The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 8,100 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 14 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Someone sent me a copy of an article last week and wanted to know if it was true. What was the article, you ask? The title of the article was “A Fresh Method: How the Holy Spirit is Moving Within the United Methodist Church.” Where was the article published? Charisma magazine, no less. For the full article, click this link: http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/church-ministry/15876-a-fresh-method.

My friend wanted to know if this was a “real” move of the Holy Spirit. I answered that I didn’t believe there could be any other kind of move of the Holy Spirit, because if it’s not of the Holy Spirit, it’s obviously not real, now is it? Of course, it’s real! Does that make me a charismatic? I don’t think it does (although I might be). I believe the Holy Spirit moves in ways, both noticed and un-noticed, and the Holy Spirit moves, as Jesus said, like “The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Every move of the Holy Spirit is a real move. It can’t be any other way.

That the Holy Spirit is moving within the United Methodist Church is nothing new. I’m not sure why Charisma magazine (an independent publication not related to the UMC in any way) is just now picking up on it.

The article seemed to be a bit bewildered how “renewal” pastors could still be involved in a denomination more “known for the ungodly actions and remarks of a very powerful libertine, political/religious fringe.” I just had to answer that I, like some referenced in the article, continue to be United Methodist because I believe God is not done with us yet. I also believe Wesley (and subsequently John Fletcher) had a correct understanding of the means whereby God’s grace works itself out in our lives. We are those who are going on to perfection. We haven’t attained it yet (I think that is Pauline theology, as well). The way I struggle at times, I wonder if I ever will attain perfection, but I still wake up each day believing it to be possible. I wake up most days desiring it, too.

I also believe Wesleyan theology holds in dynamic tension the fullness of grace AND truth. Life and faith is not either grace or truth, but both grace and truth, and the fullness of each is embodied in Jesus Christ (read John 1—it makes a great Christmas read, too). Yes, there are those “libertine” persons who have focused solely on the fullness of grace and have lost sight of the fullness of truth (folks like to call them liberals and accuse them of focusing only on the social aspect of the gospel). But there are also those who are so focused on the fullness of the truth that they leave little or no room for God’s grace (we like to label them conservatives or fundamentalists—I just call them Pharisees). Yet, it was Jesus Christ who was full of grace AND truth. Mind you, we are not seeking to live with a balance of grace and truth, but in the fullness of grace and the fullness of truth. Unpacking that idea would take far more space than this blog will allow (or the time I have to write this morning). Anyway,…

The United Methodist denomination is filled with faithful people earnestly desiring to know the heart of God and the will of God. The United Methodist denomination is also filled with faithful people earnestly desiring to be disciples of Jesus Christ and desiring to make disciples of Jesus Christ. At least that has been my experience. The public only knows what media chooses to communicate, and the media chooses to communicate that which is most sensational. There is little profit in such mundane events as the Spirit moving in worship, prayer or mission, so we don’t hear much about those things. I didn’t find anything in the article particularly profound. The article only confirmed what I’ve known for a very long time—that the Spirit continues to move among faithful folk across a wide spectrum of the Church. The article mentions two keys—biblical orthodoxy and openness to the Holy Spirit. Nothing profound about either one of those. Yes, you can find both in the United Methodist Church, but you do have to look for them. I suspect it is that way among other denominations (and non-denominations), as well.

I’m wondering now that I’ve written this blog whether I should post it. We misunderstand (or misinterpret) so much. Oh well, it really is true! The Holy Spirit is moving within the United Methodist Church. Still! Can you believe it?

Until next time, keep looking up…

Words are the tools of preachers. We work in words like a carpenter works with a hammer or a mechanic works with a wrench. It’s hard for preachers to do their jobs without words, in spite of St. Francis’ admonition to “preach the gospel always, if necessary use words.”

I’ve discovered there are times words simply don’t work. There are times in life when words simply can’t express what’s in the human heart, and the events of the past week have made this reality never more true. Vanessa’s sister lost a six-month old grandchild last week. It’s been a sad week for the family in spite of Christmas.

There simply aren’t words to express the reality of the past week. There are only tears. Oh sure, there have been words that attempt to express sympathy, condolences, care and concern. I know that Mom and Dad, Grandma’s and Grandpa’s and extended family have appreciated those words, but the words still don’t express the reality. What is lacking in words is made up for in tears.

Some tears are seen, like the  ones this Mom and Dad (and others) have cried almost endlessly over the past week, and like the ones that will be cried as we go through the service of death and resurrection tomorrow. But, there are also the tears we don’t see, and these tears are no less real than the ones we see. These are tears of the heart, and the tears of the heart have been shed greatly, as well. The tears of the heart flow from the grief of such a deep loss, and for many, it is an unending fountain. The tears we see…they usually dry up after a while, and we put on strong or pretty faces and move ahead. After all, life does go on, doesn’t it? The tears we don’t see? They never go away because they come from a place deep within…the place where there is now a Sylas-shaped hole (the little boy’s name was Sylas)…the place deep within us…the place only God sees.

Tears…seen and unseen. I’m desperately wanting this morning to make a connection between the tears (seen and unseen) and our God. We can’t help but ask the question, “Why God?” We always do in tragedy, don’t we? We also ask, “Where is God?” in the midst of the tears. It’s usually in these times when words sought in answer don’t work. They won’t work in this instance either, but it is how I process, so I write.

I can’t help but think even the tears themselves are reflective of God, for God is both seen and unseen (never more unseen than in tragedy, but also never more present). The season of Christmas itself reminds me that God has shown himself to us…shown his great love for us in Jesus Christ, born in a manger so long ago. And, God’s great love is seen on the cross, too, as Jesus gave himself for our sin. Yes, God is seen. God is seen in the hugs and the tears of family and friends as they come alongside us to sit, to cry, to bring food, to encourage, to help. God is seen in the expressions of sympathy and condolences of those near and dear (and even those we don’t know) who share memories, and those who make us laugh in the midst of the pain. Those are all ways God shares grace with us in tragedy, and he becomes as real and as visible as the tears that stream down our faces in times like these.

Then, life goes on, and the visible tears are wiped away, and we’ll pass a tissue under our eyes to remove that last drop. It is then that we discover there is no tissue that reaches our hearts to wipe away the unseen tears. They continue to flow, and it is then that we can’t see God. The tears are too deep, the hurt too strong. God can’t possibly be there. Just like the tears, the God who is unseen is no less real than the God we see.

God is there, in the deep places of our pain, in the deep places of our grief, even when I can’t see Him. I have to believe that. I have no other choice. Believing that God (who sometimes shows himself and often times doesn’t) is in the deep place is my only source of hope. I have to believe that the God whom I can’t see at this moment is crying tears with me, is feeling the pain I feel, and is hurting as much as I am hurting. I have to believe that the God whom I can’t see is ready to hear me when I question the “why’s” of my loss. I have to believe that the God whom I can’t see can handle my anger, my confusion and my doubt, nay, is ready to handle my anger, my confusion and my doubt, for only in trusting him when I can’t see him, can he begin to minister to the emptiness that is the source of my unseen tears.

I have to believe that God whom I can’t see is real, otherwise my life has no meaning. This loss has no meaning (and perhaps it doesn’t). I know without believing, it WILL have no meaning, and can never make sense. Only by believing can I have hope that Sylas’s short life had some meaning. Only by believing can I have hope that my life has some meaning. Without hope, I have no life. So, I have no choice. I have to believe the God whom I can’t see is with me, is with us, is with this young couple who has lost so much.

Hope in God, who is sometimes seen and often not. He will fill the Sylas-shaped hole in our hearts with grace. Grace will never take Sylas’ place, but grace will enable us to live…because grace gives us hope.

See, I told you there are times when words don’t work. I know this is one of those times. I know because the tears are still there.

Until next time, keep looking up…

It’s Christmas Eve! I bet you didn’t need me to tell you that, especially if you’re a pastor. If you’re a pastor, you’ve probably been preparing for this day for half the year (you spend the other half preparing for Easter). Many congregations have their largest attendance of the year on Christmas Eve, and so pastors and congregations look to these services with the same anticipation as a child waits for Christmas morning and the presents under the tree. It’s a big day!

The anticipation for me is not as great this year. Oh, it’s still a big day, but the hardest decision I have to make is deciding which service I will attend, and where (I still haven’t decided–just in case you wanted to know). There’s no preparing a sermon or an order of worship. There are no ushers to line up. There’ll be no offering to count. I don’t have to insure there are enough candles or bulletins. I don’t even have any music to worry about. I just simply have to show up…like most everyone else.

I think about all the folks who will make their way to Christmas Eve services around the world today, and as I do, I think about the folks who showed up on that first Christmas Eve to see this new baby. We’ve all read the passage in Luke 2, and we’ll hear it again tonight. We’ll be reminded that Caesar Augustus was Emperor, and Quirinius was governor of Syria, and we’ll learn again that Augustus had no idea his call for a census was the very act God would use to place Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. Augustus would be oblivious to what God was doing.

I think about Mary and Joseph, too. Best estimates place the journey they made from Nazareth to Bethlehem at about 80 miles and it probably took them four days to complete. I think about a pregnant woman riding a donkey for four days, and if she wasn’t ready to deliver the baby before the trip, she certainly was after they arrived. I’m wondering if the arduous nature of the trip had a little something to do with her being ready to deliver when they arrived in Bethlehem. I just wonder if marry was fully nine months, or if Jesus might have even been a preemie? Luke seems to indicate, if only slightly, that Mary (by pondering “all these words” in her heart) was still trying to figure out what God was up to. If Mary was uncertain, you can bet Joseph was even more so.

Then, I think about the shepherds. These social outsiders, not welcome in polite culture, smelly (perhaps even a little inebriated) sheep herders were the first people to get the message that the Savior of the world was born. When that angel appeared in the middle of the night to announce the great event, I can just imagine the fear which captured these men (talk about bad wine!). Angels in night skies are not a common sight I don’t care what century you live in. But, the angel spoke words of peace and grace, and gave them the message of the gospel. Not letting a good crisis go to waste (as some politicians are reluctant to do), they respond to the message by choosing to investigate what the angel told them. These shepherds go see. Then, they do the only thing they can do…they go tell.

I think one of the persons who gets a bad rap from history is the poor innkeeper. We often see the innkeeper portrayed as an uncaring soul who simply closes the door in the tired couple’s faces. How do we make this stuff up? I mean, the guy may have been a man with a heart of gold who offered them the stable because he did feel so sorry for the couple. It wasn’t a bad offer, either. There were many homes in the ancient near east whose interior housed the family animals. It might have been that the innkeeper (whoever he was) offered the couple his very own home. I think we just naturally assume the worst about people. Maybe it’s been our experience that we should assume the worst, but I refuse to do that with the innkeeper. Luke simply says, “because there was no place for them in the inn.”

I’ll be in that great number that show up at Christmas Eve worship tonight. That great number will include people just like the ones who were present that first night long ago. There will be people who show up just to show up because it’s Christmas Eve and that’s what you’re supposed to do on Christmas Eve. They’ll be oblivious to what God is doing, or if not oblivious, simply don’t care. They’ll be there because their wife, or their mother, or someone else made them go. They’ll be there because it’s the one time in the year they make their obligatory nod toward that which is holy, but otherwise, they’ll be oblivious to the impact this one night might have in someone else’s life…pretty much like Augustus or Quirinius.

There will also be people who show up tonight uncertain as to what God is up to, but certain that He’s up to something. They’re there because they believe God is real, and that God has called them to participate with Him in the redemption of His creation, but they are still uncertain as to exactly what God is calling them to do, and exactly how God will have them live out His calling in their lives. They will come hoping to discover the deeper calling God has for them, and by God’s grace, they’ll leave with a surety of His presence, even when times are uncertain…perhaps a bit like Mary and Joseph.

I certainly hope there will be people who show up because they’ve heard the Gospel and they’ve decided they need to see for themselves. They’ll come to see if what they’ve heard is correct, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll discover the message is true, and they will go tell others. They’ll become the next generation of evangelists as they discover the goodness of God, and the love of God, and the grace of God, and the face of God revealed in Jesus Christ, and they will just not be able to keep it to themselves…even like those smelly old shepherds.

There are times in my own life that I fall into every one of these categories. There are times I’m so self-absorbed that I fail to realize what God is doing around me. There are other times (most times!) I am aware God is up to something, but am quite uncertain what it is, and am equally as uncertain as to what He’s calling me to do about it. And, I know there are times when I’ve experienced grace in real and amazing ways, and I can’t help but tell the good news, and hope that it has some impact on others who are searching.

At the end of the day, though, and this day in particular, I want to leave that service (whichever one I attend), knowing that God is real, that a miracle happened that long ago day, and that miracles still happen because God is still real today. I want to leave knowing that I can act as compassionately as I believe the innkeeper did, and can tell others the happy message the shepherds told. I want to leave knowing that God is up to something, even if I can’t quite figure out what it is. I want to be in that number, that great number that will come to the manger tonight.

Until next time, keep looking up…

I have, for the past few years, written an annual Christmas letter to send in friends and family far and near in lieu of a Christmas card. We’ve made friends at every church we’ve served, and it just seemed like a nice way to bring folks up to date on where the Malone family was, and share some memorable events with those we love. Actually, we received a letter from someone one year and I thought, “Hey, that’s a neat idea,” so I started writing one, too. This year’s edition marks the 10th anniversary of the practice.

Now, I’ve made two very big assumptions in writing this letter. One, that anybody actually wanted to read it, and two, that anyone actually would  read it. But, no matter. I like to write, and that’s good enough for me. So, with that in mind, I share with you via my blog The Malone Family Annual–Christmas 2012 (be on notice, I’ll know exactly how many people read the electronic edition–technology is wonderful!).

If “transition” was the theme for 2011, then “passages” must be the theme for 2012. For Vanessa and me, it has simply been the passage of time. Another year on the Monroe District, and we have come to realize how timely our appointment to this area has been. Vanessa’s mother and my step-mother have both battled cancer this past year, and Vanessa was blessed to be able to be in ministry to both of them, at least in some small way. I continue as the District Superintendent, but the Annual Conference voted to reduce by one District in 2013. The decision is yet to be made as to which District will be changed, but we are prepared for whatever God has for us. It will be yet another passage into the next phase of life and ministry.

We also celebrated the passage of a milestone birthday for my Mom this year. It was a surprise day in November as Mom marked 70 years on her birthday. The day began when all her children and grandchildren showed up at church unannounced (surprise!), and continued when it came time for the sermon and I got up to preach (surprise!). It continued after worship with a catered meal of BBQ and all the trimmings (surprise!), and finished the day with a party (surprise!) at the church after lunch. It was a great day. At least it was for us, but not sure about Mom. She’s never been much on surprises. I think she liked it, though.

Adam (29) and Felicia marked the passing of an era in their lives as they transitioned into a new home in West Monroe, LA. That’s right! They moved to north Louisiana in November after buying a home in West Monroe. They are just across the river from us, and we haven’t been this close to Adam since we left Morgan City in 2001. We are discovering a new relationship with Kade (13) and Kobyn (9), and they are learning what it’s like to live in north Louisiana.

Josh (27) and Piper remain in Minden, where Piper still works in the surgical department at Minden Medical Center and Josh serves as agency manager at a new Allstate agency in the Dodge dealership in Shreveport. I tell you the truth, children grow up in day. We didn’t see the twins Ryder and Peyton (2 ½) for a couple of weeks, and when we saw them, they were grown. They went from infants to children in two week’s time. It’s amazing! It is yet another passage in the Malone family.

Brittney (23) marked a passage from youthfulness to adulthood and from student life to real life with her graduation from La. Tech in March of 2012. She graduated with a B.S. in General Studies. Someone asked me what can a person do with a General Studies degree. My answer? Anything they want! It makes her like me: a jack of all trades and master of none. Brittney continues to live in Shreveport, and is searching for, as she calls it, “her big girl job.”

Kelsey (20) closes out the year as a rising junior at La. Tech. There were no significant passages for her this year, but she did make the Dean’s List, and is readying herself for a class in New York City, and hoping for an internship with the wardrobe department of a movie company with studios in Shreveport. We’ll see how that works out. Kelsey continues to serve in ministry with 1st UMC in Monroe, and dad even gets to go see her lead worship every once in a while.

That pretty much catches you up on all the “passages” that have carried us through 2012. We pray this letter finds each of you blessed this Christmas season, and know that we think of all of you, and are blessed to call you friends.

Writing really is a cathartic practice for me. Writing this annual letter gives me the chance to reflect on all the events of the past year, and I am reminded in a compelling way how blessed I am. Writing the letter becomes a source of thanksgiving as I praise God for His goodness to my family and me through the year.

And, yes, I still mailed a hard copy to everyone on my Christmas mailing list.

Here’s praying you have a very blessed and Merry Christmas. May it be a time of thanksgiving and giving for you, as well.

Until next time, keep looking up…

I’ve had George Bailey on the brain all week. I brought his name up in a funeral service on Saturday, and then came home and watched It’s a Wonderful Life  Sunday evening. I’ve been thinking about how much I wish I were more like George Bailey. There are many characteristics about George Bailey that I would like to immulate (and a few I wouldn’t), but the one that grabs and holds on to me is his willingness (well, mostly) to sacrifice.

The first time we meet George Bailey is at the pond in Bedford Falls when his little brother, Harry, falls through the ice. George jumps in and saves Harry, and Joseph the Angel (who is telling the story) says, “Cost him his hearing in that ear.” Thus begins the saga of poor George Bailey…a life marked by continuing sacrifice for others. Let’s see if I remember? Poor George sacrificed college and travel to stay in Bedford Falls and keep the family business afloat when his dad died and old man Potter wanted to close the Building and Loan. Poor George sacrificed college and travel again when little brother Harry returned from college married with a job offer from his new father-in-law (“You’ve been holding the bag here for four years, and…well, I won’t let you down, George.” Yeah, right!). And again, poor George sacrifices his honeymoon when the Great Depression hits and there is a run on the bank and the Building and Loan.

George is living proof that sacrifice is costly. Whenever we sacrifice for something or someone, we give up something of ourselves, and that is costly. Want a good married life? We either start practicing sacrifice or we prepare for a life of marital discord. Want a good family life? Children require time and money…those two valuable assets we like to use on ourselves. And seriously, folks, it really is easier to NOT be a disciple of Jesus Christ, right?

George Bailey possessed a totally Christian character. Though we never once hear Jesus referenced in the dialogue of the movie (even though it’s a Christmas movie), his presence is abundantly evident in the life of George Bailey. I am reminded of what Jesus said in Luke 9:

23) Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24) For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.

I’m also reminded of what Paul wrote to the Philippians 2:

2) make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4) Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5) Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

6) who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7) but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8) he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9) Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10) so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11) and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

There are a few lessons we learn from poor George Bailey’s life. First, when we lose ourselves for others, we actually find ourselves. Secondly, when we let go of our desires, we discover a deeper, more meaningful life. Thirdly, when we place others about ourselves, we  make God known in the world.

As poor George Bailey’s story unfolds, we discover that poor George is actually the richest man in the world. Oh, that I should be so rich in the character of Jesus Christ.

Until next time, keep looking up…

Today, I’m glad I’m not a local church pastor. Across the landscape of the United States this morning, people will be showing up at churches expecting to hear something about the tragedy this week in Newtown, CT, and there just aren’t words that will ever make sense of what happened in that school. I pray for all our colleagues who attempt to be the voice of God this morning. You have a tall order. May God grant you grace to speak peace and hope into the grief of your congregations.

I know there will be a lot of people asking the question: Where was God? I want to believe (need to believe) that just as Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, he is here weeping with us, but more importantly, he is in Newtown weeping with those families who have suffered this tragedy. I want to believe Jesus was with each one of those victims as the shooter made his way through the school. Jesus was there holding their hands, giving them comfort, and reminding them how much he loves them. I want to believe Jesus was there in the hearts of each one of these adults who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the students, and I want to believe Jesus was there in the hearts of the heroes who rose up in the midst of the chaos to make a way out for all who were in danger. I want to believe Jesus will be there in the days ahead as the Church becomes the hands and feet of Jesus for the families and the community of Newtown, offering prayer, counsel, support, encouragement, healing and hope. I WANT to believe that, but it’s hard. Then again, faith is a hard thing. So, I WILL believe that Jesus was there, is there, and will be there, and is here with us, too, helping all of us to understand the senseless nature of this tragedy. Though we will never understand, we only can hope to find hope as we move forward, for life goes on.

I am reminded of the opening words of our Service of Death and Resurrection as United Methodists. I tell you, there are times when we just can’t find words to express what needs to be expressed. In those times, I am grateful for the liturgy of the Church. The opening words say, “We come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss…May God grant us grace, that in pain we may find comfort, in sorrow hope, in death resurrection.” The words become prayer for us. They are the words of my prayers this morning.

“May God grant us grace…”

Where can we discover grace? First, I think there is grace in remembering. We remember the 26 killed in the tragedy:

– Charlotte Bacon
– Daniel Barden
– Rachel Davino
– Olivia Engel
– Josephine Gay
– Ana M. Marquez-Greene
– Dylan Hockley
– Dawn Hocksprung
– Madeleine F. Hsu
– Catherine V. Hubbard
– Chase Kowalski
– Jesse Lewis
– James Mattioli
– Grace McDonnell
– Anne Marie Murphy
– Emilie Parker
– Jack Pinto
– Noah Pozner
– Caroline Previdi
– Jessica Rekos
– Avielle Richman
– Lauren Russeau
– Mary Sherlach
– Victoria Soto
– Benjamin Wheeler
– Allison N. Wyatt

As I have often shared with grieving families, every memory of the one we love is a moment to experience grace. Every tear, every laugh, every story, every picture is an opportunity for God to strengthen us, to love us, to heal us through those memories. Every time we hear these names…every time we hear another story of heroism…let us receive the grace God gives us to find comfort, hope and life.

Secondly, I think there is grace found in having an opportunity to review. Yes, I know there will be all sorts of reviewing of issues like gun control, school security and the like. That’s not at all what I mean. What I mean is that in times like these we are reminded once again of the transient nature of life, and how quickly our lives can change. We are, in these moments, faced with our own mortality. There is now an opportunity to review our lives and see what needs changing in us. Perhaps if we can see what needs changing in us we can see what needs changing around us.

Finally, I think there is grace is having an opportunity to re-focus. Tragedy and death have an uncanny way of revealing the most important things in life. There are 26 families this year whose Christmas will never be the same. We can get so caught up in the material things of life that we lose sight of what’s really important. Jobs matter, but they don’t matter most. Homes matter, but they don’t matter most. Vacations are nice. Sports are great. Fine cars fantastic. But, at the end of the day, what matters most are the relationships we have in our lives. We have an opportunity to get our minds off the temporal and re-focus on those things eternal. Those are the things that matter most. We’ll never pack a U-Haul to take with us when this fleeting life fades away, but we’ll take our relationships with us. We’ll see our loved ones again, and they’ll see us. More importantly, we’ll see Jesus, and he’ll see us. There is grace in having an opportunity to re-focus our lives.

So, how is this grace made real? For me, the key is found in John 14:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe[a] in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.

18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.

25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate,[i] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Jesus told the disciples he would send the Advocate—the Comforter…the Holy Spirit. We find the key in the root of Comforter…com—alongside of, and fortis—strengthen…to come alongside to strengthen. Through Jesus Christ. Jesus comes alongside us and gives us the strength we need to face the uncertainty of a future without the one we love. I also think that’s how those victims made it through those last moments. Jesus came alongside them and carried them gently over to the other side…that place where they’ll rest in the Father’s love, and where the pain of the last few moments of life will never, ever be known again. And that…is great grace indeed.

I don’t know if any of that makes sense. Then again, some things just don’t make sense.

Until next time, keep looking up…

By the title, one would expect to find a blog about my family, and perhaps one day I’ll write about why my family matters most in my life, but not today. Today, I’m settling a little deeper to the heart of things…not that my family isn’t at the heart of things, but there is something deeper within us all that helps us understand WHY our families are important.

Today, I want to share some of my core beliefs. We don’t talk about those much, but they are the beliefs that cause us to act the way we act (mostly, anyway), and do what we do (or as importantly, don’t do). I am prompted to do so because it is part of the conversation of our Cabinet as we seek to discern the “guiding principles” that guide the work we do as leaders in the Annual Conference.

I began working on my core beliefs as a written document in 2007, but became earnest in the process in 2008 as I went through a period of “burn-out” and renewal. Perhaps I’ll tell you about that period sometime, too, but take this post as a position statement on the things that matter most to me.

What I believe about God
God exists eternally as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and God has revealed Himself supremely and ultimately in Jesus Christ, who was and is fully God yet fully man.

Jesus Christ, in obedience to God the Father, gave his life as a ransom for the sins of the world on the cross of Calvary. No other payment is necessary to satisfy God’s righteous requirements for the redemption and reconciliation of His creation. Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the dead three days after his crucifixion, and ascended into heaven to sit at God the Father’s right hand where he continues the ministry of intercession for humanity. He will visibly and physically return to earth to establish His Kingdom on earth, and attain final victory over sin and evil.

The Holy Spirit is God continuing to work in the hearts and lives of those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He calls, guides and directs, teaches, strengthens, encourages, heals, and sustains God’s people throughout their lives on earth, and is working to make God’s people a “holy” people as they grow in Christ-likeness.

What I Believe About Myself and Others
Every person has infinite worth and value to God. Sin has separated every person from God, and God sent Jesus Christ to redeem and reconcile every person to Himself. The most important relationship a person can ever have is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9). Every relationship in life should flow out of this primary relationship.

What I Believe About the Church
The Church is the body of Christ consisting of persons who have entered a relationship with Jesus Christ through their confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Church is Christ’s continuing community of believers in the world and exists with three primary purposes—worship, evangelism, and discipleship. The Church is God’s chosen vehicle for the transformation of the world.

What I Believe About Serving
Every member of the Church is called and gifted for ministry in the Kingdom of God and for the Kingdom of God (Romans 12, Ephesians 2 & 4, 1 Corinthians 12). The task of clergy and staff (both paid and volunteer) is to equip the members of the Church for the accomplishment of its three purposes—worship, evangelism and discipleship (Ephesians 4:11-12), so that God might use us to transform the brokenness of the world.

What I Believe About Discipleship
Every Christian should commit to a life of faithful spiritual growth and open and honest accountability (1 Peter 2:2). True discipleship occurs in a loving community of believers who are worshipping, serving and inviting others to know the salvation of God in Jesus Christ.

What I Believe About Prayer
Prayer is central to all God calls believers to be and do, either individually or corporately. Believers should engage in regular individual and corporate prayer. Prayer should be with the philosophy that nothing is impossible for God. Prayer should always expect the impossible, otherwise we don’t need God.

What I Believe About the Bible
The Holy Scripture as contained in the Old and New Testament is God’s inspired Word to us, written by men who were used by the Holy Spirit as God’s instruments to communicate God’s Word. It is the only sufficient source for the rule and practice of a holy life, and is God’s only written Word to us.

What I Believe About Worship
Worship, as the primary purpose of the Church, should always be God-centered. Worship is about God and God alone. Because the worship service is also the most opportune time for effective evangelism, worship services must be culturally relevant.

I will add that this list is probably not exhaustive. It is a work in progress, fluid, if you will, because my life is fluid, and being a good Wesleyan (or at least attempting to be), I find that I am growing in my understanding of who God is. With each new learning, I discover new things that matter most.

So, that’s me. How about you? Have you thought about your own core beliefs? Have you thought about writing them down? Might be surprised by what you discover. I’m just sayin’…

Until next time, keep looking up…

I’m sorry! I know this doesn’t really count as a post on my blog, but I couldn’t resist! Merry Christmas…

Until next time, keep looking up…

Pastors have facetiously called them C & E Christians…those people who show up on Christmas and Easter, but the reality is that most people are likely to begin attending a church at three particular times of the year: Christmas, Easter and Back-to-School time. With that in mind, pastors and congregations need to be particularly aware that guests are likely, and they need to be prepared to greet them accordingly if they ever hope to have the first-time guests return.

So? What are you doing to pave the way for return guests? I came across a list of five things a congregation can do to connect with first-time guests. The list itself comes from Pastor Rick Ezell in South Carolina, but the commentary is mine. I thought it would be good to share as pastors and congregations prepare special Advent and Christmas season worship services.

1. Visitors make up their minds regarding a new church in the first 10 minutes of their visit.

Ezell says it’s ten minutes. I personally think the first five minutes are the most important. Parking and signage are the two most important things a congregation can do to make the building guest friendly. I personally think every congregation needs a new sign every five years (or at least change the existing one in some way), and that our greeters are the most important people in the church as far as guests are concerned. Have a scowling person handing out bulletins, and you can be certain that guests won’t likely be back.

2. Most church members aren’t friendly.

I’m the DS, and I’ve not been greeted in congregations I’ve attended in the past 18 months. No, I won’t tell you which ones, but I have been in both large and small congregations, and the only people who greeted me were members of the staff (I guess they knew who I was). You may be a “friendly” church, but your friendliness generally extends only to each other. Watch and see!

3. Church guests are highly consumer-oriented.

Most first-time guests are church shopping. We can’t change that. If they don’t find what they are looking for at 1st UMC in Podunk, you can bet they’ll be at 1st Baptist in Podunk the next week. This great American experiment has created a consumer culture. God has called us to be the church in this consumer culture. We don’t change the message (ever!), but we must consider how the message is packaged. Did you ever consider asking a friend who doesn’t attend church to come one Sunday to evaluate your congregation? Give that a try to see your congregation through the eyes of a first-time guest. You might offer to buy them lunch afterward as an incentive.

4. The church is in the hospitality business.

Forgive me, and as much as it pains me to say it, but, think Disney World here. The folks at Disney know how to provide hospitality to their guests. Hospitality can be expensive, though, and that may be why some churches are not so good at it. There are a few things that can be done that don’t cost a dime, though. Offer to sit with first-time guests so they don’t feel alone. Offer to give them a tour of the building, or offer to take them to lunch after worship. How about just connecting with them later in the week? Never assume that somebody will. Anybody could, but nobody does. Not much hospitality there.

5. You only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Need I say more?

Honestly, if this blog is just now prompting you to think about some of these things, it’s probably too late for the Advent or Christmas season. Start thinking about Easter now! The greatest preaching, the most spectacular music, the most amazing youth ministry, the best children’s ministry will be overshadowed by a bad first experience for a guest. We want to be the best we can be because the message we share is life-changing, and it is the most important message a person will ever hear. Are we doing all we can to make the message meaningful for those who come to hear it?

I love C & E Christians. I love Advent/Christmas, Easter and Back-to-School. I love having the opportunity to share grace. I hope you do, too.

Until next time, keep looking up…