Everything we've discussed so far concerns a power far beyond you or your abilities. What I am suggesting isn't a mere illustration. This isn't a child's game. Rather, this is a life and death matter. This is for teenagers and young adults and adults of all ages. The consequences, in your life and in our community, are very real. The impact is NOW. The implications are played out in our community today and tomorrow.
This is an urgent call to action. The enemy has over run the town! The adversary has control of too many in our community. Too many of our own ranks have divided loyalties. We can no longer play it safe. We must choose who we will serve. We must be of firm conviction in this matter. We must be persistent and not give up hope or allegiance.
The time for us to join the battle is now. We can not delay as we put ourselves and those around us in jeopardy. While drugs and gangs control some of our homes and neighborhoods we have stood idly by. While the expectations in many of our homes, schools and community has diminished we have waited for someone to step up to do something. While we've expected politicians, or teachers, or preachers, or someone else to make a difference, we've been content to complain but not act. The burden is upon each of us as individuals to step up to the challenge. Then the task is to unite under the banner of the One who has given us everything we need to win the battle!
The time for action is today and it begins with us. But we must let go of our sense of power and submit ourselves to God. We must follow the example of Christ. We must rely upon the Spirit as we take our place in this spiritual battle as a soldier of the One True King. Yet, as seen previously in the manual, the hostile forces prefers to use our everyday habits, thoughts, attitudes, and practices against us. The Enemy uses our own sense of independence, ability, and self certainty/self centeredness against us. We have proven we can not win the battle doing what we have always done. We can not be partially armed for the battle. Rather, we must be fully equipped if we are to stand in the cosmic battle played out in our everyday lives.
Read Ephesians 6:10-18 for more background and to reinforce the urgency of this matter and the full armor you must have to be effective. As you reflect upon your life and our community these are some of the essential characteristics that are most necessary to effect a lasting change in our lives and in Augusta. The demons of idolatry, religiosity, poverty, addiction, racism, hopelessness, gangs, and a legion of other forces of evil can not be overcome by our continued ineffective efforts. The fact is that we fuel the flames of negativity and despair as most of us give in to "what has always been and will always be." We expect too little of ourselves and too little of our community with such thoughts and expectations. We do not expect the Kingdom to be present and our prayers mock what God desires to do through our submission. We must view the battle in new and different ways, and we must armor ourselves accordingly as the fight is much different than we have previously supposed.
Today is the day for a new battle to be fought in Augusta which will take seriously our place in it and our obedience and resolve to depend upon God and one another.
The Augusta Irregular Militia is mobilizing and is prepared for battle. Will you join the ranks? Will you give yourself to the battle at hand? Will you submit your life to the the Field General who calls for obedience? Will you help us transform in Augusta that which many have given up on? The time is NOW. Which side will you choose to serve?
Showing posts with label mission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mission. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
"Recruitment Manual for the Augusta Irregular Militia: The Problem Reconsidered"
Have you known many people in the military? They are just like the rest of us. Some are excellent examples of all the finest virtues you can name for a soldier. Others, well others try to live a divided life and maintain their old habits, lifestyles, and vices even as they seek to serve.
The problem is that we can rather quickly, and most naturally, fall back on our old ways. Old habits, old attitudes, old practices can easily creep back into our daily life. Our passion for the mission and enthusiasm for the battle can become overwhelmed by our emotions or self perceived needs. We get lax with our expectations and our exercises. We do the minimum and get by. We lose our high calling and revert to our most base instincts.
The danger is that we may not be a soldier of light but a warrior of darkness.
Recall that our standard bearer, King Jesus, is the One who withstood the temptations in the wilderness (do you recall those specific issues and emphases?). Our Commander in Chief, our Field General, has a different way of doing battle than we tend to naturally follow. Yet, we are to avoid idolatry and follow the way of Christ. See Ephesians 4:17-5:20 as an extended reading worthy of the time to understand these matters. A key to this section is 4:17-19 and the warning not to live in the futility of our thinking.
HA the futility of our thinking seems to proclaim the noise and confusion of our times!
Be aware of the specifics in the passage, but dwell on the main theme issues of:
-ignorance
-hardening of heart/lost sensitivity
-lust for more
-be imitators of Christ
What does this mean for the cultures and subcultures which seem to revolve around the most base natural instincts and emotions?
What are deceitful desires? What are new attitudes that lead to righteousness and holiness?
What does this mean for me? Where am I in this picture?
What does this mean for my church, faith group, or spiritual/life support group? Where are we in this picture?
What does this mean for my community? Where are we in this picture?
I'm still thinking about Augusta and more concerned than ever about the urgent needs of our beloved area and the people of it. We are called to live as children of light and to make the most of every opportunity. But the challenge of the battle may be before we have even begun!
Can you keep up the standard and live up to the expectations that define this type of service? Are you part of the solution to the challenges in Augusta or are you part of the problems?
The problem is that we can rather quickly, and most naturally, fall back on our old ways. Old habits, old attitudes, old practices can easily creep back into our daily life. Our passion for the mission and enthusiasm for the battle can become overwhelmed by our emotions or self perceived needs. We get lax with our expectations and our exercises. We do the minimum and get by. We lose our high calling and revert to our most base instincts.
The danger is that we may not be a soldier of light but a warrior of darkness.
Recall that our standard bearer, King Jesus, is the One who withstood the temptations in the wilderness (do you recall those specific issues and emphases?). Our Commander in Chief, our Field General, has a different way of doing battle than we tend to naturally follow. Yet, we are to avoid idolatry and follow the way of Christ. See Ephesians 4:17-5:20 as an extended reading worthy of the time to understand these matters. A key to this section is 4:17-19 and the warning not to live in the futility of our thinking.
HA the futility of our thinking seems to proclaim the noise and confusion of our times!
Be aware of the specifics in the passage, but dwell on the main theme issues of:
-ignorance
-hardening of heart/lost sensitivity
-lust for more
-be imitators of Christ
What does this mean for the cultures and subcultures which seem to revolve around the most base natural instincts and emotions?
What are deceitful desires? What are new attitudes that lead to righteousness and holiness?
What does this mean for me? Where am I in this picture?
What does this mean for my church, faith group, or spiritual/life support group? Where are we in this picture?
What does this mean for my community? Where are we in this picture?
I'm still thinking about Augusta and more concerned than ever about the urgent needs of our beloved area and the people of it. We are called to live as children of light and to make the most of every opportunity. But the challenge of the battle may be before we have even begun!
Can you keep up the standard and live up to the expectations that define this type of service? Are you part of the solution to the challenges in Augusta or are you part of the problems?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
"Recruitment Manual for the Augusta Irregular Militia: The Problem May Be You"
Have you ever seen a zombie movie? It's almost always crystal clear who is alive and who is "undead." Movies are that way. You can usually determine the "good guy" from the "bad guy." Real life is somewhat more complicated.
We can not be confused about where we stand and how we are doing.
This likely requires an honest assessment, a demanding drill instructor, and a team of others committed to the mission. Anything less and you will neither tell yourself the truth, push yourself hard enough in the mission, or benefit from the competition, encouragement, and truth telling that others on a team will bring you. Anything less than this total package and you will be confused about where you are and how you are doing.
This is not a call to inaction, or discussion, or status quo- in your life or in your community. This is a call to deployment. This is a call to change Augusta starting with you, with your home, with your neighborhood, with your workplace, and with your social groups and relationships. This is a call to be a foot soldier in the Kingdom of God.
A soldier must be prepared for the mission. A soldier must be patient and persistent. A soldier must be prepared to follow orders. A soldier must be willing to work hard for the greater good of the unit and the mission. A soldier is always on call. A soldier must be willing to sacrifice, both in small ways and perhaps in significant ways, for the mission to be accomplished. The life and practices of a soldier demand best efforts, attention to detail, practice, and commitment.
But you aren't there yet.
Even if your mind and heart soar with the thought of service there are some preliminary matters to attend to. Think of basic training for a soldier. And don't forget the ongoing training and every day disciplines required of those in military service. Tough, consistent, demanding, high expectation training is the key.
Read Ephesians 2:1-15.
Are you dead or alive?
Who, or what, rules your life?
What are your daily desires and thoughts? What are your cravings?
What is the motivating characteristic in your life?
What is your purpose, your calling, in Augusta?
We can not be confused about where we stand and how we are doing.
This likely requires an honest assessment, a demanding drill instructor, and a team of others committed to the mission. Anything less and you will neither tell yourself the truth, push yourself hard enough in the mission, or benefit from the competition, encouragement, and truth telling that others on a team will bring you. Anything less than this total package and you will be confused about where you are and how you are doing.
This is not a call to inaction, or discussion, or status quo- in your life or in your community. This is a call to deployment. This is a call to change Augusta starting with you, with your home, with your neighborhood, with your workplace, and with your social groups and relationships. This is a call to be a foot soldier in the Kingdom of God.
A soldier must be prepared for the mission. A soldier must be patient and persistent. A soldier must be prepared to follow orders. A soldier must be willing to work hard for the greater good of the unit and the mission. A soldier is always on call. A soldier must be willing to sacrifice, both in small ways and perhaps in significant ways, for the mission to be accomplished. The life and practices of a soldier demand best efforts, attention to detail, practice, and commitment.
But you aren't there yet.
Even if your mind and heart soar with the thought of service there are some preliminary matters to attend to. Think of basic training for a soldier. And don't forget the ongoing training and every day disciplines required of those in military service. Tough, consistent, demanding, high expectation training is the key.
Read Ephesians 2:1-15.
Are you dead or alive?
Who, or what, rules your life?
What are your daily desires and thoughts? What are your cravings?
What is the motivating characteristic in your life?
What is your purpose, your calling, in Augusta?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
"Recruitment Manual for the Augusta Irregular Militia: Call to Action"
Given the challenging times and the dire consequences of our inaction, the time has come for a general call to action of all men and women of the Augusta, Georgia/ Central Savannah River Area. This is issued to every teenager and adult, every person of conscience, everyone who imagines a neighborhood and community and town that reflects our greatest hopes and dreams.
It is no longer appropriate for us to continue in a state of apathy, nor is it prudent for us to live in a self centered fear that nothing may be done. We can not continue the policies of "every man for himself" nor the isolated suburban pursuit of happiness. What happens in urban Augusta affects suburban Columbia County and has effect in the rural CSRA. Our former ways of living must give way to a more community centered, honest, and fruitful approach at creating a common life that is worth handing to our children. Our failure to seek to encourage and create such a community will be a continued sin handed down to our children and grandchildren unless we repent of our failures and atone in ways that lead to life. This grand failure must be reversed immediately and it must begin with us!
Look at what we have become. Consider what you see every day in your Augusta experience. Examine the daily news and reflect on how we have gotten here. We can argue the points and the causes (though my hope is that we are stirred to action and not merely more discussion!), but the process begins with us. Some issues that get my attention include:
-we divide rather than unite- our opinions, our anger, our platforms, our politics, our personal pursuits are an agenda that is a "dead end road" as we only know, friend, and work with those who agree with us. "Others" are counted as enemies- how can this be in community?!
-we are obsessed with ourselves to the detriment of the community- what we can gain, our addictions, our values become the objective. Our personal pursuits become the agenda and are foisted on the community. The community must be about more than one individual or group. Multiply this and community is divided by our small, fractured viewpoint.
-thus there is no common culture, no common goal. We all play our car stereo obnoxiously loud all the time because we don't care about our neighbor. We don't extend courtesy to another car, another person, because we don't think of them as friend or neighbor, but as nameless competitor. We are desensitized and our children are version 2.0 of selfish insensitivity.
-Should we even discuss the "older sins" of our community? This seems no longer civil to even speak in public, but the reality of white flight and separated neighborhoods and obviously divided political commissions begs the question. Of course, racism isn't a one way street! This is an equal opportunity evil that we seem to mutually embrace. Sadly, the Church is just as much a culprit and perpetrator in this as any institution. The sins of the fathers and grandfathers are now being visited on us today. How can we break through this, build bridges and relationships, and do the needful work of the Kingdom?
-the irony is that our personal spirituality and isolated lives of work and play are impacted by the current state of affairs. We have become Lone Rangers, though the team requires unity of purpose and life. Sadly, the Church is relegated to the sideline as for too long the emphasis has been on the "spiritual" versus the "practical." Yet, we pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." There is something very important here about us that we must respond to.
The negative vibe, the crime and violence, the crush of addiction, the power of mass despair, the rampant unemployment and underemployment, the challenges of basic food and housing, the loneliness and isolation of those who want to reach out to someone, the lack of voice and leadership that the masses will follow-- provides opportunity for an "all call" as we are in a state of emergency! It is time for a sense of urgency, for action on behalf of others, for a level of team work and unity that is seldom seen outside of war.
Here, in the time of the Great Recession, it is time to call up the Augusta Irregular Militia. We need teenagers, and young adults, and adults of all ages and stages who are willing to serve. Such a group -interested in loving God and loving neighbor as ourselves- is still a worthy experiment and the timing has never been more urgent. Augusta Kingdom workers need to mobilize NOW to meet the needs of the battle as the war has already been raging. People are being lost everyday to the ravages of battles that consume them.
Consider this call to action a personal invitation for your life. Carefully read and ponder Ephesians 1: 3-14 as you respond to this call to action. In the next few days I'll share more from the "Recruitment Manual" as we consider the mission and the preparation you will need as a recruit. There are some key battles to be waged in the coming days. Are you ready for what this will require of you?
It is no longer appropriate for us to continue in a state of apathy, nor is it prudent for us to live in a self centered fear that nothing may be done. We can not continue the policies of "every man for himself" nor the isolated suburban pursuit of happiness. What happens in urban Augusta affects suburban Columbia County and has effect in the rural CSRA. Our former ways of living must give way to a more community centered, honest, and fruitful approach at creating a common life that is worth handing to our children. Our failure to seek to encourage and create such a community will be a continued sin handed down to our children and grandchildren unless we repent of our failures and atone in ways that lead to life. This grand failure must be reversed immediately and it must begin with us!
Look at what we have become. Consider what you see every day in your Augusta experience. Examine the daily news and reflect on how we have gotten here. We can argue the points and the causes (though my hope is that we are stirred to action and not merely more discussion!), but the process begins with us. Some issues that get my attention include:
-we divide rather than unite- our opinions, our anger, our platforms, our politics, our personal pursuits are an agenda that is a "dead end road" as we only know, friend, and work with those who agree with us. "Others" are counted as enemies- how can this be in community?!
-we are obsessed with ourselves to the detriment of the community- what we can gain, our addictions, our values become the objective. Our personal pursuits become the agenda and are foisted on the community. The community must be about more than one individual or group. Multiply this and community is divided by our small, fractured viewpoint.
-thus there is no common culture, no common goal. We all play our car stereo obnoxiously loud all the time because we don't care about our neighbor. We don't extend courtesy to another car, another person, because we don't think of them as friend or neighbor, but as nameless competitor. We are desensitized and our children are version 2.0 of selfish insensitivity.
-Should we even discuss the "older sins" of our community? This seems no longer civil to even speak in public, but the reality of white flight and separated neighborhoods and obviously divided political commissions begs the question. Of course, racism isn't a one way street! This is an equal opportunity evil that we seem to mutually embrace. Sadly, the Church is just as much a culprit and perpetrator in this as any institution. The sins of the fathers and grandfathers are now being visited on us today. How can we break through this, build bridges and relationships, and do the needful work of the Kingdom?
-the irony is that our personal spirituality and isolated lives of work and play are impacted by the current state of affairs. We have become Lone Rangers, though the team requires unity of purpose and life. Sadly, the Church is relegated to the sideline as for too long the emphasis has been on the "spiritual" versus the "practical." Yet, we pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." There is something very important here about us that we must respond to.
The negative vibe, the crime and violence, the crush of addiction, the power of mass despair, the rampant unemployment and underemployment, the challenges of basic food and housing, the loneliness and isolation of those who want to reach out to someone, the lack of voice and leadership that the masses will follow-- provides opportunity for an "all call" as we are in a state of emergency! It is time for a sense of urgency, for action on behalf of others, for a level of team work and unity that is seldom seen outside of war.
Here, in the time of the Great Recession, it is time to call up the Augusta Irregular Militia. We need teenagers, and young adults, and adults of all ages and stages who are willing to serve. Such a group -interested in loving God and loving neighbor as ourselves- is still a worthy experiment and the timing has never been more urgent. Augusta Kingdom workers need to mobilize NOW to meet the needs of the battle as the war has already been raging. People are being lost everyday to the ravages of battles that consume them.
Consider this call to action a personal invitation for your life. Carefully read and ponder Ephesians 1: 3-14 as you respond to this call to action. In the next few days I'll share more from the "Recruitment Manual" as we consider the mission and the preparation you will need as a recruit. There are some key battles to be waged in the coming days. Are you ready for what this will require of you?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
UMC Millenial Leaders
I read an interesting blog today about the Millennial generation but had MANY questions. I'm curious if those of you in that age bracket would agree with these ideas, or if this is more a Catalyst culture millennial insight. It read to me as if they had a brainstorming session with a few people over lunch and made up a somewhat random list.
If you are a millennial clergy, or in church leadership of some sort and a millennial, I'd especially be curious about your thoughts as your generation interacts with older leadership. What do you millennials say? As is often the case when I read a broad discussion of a generation I admit I'm somewhat skeptical. You folk born after 1980 could help me with your clarifications and additions to the list below. I do want to learn more about what it means for the millennials to step into leadership and how we might best engage that age group.
The full post, 20 Points on Leading Millenials, is here. I've edited down to the main points and then included my thoughts or questions in italics.
If you are a millennial clergy, or in church leadership of some sort and a millennial, I'd especially be curious about your thoughts as your generation interacts with older leadership. What do you millennials say? As is often the case when I read a broad discussion of a generation I admit I'm somewhat skeptical. You folk born after 1980 could help me with your clarifications and additions to the list below. I do want to learn more about what it means for the millennials to step into leadership and how we might best engage that age group.
The full post, 20 Points on Leading Millenials, is here. I've edited down to the main points and then included my thoughts or questions in italics.
A good friend asked me the other day my thoughts on how to lead the millennial generation, basically those born after 1980. We gather thousands of leaders who fit this category on an annual basis, and most of our Catalyst staff are under the age of 30.If any of this crew can speak to my questions that would be really helpful!
I have to admit- I don’t always get this right. As a 100% Gen X’er, my tendency is to lean away from several of these points, and lead how I’ve been led over the years by Boomer and Busters. But I’m working on it…. What are comparable business environments using large numbers of millenials and creating this sort of dynamic illustrated below? Is it Google, Facebook, etc. or some other business? Any churches or ministry groups with a crowd that age doing this?
So with that said, here you go, thoughts on leading millenials:
1. Give them freedom with their schedule. I’ll admit, this one is tough for me. What does this mean?? How does this work? What does it look like?
2. Provide them projects, not a career. Career is just not the same anymore. They desire options. Just like free agents. Interesting... but refer to my questions in #1 and give some specifics.
3. Create a family environment. Work, family and social are all intertwined, so make sure the work environment is experiential and family oriented. Everything is connected. This often works well in ministry, but then sometimes the demands of ministry demand the attention. What does "experiential" work mean?
4. Cause is important. Tie in compassion and justice to the “normal.” Causes and opportunities to give back are important. This is easy enough to do with ministry though sometimes this constant is a challenge. What is the typical life span of a millennial doing Catalyst work?
5. Embrace social media. it’s here to stay. Okie dokie, that makes sense.
6. They are more tech savvy than any other generation ever. Technology is the norm. XBOX, iPhones, laptops, iPads are just normal. If you want a response, text first, then call. Or DM first. Or send a Facebook message. Not anti calls though. K
7. Lead each person uniquely. Don’t create standards or rules that apply to everyone. Customize your approach. (I’ll admit, this one is difficult too!) I'm curious on this one. Are you talking about more than personality differences? How does this work in a large organization?
8. Make authenticity and honesty the standard for your corporate culture. Millenials are cynical at their core, and don’t trust someone just because they are in charge.
The 1st sentence makes perfect sense. Re the 2nd- Really, how cynical? What does this mean re. supervision?
9. Millenials are not as interested in “climbing the corporate ladder.” But instead more concerned about making a difference and leaving their mark. Is this true for the whole generation? I know some folk that seem to be fairly adept at climbing the ladder! HOW do folk want to "make a difference and leave their mark?" I don't see the generation geared to this unless you mean something different than what I understand in the statement.
10. Give them opportunities early with major responsibility. They don’t want to wait their turn. Want to make a difference now. And will find an outlet for influence and responsibility somewhere else if you don’t give it to them. Empower them early and often. I actually find this to be one of my favorites on the list. How might a ministry organization or denomination best do this?
11. All about the larger win, not the personal small gain. Young leaders in general have an abundance mentality instead of scarcity mentality. What do you mean by this? Give an example of what this could mean in a ministry.
12. Partnering and collaboration are important. Not interested in drawing lines. Collaboration is the new currency, along with generosity. This is awesome if we are going to tackle some big issues of the day.
13. Not about working for a personality. Not interested in laboring long hours to build a temporal kingdom for one person. But will work their guts out for a cause and vision bigger than themselves. I like this thought but not sure what it means in relation to #1 &2.
14. Deeply desire mentoring, learning and discipleship. Many older leaders think millenials aren’t interested in generational wisdom transfer. Not true at all. Younger leaders are hungry for mentoring and discipleship, so build it into your organizational environment. Please give an example of what you mean and what this looks like.
15. Coach them and encourage them. They want to gain wisdom through experience. Come alongside them don’t just tell them what to do. This is potentially anther favorite though I do have significant questions. What does such an apprentice model look like in your ministry or work? Does this mean, similar to the rec department with kids, that everyone needs a trophy and "atta boy" for each project? If they want to be handed responsibility and we are to treat each person uniquely what does that style coaching look like in Catalyst or with millenials? How would any of this be different than a previous generation?
16. Create opportunities for quality time- individually and corporately. They want to be led by example, and not just by words. What is "quality time" in this context? Give an example
17. Hold them accountable. They want to be held accountable by those who are living it out. Measure them and give them constant feedback. What does it mean to give "constant feedback" at Catalyst? What is the ratio of supervisors to workers? What does this look like in other ministries or workplaces that have a high concentration of millenials?
18. They’ve been exposed to just about everything, so the sky is the limit in their minds. Older leaders have to understand younger leaders have a much broader and global perspective, which makes wowing Millenials much more difficult. Again, I'm drawn to this one but not sure I'm getting it all. What do you mean? What does this look like in the workplace?
19. Recognize their values, not just their strengths. It ain’t just about the skillz baby. Don’t use them without truly knowing them. This is another one I appreciate yet have some questions about. Is this that bridge between personal and professional as mentioned above? For some reason "The Office" just flashed in my mind! Do you do this both formally and informally? Asked another way, does personnel or human resources evaluations do this? I'd love to see an example of that eval form!
20. Provide a system that creates stability. Clear expectations with the freedom to succeed, and providing stability on the emotional, financial, and organizational side. Again, what does this mean and what does it look like?
Thanks to the Catalyst team and our band of millenials for their input and advice on these points. James Wilson, Julianne Graves, Sabrina Esposito, Alyssa Raymer, Stan Johnson, and Ansley Lawhead. You guys provided great insight!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
New Christian Movements
I've recently been talking with a "native" missionary about new Christian movements in his homeland. While in past centuries we might send a missionary from England or the U.S. to locations all over the globe, now we find leadership is best developed "in country." The person may study elsewhere, but intentionally returns to their native land. Rather than send a white missionary who would be high cost (of time and energy to learn new language and new culture, plus the annual costs of such a person or family) and high risk (ever wondered how many missionaries make it more than 5 years? how fluent could anyone become in a language and culture in 5 years? does the outsider do more harm than good?), the movement has been toward developing culturally appropriate investment in leadership.
My missionary friend is a leader with "contextually appropriate" Christianity in his nation. No one is content with merely adopting western Christianity methods, values, and approaches. Instead, how is the Kingdom expressed, the Scripture shared in the language of the people, and the way of Christ lived out in ways that make sense to the tribe or people or culture. For instance, does a sermon or study illustration of baseball make sense in the land of cricket? Is Sunday School mandatory in a place that might find other educational and small group approaches appropriate? Would you build a large building for every "church" (i.e. gathring of believers) or might some other forms of gathering for worship and study be most appropriate?
Imagine a place that is perhaps 2.5% Christian with a long tradition of another major religion and subcultures galore. Think of large crowds and basic preaching and teaching. Imagine a pervasive poverty and as you piece this together you get better views of the life of missionaries all over the world. Think of the early days of Christianity, or pre-denomination, and you get the picture of some of his work on the frontier.
We had a fascinating conversation pursuing this topic of "new missions" which makes use of "local wisdom" and engages in a new partnership beyond the old colonial approaches. Unfortunately the old denominational approach handed down by the colonial powers in Africa and Asia has succeeded, in many places, in merely handing down a systemic corruption and weak church which is in decline. He said that one problem of the denominations in his country is that they have trouble because they have too much property! The old line churches can't attend to the spiritual and respond to the work of God in appropriate ways in that setting as they must keep up with the buildings, the administration, the programs, and the financing of the institutions.
Now, this guy isn't a negative, gloom and doom type by any means, but is a thoughtful leader in both the national and international movement of Christianity. As we spoke my mind spun with the implications both there and here.
Some countries and some movements in Christianity are "coming into their own" now as they enter the 30-50 year time period after power has been handed over. Not all escape the "colonial hangover," and exciting things are happening as a contextually appropriate Christianity emerges. Now this is not without difficulties as my missionary friend expressed both the highs and lows of this emerging movement. Some of what he described sounded like the churches in the earliest days that Paul addressed in some of his New Testament writings. One challenge has been the importation of the "prosperity gospel," which in a land of poverty is an alluring message that can draw a crowd and detract from the Christian message. The challenge is to express an incarnational Christian message, in word and deed, that is appropriate to a culture or subculture and which helps the Kingdom of God to come alive today. So, my friend looks for "redemptive analogies" which connects the words of Scripture with his context so that people might respond to the true Good News.
This isn't a new partnership, and we'll continue to explore what it means to be intentionally interdependent as we express what it means to be the Body of Christ which breaks through nationality and culture. These MUST BE the most exciting days to be alive and work in the Kingdom as God seems to be doing so many new things!
P.S. I've been studying John 4 this week.
My missionary friend is a leader with "contextually appropriate" Christianity in his nation. No one is content with merely adopting western Christianity methods, values, and approaches. Instead, how is the Kingdom expressed, the Scripture shared in the language of the people, and the way of Christ lived out in ways that make sense to the tribe or people or culture. For instance, does a sermon or study illustration of baseball make sense in the land of cricket? Is Sunday School mandatory in a place that might find other educational and small group approaches appropriate? Would you build a large building for every "church" (i.e. gathring of believers) or might some other forms of gathering for worship and study be most appropriate?
Imagine a place that is perhaps 2.5% Christian with a long tradition of another major religion and subcultures galore. Think of large crowds and basic preaching and teaching. Imagine a pervasive poverty and as you piece this together you get better views of the life of missionaries all over the world. Think of the early days of Christianity, or pre-denomination, and you get the picture of some of his work on the frontier.
We had a fascinating conversation pursuing this topic of "new missions" which makes use of "local wisdom" and engages in a new partnership beyond the old colonial approaches. Unfortunately the old denominational approach handed down by the colonial powers in Africa and Asia has succeeded, in many places, in merely handing down a systemic corruption and weak church which is in decline. He said that one problem of the denominations in his country is that they have trouble because they have too much property! The old line churches can't attend to the spiritual and respond to the work of God in appropriate ways in that setting as they must keep up with the buildings, the administration, the programs, and the financing of the institutions.
Now, this guy isn't a negative, gloom and doom type by any means, but is a thoughtful leader in both the national and international movement of Christianity. As we spoke my mind spun with the implications both there and here.
Some countries and some movements in Christianity are "coming into their own" now as they enter the 30-50 year time period after power has been handed over. Not all escape the "colonial hangover," and exciting things are happening as a contextually appropriate Christianity emerges. Now this is not without difficulties as my missionary friend expressed both the highs and lows of this emerging movement. Some of what he described sounded like the churches in the earliest days that Paul addressed in some of his New Testament writings. One challenge has been the importation of the "prosperity gospel," which in a land of poverty is an alluring message that can draw a crowd and detract from the Christian message. The challenge is to express an incarnational Christian message, in word and deed, that is appropriate to a culture or subculture and which helps the Kingdom of God to come alive today. So, my friend looks for "redemptive analogies" which connects the words of Scripture with his context so that people might respond to the true Good News.
This isn't a new partnership, and we'll continue to explore what it means to be intentionally interdependent as we express what it means to be the Body of Christ which breaks through nationality and culture. These MUST BE the most exciting days to be alive and work in the Kingdom as God seems to be doing so many new things!
P.S. I've been studying John 4 this week.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Does $ Solve Everything for a Denomination?
What would happen to your denomination if you received $1.5 billion with strings attached? Would it help you accomplish your mission?
That's the intriguing drama being played out with the Salvation Army and the communities which have received KROC Centers. The original plan from the Joan Kroc estate envisioned 30 KROC Centers around the US as community centers affiliated with the Salvation Army. The receiving community would need to raise half the funds and then be matched by KROC. See the 2006 story from a philanthropy perspective. The NY Times offered this update in 2009 as the economy struggled and some metropolitan areas gave up on the projects for lack of community funding support.
The nearby Augusta GA KROC Center broke ground February 2010 and held their grand opening August 2011. They are situated in the old mill village of Harrisburg. It's a neighborhood in town often in the news for one problem or another. The KROC Center has an impressive building with an incredible array of programming. Here are the early numbers from 2009 regarding the projected impact and later explanations to the public . Despite the media coverage there still seems be be some confusion even today. Questions still remain whether KROC is intended for the local neighborhood, which also houses the Salvation Army, and will meet the needs of the poor of that community. I've noticed many recent Facebook posts for our Augusta branch reminding everyone that SA is a church. That seems to somehow have gotten lost in the excitement. Will folk be as excited as KROC rightfully presses the church aspect of their agenda?
But back to my initial question. How does a ministry/denomination that seems to specialize in serving the poor and those hit by disaster juggle a programming approach to ministry using a community center/recreation approach and keep their focus? The local effort will soon unveil their First Stop social service approach as they gather various partners to meet the needs of the poor. But how will the poor and those needing social services mix with the middle class and those served by the community programming of KROC? Most church ministry attempts at this take a stronger lead with the spiritual component to help integrate various socio-economic or ethnic groups. Of course, we all know that recreation is a great and easy place to gather a great mix of people. Perhaps the program approach taking the lead is a good solution.
Across the U.S., and even here in Augusta, many of us are watching to see how the millions and billions of dollars from the KROC Foundation will impact the mission of the Salvation Army. The next year will be interesting as these answers will soon be revealed for the Salvation Army, our local KROC Center, and Harrisburg.
That's the intriguing drama being played out with the Salvation Army and the communities which have received KROC Centers. The original plan from the Joan Kroc estate envisioned 30 KROC Centers around the US as community centers affiliated with the Salvation Army. The receiving community would need to raise half the funds and then be matched by KROC. See the 2006 story from a philanthropy perspective. The NY Times offered this update in 2009 as the economy struggled and some metropolitan areas gave up on the projects for lack of community funding support.
The nearby Augusta GA KROC Center broke ground February 2010 and held their grand opening August 2011. They are situated in the old mill village of Harrisburg. It's a neighborhood in town often in the news for one problem or another. The KROC Center has an impressive building with an incredible array of programming. Here are the early numbers from 2009 regarding the projected impact and later explanations to the public . Despite the media coverage there still seems be be some confusion even today. Questions still remain whether KROC is intended for the local neighborhood, which also houses the Salvation Army, and will meet the needs of the poor of that community. I've noticed many recent Facebook posts for our Augusta branch reminding everyone that SA is a church. That seems to somehow have gotten lost in the excitement. Will folk be as excited as KROC rightfully presses the church aspect of their agenda?
But back to my initial question. How does a ministry/denomination that seems to specialize in serving the poor and those hit by disaster juggle a programming approach to ministry using a community center/recreation approach and keep their focus? The local effort will soon unveil their First Stop social service approach as they gather various partners to meet the needs of the poor. But how will the poor and those needing social services mix with the middle class and those served by the community programming of KROC? Most church ministry attempts at this take a stronger lead with the spiritual component to help integrate various socio-economic or ethnic groups. Of course, we all know that recreation is a great and easy place to gather a great mix of people. Perhaps the program approach taking the lead is a good solution.
Across the U.S., and even here in Augusta, many of us are watching to see how the millions and billions of dollars from the KROC Foundation will impact the mission of the Salvation Army. The next year will be interesting as these answers will soon be revealed for the Salvation Army, our local KROC Center, and Harrisburg.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
More Requests for Help & Less Available
We're getting hit hard by more requests for financial assistance at the church. After the hottest summer on record in the southeast all the power bills are coming due. The utility companies have run out of patience. People are getting desperate. More people who have minimum wage jobs are now unable to pay their power bill and their rent. And more people are working those jobs after they have lost a better paying position.
Over the last three years the wave of requests has increased each year. I can remember thinking when it first hit that it was awful as folk lost jobs and homes. The middle class got squeezed hard. The poor got poorer. More people fighting over fewer jobs is a tough recipe.
Then two years ago it seemed like it intensified again. The requests hit a new level with even more people looking for help. More middle class and professional types found themselves in situations they'd never encountered before and had never worried about. Foreclosures and "walk aways" in middle class neighborhoods change the values of existing homes so that what starts as a reasonable investment 5 years ago is now "underwater."
How long can it go on? Now I'm beginning to wonder if this will take years to get through. Or is it perhaps the "new normal?"
In the last month it seems like we've hit yet another level of requests for financial help. I get more interruptions each day with the phone call or walk in. I always ask about family, church, anyone who can help. They've already gone to those sources and are now more desperate. There's more shame, more guilt, more despair, more tears and trembling.
Even though we've tried to use our money wisely and send most of it with local organizations that specialize in helping folk we find more people are falling "in the gaps." If you are a single adult with no children, or if you aren't yet in the elderly category, and if you don't have a disability... well you better not go through a divorce, or lose insurance, or lose a job for long, or have any sort of emergency with your vehicle or some big price tag item in your life.
Tough times seem to be getting tougher. While many church folk are extremely generous and give to such "compassion concerns" it seems like the numbers requesting assistance just continue to grow. In Augusta/Richmond County GA the estimates based on census data say 21% of the population makes less than $25,000 a year. That's 10,738 households.
While a good 24% of the population in Richmond County gives over $200 per year to a church, not all churches help with such requests. The local United Methodist Children's Home office assists families in need, and saw an 11% increase in requests for assistance the last fiscal year (ending September) while experiencing a decrease of available funds. I heard of another social service group that had what was, in the past, a funding amount for 3 years that was used in 18 months due to the increased need. Similar stories are shared from other partner groups as well. Add to this that state and federal government are sharing less funding for such social needs and it's a nasty community drama being played out.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta makes use of churches to house homeless families and provide the necessary support services to help a family stabilize and return to housing and independence. Currently there are 156 families already qualified to enter the program and on the waiting list! The current needs and request for assistance are staggering.
How does your church or nonprofit ministry meet the needs in the community with less available funding? Most organizations have gone from streamlining 3 years ago, to cutting positions and ministries, and are merely hoping to survive. How do you deal with more requests for assistance when there is less funding available? How can we best stabilize families and communities even as there is less funding available?
I'm recalling those New Testament miracle stories when the people would gather their meager resources, Jesus in their midst would offer a blessing, and the needs of the crowds would be met. Lord, let that happen again today as your Kingdom seeks to be expressed on earth in these tough days!
Over the last three years the wave of requests has increased each year. I can remember thinking when it first hit that it was awful as folk lost jobs and homes. The middle class got squeezed hard. The poor got poorer. More people fighting over fewer jobs is a tough recipe.
Then two years ago it seemed like it intensified again. The requests hit a new level with even more people looking for help. More middle class and professional types found themselves in situations they'd never encountered before and had never worried about. Foreclosures and "walk aways" in middle class neighborhoods change the values of existing homes so that what starts as a reasonable investment 5 years ago is now "underwater."
How long can it go on? Now I'm beginning to wonder if this will take years to get through. Or is it perhaps the "new normal?"
In the last month it seems like we've hit yet another level of requests for financial help. I get more interruptions each day with the phone call or walk in. I always ask about family, church, anyone who can help. They've already gone to those sources and are now more desperate. There's more shame, more guilt, more despair, more tears and trembling.
Even though we've tried to use our money wisely and send most of it with local organizations that specialize in helping folk we find more people are falling "in the gaps." If you are a single adult with no children, or if you aren't yet in the elderly category, and if you don't have a disability... well you better not go through a divorce, or lose insurance, or lose a job for long, or have any sort of emergency with your vehicle or some big price tag item in your life.
Tough times seem to be getting tougher. While many church folk are extremely generous and give to such "compassion concerns" it seems like the numbers requesting assistance just continue to grow. In Augusta/Richmond County GA the estimates based on census data say 21% of the population makes less than $25,000 a year. That's 10,738 households.
While a good 24% of the population in Richmond County gives over $200 per year to a church, not all churches help with such requests. The local United Methodist Children's Home office assists families in need, and saw an 11% increase in requests for assistance the last fiscal year (ending September) while experiencing a decrease of available funds. I heard of another social service group that had what was, in the past, a funding amount for 3 years that was used in 18 months due to the increased need. Similar stories are shared from other partner groups as well. Add to this that state and federal government are sharing less funding for such social needs and it's a nasty community drama being played out.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta makes use of churches to house homeless families and provide the necessary support services to help a family stabilize and return to housing and independence. Currently there are 156 families already qualified to enter the program and on the waiting list! The current needs and request for assistance are staggering.
How does your church or nonprofit ministry meet the needs in the community with less available funding? Most organizations have gone from streamlining 3 years ago, to cutting positions and ministries, and are merely hoping to survive. How do you deal with more requests for assistance when there is less funding available? How can we best stabilize families and communities even as there is less funding available?
I'm recalling those New Testament miracle stories when the people would gather their meager resources, Jesus in their midst would offer a blessing, and the needs of the crowds would be met. Lord, let that happen again today as your Kingdom seeks to be expressed on earth in these tough days!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thankful for Local Missionaries
We usually think of missionaries as folk who go to some distant location. I think that anyone who follows Christ is called to be a missionary- one who shares the love of God in word and deed. Aren't we all sent on mission as we follow the Son of God?
It is an honor to work with a number of local missionaries. That's not their official title, and they may not even call themselves that, but they are influential in the Kingdom, the Augusta community, and the Church as they meet needs and share the love of God. During the last couple of weeks I've been "making the rounds" introducing the local outreach leader from our church to some of our major local mission partners. We haven't made it to everyone just yet, but it's already proven to be a great exercise and wonderful way to catch up with some local missionaries and encourage them to continue in their good work despite the challenges.
So, today I'm thankful for the local missionaries! I've met with and relied on everyone in the list below during the last couple of weeks. Some folk in my prayers today are:
-Rick Herring, Augusta Urban Ministries
-FROGs- that's a group of retired guys from my church who do construction work in town for the church and for many nonprofit groups
-Mike Firmin, Golden Harvest Food Bank
-Amy Breitman, Goodwill
-Sarah McDonald, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta
-Millicent West, New Bethlehem Community Center
-Marsha Jones, St. Luke UMC
-Thurman Norville, United Methodist Children's Home/Augusta
-YOU!
You couldn't ask for a better group of co-conspirators for the great work of the Kingdom! Of course, there is always room for one more in local mission.
How are you doing in local mission? Who's on your prayer list as you give thanks for the local missionaries?
It is an honor to work with a number of local missionaries. That's not their official title, and they may not even call themselves that, but they are influential in the Kingdom, the Augusta community, and the Church as they meet needs and share the love of God. During the last couple of weeks I've been "making the rounds" introducing the local outreach leader from our church to some of our major local mission partners. We haven't made it to everyone just yet, but it's already proven to be a great exercise and wonderful way to catch up with some local missionaries and encourage them to continue in their good work despite the challenges.
So, today I'm thankful for the local missionaries! I've met with and relied on everyone in the list below during the last couple of weeks. Some folk in my prayers today are:
-Rick Herring, Augusta Urban Ministries
-FROGs- that's a group of retired guys from my church who do construction work in town for the church and for many nonprofit groups
-Mike Firmin, Golden Harvest Food Bank
-Amy Breitman, Goodwill
-Sarah McDonald, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Augusta
-Millicent West, New Bethlehem Community Center
-Marsha Jones, St. Luke UMC
-Thurman Norville, United Methodist Children's Home/Augusta
-YOU!
You couldn't ask for a better group of co-conspirators for the great work of the Kingdom! Of course, there is always room for one more in local mission.
How are you doing in local mission? Who's on your prayer list as you give thanks for the local missionaries?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Christians as Promulgators and Fomenters?
A clergy friend recently posted a great quote on Facebook as his status yet deleted the one accused. Adam got attention with: "And for his own part, _________ flouted many regulations of the Church...concerning parish boundaries and who had authority to preach. This was seen as a social threat that disregarded institutions. Ministers attacked them in sermons and in print, and at times mobs attacked them. ________ and his followers continued to work among the neglected and needy. They were denounced as promulgators of strange doctrines, fomenters of religious disturbances; as blind fanatics, leading people astray, claiming miraculous gifts, attacking the clergy of the Church..."
This led to an interesting discussion by United Methodist clergy regarding these sentiments written about our beloved and often quoted founder- John Wesley- and a comparison with the church today! We especially loved the wording. Such strange words to our ears today. I'll take our quick e-conversation a few more steps.
Would the United Methodist Church, or any bishop or district superintendent, or any local congregation or ministry, put any of this in the job description today as a sought after characteristic for clergy or laity? No. *answering in John Wesley style as found in the early conference minutes of Methodism*
What/where is the place of "promulgators and fomentors" within United Methodism today? Hmmm, I can't answer this as a "yes" or "no" or with quick answer so I'll quickly abandon the John Wesley Minutes approach. I do recall that some pastors finish memorial services for deceased church members by moving their membership from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant. Perhaps we all need to get a little more militant in our Christian walk in preparation for Heaven?
I believe at the heart of this are some very important ideas about the Kingdom of God, what it means to serve the Kingdom, and how following Jesus today may still get us in trouble, or better said, into action for God. We can easily find this a bridge to all sorts of people in a community. I also sense that we might better connect with the next generation of clergy if we embrace this "wild side," this untamed clergy viewpoint. It may even save some of the clergy who've served for some years if we can break out of the "cookie cutter" mentality and allow for following a Risen Christ in some radical ways beyond the expectations of a local congregation. Are there ways to allow for some fire in the laity & clergy, maybe even stoke the flame, while still building continuity? How do we experience that intersection of Kingdom of God and institutional Church?
I'm still thinking on that E. Stanley Jones quote mentioned yesterday: "He feared that the substitution of the church for the Kingdom of God might rob the missionary movement of the needed fires of imagination, enthusiasm, and self-criticism."
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. . When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36
This led to an interesting discussion by United Methodist clergy regarding these sentiments written about our beloved and often quoted founder- John Wesley- and a comparison with the church today! We especially loved the wording. Such strange words to our ears today. I'll take our quick e-conversation a few more steps.
Would the United Methodist Church, or any bishop or district superintendent, or any local congregation or ministry, put any of this in the job description today as a sought after characteristic for clergy or laity? No. *answering in John Wesley style as found in the early conference minutes of Methodism*
What/where is the place of "promulgators and fomentors" within United Methodism today? Hmmm, I can't answer this as a "yes" or "no" or with quick answer so I'll quickly abandon the John Wesley Minutes approach. I do recall that some pastors finish memorial services for deceased church members by moving their membership from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant. Perhaps we all need to get a little more militant in our Christian walk in preparation for Heaven?
I believe at the heart of this are some very important ideas about the Kingdom of God, what it means to serve the Kingdom, and how following Jesus today may still get us in trouble, or better said, into action for God. We can easily find this a bridge to all sorts of people in a community. I also sense that we might better connect with the next generation of clergy if we embrace this "wild side," this untamed clergy viewpoint. It may even save some of the clergy who've served for some years if we can break out of the "cookie cutter" mentality and allow for following a Risen Christ in some radical ways beyond the expectations of a local congregation. Are there ways to allow for some fire in the laity & clergy, maybe even stoke the flame, while still building continuity? How do we experience that intersection of Kingdom of God and institutional Church?
I'm still thinking on that E. Stanley Jones quote mentioned yesterday: "He feared that the substitution of the church for the Kingdom of God might rob the missionary movement of the needed fires of imagination, enthusiasm, and self-criticism."
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. . When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Confusing the Kingdom of God and the Church
It's funny how blogs work. Often I get interested in a topic and then end up following the links from one blog to other blogs and articles.
Yesterday Ed Setzer had a blog on what it means for the Church to be missional which he portrayed in the 3 dimensions of missionary, mission, and the missio Dei. See the full article at Seeing Missional in 3-D-- A First Draft. Much of the discussion is a recap of the 20th Century Missionary movement, including the World Missionary Confernces with origins at Edinburgh in 1910 & then the important early meeting of the International Missionary Council in Tambaram (Madras), India in 1938. Setzer says,
Setzer notes there were detractors. Most notable was the rhetoric of the Methodist missionary E. Stanley Jones. "He immediately questioned this emphasis on the church in missionary thinking, fearing that the substitution of the church for the Kingdom of God might fleece the missionary movement of the 'needed fires of imagination, enthusiasm, and self-criticism.'[6] He continued, 'Madras looked out and saw the Kingdom and the Church at the door, opened the door to the lesser and more obvious, the Church, and left the Kingdom at the door. So Madras missed the way.'[7]"
I had to know more and followed the footnotes!
.T.V. Philip, "Church & Mission"
Yesterday Ed Setzer had a blog on what it means for the Church to be missional which he portrayed in the 3 dimensions of missionary, mission, and the missio Dei. See the full article at Seeing Missional in 3-D-- A First Draft. Much of the discussion is a recap of the 20th Century Missionary movement, including the World Missionary Confernces with origins at Edinburgh in 1910 & then the important early meeting of the International Missionary Council in Tambaram (Madras), India in 1938. Setzer says,
The Tambaram conference called the whole church to be the bearers of the Gospel in every sphere of life.[5] In other words, mission is not to be a subdivision of the church’s life; it exists to accomplish a divinely ordained mission and the accountability rests upon every Christian in and outside of the church.
Setzer notes there were detractors. Most notable was the rhetoric of the Methodist missionary E. Stanley Jones. "He immediately questioned this emphasis on the church in missionary thinking, fearing that the substitution of the church for the Kingdom of God might fleece the missionary movement of the 'needed fires of imagination, enthusiasm, and self-criticism.'[6] He continued, 'Madras looked out and saw the Kingdom and the Church at the door, opened the door to the lesser and more obvious, the Church, and left the Kingdom at the door. So Madras missed the way.'[7]"
I had to know more and followed the footnotes!
The main conclusion of the Madras Conference was that church and mission are inseparable. It said, "World evangelism is the God-given task of the Church. This is inherent in the very nature of the Church as the Body of Christ created by God to continue in the world the work which Jesus Christ began in His life and teaching, and consummated by His death and resurrection".35 It is the church that is God’s missionary to the world. So from Madras on, it was impossible to speak of mission without directly linking mission to the church. Further, in summoning the churches to become in itself the actualization among men of its own message, it appeared that Madras had identified the church with the Gospel. Hence the Conference at Madras could announce to a baffled and needy world that the Christian church was its greatest hope and that the church could not be destroyed. These were very bold and strong statements to make about the church and its place in the economy of salvation.
E. Stanley Jones, an American missionary working in India and a participant at the Madras Conference, immediately questioned this emphasis on the church in missionary thinking. He feared that the substitution of the church for the Kingdom of God might rob the missionary movement of the needed fires of imagination, enthusiasm, and self-criticism. From his experience in India as a missionary to the Hindus, he felt that the idea of the church was anathema to the Hindus. In an article for the Christian Century entitled, "Where Madras Missed its Way", he wrote:
In general the Madras Conference was great, but centrally and fundamentally the Conference missed its way. Why? Because of its starting point - the Church. It began there and worked Out all its problems from the Church standpoint. Hence the confusion and hesitancy. The Church is a relativism. At its best it is so. When you work out from one relativism to other relativisms in human affairs, the result is bound to be confusion... Alongside of the pseudo-absolutes of the race as in Nazism, the state as in Fascism, the class in Communism, the Madras Conference put another pseudo-absolute, the religious community, the Church.36
According to Stanley Jones, Madras had no absolute conception from which it worked out its main problems. In his view, Jesus worked out His thinking from the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is God’s absolute order confronting human need. The Kingdom is absolute while the church is relative. The Kingdom is the end while the church is only the means. For Stanley Jones, one could not be a revolutionary in one’s thinking and acting, if one started from the church. Then the Gospel becomes a limited one. "The conception, the Church, binds you in relativities and limitations," he wrote. The complaint of Stanley Jones was that while Jesus went about preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, Madras went about preaching the gospel of the Church. He wrote, "Madras looked out and saw the Kingdom and the Church at the door, opened the door to the lesser and more obvious, the Church, and left the Kingdom at the door. So Madras missed the way".37
.T.V. Philip, "Church & Mission"
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Developing Missions
I sometimes wonder how folk blog so much! I'm running from one thing to another with work-- wrapping up some projects, starting others, trying to be ready for some big events later, and keep up with some of the day-to-day opportunities. But I don't think I'll clean my desk or office today.
Currently I'm thinking about a new approach to church compassion and benevolence as the economy and job loss continue to pound people. I've got to move from this being my ministry, and only in response to those who are asking, to something better defined. What's the best model you've seen?
I'm also working on getting a "time and talent" element back into our stewardship approach. Most churches do their "campaign" in late fall. Have you noticed how many of us only focus on funds for the year, on the the pledges of a congregation, and have dropped the other part of the church membership vows? We're looking at using a quarterly approach to highlight that tithe of time and talent given to church ministry. What's the best church model you've seen?
Another project I'm working on today is our annual mission event. We hold this every February and it's a mix of mission celebration, challenge to the congregation for participation and funding for the coming year, and "hands on" service in mission. This time we're adding a strong training component for disaster response, emergency shelter operation, and all the various certifications/badges you'd need to be part of a response team. We're VERY excited about this event scheduled for Saturday, February 4, as we work with Red Cross, VOAD, and the North Georgia UMC to be better prepared for action when disaster strikes.
Just another quite day in Augusta!
Currently I'm thinking about a new approach to church compassion and benevolence as the economy and job loss continue to pound people. I've got to move from this being my ministry, and only in response to those who are asking, to something better defined. What's the best model you've seen?
I'm also working on getting a "time and talent" element back into our stewardship approach. Most churches do their "campaign" in late fall. Have you noticed how many of us only focus on funds for the year, on the the pledges of a congregation, and have dropped the other part of the church membership vows? We're looking at using a quarterly approach to highlight that tithe of time and talent given to church ministry. What's the best church model you've seen?
Another project I'm working on today is our annual mission event. We hold this every February and it's a mix of mission celebration, challenge to the congregation for participation and funding for the coming year, and "hands on" service in mission. This time we're adding a strong training component for disaster response, emergency shelter operation, and all the various certifications/badges you'd need to be part of a response team. We're VERY excited about this event scheduled for Saturday, February 4, as we work with Red Cross, VOAD, and the North Georgia UMC to be better prepared for action when disaster strikes.
Just another quite day in Augusta!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Fall 2011 Consignment Sale
I'm shocked that 6 months have past and it's now time for the fall consignment sale. But the calendar and last 2 days of hyperactivity remind me otherwise. This isn't the old church yard sales I experienced in my early years of ministry where everyone would show up on the day of the sale and we broke out the masking tape and markers. This is a laptop computer, barcodes on every item, 60,000-70,000 item consignment sale. And they didn't teach me to install software, integrate a new computer into a network, and set up a local area network back in seminary days-- but you do what you've got to do!
It's always a huge blessing for the church as we get 40% of the net for the church's various mission projects. So, it's worth the challenges & long hours. And we have a huge response from the community who are involved as consignors, volunteers, and shoppers. All in all, it's an incredible experience.
So far during the last two days of set-up I've been reminded:
-there is no easy way to gather 300+ volunteers
-communication is a challenge with people & the more people you deal with during a day the more challenging it gets
-throw in some heat (back to 95+ the last two days in Augusta) & long days and the above issues become greater
-and yet I'm continually amazed at some of the workhorses and saints that show a commitment, perseverance, and depth of character that restores hope and gives me that energy I most need.
The sale is Friday 9-7 & Saturday 8-2. Oh, and then we clean up!
Find all the details here.
Clothes
Toys
It's always a huge blessing for the church as we get 40% of the net for the church's various mission projects. So, it's worth the challenges & long hours. And we have a huge response from the community who are involved as consignors, volunteers, and shoppers. All in all, it's an incredible experience.
So far during the last two days of set-up I've been reminded:
-there is no easy way to gather 300+ volunteers
-communication is a challenge with people & the more people you deal with during a day the more challenging it gets
-throw in some heat (back to 95+ the last two days in Augusta) & long days and the above issues become greater
-and yet I'm continually amazed at some of the workhorses and saints that show a commitment, perseverance, and depth of character that restores hope and gives me that energy I most need.
The sale is Friday 9-7 & Saturday 8-2. Oh, and then we clean up!
Find all the details here.
Clothes
Toys
Sunday, September 4, 2011
John & Jonah Show Up in Worship
It happened again today as John appeared midway through the worship service at the center doors. He always stumbles through the doors, similar to Kramer from "Seinfeld," and then looks around rather confused trying to get his bearings. It would be funny except that John appears to be homeless and usually smells like he is. You can often see the look of dread on people's faces as they anticipate where John might sit!
The truth is John has a fairly severe mental illness and doesn't have a family that keeps him. He lives in one of those group transitional home settings just off Gordon Highway. He walks everywhere, and has little or no supervision. If you know Augusta then you may realize that means he walks miles to get to church on Sunday. You can't get much out of him to talk with him, so a few years ago I played detective and followed him to the house where he rents a room.
For the most part John is harmless, though at times he can be rather disruptive with his behavior. Usually he sits in worship, may get up a few times during an hour to go outside and smoke the very end of a throw away cigarette he picked up somewhere, and then he's either back in the sanctuary or in his favorite Sunday School class hoping they'll let him eat some food. So, I usually watch him like I would a 5 year old who can get into a lot of mischief with no supervision.
Today John appears at the center doors like a slapstick comedian, realizes he wasn't quite where he wanted to be, and quickly darts back in the narthex to then reappear in his favorite side aisle. Imagine your thoughts if you had to babysit John... or if you were sitting in church in the vicinity of such a character.
John certainly stands out in our crowd of primarily professional, middle class/upper class congregation. He's always got serious bedhead, usually favors an army jacket & surprisingly today is without it and sporting a half tucked shirt, hasn't bathed in who knows when, and laughs loudly at all the wrong places in worship. He usually likes a seat about 2/3's of the way down the aisle, and it doesn't really matter what time it is in the worship. If there is a cute female on the aisle all the better. Add in talking to himself and a rather serious wheezing and you get part of the picture!
Being "the mission guy" I usually try to sit near him. The ushers will give me the signal that one of "my guys" is in the building if I don't seem to be aware of a "disturbance in the force." I don't know what it is that is attractive to John, but he's as dedicated in attendance as many of our members.
At early worship this morning John appears just as the congregation is singing a prayer chorus and as some are going to the altar to pray.
As the worship service moves on toward offering, and sermon, and communion, my old brother John becomes more at ease and more animated. Since we are usually televised on live TV at 11 AM even the early service has great lighting. But is it something about the preacher's face or the emotions of the place that cause John to laugh at such odd times? I likely don't see or hear what John experiences, but I wonder what draws him here and what he sees. I start hearing him get a little louder, so concerned for others in the congregation, I move closer and sit on John's pew.
Even as I'm trying to play good brother to John and the congregation I hear my preacher, Rev. Dan Brown, as he shares scripture and sermon from Jonah 4:1-5. Dan shares the story of Jonah who didn't want to go where God sent him with the message that was intended, and instead preferred to go in the opposite direction. And then when Jonah finally did go he shared a half hearted message for those he could care less about. I hear something about "needing to show grace to others like God shows us." And later, "... we are to be extensions of God's grace, even to people we do not like."
So, God, and the preacher, and John are all laughing at me now! It occurs to me that both the messenger and the crowd need each other in this relationship of God's grace. Who knows what God is doing in all those lives and what response we might get from those we least expect to respond?
We concluded worship with that hymn/chorus I'm lobbying to have changed. I love the music and the sentiment, but know the words aren't quite what they should be. Here's my version of "Here I Am Lord":
The truth is John has a fairly severe mental illness and doesn't have a family that keeps him. He lives in one of those group transitional home settings just off Gordon Highway. He walks everywhere, and has little or no supervision. If you know Augusta then you may realize that means he walks miles to get to church on Sunday. You can't get much out of him to talk with him, so a few years ago I played detective and followed him to the house where he rents a room.
For the most part John is harmless, though at times he can be rather disruptive with his behavior. Usually he sits in worship, may get up a few times during an hour to go outside and smoke the very end of a throw away cigarette he picked up somewhere, and then he's either back in the sanctuary or in his favorite Sunday School class hoping they'll let him eat some food. So, I usually watch him like I would a 5 year old who can get into a lot of mischief with no supervision.
Today John appears at the center doors like a slapstick comedian, realizes he wasn't quite where he wanted to be, and quickly darts back in the narthex to then reappear in his favorite side aisle. Imagine your thoughts if you had to babysit John... or if you were sitting in church in the vicinity of such a character.
John certainly stands out in our crowd of primarily professional, middle class/upper class congregation. He's always got serious bedhead, usually favors an army jacket & surprisingly today is without it and sporting a half tucked shirt, hasn't bathed in who knows when, and laughs loudly at all the wrong places in worship. He usually likes a seat about 2/3's of the way down the aisle, and it doesn't really matter what time it is in the worship. If there is a cute female on the aisle all the better. Add in talking to himself and a rather serious wheezing and you get part of the picture!
Being "the mission guy" I usually try to sit near him. The ushers will give me the signal that one of "my guys" is in the building if I don't seem to be aware of a "disturbance in the force." I don't know what it is that is attractive to John, but he's as dedicated in attendance as many of our members.
At early worship this morning John appears just as the congregation is singing a prayer chorus and as some are going to the altar to pray.
Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord.
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of heaven, feed me til I want no more;
fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
As the worship service moves on toward offering, and sermon, and communion, my old brother John becomes more at ease and more animated. Since we are usually televised on live TV at 11 AM even the early service has great lighting. But is it something about the preacher's face or the emotions of the place that cause John to laugh at such odd times? I likely don't see or hear what John experiences, but I wonder what draws him here and what he sees. I start hearing him get a little louder, so concerned for others in the congregation, I move closer and sit on John's pew.
Even as I'm trying to play good brother to John and the congregation I hear my preacher, Rev. Dan Brown, as he shares scripture and sermon from Jonah 4:1-5. Dan shares the story of Jonah who didn't want to go where God sent him with the message that was intended, and instead preferred to go in the opposite direction. And then when Jonah finally did go he shared a half hearted message for those he could care less about. I hear something about "needing to show grace to others like God shows us." And later, "... we are to be extensions of God's grace, even to people we do not like."
So, God, and the preacher, and John are all laughing at me now! It occurs to me that both the messenger and the crowd need each other in this relationship of God's grace. Who knows what God is doing in all those lives and what response we might get from those we least expect to respond?
We concluded worship with that hymn/chorus I'm lobbying to have changed. I love the music and the sentiment, but know the words aren't quite what they should be. Here's my version of "Here I Am Lord":
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, when you lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Standing with a Homeless Man
Every day there are people who give the church a phone call, or stop by to plead their case, seeking financial assistance. I've been in churches since 1992 that get this a lot, therefore it's a regular part of ministry. Not too many years ago it was a certain type of person who would know the system and appeal to churches and non-profit ministries for help with their "light bill" or rent or gas or food or whatever. With the tougher economy, and more people out of work, we get more people who don't know "the system" and who are unaccustomed to asking for help.
As a pastor, and as someone seeking to follow Christ in my personal life, it's a tough tight rope as I so often deal with con-men and those who live off others, yet seek to have a tender heart that takes time with people and is responsive to those who are in great need. There's never enough money, never enough time, and it's a challenge to safeguard what has been given to church and God for those most in need.
Late this afternoon the call came from the receptionist's desk that I had a "friend out front." Freddy had shown up a couple of months ago. He seemed transparent, likable, and even in spite of knowing he has had his challenges and is likely running a story, I found myself drawn to him. He was upbeat, optimistic, with a smile and a twinkle in eyes that showed a hope I didn't usually find from my brothers and sisters on the street. It was an afternoon when I didn't have many appointments and could take some time in conversation.
Freddy was very open and revealing. He responded to all my questions and didn't get defensive or seem evasive, even when I pushed in directions and gave advice that could have pushed anyone's buttons!
He told he'd done jail time. His only ID is from corrections.
He told me about the mission where he lives, and the challenges of living in such a place, of being out during the day with his Goodwill training and to look for work.
We sat and chatted leisurely for almost 30 minutes.
I gave him a little bit of money, and a pair of reading glasses as we had some left over from our recent west African mission trip. I told him about our mission partners at a local medical clinic that might be a help to him with some of his problems. We chatted some more and I gave him a blessing as he went back out on the street.
Today was very different. Today everything was different. Today we stood together and the emotion hung thick in the air.
Freddy seemed defeated. It was more than just his situation that had him down. Everything he said indicated he'd been beaten in life and was ready to give up. He said repeatedly that this was his "last chance." But his words and emotions sounded more like a man who didn't expect to have much longer to live. Freddy had a tear that kept popping up in the corner of his eye. His emotion was raw, but controlled, as the frustration, remorse, and hope to do better was all confessed. How amazing the sense of God's presence as this homeless brother of mine shared from the depths of his soul. In all of my years talking with my homeless neighbors I've never had an experience quite like this.
Freddy was drawn to the church today because of the deepest needs of his soul. He needed to talk. He had to say some things. He needed to hear some things.
At this moment as I write this, and as the night claims the day, I can't help but think of Freddy. I hope you'll pray for him, and for others like him in your neighborhood. As I think about him I'm drawn to a scripture that recalls Jesus who calls us all to his feet and who came to heal us all.
Luke 6:17-21 (though you may wisely wish to read more in that chapter). Speaking of Jesus the passage says:
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh."
Lord, be with Freddy tonight. Help him to stay on your path and cling to You. And help me to have a similar faith and expectation of healing for my soul. Lord, let it be!
As a pastor, and as someone seeking to follow Christ in my personal life, it's a tough tight rope as I so often deal with con-men and those who live off others, yet seek to have a tender heart that takes time with people and is responsive to those who are in great need. There's never enough money, never enough time, and it's a challenge to safeguard what has been given to church and God for those most in need.
Late this afternoon the call came from the receptionist's desk that I had a "friend out front." Freddy had shown up a couple of months ago. He seemed transparent, likable, and even in spite of knowing he has had his challenges and is likely running a story, I found myself drawn to him. He was upbeat, optimistic, with a smile and a twinkle in eyes that showed a hope I didn't usually find from my brothers and sisters on the street. It was an afternoon when I didn't have many appointments and could take some time in conversation.
Freddy was very open and revealing. He responded to all my questions and didn't get defensive or seem evasive, even when I pushed in directions and gave advice that could have pushed anyone's buttons!
He told he'd done jail time. His only ID is from corrections.
He told me about the mission where he lives, and the challenges of living in such a place, of being out during the day with his Goodwill training and to look for work.
We sat and chatted leisurely for almost 30 minutes.
I gave him a little bit of money, and a pair of reading glasses as we had some left over from our recent west African mission trip. I told him about our mission partners at a local medical clinic that might be a help to him with some of his problems. We chatted some more and I gave him a blessing as he went back out on the street.
Today was very different. Today everything was different. Today we stood together and the emotion hung thick in the air.
Freddy seemed defeated. It was more than just his situation that had him down. Everything he said indicated he'd been beaten in life and was ready to give up. He said repeatedly that this was his "last chance." But his words and emotions sounded more like a man who didn't expect to have much longer to live. Freddy had a tear that kept popping up in the corner of his eye. His emotion was raw, but controlled, as the frustration, remorse, and hope to do better was all confessed. How amazing the sense of God's presence as this homeless brother of mine shared from the depths of his soul. In all of my years talking with my homeless neighbors I've never had an experience quite like this.
Freddy was drawn to the church today because of the deepest needs of his soul. He needed to talk. He had to say some things. He needed to hear some things.
At this moment as I write this, and as the night claims the day, I can't help but think of Freddy. I hope you'll pray for him, and for others like him in your neighborhood. As I think about him I'm drawn to a scripture that recalls Jesus who calls us all to his feet and who came to heal us all.
Luke 6:17-21 (though you may wisely wish to read more in that chapter). Speaking of Jesus the passage says:
He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh."
Lord, be with Freddy tonight. Help him to stay on your path and cling to You. And help me to have a similar faith and expectation of healing for my soul. Lord, let it be!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Super Saturday
Today my church celebrated our monthly Super Saturday. It's a ministry for special needs adults that we've been privileged to host at Trinity on the Hill for over 30 years. Our friends love this event because they have so few social opportunities. We've grown old together over the years. In our safe space we see old friends & make new friends. We sing, we dance, we make a LOT of noise, and there is always a LOT of movement. But it's all good because we are family and understand we are who we are, and everyone is accepted in our fun couple of hours. The crew loves dances, is excited to have Elvis visit a couple of times a year, and there is nothing better than eating a great lunch provided by a church Sunday School class or choir.
We'd fallen into a comfortable routine of offering certain programs over the years & thought we had it down to a science. You know, not everyone can sing or do magic in a room of 225 special needs adults! So, we'd filtered through those who could and those who couldn't play such a venue. A few months back I noticed one of the caregivers had set her purse down so she could load up her Super Saturday friends in their van. Many of our crowd are in wheelchairs, or use some help to walk, so quite a few of the groups have vans or minibuses that are especially equipped. It isn't a quick process to load up & it's easy to get distracted if you're transporting 5-6 people. As I got her purse back to her she was bragging on us for doing this ministry, and we were bragging on her and everyone in the group that we think of as family. Then something in the conversation led me to ask her what other activities we might do that no one else offers. She though for a moment and got us into conversation that these sorts of friends NEVER get to go to a public movie theater. They make too much noise, move around a lot, need to use the bathroom a few times during a movie, need something to drink, etc, etc.
Why hadn't we thought of that!
So, today we set up the laptop, got out the projector, and set up the big screen and tied into the speaker system in our fellowship hall dining room. Some of the challenge was to find a great movie that would fit into a 1 hour or 90 minute time slot. Don't forget we've got to eat, and it takes almost 30 minutes to get this large group with some needs their food and to their seats. Our faithful leader, Jim & his wife Candy, determined the newer Alvin and the Chipmunks movie would be a great first attempt. And they were right!
We had a wonderful time today. The applause was as if we'd staged a premiere movie. The gratitude was heartfelt & with these friends becomes a handshake, many hugs and high fives.
What a joy to meet simple needs, listen and learn, and hang out with folk who are often overlooked yet have so much to offer.
We'd fallen into a comfortable routine of offering certain programs over the years & thought we had it down to a science. You know, not everyone can sing or do magic in a room of 225 special needs adults! So, we'd filtered through those who could and those who couldn't play such a venue. A few months back I noticed one of the caregivers had set her purse down so she could load up her Super Saturday friends in their van. Many of our crowd are in wheelchairs, or use some help to walk, so quite a few of the groups have vans or minibuses that are especially equipped. It isn't a quick process to load up & it's easy to get distracted if you're transporting 5-6 people. As I got her purse back to her she was bragging on us for doing this ministry, and we were bragging on her and everyone in the group that we think of as family. Then something in the conversation led me to ask her what other activities we might do that no one else offers. She though for a moment and got us into conversation that these sorts of friends NEVER get to go to a public movie theater. They make too much noise, move around a lot, need to use the bathroom a few times during a movie, need something to drink, etc, etc.
Why hadn't we thought of that!
So, today we set up the laptop, got out the projector, and set up the big screen and tied into the speaker system in our fellowship hall dining room. Some of the challenge was to find a great movie that would fit into a 1 hour or 90 minute time slot. Don't forget we've got to eat, and it takes almost 30 minutes to get this large group with some needs their food and to their seats. Our faithful leader, Jim & his wife Candy, determined the newer Alvin and the Chipmunks movie would be a great first attempt. And they were right!
We had a wonderful time today. The applause was as if we'd staged a premiere movie. The gratitude was heartfelt & with these friends becomes a handshake, many hugs and high fives.
What a joy to meet simple needs, listen and learn, and hang out with folk who are often overlooked yet have so much to offer.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Goodwill Mentors Needed
Today I'm looking for some Adult & Business Mentors. Have you ever thought you could combine business and your faith? Perhaps you didn't know it, but our local Goodwill is on the cutting edge of ministry and we are glad to be part of their efforts.
Join this new mentor project as part of your work in local mission through Trinity on the Hill & Goodwill. Mentors are provided 4 hours of training, spend time 1:1 with a trainee every other week, and become part of the Goodwill team. An application process and 4 hours of training are required & there are upcoming dates for Augusta & September training sessions.
Goodwill’s mission is to help people discover and develop their God-given gifts through education, work, and career development services. Job training and placement services are offered in that pursuit. This philosophy began in Goodwill’s earliest days as a ministry developed by a Methodist pastor in Boston convinced that what people want is not charity but a chance to work. The goal of the mentorship program is to provide individual, outside support, for Goodwill trainees, students, or employees throughout their training program and transition into a new job.
Interested in sharing your time and talent with someone as a Mentor?
For more information contact Rev. Scott Parrish, TOTH mission pastor at the church office 706-738-8822 or sparrish@trinityonthehill.net, or Amy Breitmann, Goodwill Volunteer Manager for the CSRA at abreitmann@goodwillworks.org or 706-691-6527.
Join this new mentor project as part of your work in local mission through Trinity on the Hill & Goodwill. Mentors are provided 4 hours of training, spend time 1:1 with a trainee every other week, and become part of the Goodwill team. An application process and 4 hours of training are required & there are upcoming dates for Augusta & September training sessions.
Goodwill’s mission is to help people discover and develop their God-given gifts through education, work, and career development services. Job training and placement services are offered in that pursuit. This philosophy began in Goodwill’s earliest days as a ministry developed by a Methodist pastor in Boston convinced that what people want is not charity but a chance to work. The goal of the mentorship program is to provide individual, outside support, for Goodwill trainees, students, or employees throughout their training program and transition into a new job.
Interested in sharing your time and talent with someone as a Mentor?
For more information contact Rev. Scott Parrish, TOTH mission pastor at the church office 706-738-8822 or sparrish@trinityonthehill.net, or Amy Breitmann, Goodwill Volunteer Manager for the CSRA at abreitmann@goodwillworks.org or 706-691-6527.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
October Mission in Rural Jamaica
Can you see yourself in Jamaica in October?
No problem mon!
Join Trinity on the Hill for a week of medical ministry and fellowship in St.Mary Parish on the island of Jamaica. We will be hosting a team from October 22-29 serving the people of this impoverished but vibrant part of Jamaica in partnership with American Caribbean Experience (ACE) ministries. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians, physical therapists, and anyone (even with no medical training) with a desire to serve is welcome. For more details contact Rev. Scott Parrish or Dr. Ron Eaker.
Visit ACE to get more information
about our partner mission host and the varied work they do in rural Jamaica.
We will offer medical clinic, dentistry, and eyeglasses in 5 mountain village clinics throughout St. Mary Parish & hope to have a team of 25. We typically have a number of churches represented on each team and are accustomed to such team work.
Serve a sweet spirited people in need...
Eat the BEST jerk chicken...
Drink fresh coffee grown in the nearby mountains...
Soak up the culture and spirit of Jamaica even as you follow Christ by sharing your skills and talents.
No problem mon!
Join Trinity on the Hill for a week of medical ministry and fellowship in St.Mary Parish on the island of Jamaica. We will be hosting a team from October 22-29 serving the people of this impoverished but vibrant part of Jamaica in partnership with American Caribbean Experience (ACE) ministries. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians, physical therapists, and anyone (even with no medical training) with a desire to serve is welcome. For more details contact Rev. Scott Parrish or Dr. Ron Eaker.
Visit ACE to get more information
about our partner mission host and the varied work they do in rural Jamaica.
We will offer medical clinic, dentistry, and eyeglasses in 5 mountain village clinics throughout St. Mary Parish & hope to have a team of 25. We typically have a number of churches represented on each team and are accustomed to such team work.
Serve a sweet spirited people in need...
Eat the BEST jerk chicken...
Drink fresh coffee grown in the nearby mountains...
Soak up the culture and spirit of Jamaica even as you follow Christ by sharing your skills and talents.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Reconstruction in Towns Damaged by Spring Tornadoes
Tornado Reconstruction Teams Needed NOW!
It's something of a forgotten story these 3 months after the headline. But now is the time for rebuilding with families devastated by spring tornadoes yet without the insurance, finances, or tools and skills to rebuild.
We need "all hands on deck" as our neighbors in Ringgold & Tuscaloosa areas are calling for construction teams. We'll be partnering with Wesley UMC & other interested Augusta friends to send teams the next 3 months. No experience necessary-- supervision & tools provided. Contact Eric Long or Scott Parrish for more information or to sign up.
We need a Tuscaloosa team for August 18 through 21. We need kitchen crew, framers, sheet rock, and roofers to repair a church and parsonage. $65/ person to cover food/lodging/gas and scholarships are available.
We need another Tuscaloosa team for Sept 11-17. We need MANY workers! Cost will be $215/person for food/gas/lodging with scholarships available.
October 25-30 we’ll send a Ringgold team as that small GA town rebuilds following their devastating tornado. More info later as we get closer to the date.
Be part of the solution as we help neighbors in need!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Renegade UMC Clergy, Bishop, and Conference
Imagine if your United Methodist pastor, who had been serving your church, resigned his/her position, but stayed in the area. Then imagine if half your church left to follow the previous pastor in a new ministry AND somehow received endorsement by the bishop even though all ties of the church and clergy had been severed with the UMC. Doesn't make sense, does it?
A couple of years ago I met Revs. Mike and Sherri Morrissey who are elders in the Kentucky United Methodist Church. They were serving as General Board of Global Ministries missionaries (the sending agency for the UMC) in Thailand. I met them in the late summer of 2009, and by the fall had them sharing the exciting opportunity with my international mission team of ways our church could support new United Methodist congregations in Thailand.
In April 2000, while exchanging e-mails in hopes of an upcoming visit to our sister church in preparation for them to receive a work team from my congregation, I found out that the Morrisseys were finishing up their time as GBGM missionaries. They said they'd remain in the country and begin work on the Thailand Methodist Mission. This was effective in June 2010. But as I soon found out TMM had no relation to UMC work in the region, and had no connection to Methodism other than the fact that two ordained, full connection United Methodist clergy were starting a new ministry.
I have tried to work through conversations and e-mails with GBGM and others to make sense of this. You can imagine the challenges with a church mission committee trying to "get the picture!" How do we work through GBGM and a connectional mission approach when a US bishop and annual conference seem to be facilitating ministry outside of United Methodism and the established structures? While missions is often a messy business this was becoming more complicated than most situations I've encountered over 15 years of international experience.
Through the first half of 2011 my international mission committee and I learned much more about the United Methodist work in Thailand. It turns out that some of the churches "split off" and are no longer associated with the United Methodist mission. Apparently the new Thai churches weren't very United Methodist! This is offensive to me as my church, and others, have lost funds we have invested in those churches and clergy thinking that certain typical United Methodist protocols would be in place to protect UM assets. It turns out that, once again, international missions is risky business.
Now I realize there is plenty of work in the Kingdom, and we don't all need to belong to "my" denomination, but this just isn't the way to do business.
I've just returned from 9 days of medical missions in Togo, west Africa, and in catching up on the United Methodist annual conferences news round-up was saddened to see an added layer to the story. I had posted an earlier blog, and reached out to GBGM hoping the Kentucky UMC would be dissuaded from taking up a mission offering at their annual conference in partial support of the Morrisseys. I would have been happy for all the proceeds to go to the good work in Venezuela to a seminary that trains Methodist clergy and is working in partnership with that conference! Sadly I see that $82,000 is going to the Venezuela Methodist church planters AND to start a new church in Thailand ( KY UMC Annual Conference Report ).
So many questions... Why is the KY UMC and bishop actively supporting efforts in direct opposition to United Methodist ministry? If a full connection clergy is serving in some other location in the world beyond their annual conference, and the supervision and accountability of bishop, district superintendent, and conference Board of Ordained Ministry, shouldn't they fall under some similar shared structure of the umbrella of United Methodism? Why can't we all get on the "same page" on this and act as a connectional church? Is the distrust of GBGM that deep or is this merely entrepreneurial missions gone haywire? Where is the "check and balance" in the larger UMC if there is no supervision and if no one in KY UMC is going to do anything about it?
If this were occurring in a US annual conference you know a District Superintendent and Bishop would be all over it! It all seems contrary to our United Methodist ways of holiness, of ministry, and of mission. Perhaps General Conference 2012 should take up such matters as a case study of how NOT to be in global mission and ministry. Also, can we change our ways so that bishops aren't bishops for life?! They sure seem to lose their edge after a few years, and similar to Methodism in other parts of the world, likely need to rotate back into the everyday realities of life and ministry in the local connection.
On second thought, maybe this isn't so bad. Perhaps I'll get the North GA UMC to back me up as I start a new Methodist church in Louisville KY. I've always loved that town and have a lot of friends there!
Rev. CherLue Vang, GBGM Thailand Missionary
Gary & Cindy Moon, GBGM Thailand Missionaries at orphanage
UM clergy/missionaries establishing churches outside UMC auspices
A couple of years ago I met Revs. Mike and Sherri Morrissey who are elders in the Kentucky United Methodist Church. They were serving as General Board of Global Ministries missionaries (the sending agency for the UMC) in Thailand. I met them in the late summer of 2009, and by the fall had them sharing the exciting opportunity with my international mission team of ways our church could support new United Methodist congregations in Thailand.
In April 2000, while exchanging e-mails in hopes of an upcoming visit to our sister church in preparation for them to receive a work team from my congregation, I found out that the Morrisseys were finishing up their time as GBGM missionaries. They said they'd remain in the country and begin work on the Thailand Methodist Mission. This was effective in June 2010. But as I soon found out TMM had no relation to UMC work in the region, and had no connection to Methodism other than the fact that two ordained, full connection United Methodist clergy were starting a new ministry.
I have tried to work through conversations and e-mails with GBGM and others to make sense of this. You can imagine the challenges with a church mission committee trying to "get the picture!" How do we work through GBGM and a connectional mission approach when a US bishop and annual conference seem to be facilitating ministry outside of United Methodism and the established structures? While missions is often a messy business this was becoming more complicated than most situations I've encountered over 15 years of international experience.
Through the first half of 2011 my international mission committee and I learned much more about the United Methodist work in Thailand. It turns out that some of the churches "split off" and are no longer associated with the United Methodist mission. Apparently the new Thai churches weren't very United Methodist! This is offensive to me as my church, and others, have lost funds we have invested in those churches and clergy thinking that certain typical United Methodist protocols would be in place to protect UM assets. It turns out that, once again, international missions is risky business.
Now I realize there is plenty of work in the Kingdom, and we don't all need to belong to "my" denomination, but this just isn't the way to do business.
I've just returned from 9 days of medical missions in Togo, west Africa, and in catching up on the United Methodist annual conferences news round-up was saddened to see an added layer to the story. I had posted an earlier blog, and reached out to GBGM hoping the Kentucky UMC would be dissuaded from taking up a mission offering at their annual conference in partial support of the Morrisseys. I would have been happy for all the proceeds to go to the good work in Venezuela to a seminary that trains Methodist clergy and is working in partnership with that conference! Sadly I see that $82,000 is going to the Venezuela Methodist church planters AND to start a new church in Thailand ( KY UMC Annual Conference Report ).
So many questions... Why is the KY UMC and bishop actively supporting efforts in direct opposition to United Methodist ministry? If a full connection clergy is serving in some other location in the world beyond their annual conference, and the supervision and accountability of bishop, district superintendent, and conference Board of Ordained Ministry, shouldn't they fall under some similar shared structure of the umbrella of United Methodism? Why can't we all get on the "same page" on this and act as a connectional church? Is the distrust of GBGM that deep or is this merely entrepreneurial missions gone haywire? Where is the "check and balance" in the larger UMC if there is no supervision and if no one in KY UMC is going to do anything about it?
If this were occurring in a US annual conference you know a District Superintendent and Bishop would be all over it! It all seems contrary to our United Methodist ways of holiness, of ministry, and of mission. Perhaps General Conference 2012 should take up such matters as a case study of how NOT to be in global mission and ministry. Also, can we change our ways so that bishops aren't bishops for life?! They sure seem to lose their edge after a few years, and similar to Methodism in other parts of the world, likely need to rotate back into the everyday realities of life and ministry in the local connection.
On second thought, maybe this isn't so bad. Perhaps I'll get the North GA UMC to back me up as I start a new Methodist church in Louisville KY. I've always loved that town and have a lot of friends there!
Rev. CherLue Vang, GBGM Thailand Missionary
Gary & Cindy Moon, GBGM Thailand Missionaries at orphanage
UM clergy/missionaries establishing churches outside UMC auspices
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