Reflections from Sundays Worship Gathering
This past weekend was amazing at Boundless Grace Church. Our worship team set a wonderful climate of intimacy with Jesus and the people responded beautifully. The sounds of worship filled our facility and the presence of the Spirit was evident. I felt that there was a corporate expectation for God to work among his people.
On this particular morning I was wrapping up a series called, Shoe Leather Theology from the letter of James. This final section from James 5 deals with prayer and healing, which in my estimation are deep water faith issues.
I have never really spoken of healing before, and I was so aware of my weakness and inability to “make it happen.” In fact, all week in preparation I felt a strong sense of humility bumping up against my soul. After all, who am I that I would be called upon to anoint the sick with oil and pray for the healing of the physically and spiritually sick among us?
On this special morning, several of our old friends from around the country were in attendance. These folks had come together for a Friendship Reunion, a bunch of godly people who all worshipped together in the same Church in days gone by.
Within this cluster of friends was a sister with cancer and others who were in need of both physical and spiritual healing as well. And along with this folks were many others in the Church who needed healing and/or deliverance. In fact, one man approached me during our worship set and told me that he had fallen off the wagon the previous week and was ready to repent, even publicly if necessary. This man had no idea that my message would involve confessing sins and seeking prayer from the Elders.
Well, after wrapping up my message on prayer and healing, I invited Bryan Maxwell, a dear brother and fellow Elder to join me in interceding for those in the Church who wanted to “call upon the Elders.” I also invited those among us who have a strong heart for intercession to help us pray for our people. In this context, the altar was flooded with people who came forth for prayer as Boundless Grace became a house of prayer. in this holy moment together.
During this prayer time it seemed as if, with every person that stepped out of their seat, came and deeper awareness of the Spirit and his anointing to minister among us.
In my many years of doing ministry, this particular morning was unique and special, and will not be forgotten any time soon. And although I don’t know exactly what the outcome of this morning will bring, I would not be surprised to learn of healing and and help from God in tangible ways.
An interesting after effect of this morning was that someone from our group of old friends gave the largest financial offering that Boundless Grace has ever received.
In summary, I am so thankful that humility bumped up against my soul. To God be the glory, great things he has done!
Praise to Jehovah Raffa! (the God who heals)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Contemporary Worship and the Church
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP AND THE CHURCH
I’ve been reflecting and reading for several weeks now on the matter of worship in the local Church and would like to flush out some random thoughts on the matter.
Entertainment or Exultation:
A few years ago my wife and I were invited to attend a friend’s Church (of the mega variety, which shall remain nameless) in the greater Bay Area. At the time we were just months away from planting Boundless Grace Church. Therefore, our eyes were wide open to discover the secrets of a successful contemporary Church.
I must say the worship team was excellent that night. The singers were all beautiful women of the Runway variety. The stage mimicked that of a rock concert with cool lights, screens, and décor. The musicians were nothing less than professionals who played a tight set of contemporary music of CD quality. However, what struck me that night was the lack of volume coming from the congregation. I would guess there were close to a thousand people in the building that night but, by the sound of things, maybe one hundred believers were engaged in heartfelt worship.
What was the cause for this lack of outpouring of praise among God’s people? And why would these believers settle for the role of a spectator rather than worshipper?
While I’m not an expert on the matter of corporate worship, I do believe that this Church, like many others, was so focused on doing it right that they got it wrong. You see, while there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence in worship, the Church is not called to put on a great performance. As Christ followers we are rather to offer to Jesus a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips.(Heb 13:15) You see, I believe that unknowingly, many Churches in our modern day have traded exultation for entertainment forgetting that the primary instrument in worship is the heart not the harp, and the people not the band.
Choosing Preaching over Praise
Recently, I was talking with my cousin about Church life and he shared his struggle to find a Church that worked for him and his family. He struggles to find a Church, from his perspective, because, most of the Churches he attended were obviously targeting you. This was evidenced by the climate set on the stage which was of the rock and roll variety. I hope I’m not putting words in my cousins mouth, but I think what I heard him saying was that worship in many of the Churches he tried felt more like a rock & roll show than a worship gathering.
What I find interesting about this conversation is that my cousin is the same guy who turned me on to classics of rock and roll back in the day. He is a lover of music and can appreciate its power and effect. One would think that if anyone would love the modern worship set he would. Yet, in the end, he chose to attend a Church with less than professional worship on the platform but a pastor sold on biblical exposition. For him, and many like him, worship should awe you not just wow you!
The purpose of Worship in the local Church:
The most important thing about worship is to understand its purpose. Musically driven worship, like all forms of worship is designed to give God’s people an opportunity to express their gratitude to God for his many blessings. And while worship should be pleasurable to the worshipper, its intended purpose is to bring glory to God alone and nothing more. As one worship leader from my former Church put it, we are to be servants not stars on Sunday.
Recently a friend emailed me an article about worship that underscores that purpose of worship in the life of a Church and individual. The following excerpt is worth mention:
Worship rescues our spiritual efforts from routine, religiosity, pride and guilt; it takes our minds completely off ourselves and burrows us into the overwhelming life of God. Measure Those Who Worship: By Francis Frangipane
Worship Alone is Insufficient in our Gatherings.
While worship in song is a major blessing to the Church, it alone is insufficient to accomplish the will of God for his people. Many people mistake worship as the conduit through which all the benefits of God are accomplished, i.e. healing, transformation, prophetic words, etc, etc. The fact of the matter is that worship is about what God receives from us, not what we can get from him during our times of praise.
However transformation and worship are related subjects. After all, worship medicates the heart so our divine healer can perform his work in us through the preached word. I like to think of it this way; music expands our spirit so the preached word has sufficient room to transform the heart.
The Apostle Paul’s states in the book of Romans, Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). And in another passage he exhorts Timothy, his disciple in the following way:
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim4:1-2
My blog friends, good worship is not enough for God’s people when gathered. We must also expect preachers to deliver the truths of the word of God in a demonstration of the Spirits power. (2Cor.2:4-5).
Many Churches today have great worship only to be followed by a pastor who is really nothing more than an Anthony Robbins type inspirational talker. And while there is certainly some value to inspirational speakers, God has called pastors to preach the whole council of God as spelled out in his word (the Bible). This council will include the doctrines of depravity, redemption through the blood of Christ, the resurrection, biblical morality, etc…..
Friends, we are now living in the last days when people only want to have their ears tickled and their hearts warmed by the music and a shallow message and then leave our Churches touched but not changed (2Tim3).
• Worship is a Welcome Mat
We have all seen one of those carpeted welcome mats on someone’s porch which is intended to communicate to visitors that the inhabitants are hospitable folk. Well, I believe that worship is the welcome mat that God is looking for. What I mean is that, God is looking for a gathering of people who have come together to worship Him with all their hearts based upon a right understanding of the person of Christ.
In this context the story of the woman at the well comes to mind. In the gospel of John, there is a recorded conversation in which Jesus dialogues with a sinful woman about worship. In this conversation Jesus makes it clear that God is seeking to manifest himself among a worshipping community who understands the truth.
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:21-24
What is clear from the passage is that the worship mat that God is looking for is a true understanding of his Son Jesus. You see, this woman, not unlike the chosen people (the Jews) were showing up at their worship sites and worshipping without a true understanding of what made their worship acceptable/pleasurable before God. Worship that the Father seeks is worship that declares JESUS as LORD!
Friends, our God cares not about aesthetics in worship but only authenticity. It matters not what our buildings looks like, where they are located, what type of stage and lighting package we have, what genres of music we select, etc….. No, God is searching for Churches and people who will throw out the welcome mat of a heart that understands the truth about His grace and mercy demonstrated in the person of Christ and will sing with all of their hearts to declare Jesus as Lord! After all, it is he that has made us righteous in God’s sight.
(Note: there is nothing wrong with the aesthetics unless they get in the way of our worship)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Peter 2:9
God is not seeking pastors, healers, apostles, prophets, evangelist, successful leaders, executives, or even worship leaders. No, God is seeking worshippers who make it their priority to worship Him and declare his praises!
• Worship must be planned yet spontaneous in our gatherings
Have you ever been bored in Church? My guess is that you have. After all, Church life can be rather predictable can’t it? We meet every week at the same time in the same place. We generally follow the same format and see the same people. And we may even sing the same old songs the same old ways.
While there is nothing wrong with routine, it often leads to a lack of freshness in worship. At the core of true worship is divine romance between the bride and the bridegroom. And nothing ruins romance faster than predictability and formula. Bob Sorge, in his book, Following the River hints at what I believe is true about modern worship when he speaks of people who, pass through the river of our worship services and come up the other side, for the most part, untouched. They leave a little bit damp, saying, “They have good music at this Church.” Or they may say, “Nice service.”
From this author’s perspective, many worship leaders believe that if they work hard at putting together a great team of musicians, a great line up of contemporary songs, practice until perfect, all they will need to do is “bring it” on Sunday. This formula will guarantee spiritual rain to fall week after week. Yet, we have all been in Churches that have the formula down pat but only a trickle of water seems to flow from heaven’s streams.
Much like a sermon that is exacting in logic but lacking in power, worship can be beautiful in form but lacking in fragrance. With this in mind, the Church and its worship leaders must learn to run the risk of moving outside the comfort zone of predictability and go with the flow of the Spirit into the river of refreshing!
All right, what does all this mean? Well, first it means that we bring new songs to the church often, and that the worship leader and pastor be sensitive to the Spirit of God during the gathering so that they can be lead by the Spirit and not the platform schedule. It means that songs may be sung that are not in the line up and words may be spoken that are not in the notes. It means that the line up be thought through weekly for the purpose of keeping it fresh.
• Understanding the law of Synergy in Worship
Synergy is a word used to describe the notion that the whole is better than the sum of its parts. In cooperate worship, there are many parts: the pastor, the worship leader, the singers, the band, the sound technicians, and of course the congregation. When all of the above parties join in worship with all of their hearts magic happens! Our worship experience moves from merely singing songs to making music before our majestic God! Sorge calls this concept, the tapestry of worship and suggest that the congregation has the greatest contribution to this tapestry (p.45) After all, once the congregation understands that while the worship team has musicians, singers, and microphones, they don’t make up the majority vote, the pew does. You see, a congregation can move the worship team into the river of worship if they decide, “we have the majority voice” and we can take them (p.70)!
• Prayer and Worship: Tuning more than your Instruments
An essential requirement for a worship team that desires to throw out a welcome mat for God is to meet Him in prayer prior to worship gathering. Sorge refers to this matter of prayer as, the time to be digging wells in the Spirit.” I love this word picture and I am fully persuaded that this is essential to our worship experience. (p.33)
Why is prayer so important to the worship experience? Well, for one reason, the worship team may need to get their hands clean through confession. After all, sin is one major way we can ruin the rhythm of the divine dance of worship. Listen to Israel’s worship leader in this context,
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy presence? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. Psa. 24:3-4
Another reason for pre gathering prayer is that it allows us to focus on our God, after all, while there will be many people before the platform, its an audience of one that we must center in on.
And finally, we may need to work the wrinkles in our spirits out. How easy we forget our many blessings in the battles of life and become preoccupied with our trials. The only way I know to cast off this thinking is to count our many blessing. This will get our minds back on the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Conclusion: Although I have only scratched the surface on this topic of worship in the Church, I hope that you have enjoyed this article and that it will enhance your worship in the worshipping community. Would you now take a few moments for the sake of your Church and pray the following scriptures into its corporate soul.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Ps.9:1-2
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Ps. 34:1-5
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Ps. 33:1
I’ve been reflecting and reading for several weeks now on the matter of worship in the local Church and would like to flush out some random thoughts on the matter.
Entertainment or Exultation:
A few years ago my wife and I were invited to attend a friend’s Church (of the mega variety, which shall remain nameless) in the greater Bay Area. At the time we were just months away from planting Boundless Grace Church. Therefore, our eyes were wide open to discover the secrets of a successful contemporary Church.
I must say the worship team was excellent that night. The singers were all beautiful women of the Runway variety. The stage mimicked that of a rock concert with cool lights, screens, and décor. The musicians were nothing less than professionals who played a tight set of contemporary music of CD quality. However, what struck me that night was the lack of volume coming from the congregation. I would guess there were close to a thousand people in the building that night but, by the sound of things, maybe one hundred believers were engaged in heartfelt worship.
What was the cause for this lack of outpouring of praise among God’s people? And why would these believers settle for the role of a spectator rather than worshipper?
While I’m not an expert on the matter of corporate worship, I do believe that this Church, like many others, was so focused on doing it right that they got it wrong. You see, while there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence in worship, the Church is not called to put on a great performance. As Christ followers we are rather to offer to Jesus a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips.(Heb 13:15) You see, I believe that unknowingly, many Churches in our modern day have traded exultation for entertainment forgetting that the primary instrument in worship is the heart not the harp, and the people not the band.
Choosing Preaching over Praise
Recently, I was talking with my cousin about Church life and he shared his struggle to find a Church that worked for him and his family. He struggles to find a Church, from his perspective, because, most of the Churches he attended were obviously targeting you. This was evidenced by the climate set on the stage which was of the rock and roll variety. I hope I’m not putting words in my cousins mouth, but I think what I heard him saying was that worship in many of the Churches he tried felt more like a rock & roll show than a worship gathering.
What I find interesting about this conversation is that my cousin is the same guy who turned me on to classics of rock and roll back in the day. He is a lover of music and can appreciate its power and effect. One would think that if anyone would love the modern worship set he would. Yet, in the end, he chose to attend a Church with less than professional worship on the platform but a pastor sold on biblical exposition. For him, and many like him, worship should awe you not just wow you!
The purpose of Worship in the local Church:
The most important thing about worship is to understand its purpose. Musically driven worship, like all forms of worship is designed to give God’s people an opportunity to express their gratitude to God for his many blessings. And while worship should be pleasurable to the worshipper, its intended purpose is to bring glory to God alone and nothing more. As one worship leader from my former Church put it, we are to be servants not stars on Sunday.
Recently a friend emailed me an article about worship that underscores that purpose of worship in the life of a Church and individual. The following excerpt is worth mention:
Worship rescues our spiritual efforts from routine, religiosity, pride and guilt; it takes our minds completely off ourselves and burrows us into the overwhelming life of God. Measure Those Who Worship: By Francis Frangipane
Worship Alone is Insufficient in our Gatherings.
While worship in song is a major blessing to the Church, it alone is insufficient to accomplish the will of God for his people. Many people mistake worship as the conduit through which all the benefits of God are accomplished, i.e. healing, transformation, prophetic words, etc, etc. The fact of the matter is that worship is about what God receives from us, not what we can get from him during our times of praise.
However transformation and worship are related subjects. After all, worship medicates the heart so our divine healer can perform his work in us through the preached word. I like to think of it this way; music expands our spirit so the preached word has sufficient room to transform the heart.
The Apostle Paul’s states in the book of Romans, Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). And in another passage he exhorts Timothy, his disciple in the following way:
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim4:1-2
My blog friends, good worship is not enough for God’s people when gathered. We must also expect preachers to deliver the truths of the word of God in a demonstration of the Spirits power. (2Cor.2:4-5).
Many Churches today have great worship only to be followed by a pastor who is really nothing more than an Anthony Robbins type inspirational talker. And while there is certainly some value to inspirational speakers, God has called pastors to preach the whole council of God as spelled out in his word (the Bible). This council will include the doctrines of depravity, redemption through the blood of Christ, the resurrection, biblical morality, etc…..
Friends, we are now living in the last days when people only want to have their ears tickled and their hearts warmed by the music and a shallow message and then leave our Churches touched but not changed (2Tim3).
• Worship is a Welcome Mat
We have all seen one of those carpeted welcome mats on someone’s porch which is intended to communicate to visitors that the inhabitants are hospitable folk. Well, I believe that worship is the welcome mat that God is looking for. What I mean is that, God is looking for a gathering of people who have come together to worship Him with all their hearts based upon a right understanding of the person of Christ.
In this context the story of the woman at the well comes to mind. In the gospel of John, there is a recorded conversation in which Jesus dialogues with a sinful woman about worship. In this conversation Jesus makes it clear that God is seeking to manifest himself among a worshipping community who understands the truth.
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:21-24
What is clear from the passage is that the worship mat that God is looking for is a true understanding of his Son Jesus. You see, this woman, not unlike the chosen people (the Jews) were showing up at their worship sites and worshipping without a true understanding of what made their worship acceptable/pleasurable before God. Worship that the Father seeks is worship that declares JESUS as LORD!
Friends, our God cares not about aesthetics in worship but only authenticity. It matters not what our buildings looks like, where they are located, what type of stage and lighting package we have, what genres of music we select, etc….. No, God is searching for Churches and people who will throw out the welcome mat of a heart that understands the truth about His grace and mercy demonstrated in the person of Christ and will sing with all of their hearts to declare Jesus as Lord! After all, it is he that has made us righteous in God’s sight.
(Note: there is nothing wrong with the aesthetics unless they get in the way of our worship)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Peter 2:9
God is not seeking pastors, healers, apostles, prophets, evangelist, successful leaders, executives, or even worship leaders. No, God is seeking worshippers who make it their priority to worship Him and declare his praises!
• Worship must be planned yet spontaneous in our gatherings
Have you ever been bored in Church? My guess is that you have. After all, Church life can be rather predictable can’t it? We meet every week at the same time in the same place. We generally follow the same format and see the same people. And we may even sing the same old songs the same old ways.
While there is nothing wrong with routine, it often leads to a lack of freshness in worship. At the core of true worship is divine romance between the bride and the bridegroom. And nothing ruins romance faster than predictability and formula. Bob Sorge, in his book, Following the River hints at what I believe is true about modern worship when he speaks of people who, pass through the river of our worship services and come up the other side, for the most part, untouched. They leave a little bit damp, saying, “They have good music at this Church.” Or they may say, “Nice service.”
From this author’s perspective, many worship leaders believe that if they work hard at putting together a great team of musicians, a great line up of contemporary songs, practice until perfect, all they will need to do is “bring it” on Sunday. This formula will guarantee spiritual rain to fall week after week. Yet, we have all been in Churches that have the formula down pat but only a trickle of water seems to flow from heaven’s streams.
Much like a sermon that is exacting in logic but lacking in power, worship can be beautiful in form but lacking in fragrance. With this in mind, the Church and its worship leaders must learn to run the risk of moving outside the comfort zone of predictability and go with the flow of the Spirit into the river of refreshing!
All right, what does all this mean? Well, first it means that we bring new songs to the church often, and that the worship leader and pastor be sensitive to the Spirit of God during the gathering so that they can be lead by the Spirit and not the platform schedule. It means that songs may be sung that are not in the line up and words may be spoken that are not in the notes. It means that the line up be thought through weekly for the purpose of keeping it fresh.
• Understanding the law of Synergy in Worship
Synergy is a word used to describe the notion that the whole is better than the sum of its parts. In cooperate worship, there are many parts: the pastor, the worship leader, the singers, the band, the sound technicians, and of course the congregation. When all of the above parties join in worship with all of their hearts magic happens! Our worship experience moves from merely singing songs to making music before our majestic God! Sorge calls this concept, the tapestry of worship and suggest that the congregation has the greatest contribution to this tapestry (p.45) After all, once the congregation understands that while the worship team has musicians, singers, and microphones, they don’t make up the majority vote, the pew does. You see, a congregation can move the worship team into the river of worship if they decide, “we have the majority voice” and we can take them (p.70)!
• Prayer and Worship: Tuning more than your Instruments
An essential requirement for a worship team that desires to throw out a welcome mat for God is to meet Him in prayer prior to worship gathering. Sorge refers to this matter of prayer as, the time to be digging wells in the Spirit.” I love this word picture and I am fully persuaded that this is essential to our worship experience. (p.33)
Why is prayer so important to the worship experience? Well, for one reason, the worship team may need to get their hands clean through confession. After all, sin is one major way we can ruin the rhythm of the divine dance of worship. Listen to Israel’s worship leader in this context,
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy presence? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. Psa. 24:3-4
Another reason for pre gathering prayer is that it allows us to focus on our God, after all, while there will be many people before the platform, its an audience of one that we must center in on.
And finally, we may need to work the wrinkles in our spirits out. How easy we forget our many blessings in the battles of life and become preoccupied with our trials. The only way I know to cast off this thinking is to count our many blessing. This will get our minds back on the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Conclusion: Although I have only scratched the surface on this topic of worship in the Church, I hope that you have enjoyed this article and that it will enhance your worship in the worshipping community. Would you now take a few moments for the sake of your Church and pray the following scriptures into its corporate soul.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Ps.9:1-2
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
Ps. 34:1-5
Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Ps. 33:1
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Faith in Troubled Times
I am preaching through the book of James in a series I call, Shoe Leather Theology. I must admit, James is challenging all of us at Boundless Grace in this series.
After all, James commands believers to view trials and troubles with an attitude of joy!
Are you kidding me, I hate trials don't you?
Well, readers, James wants us to know that trials are designed to grow us not destroy us. Therefore we must process them with a positive attitude. James line of thinking goes this way; God is the Father of lights who blesses us with only good things not bad. Therefore, when what appears to be a bad thing shows up on our plate we must know that God is not the source of the mess. (Although most likely He is the solution).
Friends, most of the time we dish up our own messes in life and our plates are full of hardship we have brought upon ourselves. However, I believe that many of the biggest trials in our lives are sourced in evil. Satan is working his plan to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Whatever the source of our trial though, James would have us be warned that on the heels of a trial will be a temptation to see God as the problem and not the solution. After all, God could stop our trials if he really wanted to, could he not?
You see, once we blame God for our test and trials we begin to doubt his love for us and stop relying on Him for deliverance.
If you're in a trial right now let me remind you of a biblical truth, yes God can and will intervene on your behalf. After all the Bible teaches us that both Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be praying us through our trials(Romans8:26-34). So be certain that your Father in heaven is hearing their prayers and will come to your aid in due time and in accordance with His plan for your life!
At this point, I am reminded of Jesus and his discussion with Peter about Satan's request to sift him like wheat. Jesus did allow Peter to be sifted (tried)but not without a promise of divine prayer to help him through his ordeal(Luke 22:31).
Brothers and sister, when being tested, refuse to allow yourself to be deceived into thinking that God can't be trusted, He can. Yes, trials are painful and they test our faith at the deepest levels but only to makes us stronger and grow us up in our faith.
And we know that in All things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purposes (Romans 8:28).
Right Now, read the above stated promise out loud and claim it as God's word to you!
Let me wrap up this blog with a quote I have written,
God's Word provides the truth we need to remain hopeful, God's Grace provides the strength we need to remain faithful, God's Spirit provides the help me need to remain peaceful, and God's people provide the encouragement we need to remain stable.
Blogger friends, lets trust in the heart of God today!
After all, James commands believers to view trials and troubles with an attitude of joy!
Are you kidding me, I hate trials don't you?
Well, readers, James wants us to know that trials are designed to grow us not destroy us. Therefore we must process them with a positive attitude. James line of thinking goes this way; God is the Father of lights who blesses us with only good things not bad. Therefore, when what appears to be a bad thing shows up on our plate we must know that God is not the source of the mess. (Although most likely He is the solution).
Friends, most of the time we dish up our own messes in life and our plates are full of hardship we have brought upon ourselves. However, I believe that many of the biggest trials in our lives are sourced in evil. Satan is working his plan to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Whatever the source of our trial though, James would have us be warned that on the heels of a trial will be a temptation to see God as the problem and not the solution. After all, God could stop our trials if he really wanted to, could he not?
You see, once we blame God for our test and trials we begin to doubt his love for us and stop relying on Him for deliverance.
If you're in a trial right now let me remind you of a biblical truth, yes God can and will intervene on your behalf. After all the Bible teaches us that both Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be praying us through our trials(Romans8:26-34). So be certain that your Father in heaven is hearing their prayers and will come to your aid in due time and in accordance with His plan for your life!
At this point, I am reminded of Jesus and his discussion with Peter about Satan's request to sift him like wheat. Jesus did allow Peter to be sifted (tried)but not without a promise of divine prayer to help him through his ordeal(Luke 22:31).
Brothers and sister, when being tested, refuse to allow yourself to be deceived into thinking that God can't be trusted, He can. Yes, trials are painful and they test our faith at the deepest levels but only to makes us stronger and grow us up in our faith.
Let me tell you what James recommends. Grab hold of the promises of God that have been implanted in you. It was God's Word that produced saving faith at the beginning of your spiritual journey(Romans 10:17) and it's this same word that will save you now in your present need for rescue. This is what Theologians call, present tense salvation. My friends, God's promises are essential to navigating our trials and we must accept them and work them out in our daily lives. One such promise that comes to mind now is:What do we do when strong trials strike our lives?
And we know that in All things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purposes (Romans 8:28).
Right Now, read the above stated promise out loud and claim it as God's word to you!
Let me wrap up this blog with a quote I have written,
God's Word provides the truth we need to remain hopeful, God's Grace provides the strength we need to remain faithful, God's Spirit provides the help me need to remain peaceful, and God's people provide the encouragement we need to remain stable.
Blogger friends, lets trust in the heart of God today!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Church for ME or the Church to BE
The Church for ME or the Church to BE
Reflections from a Church Planter
“I have done Church all over the world.” This is an expression that a friend of mine has used with me on several occasions when speaking about his Church experiences over the course of his life. To be quite honest, his expression checks my spirit every time I hear it. I suppose this is because it seems to connote something negative about the Church and I love the Church and understand it to be the precious bride of Christ. And further more, I understand our calling, as believers, to be the Church not merely do the Church.
Church Shopping and Commitment to Community
It would appear to me that many people today do Church like they do their grocery shopping. Their thinking goes something like this, “this week I think we should eat a little healthier so we’ll shop at the Trader Joes Church.” This is the Church that promotes strong Bible theology.
Well, with Bibles in hand, they go do Church and amen the pastor loud enough to be heard by all and then, off they go to do their life, enough knowledge to keep sin at bay and the devil away.
The following week this same family may decide to go to the Super Walmart Church. This is the big Church which has something for everyone, groceries and more! Many people enjoy these type of Churches because they are so large they can do Church without having to be the Church. In other words, worship without sacrifice or service.
On the third Sunday of the month, if the family decides to crawl out of bed at all, the head of the household (whoever that might be) may decide to drive across town and visit the Church best known for its great “praise and worship.” His or her thinking might be something like this; “I feel deep need to experience God through praise and worship.” So, with hands raised high and voices lifted to the sky these folks go to feel Church, I mean God.
And finally, on week four, if the head of the house feels that there are groceries enough in the frig he/she may decide to make it a Me day. You know what I mean, a, free day or to be hyper spiritual they may call it a family day.
All right my blog friends, I’m sorry if my sarcasms are a little over the top or if it appears that I am being a little legalistic. Please understand that I am merely flushing out my reflections on this Church planting experience as it relates to some of the people I have observed along the way.
Four questions to consider related to the local church:
(scripture references should help in answering these questions)
1. Does God expect me to be committed to a local Church?
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
2. Does God expect me to rank myself under a Pastors authority?
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
3. Does God excuse me from the responsibility of serving in the Church?
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
4. Am I really needed in the local Church?
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 1 Corinthians 12:21
Benefits of belonging to a local church.
1. Human Touch: In this age of Facebook and social media we are afforded many opportunities to connect with people in real time via the internet. But human touch is absent, an essential aspect to healthy spirituality. And the Bible is clear that Church is a place where “people touch” is championed. A Scripture that comes to mind is 1Thes.5:16 which states, greet one another with a holy kiss. This same command is found four other times in the New Testament, which reflects the heart of a God who desires that His people show affection one to another.
Alright, maybe this holy kiss thing is a little much for some who would argue that these commands were cultural expectations of the day. Well, at least Church ought to be a place were holy hugs are the norm. You see, we all need a hug don’t we?
2. Support: The local Church is called to be, the support group of all support groups. The Bible says that we Christians are to suffer with one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, love one another, instruct one another, worship with one another, etc……
Healthy Christians understand that God calls people to belong not just believe
3. Opportunities to express our giftedness: You see, the Bible is clear that all believers have been gifted with certain talents by God which are to be expressed within the community of believers for the building up of the body of Christ. Belonging to a local Church allows us to serve one another through our giftedness.
4. Community: In a society that is becoming more an more isolated from one another the Church is still and always will be God’s expression for community. In the book of Acts the Church is described in terms of community,
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47
I have actually had people tell me that they won’t belong to any Church because they only need to be apart of God’s Universal Church. What such people are really saying is, I won’t commit to any one group of people or leadership team. Its about Me remember!
5. Opportunities to grow in the knowledge of Christ:
Pastors are equipped to study the Bible and preach to God’s local family each week and God has not intended believers to merely get their feeding via sermon downloads over the web or radio broadcast.
Reasons people don’t commit to a local Church
I suppose there are many reasons why people just "do Church" rather than commitment to a Church. Through the years I have heard it all; the pastor is not in tune with needs of the people, the worship service is lacking, the people aren’t friendly, people in the Church have hurt me, the kids program isn’t up to par, the kids don’t connect, the Church is all about money, the Church is to big, to small, to legalistic, to gracious, to young, to old, full of hypocritics, etc……….
Friends, the church is made up of people just like you and me, flawed to the core, screwed up and dysfunctional yet, none of the excuses above will suffice and excuse us from being committed to God's chosen community.
No perfect Church
I can still recall my old pastor telling new members joining his Church that they would not be joing a perfect Church but with people serving a Perfect God. Yes, there are all kinds of imperfect people in the family of God just like you and me. However, this should not be an excuse for only "doing Church" and not committing to a Church. God has called all believers love his Church and be committed.
Reflections from a Church Planter
“I have done Church all over the world.” This is an expression that a friend of mine has used with me on several occasions when speaking about his Church experiences over the course of his life. To be quite honest, his expression checks my spirit every time I hear it. I suppose this is because it seems to connote something negative about the Church and I love the Church and understand it to be the precious bride of Christ. And further more, I understand our calling, as believers, to be the Church not merely do the Church.
Church Shopping and Commitment to Community
It would appear to me that many people today do Church like they do their grocery shopping. Their thinking goes something like this, “this week I think we should eat a little healthier so we’ll shop at the Trader Joes Church.” This is the Church that promotes strong Bible theology.
Well, with Bibles in hand, they go do Church and amen the pastor loud enough to be heard by all and then, off they go to do their life, enough knowledge to keep sin at bay and the devil away.
The following week this same family may decide to go to the Super Walmart Church. This is the big Church which has something for everyone, groceries and more! Many people enjoy these type of Churches because they are so large they can do Church without having to be the Church. In other words, worship without sacrifice or service.
On the third Sunday of the month, if the family decides to crawl out of bed at all, the head of the household (whoever that might be) may decide to drive across town and visit the Church best known for its great “praise and worship.” His or her thinking might be something like this; “I feel deep need to experience God through praise and worship.” So, with hands raised high and voices lifted to the sky these folks go to feel Church, I mean God.
And finally, on week four, if the head of the house feels that there are groceries enough in the frig he/she may decide to make it a Me day. You know what I mean, a, free day or to be hyper spiritual they may call it a family day.
All right my blog friends, I’m sorry if my sarcasms are a little over the top or if it appears that I am being a little legalistic. Please understand that I am merely flushing out my reflections on this Church planting experience as it relates to some of the people I have observed along the way.
Four questions to consider related to the local church:
(scripture references should help in answering these questions)
1. Does God expect me to be committed to a local Church?
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
2. Does God expect me to rank myself under a Pastors authority?
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
3. Does God excuse me from the responsibility of serving in the Church?
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
4. Am I really needed in the local Church?
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 1 Corinthians 12:21
Benefits of belonging to a local church.
1. Human Touch: In this age of Facebook and social media we are afforded many opportunities to connect with people in real time via the internet. But human touch is absent, an essential aspect to healthy spirituality. And the Bible is clear that Church is a place where “people touch” is championed. A Scripture that comes to mind is 1Thes.5:16 which states, greet one another with a holy kiss. This same command is found four other times in the New Testament, which reflects the heart of a God who desires that His people show affection one to another.
DVD players and on demand TV are replacing the need to go to the community Theater . God forbid that we might have to sit next to our neighbor while watching a movie!
Alright, maybe this holy kiss thing is a little much for some who would argue that these commands were cultural expectations of the day. Well, at least Church ought to be a place were holy hugs are the norm. You see, we all need a hug don’t we?
2. Support: The local Church is called to be, the support group of all support groups. The Bible says that we Christians are to suffer with one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, love one another, instruct one another, worship with one another, etc……
Healthy Christians understand that God calls people to belong not just believe
3. Opportunities to express our giftedness: You see, the Bible is clear that all believers have been gifted with certain talents by God which are to be expressed within the community of believers for the building up of the body of Christ. Belonging to a local Church allows us to serve one another through our giftedness.
4. Community: In a society that is becoming more an more isolated from one another the Church is still and always will be God’s expression for community. In the book of Acts the Church is described in terms of community,
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47
I have actually had people tell me that they won’t belong to any Church because they only need to be apart of God’s Universal Church. What such people are really saying is, I won’t commit to any one group of people or leadership team. Its about Me remember!
5. Opportunities to grow in the knowledge of Christ:
Pastors are equipped to study the Bible and preach to God’s local family each week and God has not intended believers to merely get their feeding via sermon downloads over the web or radio broadcast.
Reasons people don’t commit to a local Church
I suppose there are many reasons why people just "do Church" rather than commitment to a Church. Through the years I have heard it all; the pastor is not in tune with needs of the people, the worship service is lacking, the people aren’t friendly, people in the Church have hurt me, the kids program isn’t up to par, the kids don’t connect, the Church is all about money, the Church is to big, to small, to legalistic, to gracious, to young, to old, full of hypocritics, etc……….
Friends, the church is made up of people just like you and me, flawed to the core, screwed up and dysfunctional yet, none of the excuses above will suffice and excuse us from being committed to God's chosen community.
No perfect Church
I can still recall my old pastor telling new members joining his Church that they would not be joing a perfect Church but with people serving a Perfect God. Yes, there are all kinds of imperfect people in the family of God just like you and me. However, this should not be an excuse for only "doing Church" and not committing to a Church. God has called all believers love his Church and be committed.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Pastor Ted Montoya
I have been thinking a bit about the Baptism in Spirit lately and would like to flush out my thoughts, primarily motivated by a desire to clarify my own thinking rather than trying to be a persuasive theologian.
There seems to be more confusion about the Holy Spirit and his role in the Church than any other doctrine in the Bible, with the exception of Eschatology (The study of future events in the Bible).
While I hope to clarify some issues surrounding the Baptism of the Spirit, I have no grand illusions that I have a corner on the truth here. I do think however that confusion is not of the Lord, so I will do my part to clarify things related to the Spirit’s Baptism in as believers life.
First, let me summarize the two primary views about Spirit-Filling and the Baptism of the Spirit in the Church as I understand them.
The Non Charismatic View: The first view worth a brief examination is the view that all Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at their conversion (Baptism-Immersion by the Spirit) yet can be filled over and over again through a life of trust and obedience (Eph 5:18). However, such Refillings are not accompanied by the addition of Spiritual gifts.
Those who hold to this view believe that all Christians receive all that the Spirit intended for them when they first trusted Christ.
What they believe to have received at the time of their conversion is the promised Spirit’s presence to help them gain victory over sin (John 14; Romans 8; 1Cor.6:19), and a spiritual gift or two (1Cor.12) to equip them for a life of impact in and out of the Church. Those in this camp see spiritual gifts as talents to be discovered over time and cultivated in order to become effective tools in God’s hands.
Most who hold to this view refuse to believe that the gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, words of knowledge, etc.. (1Cor.12-14, Eph 4) exist in our contemporary culture today because we now have a written and completed Bible in hand. Although such people would claim that God speaks to them in their thoughts, they will not accept revelation from others as inspired messages from God.
Those who hold to this conservative view of the Spirit’s Baptism tend to place more emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit than the gifts of the Spirit.
To their way of thinking, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23) are qualities that will bear fruit for the Kingdom.
The Charismatic View
The second view concerning the Baptism of the Spirit is often referred to as the Second Blessing. Those who hold this view believe that while everyone receives the Holy Spirit at conversion, not everyone receives all that there is to experience in God at Salvation and that spiritual gifts are the most obvious manifestation of the second blessing.
While the intention of my writing is not to challenge the rich experiences connected with unique encounters with God, I do hope the reader will be motivated to clear thinking as it relates to spiritual gifts and such encounters.
Those who hold to the Charismatic view of the gifts believe that some Christians are given gifts for service at the time of their conversion while others are gifted at a later time, or both. These Christians also refuse to accept the notion that the sign gifts have ceased and that God no longer distributes them among his people. These Charismatic types believe that all the gifts are for the here and now and should be sought after. And those that seek after these gifts do so most often in a corporate setting. Some among this group even go so far as to suggest that people who do not manifest the sign gifts are somehow less spiritual in nature and are missing out on the power.
So, where is the balance?
In this context of polarized views of the Baptism of the Spirit, is one view wrong while the other right or is there room for both views? Well, let me give you my two cents on the issue in hopes of making room for balanced and a sensible middle.
Two Stage Spiritually
First of all, because I recognize that many Christians have had encounters with God that they understand to be Second Blessing type experiences, I dare not try to dissuade such people from the beauty of their special times with God. However, as it relates to Spiritual Gifts and the Second Blessing, I would like to offer some questions for consideration because I think the confusion concerning the Second Blessings is related more to the gift issues than the special encounters of God.
Questions and Considerations:
I don’t think that a two stage approach to spiritual gifts makes good sense. After all, it would seem rather inconsistent and contrary to the purposes of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20). Why would an all wise God give some people gifts at salvation and others be left waiting even after they have been saved? Was not the Spirit given to the Church for the purpose of expanding the kingdom? Would not withholding spiritual gifts until some future day in a believer’s life hinder the spreading of the good news? And, can we find people being coached in the Bible to loose their tongues in order to receive the particular gift of speaking in tongues. And one last question for consideration, why is it that the only gifts that seem to be assigned to believers at a Second Blessing are the sign and wonder type gifts? Have you ever heard of someone being baptized in the Spirit and receiving the gift of administration, the gift of helps, or the gift of giving?
I’m not trying to be sarcastic, but I must admit that this gifting idea seems a bit inconsistent to me.
The Apostle Paul made it clear to the believers at Corinth that every Christian has been given a gift by means of the Spirit (1Cor12:7) as he determined at the time of their inclusion into the body of Christ. In this context Paul also asks a rhetorical question that demanded a NO answer,
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret 1Cor. 12:29-30
What is the point I am trying to make here? Simply that connecting the Baptism in the Spirit with Spiritual gifts, especially sign gifts seems to be a bit of a stretch.
Concerning Superior Spirituality and the Gifts
Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities that God gives to his people to fulfill their individual divine assignments in life. These assignments include edifying the Church and expanding the Kingdom of God. By definition, all gifts are spiritual in nature and none more spiritual than others.
With this in mind, one believer is not more spiritual or close to God because he manifests a gift that others do not. In this context, I think we can appreciate the Apostle’s words to the Corinthians, the eye can’t say to the hand I don’t need you….1Cor.12:21.
At the heart of Paul’s message to the Church at Corinth was that people who are gift focused could become dangerous to the unity of the Church because they may even unintentionally communicate a attitude of superiority among those manifesting speaking gifts.
God’s Timing and the Manifestation of our Gifts
I believe that all people are gifted with spiritual gifts at the time of their conversion but most people are not mature enough to understand or appreciate their gifting at the time of their salvation. Think about the nine year old who trust Christ in Sunday school. Does he begin to speak in tongues, pastor, lead, administrate, heal the sick, give words of knowledge? Of course not! Well, could it be that the manifestation of our gifts is some how connected to God’s sovereign timing? Maybe believers who receive the Second Blessing are merely becoming attuned to God’s initial blessing in their life.
I find it rather interesting that most people that I’ve known who have experienced the Second Blessing also begin to recognize that Christ wants to dwell within them without compromise. In other words, Second Blessing type experiences seem to be more related to Lordship than gifting. Yet, their new experience does appear to open up new expressions of ministry in their lives.
Could it be that many Christians have yet to experience the power of the Spirit because they have not yielded to the call of the Spirit to exalt Christ in their bodies? Maybe Second Blessing encounters are really about the Lord of the Harvest cutting away the chaff in a barren life so that his gifts have room to grow.
Maturity and Spirituality
Many people mistakenly believe that a Christian is Spirit-filled only if they speak in tongues or preach boldly, or get words from the Lord, etc…
However, this notion too needs to be balanced. Gifts, while important to the expansion of the Kingdom are not the best way to measure a person’s spirituality. I believe the best way to measure spirituality is to look at ones disposition and character. When the Spirit of God is filling a believers life it will be oblivious; love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, etc…. will be the best ways to spot a Spirit filled Christian.
I have known many people through the years who spoke in unknown tongues whose lives were characterized by immaturity or worse yet, a lack in character. You see, maturity takes time to develop which flies in the face of our microwave society. We want power without having to exercise the disciplines demanded for personal growth. But God’s power is dangerous in the hands of a person lacking character.
Many people mistakenly believe that Spirituality is based upon some one-time spiritual experience. But true spirituality is better understood as mature faith which is developed over time and under pressure. Listen to what James writes:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
See also Romans 5:1-5. Suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character (maturity). In other words, exercising our gifts doesn’t make a person a spiritual giant or a model in the faith, trials accomplish this.
Worth Noting: It is rather interesting that the qualities spelled out for a spiritual leader in the Church are void of Second Blessings type sign gifts (1Tim3, Titus 1). Would this not assume that spirituality is not to be based upon outward manifestations of Spiritual gifts or equating spirituality with the Baptism of the Spirit?
Conclusions:
My blog friends, what then does the writer think about this Baptism of the Spirit and the Christian Life? Well, what I can tell you is that I am becoming more and more comfortable with what some people call the Baptism of the Spirit or Second Blessing. However, I understand it to be really nothing more than a deeper understanding or experience of their first blessing. From my point of view, believers who seek after a Second Blessing are only demonstrating a thirst for more of the spirit and how can such people be faulted for this. In fact, I think that the Spirit is poured out in fresh ways on those who seek out His filling ministry regardless of their understanding of it.
Concerning the manifestation of the sign gifts, I am comfortable being uncomfortable with the signs and wonders produced by the Spirit. While I would not claim to speak in tongues or be a prophet, I do believe that God works his mysterious ways through people walking in the Spirit and gifted in ways that accomplish super natural effects for God’s glory. However, I would caution Christians not to throw out their brains every time some says thus says the Lord! Remember that discernment is King; and be governed by what Jesus said, you will know a disciple by his fruit not his gifts! (My paraphrase)
Pastor Ted Montoya
I have been thinking a bit about the Baptism in Spirit lately and would like to flush out my thoughts, primarily motivated by a desire to clarify my own thinking rather than trying to be a persuasive theologian.
There seems to be more confusion about the Holy Spirit and his role in the Church than any other doctrine in the Bible, with the exception of Eschatology (The study of future events in the Bible).
While I hope to clarify some issues surrounding the Baptism of the Spirit, I have no grand illusions that I have a corner on the truth here. I do think however that confusion is not of the Lord, so I will do my part to clarify things related to the Spirit’s Baptism in as believers life.
First, let me summarize the two primary views about Spirit-Filling and the Baptism of the Spirit in the Church as I understand them.
The Non Charismatic View: The first view worth a brief examination is the view that all Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at their conversion (Baptism-Immersion by the Spirit) yet can be filled over and over again through a life of trust and obedience (Eph 5:18). However, such Refillings are not accompanied by the addition of Spiritual gifts.
Those who hold to this view believe that all Christians receive all that the Spirit intended for them when they first trusted Christ.
What they believe to have received at the time of their conversion is the promised Spirit’s presence to help them gain victory over sin (John 14; Romans 8; 1Cor.6:19), and a spiritual gift or two (1Cor.12) to equip them for a life of impact in and out of the Church. Those in this camp see spiritual gifts as talents to be discovered over time and cultivated in order to become effective tools in God’s hands.
Most who hold to this view refuse to believe that the gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, words of knowledge, etc.. (1Cor.12-14, Eph 4) exist in our contemporary culture today because we now have a written and completed Bible in hand. Although such people would claim that God speaks to them in their thoughts, they will not accept revelation from others as inspired messages from God.
Those who hold to this conservative view of the Spirit’s Baptism tend to place more emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit than the gifts of the Spirit.
To their way of thinking, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22-23) are qualities that will bear fruit for the Kingdom.
The Charismatic View
The second view concerning the Baptism of the Spirit is often referred to as the Second Blessing. Those who hold this view believe that while everyone receives the Holy Spirit at conversion, not everyone receives all that there is to experience in God at Salvation and that spiritual gifts are the most obvious manifestation of the second blessing.
While the intention of my writing is not to challenge the rich experiences connected with unique encounters with God, I do hope the reader will be motivated to clear thinking as it relates to spiritual gifts and such encounters.
Those who hold to the Charismatic view of the gifts believe that some Christians are given gifts for service at the time of their conversion while others are gifted at a later time, or both. These Christians also refuse to accept the notion that the sign gifts have ceased and that God no longer distributes them among his people. These Charismatic types believe that all the gifts are for the here and now and should be sought after. And those that seek after these gifts do so most often in a corporate setting. Some among this group even go so far as to suggest that people who do not manifest the sign gifts are somehow less spiritual in nature and are missing out on the power.
So, where is the balance?
In this context of polarized views of the Baptism of the Spirit, is one view wrong while the other right or is there room for both views? Well, let me give you my two cents on the issue in hopes of making room for balanced and a sensible middle.
Two Stage Spiritually
First of all, because I recognize that many Christians have had encounters with God that they understand to be Second Blessing type experiences, I dare not try to dissuade such people from the beauty of their special times with God. However, as it relates to Spiritual Gifts and the Second Blessing, I would like to offer some questions for consideration because I think the confusion concerning the Second Blessings is related more to the gift issues than the special encounters of God.
Questions and Considerations:
I don’t think that a two stage approach to spiritual gifts makes good sense. After all, it would seem rather inconsistent and contrary to the purposes of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20). Why would an all wise God give some people gifts at salvation and others be left waiting even after they have been saved? Was not the Spirit given to the Church for the purpose of expanding the kingdom? Would not withholding spiritual gifts until some future day in a believer’s life hinder the spreading of the good news? And, can we find people being coached in the Bible to loose their tongues in order to receive the particular gift of speaking in tongues. And one last question for consideration, why is it that the only gifts that seem to be assigned to believers at a Second Blessing are the sign and wonder type gifts? Have you ever heard of someone being baptized in the Spirit and receiving the gift of administration, the gift of helps, or the gift of giving?
I’m not trying to be sarcastic, but I must admit that this gifting idea seems a bit inconsistent to me.
The Apostle Paul made it clear to the believers at Corinth that every Christian has been given a gift by means of the Spirit (1Cor12:7) as he determined at the time of their inclusion into the body of Christ. In this context Paul also asks a rhetorical question that demanded a NO answer,
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret 1Cor. 12:29-30
What is the point I am trying to make here? Simply that connecting the Baptism in the Spirit with Spiritual gifts, especially sign gifts seems to be a bit of a stretch.
Concerning Superior Spirituality and the Gifts
Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities that God gives to his people to fulfill their individual divine assignments in life. These assignments include edifying the Church and expanding the Kingdom of God. By definition, all gifts are spiritual in nature and none more spiritual than others.
With this in mind, one believer is not more spiritual or close to God because he manifests a gift that others do not. In this context, I think we can appreciate the Apostle’s words to the Corinthians, the eye can’t say to the hand I don’t need you….1Cor.12:21.
At the heart of Paul’s message to the Church at Corinth was that people who are gift focused could become dangerous to the unity of the Church because they may even unintentionally communicate a attitude of superiority among those manifesting speaking gifts.
God’s Timing and the Manifestation of our Gifts
I believe that all people are gifted with spiritual gifts at the time of their conversion but most people are not mature enough to understand or appreciate their gifting at the time of their salvation. Think about the nine year old who trust Christ in Sunday school. Does he begin to speak in tongues, pastor, lead, administrate, heal the sick, give words of knowledge? Of course not! Well, could it be that the manifestation of our gifts is some how connected to God’s sovereign timing? Maybe believers who receive the Second Blessing are merely becoming attuned to God’s initial blessing in their life.
I find it rather interesting that most people that I’ve known who have experienced the Second Blessing also begin to recognize that Christ wants to dwell within them without compromise. In other words, Second Blessing type experiences seem to be more related to Lordship than gifting. Yet, their new experience does appear to open up new expressions of ministry in their lives.
Could it be that many Christians have yet to experience the power of the Spirit because they have not yielded to the call of the Spirit to exalt Christ in their bodies? Maybe Second Blessing encounters are really about the Lord of the Harvest cutting away the chaff in a barren life so that his gifts have room to grow.
Maturity and Spirituality
Many people mistakenly believe that a Christian is Spirit-filled only if they speak in tongues or preach boldly, or get words from the Lord, etc…
However, this notion too needs to be balanced. Gifts, while important to the expansion of the Kingdom are not the best way to measure a person’s spirituality. I believe the best way to measure spirituality is to look at ones disposition and character. When the Spirit of God is filling a believers life it will be oblivious; love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, etc…. will be the best ways to spot a Spirit filled Christian.
I have known many people through the years who spoke in unknown tongues whose lives were characterized by immaturity or worse yet, a lack in character. You see, maturity takes time to develop which flies in the face of our microwave society. We want power without having to exercise the disciplines demanded for personal growth. But God’s power is dangerous in the hands of a person lacking character.
Many people mistakenly believe that Spirituality is based upon some one-time spiritual experience. But true spirituality is better understood as mature faith which is developed over time and under pressure. Listen to what James writes:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
See also Romans 5:1-5. Suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character (maturity). In other words, exercising our gifts doesn’t make a person a spiritual giant or a model in the faith, trials accomplish this.
Worth Noting: It is rather interesting that the qualities spelled out for a spiritual leader in the Church are void of Second Blessings type sign gifts (1Tim3, Titus 1). Would this not assume that spirituality is not to be based upon outward manifestations of Spiritual gifts or equating spirituality with the Baptism of the Spirit?
Conclusions:
My blog friends, what then does the writer think about this Baptism of the Spirit and the Christian Life? Well, what I can tell you is that I am becoming more and more comfortable with what some people call the Baptism of the Spirit or Second Blessing. However, I understand it to be really nothing more than a deeper understanding or experience of their first blessing. From my point of view, believers who seek after a Second Blessing are only demonstrating a thirst for more of the spirit and how can such people be faulted for this. In fact, I think that the Spirit is poured out in fresh ways on those who seek out His filling ministry regardless of their understanding of it.
Concerning the manifestation of the sign gifts, I am comfortable being uncomfortable with the signs and wonders produced by the Spirit. While I would not claim to speak in tongues or be a prophet, I do believe that God works his mysterious ways through people walking in the Spirit and gifted in ways that accomplish super natural effects for God’s glory. However, I would caution Christians not to throw out their brains every time some says thus says the Lord! Remember that discernment is King; and be governed by what Jesus said, you will know a disciple by his fruit not his gifts! (My paraphrase)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Why are we surprised when God answers our prayers?
If you want to laugh and at the same time be inspired to pray, you must read Acts 12:1-19. I don't want to spoil the story for you so I ask you to pick up your bible and begin reading this portion of scripture right now. Once your done, ponder the following questions as you read the rest of this blog.
1. Why does God allow his people to sometimes experience bondage?
2. What should a caring Church do about people in bondage? v.5
3. What do angels have to do with God's plans?
4. Is it possible that God is working out a miracle for you or your loved one and you or they are not recognizing it?
5. Does it sometimes take supernatural experiences to remove our doubts? v.11
6. Could it be possible that God's answers are right in front of us and we leave them at the front door? v.14
7. Could it be that God is going to answer our prayers for our kids quicker than we might normally be conditioned to think?
Well, if you have read the text and answered the questions above you would have to conclude that prayer is powerful and that people who gather together in earnest faith will see results.
With this in mind, I called a prayer meeting into our home last night and invited families at BG with concerns for their children to join Denise and I for prayer. Our house was full of friends and family who took us up our our invitation to pray.
Why pray for our families you might ask? Well for starters, God's family is made up from the families of men, and the evil one hates God's family. A simple perusing of the Old Testament sheds much light on the fact the God's chosen people were always the focus of Satanic attack disguised in a battle of flesh and blood. Of course, we know that our battle is not against flesh and blood but, Satan's aim is very much one that involves the flesh and blood of our loved ones. He would love to ruin our kids and would not stop at destroying them if possible.
Second, as the adage goes, as goes the family, so goes the Church. You see, when Satan wins battles within families of the Church, he can create instability among the Church itself.
Third, as parents, we can't save our kids no matter how good our parenting skills are. We need divine assistance to secure the spiritual welfare of our kids. And fourth and finally, our kids represent the next generation of servants in the Church, we must battle for their souls or they won't be able to battle for the souls of their generation.
My blog friends, we prayed hard last night with tears and moans too deep for words. And what I know is that God has heard our prayers and his answers are already on their way. We need not be surprised and respond like Peter's brothers and sister who said, "you're out of your mind,"
to the girl who reported to them that God had answered their prayers. Actually it would make more sense to say, of course Peter is standing at our door. We asked our Father who is able to do more than we could even ask or think!
My friends, before I closed my eyes and went to sleep last night I received a text message from a child of one of our parents suggesting that God is working in them to live right and make better decisions. Praise his faithful name!
In conclusion, lets pray hard (Fast, weep, and wail if necessary), expect answers, and look for such answers to show up on our front porches! But wait, what shall we pray for, you ask?
1. Prayer that God delivers your kids from evil bondages
2. Pray that God helps you love your children unconditionally. 1Cor.13:8
3. Pray that your Children guard their hearts from worldly lust. Prov.4:23
4. Pray that God gives your children supreme wisdom. Prov.4:7
Hey, can you hear someone knocking on your door? Open the door and let Him in?
One day soon, I will blog in more detail about the people and prayers that God answered, they are soon to arrive.
1. Why does God allow his people to sometimes experience bondage?
2. What should a caring Church do about people in bondage? v.5
3. What do angels have to do with God's plans?
4. Is it possible that God is working out a miracle for you or your loved one and you or they are not recognizing it?
5. Does it sometimes take supernatural experiences to remove our doubts? v.11
6. Could it be possible that God's answers are right in front of us and we leave them at the front door? v.14
7. Could it be that God is going to answer our prayers for our kids quicker than we might normally be conditioned to think?
Well, if you have read the text and answered the questions above you would have to conclude that prayer is powerful and that people who gather together in earnest faith will see results.
With this in mind, I called a prayer meeting into our home last night and invited families at BG with concerns for their children to join Denise and I for prayer. Our house was full of friends and family who took us up our our invitation to pray.
Why pray for our families you might ask? Well for starters, God's family is made up from the families of men, and the evil one hates God's family. A simple perusing of the Old Testament sheds much light on the fact the God's chosen people were always the focus of Satanic attack disguised in a battle of flesh and blood. Of course, we know that our battle is not against flesh and blood but, Satan's aim is very much one that involves the flesh and blood of our loved ones. He would love to ruin our kids and would not stop at destroying them if possible.
Second, as the adage goes, as goes the family, so goes the Church. You see, when Satan wins battles within families of the Church, he can create instability among the Church itself.
Third, as parents, we can't save our kids no matter how good our parenting skills are. We need divine assistance to secure the spiritual welfare of our kids. And fourth and finally, our kids represent the next generation of servants in the Church, we must battle for their souls or they won't be able to battle for the souls of their generation.
My blog friends, we prayed hard last night with tears and moans too deep for words. And what I know is that God has heard our prayers and his answers are already on their way. We need not be surprised and respond like Peter's brothers and sister who said, "you're out of your mind,"
to the girl who reported to them that God had answered their prayers. Actually it would make more sense to say, of course Peter is standing at our door. We asked our Father who is able to do more than we could even ask or think!
My friends, before I closed my eyes and went to sleep last night I received a text message from a child of one of our parents suggesting that God is working in them to live right and make better decisions. Praise his faithful name!
In conclusion, lets pray hard (Fast, weep, and wail if necessary), expect answers, and look for such answers to show up on our front porches! But wait, what shall we pray for, you ask?
1. Prayer that God delivers your kids from evil bondages
2. Pray that God helps you love your children unconditionally. 1Cor.13:8
3. Pray that your Children guard their hearts from worldly lust. Prov.4:23
4. Pray that God gives your children supreme wisdom. Prov.4:7
Hey, can you hear someone knocking on your door? Open the door and let Him in?
One day soon, I will blog in more detail about the people and prayers that God answered, they are soon to arrive.
The Evolution of our Worship Team
Like everything else about this Church plant our Worship Team building has been evolutionary and we have depended on God to provide. We started it with a former student from my youth ministry days named David Kerns. David was the prefect guy for me, his raw heart for God and his amazing giftedness on the strings made him a good fit. After all, Boundless Grace was made up of people who desired nothing more than a experience of reality in the area of worship, no gimmickry or pretense would work with us.
Well, over the past year or so God has been faithful to give and take away as he has seen fit. To mention those God has blessed us with thus far: a keyboard player from Chicago (Bob), a high school student on rhythm guitar from Pinole (Mikey), drummers or drum machinist in Brian and Chris, a lead guitarist from Vallejo (John Dywer), a lead vocalist and guitarist from Vacaville in John Canton, and our latest addition, Heather Petree, a master on the keys from Hiddenbrooke. Of course, God has also provided us with many backup vocalist in: Gretchen, Tosha, Karlie, Rich, Samantha, & Aviva.
While I must admit, this area of Church planting has been one of the most challenging, God has been faithful and we are growing in grace in this area as well. The music continues to evolve for God's glory and the team continues to learn how to harmonize relationally.
There is probably nothing the devil hates more in the Church than those who are dedicated to inviting people into God's presence in worship, so please pray right now for our team!
Easter at Boundless Grace
I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it!Our second Easter together as a Church was a blast! We filled our building with people and the Spirit filled us! Those with is on Easter morning will never forget the fire alarm that went off in the middle of our worship gathering. A little baby named Noah decided the ark needed to be emptied so he pulled the fire alarm and the sirens sounded and sheep headed for the parking lot.
Boundless Grace is now in the early months of its second year together and the tide is coming in! We are growing and God is working. Who is coming? Well, the best and most honest answer is people hungering for grace they can feel and believe in. You see, life has its way of beating down hard on the human soul and the end game is guilt and condemnation. However, as Paul said in Romans 8, condemnation ought play no role in those who are in Christ Jesus. At Boundless we are benefactors of the beautiful and bountiful grace of God and He is growing us in and through his grace to be dispensers of it! So if you are ever in need of some grace from God that flows through his people stop by and let us pour it out on you.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
FAITH WALKING AND CHURCH PLANTING
To be honest with you, I almost feel like I’m dreaming and will wake up one day to discover that I am still a pastor in my old church, living in my old house, and doing my old life.
Hooky Peak, what is an ordinary run of the mill guy like me, doing planting a Church? Well, to answer my own question; for over five years my heart had been restless and I sensed that God was pushing me out of my comfort zone back onto the path of faith.
You see, over twenty years ago God moved in my heart to step out in faith and accept an open invitation to join the pastoral staff at Valley Bible Church in Hercules California. Although I was neither trained nor educated at the time, God had given me favor with the Church leadership and a door swung wide open for me to serve Him vocationally. Although space and time is not sufficient to share this whole story, it was the desire of my heart to serve God in this way.
Of course, this step of faith was accompanied by fear. After all, becoming a Pastor would push me way out of my comfort zone. You see, I come from a long line of working class people who are known for using their hands more than their hearts to serve people.
Skipping forward twenty plus years, after a great tenure at a wonderful Church, it was most logical for me to play it safe and remain in the comfort zone of a great ministry. After all, with all the perks of a long tenure why step away from it all? Well, for a few years I followed this logic path but while I was comfortable outwardly, inwardly things were much different. My spirit was restless and my joy was waning.
Honestly, I feared that remaining in the “c-zone” would leave me joyless and useless to God and others in the future if I remained contented. And knowing that God’s Will is not always predictable, not always safe, not always comfortable, and certainly without guarantees, it came down to a matter of living by faith or being controlled by fear, the very thing that keeps us in our comfort zones.
As I write this journal entry out I am mindful of a preacher I recently heard who profoundly said, fear tolerated is faith compromised. This was exactly what I was afraid of. For me, to stay in my comfort zone and risk the ride of living by faith, was something I knew would be compromise for me.
Well, I must say, today that I am way out of my comfort zone and the ride has been anything but comfortable but I sure feel alive.
The Planting Process:
Approximately one year ago, a few friends decided to join me and my family and GO for the Lord! We began very simply, meeting in the homes of two dear families; the Ewing’s in Fairfield and the Maxwell’s in Benicia. These few months together were exciting for all of us and God seemed to be smiling on our attempts. People slowly began to join us and before long we hand a handful of about thirty people who were in!
Well, while we loved meeting in homes, we all knew that this was not the goal for the future. We desired to reach people and this would demand us to move out into the public arena and rent a building. Thus we all prayed that God would direct us to the right location in the right city of a Church to be planted.
Jesse Bethel High School: March 2009
My wife and I along with a few others began to research possible cities for which to plant a Church during the first month of meeting in homes. Two cities topped our list; Martinez and Pt. Richmond. Both cities seem to be good places to plant a Church based upon the notion that neither city seemed to have strong witness for Christ. Yet, in the end, God lead us to the City of Vallejo; a city of over one hundred thousand people that is more diverse than most, filled with crime, immorality, and flat broke (the largest city in America to declare bankruptcy).
We found some space at Jesse Bethel High School and got started after about two months of meeting in houses. Weekly, God seemed to be growing our group we began to see that He was interested in helping the hurting through a bunch of imperfect people like ourselves.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club 2010
In August of 2009 the Montoya family moved into a nice home in a little bedroom community located on the outer limits of Vallejo. Hiddenbrooke as it is called matches it location perfectly, a small bedroom community of about three thousand people nestle in the hills of Solano County established around a very nice public golf course with first class facilities. And from the time we began to look at homes in this location we noticed that there was not a Church of any kind in existence here.
Well again, by faith we decided to move our family into this community not knowing that it would open up to Boundless Grace as our future meeting place. Yet in January 2010 the doors opened once again for us and we signed a lease to move Boundless Grace into Hiddenbrooke.
Our first Sunday was planned for the first Sunday in January and we opened with a bang! We filled the building of about 140 chairs and the community came out in good number. We now have been in this new location for going on six weeks and are enjoying a full house each week with the prospects of moving into their largest reception (300 plus seats) room looming large.
OUR NAME, OUR PURPOSE AND OUR PEOPLE
Concerning a Name for our Church, after praying and brainstorming for about a week, the name Boundless Grace forced its way into my mind. After sharing my thoughts with the people, this name seemed too resonated with us. We all agreed that Boundless Grace, a come as you are Church reflected what we believe God’s heart beat is for people.
Boundless Grace says it all, we will be a church that champions the grace of God. A church "strong in grace" as the Apostle Paul would state it (2Timothy2:1). However we made it our aim, to not only be strong in grace teaching, but strong in the gracious treatment of people.
And of course, our name would need to be matched with some core values that we hoped would begin to shape our people. The most important of these values came to us in the form of three words, Grace Not Guilt. Jesus after all was always gracious towards the outsider, the sinner, the guilty, and those who did not measure up, who had messed up, and who knew they could not meet up to the standards of the religious types. Jesus seemed to attract the very people that the religious types kick to the curb.
Well, once the word got out that we had started "Boundless Grace," people began to come and check us out. Each week new faces come through our doors from every spiritual and non spiritual background you can imagine. People are coming from every ethnic, economic, and religious tradition you can think of.
WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE DOES OUR CHURCH PLANT ATTRACT?
I must admit that at times this church planting thing leaves me feeling like David when he was hiding from King Saul who had become jealous of David’s powers. The Bible says that those who surrounded David in the cave of Adullam were either in distress, debt or discontented in life. (1Sam22:1-3)
For whatever reason, these types of people seem to be the very ones that God has drawn to us at Boundless Grace. However, there are a few families, thank the Lord, that are not in this condition, and these folks are the ones that I trust will help me bring health and stability to the downcast in time. With this in mind I listed below five types of people that we have attracted and I assume most Church plants reach as well:
1. People seeking a New Start with a Broken Heart:
Many people coming through our doors are broken in spirit. Of course brokenness comes as a result of many different factors: broken relationships, the death of a loved one, a broken life from years of addictive behavior, or variety of other reasons people get broken.
2. People seeking a New Start with Missionary Heart:
A few have come to us with a missionary passion. These are the people who desire an approach to ministry that is about reaching not just teaching. These people seem to be looking to jump start their passion for God and His purposes for their life. I must admit, these are the rare ones that excite me the most. People that come as the result of God's sovereign redirection in their lives, those who desire to assist the Lord of the Harvest.
3. People seeking a New Start with a Selfish Heart: Some have come to us who on the surface appear to be spiritual but leave you wondering if they possess ulterior motives. These are folks who act in ways that seem to indicate that they have direct revelation and act as if they have special anointing. What seems to characterize such types is the typical pattern of Church hopping. These types never join a church, after all, no church is good enough for their commitment and none can promote them fast enough.
4. People seeking a New Start with a Servants Heart:
Many have come to us who are ready to serve and are relatively healthy. The following reasons have brought such types to our Church:
• Families who have relocated to the area.
• Families who needed to leave an unhealthy Church.
• Families who no longer wanted to commute to their old Church
• Families whose Church went out of business.
• Families who felt stifled in the use of their gifts and talents in their previous Church.
Of course, all the above mentioned folks are a blessing to a Church plant because the Lord knows the work is plentiful and the labors are few.
5. People seeking a New Start with a Rebellious Heart: Some are drawn to church plants because they are fleeing a Church that they refuse to submit to. These folks have a spiritual appetite but struggle with authority. They tend to be people who claim to love God yet have won’t submit unless they submission includes their best interest not the interest of the body.
In Conclusion: Regardless of why people have come to our Church, God has called us to figure out how to best minister to the people in whatever situation we find them in. With this in mind, I am reminded of Paul’s instructions to Timothy,
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.
2Tim 4:2
SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND CHURCH PLANTING
I would be amiss to not speak about this Church plant without mention of the battles along the way. As you would expect, the forces of evil have worked hard to throw us off course. We have experienced attacks on every level:
• Our kids have come under attack.
• Some marriages have come under attack.
• Some friendships have come under attack.
• Unity attacks from within.
• Some families have experienced financial attacks.
• Some have be seduced into moral defeats.
• Some have been struck with health battles.
• Some have experienced dark depression.
I have chosen to leave out the bloody details of our battles because, as in physical warfare, it is just to emotionally draining to speak about what one has seen, heard, or experienced. But I can say that in it all, the truth is, greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world!
And as the Apostle Paul once said, our battle is not against flesh and blood but against evil in high places! With this in mind we have tried to put on the full armor of God to stand our ground against the attacks of evil and thus far we are still standing.
MY PREACHING IN THIS CHURCH PLANT
One of the most enjoyable things about planting Boundless Grace Church has been the incredible feeling of freedom to preach the word of God. The Spirit has enabled me in both preparation and proclamation of the Scriptures and I have been aware of his presence in it all. My preaching focus thus far has been on Jesus and the grace of God, Spiritual Warfare, and the Fruit of the Spirit.
I must confess that I have never had so much fun in digging out the truths contained in the scriptures as I have this past year.
God is using these teaching to grow us all and I can see that we are all growing in the knowledge of God which translates into godly behavior.
FIANCES AND OUR CHURCH PLANT (3/1/2010)
I must admit that the most fearful thing about church planting for me deals with economics. The bottom line for a pastor raising a family is how to pay the bills when you have no outside support other than a few family members who graciously help as much as possible. (Boundless Grace did start with a generous gift of $10,000 dollars from my previous church to help pay rent on a facility and one years worth of health care for my family). But, my how fast this first year has past us by and now we are stranded on omnipotence and totally dependant of Jehovah Jireh to come through. At this present time we are so tight that we are operating month to month.
Of course, we started this church at the worst economic time in the past 60 years. And to make it more difficult on God, we planted this Church in the largest city in America to declare bankruptcy. Oh, did I fail to mention that many of the people from the distressed, indebted, and discontented group that are attending Boundless Grace have yet to learn to be givers!
And if this is not wild enough, we have yet to teach on giving because we di not want people outside the faith community who we desire to reach to think that we are just another religious group of people wanting to take money from the pockets of the people.
But this weekend however, we will speak to the issue of faithfulness as it relates to giving out. While it is necessary for us to teach on this subject at this time, we needed to get to this subject anyway because to not do so would be doing God's people a disservice. People need to learn the joy and responsiblity of giving to the Lord.
God is faithful and we trying to remember that He will provide all our needs according to His riches in glory! (if someone is reading this post, stop now and pray for our finances please!
The cool thing about being financially challenged as a Church though is that it forces a pastor and his family to learn to pray and not take money for granted.
To be honest with you, I almost feel like I’m dreaming and will wake up one day to discover that I am still a pastor in my old church, living in my old house, and doing my old life.
Hooky Peak, what is an ordinary run of the mill guy like me, doing planting a Church? Well, to answer my own question; for over five years my heart had been restless and I sensed that God was pushing me out of my comfort zone back onto the path of faith.
You see, over twenty years ago God moved in my heart to step out in faith and accept an open invitation to join the pastoral staff at Valley Bible Church in Hercules California. Although I was neither trained nor educated at the time, God had given me favor with the Church leadership and a door swung wide open for me to serve Him vocationally. Although space and time is not sufficient to share this whole story, it was the desire of my heart to serve God in this way.
Of course, this step of faith was accompanied by fear. After all, becoming a Pastor would push me way out of my comfort zone. You see, I come from a long line of working class people who are known for using their hands more than their hearts to serve people.
Skipping forward twenty plus years, after a great tenure at a wonderful Church, it was most logical for me to play it safe and remain in the comfort zone of a great ministry. After all, with all the perks of a long tenure why step away from it all? Well, for a few years I followed this logic path but while I was comfortable outwardly, inwardly things were much different. My spirit was restless and my joy was waning.
Honestly, I feared that remaining in the “c-zone” would leave me joyless and useless to God and others in the future if I remained contented. And knowing that God’s Will is not always predictable, not always safe, not always comfortable, and certainly without guarantees, it came down to a matter of living by faith or being controlled by fear, the very thing that keeps us in our comfort zones.
As I write this journal entry out I am mindful of a preacher I recently heard who profoundly said, fear tolerated is faith compromised. This was exactly what I was afraid of. For me, to stay in my comfort zone and risk the ride of living by faith, was something I knew would be compromise for me.
Well, I must say, today that I am way out of my comfort zone and the ride has been anything but comfortable but I sure feel alive.
The Planting Process:
Approximately one year ago, a few friends decided to join me and my family and GO for the Lord! We began very simply, meeting in the homes of two dear families; the Ewing’s in Fairfield and the Maxwell’s in Benicia. These few months together were exciting for all of us and God seemed to be smiling on our attempts. People slowly began to join us and before long we hand a handful of about thirty people who were in!
Well, while we loved meeting in homes, we all knew that this was not the goal for the future. We desired to reach people and this would demand us to move out into the public arena and rent a building. Thus we all prayed that God would direct us to the right location in the right city of a Church to be planted.
Jesse Bethel High School: March 2009
My wife and I along with a few others began to research possible cities for which to plant a Church during the first month of meeting in homes. Two cities topped our list; Martinez and Pt. Richmond. Both cities seem to be good places to plant a Church based upon the notion that neither city seemed to have strong witness for Christ. Yet, in the end, God lead us to the City of Vallejo; a city of over one hundred thousand people that is more diverse than most, filled with crime, immorality, and flat broke (the largest city in America to declare bankruptcy).
We found some space at Jesse Bethel High School and got started after about two months of meeting in houses. Weekly, God seemed to be growing our group we began to see that He was interested in helping the hurting through a bunch of imperfect people like ourselves.
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club 2010
In August of 2009 the Montoya family moved into a nice home in a little bedroom community located on the outer limits of Vallejo. Hiddenbrooke as it is called matches it location perfectly, a small bedroom community of about three thousand people nestle in the hills of Solano County established around a very nice public golf course with first class facilities. And from the time we began to look at homes in this location we noticed that there was not a Church of any kind in existence here.
Well again, by faith we decided to move our family into this community not knowing that it would open up to Boundless Grace as our future meeting place. Yet in January 2010 the doors opened once again for us and we signed a lease to move Boundless Grace into Hiddenbrooke.
Our first Sunday was planned for the first Sunday in January and we opened with a bang! We filled the building of about 140 chairs and the community came out in good number. We now have been in this new location for going on six weeks and are enjoying a full house each week with the prospects of moving into their largest reception (300 plus seats) room looming large.
OUR NAME, OUR PURPOSE AND OUR PEOPLE
Concerning a Name for our Church, after praying and brainstorming for about a week, the name Boundless Grace forced its way into my mind. After sharing my thoughts with the people, this name seemed too resonated with us. We all agreed that Boundless Grace, a come as you are Church reflected what we believe God’s heart beat is for people.
Boundless Grace says it all, we will be a church that champions the grace of God. A church "strong in grace" as the Apostle Paul would state it (2Timothy2:1). However we made it our aim, to not only be strong in grace teaching, but strong in the gracious treatment of people.
And of course, our name would need to be matched with some core values that we hoped would begin to shape our people. The most important of these values came to us in the form of three words, Grace Not Guilt. Jesus after all was always gracious towards the outsider, the sinner, the guilty, and those who did not measure up, who had messed up, and who knew they could not meet up to the standards of the religious types. Jesus seemed to attract the very people that the religious types kick to the curb.
Well, once the word got out that we had started "Boundless Grace," people began to come and check us out. Each week new faces come through our doors from every spiritual and non spiritual background you can imagine. People are coming from every ethnic, economic, and religious tradition you can think of.
WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE DOES OUR CHURCH PLANT ATTRACT?
I must admit that at times this church planting thing leaves me feeling like David when he was hiding from King Saul who had become jealous of David’s powers. The Bible says that those who surrounded David in the cave of Adullam were either in distress, debt or discontented in life. (1Sam22:1-3)
For whatever reason, these types of people seem to be the very ones that God has drawn to us at Boundless Grace. However, there are a few families, thank the Lord, that are not in this condition, and these folks are the ones that I trust will help me bring health and stability to the downcast in time. With this in mind I listed below five types of people that we have attracted and I assume most Church plants reach as well:
1. People seeking a New Start with a Broken Heart:
Many people coming through our doors are broken in spirit. Of course brokenness comes as a result of many different factors: broken relationships, the death of a loved one, a broken life from years of addictive behavior, or variety of other reasons people get broken.
2. People seeking a New Start with Missionary Heart:
A few have come to us with a missionary passion. These are the people who desire an approach to ministry that is about reaching not just teaching. These people seem to be looking to jump start their passion for God and His purposes for their life. I must admit, these are the rare ones that excite me the most. People that come as the result of God's sovereign redirection in their lives, those who desire to assist the Lord of the Harvest.
3. People seeking a New Start with a Selfish Heart: Some have come to us who on the surface appear to be spiritual but leave you wondering if they possess ulterior motives. These are folks who act in ways that seem to indicate that they have direct revelation and act as if they have special anointing. What seems to characterize such types is the typical pattern of Church hopping. These types never join a church, after all, no church is good enough for their commitment and none can promote them fast enough.
4. People seeking a New Start with a Servants Heart:
Many have come to us who are ready to serve and are relatively healthy. The following reasons have brought such types to our Church:
• Families who have relocated to the area.
• Families who needed to leave an unhealthy Church.
• Families who no longer wanted to commute to their old Church
• Families whose Church went out of business.
• Families who felt stifled in the use of their gifts and talents in their previous Church.
Of course, all the above mentioned folks are a blessing to a Church plant because the Lord knows the work is plentiful and the labors are few.
5. People seeking a New Start with a Rebellious Heart: Some are drawn to church plants because they are fleeing a Church that they refuse to submit to. These folks have a spiritual appetite but struggle with authority. They tend to be people who claim to love God yet have won’t submit unless they submission includes their best interest not the interest of the body.
In Conclusion: Regardless of why people have come to our Church, God has called us to figure out how to best minister to the people in whatever situation we find them in. With this in mind, I am reminded of Paul’s instructions to Timothy,
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction.
2Tim 4:2
SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND CHURCH PLANTING
I would be amiss to not speak about this Church plant without mention of the battles along the way. As you would expect, the forces of evil have worked hard to throw us off course. We have experienced attacks on every level:
• Our kids have come under attack.
• Some marriages have come under attack.
• Some friendships have come under attack.
• Unity attacks from within.
• Some families have experienced financial attacks.
• Some have be seduced into moral defeats.
• Some have been struck with health battles.
• Some have experienced dark depression.
I have chosen to leave out the bloody details of our battles because, as in physical warfare, it is just to emotionally draining to speak about what one has seen, heard, or experienced. But I can say that in it all, the truth is, greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world!
And as the Apostle Paul once said, our battle is not against flesh and blood but against evil in high places! With this in mind we have tried to put on the full armor of God to stand our ground against the attacks of evil and thus far we are still standing.
MY PREACHING IN THIS CHURCH PLANT
One of the most enjoyable things about planting Boundless Grace Church has been the incredible feeling of freedom to preach the word of God. The Spirit has enabled me in both preparation and proclamation of the Scriptures and I have been aware of his presence in it all. My preaching focus thus far has been on Jesus and the grace of God, Spiritual Warfare, and the Fruit of the Spirit.
I must confess that I have never had so much fun in digging out the truths contained in the scriptures as I have this past year.
God is using these teaching to grow us all and I can see that we are all growing in the knowledge of God which translates into godly behavior.
FIANCES AND OUR CHURCH PLANT (3/1/2010)
I must admit that the most fearful thing about church planting for me deals with economics. The bottom line for a pastor raising a family is how to pay the bills when you have no outside support other than a few family members who graciously help as much as possible. (Boundless Grace did start with a generous gift of $10,000 dollars from my previous church to help pay rent on a facility and one years worth of health care for my family). But, my how fast this first year has past us by and now we are stranded on omnipotence and totally dependant of Jehovah Jireh to come through. At this present time we are so tight that we are operating month to month.
Of course, we started this church at the worst economic time in the past 60 years. And to make it more difficult on God, we planted this Church in the largest city in America to declare bankruptcy. Oh, did I fail to mention that many of the people from the distressed, indebted, and discontented group that are attending Boundless Grace have yet to learn to be givers!
And if this is not wild enough, we have yet to teach on giving because we di not want people outside the faith community who we desire to reach to think that we are just another religious group of people wanting to take money from the pockets of the people.
But this weekend however, we will speak to the issue of faithfulness as it relates to giving out. While it is necessary for us to teach on this subject at this time, we needed to get to this subject anyway because to not do so would be doing God's people a disservice. People need to learn the joy and responsiblity of giving to the Lord.
God is faithful and we trying to remember that He will provide all our needs according to His riches in glory! (if someone is reading this post, stop now and pray for our finances please!
The cool thing about being financially challenged as a Church though is that it forces a pastor and his family to learn to pray and not take money for granted.
Four Great Women in My Life
I suppose the purpose for writing this afternoon is to flush out some gratitude from my soul for four of the best and greatest gifts God has ever blessed me with.
These gifts in order: Denise, my wife of going on 22 years now. This woman is amazing, her character is virtuous, her disposition is second to none, her looks still beautiful, and her ability to follow this imperfect man amaze me. Denise has been a great mother and template to our three daughters. If our girls just copy their mothers manner of life they will be a blessing to their future husbands, children, Church, etc......
Samantha, our oldest daughter, now 20 years old. Wow, did God ever bless us with a strong spirited one. This blessed young woman has kept us all on our toes from the day she was born, and we are all stronger for it. What shines the brightest to me about my Samantha is her loyal love for family, her appreciation for the story, and her love for laughter. This girl is at her best when she is laughing especially when being told a story from an adult she looks up to. Although Samantha has a strong spirit, she does recognize that God is the final word in her life and will be a great asset to God's kingdom throughout her life.
Mandi. our middle daughter is another huge blessing to us. This girl is sharp, well adjusted, strong in temperament, and spiritually directed. Mandi, like her mother, is a game lover and enjoys reading books like mom. Pooch, as I call her, has one of the greatest smiles you will ever see! Mandi is already engaged and hopes to be married in the next year or so and she has picked a young man that loves Christ and has our approval. I just don't want to let go yet! Our home will not be the same without her in it.
Karlie, our youngest, who I used to call my little bear, is now a young woman. This girl is charismatic. God has gifted her with a strong and passionate voice and the upfront personality type to lead. I sure am curious with God's plan for this kid. Karlie is an affectionate and affirming girl to those who know her best and is loved by everyone. Yet, my little bear can stand tall, after all she has survived her two big sisters.
Well, I could ramble on forever about these four women in my life but suffice to say, God has been good to this man and I can't thank him enough for gracing me with these blessings.
These gifts in order: Denise, my wife of going on 22 years now. This woman is amazing, her character is virtuous, her disposition is second to none, her looks still beautiful, and her ability to follow this imperfect man amaze me. Denise has been a great mother and template to our three daughters. If our girls just copy their mothers manner of life they will be a blessing to their future husbands, children, Church, etc......
Samantha, our oldest daughter, now 20 years old. Wow, did God ever bless us with a strong spirited one. This blessed young woman has kept us all on our toes from the day she was born, and we are all stronger for it. What shines the brightest to me about my Samantha is her loyal love for family, her appreciation for the story, and her love for laughter. This girl is at her best when she is laughing especially when being told a story from an adult she looks up to. Although Samantha has a strong spirit, she does recognize that God is the final word in her life and will be a great asset to God's kingdom throughout her life.
Mandi. our middle daughter is another huge blessing to us. This girl is sharp, well adjusted, strong in temperament, and spiritually directed. Mandi, like her mother, is a game lover and enjoys reading books like mom. Pooch, as I call her, has one of the greatest smiles you will ever see! Mandi is already engaged and hopes to be married in the next year or so and she has picked a young man that loves Christ and has our approval. I just don't want to let go yet! Our home will not be the same without her in it.
Karlie, our youngest, who I used to call my little bear, is now a young woman. This girl is charismatic. God has gifted her with a strong and passionate voice and the upfront personality type to lead. I sure am curious with God's plan for this kid. Karlie is an affectionate and affirming girl to those who know her best and is loved by everyone. Yet, my little bear can stand tall, after all she has survived her two big sisters.
Well, I could ramble on forever about these four women in my life but suffice to say, God has been good to this man and I can't thank him enough for gracing me with these blessings.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Stuck in a Rut?
Recently at our Prayer House Gathering, a woman who has begun to attend Boundless Grace shared a praise that encouraged me and those in attendance. This particular woman is a Christian of many years and has been a regular church-goer in a solid bible teaching ministry.
Her praise: "I am so grateful for the teaching at Boundless Grace. I feel like I am being unstuck.
I was encouraged personally by her statement because I remember times in my life when I felt stuck in the Christian rut. Do you know what I'm talking about? Doing all the right things and yet feeling like something isn't quite right in your soul. You go to Church because you know its the right thing to do, but your heart is not warmed as it once was while sitting in the pew.
This woman gave our teaching ministry credit for her sense of being unstuck but I think that there are many factors to explain her feelings at Boundless Grace:
1. Over time the Church begins to slip into a life of routine and tradition. I'm reminded of the conclusion to the Batman and Robin show during my early childhood, as the show wrapped up each week the announcer would say, Tune in next week at the Same Bat Time, and Same Bat Channel. And of course, the following week would introduce some new twist to the plot, a new cool gadget, or new villain, to keep us future Super Hero's interested.
In Church life, we want people to tune in again next week. But often times nothing is different, its a repeat!
This is what I call, the same old same old; same old songs, same old schedules, same old prayers, same old times, same old places, same old faces, same old sermons, same old programs, same old coffee, same old decor, etc....
Christianity is to be a romance, and there is nothing that robs romantic passion quicker than a case of the same old same olds.
At Boundless Grace we are not interested in birthing sacred cows but trying to cultivate a freshness that will keep us all thirsting for more. With this in mind, we are always trying new things, new songs, etc......
2. I also believe that this woman began to sense a freeing of her spirit because we are careful not to crowd out the Spirit of Liberty for the sake of platform schedule. Although we go into our worship gathering each week with songs selected and practiced, a prepared sermon, and platform schedule, this does not mean that we won't deviate from our plan. Everything is subject to change as we feel necessary to minister for the Lord. Yes, we will preach, yes, we will sing, yes, we will pray, but in what order, and for how long? Only the Lord knows this.
Note: Because we are not focused on marketing our sermons for the web we are free to speak to an issue as long as we deem necessary. In other words, the graphic department or bulletin have no demands on us because we choose not to be regulated in this way. Although we do post sermons on our website we feel no obligation to do so each week .
3. I believe this sister who thanked the Lord for her sense of liberation at Boundless Grace was sensing the love of God through the fellowship of his people, which was possibly missing in her previous experience.
Our culture is lonely, busy, and isolated. Yet going to Church can be nothing more than an exercise in listening to a talking head. We all believe in the validity of fellowship but make little or no time for it on Sundays.
Yes, I know that it should happen during the week in a small group but the fact is, many are just to tired from a busy life to squeeze in one more night out.
Note: At Boundless Grace we take a break during our worship gathering for food & fellowship to help us fight against the common approach to fellowship that I call, turn and shake a neighbors hand thing. You know how it goes, right after the announcements someone on the platform instructs the congregation to turn around and shake a neighbors hand before the next song. While this approach is harmless, its not enough to call fellowship. We all need more than 30 seconds of fellowship on Sundays, especially those who are visitors.
4. Finally, I believe that this sister was being unstuck because she could sense that Boundless Grace was a safe place to be herself as it relates to the teaching of the Word.
What I'm mean is this: Preachers can communicate in such a way that the message is always about you, always directed at you, you are the one in need of transformation, you are the one in need of repentance, you are the sinner, and yes, you are the screwed up one!
My friends, I am a pastor that would rather say, we are in need of God's grace, we are in need of God's mercy, we are in need of transformation, etc, etc, etc....... After all, the pastor is in need of redemption in the present tense as much as the people. And when we preachers can include ourselves in the "you " of our sermons, we give hope to those imperfect people in our congregation. Hope, because people are made to feel that its okay to bring their imperfect selves to the table.
After all, if the preacher isn't perfect then certainly the people aren't either and
this very idea begins to cultivate a climate of grace.
I believe that the you approach to preaching trickles down to the people. Then they begin to take this same approach with one another in the congregation. Of course, this only leads to a critical climate rather than one of compassion and grace.
Just ramblings from a night of encouragement.
Her praise: "I am so grateful for the teaching at Boundless Grace. I feel like I am being unstuck.
I was encouraged personally by her statement because I remember times in my life when I felt stuck in the Christian rut. Do you know what I'm talking about? Doing all the right things and yet feeling like something isn't quite right in your soul. You go to Church because you know its the right thing to do, but your heart is not warmed as it once was while sitting in the pew.
This woman gave our teaching ministry credit for her sense of being unstuck but I think that there are many factors to explain her feelings at Boundless Grace:
1. Over time the Church begins to slip into a life of routine and tradition. I'm reminded of the conclusion to the Batman and Robin show during my early childhood, as the show wrapped up each week the announcer would say, Tune in next week at the Same Bat Time, and Same Bat Channel. And of course, the following week would introduce some new twist to the plot, a new cool gadget, or new villain, to keep us future Super Hero's interested.
In Church life, we want people to tune in again next week. But often times nothing is different, its a repeat!
This is what I call, the same old same old; same old songs, same old schedules, same old prayers, same old times, same old places, same old faces, same old sermons, same old programs, same old coffee, same old decor, etc....
Christianity is to be a romance, and there is nothing that robs romantic passion quicker than a case of the same old same olds.
At Boundless Grace we are not interested in birthing sacred cows but trying to cultivate a freshness that will keep us all thirsting for more. With this in mind, we are always trying new things, new songs, etc......
2. I also believe that this woman began to sense a freeing of her spirit because we are careful not to crowd out the Spirit of Liberty for the sake of platform schedule. Although we go into our worship gathering each week with songs selected and practiced, a prepared sermon, and platform schedule, this does not mean that we won't deviate from our plan. Everything is subject to change as we feel necessary to minister for the Lord. Yes, we will preach, yes, we will sing, yes, we will pray, but in what order, and for how long? Only the Lord knows this.
Note: Because we are not focused on marketing our sermons for the web we are free to speak to an issue as long as we deem necessary. In other words, the graphic department or bulletin have no demands on us because we choose not to be regulated in this way. Although we do post sermons on our website we feel no obligation to do so each week .
3. I believe this sister who thanked the Lord for her sense of liberation at Boundless Grace was sensing the love of God through the fellowship of his people, which was possibly missing in her previous experience.
Our culture is lonely, busy, and isolated. Yet going to Church can be nothing more than an exercise in listening to a talking head. We all believe in the validity of fellowship but make little or no time for it on Sundays.
Yes, I know that it should happen during the week in a small group but the fact is, many are just to tired from a busy life to squeeze in one more night out.
Note: At Boundless Grace we take a break during our worship gathering for food & fellowship to help us fight against the common approach to fellowship that I call, turn and shake a neighbors hand thing. You know how it goes, right after the announcements someone on the platform instructs the congregation to turn around and shake a neighbors hand before the next song. While this approach is harmless, its not enough to call fellowship. We all need more than 30 seconds of fellowship on Sundays, especially those who are visitors.
4. Finally, I believe that this sister was being unstuck because she could sense that Boundless Grace was a safe place to be herself as it relates to the teaching of the Word.
What I'm mean is this: Preachers can communicate in such a way that the message is always about you, always directed at you, you are the one in need of transformation, you are the one in need of repentance, you are the sinner, and yes, you are the screwed up one!
My friends, I am a pastor that would rather say, we are in need of God's grace, we are in need of God's mercy, we are in need of transformation, etc, etc, etc....... After all, the pastor is in need of redemption in the present tense as much as the people. And when we preachers can include ourselves in the "you " of our sermons, we give hope to those imperfect people in our congregation. Hope, because people are made to feel that its okay to bring their imperfect selves to the table.
After all, if the preacher isn't perfect then certainly the people aren't either and
this very idea begins to cultivate a climate of grace.
I believe that the you approach to preaching trickles down to the people. Then they begin to take this same approach with one another in the congregation. Of course, this only leads to a critical climate rather than one of compassion and grace.
Just ramblings from a night of encouragement.
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