Kingdom Posts

Core vs. Non-Core (Part 1)

12 Mar , 2010 3 Comments

I’ve been asked recently to post my thoughts and approach as a pastor of a diverse, growing, and dynamic church in transition.  I’ve met with several pastors recently who have sought guidance in the leadership of churches in decline.  The challenge for these pastors is always the same: They have a clear calling and vision from God and they are leading some (or many) people who don’t want to make necessary changes to get there.  First of all, (for all my pastor friends) every church is unique and each pastor must seek the Spirit’s guidance in his own context.  It is true that all churches are in transition; it’s just some just don’t know it- you’re either growing or you’re dying.  But I have learned that certain truths are transferable in pastoral leadership form church to church, regardless of size or demographics.

So, here’s the first of a three-part series on what is at the heart of transitional leadership in the church.  I’ve stated this in several contexts of leadership and I believe it will be helpful for other pastors/leaders who are struggling to guide their flock.  The main challenge in transitional leadership (leading change) in the church is a collision of core vs. non-core issues.  Here’s how I explain it: The core of the Church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ (even more, Jesus Christ Himself).  We are called to share, explain, proclaim, and live out the Gospel.  Mostly, even a defense of the Gospel becomes unnecessary if it is lived out and explained.  But this is the core: That Christ died for our sins and it is through Him alone that all can be saved.

Here’s the progression of thought and why there are (and should be expected) conflicts in churches: Our Gospel is a Gospel of Grace.  This is the one message we have.  Our God is a God of grace and He offers His grace freely to all so we offer that same grace freely to others as well.  If we do not, by definition, it is something other than grace that we offering.  Of course, grace means inclusion will be a high value that follows.  The Gospel of grace means that His love is available to all; our God is an inclusive God and wants everyone in His family.  Inclusion will logically bring about diversity in the Body if we’re really a community of grace.  With diversity then, logically, will come different opinions and preferences and ultimately conflict.  No one should be surprised when conflict comes in the church.  If there is no conflict (particularly in a transitioning church) it simply means that you’re not leading and not reaching new people.

So here it is: Grace > Inclusion > Diversity > Conflict (the challenge of every pastor proclaiming the Gospel of Grace).

So, what’s a pastor to do?  If he’s doing his job he’s got trouble!  The great task of the pastor/leader is to constantly define the core. Here’s the Good News: The core is the Good News- it’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  You don’t have to figure out what the core is.  We preach Christ and Him crucified.  Our mission is clear: to know Christ, grow in Christ, and show Christ to the world.  By definition then, that defines all that’s not core.  A pastor (and a church family) must decide that they will examine, explore, unpack, and live out the core.  In fact, I think it is the Christian’s duty to die for the core.  But it is also equally important that we understand that we will not die for non-core issues.  And we will not let non-core issues divide us.  By definition, the core does not change (and never will) but if it is not core it must be open for change.  It may not need to change but we must be willing to allow it to change.  Non-core issues (styles, preferences, forms, programs, traditions) must be open to change or they have become core.  This is the stuff that pseudo-Christian cults are made of: non-core issues become core (or core issues become non-core).

The leaders role then, is to constantly bring people to the core, define the core, proclaim the core.  As we rally around the core, the non-core issues become secondary, even trivial because we start to realize that, in the end, the core (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) is all that matters.  Let’s stick to the core and never let non-core issues divide us.  in Part Two I’ll talk about how to preserve the core and, at the same time, stimulate progress and innovation.

Let Justice Roll

22 Oct , 2009 3 Comments

Our God is a God of justice. We often speak of His righteousness, but “righteousness” and “justice” are actually interchangeable words. Matthew 6:33 could be rendered, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added to you as well.” Obviously, justice is a big deal to God. At it’s core, doing justice means doing the right thing. In so many ways we have missed the mark. Listen to the His words in Amos (an entire book on justice):

“I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice- oceans of it. I want fairness- rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.” Amos 5:21-24 (The Message)

Are you just doing church or do you practice justice? Do you simply offer commentary on the plight of the poor, the oppressed, the under-resourced, or are you actually doing something about it? If so, then you are a kingdom person; if not, read those words above again- and again- until you’re moved to action. Let justice roll in your life.

Mercy triumphs over judgment!

18 Oct , 2009 No Comments

Our God is a God of mercy.  In its simplest form, mercy is an act of love to someone who does not deserve it.  At its root it means that there is some punishment or wage to be paid but it has been pardoned or paid for.  If we are to be kingdom people, we must learn to be merciful toward others.

“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

The problem is that we are too just.  We like justice too much.  We think, “I can’t offer mercy to them, they don’t deserve it” (They should get what they deserve).  But James tells us (2:13) that mercy triumphs over judgment (in fact, the NIV adds an exclamation point)!  Judgment, like justice is when we get what we deserve.  Mercy is when we don’t get what we deserve (judgment/punishment).  And grace is when we get what we don’t deserve.  So, mercy trumps judgment but grace trumps even mercy!  Wow.  Who are you prone to judge?  To whom do you need to show mercy?  Do it today.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7

See You at the Pole (the office, home, gym, restaurant, etc…?)

23 Sep , 2009 No Comments

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I just got back from “See You at the Pole”  Our students were up before the crack of dawn and gathered around the flagpole at their schools and prayed for their teachers, families, and friends.  It was so inspiring. I was touched (again) by the raw and unabashed passion of our kids for Christ.  I began to wonder what happens to many adults as we get older.  I know some adults are praying for their neighbors, their co-workers, and their families.  But I know many are not.  The Bible tells us that prayer changes things.  Jesus told us to pray for His kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven”.  We are to pray the very values of the kingdom (read Matthew 5) to come into our daily lives.  Pray that you will see God’s kingdom come through you as you seek to be light in your world today.  Thank you students for being an example for us all.

Rediscovering the Mission of Jesus

16 Jul , 2008 2 Comments

My daughter Whitney- living in love in Guatemala City. 

I saw the Kingdom advancing in Guatemala.  Over the course of a week our teams saw 1,745 people come to Christ.  It was unbelieveble.  I was struck again by the simplicity of the Christian life and how the Kingdom of God advances through people with a simple passion for Jesus and a love for others.  We partnered with local churches and served alongside them every day.  We shared the love of Christ with people in the parks, schools, workplaces, churches, alleys, shops, and in their homes. 

My team served in an incredible church- La Familia de Dios Iglesia Buatista.  Pastor Mario and his people are truly pursuing Jesus on the move in their community and they’ve decided to join Him in what He’s doing.  They saw the need for medical assistance to those who cannot afford (many who’ve never seen a doctor before) and so they established a clinic once a month.  We went into homes of women who had recently come to the clinic and because they were first loved by the people in the church they welcomed us gladly into their homes.  We saw several teenage moms (two were 16 and pregnant with their second child) come to Christ. 

Mario decided the best way to reach their community was for each person to share Christ in the context of established relationships (imagine that!).  So they’ve established “Lighthouses”- small groups in homes designed to be missional communities to reach their friends and neighbors (sounds familiar).  We were in on nearly every night.  

Here’s just one of a million stories: Francisco (32 years old) was very concerned about his mother, Amelia.  She had lost her husband and had recently been diagnosed with diabetes.  He knew she has never received Christ.  he wanted us to go see her so we went to her humble home and shared the love Jesus with her.  I shared with her that Christ was at the door of her heart and He wanted her to open the door and let Him in (Rev. 3:20).  She seemed resistant even though she clearly understood what Christ had done for her.  In the midst of our conversation our translator, Maria, got up and left the room.  I assumed she going to the bathroom and was thinking, “This is not a good time to leave!”   A moment later there was a dramatic knock at the door.  Amelia got up and answered the door.  It was Maria!  She said, “Will you let me in?”  Amelia laughed and said, “Yes, come in!”  Maria, paused and said, “Well, you don’t know me and yet you’re going to let me in?”  “Yes”, Amelia said.  Maria continued, “…and yet you know how much Jesus loves you and what He’s done for you but you won’t let Him in?”  Amelia broke.  Through tears she said, “I’m ready.”  She threw her arms around Maria and the two wept in the doorway.  We all gathered around and wept and hugged Amelia.  I watched Francisco weep over his sweet mom as he celebrated her new life in Christ.

Time and time again we saw stories like this one (I need to tell more) and we were constantly reminded that God is always at work in and through people who are willing to displace themselves (whether across the sea or across the room) and join Him in loving others into His Kingdom.