I'd like to share with you the Benediction from our Christmas Eve service. I'm not sure where it came from but it is not original to me. The thoughts are so powerful that it makes a great entre to New Year's.
Into this silent night we go (or we could say...into this new year we go)
Let us go as Mary did and ponder all these things in our hearts.
Let us go as Joseph did and listen to our dreams.
Let us go as the shepherds did praising and glorifying God for all we have seen and heard.
Let us go into the world as Jesus did and decorate it with love. - Unknown.
Happy New Year, my friends. May 2011 be a healthy and strong year for you and your congregations.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas
Ebeneezer Scrooge woke up on Christmas morning a changed man because of the prophetic dreams he had the night before. No more the miser, the 'scrooge', he was generous, kind and empathic. In many ways we too are to wake up changed people on Christmas morning because of the prophetic dream that came true when the baby Jesus arrived. And yet, how many of us, find ourselves changed, transformed, by this event?
Ok, I know I'm treading on some toes here. Of course, we all have had a conversion experience and have answered a call. Both of these events are life changing indeed. But what about your life changed? The direction, the path, the context for sure. What about the inner life? Did that change as mightily as Scrooge's? Or did we/do we just keep doing a lot of the same things we did before only now we can hide them or even use them in our new context? For example, before answering my call and responding with a life changing role to pastor, I was ultra responsible, the go to person in my family, the fixer, the over achiever, the performer. I gotta tell you that didn't seem to change very much when I became pastor. Well, you say, "you just took those gifts and used them for God and the church", I wish I could say "you bet I did, thanks for being so perceptive"
Deep inside though I know that isn't the truth. The truth is that I didn't let God transform me to trust that God's grace would be sufficient for all things and that I no longer needed to be the savior, the fixer, the achiever. It would have saved me a lot of sleepless nights, lots of money on prescriptions and lots of lost time with my family. And it might just have let the church be open to being transformed where they needed to be.
Maybe I'm all off base on this one and if so, I will own it. However, when I look at health and wellness of churches and their pastors, I wonder just how seriously we take the transformation that is to come when Christ is born in us again - each year - at Christmas. Will you be as exhausted as Mary was after she had given birth to Christ on Christmas Eve or will you be filled with rejoicing and energy that once again you have been given the gift of life through the grace of God?
Merry Christmas and God Bless Us Everyone!
Ok, I know I'm treading on some toes here. Of course, we all have had a conversion experience and have answered a call. Both of these events are life changing indeed. But what about your life changed? The direction, the path, the context for sure. What about the inner life? Did that change as mightily as Scrooge's? Or did we/do we just keep doing a lot of the same things we did before only now we can hide them or even use them in our new context? For example, before answering my call and responding with a life changing role to pastor, I was ultra responsible, the go to person in my family, the fixer, the over achiever, the performer. I gotta tell you that didn't seem to change very much when I became pastor. Well, you say, "you just took those gifts and used them for God and the church", I wish I could say "you bet I did, thanks for being so perceptive"
Deep inside though I know that isn't the truth. The truth is that I didn't let God transform me to trust that God's grace would be sufficient for all things and that I no longer needed to be the savior, the fixer, the achiever. It would have saved me a lot of sleepless nights, lots of money on prescriptions and lots of lost time with my family. And it might just have let the church be open to being transformed where they needed to be.
Maybe I'm all off base on this one and if so, I will own it. However, when I look at health and wellness of churches and their pastors, I wonder just how seriously we take the transformation that is to come when Christ is born in us again - each year - at Christmas. Will you be as exhausted as Mary was after she had given birth to Christ on Christmas Eve or will you be filled with rejoicing and energy that once again you have been given the gift of life through the grace of God?
Merry Christmas and God Bless Us Everyone!
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Moment that Matters
Photographers, really good photographers, know how to capture 'the moment that matters'. It's that one shot that captures what the photo shoot is all about, or what the story is all about, or what the scene is all about. How they do this is interesting in that it usually happens quickly. They find their position, take a warm up or two and then proceed to capture the moment that matters.
Not being a photographer I would have to take their word on the process and two things, however, jump out at me in this process. One is finding their position and the other is it happens quickly.
As leaders in the church often we think our position is up front leading, fixing, solving, advising, envisioning. And, yes, sometimes it is. And sometimes because we choose that position over and over we fail to capture the moment that matters to God, to others or even to ourselves. We fail to see the picture in all its potential and beauty. We miss the shot.
And then this whole thing about acting quickly. How quickly do you or does your church act when capturing that moment that truly matters? Or does the moment get sent to committee or ignored for the usual reasons of lack of money or peoplepower?
When I think of the Advent stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth and Mary I see how they either captured the moment that mattered or failed to. Zechariah was in the right position to capture the moment with the angel but his doubts kept him from acting quickly enough to truly capture what mattered. Elizabeth and Mary found themselves in no position of consequence and yet because of their humble position they were able to move quickly and capture the essence of the moment that they would be the ones to deliver the good news.
Where do you find the Zechariah's, Elizabeth's and Mary's in your congregation, in yourself? How do you keep yourself positioned to capture the moment this Advent, this coming Christmas, this new year?
Not being a photographer I would have to take their word on the process and two things, however, jump out at me in this process. One is finding their position and the other is it happens quickly.
As leaders in the church often we think our position is up front leading, fixing, solving, advising, envisioning. And, yes, sometimes it is. And sometimes because we choose that position over and over we fail to capture the moment that matters to God, to others or even to ourselves. We fail to see the picture in all its potential and beauty. We miss the shot.
And then this whole thing about acting quickly. How quickly do you or does your church act when capturing that moment that truly matters? Or does the moment get sent to committee or ignored for the usual reasons of lack of money or peoplepower?
When I think of the Advent stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth and Mary I see how they either captured the moment that mattered or failed to. Zechariah was in the right position to capture the moment with the angel but his doubts kept him from acting quickly enough to truly capture what mattered. Elizabeth and Mary found themselves in no position of consequence and yet because of their humble position they were able to move quickly and capture the essence of the moment that they would be the ones to deliver the good news.
Where do you find the Zechariah's, Elizabeth's and Mary's in your congregation, in yourself? How do you keep yourself positioned to capture the moment this Advent, this coming Christmas, this new year?
Monday, December 6, 2010
What Others Need
While meeting with a church leadership team recently who have been without a pastor for several months, I asked them what they expected from an interim. The answer took me totally by surprise. They said, "We need to be able to stay ramped up, solving our problems, and leading this congregation with a strong lay presence. We don't want to become dependent on a pastor." Now some pastors might think, "well, I guess you don't need me." (Subconsciously implied that "I need to be needed".) Others might celebrate this position without knowing what it meant. (Subconsciously implied "Good for you. What will I do?") And others might just sit back, let out a deep breath and smile. (Consciously implied "A partnership in Christ. How refreshing.")
So often we clergy are quick to fix, to see the need and offer the solution, to take care of others and all the time know we are burning out, losing touch with our call and passion, and not really solving anything. When we shape our interests and passion around what others need rather than around what our body needs to stay strong, we sell ourselves and our congregations short. How often do we find ourselves trying to give to others what we don't have in ourselves in any more? You can't give what you don't have.
Each week in Advent the light gets brighter, the flame grows and we see a bit more of the story. Do you do the same for yourself? Does your flame grow stronger as you reconnect to the story for yourself. Or are you to busy making sure that the flames of others are bright and to do you do for others what they need to do for themselves to make their flame stronger and to connect to the story for themselves? Watch your own flame this season. May it be burning brighter not dimmer as we move into the new year.
So often we clergy are quick to fix, to see the need and offer the solution, to take care of others and all the time know we are burning out, losing touch with our call and passion, and not really solving anything. When we shape our interests and passion around what others need rather than around what our body needs to stay strong, we sell ourselves and our congregations short. How often do we find ourselves trying to give to others what we don't have in ourselves in any more? You can't give what you don't have.
Each week in Advent the light gets brighter, the flame grows and we see a bit more of the story. Do you do the same for yourself? Does your flame grow stronger as you reconnect to the story for yourself. Or are you to busy making sure that the flames of others are bright and to do you do for others what they need to do for themselves to make their flame stronger and to connect to the story for themselves? Watch your own flame this season. May it be burning brighter not dimmer as we move into the new year.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Compassion
Tis the season for compassion overload! In the course of the next four weeks, pastors will find themselves on the receiving end of one request after another. Do these sound familiar?
"There is an extra family that needs gifts and a tree than we planned for, what can we do, pastor?" "One of the kings in the pageant just got sick and needs a ride home, can you help out pastor?" "Pastor, you don't know me but my family and I just moved into town and we need a place to live." Pastor, I know it is your day off but Mary was just taken to the hospital with what looks like a miscarriage. She needs you." "I need your article for the January newsletter a week before Christmas this year." "The funeral home just called and they have an unchurched family who needs a pastor." "Honey, when are we going to decorate our home for Christmas?
Familiar? Yes. Part of the job description? Yes. Compassion needed and shared? Yes. We are called to offer compassion to those whom we shepherd and serve and we do it without thought to our own needs. And by the end of this Advent season most pastors are exhausted with and by compassion overload.
What if during this Advent season you applied the same kind of compassion you will share with others to yourself? Notice I didn't say instead of? Think of yourself, your soul, as being connected to all the souls you will interact with and serve this season. Keeping your soul healthy and whole - compassionately caring for it - will directly contribute to the health and well being of the souls around you.
What would it look like for you to be compassionate toward yourself? What would it feel like? How would it benefit your congregation? How would it benefit the world? For you see in deep and lasting ways when we heal ourselves, we heal the world and that is what shalom is all about.
"There is an extra family that needs gifts and a tree than we planned for, what can we do, pastor?" "One of the kings in the pageant just got sick and needs a ride home, can you help out pastor?" "Pastor, you don't know me but my family and I just moved into town and we need a place to live." Pastor, I know it is your day off but Mary was just taken to the hospital with what looks like a miscarriage. She needs you." "I need your article for the January newsletter a week before Christmas this year." "The funeral home just called and they have an unchurched family who needs a pastor." "Honey, when are we going to decorate our home for Christmas?
Familiar? Yes. Part of the job description? Yes. Compassion needed and shared? Yes. We are called to offer compassion to those whom we shepherd and serve and we do it without thought to our own needs. And by the end of this Advent season most pastors are exhausted with and by compassion overload.
What if during this Advent season you applied the same kind of compassion you will share with others to yourself? Notice I didn't say instead of? Think of yourself, your soul, as being connected to all the souls you will interact with and serve this season. Keeping your soul healthy and whole - compassionately caring for it - will directly contribute to the health and well being of the souls around you.
What would it look like for you to be compassionate toward yourself? What would it feel like? How would it benefit your congregation? How would it benefit the world? For you see in deep and lasting ways when we heal ourselves, we heal the world and that is what shalom is all about.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Remember the Sabbath
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. We've all heard and read these words from Exodus many times. We've all lamented about the state of 'Sabbath' in our communities with little guy sports, cheerleading, and shopping all being acceptable activities on Sunday mornings now. We remember a time when that wasn't so, blah, blah, blah.
And although we can point fingers at the economy, Saturday night mass, or working moms and dads as the reason for this switch, I'm going to suggest that before we look outside the church for this change, maybe it is time to look inside.
How good are we as pastors at encouraging Sabbath rest? How good are you at taking Sabbath rest? We know we have to work on Sunday so when is your Sabbath? Do you honor it and keep it holy? Or, are you too busy to take the time off allotted to you to renew your body, mind, spirit and soul? Does the business of the church take a back seat to rest? When you see your folks are weary and exhausted do you suggest a Sabbath break to recharge their spiritual batteries?
And I know you are going to argue with me that Sabbath is about worship and yes it is. It is about worship, rest, celebration, play, singing, making love, conversation and dancing. It is about total rest that allows our senses to go from high alert to high praise for all of God's blessings.
How do you encourage Sabbath rest in your people? Wayne Muller writes in his book, Sabbath, that "Sabbath is a way of being in time where we remember who we are, remember what we know, and taste the gifts of spirit and eternity." Is that how you frame Sabbath time? Or is a typical Sunday/Sabbath a time for your folks to sandwich in one hour of worship between committee meetings and church projects all the while checking their watches counting the minutes to be done so they can get on with the next thing on their list?
Without rest, without Sabbath time, without the blessing of stopping, the church will never be healthy let alone well and thriving. The body just can't go on indefinitely without a rest. Even God rested.
And although we can point fingers at the economy, Saturday night mass, or working moms and dads as the reason for this switch, I'm going to suggest that before we look outside the church for this change, maybe it is time to look inside.
How good are we as pastors at encouraging Sabbath rest? How good are you at taking Sabbath rest? We know we have to work on Sunday so when is your Sabbath? Do you honor it and keep it holy? Or, are you too busy to take the time off allotted to you to renew your body, mind, spirit and soul? Does the business of the church take a back seat to rest? When you see your folks are weary and exhausted do you suggest a Sabbath break to recharge their spiritual batteries?
And I know you are going to argue with me that Sabbath is about worship and yes it is. It is about worship, rest, celebration, play, singing, making love, conversation and dancing. It is about total rest that allows our senses to go from high alert to high praise for all of God's blessings.
How do you encourage Sabbath rest in your people? Wayne Muller writes in his book, Sabbath, that "Sabbath is a way of being in time where we remember who we are, remember what we know, and taste the gifts of spirit and eternity." Is that how you frame Sabbath time? Or is a typical Sunday/Sabbath a time for your folks to sandwich in one hour of worship between committee meetings and church projects all the while checking their watches counting the minutes to be done so they can get on with the next thing on their list?
Without rest, without Sabbath time, without the blessing of stopping, the church will never be healthy let alone well and thriving. The body just can't go on indefinitely without a rest. Even God rested.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Exposed - Part 2
Last week I wrote about how we guard our backstage selves or inner selves and don't let them on stage often. In doing so we often find ourselves being less than authentic. And this can be a spiritual drain on our souls at the same time it protects our souls. A bit of a paradox isn't it?
Parker Palmer in his book A Hidden Wholeness claims that the soul is shy. He says it only shows up when there is a safe environment for it. At first I wasn't ready to accept this statement about the shyness of the soul until he talked about a safe environment being necessary for the soul to show up. Then I remembered all those times when I protected my soul when I knew the environment wasn't safe, knew that whatever I shared about my inner self could and most definitely would be used against me and knew there were parts of my soul too precious to me to be put out there for general discussion among those who didn't understand. So, yes, Mr. Palmer, I agree with you the soul is shy.
As I thought about this I wondered if I allowed for other people's souls to be shy or did I in my role as pastor feel I needed to see that soul and to help fix it? Yes, I am saying that out loud and it makes me cringe when I think of the audacity and arrogance of my one time thinking. (At least I hope it is an outmoded way of thinking now...hmmmm). Palmer goes on to say that no soul needs us to fix it. Each soul needs to find a way to discover its true self and to grow from the inside out in the safety of unconditional love, non judgment and compassion. Sounds a bit like the safe space God provides for our souls doesn't it?
How do we contribute to that safe space, that circle of trust and love, that moment of discovery for all the souls we meet? How do we help create a place of safety and trust for the soul? When in our workout mode do we sit and rest in silence and trust?
Parker Palmer in his book A Hidden Wholeness claims that the soul is shy. He says it only shows up when there is a safe environment for it. At first I wasn't ready to accept this statement about the shyness of the soul until he talked about a safe environment being necessary for the soul to show up. Then I remembered all those times when I protected my soul when I knew the environment wasn't safe, knew that whatever I shared about my inner self could and most definitely would be used against me and knew there were parts of my soul too precious to me to be put out there for general discussion among those who didn't understand. So, yes, Mr. Palmer, I agree with you the soul is shy.
As I thought about this I wondered if I allowed for other people's souls to be shy or did I in my role as pastor feel I needed to see that soul and to help fix it? Yes, I am saying that out loud and it makes me cringe when I think of the audacity and arrogance of my one time thinking. (At least I hope it is an outmoded way of thinking now...hmmmm). Palmer goes on to say that no soul needs us to fix it. Each soul needs to find a way to discover its true self and to grow from the inside out in the safety of unconditional love, non judgment and compassion. Sounds a bit like the safe space God provides for our souls doesn't it?
How do we contribute to that safe space, that circle of trust and love, that moment of discovery for all the souls we meet? How do we help create a place of safety and trust for the soul? When in our workout mode do we sit and rest in silence and trust?
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Exposed
One of the reasons I don't like to go to the gym and workout is because parts of me are exposed that I think should remain hidden. You know what I mean. Next to me on the treadmill is someone in a cute workout tank and shorts running at full speed. On the other side is muscle man pumping iron and there I am in my painting shorts and mismatched top left over from the last VBS showing the world my lack of muscles, exposing white skin that hasn't seen enough sun and announcing to the world that I am not a serious exerciser.
That kind of exposure that lends itself to comparison with or by others frightens me. How many of you have had the dream, no - nightmare, of preaching naked? Often times we feel overexposed and open to criticism. So we protect ourselves or keep ourselves from fully exercising our muscles in front of an audience. And we know I'm not talking about clothing here. Although some would argue that wearing a robe is a way we hide out, but I'm not going there today.
On a recent retreat we were asked to look at how we guard our internal selves, our backstage persona, from our external or on stage self. It generated a great deal of discussion as we struggled with how to exercise those internal selves, expose them to the light and deal with the scrutiny it brings. If we constantly hide that part of us, how does it grow, develop and be transformed into strength and not just atrophy? How do we differentiate between what is truly private and not for any eyes but God's and what will bring us to a new level of authenticity? Who is in our lives who will help us discern and dispense what needs to be shared? How does what we keep from our on stage presence hinder our ability to use our gifts, serve God and be a transformational agent in the church?
What is exposed when you work out?
That kind of exposure that lends itself to comparison with or by others frightens me. How many of you have had the dream, no - nightmare, of preaching naked? Often times we feel overexposed and open to criticism. So we protect ourselves or keep ourselves from fully exercising our muscles in front of an audience. And we know I'm not talking about clothing here. Although some would argue that wearing a robe is a way we hide out, but I'm not going there today.
On a recent retreat we were asked to look at how we guard our internal selves, our backstage persona, from our external or on stage self. It generated a great deal of discussion as we struggled with how to exercise those internal selves, expose them to the light and deal with the scrutiny it brings. If we constantly hide that part of us, how does it grow, develop and be transformed into strength and not just atrophy? How do we differentiate between what is truly private and not for any eyes but God's and what will bring us to a new level of authenticity? Who is in our lives who will help us discern and dispense what needs to be shared? How does what we keep from our on stage presence hinder our ability to use our gifts, serve God and be a transformational agent in the church?
What is exposed when you work out?
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Silence CAN be Golden
Speaking the truth in love today I'd like to get up close and personal and ask a very uncomfortable question. When do we as pastors need to be silent or "Are you doing too much talking and not listening to what your people are saying or needing to say?"
I'm not talking about those folks who need to complain to us or about us. I'm not talking about being silent when a theological error needs to be corrected or accountability needs to be discussed. I'm talking about letting your folks dream, discuss, and even determine what it is that best suits their energy level or what they see as an energy drainer.
I did a workshop recently on Church Health and it was attended by clergy and lay from a variety of churches. NOTE to self: This may not be a good combination! As I put them into their church groups to discuss the energy drainers in their congregation, I heard more than one pastor poo-poo (that's a good theological word, isn't it) what their folks were saying. I heard things like "well, in comparison to other churches, that isn't a big problem here" or "I don't think that really drains our energy because...".
I didn't remain silent and asked that the pastors listen without comparison or comment. It seemed to be hard for pastoral leaders to sit back and listen without feeling the need to fix it, take it on, or challenge what we are hearing. And it is ok to ask our folks to talk without any expectations that we will have a solution or will take on their project. This can free us from the perception that we have to act on every idea or concern that is put in front of us.
When do you step in and try to correct or influence 'feelings', ideas, dreams, concerns and miss what your folks are trying to tell you about the state of their energy, mind, heart or soul?
I'm not talking about those folks who need to complain to us or about us. I'm not talking about being silent when a theological error needs to be corrected or accountability needs to be discussed. I'm talking about letting your folks dream, discuss, and even determine what it is that best suits their energy level or what they see as an energy drainer.
I did a workshop recently on Church Health and it was attended by clergy and lay from a variety of churches. NOTE to self: This may not be a good combination! As I put them into their church groups to discuss the energy drainers in their congregation, I heard more than one pastor poo-poo (that's a good theological word, isn't it) what their folks were saying. I heard things like "well, in comparison to other churches, that isn't a big problem here" or "I don't think that really drains our energy because...".
I didn't remain silent and asked that the pastors listen without comparison or comment. It seemed to be hard for pastoral leaders to sit back and listen without feeling the need to fix it, take it on, or challenge what we are hearing. And it is ok to ask our folks to talk without any expectations that we will have a solution or will take on their project. This can free us from the perception that we have to act on every idea or concern that is put in front of us.
When do you step in and try to correct or influence 'feelings', ideas, dreams, concerns and miss what your folks are trying to tell you about the state of their energy, mind, heart or soul?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Energy Leaks
As the leaves change and the temperature begins to dip near freezing, we are reminded to do an energy audit or assessment of our homes to see where we might be leaking energy. When we find places where the windows aren't sealed tight or the roof might be letting out valuable heat, we fix them to save energy and money.
What about in the church? What about in you? Where are the energy leaks? We've talked about making a list of the things that drain your energy and to eliminate as many of those as you can or to at least have more energy boosters than drainers on any given day. However, there is another place where our energy tends to get drained or leaks out. And that is when we are over extended, over focused on too many things at any given time and over functioning.
Here's the best way I've found to do a quick energy leak check: Where are you doing things/tasks or taking on responsibilities that others can do for themselves? It's a tougher question than you might think. In order to answer it truthfully and honestly, we have to stop and think about everything we do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Are there things you are doing just because it is easier for you to do them? Are there things you do because you know you can do them better? Are there things you are doing so that others will think more highly of you or feel you are indispensable? Are there things you are doing in order to be liked?
Chances are in one of those answers is a key to an energy leak. Doing for others what they can do for themselves does not encourage health or wellness in yourself or others. It is analgous to spoiling our children and not letting them learn for themselves. Overfunctioning on your part means that others are underfunctioning. Performing for strokes and kudos turns you into an actor rather than authentic human being.
Where are you leaking energy? How can you stop the leaks and become more energy efficient? Being more energy efficient keeps the heat in, the cost down and the output balanced.
What about in the church? What about in you? Where are the energy leaks? We've talked about making a list of the things that drain your energy and to eliminate as many of those as you can or to at least have more energy boosters than drainers on any given day. However, there is another place where our energy tends to get drained or leaks out. And that is when we are over extended, over focused on too many things at any given time and over functioning.
Here's the best way I've found to do a quick energy leak check: Where are you doing things/tasks or taking on responsibilities that others can do for themselves? It's a tougher question than you might think. In order to answer it truthfully and honestly, we have to stop and think about everything we do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Are there things you are doing just because it is easier for you to do them? Are there things you do because you know you can do them better? Are there things you are doing so that others will think more highly of you or feel you are indispensable? Are there things you are doing in order to be liked?
Chances are in one of those answers is a key to an energy leak. Doing for others what they can do for themselves does not encourage health or wellness in yourself or others. It is analgous to spoiling our children and not letting them learn for themselves. Overfunctioning on your part means that others are underfunctioning. Performing for strokes and kudos turns you into an actor rather than authentic human being.
Where are you leaking energy? How can you stop the leaks and become more energy efficient? Being more energy efficient keeps the heat in, the cost down and the output balanced.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
When the Arms Go Up
There is another aspect of the 'core' muscles I want to explore in terms of how it relates to the church and that is "when the arms go up, the core engages." My fitness trainer says it all the time. So that when I'm doing an exercise even as simple as walking the instruction is to get my arms up over my head. By doing so I'm engaging those core muscles and hence strengthening them. Voila! Two for one so to speak.
This blog has talked previously about those core muscles and the importance of paying attention to that core - Jesus Christ. As I thought about her instruction an image came to mind. When our arms go up, either in praise or surrender, we are engaging our core - our connection to Jesus.
Now I know a lot of mainline churches aren't big on lifting their arms up in praise so this concept might not be as enlightening as it could be for them. But think of it...When we lift our arms up in praise, we are not only exposing ourselves to ridicule from other members we are also exposing our core - heart, lung, abdomen; thus making ourselves very vulnerable to God and others. What would happen if members of churches became more vulnerable to their peers and to their God? Seems to me the core would definitely be engaged in new ways.
The other image that came to mind as I thought about lifting up my arms is the stance of 'surrender'. Hands over the head is a universal sign of surrender. In this day and age of technology, medical advances and business gurus at our fingertips, how much do we really surrender to God's care and providence? Most churches only try to accomplish what they know they can do successfully. It's hard to convince people to take big risks, to step out in faith, to surrender their ego's and abilities to God's lead.
When the arms go up, the core engages in more ways then we can imagine. What does it take to get your church's arms up to praise, surrender and be fully engaged with God?
This blog has talked previously about those core muscles and the importance of paying attention to that core - Jesus Christ. As I thought about her instruction an image came to mind. When our arms go up, either in praise or surrender, we are engaging our core - our connection to Jesus.
Now I know a lot of mainline churches aren't big on lifting their arms up in praise so this concept might not be as enlightening as it could be for them. But think of it...When we lift our arms up in praise, we are not only exposing ourselves to ridicule from other members we are also exposing our core - heart, lung, abdomen; thus making ourselves very vulnerable to God and others. What would happen if members of churches became more vulnerable to their peers and to their God? Seems to me the core would definitely be engaged in new ways.
The other image that came to mind as I thought about lifting up my arms is the stance of 'surrender'. Hands over the head is a universal sign of surrender. In this day and age of technology, medical advances and business gurus at our fingertips, how much do we really surrender to God's care and providence? Most churches only try to accomplish what they know they can do successfully. It's hard to convince people to take big risks, to step out in faith, to surrender their ego's and abilities to God's lead.
When the arms go up, the core engages in more ways then we can imagine. What does it take to get your church's arms up to praise, surrender and be fully engaged with God?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Energy Stewards
Tis the season to be working on the annual Stewardship Campaign. Not usually the most looked forward to event on the church calendar, is it? And although we know that stewardship is a year round process, the establishment of the 2011 budget throws us in the middle of a financial stewardship campaign in the fall of 2010 whether we have the energy for it or not. Are you ready for it? Are you energized by it? More than likely not...just a wild guess here! What is the level of your energy right now...not just around stewardship but in general?
The reason I ask is that as the "leader" of the congregation you, the pastor, are the steward of organizational energy. How's that for pressure? So your energy level and not just around stewardship is critical. Keeping your energy level balanced and healthy is a challenge for the modern day pastor. The demands on your time can either boost or drain your energy. Obviously, like any healthy bank account, we want more deposits in our energy account than drains or withdrawals.
If you could wake up tomorrow with significantly more positive and focused energy to invest in your work, how significantly would that change your life for the better? This question is asked in the opening chapter of the book The Power of Full Engagement by Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr. It's a good question. It's an important question. It's a life changing question. How would you answer it?
As pastoral leaders our energy level has a direct correlation on whether or not our presence inspires or demoralizes, mobilizes or paralyzes, focuses or distracts. Taking care of our energy centers, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual can make a huge difference in our own personal health and the health of the church. Or as Schwartz and Loehr put it...
"Learning to manage energy more efficiently and intelligently has a unique transformative power, both individually and organizationally." And aren't we in the business of transformation?
The reason I ask is that as the "leader" of the congregation you, the pastor, are the steward of organizational energy. How's that for pressure? So your energy level and not just around stewardship is critical. Keeping your energy level balanced and healthy is a challenge for the modern day pastor. The demands on your time can either boost or drain your energy. Obviously, like any healthy bank account, we want more deposits in our energy account than drains or withdrawals.
If you could wake up tomorrow with significantly more positive and focused energy to invest in your work, how significantly would that change your life for the better? This question is asked in the opening chapter of the book The Power of Full Engagement by Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr. It's a good question. It's an important question. It's a life changing question. How would you answer it?
As pastoral leaders our energy level has a direct correlation on whether or not our presence inspires or demoralizes, mobilizes or paralyzes, focuses or distracts. Taking care of our energy centers, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual can make a huge difference in our own personal health and the health of the church. Or as Schwartz and Loehr put it...
"Learning to manage energy more efficiently and intelligently has a unique transformative power, both individually and organizationally." And aren't we in the business of transformation?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Reduce The Waste
One of the keys to being physically fit is to 'reduce the waist'. Studies show that the most dangerous weight we carry is around our waist because of the pressure it puts on our internal organs. And anyone out there who has tried to get rid of some extra pounds around the middle knows it is harder to lose than to put on. Again, I see an analogy for the church.
Churches tend to carry a lot a 'waste' weight! For example, how many programs, events, even committee work just happen because "we've always done it." Church calendars get filled up with lots of things that take energy and bodies to accomplish and yet both energy and people to carry them out has declined significantly. The complaint then becomes "why don't some of those young folks or new folks step up and take this over." It doesn't occur to them to just eliminate the activity.
I served one church that was very 'chronologically gifted' in its membership. Year after year they put on a pork dinner for the community. The year I was with them they were dreading the thought of the dinner. They didn't have the energy, the people or the heart, literally, to do all the work needed. I suggested that they don't hold it. Horrified, they replied, "but we've always done it. It's our fall fundraiser". Boldly I asked if that was the only way they could raise funds in the Fall? Some looked at me like I had grown an extra head and others were open to ideas.
What did they do? They held a porkless pork dinner! Everyone was asked to donate a dollar amount that they would have spent for tickets for their families, for ingredients they would have donated and for what they thought it was worth to them to save time and energy. They put out a big Piggy bank to collect the funds and they made as much as they did on the dinner! AND they had eliminated waste freeing up energy for other things.
Where does your church need to reduce waste...waste of time, energy and resources? What are the things that just continue blindly year after year without much return or spiritual growth? What is suffering internally as the waste weighs the membership down?
Reducing waste can be a first step to church health and wellness for this program year.
Churches tend to carry a lot a 'waste' weight! For example, how many programs, events, even committee work just happen because "we've always done it." Church calendars get filled up with lots of things that take energy and bodies to accomplish and yet both energy and people to carry them out has declined significantly. The complaint then becomes "why don't some of those young folks or new folks step up and take this over." It doesn't occur to them to just eliminate the activity.
I served one church that was very 'chronologically gifted' in its membership. Year after year they put on a pork dinner for the community. The year I was with them they were dreading the thought of the dinner. They didn't have the energy, the people or the heart, literally, to do all the work needed. I suggested that they don't hold it. Horrified, they replied, "but we've always done it. It's our fall fundraiser". Boldly I asked if that was the only way they could raise funds in the Fall? Some looked at me like I had grown an extra head and others were open to ideas.
What did they do? They held a porkless pork dinner! Everyone was asked to donate a dollar amount that they would have spent for tickets for their families, for ingredients they would have donated and for what they thought it was worth to them to save time and energy. They put out a big Piggy bank to collect the funds and they made as much as they did on the dinner! AND they had eliminated waste freeing up energy for other things.
Where does your church need to reduce waste...waste of time, energy and resources? What are the things that just continue blindly year after year without much return or spiritual growth? What is suffering internally as the waste weighs the membership down?
Reducing waste can be a first step to church health and wellness for this program year.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Spiritual Mother Tongue
What spiritual language do you speak? By that I mean the unique way you express your faith. It's easy to think there is only one or two ways to do this and as pastors we often hope that the majority of folks in our congregations speak the same language we do. However, in reality that is not the case. And in fact, according to Christian Schwarz, founder of Natural Church Development, he says there are at a minimum 9 different spiritual languages. Furthermore, EVERY church has each language represented! His research has shown that languages are not divided between traditions or styles but all exist simultaneously in every tradition or style. It has been easy for the mainline churches to dismiss the more enthusiastic style as belonging to the evangelical/mega church or for the evangelical to dismiss the more rational style of many mainline churches. Turns out those assumptions don't hold water! What we are dismissing is in our very own congregation.
Schwarz goes on to say that as individuals we tend to dismiss the type that is our opposite and that after identifying our type and using it to grow spiritually we can stretch ourselves into the opposite type to see what growth it would offer us. His book, The 3 Colors of Spirituality, is a fascinating study of his work with a mentor in each of the 9 types he identifies. Talk about stretching!!!!
So back to my original question...what is your spiritual mother tongue? The nine types he identifies are sensory, rational, doctrinal, scripture driven, sharing, ascetic, enthusiastic, mystical and sacramental. Of course, each of us speaks a bit of each of them but there is one language that really allows God to get through to you. This is where your spiritual antenna is tuned.
And chances are the person who drives you the craziest in your church is your opposite type.
The implications for worship leadership are huge when you consider how many languages need to be spoken on any given Sunday. If you find that your worship is centered all in your language and you dismiss other styles, you might want to reconsider that. If you find others complaining when you stretch into another style, it might be time for a study of this book by the congregation.
Schwarz goes on to say that as individuals we tend to dismiss the type that is our opposite and that after identifying our type and using it to grow spiritually we can stretch ourselves into the opposite type to see what growth it would offer us. His book, The 3 Colors of Spirituality, is a fascinating study of his work with a mentor in each of the 9 types he identifies. Talk about stretching!!!!
So back to my original question...what is your spiritual mother tongue? The nine types he identifies are sensory, rational, doctrinal, scripture driven, sharing, ascetic, enthusiastic, mystical and sacramental. Of course, each of us speaks a bit of each of them but there is one language that really allows God to get through to you. This is where your spiritual antenna is tuned.
And chances are the person who drives you the craziest in your church is your opposite type.
The implications for worship leadership are huge when you consider how many languages need to be spoken on any given Sunday. If you find that your worship is centered all in your language and you dismiss other styles, you might want to reconsider that. If you find others complaining when you stretch into another style, it might be time for a study of this book by the congregation.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Get Those Muscles Talking
As fitness experts have advised us a strong core is essential for a healthy body. What they will also tell us is that when one set of muscles are working they are talking to other sets of muscles. So, if I stretch my arms over my head, the muscles that are stretching are talking to the muscles around my waist. What are they saying? "Get moving"! If my waist muscles refuse to budge, then the chances of me pulling a muscle just went up about 1,000 fold.
Think of the committees and boards in your church as sets of muscles. Do these muscles work in concert with one another? When one moves, do the others follow in order to keep the whole body healthy and without injury? Or, is it more like each committee or board is an isolated muscle unconnected to any other muscle. No one talking to each other until one of the other muscles/committees gets strained?
Christian Swarz in his church growth series talks about how churches grow organically using basic biotic principles much like plants do. The first principle is interdependence. Bascially what this means is that the way each part is integreted into the whole system is more important than the parts themselves. (Sound like our muscle analogy?). So that whatever happens in one area actually has an effect on all other parts. A poor root system will determine the beauty of the bud.
To put it into church language...the heads of all boards or committees should be talking to each other because what happens in one group will effect the others and the whole. Too often all we do in this regard is "report out" what each board/committee has done and then spend time answering questions about how this decision will change another committee's decision, putting out fires that flare up, and facilitating a string of after shock meetings.
I can hear you asking "but how much more time will that take to get everyone together, isn't that what the committee's are supposed to do on their own without having to get everyone involved, AND I am not attending another meeting." Fair questions. And I wonder just how much time is spent cleaning up the aftermath of an isolated decision that effects everyone else? Or, perhaps the bigger question is how effective is the structure of your church to promote interdependence? Could there be a better organizational structure that would allow the "muscles to talk to each other?"
I know some of you have done this. Let's hear how it works in your congregation.
Think of the committees and boards in your church as sets of muscles. Do these muscles work in concert with one another? When one moves, do the others follow in order to keep the whole body healthy and without injury? Or, is it more like each committee or board is an isolated muscle unconnected to any other muscle. No one talking to each other until one of the other muscles/committees gets strained?
Christian Swarz in his church growth series talks about how churches grow organically using basic biotic principles much like plants do. The first principle is interdependence. Bascially what this means is that the way each part is integreted into the whole system is more important than the parts themselves. (Sound like our muscle analogy?). So that whatever happens in one area actually has an effect on all other parts. A poor root system will determine the beauty of the bud.
To put it into church language...the heads of all boards or committees should be talking to each other because what happens in one group will effect the others and the whole. Too often all we do in this regard is "report out" what each board/committee has done and then spend time answering questions about how this decision will change another committee's decision, putting out fires that flare up, and facilitating a string of after shock meetings.
I can hear you asking "but how much more time will that take to get everyone together, isn't that what the committee's are supposed to do on their own without having to get everyone involved, AND I am not attending another meeting." Fair questions. And I wonder just how much time is spent cleaning up the aftermath of an isolated decision that effects everyone else? Or, perhaps the bigger question is how effective is the structure of your church to promote interdependence? Could there be a better organizational structure that would allow the "muscles to talk to each other?"
I know some of you have done this. Let's hear how it works in your congregation.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Core Effect
Being of a certain age I find myself watching and even doing exercise DVD's. Each of them enphasizes the "core". It seems that if the core muscles are not strong then we are in for some unpleasant reactions from our backs. And given the ever increasing aches and pains in my back, I am sure my core is a bit weak. So now I am paying close attention to tightening up those core muscles, thinking far too much about where my belly button is (should be heading toward the spine through our abdomens...who knew?), and making sure my shoulders are aligned over my hips. Like it isn't enough just to stand up and walk these days!
Again as I work more on getting my body healthy I am also more aware of how closely what is happening or needs to be happening in my physical body relates to the spiritual body of the mainline church.
If all strength comes from the core in our body, isn't the same true in the church? Think about your congregation and how much "work" or "attention" is paid to the core - Jesus Christ. This is work that each individual member must do. No one can exercise and strengthen my core muscles. I must do that for myself. So too it is that the pastor cannot strengthen the members' core muscles. A stong church body has members with strong cores.
Spiritual formation and development works on that core and yet many Protestant churches don't offer ideas, workshops, teachings on this let alone even know how to go about this. For many church members spiritual formation ended in Sunday School at about age 12. And if you are new to the church, it may never have happened in any formal way at all. The weakness of this core contributes to many of the "breakdowns" that churches experience in terms of declining attendance, increased conflict and plateauing energy.
What does your church's core strengthening exercise routine look like? Do the members get a good work out, pay attention to how they walk, notice where their core is and square themselves up on a good firm foundation? Without one over time the muscles get weak, flabby and stop supporting the structure.
Begin a conversation with your members on this topic, listen to their concerns about their faith journey, advocate for a core strengthening routine and share yours with them. And just as our bodies are not all the same size and shape neither are our spiritual needs. More next time on this!
Happy Body Building.
Nancy
Again as I work more on getting my body healthy I am also more aware of how closely what is happening or needs to be happening in my physical body relates to the spiritual body of the mainline church.
If all strength comes from the core in our body, isn't the same true in the church? Think about your congregation and how much "work" or "attention" is paid to the core - Jesus Christ. This is work that each individual member must do. No one can exercise and strengthen my core muscles. I must do that for myself. So too it is that the pastor cannot strengthen the members' core muscles. A stong church body has members with strong cores.
Spiritual formation and development works on that core and yet many Protestant churches don't offer ideas, workshops, teachings on this let alone even know how to go about this. For many church members spiritual formation ended in Sunday School at about age 12. And if you are new to the church, it may never have happened in any formal way at all. The weakness of this core contributes to many of the "breakdowns" that churches experience in terms of declining attendance, increased conflict and plateauing energy.
What does your church's core strengthening exercise routine look like? Do the members get a good work out, pay attention to how they walk, notice where their core is and square themselves up on a good firm foundation? Without one over time the muscles get weak, flabby and stop supporting the structure.
Begin a conversation with your members on this topic, listen to their concerns about their faith journey, advocate for a core strengthening routine and share yours with them. And just as our bodies are not all the same size and shape neither are our spiritual needs. More next time on this!
Happy Body Building.
Nancy
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Church's Immune System
I learned a fascinating tidbit the other day about our body's immune system. As you know, the immune system keeps us healthy. But did you know that the lymphatic system in our immune system which cleanses our cells and carries viruses away doesn't have a pump to circulate it through our body. The lymphatic system circulates through movement, our movement. We need to move to transport these problematic cells out of our body. If the lymphatic system doesn't move, if we don't provide movement for it, then the nasty cells build up and we get sick.
As I thought about that I wondered if the Body of Christ operated the same way. If the church isn't moving, then do problematic cells build up eventually making the Body sick? Or to put it another way are the healthiest churches the ones that are moving, circulating good fresh fluid through the system, eliminating the stuff that make a church sick?
So many churches these days, especially the mainline ones, seem to be sedentary. Just sitting on their corners, opening their doors from time to time during the week to allow in a nursery school or the local AA group but not really moving as a Body. What would it take to get your church moving? And what would movement look like? Have you ever asked your church to brainstorm or dream about this question?
And as the pastor what is your movement level? I don't mean how many meetings you attend, or how many visits you make or how many hours you work. Sorry, that's not the kind of movement necessary to push the immune system to health. What type of movement do you know you need to do because it makes you feel alive, full of purpose and energy? What can you model for your congregation in terms of spiritual movement, drive, flushing?
If the metaphor is too abstract then think of your own body. What are you doing to keep your immune system healthy and moving? Our bodies need good, healthy food, 8-9 hours of sleep a night, cardio-aerobic exercise and lots of water. Start there, get healthier yourself and then apply the same concept to your leadership style. Where does the church need to stretch, bend, flex or sprint? What kind of "food" is the church eating? Is the church getting adequate rest? Is the "immune system" of your church being treated to the very best in terms of positive energy. Paul's wonderful words to the Church at Phillipi help here: "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (4.8)
Feel the difference, see the difference, and most of all live the difference. And let me know what happens. If you are already doing this and your church is moving, let me know that too. Let's share our successes for a healthier Kingdom.
As I thought about that I wondered if the Body of Christ operated the same way. If the church isn't moving, then do problematic cells build up eventually making the Body sick? Or to put it another way are the healthiest churches the ones that are moving, circulating good fresh fluid through the system, eliminating the stuff that make a church sick?
So many churches these days, especially the mainline ones, seem to be sedentary. Just sitting on their corners, opening their doors from time to time during the week to allow in a nursery school or the local AA group but not really moving as a Body. What would it take to get your church moving? And what would movement look like? Have you ever asked your church to brainstorm or dream about this question?
And as the pastor what is your movement level? I don't mean how many meetings you attend, or how many visits you make or how many hours you work. Sorry, that's not the kind of movement necessary to push the immune system to health. What type of movement do you know you need to do because it makes you feel alive, full of purpose and energy? What can you model for your congregation in terms of spiritual movement, drive, flushing?
If the metaphor is too abstract then think of your own body. What are you doing to keep your immune system healthy and moving? Our bodies need good, healthy food, 8-9 hours of sleep a night, cardio-aerobic exercise and lots of water. Start there, get healthier yourself and then apply the same concept to your leadership style. Where does the church need to stretch, bend, flex or sprint? What kind of "food" is the church eating? Is the church getting adequate rest? Is the "immune system" of your church being treated to the very best in terms of positive energy. Paul's wonderful words to the Church at Phillipi help here: "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (4.8)
Feel the difference, see the difference, and most of all live the difference. And let me know what happens. If you are already doing this and your church is moving, let me know that too. Let's share our successes for a healthier Kingdom.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Does Your Church Need a Chiropractor?
A colleague of mine said she was so thoroughly refreshed after a summer of breezes, gardens, birds and a less hectic schedule that she didn't think she could leave it all behind for the frantic pace of Fall. As I thought about that I wondered why we have to leave it? What is the magic theological marker in the sand that we cross on Rally Day Sunday or Labor Day Sunday or whatever your church calls it? Where in the Bible does it say we have to become crazy out of our mind busy from September to June? Who set up this insane sense of program year anyway??
Everything we read these days is about how busy and stressed everyone is, how clergy are burning out at a rapid rate, how kids are over scheduled, how calendars conflict between school, church, work and community, and on and on. And yet we in the leadership of the church jump right in and join the stressed out crowd trying to see who can be the busiest of them all. (All clergy know that means how busy can we keep the pastor or can the pastor keep him/herself because when the bodies aren't there to carry on, the pastor will be).
I say it's time for a Parts Integration! The body of Christ is out of alignment and it is time for a re-alignment. Ask the chiropractors in your congregation what being out of alignment does to the body. Then try this simple exercise: Draw a line vertically on the page and on the left side of the line list 5 things that are most important to your church/congregation. On the right side list the the 5 things you spend most of your time doing. Are the two lists in synch, in alignment, congruent? If not, how do you bring them into alignment? Many times what we say is important to us is not what we spend the majority of our time on. Is that the case for your congregation? If Christian Education is important to you, then how much time and how many people are involved? Or worship? Or visitation? This is not just for the pastor. It is for the entire church body to think about.
Now there is a second step to this process of realignment and this is a bit more difficult. Are you ready? Make a list of the "open loops" that are robbing you of your energy and keeping you out of alignment. What's an open loop? An open loop is something in your life that has not been resolved, is open ended and is draining you of energy either by worry, on your mind constantly, guilt, etc. For example, is there a relationship that needs mending in your life that takes energy from your day as you worry about it or have to avoid it? Go to that person and resolve the issue. Close the loop. (Seems Jesus had something to say about that in several places). Maybe there is someone in the congregation who is constantly starting little fires to keep the church off balance and no one is stepping up to deal with this person. This is an open loop that drains your energy. If you have more than 3-5 open loops, get to work! You are energy depleted. Once you identify this then make an action plan to close them, set a time line and begin the process.
This is an exercise that needs to be done by everyone in the leadership at minimum and the whole church at best and then something the congregation as a whole enters. Where are the open loops that the church body has not closed and is draining their energy?
Re-aligning the Body of Christ, resolving the energy drainers and focusing on the important things will keep fresh breezes blowing.
Everything we read these days is about how busy and stressed everyone is, how clergy are burning out at a rapid rate, how kids are over scheduled, how calendars conflict between school, church, work and community, and on and on. And yet we in the leadership of the church jump right in and join the stressed out crowd trying to see who can be the busiest of them all. (All clergy know that means how busy can we keep the pastor or can the pastor keep him/herself because when the bodies aren't there to carry on, the pastor will be).
I say it's time for a Parts Integration! The body of Christ is out of alignment and it is time for a re-alignment. Ask the chiropractors in your congregation what being out of alignment does to the body. Then try this simple exercise: Draw a line vertically on the page and on the left side of the line list 5 things that are most important to your church/congregation. On the right side list the the 5 things you spend most of your time doing. Are the two lists in synch, in alignment, congruent? If not, how do you bring them into alignment? Many times what we say is important to us is not what we spend the majority of our time on. Is that the case for your congregation? If Christian Education is important to you, then how much time and how many people are involved? Or worship? Or visitation? This is not just for the pastor. It is for the entire church body to think about.
Now there is a second step to this process of realignment and this is a bit more difficult. Are you ready? Make a list of the "open loops" that are robbing you of your energy and keeping you out of alignment. What's an open loop? An open loop is something in your life that has not been resolved, is open ended and is draining you of energy either by worry, on your mind constantly, guilt, etc. For example, is there a relationship that needs mending in your life that takes energy from your day as you worry about it or have to avoid it? Go to that person and resolve the issue. Close the loop. (Seems Jesus had something to say about that in several places). Maybe there is someone in the congregation who is constantly starting little fires to keep the church off balance and no one is stepping up to deal with this person. This is an open loop that drains your energy. If you have more than 3-5 open loops, get to work! You are energy depleted. Once you identify this then make an action plan to close them, set a time line and begin the process.
This is an exercise that needs to be done by everyone in the leadership at minimum and the whole church at best and then something the congregation as a whole enters. Where are the open loops that the church body has not closed and is draining their energy?
Re-aligning the Body of Christ, resolving the energy drainers and focusing on the important things will keep fresh breezes blowing.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Where is Your Skin Thin?
Where is your skin thin? A group of clergy and I were discussing where our skin is thin in our ministry and there came forth a common theme! It seems we find ourselves reacting most quickly when there is an attack going on in a meeting, a harsh confrontation or negativity engulfing the group. As we explored that a bit more deeply we also acknowledged that many times when this happens it is because something has been brewing under the surface for a long time and we, pastors, have chosen to ignore it and so have most of our people, until someone takes the lid off and all the built up pressure explodes. When that happens we are surprised that we get so hooked into our own emotional baggage and uncomfortable dealing with it.
Why should we be surprised? Chances are we have ignored it for just that reason...we are uncomfortable dealing with the underlying issues we know are there. So we avoid and then feel inadequate to deal with the mess that has arisen. Susan Scott in her book, Fierce Conversations, says the first principle of a fierce conversation is interrogating reality and she asks "So, what are you (have you been) pretending not to know?" Great question isn't it?
What would happen if we stopped pretending not to know what was going on emotionally in the folks around us and asked about the emotions under a statement or even offered what was going on in us on an emotional level before the confontation becomes inevitable and we are paralzyed by our fears and inaction?
And here is a segment from the Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero:
"According to some scholars, the four presidents prior to Abraham Lincoln were 'compromise leaders,' unwilling to contront the difficult issue of slavery betwen the North & South. Then a mature leader with a solid sense of who he was, what he believed and valued - regardless of the consequences - took the White House. The strength and maturity of his character and convictions in many ways forced the nation to confront the reality of the abomination of slavery. The Civil War followed. The starting point for change in any nation, church, or ministry has always been the leader: As go the leaders, so goes the church.But it is not enough for the leader to change. God wants to set others free as well - whether this is their first year as a Christian or their fiftieth, whether they are single or married, and whatever their church role may be (new member, leader, or pastor). When you do the hard work of becoming an emotionally and spiritually mature disciple of Jesus Christ, the impact will be felt all around you..." p 36
Now admittedly the part about the Civil War might give you pause and yet we also know there is a price to pay when the truth is put on the table. And this truth had been ignored for well over 50 years as this country was being formed.
Jesus calls us to not be afraid, to walk into the darkness with his light, to bear fruit in our discipleship, to take care of our flock for their well being,to become emotionally and spiritually mature and to remember that we are resurrection people who will do even greater things than he did.
So what is it we are pretending not to know as we lead in these unsettled, anxious and emotional times?
Why should we be surprised? Chances are we have ignored it for just that reason...we are uncomfortable dealing with the underlying issues we know are there. So we avoid and then feel inadequate to deal with the mess that has arisen. Susan Scott in her book, Fierce Conversations, says the first principle of a fierce conversation is interrogating reality and she asks "So, what are you (have you been) pretending not to know?" Great question isn't it?
What would happen if we stopped pretending not to know what was going on emotionally in the folks around us and asked about the emotions under a statement or even offered what was going on in us on an emotional level before the confontation becomes inevitable and we are paralzyed by our fears and inaction?
And here is a segment from the Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero:
"According to some scholars, the four presidents prior to Abraham Lincoln were 'compromise leaders,' unwilling to contront the difficult issue of slavery betwen the North & South. Then a mature leader with a solid sense of who he was, what he believed and valued - regardless of the consequences - took the White House. The strength and maturity of his character and convictions in many ways forced the nation to confront the reality of the abomination of slavery. The Civil War followed. The starting point for change in any nation, church, or ministry has always been the leader: As go the leaders, so goes the church.But it is not enough for the leader to change. God wants to set others free as well - whether this is their first year as a Christian or their fiftieth, whether they are single or married, and whatever their church role may be (new member, leader, or pastor). When you do the hard work of becoming an emotionally and spiritually mature disciple of Jesus Christ, the impact will be felt all around you..." p 36
Now admittedly the part about the Civil War might give you pause and yet we also know there is a price to pay when the truth is put on the table. And this truth had been ignored for well over 50 years as this country was being formed.
Jesus calls us to not be afraid, to walk into the darkness with his light, to bear fruit in our discipleship, to take care of our flock for their well being,to become emotionally and spiritually mature and to remember that we are resurrection people who will do even greater things than he did.
So what is it we are pretending not to know as we lead in these unsettled, anxious and emotional times?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Listening for God
How do you listen for God? And how do you know when God has spoken? These are frequent questions I get and I'm not trying to avoid answering, but the truth is everyone has a unique wavelength that they tune in on.
For some it is like a kick in the stomach or a slap up side the head. For others it is a still, small voice coming to them in the night. For others it is a visual laying out the next step. Some folks feel an unsettledness, a discomfort, a challenge outside their comfort zone or a nudge to move in a new direction. God comes to some folks in dreams, technicolor and all. And often times God comes to us in other people asking just the right question or making an observation. Whatever the method of God's contact, most of the time we have to slow down, clear the clutter from our head, the busyness from our hands and make room in our hectic lives for God's word to us. I mean look at Paul. He had to be knocked to the ground with a flash of lightning before he stopped long enough for God to get his attention.
And if it is a variety of approaches that work for individuals, then how does this work for churches? How do a group of diverse people listen collectively for the call of God especially when slowing down, stopping the frantic rushing and removing the clutter from the church calendar is not something most mainline churches know how to do let alone want to do?
The Whitewater Mennonite Church in Manoiboa, Canada decided to find out how a church can listen without the clutter of committee work and the business of the church. They took a sabbatical year from all committee work. All nonessential tasks and decisions were set aside. Monthly congregational meetings were held to decide only essential issues. Volunteers were tapped for specific tasks but is someone didn't volunteer then that task went undone and it was assumed that person needed a sabbatical as well. What did they do? They listened for God through prayer, Bible reading, rest and fellowship. Hmmm? I hope they publish their results.
In the meantime what do you think?
For some it is like a kick in the stomach or a slap up side the head. For others it is a still, small voice coming to them in the night. For others it is a visual laying out the next step. Some folks feel an unsettledness, a discomfort, a challenge outside their comfort zone or a nudge to move in a new direction. God comes to some folks in dreams, technicolor and all. And often times God comes to us in other people asking just the right question or making an observation. Whatever the method of God's contact, most of the time we have to slow down, clear the clutter from our head, the busyness from our hands and make room in our hectic lives for God's word to us. I mean look at Paul. He had to be knocked to the ground with a flash of lightning before he stopped long enough for God to get his attention.
And if it is a variety of approaches that work for individuals, then how does this work for churches? How do a group of diverse people listen collectively for the call of God especially when slowing down, stopping the frantic rushing and removing the clutter from the church calendar is not something most mainline churches know how to do let alone want to do?
The Whitewater Mennonite Church in Manoiboa, Canada decided to find out how a church can listen without the clutter of committee work and the business of the church. They took a sabbatical year from all committee work. All nonessential tasks and decisions were set aside. Monthly congregational meetings were held to decide only essential issues. Volunteers were tapped for specific tasks but is someone didn't volunteer then that task went undone and it was assumed that person needed a sabbatical as well. What did they do? They listened for God through prayer, Bible reading, rest and fellowship. Hmmm? I hope they publish their results.
In the meantime what do you think?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Meanies in the Pews
A few years ago I heard Tony Campolo tell an audience of mostly lay people "You're mean" And they laughed! In Tony's own way he had humorously hit upon a nasty truth of the church. I laughed, too...at their laughter. What had they missed about his rather humorous critique? Did they think he wasn't talking about them? The not so funny part of it was that at the time I was embroiled in a church controversy that although not about me or initiated by me, I was the one bearing the brunt of the "fix it" cries. I felt powerless to stop the nastiness and mean spirited comments that were flying around meetings, on the phone and in the parking lot. Telling them to stop, preaching about love and acceptance from the pulpit, refusing to be part of meetings where they were so harsh with one another, didn't stop the meanness. And based on Campolo's statement I wasn't the first pastor to witness this phenomenon.
So here's my question. Where do Christians learn to be mean? We certainly don't have to look too far to see the meanness of some in the right wing who make headlines on a regular basis. Is this where they learn that it is ok? Probably not. The reason I say that is because most of the 'nasty' ones I have encountered are life long Christians. They grew up in the church, learned the Bible stories, took communion and served on boards. And that is perhaps where the learning of unChristian behavior really starts to take form - the church meeting.
And here's the bigger more personal question...how do we as pastor's perpetuate the lack of civility in the church? More on this as we go along....
So here's my question. Where do Christians learn to be mean? We certainly don't have to look too far to see the meanness of some in the right wing who make headlines on a regular basis. Is this where they learn that it is ok? Probably not. The reason I say that is because most of the 'nasty' ones I have encountered are life long Christians. They grew up in the church, learned the Bible stories, took communion and served on boards. And that is perhaps where the learning of unChristian behavior really starts to take form - the church meeting.
And here's the bigger more personal question...how do we as pastor's perpetuate the lack of civility in the church? More on this as we go along....
Monday, June 28, 2010
SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVING IS...
How would you finish this title? ...and the living is easy? ...and the living is no different than it is any other time of the year? For many churches there is an expectation that things will slow down in the summer. For many clergy there is the reality that things just do not slow down in the summer. Here in WNY with only 3 months of nice, warm, sunny weather (hopefully), it is easy to see why we would expect things to slow down. That is how we want them to be so we can enjoy the nice summer days. And many folks take a summer vacation in order to relax and re-create. Some go so far as to take every Sunday off in the summer here in WNY because after all, God does! And yet for the pastor, nothing seems to change all that much except that even more than usual the pastor is the Lone Ranger holding down the fort. I know some pastors who will take an entire month off in the summer and I say BRAVO! It takes 4 weeks to unhook and unwind before gearing up for the Fall program year. I know others whose congregations have a fit if they take more than a week at a time because they don't know what to do without the pastor around. To which I can say with all Christian humility of one who has been there, done that and has the T shirt...GIVE ME A BREAK! Literally and figuratively.
So here's a novel idea. In Christian Century there was an article about a church that is taking a sabbatical year from all committee work! Now if a church can take an entire year from committee work, surely it can take a summer off. Try it and let me know.
So here's a novel idea. In Christian Century there was an article about a church that is taking a sabbatical year from all committee work! Now if a church can take an entire year from committee work, surely it can take a summer off. Try it and let me know.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Pastor or Reluctant CEO
Remember when you graduated from seminary and you were on fire to bring your new knowledge, skills and passion for the ministry to a local church? How long was it before the fire extinguishers in the congregation were aimed at you and your passion was a smoldering ember smothered by administrative responsibilities? And how long was it before you realized that those responsibilities came with little or no authority? For those of us ordained into a congregational system of church government we soon found that our passion for ministry threatened to pull apart the tightly woven fabric of the business as usual business model so comfortable and familiar to the congregation. Suddenly, you found yourself a reluctant CEO expected to be an expert on finance, strategic planning, management, and conflict resolution. The paradox was that even if you were an expert in one of those areas your ideas were often dismissed because how could a seminary trained person know anyting about real world business issues. And you wondered if you would have better served the church with a MBA or a MSW. The challenge for pastors today is how to recover their passion, kindle the fire in their people and reclaim the scriptural model for church life. This isn't to say that there aren't valuable leadership skills that the clergy need to know. Most definitely they do. That is the challenge for seminaries and denominations to take up. So, here's my question to all the pastors, seminary professors and denominational executives...What are we all pretending not to know as we look at today's church? Stay tuned.
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