Author: twoznek

Husband...Father...Pastor...

Manic Monday: Wasted

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One of the most wasted resources in the church is the Sunday Morning Sermon. (Did I just hear a class break?) While some of my friends might be gasping for breath, hear me out:

A good pastor wrestles with what to preach
He must meet the needs of the church, but in doing so making sure it’s God’s timing, true to the Bible and clearly communicated whether popular or not. The time invested in this is massive, days, not hours. Sometimes even weeks. Praying, reading, researching, etc all goes into this.

He digs into the text and then has to deal with his own depravity and fallenness at the same time. This is extremely hard when the sermon is about something the pastor is just starting to work through. While preparing people come to mind that the passage will address. The point isn’t to preach at those people, but feed the whole church. In speaking truth to actions, one must let the Holy Spirit be the Holy Spirit.

Then Monday hits
Being a young idealist, I disagreed with an elder pastor that said to me: “You’ll preach a sermon on Sunday and then on Monday someone will be in your office needing counseling on what you just preached on…and they weren’t there, or weren’t listening.” My first Sunday Morning Sermon (on John 4) I got the usual “nice sermon” pat. On Monday, I get the call… Sure enough, The elder pastor was right. And as years past by, he’s proven right more and more. At times, I’m the Monday guy.

So on Monday…
We need to learn to listen to our pastors. It’s really not about the them. It is about what God wants us to hear. Sometimes the pastor’s sermon is what the pastor needs to hear as much as those in the audience. None of us are perfect, but we can all do a better job listening. If the Sunday Morning Sermon ends with a “Nice job, Pastor,” then we are wasting a valuable resource God gave us. On Monday, chew on the message. Wrestle with it. Some sermons will be more profound than others, but we must not leave the sermon to just Sunday. (Some sermons we may wrestle with for a lifetime.)

It’s not about the pastor. It’s about us and God. We can all do a better job of listening and pondering what He is trying to get across.

(especial on Monday)

Divided

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Avoid…. Doom & gloom… The tendency when dealing with the church division is to get all critical or guilty. The Bible makes it quite clear that one day the church will be perfected and we’ll be ok. Rather than see a mess, let’s get together and put the puzzle pieces together. We really do have all the pieces!

Divided by age
A serious division I’ve seen in church since I started attending at 5 years old is age separation. There are huge advantages to meeting people where they’re at. There are huge advantages to kids being with kids, young couples being with young couples, etc. We often go to far. The issue with 20’s and young 30’s leaving the church is an example of the division by age problem.

Divided culturally by age
Each generation in America became its own subculture. Think about it. Each generation has its own style, music, language, literature, forms of communication, etc. Given culture’s push to move people into their niche, sub-cultures grow and multiply at a rapid pace. Society is overly divided and segmented. Who is going to bring life together?

Two dangers:
Division by age results in a breakdown of discipleship. In talking with pastors, there is often a break down of discipleship post high school. A man goes to Bible college and maybe seminary afterwards, but post graduation continued discipleship is not a guarantee. It’s almost as if the churches we grew up in handed off leadership development to colleges & seminaries, seldom hearing from them during or after our training. That’s just pastors, a very small segment of our 20’s & 30’s. It is the trend in other areas as well.

Division by age results in loss of perspective & importance. The church needs the energy, ideas, enthusiasm, and I dare say mistakes of youth. Equally, the church needs its seasoned saints to offer their wisdom, be the voice to tell us when we need to slow down and let God, to make sure we don’t forget that God really is at work. Many problems could be avoided by listening to the older. Refreshing viewpoints and challenges to continue growing come by listening to the young.

Two cures:
Retire retirement. An example: I wish every church could have a “retired” pastor who shepherds the pastor or pastors. “Retired” pastors have been there. They know what’s human nature vs a unique situation. They know the questions to ask. They have the sense to let things work themselves out or to get involved. Elder pastors can fill a need in churches: pastors need shepherding too. Retirement is heaven for saints. Until then, seasoned saints have much-needed work to do. We need them to do it!

Take seriously body passages. (Romans 12ff, 1 Cor 12, Eph 4-6) We are truly one body! We are one church. Church should be a place where life comes together. Too much division hurts the body. Brining the body together is an essential because it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that binds us together. Affinity based groups are not wrong! We need them. Having everyone together all the time is counter productive as is the division mentioned. Viewing church as body needs both.

We need to view and operate the church as one body. The danger of focusing too much on affinity is it becomes what binds vs the Gospel. The danger of too much division is you lose. Judges 2:10 There arose a generation in Israel who did not know God nor the things of God. Where did the breakdown start? It ended with not teaching children, but it did not start there.

The bottom line:
Seriously, we have all the pieces to do incredible things for the Gospel. We cannot accomplish it divided. When one part suffers, we all suffer. Growth happens by what each part supplies. At the day of Christ Jesus, we know the job is done. We or the saints after us will get it figured out. The key is putting the pieces together, and that has never been more available than today.

The ideas and energy we need is with the youth. The road map to get there is in the hands of our seasoned saints. Perhaps that leaves the rest of us carrying the middle. It gives a different sense and feel to leadership and our “most productive years.”   Think of it this way: Can We be the hero? What if We is the hero? Is We what Jesus meant in His John 17 prayer? What would happen if We, the church, became the hero?

Why Not Wednesday? Twitter Birthday!

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9.15.09 is the entry to my world of twitter! After all, why not?!

I love Twitter for two reasons:
It is SIMPLE!
It is great for networking!

The value of tweeting
For searching news, gaining ideas, connecting with different people and blogs, I found twitter is an excellent resource. Given the 140 character allowance, it helps to say things directly, though at the cost of the English language at times. (Sorry, Grammar Nazis!) So, if clear communication to you is a book or a long speech, tweeting can help you with the virtue of brevity.

Happy Birthday @wozzienet
I thought it would be fun to celebrate my Twitter birthday. So, to all my followers (wow, that sounds scary) and to those I follow, thanks for the comments, ideas, questions and laughs! Here is to another year of engaging in community and life!

The bottom line:
Sometimes its fun to celebrate little things in life. It may be off the wall, but it keeps things fresh.

You can’t steer a still ship

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If you want to steer a ship, get it moving. Water passing over the rudder is what makes it maneuver. This is a quote that I want my boys to grasp, and it is one many need to. The concept is you need to get moving, you can always change course later. Pick. Dream. Pursue. And, let God work in you as He gets you to the destination.

Military. Job. College.
My dad gave me those three options when I started 7th grade. They were a huge motivation to do well in school. The last part of the statement went: “But either way, you’re out of the house.” Dad spoke the message clearly. Man up. I picked a direction quickly and pursued it. A key element imparted to me was variety. Broad experiences help clarifies when one pursues a direction. Direction may change from experience. It is hard to change course when you’re not moving.

“Kids don’t dream today…”
The statement surprised me in a conversing with a well seasoned pastor. It made sense. In my high school, many worried over what they were to do. Graduation became somber as much as celebration. I cannot fathom people not dreaming, of not having direction. Partly because I’m wired that way. Partly because time doesn’t stop for limbo. Dreaming is not a passive exercise.

Eat. Pray. Love (Lament).
I can see where the elements of this book & movie resonate with America. Americans do not know how to simply enjoy life. The pace of life also pours into spiritual confusion. Then, with the non stop spiritually confused state, one loses their love life. Love needs a focus other than one’s self. Kelly and I discussed this at length. As we understand it thus far, Eastern Philosophies focus on balance has two key themes: emptying (meditation) and waiting (letting things show themselves). In contrast, Christian thought is filling (God is the God who fills things) and pursuing (Pursuing God is part of waiting on Him) and answers come. This pursuit includes a sabbath principle whereby God want us to simply rest to remember.

Values over Vision; Journey over Destination
Americans love big things. We love vision. We love destinations. In this quest, our blinders go up to values and journey. How often in our literature, art, dramas, and talks do we realize this anew? In “Built to Last” Jim Collins realizes that great companies focus intently on their values more than anything. They focus on being more than doing; the key to their successed. Our thought process is best summed up by Han Solo’s statement: “I prefer a straight fight to all this sneakin’ around.” Dave Ramsey’s one piece of advice he’d give to young leaders: “Let problems work themselves out.” Our pragmatic, driven, competitive side should remember that life seldom takes the direct route.

Visions in the Bible are like cars with really bad turbo lag. Some, like Abraham or Joseph, only get a mere whisper of the vision being fulfilled and it is left to others to do it. The pattern goes like this: God gives a vision…………………………………………and then it happens. Often the trouble comes when one tries to force its accomplishment vs pursuing God in the midst of the wait. The lack of peace in the Middle East is a clear example of this. Focus on being vs doing allows you to pursue without rushing. The Bible focuses more on becoming verse doing. The fulfillment and accomplishment of our vision or destination is already secured by God.

The bottom line:
You can’t steer a still ship. Pick a direction and then let God guide your journey. Your vision may be clarified later, it may not be. You might start with one, and you might not. But, know this: time does not stand still. While anchored in indecision, you will lose lessons of what God wants you to become. If you are too set on your destination, you may run aground getting there, and lose what God wants you to become. Pick a direction and learn to navigate. Work with the currents, the weather, the sun and stars. Clarity and discovery comes to those who pursue over those who wait. Pick. Dream. Pursue. And, let God work in you as He gets you to the destination.

Manic Monday: The mirror

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I brought Jadon to the barber for the first time last week. The barber visit builds pride in one’s son. Jadon sat humbly on the bench, a box of toys next to him. Given the new experience, he sat with his hands folded on his lap, looking at the men in chairs getting their hair cut. The sound to clippers, normally frightening to him, echoed softly. Jadon looks up at me and smiles.

“Daddy gets a hair cut, Jadon gets a hair cut.”

I’m called up and the routine starts. He watches me at first and then slowly discovers the toy box. He builds what he is: a train track for said track a train. This very important process explained to all in the barber shop. The older men and the ladies cutting hair all smile and delight. Rather than the exploits of the weekend shared, stories and questions about trains ensued. Then it was time.

With trepidation, Jadon climbed up the “high chair.” Like a cherub, the overly large cape adorned him. No smile sat upon his face. The buzz of clippers rang loudly in his ears. I held his hands, and he took the buzzing clippers. With a big sigh he looked up.

“Let go, I ok, Daddy.”

Instead of trepidation, Jadon sat up man like.The men talked, so should he. And, like the older men he observed, he didn’t stop.

“I love Mommy!” Daddy get hair cut, Jadon get hair cut. Our job… make Mommy happy!”

A moment of silence filled the room and he started telling people about family, Mommy, the treat to follow the hair cut, and trains of course. Jadon became part of the club. From being a cute, to trepidation, to another step toward manhood, such is the first trip to the barber shop.

Nearby there is a hair shop dedicated to children. The chairs are airplanes or cars. The place focuses on a pleasant experience to what can be a terrorizing experience. Kelly and I thought about the place for his first real haircut experience. I said no. I wanted a barber shop. Part to show off my boy, the other have him focus on becoming a man. I appreciate things focused on kids, but sometimes we need things that focus kids on becoming adults.

With risk comes reward. The event could be a moment of pride or a moment of regret. The risk ended with reward and pride. There sat my son take taking another step of courage. He further understood his job. “Our job is to make Mommy happy!” (Proverbs speaks to this often.)

Children are a mirror into our own soul. Jadon acted like Daddy. He got his hair cut like daddy. He ended the event like Daddy. “Ok, let’s get coffee, Daddy!” The mirror can show our faults, but it can also show what’s best about ourselves; where God still needs to work, and where God blesses. Which do you need to focus on this week?

(Especially on Mondays)

9.11.01

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9.11.01… The news came from the radio as I was pulling into the church parking lot in Cortland. I was only in full time ministry for three and a half months.

Three lessons learned:

1) Crisis is when seemingly unpractical theology becomes intensely practical.

2) The purpose of churches building relationships in the community is to be there in times of need: to help & be the shoulder to cry on.

3) Crisis makes what is important crystal clear.

Certain things should not be forgotten about 9.11.01:

1) Crisis brings out the best in us.

2) Evil exists in the world.

Why not Wednesday? Pray

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Rather than burn things, pray for them.

Rather than protest, seek to serve.

Rather than demonize, wish for their well-being.

Rather than scorn, show compassion.

Rather than shout, speak in whispers.

Rather than be heard, fervently listen.

Rather than ridicule, show admiration.

Rather than hate, love.

Rather than go after ‘enemies,’ pray for them.

It worked for Jesus.

Yes we can, no we shouldn’t

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Science can tell you about nuclear energy. It can even build you a nuclear bomb. Science cannot tell you whether or not to use the bomb. I can dance. But I shouldn’t. My dancing would be considered an act of terror. Even my 3-year-old asks me to stop.

Can and should are two different questions… Why mention this?

Yes we can!
In America we have the freedom of speech. We can voice our concerns in open. We can make public demonstrations about what we value and hold dear and sacred. We can print and say what we like with little repercussions. We can burn books, protest funerals, put up cheesy phrases on signs, went it comes to speech, we can.

Because we can does not mean we should.
Take Jesus as an example of can & should. Jesus could have come in glory, demanded worship, destroyed Rome, destroyed every sinner by fire, smacked down Satan in the wilderness, but He didn’t.

Often times silent service speaks volumes louder than demonstrations. Often times the thing noticed is not exercising our rights. The concept is known as meekness. The concept is also known as humility. Both demonstrated by Jesus.

Perhaps the values of many Christians go ignored because we live in a time where only silence can be heard. Silence does not meant political inaction or non-involvement. Silence does not mean one is a coward or ashamed of the truth. Silence does not equal apathy. Silence can only mean these things if one does live, pursue and teach the truth in the first place.

The heart is the issue
I disagree with the notion that Jesus was about social action. He wasn’t. In fact, Jesus wasn’t about anything political. Jesus aimed for the heart. Without a change of heart, there can be no lasting change. Jesus knew clearly that to be heard with deafening clarity, one must show the silent resolve of a changed life.

Jesus championed truth and living out the truth. Jesus knew the only way to equal the scales of justice was by giving up would He could do for something far greater. The Bible calls this sacrifice, and for Jesus it meant the cross. Though equal with God in every way, Jesus chose to humbly submit. From a perfect life to a life of poverty, ridicule and false accusation, Jesus’ resurrection shook the foundations of history. Jesus did this to bring people back to truth. To redeem. A changed life will change society.

The Bottom line:
Can we speak and loudly proclaim? Yes. Should we? No. The silent servant is often heard louder than the person shouting on the corner. For in silent service the question builds further and further to the point of needing to be asked: Why? And when asked, the truth can be heard. Aim for the heart and you will win in the long run. Silent resolve is powerful.

Manic Monday: I don’t get labor day…

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I don’t get labor day. Why do we take it off? Here is why I don’t get it!

Helloween: We celebrate this dark holiday by being dark.

Veterans’ Day: We honor those who served during our country’s darkest hours.

Thanks Giving: We celebrate this holiday by a feast as it was started from the abundance of God’s provision and labors of the pilgrims. “Eat, drink and enjoy the fruit of you labor, for this too is a gift from God.”

Christmas: We give gifts as the advent is an incredible gift of God to man.

New Years: We celebrate a new year and set goals, remembering the important things in life. Celebrating newness makes sense.

Presidents Day: We celebrate by taking a day off and shopping sales, all in the name of stimulating the economy, a very presidential thing to do for the last century.

“Easter”: Resurrection Sunday we celebrate the good news of Jesus rising from the dead. The food, celebrations make sense.

Memorial day: We celebrate the sacrifice the victories our country was fortunate to have and the freedoms resulting from those success.

4th of July: We celebrate the country’s birthday, again this makes sense. And, in the rocket’s red glare. we still pretty the sky and make loud booming noises.

Labor Day: We celebrate work by, well, not working. This holiday would make way more sense if it meant a day of celebration, laughter and karaoke with those you actually labor with. Taking the day off seems, well, not fitting of the holiday.

The bottom line:
My philosophy of adult life is simply this: If something makes sense, it can’t be right. Labor Day illustrates this point. Have a great day and celebrate work!

(especially on Mondays)