Rochester’s families with youth. My new role is an expansion of what I have been doing for the last five years. My goal is to help create throughout all four LifeStages the environment we have developed over the last five years in Families with Youth. I will continue to work with our students and families as my responsibilities expand.
As I mentioned in a meeting with parents and students on September 1, my desire is to continue a significant level of personal interaction with students in the future. That will require us to raise up and equip more volunteers to help with some of the logistical functions I have personally taken care of in the past. These volunteers will allow me to continue to interact with students and families as well as address my new responsibilities. In addition, we will be considering additional staff that I would work with and mentor as a ministry partner. As we evaluate the best way to effectively minister to our families with youth, we plan to include our students and families in any significant decisions regarding staff.
In my new role, I will also be supporting and coordinating pastoral efforts for all LifeStages. Working with Elders, Pastoral Care Ministers, Staff, and others, my goal is to increase our pastoral care for the family here at Rochester Church. In addition to ministering to those in difficult situations and seasons, we are going to be more intentional about creating ways to increase ongoing pastoral connections with the families here.
There are two other aspects of my new role that we believe will aid people in getting connected and staying connected. I will be coordinating and supporting our new member integration efforts. As we seek to help people connect, grow, and serve here at Rochester Church, we are hoping to build on the things we are doing to facilitate even more opportunities for new members to become an active part of this church body.
The other piece is to help people stay connected. One of the most important venues for creating an environment where people can establish deeper roots at Rochester Church is through small groups. While small groups have been an important part of the lives of some of our members, we are convinced that we can, and must, place a more intentional focus on small groups. Small groups is one of the most important places at Rochester Church where we can connect, grow, and serve.
I am excited about the future here at Rochester Church. I believe that God is going to move powerfully around us, in us, and through us in the months and years ahead. As I have told some of you before, I believe that God does some of His best work in seasons of change. As we move into a new season of ministry here at Rochester Church, I am blessed to be a part of an incredible team and a wonderful church family. I will enjoy continuing to work with our students and their families while expanding into new areas of serving. I look forward to many more years of working in the Kingdom with you.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Surprise!
It’s hard to believe that in less than a week I will turn 40!
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who was a part of my surprise party last weekend! It was truly a blessing to spend the evening with so many of you. Thank you for the gifts, cards, food, and most importantly, your presence.
The last four and half years have been some of the best years of my life, and much of that joy is because of everyone at Rochester Church! We have laughed together and cried together. We have celebrated and mourned together. We have rejoiced in new life and suffered through death and loss.
As I look back on the last four decades of my life, it is amazing to see all of the ways that God has been leading me and all of the relationships God has made it possible for me to enjoy.
As I think about so many of you who have become an important part of my life, let me share with you the words of the apostle Paul. I believe that they reflect my thoughts about so many of you (except for the imprisonment part…haha):
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:3-11)
Thanks again to all of you for your various signs of appreciation. I was touched by your thoughtfulness and willingness to sacrifice an evening on my behalf. Your love never ceases to amaze me! Michelle, Matthew, and I consider it a blessing from God to call all of you friends and family.
shine!
Jason
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who was a part of my surprise party last weekend! It was truly a blessing to spend the evening with so many of you. Thank you for the gifts, cards, food, and most importantly, your presence.
The last four and half years have been some of the best years of my life, and much of that joy is because of everyone at Rochester Church! We have laughed together and cried together. We have celebrated and mourned together. We have rejoiced in new life and suffered through death and loss.
As I look back on the last four decades of my life, it is amazing to see all of the ways that God has been leading me and all of the relationships God has made it possible for me to enjoy.
As I think about so many of you who have become an important part of my life, let me share with you the words of the apostle Paul. I believe that they reflect my thoughts about so many of you (except for the imprisonment part…haha):
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (Philippians 1:3-11)
Thanks again to all of you for your various signs of appreciation. I was touched by your thoughtfulness and willingness to sacrifice an evening on my behalf. Your love never ceases to amaze me! Michelle, Matthew, and I consider it a blessing from God to call all of you friends and family.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cards for Cass Park
We want to do something special for our friends in Cass Park this Christmas season by sending as many Christmas cards as possible down to Cass Park.
On (or before) that Sunday, December 20, there are several ways you can help:
1) Donate Christmas cards.
Whether they are last year's unused cards or cards you purchase and donate, we hope to gather as many blank Christmas cards as possible by Wednesday, December 16. To donate cards, please drop them off at the Cards for Cass Park table in the main lobby beginning Wednesday, December 9.
2) Students to Volunteer for Set Up.
We need 3-4 students to come early (8:25am) December 20 to help set up. Contact me to volunteer.
3) Breakfast Donations.
On Sunday, December 20, we need 6-8 families to offer to bring 2-3 dozen donuts or breakfast baked goods. Contact Trudy Kesler to sign up to bring these food items.
4) Assist at Card Signing Tables.
We need at least 4-6 students to "man the card tables" between services on December 20.
5) "Attend the Christmas Card Party".
Sunday, December 20, between services, there will be a Christmas card "party" where you can sign cards in the main lobby. There are no classes between services on that Sunday, so there will be coffee (and donated donuts/breakfast foods) that will be available as well as several tables set up around the lobby with blank cards to sign. Please grab a cup of coffee, a donut, and sign some Christmas cards.
6) Students to Volunteer for Clean-Up.
We need 4-6 students to assist with clean up and putting away tables.
After second worship on Sunday, December 20, our Cass Park team will take these cards and distribute them to our friends at Cass Park. What a great opportunity to bless our friends during this holiday season.
shine!
Jason
On (or before) that Sunday, December 20, there are several ways you can help:
1) Donate Christmas cards.
Whether they are last year's unused cards or cards you purchase and donate, we hope to gather as many blank Christmas cards as possible by Wednesday, December 16. To donate cards, please drop them off at the Cards for Cass Park table in the main lobby beginning Wednesday, December 9.
2) Students to Volunteer for Set Up.
We need 3-4 students to come early (8:25am) December 20 to help set up. Contact me to volunteer.
3) Breakfast Donations.
On Sunday, December 20, we need 6-8 families to offer to bring 2-3 dozen donuts or breakfast baked goods. Contact Trudy Kesler to sign up to bring these food items.
4) Assist at Card Signing Tables.
We need at least 4-6 students to "man the card tables" between services on December 20.
5) "Attend the Christmas Card Party".
Sunday, December 20, between services, there will be a Christmas card "party" where you can sign cards in the main lobby. There are no classes between services on that Sunday, so there will be coffee (and donated donuts/breakfast foods) that will be available as well as several tables set up around the lobby with blank cards to sign. Please grab a cup of coffee, a donut, and sign some Christmas cards.
6) Students to Volunteer for Clean-Up.
We need 4-6 students to assist with clean up and putting away tables.
After second worship on Sunday, December 20, our Cass Park team will take these cards and distribute them to our friends at Cass Park. What a great opportunity to bless our friends during this holiday season.
shine!
Jason
Friday, October 09, 2009
Remembering Bill
This week a number of my friends are gathering in eastern Ohio to celebrate the life and mourn the death of a servant of God. Bill Covan, who was 66, passed away Tuesday morning, September 29, 2009, from complications following open heart surgery.
Bill served as the minister for the Struthers Church of Christ. I knew him as one of the co-directors for Senior Week at Northeast Ohio Christian Youth Camp.
There are a few things I will always remember about Bill...
His smile. As soon as Bill saw you, his face greeted you before you said a word. His smile would speak volumes and you could feel his warm, sincere love from a distance. I'll miss that smile.
His sense of humor. Bill was a jokester. He was always good at making you laugh or getting into mischief.
His love for teenagers. There was never a doubt in my mind that he loved every teenager at camp. You could see in his eyes that there was a deep compassion. Some of what I learned about loving teenagers, I learned from Bill Covan.
His love for God. Bill was a man after God's own heart. His smile, his sense of humor, and his love for teenagers were all products of his love for God. Bill was a conduit for God. He not only preached God's love; he lived it.
Bill and I didn't agree on everything, but we agreed on the things that matter most: love God and love others. This philosophy defines Bill Covan. Once you met him, you knew this was a man who was serious about following Jesus.
The last time I saw Bill was this summer. He was doing what he loved doing, telling teenagers about God. I was visiting NOCYC and Bill was speaking that evening. You could see the pure joy as his smile, his humor, his love for teenagers, and his love for God were all there.
Bill has touched countless number of lives, and I am blessed to be one of them. He will be missed, but his mark will carry on into eternity.
shine!
Jason
Bill served as the minister for the Struthers Church of Christ. I knew him as one of the co-directors for Senior Week at Northeast Ohio Christian Youth Camp.
There are a few things I will always remember about Bill...
His smile. As soon as Bill saw you, his face greeted you before you said a word. His smile would speak volumes and you could feel his warm, sincere love from a distance. I'll miss that smile.
His sense of humor. Bill was a jokester. He was always good at making you laugh or getting into mischief.
His love for teenagers. There was never a doubt in my mind that he loved every teenager at camp. You could see in his eyes that there was a deep compassion. Some of what I learned about loving teenagers, I learned from Bill Covan.
His love for God. Bill was a man after God's own heart. His smile, his sense of humor, and his love for teenagers were all products of his love for God. Bill was a conduit for God. He not only preached God's love; he lived it.
Bill and I didn't agree on everything, but we agreed on the things that matter most: love God and love others. This philosophy defines Bill Covan. Once you met him, you knew this was a man who was serious about following Jesus.
The last time I saw Bill was this summer. He was doing what he loved doing, telling teenagers about God. I was visiting NOCYC and Bill was speaking that evening. You could see the pure joy as his smile, his humor, his love for teenagers, and his love for God were all there.
Bill has touched countless number of lives, and I am blessed to be one of them. He will be missed, but his mark will carry on into eternity.
shine!
Jason
Monday, June 15, 2009
Reaching out across the street
I am so excited about yesterday! Sunday morning our students and parents partnered to reach out to our community. Instead of sitting in a classroom talking about our faith (which is not a bad thing), we were able to get out of our comfort zone and live out our faith.
Across the street from our church building is an apartment complex with 526 units. For some time, God has placed a burden on my heart (and on the hearts of other members of our staff) to reach out to this community with the love of Jesus. There are literally a few thousand people within shouting distance of our building who may never have experienced the love of God. I am sure there are hundreds who are hurting in a variety of ways.
We did not go to set up Bible studies, preach to them about salvation, or take a survey. We simply went to extend a hand of friendship. On Sunday, July 5, we will be having our Jubilee Sunday. On this special Sunday, there will be one combined service at 10:00am, followed by a BBQ and activities for all ages. It will be a great day!
Our purpose in going across the street is simply to invite the members of that community to get to know us better. My prayer is that through knowing us, they will come to know Jesus.
Above anything else, God is a God of relationship and community. In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
God created us in His image. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in community with one another, we are created and called to live in community. We are designed to know and be known. We find our value in living out our purpose.
Yesterday, just as God reached out to us through Jesus of Nazareth, we reached out. We reached out to those who may very well need a smile, a hug, or just a place to belong. We want to be His hands and feet to bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to the restless. There is no greater purpose than that.
shine!
Jason
Across the street from our church building is an apartment complex with 526 units. For some time, God has placed a burden on my heart (and on the hearts of other members of our staff) to reach out to this community with the love of Jesus. There are literally a few thousand people within shouting distance of our building who may never have experienced the love of God. I am sure there are hundreds who are hurting in a variety of ways.
We did not go to set up Bible studies, preach to them about salvation, or take a survey. We simply went to extend a hand of friendship. On Sunday, July 5, we will be having our Jubilee Sunday. On this special Sunday, there will be one combined service at 10:00am, followed by a BBQ and activities for all ages. It will be a great day!
Our purpose in going across the street is simply to invite the members of that community to get to know us better. My prayer is that through knowing us, they will come to know Jesus.
Above anything else, God is a God of relationship and community. In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
God created us in His image. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in community with one another, we are created and called to live in community. We are designed to know and be known. We find our value in living out our purpose.
Yesterday, just as God reached out to us through Jesus of Nazareth, we reached out. We reached out to those who may very well need a smile, a hug, or just a place to belong. We want to be His hands and feet to bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to the restless. There is no greater purpose than that.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Amy is here!
Yesterday afternoon, my intern for the summer arrived here. Amy McLaughlin, a student at Lipscomb University, will be working with me this summer in our ministry.
After she arrived, she jumped in the car with our family, we drove around the area a bit, gave her a quick tour of the church building, grabbed a bite to eat, and went shopping for groceries. I thought I would let her rest on her first day here. ;-)
Well, after that all that craziness, we picked up a few students and headed over to Friday Night Live at the home of one of our ministry's families. I was impressed as I watched Amy interact with all of the students. She obviously has a passion for people and a heart for ministry. After last night, I am even more convinced that she will do a great job this summer.
Tomorrow we are hosting the third annual Backyard BBQ at our house for ARISE families. We are expecting over 100 people here for food, fun, and fellowship. (I know, it's a cheesy alliteration.) Anyway, the weather forecast looks great and I am looking forward to an afternoon with over 100 of my good friends from the Rochester Church.
shine!
Jason
After she arrived, she jumped in the car with our family, we drove around the area a bit, gave her a quick tour of the church building, grabbed a bite to eat, and went shopping for groceries. I thought I would let her rest on her first day here. ;-)
Well, after that all that craziness, we picked up a few students and headed over to Friday Night Live at the home of one of our ministry's families. I was impressed as I watched Amy interact with all of the students. She obviously has a passion for people and a heart for ministry. After last night, I am even more convinced that she will do a great job this summer.
Tomorrow we are hosting the third annual Backyard BBQ at our house for ARISE families. We are expecting over 100 people here for food, fun, and fellowship. (I know, it's a cheesy alliteration.) Anyway, the weather forecast looks great and I am looking forward to an afternoon with over 100 of my good friends from the Rochester Church.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Michael Frost on Missional Church
I really appreciate what Frost has to say in this video. It is both insightful and challenging. My prayer is that we can be more intentional about engaging our community and seeking ways to be Jesus in the soil we've been planted in.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Focus: HOPE
This week I had an exciting meeting down in Detroit. I met with several people who work with Focus: HOPE. This is an organization that aims to celebrate diversity and help build up their community.Here is Focus: HOPE’s Mission Statement:
"Recognizing the
dignity and beauty of every person, we pledge intelligent and practical
action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice. And to build a
metropolitan community where all people may live in freedom, harmony,
trust and affection. Black and white, yellow, brown and red from
Detroit and its suburbs of every economic status, national origin and
religious persuasion we join in this covenant." (Adopted March 8, 1968)
Starting on November 9, our ministry will partner with Focus: HOPE
one Sunday a month to interact with some of the children in the
community. In some ways, this will look much like a smaller version of
our Mission: Cincinnati summer mission trip. We plan to engage in
activities with the children as well as help with things like reading.
I am looking forward to our time in Detroit with the children.
Please be praying for our group, the children, and the community where
we will be taking the love of Jesus.
Jason
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Spiritual warfare in full swing
I have never in my entire decade of ministry, witnessed so much spiritual warfare going on around me. Suffice it to say that Satan is hard at work. The areas of warfare include possible divorce, significant conflict between family members, various addictions (alcohol, drugs, pornography, and more), various forms of abuse (physical, verbal, and sexual), depression, cutting, and a variety of other stressful situations.
Over the years, I have wondered about how active Satan is in the world. After my experiences over the last several weeks, I am more and more faced with the stark reality of Paul's words to the churches around Ephesus:
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we
are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil
rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in
this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to
resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will
still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and
be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Our battle is not with people. It's not with the culture. Sure, they can and are used by the forces of evil to bring pain into the world. However, our battle is against evil
rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in
this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
We can no longer take Satan lightly. He is not a guy in a red suit with horns. He is not someone we can simply tell to "sit on a tack." He is real. He is powerful. He is evil.
I know that for whatever reason, he has his target set on us. Maybe he is aware of the healing that is taking place in some people's lives. Maybe he realizes that we are reclaiming some of his territory. Whatever it is, we have sure garnered his attention.
This is not a battle to be taken lightly. Lives are at stake. Souls are up for grabs. It seems like every day there are people around me crying out for help. They know they are in the middle of a war zone, but they aren't always sure where to turn.
Here is my simple request. PRAY! Unleash the powers of heaven in this situation. Bathe our church, our families, and our community in prayer. In the words of Paul again, "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion."
I know I am not in this alone, but I also realize that I am on the front lines. I am so thankful every day for the people in the trenches with me. My wife. The staff here at Rochester. The shepherds who lead our flock. The volunteers who serve in our ministry.
We may grow weary. We may feel overwhelmed. But I also know that the battle belongs to the Lord. This battle is not mine to win. But, God calls me to fight. God is the one who will bring the victory. We are the servants who He is calling into service. Let's be faithful so that He can work through us.
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
I don't want to step down into the pulpit
Every once in a while I am asked a certain question. Here are a few versions of it...
When do you think you will look for your own church?
How long until you will be a pulpit minister somewhere?
When will you move up into the pulpit?
My answer, depending on who I am talking to, goes something like this...
I really don't feel called to move into that role. In all honestly, I would consider pulpit ministry a step down. This is no offense to pulpit ministers. I work alongside one of the best preachers I have ever known. But for me personally, any other ministry would require me to step out of my calling.
I believe that the ministry I am engaged in is the most important one there is. (Ok, maybe Dana's ministry to families with children is a really, really close second.) ;-) But, I believe that God has positioned me to have an impact at a crucial time in the lives of these teenagers. In a world where brokenness surrounds us and pain has become commonplace for many students, God has uniquely allowed me to help families who are hurting.
Parents are hurting. Teens are hurting. Families are often struggling, and often hiding it too.
I don't have all the answers, but I am blessed by the fact that God uses this imperfect pilgrim to speak into the lives of families with youth. I am blessed that God has equipped me for this ministry. I am blessed that God makes it possible for me to do this as a full-time profession. I get paid to do what I love to do. How many people can say that?
Sure, there are plenty of people around me who live in bigger houses, drive nicer cars, and have more than I do, but I can do without all of that as long as I have a relationship with God, my wonderful partner, Michelle, my incredible son, Matthew, and the knowledge that what I am doing makes a difference in the Kingdom of God. You can never put that in a 401(k), but a 401(k) doesn't give you peace and purpose anyway.
And that is why I do what I do...
shine!
Jason
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Vinaigrette
But I also know that if it sits very long the vinegar and oil separate. One settles towards the bottom of the bottle and the other floats to the top. They are two different substances that don't stay together very long if not in motion.
While I like vinaigrette for salad dressing, it can be a challenge in ministering to students when you have a vinaigrette youth group. What do I mean?
There are seasons in the life of a youth group when you have an influx of what some might call "unchurched" students. These are teenagers who have little or no church background. They may have never attended a worship service and are new to the whole "God thing."
Recently, we have experienced this exact situation. I have really enjoyed getting to know some of these students, but it has also been a challenge. It has been a challenge for them, for our existing students, and for some of our adults.
As an aside, I realize some of the people I am talking about might be reading this, so know that I am not trying to talk about you, per se. I am considering the challenges inherent anytime this dynamic occurs.
For the students who are new, there is the challenge of trying to understand this whole Christianity deal. What does it mean? What does it look like? They might ask tough questions like, "What about the teens in this youth group who go to my school, but pretty much act like everyone else?" Or, "Is this God for real?"
Some of them, if we are going to be quite honest, might be coming mostly for the social dynamic, to play some pool, and maybe to check out the members of the opposite sex. But I also believe that all of them - on some level - are looking for acceptance and a place to belong.
This brings us to the students who have been in the youth group. There is this funny thing about a youth group. It tends to be a close group of friends, but it is also a group who has difficulty assimilating new members. This is a phenomenon I have observed at every church I served with. The youth group is a friendly group. It is a loving group. But every group is - to some extent - a closed group.
If you can get in the group and become a part, you will become part of the family. But, if you are shy, different, or otherwise unable to "get in," a youth group can be a place that feels very unaccepting or unloving. Keep in mind that for most students in a youth group, this is not an intentional or malicious attitude. I believe it is part of the experience of adolescence where teenagers are trying to find their identity. In an effort to be a part of a group, students tend to put much more energy into gaining acceptance than offering it.
The last group is often the most perplexing. There always seem to be adults in a church who fear the "community kids." Maybe it's because they don't dress like "church kids." Maybe it's because some of them might smell like cigarette smoke or even alcohol. Maybe it's because they look like those trouble-making teens they have seen on TV or in a movie. Whatever the reason, some adults - again I believe unintentionally and without malice - reject these students based on their appearance. Unfortunately, this can add to the sense of unacceptance that these teens feel because they are "vinegar" trying to mix with "oil."
So what do we do?
I don't think there is an easy answer. But I do believe there are things we can do. While I don't begin to believe this is an exhaustive list, here are some of the actions that I believe will aid in creating a "vinaigrette" youth group. (I will confess here, that I have not been as diligent as I would have liked in instituting some of these.):
First, we must educate and encourage existing students to reach out to those who are new. While it may be easy to talk about it, bringing the theory to life can be a challenge. Students like their youth group and don't usually want things to change. In addition, some of the newer students may be from clans at school that they don't relate well to or even oppose. However, this is a golden opportunity to experience the fact that the Kingdom of God trumps any "kingdom" of this world. Accepting those you don't normally accept - and even your "enemies" - is central to the gospel message of Kingdom living.
In addition - and probably before anything else - we as youth workers must model acceptance for our students. If we want to create a welcoming environment, we must take action ourselves. We should be the first ones to offer an open hand. We should make a concerted effort to talk to newcomers. The students who have been in our ministry for a long time must know they are valued, but they also must see our lives testify to the fact that all are welcome. This may even require us to "encourage" students to make the effort to welcome those who are new.
Another action that I believe is vital is to balance teaching that both stretches the student who has been part of a church their whole life and makes the Word of God accessible to the teenager who may not even know where the book of Matthew is in the Bible. This is no easy task. It requires hard work, prayer, and patience. While not every lesson will reach every level of learner, we must be careful and diligent to communicate on various levels.
One final part of the puzzle that I will mention here is serving. When students on various places in their faith journey serve together, walls come down and bridges are built. I have watched teenagers who had strong dislike for one another serve together on a mission trip and return home as good friends. However, this can be a difficult thing when you have community teenagers who are just checking things out. They are often not ready to commit to serving opportunities. I can say that in situations where new students have engaged in serving, it has helped them connect with some members of the group.
As I said earlier, these are not panaceas that will fix everything, but they are potential parts of a solution to an often challenging situation. Obviously, every church is different, every youth group is different, and every student is different. But as we seek to reach out to students who are hurting, lost, confused, and lonely, we must be willing to shake things up a bit so that "vinegar" and "oil" can come together to create a vinaigrette that brings more flavor to the world of our teens.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, February 28, 2008
It's not about me, but I need to be about it
Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,†and another says, “I follow Apollos,†aren’t you acting just like people of the world?
After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.
Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say,
“He traps the wise
in the snare of their own cleverness.â€
And again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise;
he knows they are worthless.â€
So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you—whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. (1 Corinthians 3:1-23, NLT)
For most of people in ministry - if we are honest - this can be a struggle. We enjoy recognition. We want to hear that we are doing a good job. But how do you balance humility and success?
On one level, Paul reminds us that our ministry is not about us. We are not important - in the sense of being central. We are God's servants. Ultimately our ministry is about drawing people to Jesus, not us. Paul wrote, "Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow."
How many times have you heard a minister say "my church" or "my youth group"? I know I have said that before. Those phrases aren't intrinsically bad, but if we don't guard our attitude, phrases like those can twist our view on who should be the focus of our ministry.
On the other hand, God calls us to give our ministry our best. Paul wrote, "But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done." God will consider the quality of our ministry. He does not expect perfection, but He does expect faithfulness.
I have known ministers who have these two things backwards. They want their ministry to be all about them while they put little effort into it. They are self-centered and lazy. And what a terrible witness for the Kingdom.
Most ministers I know are not like that, but it only takes a few to give other ministers a bad reputation. I pray that I would never be guilty of this.
Regardless of what we do - ministry, a profession, a sport, or any other endeavor - God calls us to be selfless and self-conscience at the same time. We must never fall into the trap that this world is about us while at the same time treating everything we do with the understanding that our efforts can bring glory or disgrace to the One we serve.
It's not about me, but whatever I do, I need to be about doing it...and doing it well.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Overflow
From Wednesday, January 2, through Saturday, January 5, I was blessed to be with some of the finest men and women in the world. Hundreds of people who have dedicated their lives to ministering to teenagers and their families gathered at the Atlanta Airport Hilton for this great conference.
Over the next couple of weeks I will likely write about some of the things that impacted me. But the one thought that continues to dwell in my mind is the idea of overflow.
Often ministers, especially youth ministers, get so wrapped up in their ministry that they forget to take time for themselves. I wonder how often I have been hard at work in ministry and neglected my own spiritual life.
My main goal for 2008 in ministry is not to create some new program or come up with a new approach to doing ministry. My primary ministry goal for this year is to focus on my own personal spiritual life so I can minister out of the overflow.
Too often I feel like I am experiencing spiritual drought while trying to provide living water to those around me. Have you ever tried to pump water from a fairly dry well? It takes a lot of work to get the water out.
This year I am going to aim for filling my well until it overflows. I want God to be so present in my life that His Spirit gushes out of me. I can't wait to see see what He has in store.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Philosophy of Family Ministry
Ministry is most effective when it is framed in the context of family. For the last several decades, many churches and para-church organizations seem to have created and built ministries which effectively treat each member of the family as a separate entity. Ministries such as Promise Keepers, as well as traditional youth ministries and children’s ministries, focus primarily on the needs of specific ages and genders.
While addressing the needs of dads, moms, teenagers, children, and other groups of people has its place in the family of God, we cannot minister to these specific groups while essentially ignoring the complexity of the family as a living, breathing entity. Especially in the local congregation, we must have an overarching approach to ministry that includes and involves the entire family. When we miss that piece of the puzzle, we will often work to fix the pieces without considering how they will all fit back together.
Youth ministry seems to be one of the worst offenders when it comes to dissecting families. For years, traditional youth ministry has aimed to minister to teenagers while mostly ignoring – and sometimes even combating – parents. Many youth ministers have looked at parents as the enemy. This is an unhealthy approach that can place the youth minister at odds with those who should be his greatest ally. This segmented approach to youth ministry often ignores the fact that the most powerful minister in any teenager’s life should be her parents.
Family ministry demands a different approach for all ages and stages of life. It calls us to find ways to equip and empower every member of the nuclear family and the larger church family, regardless of a particular person’s family situation. Whether working with a single young adult, a young couple, families with children, families with teens, or adults in the later stages of life, we must consider the needs of the individuals as well as their role and needs in the context of the faith community. This is central to the purpose and function of family ministry.
Family ministry must seek ways not only to help the individual members of a family; it must also strive to help various family members work together in the process of spiritual formation. In the words of Diana Garland, "family ministry is helping persons live as they ought to in family life, according to the purposes and promises of God."1
Essentially, family ministry is a place where people learn to live together according to God’s design for relationships. It must be proactive in an effort to prevent problems while also remaining prepared to react to situations that arise. Family ministry that only waits for disaster to strike or pretends everything is fine is destined to fail. One will always be running to catch up and the other will not be ready to deal with the realities of life in the 21st century.
1Diana Garland, Family Ministry (Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 1999), 367
shine!
Jason
Friday, December 14, 2007
A Biblical Framework for Family Ministry
Throughout history God has worked through the family to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others. It may not have always been through the “traditional†family that many American churches espouse today, but the family unit, in various forms, has been central to God’s redemptive work for generations.
Community, a key characteristic of any healthy family, is central to the character of God. In the persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we witness a divine being who is community. The relationship between the persons of the Godhead illustrates that community is not something God created solely for us. Community is who God is. Since we are created in the image of God, community within family must be a primary vehicle for ministry.
Even early in the history of God’s people, we see an emphasis on spiritual development that is based in the family. As he reminded the nation of Israel about God’s commandments, Moses stood before them and spoke the following words:
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, NLT)
Long before organizations such as Focus on the Family, God was instructing His people to live by example and teach about faith in the context of the family community. To the nation of Israel, ministry and spiritual development was not a program, it was a part of life.
The apostle Paul echoes the sentiments of Moses in his letters to Ephesus and Colosse, where he emphasizes the importance of spiritual formation in the family. Paul’s letters included the following comments to families:
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.†This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.â€
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4, NLT)
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. (Colossians 3:18-21, NLT)
Throughout the unfolding story of the people of God, we are reminded of the importance of anchoring spiritual growth within the context of family. It is in the family where people know us best, and living out grace and mercy is often the most challenging. I believe this is why God focuses on the family as one of the most important places for spiritual growth to occur.
shine!
Jason
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