Live from Drive 05 continues

Today was much like the old saying about trying to drink water from a fire hose. There was so much to take in, but when you are thirsty, any hose is appreciated!

North Point is a church that knows who they are and why they do the things that they do. As I went to different break out sessions, I heard the same principles over and over. It didn't matter whether it was youth or children or adults. The same principles applied. That is the beauty of transferable concepts.

So many churches have unique visions for every area of ministry. Each one has a different structure and priorities. When all the groups work by the same principles, there is a consistancy and harmony that is not often seen in other very large churches.

The mantras are repeated much like the principles at StarBucks. If you work there, you know them and believe them. Ikea has a similar culture. It doesn't fit everyone, but if you buy in - you are able to see the best of synergy at work.

"Relevance in our culture" is buzz phrase that may or may not last. The idea is not new though. As the scriptures were written, they were in a cultural context. That context was understood by those who read them. We go to great lenghts (or should) to find that information and pass it to those we teach because the context impacts how we hear and understand.

Our culture impacts how those outside the church understand the message. Inside the church we speak in ways that they don't understand. Our internal languages and methods communicate a message that we may or may not intend. Check out these probably well meaning churches and their messages.

Being relevant, making sure that people can understand our message, and getting people into right relationships with each other and God are at the heart of what we are called to do.

One of the funniest moments was the intro of the "Church Monkey" videos. A spook of the Trunk Monkey commercials, the CM comes out at a press of a button to knock out and drag off the person who forgot to silence their phone. In another version, the monkey takes out a "deacon" of sorts who is pressuring the pastor to do what the money givers want, instead of what is right. The vid is not commercially available, but may end up bootlegged and online.

Ultimatley, whether we have a Church Monkey, or just ourselves, we must find ways to be effective in ministy. It is always a pull to please those that are already in the church at the expense of reaching those outside. If we have done our jobs as pastors and leaders, those inside know Jesus. If they get mad and leave our church, they will probably find another one very soon. What about those outside? If I promised you two outsiders for one insider would you take the deal?

How many decisions do we make based on personal comfort? At what cost? What is our faith calling us to do? How do we live out authentic Christianity?

Learning means being willing to consider difficult questions and arrive at a new place. It is very different from knowledge. I have plenty of books to give me more knowledge, but it is in my heart that I find I have learned.

Live from Drive 05!

Had a very challenging evening with Reggie Joiner - great talk about the importance of the church. He focused on the reality of losing the next generation from the church. According to Reggie, anywhere between 75 and 80% of 18-22 year olds are not involved on church. That is the biggest that number has ever been.

The implications for the church are huge. Imagine the void that would be there. It would impact everything from the ability to fill pulpits to the ability to pay the bills. Most significantly, if we loose that generation, who will bring the gospel to the next generation?
In a previous blog, I mentioned that I have a heart for those who are "Lost in the Pews". I was one of those that grew up in the church, but did not find relevance there. It was through other avenues that I came to understand the role of Christ as my Lord.

Even with my personal bias and experience, I appreciate with reality of what he was saying.
He also challenged us to reconsider the approach of "incremental change". His arguement is that we bring incremental change to avoid conflit with those who do not want to change. I can see his point, and agree to a great extent. I also know that there are times that I bring incremental change because I am not clear on what to do on a larger scale. Maybe it is lack of faith on my end (Peter) as opposed to being "wise".

Our staff had a looong discussion on his last two questions:
First, what should you radically change in your ministry.
Second, What is keeping you from making that change.

These two questions have taken us to the heart of our ministry. We did not come up with a collective answer, but the issues that those questions raised could and should bring us into a deeper understanding of God's call on our lives and our church.

The Road to Mecca (or not)

Just arrived in Atlanta for a conference sponsored by NorthPoint Community church. It is not a walk to Mecca, or a quest to find out how churches are done "right"' rather, it is a chance to stretch myself and our staff in the ways that we normally do things. I expect to be challenged in some things, confirmed in others, and pushed to look at the job I do in a whole new way. It's the opportunity to step out of a system that always colors how I see things. Even being with our staff brings some of that - but there is fresh air to breath in a new place.

I have heard the staff at NP in different venues. I appreciate their heart for reaching people that the mainline churches have missed. I also appreciate their mantra of not doing exactly what they do.

Innovation is hard work. You can look for models, but you still have to make it work with the people and resources that you have. Open your eyes and your heart at these events, not to see what thye do, but to let God show you more than you are looking for.