Category Archives: Church and Ministry
The Best Gospel Question Ever
Saturday afternoon I was preparing to take Rylee on a Daddy-Daughter date to Chick-fil-a. As I loaded her into the car, without any prodding, she posed this question to me:
“Daddy, do you remember (pronounced by her as ‘member’) when we were broken and Jesus fixed us and put us back together?”
I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. I smiled and enthusiastically replied to her, “Yes I do.” I promptly took out a pad of paper and wrote the exchange down so I could recall it later exactly as it transpired. I knew I would want to revisit her simple, yet profound question.
At not quite three years of age my little girl articulated the essence of the Gospel as well as the most skilled preacher ever could hope to. She is learning truth that most adults I encounter have yet to grasp. In my counseling and preaching I spend a significant amount of time deconstructing the false gospel of the American Bible belt. That flawed gospel says that we have to fix ourselves – put ourselves back together, and then maybe Jesus will have us. As a result ‘church people’ keep trying to live up to a standard they think will pass God’s checklist and thereby earn His favor and love. The ‘De-churched people’ have come to the conclusion that they will never be able to – so they gave up and just quit doing the church thing. That’s the man centered Gospel so many have unfortunately been taught and subsequently bought into. What they could learn from Rylee is that Jesus is the One, the only One, who does the fixing and putting pieces back together. That’s the message of the Gospel. That is what the Cross was for. Jesus is the One who makes dead men live, blind men see, and lame men walk.
Do you remember when you were broken and Jesus put you back together and fixed you? Or are you still trying to fix yourself?
- Brad
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Yesterday we began a 21 day church-wide fast here at NorthStar Church. I thought it might be beneficial to post the resources and devotions we are using here on my personal site. Scott preached a great message introducing what fasting is from a Biblical perspective. You can listen to or download the audio of that message here. The fast is already producing blessing and spiritual renewal in my life. I believe a time of prayer and fasting can do the same for you!
For resources and daily devotionals that can assist you in your own personal time of prayer and fasting, click the Prayer and Fasting image below.
- Brad
Eyes on Jesus
My initial reaction to the news of a sex scandal at Penn State involving the abusing of children was avoidance. Literally I didn’t read any of the articles that came out on Sunday and Monday. I feared they would say exactly what they said – that there was sexual abuse of children AND that the people who knew about it did nothing.
The reason I didn’t want to read it is simple. I have had incredible admiration for Joe Paterno. For years I have rooted for Penn State (not like for the Vols) because of him. He was so consistent, ran such a clean program, and with so much class. I knew this scandal would taint him. I didn’t realize how much.
My second reaction was sadness for the victims combined with anger and disappointment towards the Penn State leadership – especially Joe Paterno’s. How in the world could he not go to the police. What was he and the other administrators thinking?! How in the world could a known pedophile be allowed such access to the school in the aftermath? The passivity of it all just shocked me. I’ve been angry, especially since this hits close to home. I’ve seen first hand in many lives the painful affects of sexual abuse.
Now I have another emotion: Fear. Can you imagine making 1,000 good decisions that turn you into a successful person, then 1 terrible decision that derailed it all? Can you imagine building a reputation that is revered by all for 61 years, then in 1 week have it all destroyed? Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I was saying how could you Joe?!!!!!! Today I am asking, Could I? Could I spend years building a reputation as a family man, a pastor who is supposed to love Jesus, who lives honorably, makes moral decisions, has integrity AND then see it all collapse and burn in a fire of regret? Could I be that person?
Yes I could. So could you.
I was reading Hebrews 12 this morning. What incredibly poignant and timely words these are:
Hebrews 12:1, 2 1Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
I’ve had to put my stones back in my pockets this morning, lest I do exactly as Joe Paterno and the other leaders at Penn State did. My prayer today has been, “Lord, rid of me the sin, the blind spot, the weight that will tear me down. Give me strength to keep my eyes fixed on You.” I hope you’ll make it yours too. Want to finish well? We better keep our eyes on Jesus.
- Brad
when you pastor a nightclub
OK, I don’t actually pastor a nightclub, but sometimes it feels that way. Maybe I should explain…
Discovery Church is just 10 months old. We’re a baby church. I’m new to the role of Lead Pastor. I’ve learned more about leadership this year than any of my previous 30. It’s been a wonderful, rewarding year. With that said, let me be honest about one of the weirdest aspects of planting a church like Discovery: Atheists and Agnostics like me/us much more than many of my conservative Christian fundamentalist brothers and sisters.
That seems like an outlandish hyperbole, right? In the last year we have seen faithful attendance from various Agnostics. I’ve had dinner and coffee with them. Atheists have written me to say they appreciate what our church does for the community. One Agnostic friend from another state wrote me this year and said he would regularly attend on Sundays to hear my sermons. He doesn’t buy what I say about Jesus, but he likes the message and practical application enough. Of course I’m sure not every Atheist/Agnostic feels this way, but that is the interaction I’ve had with them over the last year.
On the other hand my more conservative, “fundamental” Christian friends have had the exact opposite reaction. As a matter of fact, it would seem I pastor a nightclub. “Brad, I’d love to visit Discovery, but I’m not allowed too.” I’ve pretty much lost count how many times I’ve heard that one. One high school student had to beg their Christian parents to see their friend get baptized at Discovery. Just this past Sunday a young woman in tears said to me she loves coming to our church, but that it caused her a great deal of conflict with her Christian family and she is torn with whether she should continue to come. Her family is convinced she’s being taught a false gospel because I don’t preach from the King James Version. I’ll leave some of the other backlash out. It’s important to note here that not all of my fundamentalist friends have responded this way – some have been very encouraging and gracious, and not mean spirited.
So why have some acted as if Discovery Church and other churches similar to it are like nightclubs or other worldly places ‘good Christians’ avoid?
I would totally understand it if we soft sold the Gospel, weakened who Jesus was, viewed the Bible as just a nice piece of ancient literature, or embraced sinful lifestyles. But we don’t do any of those things. Watch our Beautiful Collision, or Captured by Grace sermon series and if you come away with those conclusions then you might fit in well at a Westboro Baptist Church protest.
So what is the issue? The issue is almost always in the HOW.
Not what I preach, but HOW (usually in jeans)
Not if we sing hymns, but HOW (with electric guitar and drums)
Not if we love and believe the Bible, but HOW (we don’t exclusively use the King James Version)
Not if we have church, but HOW (We meet on Sunday mornings, but not evenings. We meet for small groups in homes, not in classrooms for Sunday School)
HOW we do WHAT we do always creates the tension with some in the christian community. We’re OK with that because of WHO we do it for. We do it for those lost and in need of salvation from their sins. And we do it for those burnt by previous experiences with the church. If that brings criticism, that’s OK, I don’t lose sleep over it. I do hurt for those Christians who get caught in the crossfire.
So let me offer these pointed thoughts. You’re a fool if you are critical of other churches and pastors for doing church ministry differently than you would prefer it be done. If you criticize a church for using ‘contemporary’ Christian music (I hate those terms) instead of hymns, you are a fool. If you criticize churches for using the organ and singing hymns instead of being cool and hip like your church, you are a fool. If you use your church sign to let everyone know you use the KJV and still have night church unlike those weak watered down churches, you are a fool. If you scoff at pastors who still wear suits and not True Religion jeans, you are a fool. And there is a lot of foolishness out there.
The HOW is important because we should try to be as effective as we can in reaching people, making disciples, meeting the needs of the poor, sending missionaries to the nations etc. Discussion about discernment in the methods we use is absolutely helpful and necessary, but pot shots and back biting have no place in the kingdom. The HOW should never be the focus. The focus should be the WHAT. The WHAT is the GOSPEL. It’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ that matters.
Just to be clear it is the Gospel that is critical, not my jeans or your suit.
- Brad
The Essence of a Man
This past weekend at Discovery Church featured some straight talk for men and fathers. The statistical and anecdotal evidence for the need for real men and real fathers in our society is is overwhelming. But what makes a good man and a good father? What does authentic, Biblical masculinity look and feel like. We take a hard look at what a real man isn’t and what a real man is.
The Church and Sexual Assault
The interview linked below is with Justin Holcomb, a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. Justin and his wife Lindsey have co-authored the book Rid of My Disgrace. 1 in 5 people have been or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime.
This statistics may seem exaggerated, but 10 years of ministry experience has confirmed the reality of this darkness. I am so grateful for this resource because of how it will help those who are victims, but also pastors, family, and friends of those who are. There are hurting people all around us who feel shame and disgrace because they were violated and abused by someone. It’s important that we know how to communicate to them how much they are loved and valued by God and how the Grace of God can rid them of their disgrace.
Justin has been a valuable counselor to me personally as I have encountered people who need healing as a result of sexual assault. Check out the interview and pick up a copy of the book.
If you’re a victim of sexual assault – we want to help you. You are loved and valuable! I can be contacted confidentially by email HERE.
- Brad
Clarity, Clarity, Clarity
Frequently I get a chance to meet with ministry or business professionals to swap leadership principles. Recently I sat down with a man who is preparing to plant a new church. He wanted to ‘pick my brain’ about all things church planting. Disclaimer: I have way more to learn than to teach, but when I’m asked to give advice there is one thing I know.
This one thing transfers over to business, youth ministry, teaching, parenting – you name it. The one thing is CLARITY. Specifically clarity in vision. Having a clarity of your call and mission in life is like having a detailed map when you head out for vacation. It simplifies, guides, and corrects.
A clear vision as to what should be and what could be in your ministry, business plan, family – you name it will simplify decision-making. It will eliminate clutter and distraction. A clear vision paves the path you need to go. Without a clarity in our vision we oftentimes find our selves going in circles – never ending up where we want to be. A clear vision will re-calculate our direction when we head in the wrong direction, and put us back on track.
So how do we achieve clarity in our vision?
1) Know who’s in charge. If you are clear that it’s not about you and it’s all about Jesus Christ, that makes the path much more clear.
2) Know who you are. Just as we all have uniqueness in our DNA, God has uniquely designed each of us for His purposes. Spend time finding discovering what passions and gifts God has given you – and you’ll easily find the purpose.
3) Know who you’re not. Don’t try to adapt someone else’s vision for your life, ministry, or family. God didn’t goof up when He made you. Be who YOU are. Be unique. Normal is overrated.
4) Know others will not always get it. To ignore the voice of wise counsel in your life is foolish. More foolish though is to be controlled by all the dissenting voices in your life. Bill Cosby once said, “I don’t know the key to success, but I do know that the key to failure is to try to please everyone.
Clarity.
- Brad
