Walking through Fog

I don't know what it is about fog that intrigues me. It seems like this season of the year (Fall in most parts of the country...) brings a lot of opportunities for fog. Maybe it's the unknown; maybe it's not being able to see right in front of you. I don't know, but something in me stirs when I see/experience fog.

The last few weeks have been really foggy in my heart. I've been extremely busy, probably too busy, and haven't given my whole heart to anything. To be honest, it feels like I'm out of control right now. Nothing 'feels' secure and there are a lot of things that need shoring up in my leadership. Quite a few things that need me to make a final call, but I'm unsure. Even more, I'm worried about making the wrong decision or being too ambitious. Reality is, I don't know if our church can afford "too ambitious" right now. I'm trying to challenge them out of mediocrity and settling but I'm also trying to be wise about the people and resources we have.

All in all, there is a lot of unknown ahead of me - it's very foggy from where I'm sitting. Right now, I'm trying to put one foot in front of the other and keep walking through fog.

Thoughts?

Dear Mr. Obama

I have tried not to be vocal concerning politics during this election season. I believe each person involved in this democratic process is entitled to their rights as allowed by the Constitution of our great nation. However, when a man is running for the right to lead this great nation, he must understand completely the foundation upon which this nation was built. Our nation fights for its freedoms and it fights to defend the freedoms of those who cannot fend for themselves. Anyone who is not willing to fight for what is good and right is a coward. Anyone who is not willing to defend the defenseless, bring hope to hopeless, and free the oppressed is a coward. Especially when we have the resources and people willing to do it.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy

where?

You probably know what I mean when I say, "where do I begin?" As a pastor, at times it seems that there are so many things vying for my attention. Something to do...someone to see. None of these things are bad. (I know you can't read inflection in the written word, so know that I am not complaining...I'm actually very hopeful.) Along with that something to do or someone to see, there are priorities. Things that must be done. Stephen Covey has the Time Management Matrix.

The struggle I have is not with daily tasks. It's with "prioritizing" the church. If you followed the link above, it's the things that reside in Quadrant II. The things that are Important and Not Urgent. These are not emergencies. These things are the "meat and potatoes" of church life. I'm trying to figure out where to begin on those things. Most pastors will tell you the pillars of their ministry are evangelism and discipleship, outreach and education, width and depth. Whatever monikers you assign, I agree these two build the foundation for a growing church.

So where do you begin? In a place where both are sorely deficient, do you deal with reaching the people or teaching the people? I'm pretty sure I know what you'll say...but the dialogue is welcome either way.

Thoughts?

the right thing...

Wonder if you would chime in on the following scenario?

What do you do - in a situation where you believe you've handled everything correctly, clearly defined expectations and spoken in such a way that the other person knows the responsibility lies with them - when the person won't take that responsibility and the circumstances deem you go against the expectations you clearly defined and lapse on a commitment that you made to that person? By lapsing in that commitment, you go fundamentally against the original premises of the "argument" that called for them to take the responsbility.

Thoughts?

The Shack

If you've read this book, I'd like to hear your thoughts on it. Lauren and I have differing opinions...

good, hearty discussion, if you please...

Mobilization...

What is so hard about mobilization? I feel like there are so many things we need to do as a church. I'm trying hard to centralize our vision around the "one thing" that is most important. Obviously, our "one thing" is the Gospel and its advance to our community, area, state, etc...but what does that look like? Trying to hang flesh on this skeleton is tough! People are needy - do we accomplish the "one thing" by meeting needs then sharing the Gospel truths? People are lost - do we present the "one thing" as the solution to their problems then meet their needs? Gospel first, Gospel last...which one? Both? Hmmm...

Bottom line for me is, what is our church willing to do for the cause of Christ? Meet needs? Share the Gospel message? Be risky...I hope so...

thoughts?

Do it anyway...

After a few days in Atlanta at the '08 Catalyst Conference, my motto is "Do It Anyway." I'm going to adopt it for '09. I've never thought of myself as a cutting-edge leader in the "traditional" sense. However, as I heard all week last week, if not you, then who? If not now, when? For me, it calls for a "Do It Anyway" attitude, regardless of people's opinions or perceptions. Life is short, the average American church is spinning its wheels and there are people who need the Gospel in a relative way. I'm not saying the Gospel message is changing, but the context is and so is the way people hear it. It requires a "Do It Anyway" attitude. People need to hear it and I don't do anything about it, who will? I am poised atop a great mountain of potential in our church. Mediocrity won't do. It may not be popular but the call is to "Do It Anyway."

You in?