Them Gambles @takethegamble - Tumblr Blog

The "Dechurched" -- I

I have spent the last 9 years dealing mostly with people between the ages of 12-30. More recently my time has included adults, but some prevailing themes have been present in many conversations. The consistent exodus of young (and old) through the church has created a glaring problem for American churches. More recently, in order to compensate for that trend, churches have focused on young people by trying to create environments similar to those young people are drawn to. Bars, clubs, gyms, etc. But I believe the reasons people are leaving the church are more significant than cool lighting. They are many, but I want to spend time focused on four.

First, people leave the church because they don't believe the truth. Many people have heard "the truth" over and over. But there is a difference between knowing and believing. I can be told something over and over from childhood. So much so that I can repeat it verbatim back to my teachers. I can answer as many questions on the topic as necessary to prove my expertise. This matters not if I do not believe these truths. When the temptation of certain pleasure looms or future riches, if I do not believe I will falter.

Second, people leave the church because God did not come through the way they wanted him to. He or she behaved, and they were "rewarded" with difficulty and struggle. This is often attributed to family members who promised that if you "follow God, everything will get better." And then it doesn't. Then what? Naturally, people begin to question if it's just them. Was I good enough? Why doesn't he help me too?

Third, a misplaced trust can lead to destruction. People often leave the church because their pastor failed them. This is highlighted in a mass exodus at a mega church when the entire event plays out in front of the media. But the reality is, it happens every day in smaller scales at churches around the country.

Fourth, none of this ever made any sense. One might qualify that a person who never understood the gospel of Jesus was never a part of the church, but I will include this anyways. Some might say this is an "academic disbelief." The Bible is full of errors and contradictions. Jesus wasn't real/was married. Science and reason. But I propose there are just as many unknowns on either side of the equation, and this objection is more often than not a judgment of the Bible based on 1) misunderstanding or 2) hypocrisy in the church.

It is with hope that I undertake to challenge all of those "reasons", more for my own sake than anything else. I believe that in examining these things I will be better able to love my neighbor, shepherd the flock, and walk in truth.

Weighing In On Eric Garner, America, and Christians

I am out of practice in writing, and these are certainly not carefully crafted words that have been proofread and pored over by friends prior to posting. But they are in my mind, and I have been tempted over the last several days to put something down. I suppose the temptation was just too strong. I kept hoping to write something on the "issues" at hand, but my stomach was sick. Here's the flat out truth---

Eric Garner is not an issue. He is a person.

Rumain Brisbon is not an issue. He is a person.

Tamir Rice is not a soap box. He is a little boy.

Dante Parker. Ezell Ford. John Crawford. Michael Brown. Trayvon Martin.

These are all sons, brothers, husbands, fathers. They are men, a part of mankind. Made in God's image. That alone should be enough for other HUMAN beings to mourn and feel sadness over their loss. How disconnected are we when we use the deaths of others to forward a political agenda? But this is what the internet does. Reading stories of dead people you've never known, it's easy to make assumptions and draw conclusions about thugs or aggressive police officers.

Certainly there is a vast amount of information on these cases we are not privy to. You will have to draw your own conclusions about the situation based on the evidence. I can make lots of judgment calls as a white man sitting comfortably in a couch in North Idaho. I am not a police officer. I am also not a young black man being threatened by police officers.

But I am a human. And as a human I am saddened that these things are glossed over so flippantly in favor of gaining ground on some conservative/liberal argument. These are men. With families. Dead. Whether you are white or black, blue or red, north or south, NRA or Anti-Weapon; you should be saddened by that truth.

Things That Are Different

Sometimes sad things make me laugh. I don't know why I emote this way, it just happens. One particular instance of this is my frustration with humanity's general disposition towards things that are different than themselves. That's vague, so let us take a for instance:

Read a million blogs about how to get ahead. Everyone will tell you logging long hours at the office, first one there last one to leave, imitation is flattery, etc. Then read blogs about how no one understands how to get ahead anymore. All these damn twenty year olds are the ones screwing up America/the world.

Read a million blogs on creativity. Everyone will tell you that desk jobs are unfulfilling, real life happens in the simplicity, money can't buy you love, etc. Then read blogs about how no one understands the starving artist and they are so misjudged. All these damn work-aholics are the ones screwing up America/the world.

The real problem is the pagans/organized religion. You know who the problem is? It's white people/black people. What really gets your goat? Poor people/rich people. The government/the public.

The same things have been said for a long time. I bet if I asked my parents they would tell you that their parents thought they were lazy and unprepared and screwing up their great country. And if I asked their parents parents? Hard pressed to believe a different answer would surface.

But what if we need each other? What if the work-a-holics need the beauty the artists create, and the artists need the economy and culture and technology established in the world's cubicles? What if the religious need the pagan to love, and the irreligious need the religious to love in return?

What if the harmony we are looking for isn't political or racial or any other form? What if it is a peaceful embrace of the created order and the differences of every individual as representative of the full character, nature, and beauty of God? What if I'm the problem?

Nah. It's the damn twenty year olds.

What Happens When We Become the Main Characters in the Bible?

It is so tempting to read the Scriptures and hunt for yourself.In fact, this is far easier than seeing Jesus in the Scriptures because, well, we like ourselves some. Let us for a moment think back on how Sunday school was taught to most of us-

Story of David and Goliath- Little guy vs. the big guy. "If you face your fears (or giants), then God will come through for you only if you believe in Him. Don't you want to be like David?"

And on cue every little boy picks up his slingshot and starts practicing for the day he will slay the giant. What happens next is written from experience, so I'll warn you- It's tough.

The giant shows up, and we pull all the right levers- then get our butts kicked. I remember thinking over and over again as a young man- "I'm grabbing my rocks, God. Taking on a bigger fight than I can handle. You better come through." And then things didn't go the way I wanted them to and my general course of thought was, "Where were you on that one? I thought I was David?"

This is a problem. Why is it a problem, you ask? Precisely because it minimizes God's work, and maximizes our role. I have done all, you will act in response to all that I've done. And the natural outcome of this line of thinking is that EVERYONE is doing the right thing. Thus, EVERYONE becomes David, and everything is Goliath. You get a David vs. David on the football field. This is not the way stories work. There can't be 3,000 main characters (Unless you're reading "That Hideous Strength" by C.S. Lewis). So who is the main character?

The reality- David's slaying of a giant is a foreshadow of a greater and future King- Jesus, who would slay the ultimate giant, Death. David's victory hints at a coming victory. David conquers the hawking agent of fear that stood over God's people. And soon, Jesus would conquer the hawking agent of fear that stands over all people- Death.

There's only one main character. And reading the Bible to insert your name into every good story is noble. But you can't be Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Samson, David, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. Shoot, I'm not even sure you want to be! But you can be you. And Jesus can be Jesus. And I think you'll find the Bible makes a lot more sense that way.

Image Carving

The best thing about Facebook is everyone is on it. The worst thing about Facebook is everyone is on it. And everyone seems to have something to say.

I don't spend much time on Facebook anymore, but I have before. And I recall a simple feeling- Having a bad day, and looking on Facebook to see how good looking my friends were, how much fun they were having, and all the delicious food they were making and eating. All this as I sat in my room, wondering why my life was as boring as it really is.

It's simple enough, really. Click on a friend's picture or status update, jump to their page, and scroll down to the ABSOLUTE bottom. This is how Facebook perceives your life-

1) January 3, 1986- Born.

2) 2004- Joined Facebook.

And from there scroll through hundreds (or more likely thousands) of posts, pictures, quotes, and check-ins to see just how amazing someone's life really is. All the while you're creating a fictional timeline of your friend's life full of smiles, traveling, and boat loads of cash to pay for all that FOOD. Every year you see how much they love their wife. Every year you see just how many "friends" wish them happy birthday, and every day see how many people think their baby is too cute.

Meanwhile, time ticks away on a not so exciting life, in a not so exciting room, with a not so exciting dinner.

Facebook is designed to capture moments of life. Whether those moments are good or bad is up to the user, but most prefer to share the highlights of their day. Some may even go so far as to post optimized versions of themselves. And there is nothing wrong with this, the problem lies with the reader.

Too many of us look through a timeline and link these events in immediate succession. We assume that others lives, marriages, children, and meals are better than ours day in and day out when we are really watching the highlight reel.

Facebook can be a great way to stay in touch with long lost friends. It can also aid in keeping mass groups of people updated on major events in your life (i.e. getting married, having a child, etc). Facebook is not the problem. The problem is we use Facebook as a substitute for authentic relationship, and from there we build assumptions and perceptions of other people's lives that are unrealistic.

Some of my friends have really cute babies who are often smiling in pictures. I would wager that they also cry. Our baby sure does, we just don't post those pictures. Some of my friends have really great marriages and are deeply in love. I would wager they also argue and hurt each other. We sure do, we just don't post those updates. Some people cook delicious meals involving some alternative form of ice cream that burns fat and builds muscle just from eating it and will also cure cancer, improve your sex life, and drywall the basement. Maybe that was hyperbolic, but you get the point.

Facebook is great. But it doesn't know everything. People are still people, and it takes a person to know that.

I can say that I never knew what joy was like until I gave up pursuing happiness, or cared to live until I chose to die. For these two discoveries I am beholden to Jesus.

Malcolm Muggeridge

The "Conservative-Christian"

I was born in Alabama. My father was in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years. I was taken to church gatherings as an infant until my teenage years. Most of my thoughts were formed in a red elephant world. But in more recent years my thoughts were formed by the Scriptures and Jesus taught me to use my noggin.

I don't mean to say other people are idiots, perhaps misguided is a better term. More and more I have seen the increasing belief that "Christian" and "Republican" or "Conservative" are synonymous. More and more I see Christians using social media to promote political ideals and tout their conservatism, causing drastic division and discord among people God has called them to as missionaries, not as Republicans.

Perhaps this is all due to a mix-up of priorities. Followers of Jesus are to have Jesus as their primary allegiance, not democracy. But I attribute it to something much deeper and insidious than this. I think the majority of this is caused by a nostalgic desire for "reform" to past models of America. People look at the past and wish the good ol' US of A could just get back to the times when everyone was happy, and June Cleaver cooked us all dinner.

This notion of wishful thinking is a lie believed and an awful misconception of the purpose for which God placed us on the earth. Friends, Jesus does not love America. Jesus loves people. Muslims and democrats and Pharisees and Canadians and illegal immigrants and homosexuals and heterosexuals all over the world. And his design was to use YOU, the Christian, to call them to himself. Unfortunately, you've been too busy telling everyone that this country is going to hell in a hand-basket because of all the "liberals."

A wise man once said, "Say not, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For it is not from wisdom that you ask this."

Your nostalgic longing for Pleasantville America is a misplaced desire for the New Jerusalem. And thinking that you'll find it in 1951 Missouri, or 2015 Political Reform San Diego is as foolish as thinking that the Messiah is going to come and restore the new world order.

Jesus already came. He won't be the next Republican candidate. And I would wager that the democratic candidate won't be the anti-christ either. So rather than viewing the "damned liberals" as your enemies, how about you see them as the very people God has called you to invite into your home to serve and learn from and walk with?

What if we realized that countries change because people change? And rather than clinging to some hope that upper-middle class America would be preserved for generations to come, we would hope and pray with the same fervor and zeal that our great-grandchildren would be lovers of Jesus and His gospel, no matter what this silly continent looks like...that sounds like a dream worth dying for.

The Playbook Part II- The Swooper

A classic in the manly maneuver world, the swooper has long been practiced globally. Whether or not women are aware of it, they tend to be more vulnerable during periods of heightened emotion. The classic example is immediately preceding a break-up, but one could also experience "swoopability" after losing a loved one, a fight with a friend, or a bout of depression.

Regardless of it's inspiration, a woman becomes emotionally available, and the swooper swoops. He steps in with a few specific techniques:

1) He is there as a friend. With no more intentions than "just being there," he shows up in a time of need.

2) He would never hurt you. He would surely never do that thing to hurt you that the last person did. Never.

3) He'll always be there for you. Except when he's not.

Truthfully, the swooper can be a decent guy looking for an opening to a girl he's liked for a long time. But here's his problem, and here's the biggest problem- the swooper could also be titled "the savior." He'll never let you down. He'll always be there. He's your best friend.

But everyone lets us down. No one can be there every moment of the day. And best friend is a subjective term.

Too often the ideal we keep of love and marriage is "apocalyptic romance." We fall so deeply in love with this new person, hoping that they'll finally be the one who never does the things that everyone else does. And that works right up until they do.

Everyone fails. Everyone misses. Everyone makes mistakes. That's the reality, and when we put that much pressure on another person- to be the end all be all- we crush them, and eventually they crush us.

This is why the swooper/savior doesn't last. He can't play that role forever. And you can look for another one after he lets you down, or you can trust the real Savior. The One Who is always present. And He's never failed.

"The Playbook" Part I (A Series of Blogs to Give Females Insight into the Male's Dating Maneuvers)

This is the first blog in a series that aims to address some of the strange things men might do during a pre-dating/dating/engaged/marriage relationships. Partial humor and a bit of satire, my hope is that women might garner a bit of understanding on when it's time to run, when it's time to talk, and when it's time to give in. While it is not a "100 Ways to Understand Your Man," Cosmo article; it is educational. Let me know what you think.

Part 1- "The Hook"

If you're a female, perhaps you've fallen prey to a move I like to call "the hook." Initially, this starts out fairly casual. A young guy and girl meet in a common group of friends, they "hit it off" finding common interests and similar humor, and they commence texting. Most couples would move straight into dating, but if the guy is pulling "the hook" he'll start working some moves.

First, he'll flirt with you. It may begin casually enough, and perhaps you're thinking, "I can't tell if he likes me or not." But pretty soon you're sure that there are no signals crossed and he definitely likes you. The frequency of texts, the types of conversations, and the amounts of time spent together are dead giveaways.

Second, he'll tell you he likes you. Usually in some sweet, non-aggressive and romantic kind of way. It could be at a dinner, it could be over the phone, or it could be in some stolen "alone time" at a party. But it comes with an apology...

Third, he'll tell you why the two of you can't be together. This laundry list of excuses has endless possibilities. "We both just got out of long relationships." "I am working on my relationship with God." "I am trying to finish school/career." Lots of options here, but get that he has some reason the two of you can't be together.

As elated as you were to find out he likes you, is as crushed as you are to find out that you can't be together. But here's the "move"- He's telling you that at some indefinite, fuzzy, ambiguous point in the distant/not so distant future, the two of you will march off together in love.

Why is he doing this? Because as long as he has you thinking that at some point you'll be together, you'll wait around for him. So he gets all the attention of a relationship (texting, cute little notes, never feeling alone); with none of the work.

The harsh reality is that he either likes someone else or he doesn't think of you as a long term option. But this isn't your problem, it's his.

So, girls- if you're on the hook, get off the hook. Stop texting/calling/quasi-dating and tell the dude- "We are either together or we aren't. If we aren't, I'll find someone else." Don't let him have his cake and eat it too. It won't work out in the end.

"A Tale of Two Cities" Review/Report

My recent affinity for fiction led me to Dickens' classic "A Tale of Two Cities." It was partially inspired by watching "Les Miserables" with Jess a few weeks ago, but here are my thoughts:

First and foremost, the book is a classic for a reason. Music, movies, and literature that endure time do so for a reason. They transcend the era in which they were written and strike at a chord that exists in all of humanity. This novel is no different. Set in the French revolution, Dickens contrasts England and France as contemporaries. The major premise of the book is not unlike that of Hugo's "Les Miserables," of which he writes:

"So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilisation, artificially creates hells on earth, and complicates a destiny that is divine, with human fatality; so long as the three problems of the age--the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of woman by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night--are not yet solved; as long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, and from a yet more extended point of view, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless."- Victor Hugo

So it is with "A Tale of Two Cities." Masterfully we are taken on the journey of a few main characters woven together by fate. And not absent from this cry for social justice is the notion of redemption. Dickens echoes the story of every human heart with the character Sydney Carton, who fears he has wasted his life and ultimately is redeemed with the great act of self-sacrifice.

One of the unique features of this novel is that there is no "bad guy." Perhaps there is a "bad woman" as the main antagonist, but we are clearly shown the reason for her actions. Powerfully, Dickens uses a thick brush to paint the true antagonist of the human race- hatred. Oppression is always wrong, whether from the outset or in response to previous oppression. And perhaps idealistic, Dickens gives us the cry of every human heart- selflessness, generosity, love, redemption, and purpose.

The nobility of this work will stand tall for ages to come, and I don't doubt that my children's children will read it with the same fervor that I did.

My chief complaint lies with the notion of humanism that underlies the story line. The belief that human beings will overcome because of some hidden good stemming from the very fact that we are all human beings is tempting and soothing to our psyche, but time and experience have proven that we are all far too selfish for such a Utopian society to exist without divine intervention. We may send our hounds barking up the "all you need is love" ten more centuries, but the truth remains that sinful humanity will never triumph on its own. We cannot rescue ourselves.

"A Tale of Two Cities" is engaging, approachable, and useful for everyone. It sits on the list of 1001 books to read before you die for a good reason. It was a wonderful novel that stirred many emotions and thoughts during my time spent with it.

Chiming In on Trayvon Martin, Racism, and "patriotism"

Perhaps it is foolish to post words about a difficult and controversial issue on an inanimate page for readers to "take" as they may, but my intention is to be a voice of reason for some friends and strangers. So indulge my foolishness for just a moment.

Let us begin at the beginning- the loss of any life is a tragedy. Whether old or young, moral or immoral, life is precious; and to see it taken away is a terrible thing. So I express heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Trayvon Martin. I was not there that night. I have no right to impose my opinions on what happened; but I know one thing- I wish it never did. I am terribly and tragically sorry.

That being said, it is difficult to read hate filled nonsense posted on the internet. A young man's life is lost. If it were your son, your nephew, your family friend; can you imagine the pain and anger that would come from hearing thousands of people who never knew him calling him a thug and a criminal? Your political opinions shouldn't impede your view of humanity. But because you watch Fox News you know the family's history.

What I find saddest in all of this is that Christians who have some nostalgic view of America believe that this is about gun rights and personal freedom. Friend, Christian, Brother- the Scriptures you claim to submit to declare that Christianity is a surrendering of our rights. We do not claim rights of our own but rather lay them down for the sake of the Kingdom of God. So, rather than widening the gap between our brothers with your "political Christianity," please close the gap with Kingdom Christianity.

I am not sure how more hatred will help assuage the grief of families and relatives. I am not sure how reminiscing about the "good old days" when everyone carried a shotgun spreads the mercy of Christ to an unbelieving world. I am not sure how your political beliefs squeeze into the Scriptures. I am sure that Christ calls us peacemakers.

Certainly Jesus says, "I came not to bring peace but a sword," (Matthew 10:34)- but the division he sought was over the glory of His name, not the preservation of your rights.

So friend, Christian, brother- I beg you to re-examine your position. To choose carefully what you post online knowing that you could add fuel to a fire that needs no more stoking. And I praise our glorious Savior because he ended any notion of racism and brought harmony to all humankind by laying down His rights and giving up His life for those that were different than Him.

Who Stands Fast?

Bonhoeffer, in response to the question "what ethics will help us stand against evil?":

The great masquerade of evil has played havoc with all our ethical concepts. For evil to appear disguised as light, charity, historical necessity, or social justice is quite bewildering to anyone brought up on our traditional ethical concepts, while for the Christian who bases his life on the Bible it merely confirms the fundamental wickedness of evil.

The ‘reasonable’ people’s failure is obvious. With the best intentions and a naïve lack of realism, they think that with a little reason they can bend back into the position the framework that has got out of joint. In their lack of vision they want to do justice to all sides, and so the conflicting forces wear them down with nothing achieved. Disappointed by the world’s unreasonableness, they see themselves condemned to ineffectiveness; they step aside in resignation or collapse before the stronger party.

Still more pathetic is the total collapse of moral fanaticism. The fanatic thinks that his single-minded principles qualify him to do battle with the powers of evil; but like a bull he rushes at the red cloak instead of the person who is holding it; he exhausts himself and is beaten. He gets entangled in non-essentials and falls into the trap set by cleverer people.

Then there is the man with a conscience, who fights single-handed against heavy odds in situations that call for a decision. But the scale of the conflicts in which he has to choose – with no advice or support except from his own conscience – tears him to pieces. Evil approaches him in so many respectable and seductive disguises that his conscience becomes nervous and vacillating, till at last he contents himself with a salved instead of a clear conscience, so that he lies to his own conscience in order to avoid despair; for a man whose only support is his conscience can never realize that a bad conscience may be stronger and more wholesome than a deluded one.

From a perplexingly large number of possible decisions, the way of duty seems to be the sure way out. Here, what is commanded is accepted as what is most certain, and the responsibility for it rests on the commander, not on the person commanded. But no one who confines himself to the limits of duty ever goes so far as to venture, on his sole responsibility, to act in the only way that makes it possible to score a direct hit on evil and defeat it. The man of duty will in the end have to do his duty by the devil too.

As to the man who asserts his complete freedom to stand four-square to the world, who values the necessary deed more highly than an unspoiled conscience or reputation, who is ready to sacrifice a barren principle for a fruitful compromise, or the barren wisdom of a middle course for a fruitful radicalism – let him beware lest his freedom should bring him down. He will assent to what is bad so as to ward off something worse, and in doing so he will no longer be able to realize that the worse, which he wants to avoid, might be the better. Here we have the raw material of tragedy.

Here and there people flee from public altercation into the sanctuary of private virtuousness. But anyone who does this must shut his mouth and his eyes to the injustice around him. Only at the cost of self-deception can he keep himself pure from the contamination arising from responsible action. In spite of all that he does, what he leaves undone will rob him of his peace of mind. He will either go to pieces because of this disquiet, or become the most hypocritical of Pharisees.

Who stands fast? Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all this when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God – the responsible man, who tries to make his whole life an answer to the question and call of God. Where are these responsible people?

Thoughts on Mother's Day

It was the first time Jess and I got to celebrate Mother's Day with our own child. It was a terrific time and I hope as meaningful for her as it was for me. But this day comes with a tinge of sadness every year as I remember my own mother. It is strange to know that the more time passes, the farther she is gone; not because I am forgetting her, but because I am remembering her. The sorrow is that she has become my past rather than my present. And this is the way it is with death.

The year my mom passed away, I didn't have the sense that she had left me. I do not pretend to know if she sees me, I thought I she would make certain I sensed her with me. It turns out I was right. I remember those early days well. I specifically remember driving down the road on a sunny day with the sun roof open in her old car, listening to The Beatles "Here Comes the Sun" as tears flowed freely. I remember sensing her encouragement to give thanks and not expect the worst. I remember hearing her laugh. And I remember the brightness of her eyes, filled with mischief and trusting love.

But that is what I do now- I remember. No more sensing her nearness in the car or hearing her laugh. No more mistakenly picking up the phone to tell her about my day. Just memories of those things.

Thoughts on "Lincoln" and a worthwhile life

Jess and I watched "Lincoln" last week. Our reviews were different- I loved the entire thing and count it a cinematic masterpiece, Jess qualified it as "good" with an "enjoyable ending." (The enjoyable ending being the abolition of slavery. Jess' understated enthusiasm is noted!) I suppose the difference in our response is sorted out in our reading of books, particularly, biographies.

I love reading biographies of great people. It does not matter to me if they are Christian men or women, I am fascinated by what stirs the great people in history. I believe "Lincoln" to be a reasonably accurate, historical portrayal of one of history's great men, hence my enjoyment. As we watched, a quote I read once from the true Lincoln passed around my mind-

"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong."

As I watched this film, and thought back on the lives of Lincoln, Hudson Taylor, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill, or other legends of whom I've read, I had one thought (speaks to my intelligence level)-

Not many of these men set out to be great. Their greatness was a combination of timing and conviction.

None of the honorable men in history set out to be great. Most of the people who started that quest ended as tyrants or dictators. These men set out with a great level of personal conviction that matched their times. Too many people today strive for empty greatness. Perhaps we should strive to be firm in our convictions, and greatness will emerge?

I believe this is why we have so few "great leaders" today. Everyone wants to be loved, and no one wants to be "true."

Some Thoughts On Leaving Olympia Metro

It may be a surprise to some. Sunday, March 24th, I served my final Sunday at Olympia Metro Church. The last year has been one of the most joyous of my life, and having the opportunity to shepherd the little group that met at 618 Puget St. every Sunday morning was the source of innumerable blessings. But it was clear to Jess and me that it was time to move on and allow God to use that building in different ways. Here are some (not all) of the reasons why:

1) I have always struggled with the "calling" aspect of the job. I was constantly uncertain as to whether or not I was doing the right thing (vocationally). I, like most pastors, am "administratively challenged." Seeing the world as a series of systems and excel sheets is not my gig, which made church planting extra difficult. I prefer to be with people and to teach the Bible.

2) I am not sure my view of "the church" is settled yet. I believe in the preached word of Jesus. I believe in the community that is committed to the proclaimed/preached Word, but also propelled by the Word into mission. There have been many internal conversations bouncing around for years, most of which are centered on- "Is the most effective way to reach lost people getting everyone together on Sunday morning for an hour and a half?" That is not to insult any church or person. These are the questions I am asking, and I have been asking them for a long time. I do know that the mission of reaching non-believers is ultimate in the Scriptures. Thus I want it to be ultimate in my life as well.

3) I have always been a bit of a "theological outlier" in the Assemblies of God. I am so humbled by the opportunity to plant a church. I am so thankful for the influence of Evergreen Christian Community and the Assemblies of God in my life. I would not be seated in a coffee shop in Olympia thinking of Jesus were it not for pastors and teachers in those communities. However, my convictions have always been on the outskirts of acceptability. It seemed wise to finally say goodbye.

4) I love being around people who don't know Jesus. And working in "vocational" ministry that is harder than it should be.

5) A few months ago I read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. If you're unfamiliar with this story feel free to go and read it. In short, Jesus tells a story of a master who gives his servants money. To one he gives five talents, to another two, and to another one- each according to his ability. Having grown up in the church and even taught this passage, I must have come across it 20+ times. But in reading it that day, I remember as clearly as ever the footnote- "A talent is equal to about 20 years wages." 20 years! To one guy he gave 100 years wages, to another 40, and to another 20. And when the master came back, he asked the workers to give account of their usage of the talents. Two servants had doubled their talents and are rewarded. The third had lived in fear and hid his in the ground. He is punished. I wrote these words in my journal that day:

"Lord, if you were to give me twenty years in Olympia, how would I use them best to glorify you? How I long to hear the words, 'Enter into the joy of your master.'"

It was that short. God began to speak to me through that moment and lead my family to the point we are at today.

On Sunday I resigned. Not for any funny business. Not for any sort of disagreement with Evergreen Christian Community or the Assemblies of God. But out of obedience to a loving Father.

At this point, Jess and I have no idea what the future holds. I'm persistently looking for work. But we know something that helps us hold fast in the middle of this strange season- That God is strengthening us with power through His Spirit so that Christ will dwell in us, and to the end that we will comprehend the height and depth and breadth and width of the Father's love for us in Christ (Ephesians 3:16-19). We are thankful for this news.

"Once upon a time in the dead of winter in the Dakota territory, Theodore Roosevelt took off in a makeshift boat down the Little Missouri River in pursuit of a couple of thieves who had stolen his prized rowboat. After several days on the river, he caught up and got the draw on them with his trusty Winchester, at which point they surrendered. Then Roosevelt set off in a borrowed wagon to haul the thieves cross-country to justice. They headed across the snow-covered wastes of the Badlands to the railhead at Dickinson, and Roosevelt walked the whole way, the entire 40 miles. It was an astonishing feat, what might be called a defining moment in Roosevelt's eventful life. But what makes it especially memorable is that during that time, he managed to read all of Anna Karenina. I often think of that when I hear people say that they haven't time to read."

David McCullough in his essay "No Time to Read?"

Babel's Disobedience and Abraham's Blessing

The account of the "Tower of Babel" in Genesis 11 is a strange one. The people are excited about their ability to build, so they want to build the original skyscraper. Their reason? "Let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." (11:4) Their plans are quickly halted as God "comes to see" their building. His response is equally strange- "This is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will be impossible for them...Let us go down and confuse their speech, so that they may not understand one another." (11:6-7)

I've heard this story from childhood. What's the reason for God's disdain on this great building? Look back a few chapters-

Gen. 9:1- "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth."

Gen. 9:7- "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it."

Gen. 1:28- "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it."

God's purpose in creating was to cover the earth with a people made in His image. He had made the entire thing to be enjoyed for his glory, but the people in Genesis 11 wanted to stay in one place. They were disobedient.

This perfectly sets up Abram's story in Genesis 12. A true missionary, God says, "Leave here. Take no one with you. I want you to be a blessing to the whole world!" And Abram obeys. "Fill the earth..." sounds similar to Jesus' last command- "Go, make disciples of all nations..." Fill the earth with people who are formed in my image. That was God's plan in the beginning. It's His plan now. Will you obey? Or will you build a tower in one place saying, "Let me make a name for myself." Fair warning, God will never allow your tower to stand. He loves you too much to do that.

#Babel #Abram #Obedience

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