One of the easiest, least-threatening ways I've found to open up avenues to safely talk about spiritual matters with someone is to offer to pray for them about something specific. It's very simple - after you've had a chance to have a little dialog, just ask, "Is there anything specific that I can pray for you?" That's it.
It's a non-threatening request, because 1) you're not asking them to agree with you on spiritual matters, and 2) a lot of people are open to prayer as a concept, even if they are not warm the the offer that Christ gives them. People of other faiths often will appreciate you offering to pray for them. Skeptics aren't often put off by the offer to do something nice for them.
The offer also communicates care and concern. You're not trying to make them take something - you're offering to do something positive for them. You're not requiring them to do anything in order for you to be on their side about something important to them.
If someone doesn't really want it, it's not a big "rejection" if they say, "No, thanks." It doesn't kill the conversation, and it doesn't force anything on to anyone. You've put the question in their hands, and they can choose what to do with it. But since you've not drawn any lines in the sand (yet), turning down your offer is not a form of rejecting you or your beliefs.
Most people, I've found, take you up on the offer, regardless of their belief system. They may share something relatively safe, or even sometimes something very important and personal. Either way, it's a privilege to advocate to the Lord on their behalf.
Almost everyone appreciates being asked, even if they don't accept the offer. Very few people will have a strong negative reaction, and in most of those cases, you already have an idea they might be hostile against something like this. But by and large, people appreciate the offer.
The offer also identifies you as a person who believes. That can open up deeper conversations, if even months down the road. I've known people who made this offer, and then much later, that person came back to them with spiritual questions. The offer can help a friendship reach more depth, getting beyond, "How's the weather?"
If they say "no," then simply say, "OK. Just let me know if you ever do want me to pray for something - I'd be happy to." And the go on with whatever else you want to talk about. Don't make a big deal of it.
But if they say "yes," then listen attentively, either write down the request or repeat it back to them to let you know that you understand it, and then, if the situation is right and they are open to it, pray right then with them. "I'll pray for" is one of the most broken promises in the world. If you can't pray for them right then, or they are not comfortable with that, let them know when you will pray for it. "I'll pray for that tonight," or, "I'll pray for that tomorrow during my prayer time," or, "I'll pray for that once a day until you get the doctor's report back."
Then pray! And then wait to see what God does. If possible, check back with the person to see how things are going. Whether they got what they asked for or not, you might have a chance to explain more about your faith. A large revival occurred a few decades ago in South America in large part through people simply committing to pray for others.
Quick note: If what they are asking for is not appropriate in any way, then simply change the request and tell them what you'll pray for. "Yeah, please pray that I'll win the lottery." "I'll tell you what - I'll pray that God will supply your needs and provide you with good work opportunities." But never promise to pray about something that you won't actually pray about.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Bold Question
A couple of weeks ago, we had a visitor named Frank Fear. Odd name, because Frank appears to be fearless. I had lunch this week with this retired KC policeman to talk primarily about his ministry in evangelism.
When Frank visited one of our Sunday school classes, he boldly asked the question (as a visitor!), "How many people have shared their faith in the last month?" I won't report how many responded, but certainly it was not 100%. He wasn't being judgmental - it's a passion of his for believers to be sharing their faith. He also asked me how many people in our church I thought had done this in the last month. I know some who have, and I'm sure I don't know all instances.
Frank wants to help churches evangelize more, and he shared with me a number of things. He's trying to visit as many churches in the area as he can this summer to offer free materials to assist them. We will be looking through what he has to see what's appropriate for us as we challenge ourselves to have a greater impact for the Kingdom.
As the elders discussed his Sunday school question and the response it generated, plus considering our vision for Grace, we realized that a better question for us is, "How many people have done something to intentionally cultivate relationships to evangelize or disciple someone in the last month?" That's more to our vision and how we want to look at evangelism. Progress is measured more by "loosening the lid" toward the goal of sharing one's faith, rather than merely measuring progress by whether or not you had the "conversation" in the last month. We want to get to that question with those who are receptive, but there's more to success than posing the question.
That's a question we should be asking ourselves frequently, as individuals and as a church. It's a more appropriate question for us, but not necessarily for all churches. I told Frank as much, so I'm not disparaging him or his question.
I also read something this past week that caused me to self-examine: "What if your church evangelized like you do?" If the pastor evangelizes well, it's a wonderful question, and the church thrives. If he does not evangelize well, it's a tough question, and the church will stagnate. I, too, have much room for growth in engaging our culture with Christ's claims in a loving, truthful, winsome way.
Let's grow in this together.
When Frank visited one of our Sunday school classes, he boldly asked the question (as a visitor!), "How many people have shared their faith in the last month?" I won't report how many responded, but certainly it was not 100%. He wasn't being judgmental - it's a passion of his for believers to be sharing their faith. He also asked me how many people in our church I thought had done this in the last month. I know some who have, and I'm sure I don't know all instances.
Frank wants to help churches evangelize more, and he shared with me a number of things. He's trying to visit as many churches in the area as he can this summer to offer free materials to assist them. We will be looking through what he has to see what's appropriate for us as we challenge ourselves to have a greater impact for the Kingdom.
As the elders discussed his Sunday school question and the response it generated, plus considering our vision for Grace, we realized that a better question for us is, "How many people have done something to intentionally cultivate relationships to evangelize or disciple someone in the last month?" That's more to our vision and how we want to look at evangelism. Progress is measured more by "loosening the lid" toward the goal of sharing one's faith, rather than merely measuring progress by whether or not you had the "conversation" in the last month. We want to get to that question with those who are receptive, but there's more to success than posing the question.
That's a question we should be asking ourselves frequently, as individuals and as a church. It's a more appropriate question for us, but not necessarily for all churches. I told Frank as much, so I'm not disparaging him or his question.
I also read something this past week that caused me to self-examine: "What if your church evangelized like you do?" If the pastor evangelizes well, it's a wonderful question, and the church thrives. If he does not evangelize well, it's a tough question, and the church will stagnate. I, too, have much room for growth in engaging our culture with Christ's claims in a loving, truthful, winsome way.
Let's grow in this together.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Story of Baby Colby
My first trip to Kenya was in 2006. We were a team of nine, with the rest of the team working primarily at the orphanage, and me spending my time teaching at the seminary. Even though we had received very experienced training to prepare us for the Kenyan culture, we were still tripped up at almost every turn with something new and unexpected. We often misunderstood the situation, what was said, or what something meant.
Most of the cultural differences were just plain interesting, even fascinating. One of the most interesting ended up being one of the most painful.
If there is a guest visiting when a baby is born, it is the custom in this part of Africa to name the child after the guest. The guest is then expected to pay special attention to the child, even help out financially, if possible. It's a tremendous honor, and a responsibility.
The pastor of the orphanage, Chris, and his wife had their second baby just as we were leaving. The named the baby "Colby." I was humbled by the privilege.
Months later, we heard that Baby Colby had some sort of skin disease. Lots of kids there have skin diseases, so we didn't think much of it. But it wouldn't go away, and the sparse emails we got seemed to slowly grow more concerning. However, we never had a proper diagnosis.
Lynne and I considered sending some money over for them to afford to take the baby to the doctor. As we were considering it, we got word that Baby Colby had died. We had no clue it was that serious. We still don't know what disease it was - they could never afford to visit the doctor once.
We were crushed, and went through no little guilt. If we had only sent money sooner, maybe it all could have been avoided. We didn't know it was life-threatening, but we might have been able to make a difference.
The great honor had become a great shadow. The following year, I finally met Pastor Chris' wife. When she heard my name, you could see the pain in her eyes. I was the namesake of their tragedy. But she and I ended up with a good friendship - she's an amazing woman of faith, and now with two more children.
Don't hesitate. I'm not just talking about our personal projects in Kenya, but whenever needs are brought to you, don't hesitate. You can't do everything, but if you can do something, and it seems like you're the one to do it, don't hesitate. Don't rationalize. Don't be selfish. Don't be lazy. Don't miss out on helping someone when God has enabled you to be the one to help.
As an act of grace, a baby was born during my third trip to Kenya. They named the baby after Lynne (whom they have never met).
Most of the cultural differences were just plain interesting, even fascinating. One of the most interesting ended up being one of the most painful.
If there is a guest visiting when a baby is born, it is the custom in this part of Africa to name the child after the guest. The guest is then expected to pay special attention to the child, even help out financially, if possible. It's a tremendous honor, and a responsibility.
The pastor of the orphanage, Chris, and his wife had their second baby just as we were leaving. The named the baby "Colby." I was humbled by the privilege.
Months later, we heard that Baby Colby had some sort of skin disease. Lots of kids there have skin diseases, so we didn't think much of it. But it wouldn't go away, and the sparse emails we got seemed to slowly grow more concerning. However, we never had a proper diagnosis.
Lynne and I considered sending some money over for them to afford to take the baby to the doctor. As we were considering it, we got word that Baby Colby had died. We had no clue it was that serious. We still don't know what disease it was - they could never afford to visit the doctor once.
We were crushed, and went through no little guilt. If we had only sent money sooner, maybe it all could have been avoided. We didn't know it was life-threatening, but we might have been able to make a difference.
The great honor had become a great shadow. The following year, I finally met Pastor Chris' wife. When she heard my name, you could see the pain in her eyes. I was the namesake of their tragedy. But she and I ended up with a good friendship - she's an amazing woman of faith, and now with two more children.
Don't hesitate. I'm not just talking about our personal projects in Kenya, but whenever needs are brought to you, don't hesitate. You can't do everything, but if you can do something, and it seems like you're the one to do it, don't hesitate. Don't rationalize. Don't be selfish. Don't be lazy. Don't miss out on helping someone when God has enabled you to be the one to help.
As an act of grace, a baby was born during my third trip to Kenya. They named the baby after Lynne (whom they have never met).
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The world is ending ... no, it's not ... no, wait, yes it is...
This last weekend began with Harold Camping's much publicized, absolutely confident prediction that Judgment Day would hit the world at 6pm on Saturday, one timezone after another. (Why God would respect man-made timezones is beyond me.) It was sad to see how, by the end of the day, his adherents were so confused and disillusioned.
The weekend ended with the people of Joplin, MO, feeling like Judgment Day may have actually come. Unimaginable devastation from one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.
What do theologically-irresponsible fear mongering and a truly devastating natural disaster have to teach us?
First, Camping wasn't wrong about Judgment Day happening, but about the timing and details of it. (I find it odd that his Judgment Day preceded his Rapture Day.) His irresponsible prediction only serves to further undermine belief that a real Judgment Day does await us.
Second, what happened in Joplin, as horrible as it is, pales weakly in comparison to what real judgment will be like. By no means would I diminish the horrible experience this disaster is for so many, but what grace saves us from is orders of magnitude worse.
I don't see what happened recently in Japan, Alabama, and Joplin as the direct result of God's judgment. They are, however, severe reminders that we live in fallen universe marching steadily toward instability, chaos, and eventual collapse. Our present world is incapable of hosting our eternal destiny.
We will eventually face our Creator, and He will either judge us based on our own righteousness or judge us based on the righteousness of His Son, imputed to us by faith. If judged by my own righteousness, I have only despair for a fate far worse than Joplin. If judged by the righteousness of Christ, I have only hope for a world that will never deteriorate, never break down, and never end.
The weekend ended with the people of Joplin, MO, feeling like Judgment Day may have actually come. Unimaginable devastation from one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.
What do theologically-irresponsible fear mongering and a truly devastating natural disaster have to teach us?
First, Camping wasn't wrong about Judgment Day happening, but about the timing and details of it. (I find it odd that his Judgment Day preceded his Rapture Day.) His irresponsible prediction only serves to further undermine belief that a real Judgment Day does await us.
Second, what happened in Joplin, as horrible as it is, pales weakly in comparison to what real judgment will be like. By no means would I diminish the horrible experience this disaster is for so many, but what grace saves us from is orders of magnitude worse.
I don't see what happened recently in Japan, Alabama, and Joplin as the direct result of God's judgment. They are, however, severe reminders that we live in fallen universe marching steadily toward instability, chaos, and eventual collapse. Our present world is incapable of hosting our eternal destiny.
We will eventually face our Creator, and He will either judge us based on our own righteousness or judge us based on the righteousness of His Son, imputed to us by faith. If judged by my own righteousness, I have only despair for a fate far worse than Joplin. If judged by the righteousness of Christ, I have only hope for a world that will never deteriorate, never break down, and never end.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Outreach Month
We have chosen May to be "Outreach Month" - a month that we focus on various outreach ministries that we are connected to. Our goal is to make us all more aware of what's going on in our own area, to pray more specifically, and to show that outreach is not all that scary, hard, or demanding. What is needed most is a willing spirit.
On May 1, we focused on Awana, an outreach held in our own church, reaching over 100 kids every week, some of whom do not regularly attend a church. Jim Riddle (the commander for the last 6 years) told us why it's worth the effort.
On May 8, we focused on Bridge of Hope, and EV Free church in Kansas City, KS, reaching many of society's forgotten citizens. Andy and Sarah Weichelt let us know all that they are involved in. Please remember "MegaDay" coming up on Saturday!
On May 15, our focus will be on Christ Community Downtown, a church soon to be planted in downtown KC. Bill Gorman will share the vision, and then share the Word.
On May 22, we will hear from Dan and Joy, missionaries visiting us for the first time in a while, and will share about their work in Central Asia.
On May 29, Dr. Bascom Ratliff from Hope Harbor will share what's going on right in our own building 3 times a week, and how we can reach out to their counseling clients. Also, we will hear from the Kenya 2011 Mission Team, who leave in about 6 weeks.
There are far more we could highlight, and we will on future dates.
Allow the Lord to put a particular prayer burden on your heart, and then be faithful to pray. We can't all be completely concerned with every ministry, so allow Him to direct you. Also, pray about ways that you can push the envelope and be involved in one of the outreach ministries Grace is involved in.
A big thanks to Tom Bender, our Deacon of Outreach, for putting "Outreach Month" together.
On May 1, we focused on Awana, an outreach held in our own church, reaching over 100 kids every week, some of whom do not regularly attend a church. Jim Riddle (the commander for the last 6 years) told us why it's worth the effort.
On May 8, we focused on Bridge of Hope, and EV Free church in Kansas City, KS, reaching many of society's forgotten citizens. Andy and Sarah Weichelt let us know all that they are involved in. Please remember "MegaDay" coming up on Saturday!
On May 15, our focus will be on Christ Community Downtown, a church soon to be planted in downtown KC. Bill Gorman will share the vision, and then share the Word.
On May 22, we will hear from Dan and Joy, missionaries visiting us for the first time in a while, and will share about their work in Central Asia.
On May 29, Dr. Bascom Ratliff from Hope Harbor will share what's going on right in our own building 3 times a week, and how we can reach out to their counseling clients. Also, we will hear from the Kenya 2011 Mission Team, who leave in about 6 weeks.
There are far more we could highlight, and we will on future dates.
Allow the Lord to put a particular prayer burden on your heart, and then be faithful to pray. We can't all be completely concerned with every ministry, so allow Him to direct you. Also, pray about ways that you can push the envelope and be involved in one of the outreach ministries Grace is involved in.
A big thanks to Tom Bender, our Deacon of Outreach, for putting "Outreach Month" together.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I Can't Change How I Feel
The death of Osama bin Ladin is historic, worldwide news. It would be very hard to find someone who is not aware of it, and equally hard to find someone who doesn't have an opinion about it. I've been involved in more than a few discussions on how we should respond as Christians.
Should we rejoice over the defeat of a mass murderer? Should we ever rejoice of the death of someone who, just by being human, was born in the image of God? Can we separate out rejoicing over justice from how we feel about the death of this man?
Many have quoted Proverbs 24:17-18:
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Or the Lord will see it and be displeased,
And turn His anger away from him.
Others have quoted Ezekiel 18:23:
"Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord God, "rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?"
Others have repeated a misquote from Martin Luther King, Jr. There's plenty of opinions and debate out there.
I know how I should feel - sorry for the loss of a soul, grateful that God's justice will always prevail. But I can't change how I feel.
I don't want there to be glee, but there was some (at least initially) when I first heard the news. I have too much joy that he's gone and too little grief that he could have been completely forgiven. He could have been my brother, which would have been the happiest ending.
I think that part of the glee comes from my own false opinion that I'm better than he is, that he deserves punishment, but I don't. Another part of my glee is that I was so mad about what he has done, and I wanted him to experience what he inflicted on others. But even on that account, his one death does not make up for the thousands he took, and the thousands of families he grieved, so there's no satisfaction here for me.
I'm no more deserving of heaven than he was. It's not my job to see that people pay for their sin. Revenge consumes the revenger.
As I sort this through, I'm just completely grateful for the grace God offers in Christ to forgive me of my sin. All the things I wanted bin Ladin to experience, I deserve. So, I weep a little realizing the depth of my own sin, and how amazing it is that God offers us a way to enjoy eternal blessings even now, instead of suffering the same condemnation my ugly heart secretly wishes for the bin Ladins of the world.
Lord, save me from my own evil joy, and give me Your heart for the lost.
Should we rejoice over the defeat of a mass murderer? Should we ever rejoice of the death of someone who, just by being human, was born in the image of God? Can we separate out rejoicing over justice from how we feel about the death of this man?
Many have quoted Proverbs 24:17-18:
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Or the Lord will see it and be displeased,
And turn His anger away from him.
Others have quoted Ezekiel 18:23:
"Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord God, "rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?"
Others have repeated a misquote from Martin Luther King, Jr. There's plenty of opinions and debate out there.
I know how I should feel - sorry for the loss of a soul, grateful that God's justice will always prevail. But I can't change how I feel.
I don't want there to be glee, but there was some (at least initially) when I first heard the news. I have too much joy that he's gone and too little grief that he could have been completely forgiven. He could have been my brother, which would have been the happiest ending.
I think that part of the glee comes from my own false opinion that I'm better than he is, that he deserves punishment, but I don't. Another part of my glee is that I was so mad about what he has done, and I wanted him to experience what he inflicted on others. But even on that account, his one death does not make up for the thousands he took, and the thousands of families he grieved, so there's no satisfaction here for me.
I'm no more deserving of heaven than he was. It's not my job to see that people pay for their sin. Revenge consumes the revenger.
As I sort this through, I'm just completely grateful for the grace God offers in Christ to forgive me of my sin. All the things I wanted bin Ladin to experience, I deserve. So, I weep a little realizing the depth of my own sin, and how amazing it is that God offers us a way to enjoy eternal blessings even now, instead of suffering the same condemnation my ugly heart secretly wishes for the bin Ladins of the world.
Lord, save me from my own evil joy, and give me Your heart for the lost.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
I am Second
If you haven't already seen it, you'll see it soon.
Just launched in Kansas City is the "I am Second" campaign (http://iamsecond.com). The movement started in Dallas as a local outreach, but quickly caught on across the nation and around the world, so they are now launching campaigns in various markets, and the KC market has just begun. "I am Second" is a phrase that comes from putting Christ first. (For those "I am third" fans from years ago, I think there's plenty of common ground here to not get tripped up by the differences.)
The idea behind IaS is simple: draw people to the website, which is then intended to draw people into the Church (not just a church building, but the Church, the body of believers). It's a very media-savvy approach, using billboards, TV, radio, and the Internet to pique the interest. I've seen at least three billboards already in KC - a black background, with someone's face, and the words "I am Second: iamsecond.com." That's it.
On the website, there are dozens of testimonies from both famous and non-famous people. All they do is tell their faith stories - the story of what God has done in their lives. Some stories are dramatic, some less so, but all are stories of what God has done. They also have a few videos from KC-based people to go along with the KC launch. The Benders and I attended the launch at Union Station a few weeks ago, and several of those featured on the site were there to share in person.
The testimonies are intended to draw people to find out more, and eventually get connected with a church, or even a specific small group within a church, that has registered with I am Second (we are registered as church). They are not competing with the local churches - they are very clearly trying to aid the local churches.
The power of their approach is very simply the power of story, which is far more effective to the current generation than the previous (who are more impacted by propositional truth).
The organization offers training and support for believers to join in the effort. One of their main goals is to encourage all of us share our stories as a way to help others want to know more about what it really means to be a follower of Christ.
We see the website in action on Sunday morning and talk more about the power of story. I recommend checking out the website, and thinking about how you might recommend it to others.
Just launched in Kansas City is the "I am Second" campaign (http://iamsecond.com). The movement started in Dallas as a local outreach, but quickly caught on across the nation and around the world, so they are now launching campaigns in various markets, and the KC market has just begun. "I am Second" is a phrase that comes from putting Christ first. (For those "I am third" fans from years ago, I think there's plenty of common ground here to not get tripped up by the differences.)
The idea behind IaS is simple: draw people to the website, which is then intended to draw people into the Church (not just a church building, but the Church, the body of believers). It's a very media-savvy approach, using billboards, TV, radio, and the Internet to pique the interest. I've seen at least three billboards already in KC - a black background, with someone's face, and the words "I am Second: iamsecond.com." That's it.
The testimonies are intended to draw people to find out more, and eventually get connected with a church, or even a specific small group within a church, that has registered with I am Second (we are registered as church). They are not competing with the local churches - they are very clearly trying to aid the local churches.
The power of their approach is very simply the power of story, which is far more effective to the current generation than the previous (who are more impacted by propositional truth).
The organization offers training and support for believers to join in the effort. One of their main goals is to encourage all of us share our stories as a way to help others want to know more about what it really means to be a follower of Christ.
We see the website in action on Sunday morning and talk more about the power of story. I recommend checking out the website, and thinking about how you might recommend it to others.
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