The Necessity of the Church

I am incredible blessed with great, Godly friends who not only understand 'me,' but also share my understanding and conviction regarding God and His Church.  Of course, no two people agree on everything, but our difference are small and are common convictions are great.  Beyond spending time with my wife and kids, there are few other things in life that I look forward to than sharing a meal with my spiritual 'brothers.'  Yesterday, was one of the days where we were able to connect and the conversation and encouragement did not disappoint.

I share this information because all too often I hear of people who have little to no contact/relationship with other Christians.  More and more people are living disconnected lives as individuals without accountability or investment.  This is a tragedy, especially in regards to the Church!

Being a Christian is about more than having a knowledge and trust in the saving work of Christ - it is about being in relationship with Christ, which includes His body, the Church. Being a faithful Sunday attendee is great, but it does not equal partnership/investment/membership within the church.  How many of us got to church, have a few choice conversations at best with a few people we like and then go home after the mandatory service elements (worship, message/sermon, benediction) are over?  Far too many, I am sure...

As I read my Bible, I see the church displayed as a fellowship more than a lecture hall.  Sure, there is mention of reading/singing the psalms and scriptures, but there is also mention of the interaction and fellowship of the members.  They were all deeply involved in the lives of each other, and they valued (and sometimes, undervalued) these relationships - associating them with membership in Christ and His Kingdom (I Cor 5).  I fear that in today's age of 'coolness,' we have become so familiar with the institutional elements of church that we have denigrated it to merely a place we go to check our proverbial 'time card' to prove to ourselves and others that we are 'good Christians.'  What a tragedy!  Not only are we mocking God's work and presence on the earth, but we are also castrating ourselves from the source of His healing, power, and authority.

As Christians, we have a holy calling and responsibility to be invested in the work of the Church.  We need the oversight and opportunity that only God's church can give, and, likewise, there are others who need our personal ministry brought into theirs. I am so very grateful for my brothers and sisters in the Lord who both minister to me and allow me to minister into their lives.  The forgiveness, love, power and gifts of God that the Bible routinely speaks of in the NT is always on display in these church-oriented relationships and not necessarily in the church worship service.

Please find a good brother or sister in the Lord and invest in one another.  Do not deny the ministry of His living church any longer in your life.  The church is about relationships centered on and empowered by Christ and His Spirit for the glory of God.  Be the CHURCH and advance its ministry in your life and community.

Father's Day Bonus

I had an incredible Father's Day this year.  It was an awesome day spent with my family, riding my bike in 'perfect' weather, and eating incredible bbq chicken and homemade cake at my parents.  All while my dog played to her heart's content without a leash! 

HOWEVER, what was truly incredible was being able to spend an hour talking Faith, God, and Freedom with a dozen Moroccan Muslims at the local park.  I love these people and I love sharing my story and hearing theirs.  It makes me so very, very happy to be used by the Lord in these cultural contexts!

How He Loves Us!

It has been an amazing 48hrs - full of the good, the bad and the ugly.  Yesterday, I was able to help my dad in the midst of a very hard and trying season for his business.  Simply being able to jump in, help him get ahead of the work load, and spend the day with him was a huge blessing to both of us.  But the day had to be cut a little short, because I also had the privilege of representing the US Navy at a local High School graduation ceremony.  Several students were going off to new careers with the Navy and the local recruiters were there to cheer them on; but, for some crazy reason, they wanted me, the chaplain, present and participating, too!  It was a very day, but a HUGE honor in every aspect.

And then there was today...

Let's just say that today as full of challenges in every respect and ended with my son's bike being stolen from our front yard!  (Believe it or not, this was not even the worst part of the day.)  With the kids getting bigger and our small apartment remaining small, the privilege of being able to allow the kids the freedom to go out and ride their bikes in front of the house is a welcome blessing each day...and doesn't cost any money or require us to physically go anywhere.  The loss of a bike meant that that freedom and joy was gone, especially since our budget is completely tight these days.  Of course, we organized a search party and canvassed the neighborhood to no avail.  Depressed and angry, we put the kids to bed and I decided to go for an evening run (it's how I clear my head and pray).

As I approached my destination at the end of my run, I found myself full of energy and decided to go a few meters further.  Once I hit that point, I felt that I should go, again, a few meters further.  Reaching this third destination, I stopped and looked down.  Believe it or not, there was the bike!!  It was in the middle of nowhere, where no kids ever venture, yet almost surrounded by everything.  There was no possible reason that bike was where it was, but it was!  God had found our bike!!  And He did for no other reason other than to let us know how much He loves us!

Immediately I began shouting praises to the Lord.  i knew that this was a miracle and I knew that it was a sign of comfort and presence for us as a family.  The whole 1/4-mile home I kept shouting praises to the Lord, to the point where Christine came out of our apartment to make sure everything was all right.  I told her the Lord had done a miracle!

God is so good and He loves us.  It is so easy to get caught up in service/work/ministry and/or the challenges of life and forget just how personal the presence and love of God is for each of us.  While the crime and heartache of a stole bike is all-together evil and representative of the injustice of life, I am still so very glad that HIS love and presence is always greater and always available!

Seeing Pentecost at Starbucks

As I have mentioned before, repetition is a key component to successful ministry.  Last night marked 'week #4' for our Starbucks Bible Study and the Holy Spirit did not disappoint.  In every way possible, the group is increasing in both size, effectiveness and outreach!

The number of people attending the group is PERFECT and growing.  We started with one and are now at four persons, plus myself.  Some may think this is too small a group, but anything much larger would: (a) be too big for the venue, (b) discourage personal interaction from all members, (c) undermine the purpose of the study, which is a total transformation of our understanding and application of being a Christian.  (I know this last statement is huge and it is not meant to imply that anyone of us was not a Christian prior to participation.  I simply mean to say that we are doing this group to have our lives and preconceived way of 'believing' challenged and expanded.)  With the group starting off in such small numbers, the level of understanding each person receives is significant enough to warrant increased participation and the acceptance of others into the group.  In other words, by the end of a person's first night, they are ready to bring others in and act as facilitators immediately following.  This is true success because it means we can grow without limit or loss of integrity!

Second, the effectiveness of the group is increasing.  This point has already been alluded to in the summary above, but it is significant to note how much participation and conversation the group and study is generating in both our time together and throughout the week.  EVERYONE contributes as we read and study our Bible.  There is in increase in understanding how deep the Bible is and how practical its implications are to EVERYONE's daily life.  The group is not homogeneous in any manner, yet every one is growing each week.  This is obviously the power of the Word, but also the power of group interaction.  When everyone contributes, a plurality of understanding, observation and questioning is generated that increases the scope and reach of the text beyond all expectations.  This, of course, is very exciting and relevant and leads to people talking about Jesus and His Word wherever they go throughout the week.  I love scanning Facebook and seeing members telling others online what they have learned or discovered through our time together.  If this is happening on FB, then who knows how many other countless times it is happening in homes, at work, or elsewhere!

Perhaps what is most amazing is the growth in the groups immediate outreach.  By meeting in the same space with the same people, Starbucks is getting ROCKED with the Gospel in increased measure every week.  Again, as our people become more familiar with the text and each other, they become more involved and animated (not out of control, but excited) and this certainly gets the attention of others in the coffee shop.  Of course, a group of five is also noticeable in a shop of its size, so this also contributes to drawing others attention to us and our activity.  BUT, what is truly making a difference is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  I firmly believe that as we become more sensitive to Him, and prove to Him and ourselves that we are committed to knowing and obeying Him, He, in turn, is increasing His power and presence in and through our study group.

Last night, several people interrupted us to ask questions and/or encourage us.  That was great.  BUT, what was really cool, was that at one point, the entire coffee shop was fixed on us and over conversation.  No one was screaming, making loud noises or animated - we were just reading and discussing, but the topic was so powerful and relevant that the Spirit just fixed everyone's gaze and attention upon us.  Everyone knew who we were, what we were doing, and that is was of importance and significance; and in so many ways it was just like Acts 2:12-13.  God was being glorified, the Spirit was witnessing, and the crowds were responding in kind, both with wonder and skepticism.  It was awesome and is exactly what should be happening when Christians behave as Christians out in the world!

Please keep us, the church, and this group in your prayers.  And, if you can, please join us some week or start your own Bible Study.  God wants to do these same works in and through YOU!

What a Day

Well, there is a lot to write about today, but I'm not feeling very up to it.  Despite the fact that we have received some very good news in terms of ministry and discipleship opportunities, I cannot help but feel frustrated, and even a little anger, after learning that my alma mater, Central Bible College, is officially for sale.

Regardless about what you know or where you stand concerning the recent history of the school or its merger with Evangel U, it is still tragic that a single purpose Bible college has died and will not be replaced in contemporary times.  Call me crazy (or monastic), but I do not think it narrow or foolish to perceive vocational ministry as unique and specific.  Faith is a critical part of human existence and individuals will always need and seek out the help of qualified ministers.  But with the death of, or at least the severe undermining, of single purpose professional training, what kind of service is this multi-discipline minister going to offer?

Please understand that I am not saying that a minister should not be well-rounded in his/her knowledge of the humanities and only know the narrow dogma of a particular denomination or faith.  I am only saying that when we tell ministers that it is equally important, if not more important, for them to have a business degree or the like to compliment their Bible training, we are, directly or not, undermining the primacy of their calling as ministers of faith.  No one ever tells a Marine to diversify, nor do they say the same to a Dr, lawyer, or the like.  Somewhere along the way, we, the Church, have dropped the ball and blamed our crappy results and ineffectiveness (and/or persecution) on our training rather than our own insecurities.  This is tragic and will not lead to any good results.

I am a trained minister and I make no apologies for my singular training, nor do I feel inadequate in any way, shape or form to minister to any person.  My living faith and the abiding Spirit overcomes all my weaknesses, and is my sole strength and effectiveness.  I learned these truth through my single-purpose Bible College and the experienced and dedicated professors who taught me.  I do not know where this passion will take me, but I am remain convinced that a school like CBC needs to be available to future generations for the world's sake!

Life Interrupted by God

It's Saturday and I am suppose to be home and enjoying the beautiful day with the family.  Unfortunately, the print shop messed up our order and this quarter's newsletter where not going to be ready for pick up until today.  In addition to being a day spent without the family, it also meant another trip down to Lancaster and the 32miles in gas and abuse.  i figured I could at least redeem this messed up situation with the help of my trusty road bike.

So, this morning I put on an empty backpack and rode the 17m (oneway) into Lancaster to get the newsletters.  Everything was going smooth and I was making really good time (over 17mph average).  I called the Mrs to let her know I would be home sooner than expected and would take the kids (and the dog) to the park so she could get some down time, too.  But, as I was leaving the parking lot to return home, for some strange reason I went South instead of North.  It eventually worked out to my advantage as it allowed me to miss some dangerous traffic and pass by a favorite ministry spot.  But today was Saturday and no one would be at this location...or so I thought.

As I was whipping by at 22mph, I couldn't help but notice someone walking out of the very venue where I frequently share the Gospel and minister.  Could someone possibly be inside and available today?  I had to find out.  Because if there is one thing I love more than riding my bike and being with my family, it is sharing Jesus!

Low and behold, inside was a single brother who admitted that he had no idea what he was doing in the office today.  In his frustration, he was just getting ready to leave when I walked in.  Within minutes we were talking about Jesus and His church and encouraging one another in the faith.  This was incredibly significant because this was not only the first meaningful conversation I had with the brother, but also one where encouragement was needed more than direction or correction.  He and his family are new members of a dynamic church, still new in their faith, and, like so many, find themselves in the minority as committed believers.

I am not sure who ministered more to who today, but I know that this day was to be about more than newsletters, cycling, or even playing at the park.  Jesus' church needed help and today was the day He was going to send an answer.  What an honor to be used and directed by the Lord and His Spirit!!

Busy Week of Ministry

This week 'officially' kicked off our summer ministry schedule.  What had been informal or sporadic meetings and outreaches have now developed into routine opportunities and appointments.  We are very, very grateful for this transition and maturity as it will hopefully lead to more salvations, disciples, and overall Kingdom growth.

Partnerships - I am incredibly blessed to have such amazing friends in ministry.  AS much as I love sharing the Gospel with strangers or training others in the faith, I equally love fellowshipping with my Brothers!  I need guys who will challenge me, hear me out, or share a passion and vision with me.  Above all, I need guys who will push me deeper and harder with Jesus and His Spirit.  I am so very grateful for my routine visits with my Brothers!

Discipleship - The Bible studies are developing a rhythm and continue to build momentum.  Not only are people growing closer to Jesus and His Word, but they are 'fleshing out' their faith in the community of the church and then changing their world afterwards.  This is leading to incredible testimonies and new people joining us each week.  We are still small, but we are making a real difference in the Kingdom!  PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THESE STUDIES.

Evangelism - Central PA has a lot of churches and a great tradition of churches and wholesome values, however, there remains a very large need for evangelism.  So many people are now walking with Jesus, despite their knowledge of His ways and having done so previously.  Additionally, new generations have emerged that do not know Jesus, they have only simply heard about Him.  Everywhere I go, I meet more people who do NOT go to church, then who do.  And what is worse is that NO ONE IS INVITING THEM TO CHURCH.  The fields of PA remain 'white for harvest.'

Time to get back to work...

Have Bike, Will Travel

I am so glad that winter is completely over and that spring is in it's 'warm' phase.  With this great weather now upon us, I can finally do the things that I love best, all at the same time!

Living in Lancaster County, I am right in the middle of all the ministry action.  Less than 20 miles from Harrisburg, Hershey, or Lancaster, I can ride my bike to any destination, on any number of road options, and share Jesus while enjoying a great cardio workout.

So, be on the look out for a guy on a bike with a Bible!  And if you like to ride too, then give me a call and let's go out 'two by two!"

Living In and As the Word

This may be a redundant post, but please deal with it...

The true beauty of our NYC church plant was its biblical representation.  Not only were we committed to preaching the Word in every meeting and event, but we emphatically strived to live out the Word in our fellowship, ministry, and purpose.  We were the Church.  We were a New Creation made up of different parts, but working towards a common goal with Christ as the Head.  We were also the object of His miracles and the means by which they were also carried out and administered to countless others.  It was incredible and miraculous, and I do not believe that I am simply looking back on history with 'rose tinted' glasses...

In our return to PA, there have certainly been moments where we feared that what we experienced in NYC may never be found again.  After visiting some very nice churches and communicating with some great pastors, great friendships and hopes for ministry have emerged but, all in all, none have been able to capture that 'living church' motif that we had come to know.  God forbid, but we found ourselves thinking like so many other believers who had 'fallen out' of church and simply convinced themselves that nothing would ever be as good as it was.  But then this happened...

Pastor Shawn and Pastor Tommy of Life Church and Rescue CC, respectively, came into our lives and allowed us to experience the living power of the church once again.  Both of these leaders have taken the mission and substance of the church seriously and are overseeing communities of authentic faith and power.  It is not merely dogma or moralism but rather holy knowledge and trust.  LifeChurch in Hershey is an ever-growing family of first-degree relationships.  People come to the church as strangers, but by the end of the service everyone is sharing phone numbers and home addresses so as to share a meal together.  It's not just PA-hospitality or the result of 'grow or die' leadership philosophy. Through the prompting of the Spirit, members are intentionally loving one another in the power of the Church.

Up in Harrisburg, Pastor Tommy and Rescue CC are conducting a prayer walk to see an entire city block be given for God's purpose and glory.  Yeah, it's ambitious; Yeah, it's youthful zeal; but, it is also grounded entirely in the understanding and experience that comes from knowing Jesus, His Call and His provision.  If God could turn the world upside down in Acts, then why couldn't He do the same today in Harrisburg?  Regardless of what the Lord provides for Rescue CC, I am confident it will be something more than could ever hope for and will exceed their expectations for the Lord's glory.  There is too much trust and experience within that Church for anything less to me manifested!

God is doing a great work in PA and we are honored to be here, at this time, to witness it and share in its activity.  If you have not yet found a church home, or are looking for one with the 'power' that the Bible speaks of, then please check out these two churches.  Each is unique in its presentation and makeup, but both share the same power, foundation, purpose, and hope.  Come be a part of God's LIVING CHURCH.