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Notes To Jessica, Part 4

Here's the final installment of my response to the email Jessica sent me. This final section highlights her frustration with the needs and priorities of different generations. As someone who is now stuck in the middle (not the oldest but I’m not the youngest either), I think we have to find a way to address the issue on both sides. She writes,

"Few senior age members would dare criticize young families for fear of losing them. All these senior members attend each week, and deserve to be a priority as well. Who decides which congregants are the financial priority? Should funds go to those in attendance or reach out to the community, those on the fringe, people we hope to bring in?

I've been operating from this passage, 'Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart' (Galatians 6:9). I'll continue to pray about this. Is there any scripture you can direct me to? Any books that would be helpful?"

The whole of your letter eloquently describes many of the problems that are pressing every church in our society. Yours is not unique. The struggles you talk about are the struggles of many. There are solutions to these problems but they come only as the church devotes itself to wrestling through the issues. My few comments are not meant to be the final word but they only show that I've been struggling with these issues too.

In relation to the generational divide, I share your frustrations, yet I don't think it's right to press one generation to give so that another can take. Those who are more mature in faith have been schooled in the discipline of consistent, sacrificial giving. This lesson needs to be taught to the next generation. Criticism alone falls short of the task and, in all likelihood, you will lose the young families if that’s all you offer. Why not reach for something more? I know many families at Village who would greatly benefit from the wisdom of those who have raised children, worked in the world, served the Lord faithfully, and who generously give in relation to time and money. It is possible. Even with young children, it is possible to make faith a priority. In fact, I think that's when it matters most. But the conversation has to be about something more than "supporting the church."

I get frustrated with the mentality that assumes that my giving to the church means that the church is now obligated to meet my needs. Who sets the spending priorities? Hopefully, it's the Elders (a good Presbyterian answer) who, through prayer and study of the Scriptures, put the mission of Jesus front and center! It might sound idealistic but that's the task of leadership.

So where can you turn in the Bible to learn more? I'd start with a careful reading of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If the church is comprised of the followers of Jesus then we must let the words of Jesus shape our life together. I wonder where we would be if we devoted the next 20 years to this task alone. What do you think?

In relation to a few book recommendations, here's what I think. Start with a thin book titled StormFront: The Good News of God. I still stand by the review I wrote on Amazon.com, it's the best introduction I've seen on missional theology. After that, read A Walk Through the Bible by Lesslie Newbigin. Typically, Newbigin can be quite complicated but this thin text offers help in relation to how we read the Scriptures (again, check out my review). And finally, I think The Shaping of Things to Come by Frost and Hirsch is as helpful as it is provocative. It's worth the time and energy you'll invest to get through it (sorry, this one is not thin in any sense of the word).

So there you have it. A bit delayed but I hope something here might be useful to you. I am always glad to hear from you. Send my greetings to your family. May God bless you as you seek the priorities of Christ's kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

40 Years Ago

Thanks to Cristi for this link to a look back to the summer of love.

New Photo Album (Mexico: June 2007)

We had a great trip to Miracle Ranch last Saturday. If you want to check out the pictures, I've just posted a new album here.

C67

As part of our Summer of Love series, I'm encouraging people to read the Confession of 1967 as found in the Presbyterian Book of Confessions. It's a beautiful statement in relation to task of the church in the world. You can access a pdf copy by clicking here.

Notes To Jessica, Part 3

For the past several weeks I've been thinking about a promise I’ve left unfulfilled. I received an email a few months ago from a friend and I promised to reply to her concerns as part of this blog. I got half way there but I need to complete the final two installments. If you want some background, you can read the first post here and the second post here. Jessica writes:

I hear that families will come when the service is more contemporary, when services are later, etc, but I'm afraid that even if the church made the changes, families won't come even then. Do you see this in your church? Some friends at other churches have said that there mid-week program does well, but family attendance is low on Sunday. Should the church accommodate the young families, or should young families make church and God more of a priority? What changes does God want for our church and want from us? I'm at an impasse.....Is this the missional issue from your website?

Preach it! These words are all the more relevant because they're not spouted by a "religious professional" but rather they come from the wondering heart of someone who really wants to know what it means to be faithful to God.

First off, let me point out how easy it is to multiply excuses: worship is not the right time; it's too traditional; it's too contemporary; it's not my style; the people aren't friendly enough; my kids have a soccer game; Sunday is our only day to sleep-in; we were up late on Saturday night; we have been really busy lately because school just started; we have been really busy lately because Christmas vacation is coming; we have been really busy lately because Christmas vacation is over; we have been really busy lately because Spring Break is almost here; we have been really busy lately because we just got back from Spring Break; we have been really busy lately because school is almost over; we have been really busy lately because summer is here…the list could go on and on!

I'm not saying there aren’t legitimate reasons to be away on a Sunday but I don't think service time and style are most important issues. It's not a matter of tinkering with the externals. You've got to find a way to get at the heart of the issue. I think the key question is this: who will shape your world? Will your kid spend more time with her soccer coach or her Sunday school teacher? What kinds of sacrifices will your family make in order to make worship a priority? How are you standing against the prevailing mindset of the culture in order to stand up for your faith in Christ? (see Romans 12:1-2)

I can relate to the frustration over attendance but, don’t forget, attendance alone is not the marker of success. Getting people to show up for worship is not enough. You've got to consider also how they are being challenged and encouraged once they get there. How are they being equipped and empowered as followers of Jesus Christ? We both know how tough it is to raise a family today and so we can (and we must) speak with authority in relation to the challenges. In my experience, it starts with a handful of leaders who are willing to make the commitment themselves even as they dare to invite others to make the same commitment. These leaders need to be sensitive to the challenges. They need to do more than accommodate those who's faith is fragile or vulnerable or non-existent. They need to help them to discover something more profound. Is this a missional issue? It is. Absolutely! The time is now to leave the excuses behind in order to reach for something more.

In relation to this issue, let me also encourage you to check out Luke 14:15-24. It's a bit provocative but that's what Jesus is like!

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

We kicked off our new series on Sunday: the Summer of Love. The 2007 shirt order has been placed and they'll be here for next Sunday. Bumper stickers are still available but the whole lot of flowers were gone by the end of the morning. New supplies are hard to find. Can anyone help me on this one? They shouldn't be hard to find but they are!

Here's something I learned about the "Rickie Tickie" flowers we gave away on Sunday...also from 1967, how interesting!

The source for the above citation can be found here.

Mexico Tomorrow

It looks like we've got five vehicles heading to Miracle Ranch tomorrow morning. We're bringing lots of donated stuff: shelves, BBQ, couch, desk unit, clothes, toys, and paint! I know it's going to be a great day. More details next week.

Sadness and Joy

I just saw the news about the passing of one the great saints in the church today. Ruth Graham was an amazing woman of faith. She was fortunate to be have been married to one of the great evangelists of our time but I also think, and I know Dr. Graham would agree, he was fortunate to be married to her. The statement released by Billy Graham says it all:

Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team. No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.

I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven.

Ruth grew up in the home of Presbyterian missionaries serving in China. Throughout her life, she drew on the strength that was nurtured in her early on in life. Her passing makes me sad but I know for sure that she is in the presence of the Lord tonight. Such a thought brings me comfort. God bless you, Ruth; and God bless you too, Billy! May you find comfort in the confidence that is yours by faith.

Please Read the Update

Today's edition of the Orange County Register featured an update on Chris and Lori Coble. It's a hopeful story but it is also clear that this family needs our continued prayers. They have no illusions about the long road ahead of them. They have come a long way and yet their loss can only be described as catastrophic. You can take a look at the article here.

And just by divine coincidence, I happened to have breakfast this morning with Jeff Hetschel. Jeff serves as the Chaplain for the Orange County Fire Association. He was with the Coble family on that day. One of the pictures featured in the story of that tragic event will long remain in my memory. It was the picture of Jeff standing beside the freeway bringing comfort to those who witnessed the accident. Jeff is suited up in his protective uniform, helmet and boots. Even with the tough exterior, we are able to see the soft heart of compassion. Jeff's arms stretch wide to embrace the tears and broken hearts. It's a beautiful picture of what real ministry is all about. (I won't include the picture here for copyright reasons and because I think it should only be seen in the context of the story...it's still on the OC Register website so you can find it, if you want to).

2007 Summer T-Shirt

How to initiate a conversation about what God is doing here in Ladera Ranch without having to become a walking billboard:

1. buy a 2007 summer t-shirt (only eight bucks)

2. wear it

3. when someone asks you about the summer of love, tell them it's the current theme at Village Presbyterian Church, specifically we're considering to what it means to love God, neighbor and family (you can see the outline of the series here)

4. share the love by showing love...invite others to come share in the grace that's found in Jesus Christ.

To order your shirt, simply print this order form and get it to me before Sunday, June 17th, the kick-off of our summer season!