Between The Eyes III - Right Questions

As I think out loud about our future (SBC and the future of any Great Commission Church or organization) asking the right questions vs. the wrong questions is critical:

Wrong Question: How do we save our denomination?
Right Question: How do we present a Gospel witness to every man, woman, and child in America?

Wrong Question: How do we harvest more?
Right Question: How can we increase the amount and intensity of harvest praying?

Wrong Question: How do we fix our dead and dying churches or plant new ones?
Right Question: How do we transform our communities for Christ?

Wrong Question: How do we attract people to our churches and increase baptisms?
Right Question: How do we deploy transformed missionaries in every community?

Wrong Question: How do restructure our denomination?
Right Question: How will God reshape our denomination to impact lostness?

Wrong Question: What does God want from our denomination or organization?
Right Question: What does God want? (Source: Neal McGlohon)

May the conversations continue and the environment change. Headed to Rock Hill today for a meeting with Community Life Church, and the North Rock Hill Planting Center. Still amazed at what I see happening in S.C.

Between The Eyes II - How are Things at Home?

We had a great weekend:

• Abby and I went to Charleston for the Hispanic Evangelism Conference.
• David and I Ran
• Great Day at Willow
• Abby scored her own Wii! (After saving since Christmas and a six month search)
• Got to hang out some with that little rock star (Owen, my grandson)

But weekends are not always good (or weekdays). We are a family, a body, a system. What does that mean? When something goes wrong, we all bear responsibility. In my home we all tend to point fingers when something is not right (either in our minds, or out loud). Human nature causes us to be that way (probably never happens at your place).

One of my old illustrations: If I punch you in the nose, should I blame my hand and, thus, excuse myself? Or does my whole person bear responsibility?

I could shoot zingers to SBC leadership for days about current realities. Problem is, I am SBC leadership. The realities have been there for years. The past week's offical word only underscored the obvious. Our Kingdom influence is declining. That is the issue btw. Lostness is winning. I bear responsibility. . . my SBC family, my body, my system. Remember the QBQ?

A Word To The Southern Baptist Convention - Right Between The Eyes

My Aunt Maryann apologized on the way to church yesterday for the old story she was about to tell. Everyone has heard it a million times before. She forgot momentarily that she was 71 years old. I am not a young guy, but I had never heard it.

A man had a particularly brilliant donkey he was showing off. He bragged to another man about just how gifted and well-trained the donkey was.

Do you want me to show you how smart this donkey is? Sure, the man replied. The owner picked up a 2 x 4 and slammed the donkey right between the eyes as hard as he could. The observer was shocked. What did you do that for? I thought the donkey was smart. He is, said the proud donkey owner, but first I have to get his attention.

Did you read Friday's TOL? Check out Stetzer's http://www.edstetzer.com/ Breaking News story about the SBC. We can argue about the relevancy of the news of the SBC's first decline in 50 years. Who done it? The old murder mysteries sets out to discover answers.

All of us had a hand in this. Will the news be that 2 x 4 between the eyes? Or . . . will it be one more thing for us to hate on each other about??? Is it worse than we think? Are we overstating? Does it matter?

Orlando Report - Uncomfortable Questions II

>Is that your real name? (No, that is my make you laugh name)
>Are you going to eat that? (No, I put it on my plate to protect you from eating it)

No question, uncomfortable questions have a place in growing up. Why do you make those choices? Why are you doing it that way? How do you live like that?

Exponential '08. Of the many takeaways from Exponential '08 http://www.exponentialconference.com/ (A national church planting conference in Orlando) was from rock star Tim Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian, New York City). Keller addressed the recovery of the Gospel, as opposed to religion, as a key to revival. Long story short, those who have really experienced Christ are free to be criticised or asked tough questions. Why? Not because they don't care what you think. Because they are free from anxiety and fear. They have nothing to hide!

News of the Week. The Southern Baptist denomination released news this week that for the first time in over 50 years we experienced a numerical decline. Uncomfortable questions (personally and corporately) need to be asked as we look to the future.

Worse than You Think. When something so big (41,000 churches nationally) begins to fall it likely worse than you think. If I have driven off the edge of the Grand Canyon, when is my car too far over the edge to stop the fall? Uh, not very far.

Worse than You Think II. The other reason it is worse than you think is because it took us years to begin falling. Back to the Grand Canyon. Step one was my decision to drive there. That was the connecting point to driving over the edge. I could think out loud a ton about this, and will on a safe level. I have been advised to proceed with care, so I will.

Worse than You Think III. Read Stetzer's blog http://www.edstetzer.com/ (scroll down to Breaking News). Read his commentary first, then the responses. Draw your own conclusions. More coming.

Are You Wearing That? And Other Uncomfortable Questions

From Orlando - At the national new church conference . . . One of 2600 participants, with a great representation of S.C. movement makers. Feels like the old days as our group continues to challenge (I think all in fun) each other's dress, hair styles or lack off, and attitudes.

Tough questions are healthy. I would rather ask them than to answer them. How about you? Who do you permit to ask them?

1) Did you mean to come across that way?
2) Are you trying to get fired?
3) Are you wearing that?
4) Do we need to wait for you to change?
5) Should you wear your hair that way?

All deeper water questions. Deeper than you think!

Anybody?

She is running

A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

She is trying

But the canyon's ever widening

In the depths of her cold heart

So she sets out on another misadventure just to find

She's another two years older

And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear hear? Can anybody see?

Or does anybody even know she's going down today

Under the shadow of our steeple

With all the lost and lonely people

Searching for the hope that tucked away in you and me

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

Dedicated to an unnamed lady in a New Orleans elevator, 1982

Casting Crowns: Does Anybody Hear Her? LifeSong Album, 2005

Weekends and Holidays - Has Anybody Seen Her?

I was on a elevator in New Orleans in 1982. As a student, I worked at One Shell Plaza delivering mail to Shell employees. It was a Friday. My elevator was coming to a stop on the next floor. I said something to a woman who rode with me like, have a nice weekend. Her response was, weekends and holidays, that is all I have.

I judged her as she left. I am not sure her life was as miserable as that response sounded. The building was large with 100s of employees. To my memory I never saw her again. Maybe I should have chased her down, but I didn't. For some reason, I will never forget that brief conversation.

I wonder, where she is now? Are weekends and holidays, over 25 years later, all she has? I wonder if she has met anyone who has more? Have you seen her?

I wonder, who has more fun on weekends? People who believe that is all they have or people who claim to have more? Does a guy on a hammock with his Corona enjoy life more than me?I know what the answer is supposed to be. If it is not my answer then I am not drinking what I am selling!

Have a great weekend! And . . . be careful out there.

Joe Muggs - Drinking What I'm Selling

Southern Pecan flavored coffee. Four months ago I used to say, I am not old enough to drink coffee. In ATL Bread, around Christmas time, I took an open minded swig of Yvette's Vanilla Nut cup of joe. I have been on a binge ever since. Crazy, huh?

I was at a Joe Muggs http://www.joemuggs.com/ this weekend (Books-A-Million). I always talk coffee with people at coffee shops. My coffee IQ is truly so low for a rapidly aging baby boomer. What do you like? What's good? What should I have? I have a lot of catching up to do!

I am not sure where all this fits. If we think out loud together maybe there are multiple applications. One of the Joe Muggs' coffees of the day was Southern Pecan. I ask the girl at the counter how it tasted. She said, how should I know? I don't drink coffee. She continued, I just poured out the Southern Pecan too, because it is almost quitting time.

I didn't get mad at the Joe Muggs girl. I was entertained by her response. I came back the next day and bought a pound. Wow! I discovered Southern Pecan without her. What a great discovery! Excuse me, Yvette has a pot on right now.

Ahh yes! My new obsession within an obsession. Joe Muggs' Southern Pecan. Could I share a cup with you?

Where do I go from here? One simple lesson for now: I need to be drinking what I am selling. I need great passion for everyone else to drink what I am drinking, too. More to come.

Hip Talk 2 - The Need for Extra Cushioning

McLaren (Secret Message of Jesus) quotes Woody Allen (not a theologian) who once said:

Today we are at a crossroads. One road leads to hopelessness and despair; the other, to total extinction. Let us pray we choose wisely.

I left out one piece of advice from my hip doctor, Dr. Suarez: add insoles to your running shoes for extra cushioning. I read about a naked 5K race in last month's Runner's World. That may work for some. I would be arrested in the parking lot or gunned down on the spot.

The road will be hard today. Constant pounding will take its toll. How's your cushion? Are you protected against the inevitable wear and tear.

I have been going too much without insoles lately. I am not designed as an earthling (neither are you) for the constant pounding of hard road without extra cushioning.

Where can I get extra cushioning? I have invoked McLaren and The Message in the same blog. Reckless, huh?

Be good to me, God - and now! I've run to you for dear life. I 'm hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over. I call out to the High God, the God who holds me together (Psalm 57:1,2 MSG).

Hip Talk - By Dr. Suarez

Impressed by my tough guy doctor, Dr. Suarez, who is not worried about my ailing left hip. Hip bursitis is the diagnosis. I have been released to be a 40 something, still in search of, whatever I am running after at 5:00 a.m. in the morning.

He suggested four things that should work regardless of the condition of your left hip:

1. Preparation (stretch - don't get in too big a hurry).

2. Don't run on the same side of the road everyday (avoid mindless routines).

3. Have the correct equipment (worn running shoes are killers). Where is an upgrade or update needed?

4. When all else fails, call in the ice and anti-inflamatories (know thyself, swallow thy pride, along with 2 of deese, and a bag of dis)

Headquarters and Camden today. This weekend included an encouraging funeral - sounds weird, but it is possible if life after death with Jesus is settled. Dan Fagg's funeral was one of the best I can remember. I needed it, no kidding.

Also, I went shopping with Abby at Justice (our new favorite store). River Springs http://www.riversprings.org/ with Tim and Gloria Shull (great missionary planters btw) on Sunday morning. I was encouraged by the passion and worship of the RS family. The best is yet to come. Midtwown and Dustin were on yesterday too. Chaotic Joy series included a message just for me (glad the others could be there too) www.midtowncolumbia.com .

Relapse III - Dog at a Whistler's Convention

Funny line really - do whistlers even have a convention? I know this is basic stuff here - for some it is a reminder, for others maybe this is new ground.

Call it my shot at Simple Person. We are three parts -- physical (hungry, thirsty, tired); emotional (happy, sad, angry); and spiritual (peaceful, God-wired, hopeful).

Most people (Christians included) spend most of their time in parts 1 and 2. Our individual performance will shift as often as hungry, thirsty, tired, happy, sad shifts. The anchor becomes the third part of me, the part that connects to God. Without that part of the triangle I will turn constantly (remember the convention) to look for rest and satisfaction (although I can't get no . . . as Mick said).

So I make a God connection, and choose to do better or be better . . . it feels right, it is right! If I do not walk away with God resources, the first physical or emotional whistle I hear, boom, I am gone. Commitment over. Game, set, match. Hello Mr. Guilt and Shame.

Those of us with strong mothers (permit me a Dr. Phil moment), who are determined to rescue (re-mother) mankind, will work ourselves to the point of death. Our physical takes over our fleshly, out of balance lives. Boundaries and commitments with the ones we are closest to break down. The other stuff is much more important. So what now? More tomorrow.

Interesting day at Headquarters. Some deeper conversations. Transitions are uncomfortable but integrity demands them. Safe is risky (I think I get credit for that quote). The best days for the SCBC are coming.

Relapse II - A Big Head and Little Arms

I thought at the time the kid's movie, Meet The Robinsons, would have done better at the box office. Although it did not, my family continues to chuckle at the pitiful dinosaur who was given the assignment to catch a kid from his evil supervisor. The child got behind something he could not reach. His arms were the right size but his head was too big. He screamed his excuse to his angry boss, but I have a big head and little arms.

I can relate to the dinosaur! I am not designed to fulfill my best intentions on my own. My ability to fix myself or solve the puzzel of my short comings is limited. Why do I underachieve? Why do I make big change decisions and relapse?

First, I underachieve because of the apparent lack of consequences. What was the old line? People change when they hurt enough that they have to. Often we surround ourselves with a host of enablers who accept who we are without question. Most of us are blessed with spouses who have replaced wishful thinking with acceptance years ago. This scares me to think about it, but our spouses are not likely the only ones who have thrown in the towel.

My doctor pounded me, then medicated me for months in the name of better health. He informed me, chest pains inspired me. I am seeing an orthopedic doctor today for a reoccurring hip problem. An MD and personal trainer think there is a possibility that it could be from carrying too much weight for too many years. Those things have hurt enough. The potential for relapse remains, however.

Look for a place of slight discomfort. Jump on it now. Thank God you noticed early. Work on one thing at a time. Seek help from the Lord. Talk to others in the faith community. Tomorrow, relapse and the internal triangle.

Good meeting at White Oak. Headquarters for a few days. I also see a Doctor, CPA, and a bucket of bucket of paint in my short-term future. Just in time. Pain has inspired all three.

Tony Soprano and Ellie Mae Clampett's Love Child?

Many blogs ago I told you about my pastor in New Orleans who told me I did not make a great first impression. I am not sure if a comment following my visit to a South Carolina church confirmed or refuted what my pastor said.

A church member reported to his pastor after my visit, now we know what we would have if Ellie Mae married into the Soprano family. Compliment? Criticism? I guess one can only wonder.

Relapse!

Ralph, a former atheist, was late for our meeting this morning. I wondered out loud if he had a relapse.

I thought about how often I have suffered relapses in my life. Determining to go deeper, do better, or quit something, etc. is a common human impulse. I do well for a few minutes (hours, weeks) with these impulses. Occasionally, they become defining moments. The problem is I often go back to old thinking and living. How about you?

I could blog to infinity and beyond on the issue of Relapse! What should I do about it? Is it inevitable? Unavoidable? I spent a lot of years leading support groups for addicts in New Orleans. I tons of memories and lessons learned. I also consider myself in recovery in so many ways. I think it could be helpful (at least for me) to Think Out Loud about Relapse! More tomorrow.

Race Revisted III - Happy Birthday Yvette (Yesterday)

5) Celebrate with the Winners - my son-in-law, David won his age class in the Resurrection 5K. I do not get high marks in the rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep category. Generally, I am a bit too self-absorbed for that. But for my rock star son-in-law, I think I came close. For a moment when they called his name as the winner in the 20-24 year class, I felt like they called mine. That made my apparent short comings seem insignificant for them moment. Who do you need to celebrate with today?

In the midst of the preaching (Willow and Hurricane Baptist) and paint this weekend, I celebrated. Yvette, my bride of 25 1/2 years had a birthday on Sunday. Yvette is solid as a rock. She is low maintenance to a fault. That is why celebrating her birthday is so very much fun. I often tell people in stores ,who help me shop for her, she is so easy to please it presents a challenge. She is going to like anything I get her, so I really want to knock her socks off. Her big birthday thrills - Copper River Grill, a lamp, end table, fresh ground coffee from Port City Java, Subway on Sunday, and cheese cake. As a rule in our house we celebrate you the entire month so she has more love to come. She will never, however, get all the love she deserves! Happy Birthday, Sweetie! You are so beautiful . . . 2 meeeeeeeee!

Hey, great opp today at White Oak with Jim Putman and Avery Willis. Two straight weeks of discipleship process stuff. I will keep you posted.

Race Revisted II

4. Stick with the Scorecard - My scorecard was to beat a certain participant, beat my previous best time, finish the race, and not to stop. As the old Meatloaf song said, three out of four ain't bad . . . or was that two out of three?

Since life is a moving target, I probably need to audit my scorecard. I need to celebrate the wins and learn from the loses.What does your scorecard look like? When is the last time you checked it? Does anything on it need to change?

Upstate today. Paint Saturday. Preach Sunday. Sounds like a wild weekend, huh?

The Race Revisted

I set a personal record and beat frogman, so why was I disappointed? I ran in the Resurrection 5K Easter weekend with my favorite son-in-law, David. A little hard to talk about, but I learned a few things.

1) Plan your preparation. I worked out hard the evening before the race. Not too smart. Race day is only part of a total process of fitness. What is carefully planned and executed before and after the race helps you win. Are you only about game day? If you are, you probably aren't too good.

2) Don't let the jack rabbits pace you. I knew I could not beat the fastest runners. I thought I could let them, however, help me increase my overall pace. I was wrong. I was in trouble the first mile of the race. Who are you trying to keep up with? Why?

3) Don't be afraid to stop a minute. The hard part is that I had to stop, for the first time ever. I am not sure how long I stopped, but I was devastated that I did. Was my bar not to stop, or to finish well? Finishing well may be tied into knowing when to stop. Is there something you need to stop? Do you just need to stop, period, for a few minutes? Catch your breath and regain your focus. I did finish, btw. More race news tomorrow.

How is That Working for You? Losing Faith III

I met Dr. Joseph Tson years ago in Romania. I had never met someone who had suffered so much for Christ. John Piper (A Godward Life) tells a story about Dr. Tson.

Communist officials were searching Tson's house, in process of taking all his books. Because the soldiers needed proof they had taken his books, they took pictures of him signing each one.

At one point during the tense ordeal Dr. Tson signed a book titled Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory: Is This Your Experience Now? He asked himself that question on the spot. At that point the Holy Spirit overwhelmed him with joy. The change was so profound that he told his wife to get these soldiers some coffee, and he was freed from his anger and fear (Piper's words).

Most Things Don't Work, might be an uncomfortable overstatement. How is being a Christ follower working for you?

Break through often comes one page after faith seems not to work. Our self-love and our ability to control outcomes is often confused with authentic faith in Christ. Faith is what is real when you don't love yourself so much or feel so smart. Authentic faith is from God, not us.

Confusing God's control with my control is easy to do. When outcomes do not come out right (the Friday before Easter) there is no place to go. At that point the Jesus we are following dies. But hang out at the tomb. Something better is on the way. On the next page.

Columbia and Rock Hill today. Great day with Eric Geiger and 80 of my friends yesterday at River Springs.

Most Things Don't Work

For some crazy reason I decided to paint over my vacation (not paint my vacation Jay, you know what I mean). Went to Lowe's. Ask the paint guy's advice and he said, sure, this is good paint. I walked out feeling good about my gallon of $13.00 paint. Well, it didn't work. The paint was awful. I did not know how bad paint could be to be until I slapped some of this hot pink on Abby's bedroom wall.

I am hesitant to continue yesterday's thoughts. They seem so cynical, so jaded. But for some reason I believe they offer comfort and hope. No iron clad promises that Black Beans will make you smarter and the 13.00 paint at Lowe's will provide good coverage on your daughter's bedroom walls. Some things just don't work.

Before you get self-righteous, don't forget Romans 7. The one sentence version of that chapter for Paul was, this is not working for me. But as per yesterday, where did that drive him?

For two men on the road to nowhere (Luke 24) the Jesus thing just was not working. I am not comparing Jesus to cheap paint here. No. No. No. I am saying our view and expectations of Him, of how He should work, might hurt the relationship. Can you embrace Christ when things don't work? That is real faith.

Geiger was on yesterday at World Headquarters. What I like best about Eric is, he was thinking and doing process driven discipleship stuff before the world knew. I saw it in Cincinnati with my own eyes. Lots of movement makers in the room with Eric today in Columbia.