Archive for Personal Thoughts
Is Bible Thumping Effective?
Posted by: | CommentsI recently got involved with a post discussion that relates to churches using “pop culture” to share the Gospel or as an aid for weekly sermons – and whether that is a sin. I don’t want to open a can of worms so I won’t link to the post right now (and that is another discussion altogether) but one of the things that disturbed me was the approach that some Christians take when commenting or giving their two cents.
Discussing one’s view is great. I think that it is essential we debate on different topics and learn from others about the way they see things. But I do not agree when a Christian begins to get hateful or becomes self-righteous by attempting to throw Scripture at another so that they can “prove” they are right when there is no decisive way to “win”. For example, we can say that the Bible speaks clearly about Jesus being the Son of God and God in the flesh. There is no dispute in that. We can discuss the topic of speaking in tongues and agree to disagree that some believe it is a valid gift today and others who do not. This is a non-essential that can go either way.
What has really chapped my hide is that I have been involved in many blog posts where a devoted, hardcore Christian will respond with an air of superiority and pride – and do all they can to “thump” Scripture into the heathen’s head (believer or not) and whose only purpose is to prove their point as if God is awaiting their great spiritual victory. I am all for sharing correct teaching and Scripture. I think too many people have backed down from what they believe in, but there is a way to dialogue these beliefs in a way that isn’t condescending.
How we approach conversations is very important as Christians. This is one reason there is SO MUCH division in the Church today and why most non-Christians don’t want to even hear what we want to share. What do you think? Is “Bible Thumping” really and truly effective for today’s culture?
Do You Do What You Love, Despite the Outcome?
Posted by: | CommentsI have been reading some really cool blogs lately whose authors seem to really enjoy what they do for a living. Many of them share their insights on how you can pursue your dream and make money at it as well. I have always dreamed about a few things I would love to do from a personal and professional standpoint. I have read great authors who have talked about following your passion or bliss – regardless if you get paid or not. But is this reality or a big pipe dream?
I wonder if this is just something that hits on the human heart and it a great way to sell your blog, books, or speaking engagements.
What about the responsibilities that one has to provide for the family or needs of others? How do you chase something that you dream about doing (and have wanted to do for years) and keep juggling the balls you must juggle in the air? What do you do if you have more than one thing you want to do?
So do you do what you love despite the cost or outcome? Or do you settle for what you know and is the safe way to go?
How Many People Got Saved in Your Church this Weekend?
Posted by: | CommentsI hate numbers! Maybe it’s because I almost failed the lowest math class one could take in high school or because I am right brained and can’t grasp integers or fractions. Or maybe it could be that many church leader’s blogs seem to repeatedly talk about the number of people they saved last weekend, how much money they are spending for that new tricked out facility, or the goal to break 700 or 10,000 people this weekend. Honestly, it is starting to really turn me off to some Christians!
I realize that healthy growth is important for a church and that people should becoming devoted followers of Christ because our churches are obedient to Matthew 28:19-20, but some churches are starting to act like Fortune 500 companies. I read blogs every Monday and Friday to keep up with culture and church life. It is simply astonishing how numbers, name dropping, or egomania seems to be the topics of discussion as if it’s some type of trophy that church people and leaders should be striving for.
Is our calling or our mission really about who we are speaking with at the next “bigger than life” conference or how many people got saved as a result of our kick-butt message last Sunday? To me, and this is only my opinion, I feel this is not any different than the Pharisee’s in Jesus day. They were about the image and the show. What we need is more discussion about bringing unity to the Body of Believers and things that are more beneficial to the Kingdom. Less of self, more of Jesus.
Something for Nothing
Posted by: | CommentsI have a question. Would you be willing to give up your paycheck for one week? What if I called you on the phone and asked you to give me your salary or benefits because I am a church who has a need and you are the one that can fulfill it? C’mon, after all I am a Christian!
How many times have we expected to get something for nothing because we are a pastor, a church, or a church planter? I’ve been guilty of this. If I called a plumber or bought a car, I secretly hoped for the “pastor’s special discount”. Sometimes I made sure the salesman knew I was a church planting pastor. After all, we are entitled to God’s blessings and freebies aren’t we? Well, not so fast. Read More→
Conversations with an Un-Churched Friend
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I was working on a project for a client at my office the other day when a friend stopped by and asked me what I am doing. “Well, I’m designing some slammin’ graphics for a new church that wants to reach people who have tattoos and body piercings – and the kind of people not normally found in a typical church”, I replied. And then it hit me like a speeding Mack truck that my buddy is the EXACT person this church wants to reach. I decided to engage him on his thoughts and feedback (and since he was a little curious why a church wanted to use a pic of tattooed people).
