Club vs. Church III - Back in S.C. via Ocala

I was squirming my way through a Jerry Springer-type church business meeting in 2000. A Cincinnati church was fed up with getting along so they decided to slug it out, in public. I was relegated to sitting silently to witness the massacre. My request to speak was met with a firm no thank you, we don't need anybody to help us screw this thing up, we are doing that on our own.

A humble, thirty-something man came to the mic for his 60 seconds in the midst of flying hymn books and offering plates (embellishment mine). He said to the effect, I work for a corporation in downtown Cincinnati. They would never let things happen this way at our office. Sometimes the church gets accused of running itself like a secular organization. For our church, if we ran things like a secular organization, it would be an upgrade. We do not run our church like a secular organization, we are sub-secular.

Not sure if sub-secular is a word. The statement was the most powerful I have ever heard in a church business meeting gone bad (I have obviously seen a few). So, maybe we can learn church from the South Holston Ruritan Club (see 12/21, 22). More tomorrow.

West Columbia. All is good. Normally the Christmas break is a bit slower. My world tour included Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. Movies: Hairspray, Mr. Bean's Holiday, Alvin and The Chipmunks, and High School Musical II. Nothing of note. Books in process of note: Divine Mentor (Cordeiro): Microtrends (Penn) - you will hear more about both. Carl Martin slammed a tape measure, bases-clearing, walk-off, grand slam at WRC yesterday morning: Xtreme Living from Joshua 5. Glad to be back.

From Tennessee - Industrial Size Balsamic Vinegar

I've been thinking about beginnings. The new year begins when we take a fresh look at the birth of Christ. Let's not wait until January 1, 2008. I can't wait that long for a fresh start. Let's start with Jesus. Again. Anew. Now. What would you like your relationship with Jesus look like? What changes do you need make to go deeper? I have a couple in mind for me. At least a couple.

Great day Sunday. Highlands Fellowship screen church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Highlands Fellowship is a great story. More later. Grace Baptist Church (my home church) Christmas program in the evening. Presents, food, etc. My sister made a WW one point pumpkin pie. I received the ultimate practical gift: an industrial size bottle of Balsamic Vinegar. Ye Haw! There is a party in my tummy!

Merry Christmas from the Senesi family! We pray this year will represent new beginnings and deeper waters, with Him, for all of you and all of us.

From Tennessee - Club vs. Church

Reggie McNeal always bemoaned the fact that the church often demonstrated a club mentality. I understand what he meant. No question the 50 year-old South Holston Ruritan Club faces challenges in the future.

Some churches, however, would benefit from the South Holston Ruritan approach. For other churches, a club mentality would be a step up. Here are my observations of the club mentality:

1. Humble Leaders - I witnessed the outgoing president's last meeting and the installation of a new one. They presented the former president a lapel pin and a basket of fruit for his one year of volunteer service. He seemed genuinely grateful. The new president stammered as he looked at the floor of the platform. He said, uh, I will do my best, that is all I can promise. Uh, you guys are going to need to help me and when I mess up, tell me. Neither of these guys demonstrated my greatest strength, false humility. They meant it.

Jim Collins, in Good to Great, said the leadership in Great organizations demonstrated two traits. One of them is professional humility. Percept, the demographers for World Headquarters, estimated that 80% of South Carolineans, prefer the style of leadership that, works with them on deciding what to do and helps them do it. In comparison, roughly 4% preferred a leader who tells them what to do.

You can start an argument about the need for strong leadership. You might add that biblical leadership is uncompromising and bold if you want. First, however, you might consider the model of a healthy, balanced, in tune with the Father-type leader, like er . . . uh . . . Jesus. Oh, maybe that's not fair to play the Jesus card. Paul? We see elements of strength and even a prophetic vein in their leadership. We also see humble, servant leaders.

Much of what we give to churches under the guise of strong leadership is flesh. Leaders think we are being strong, when we actually lead like we would without Christ. Selfish, self-promoting, uncaring, and manipulative are not the ways of Jesus. A club mentality may help here. At least the club mentality demonstrated in the last two presidents at the South Holston Ruritan . . .

Live Christmas Jazz in E-town last night with Randy (b-i-l) and Debbie (beloved sister). Rick Simerly is a Jazz legend in East Tennessee. Eat your heart out Steve Carmel Frappichino Scudder. Great pictures and a long, hard walk/run around the lake was also happening. Fun abounds. Merry Christmas!

From Tennessee - The Club Faces Challenges

Last night my family and I went to the South Holston Ruritan Club's annual Christmas potluck and monthly meeting. Fascinating! I will talk more about it. The 50 year-old-club has been actively involved in community affairs in the Bristol, Tenn. region. My father-in-law, Charles Owens, has been involved for years.

My mind was operating on overdrive as I watched members and their families roll through the door. This is not an expose' btw. I was impressed by many things. Clarity of purpose, focus, resourcefulness, unity and structure were just a few of the positives.

The challenge they face is the age of club members. At 48 years old, I was with the youngest group represented. How can the club be passed on to the next generation? Does the next generation even care if the club exists? How would the club have to change to get younger? How can the club enjoy another 50 years of community involvement? More coming on the future of the club.

On the road yesterday, of course. Still had a chance to talk to movement makers, Neal McGlohon, Steve Scudder, Michael Green, and exchanged voice mails with Carl Martin. Merry Christmas! I am not mad at the Happy Holidays crowd, but that felt good!

Roger vs. Barry IV - God has No Preference

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:28 NAS).

I'll bet some people in Galatia got ticked off when they read that part of Paul's letter. Hey, wait just a doggone, rebel flag waving minute here. God said what? God was telling Paul to let the people know, faith alone is what made them right with Him.

I used this text, when I addressed the topic, What Black History Month Means to Me, at New Testament Baptist Bible Center back in the '90s. I confessed to the congregation that Pastor Jerry's requested topic sent me on a journey with God. I researched the meaning of Black History Month. I learned how much it meant to them.

Since that assignment, the journey sent me to the streets of Cincinnati hand-in-hand with African-Americans singing We Shall Overcome, on King Day 2001. I read MLK's autobiography and visited the Black History Museum in Savannah, Georgia.

So, I am there, right? Speaking down to you about how you should be like me. Not at all. The more pages I turn, the more I see the true picture of my heart. Not pretty. I prefer my own. Not only do I prefer my own, but I think mine are better. I confuse my comfort with mine with the destructive, ungodly attitude that mine are superior. And God . . . and Paul blew that attitude out of the water when they said . . . In Him there are no preferred cultures or people groups. Only Jesus can live like Jesus. The long journey continues.

World Headquarters Yesterday. One busy, busy day left. Got more shopping done. Doing all I can to contribute to the Shopocalypse! Almost finished.

What Black History Month Means To Me - Roger vs. Barry III

My close friend, Jerry Davis, an African-American church planter/pastor from New Orleans, shocked me over lunch back in the mid-90's. We were indulging at the Golden Corral Buffet in Marrero, my community for 12 years, on the westbank of the Mississippi River.

I want you to preach at my church in February, Jerry said, between bites. Sure, Jerry. Jerry continued, I have a special topic in mind. Great Jerry, I said, be happy to do whatever you think. Jerry continued, I want you to address the subject, What does Black History Month mean to me?

Jerry and I were really close. I was comfortable being honest with him. God gave him great patience, tolerance, and wisdom in those days. I responded to Jerry, between bites with a cautious, but unavoidable . . . Okay, Jerry, Black History Month really doesn't mean a whole lot of anything to me. He said, I understand, but will you do it? And yes, I did preach on that Sunday night in February, to an all African American audience, New Testament Baptist Bible Center, on the subject, What does Black History Month mean to me? More of the story, tomorrow.

World Headquarters yesterday. Trying to carve out a break. I see Tennessee, and lots more fun coming. Spent time with movement maker John Sharp. Had great conversations with Bill Brown, formerly of Southeastern Seminary, Marcos Elizondo, Samuel Rodriguez, and as always, Abi Elrod of the Church Multiplication Group. Always thinking, always dreaming, about the next step, the next level.

Give it Up For Cujo - Roger vs. Barry II

To tell Cujo, one of our family dogs, good-bye was tougher than I thought. He went to a great home (not heaven cause I am not sure . . . anyways, it was a great older couple). He was one of those pets that was ALWAYS in trouble. I guess hating on Cujo had been one of my favorite past times. I also guess I didn't hate him as much as I thought.

I remember one of those family moments. You know the kind I am talking about. Sometimes God uses your kids to punch you right in the heart. We were talking about Martin Luther King, and I was being all that, explaining to Ann and Ab about our attitudes and how we ought not feel superior to other people. Then, Ab, asked, What about the way you treat Cujo? Shut up kid, you are missing the point. Or did she? From that day on, I really did try harder, not to hate on Cujo.

For me, and some of you spiritual guys may help me here . . . I don't know if it is because I am too flawed to be a prophet . . . or too insecure . . . or self-aware. Maybe one day I will get to the place where I can be more self-righteous. Now don't let me sin again. I am self-righteous and one of my strengths is false humility. However, when its just God and me, He always manages to remind me about my journey. He reminds me that I have such a long way to go. He reminds me that my righteousness or self-righteousness is relative to my own definition of right. That definition can be self-promoting and self-serving. More tomorrow.

Great Weekend. Riverbanks Zoo, Christmas Party w/Elders at Bill and Jennifer's, Preached at Willow (Skipping Christmas), and . . . the most incredible concert in years, Newsong, Matthew West, Todd Agnew and others at Northside. Newsong continues to morph and stay focused at the same time. First time I heard Newsong was in the mid '80s in Lousisana. They never disappoint.

The Mitchell Report and Table Top Vision

Wicked hearts abound. I am the chief. I am not talking about baseball players who cheat. I am talking about the court of public opinion. Now that it is about Roger Clemons instead of the evil one (according to most) Barry Bonds, we are in a bind. Why is it harder to hate on Roger than Barry? Listen closely in the days to come. Don't give me the answer that it is just because Barry has been hostile to the media. Check out Roger and his lawyer's disposition now. How nice will they be? Multiply intense interrogation for the next three years. Will Roger be nice then? What is the difference between the two?

Systemic racism. More dangerous, more subtle, then what went on in American back in the day. People who are racist and don't know it. God humbled me in Cincy. I would have never said that was me. Then came the Jesus Video Project in 1999 (African Americans questioned the European portrayal of Jesus). Then came the Cincy Race Riots in 2001 when Timothy Thomas, a 19 year old African American, was killed by Steven Roach an Anglo police officer. I learned how far I had to go. Some of my "real" feelings and attitudes came to the surface. Ugly.

Just that fact that I have raised the issue of Barry vs. Roger, will make this my most controversial blog ever. I would say more, but God is convicting me about me, as I write. So, maybe more will come in the days ahead. Not sure.

Yesterday in the Upstate. Jim Goodroe, Kermit (not easy being green) Morris, Art Fulks, Jonathan Everett, Ryan Bishop, Mike Morris, Tommy Vandiver, James Porter, Jimmy Duncan, Alex Sands, D.J Horton. Vision is best cast and caught in groups of 2's and 3's during informal conversations according to Hybels. What a great day of being with some of God's best. These leaders have put it all on the line. The next Purpose Driven Church book will not likely come out of this group. But for those of you far from God, there are some guys who love you, who are leaving it all on the field for you, along with their wives, and others around them. What makes them that way? Why bother? Why care? They are only playing a game . . . called Follow the Leader . . . their leader . . . Jesus (Luke 15).

This Just In - First Christmas was Not Perfect

All so warm and fuzzy . . . no dysfunction,no anxiety. A fairy tale. The first Christmas. Silent Night, Holy Night. O Little Town of Bethlehem. The First Noel.

USA Today recently featured an article, May Your Holiday Be Perfect, But Not Too Perfect. Craig Wilson, among other ideas, told of a new camera that doesn't snap the picture until everybody is smiling!

Terror, disappointment, selfishness, and the always present, messed up travel plans are a few obvious imperfections on or around the first Christmas. From smelly stables to a man named Zacharias, who lost his voice, the Christmas story was no perfect fairy tale.

Some people live their lives looking for the perfect party. They think it is out there somewhere (the party), they were just not invited, yet. Jesus entered space and time in an imperfect world, for imperfect people, who have imperfect Christmases. Kinda like you and me.

What high expectations are making life miserable for you today? What disappointments do you refuse to release? Where are you fixated? What are you manipulating? Let's make this, let it go, Thursday. You are missing some good things by trying to create a perfect world, with perfect, people who make perfect pictures.

Columbia yesterday. Coaching. Meetings. Office Party. Dexter Mitchell, Ronny Cox, Jessica Sullivan and more movement makers. Running after God. Spartanburg/Greenville today.

Open Doors, Open Windows

You can cut your risk of break-ins at your home by thirty percent! That is no over promise. Lock you doors, lock your windows. A recent study revealed that 30% of all home burglaries come by invitation, through unlocked doors and windows.

My down fall as a leader may be what you will never see. Could it be moral? Yep. Sure as we sit here by our computers, mine could be moral. Jesus and I, have been tempted in ALL points, just like you. Difference is Jesus has a better track record than me. Still an embarrassing thought, isn't it?

Even a greater threat to my work in the vineyards is underachieving. You may never see that. I may underachieve because of the parts of my life that I leave wide open. My greatest personal threat is to not try very hard, and not know it.

Often the evaluation of our own efforts is based on what people say. Other times we evaluate our efforts based on how tired we feel when we are down to our boxer briefs at night. Who was it that said, An unexamined life is not worth living? I don't remember. The 30 day rule is if we can find out who did, feel free to quote me.

Let's see, the point, er . . . uh, check your doors and windows. Have a neighbor check them, too. You can really be passionate about not being burglarized. But if you don't check your windows and doors, often, you are not trying very hard. Get it?

Senesi gets five year pen! At world headquarters yesterday, I along with many of my friends were recognized before the board for SCBC tenure. Mine was five years. Five years and three months to be exact. Talked about your upsets -- there was a greater chance for Appy State to beat Michigan in Ann Arbor than for me to stay here for 5.3 years. For the first six months, I didn't think I would be back the following Monday. But, we have talked about that, haven't we? Thought God was calling me here to work through me. He showed me, soon upon my arrival, He called me here to work in me. Kind of like a dentist visit that needed to happen. Ouch! I am better now. Thanks God for 5.3!

Bees Have Their Reasons

The coaching way is a bit of an obsession right now. Some things just make sense to me. I am talking about a coaching principle: people have perfectly good reasons for why they act the way they do. May not be all that profound to you. My anger index (if there is such a thing) goes down when I remember that.

Jerry Seinfeld made a convincing, highly motivated, Barry B. Benson in Bee Movie. Barry wanted to see what life was like outside the hive. Long story short, Barry, convinced a human (Renee Zellweger) of a terrible injustice. The injustice was humans using bees for their honey. A victorious class-action lawsuit follows. The results, however, is not what movie goers or Barry expected. Fun movie, if you like kids movies, and Seinfeld. I like both. Three stars out of five.

Our thinking is not always right. Neither are our actions. The vast majority of the time though, we have perfectly good reasons for doing what we do. My reasons may not make sense to you, but they do to me. My outcomes may be less than the best, but thinking I am stupid or calling me stupid does not help.

If you really want to help someone to the next level this week, first, spend time thinking about the perfectly good reasons they act the way they do. You will be surprised how that perspective lowers your anxiety and raises your empathy.

Fun weekend. Beautiful wedding. Fun games two nights in a row (New Yorker, Ruckus, and Taboo). Make your own pizza/sundae Saturday night with David, Krista, Owen, Aunt Mary Ann, Yvette, Anna, Abby, and me. Preached at Willow Sunday about a Scary, Merry Christmas and hung out at my favorite Sunday Night spot, Midtown Fellowship. Camden today plus World Headquarters. Big week, but, I can see land from here.

Shoe Swapping - Nashville Final

Somehow it was connected to a Holy Ground illustration. I didn't get it. Way too deep for me. Our leader Tuesday morning in Nashville ask us to take off our shoes. Nobody did because we did not think he was serious. When he told us to trade a shoe with the person sitting beside us we figured he wasn't joking.

My shoes were newer than Ken's. I got them at a Hilton Head outlet (Rockports) this summer. Not only did Ken's shoe not match mine, but I did not particularly care for his style (probably neither he, mine). I hoped the swap would not be a permanent swap. Ken's foot was bigger than mine. I am so glad there was no hole in my sock. I didn't check Ken's sock, too personal, too uncomfortable. I did shower that morning.

I am going to stop saying, If I were King for a Day. I used to say it all the time. We were not designed to take over another person's job and life for a day. If I wore either of Ken's shoes he would regret it. I would mess things up for Ken. Then, I could go back to being me and mess up my own stuff.

Accept your shoes today. Don't know what that means to you. Don't trade. You were only designed to wear your own. God may give you another pair, but until then, yours is probably more complicated than you can handle alone. Ken and I traded back. I am so glad. He is too, no doubt.

Nashville is finished. Better than I expected. Stetzer was in Lexington yesterday doing his Comeback Churches gig. Awesome. Preaching at Willow this weekend. Hanging out with the fam. Hopefully, we will see Alvin and the Chipmunks. I owe you info on Bee Movie.

Over Promises II - Is Santa Claus an American?

My dad was raised in a ethnically diverse (European) neighborhood in Olyphant, PA in the 30's. He had major issues with Santa. His dad died when he was five. His family had no money. Santa did not visit his house. He concluded that Santa must not like little Italian boys. Santa liked the German and Irish boys. My dad was pretty bitter at Santa for his prejudice.

Expectations kill Christmas. A simple, yet meaningful holiday can go down the toilet when your goal is perfection. The more we fluff Christmas up with stuff and expectations, the satisfaction level will go down. With disappointment comes anger (A Santa who doesn't like Italians) and dysfunction. We miss the real party.

Ellis Weiner wrote a new parody for the holidays called Santa Lives! Five Conclusive Arguments for the Existence of Santa Claus. USA Today did a brief review yesterday. Here is a funny quote from the book via USA Today: A loud fat man who barges into people's homes to flaunt his wealth by foisting upon them an array of unusually tacky, unnecessary commerical products -- how can Santa Claus not be an American?

The real party is no over promise . . . You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 2:21). Jesus loves little Italian boys. Pop learned that years later.

From Nashville. The airwaves are crowded. Enjoyed Stetzer, Lawless, and McNairy. Reminded me of a few realities and a few personal shortcomings. No profound ahas. I will be anxious to hear how Dr. Thom Rainer (Lifeway) and Dr. Geoff Hammond (NAMB) debrief today. Headed back to Columbia this afternoon. Here I come girls 'r' us! Yippee!

From Nashville - Over Promises, Over Promises

Four hours, forty-seven minutes to be exact. From Betsy (Elizabethton) to Nashville, Tennessee today. Went fast, with the exceptions of a few necessary stops. Commercials on Sirius reminded me of what men like.

You can lose weight in your sleep.

5000.00 a month part-time from your home.

Two fast acting pills under your tongue.

We still fall for over promises. You know, if it is too good to be true . . . Don't over promise this Christmas. Keep it simple. Here are five things you just can't do:

1. Go everywhere.
2. See every friend and family member.
3. Accept every invite.
4. Purchase, make, or bake something for everybody.
5. Go to every special church activity (opps, that slipped).

We had a great family discussion last week over dinner. I read my own blog, followed the advice, and let them help me keep Christ the focus. Great ideas. Decisions were made and owned on the spot. We decided on a concert, another couple of family projects, and what our Christmas night would look like. I think those conversations will continue.

In Nashville for the North American Mission Board and Lifeway partnership meeting. Had lunch with Stetzer today. Planters in process at River Springs in Columbia, under the leadership of our real rock star, Neal (Go Dawgs) McGlohon. Good stuff. Movement makers all around.

From Tennessee - Dino Can't Jump

The warm fuzzy lasted for only a nanosecond. My close friend, Joe Sorah, told me I was the subject of East Tennessee sports talk radio a few weeks ago. I played college baseball at Milligan College http://www.milliganbuffs.com/ in East Tennessee ('77-'81). I was a letterman for four years, got a few hits, but was by no means the star of my team.

I could only imagine what part of my game they were bragging about. Was it my rocket arm? I was actually a Designated Hitter. Was it my long home runs? I had seven of those in four years, but who's counting? I tied a record held by many, six runs in one game.

Dino Allen was truly a star basketball player in the late '80s. He is a member of the Milligan College Sports Hall of Fame. He was All-American in 1990. When someone heard the local talk show bragging about his apparent incredible jumping ability the confusion was over which Milligan, Dino, "star" athlete. My friend, Larry from Betsy, called in laughing, to set the record straight. I know Dino Senesi. You have to be talking about another Dino, because the one I know can't jump.

Some of us become famous for what we can do. Others of us (me) are more famous for what we can't do. Our stories will inspire people for different reasons. Maybe part of my story will serve as a warning to others.

Hey, talking about your stories. How about the Big Story? God's Story. I sung about it yesterday. I heard it talked about yesterday, from my friend, Joe Sorah. Enjoy the Big Story this Christmas. Remember when your little story become a part of God's Big Story? No matter the purpose of your life, that is what really matters.

East Tennessee this weekend. Nashville tomorrow. Planters are being trained in Columbia. My heart is there. Movement makers. Little Stories on a collision course with the Big Story. I will keep you posted.