Personal Holiness Has Fallen On Hard Times

Maybe it is just me, but it seems like the topic of personal holiness is overlooked these days.

Even though Christian discipleship is a hot topic today, the part about “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” by Jesus Christ is missing from many discussions and from many lives. Do Christians actively pursue personal holiness still, I wonder?

Possible Reasons

There might be a number of reasons for this lack of pursuit.

1. Christians don’t see it as that important, beyond the basics of acceptable morality.
2. Christians have adopted the best of current cultural standards as their own standards.
3. Christians don’t really know the biblical standards, and there is significant self-doubt about the ones they think they might know.
4. Christians are living outside of God’s moral will, they know it and they feel it.
5. Christians are fearful that they will become self-righteous, or will be viewed that way.

Of course, the biggest category these days has to do with all views, practices and proprieties in the area of human sexuality. It is astounding how difficult it is to have a biblically honest conversation around matters that have historically been clear for millennia even up to about 10-15 years ago.

Preferred Conversations

Instead, Christians prefer to talk about transformation. This is a large theological term, a good term, but it has been co-opted for speaking in general terms about many things. It sounds much more comprehensive; though it provides an excellent opportunity to hide. By focusing on others and on matters of community and social justice it is easy to avoid our own shortcomings whether minor blemishes or even serious sins.

Supposedly getting into morality specifics could be offensive, so we leave it up to the individual brother or sister and their personal relationship with God. This only seems more noble because we are either ignorant of God’s Scriptural commands, or we are afraid of them, or both. But we miss that true transformation, both at the personal level and for the greater good, is rooted in personal character.

1 John 2:15–17 ESV “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Push the Envelope

It is possible to go beyond current acceptable norms in Christianity. How odd it is to use the phrase--but we can “push the envelope” on Christian personal holiness. We need to speak honestly and spiritually with our closest friends.

Ephesians 5:3–17 ESV “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

The goal is to please the Lord, at least it ought to be! Three books that have been helpful to me:  The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul and Holiness by J. C. Ryle.

So then, my friends, “Since we have these promises [in the Gospel], beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

What Do They Pay This Guy For, Anyway?!

Even I knew at the time that the Bible would transform people’s lives. It already had transformed mine!

I can still remember my first years as a Christian, and the feelings easily return. It was so exciting to know God personally! It seemed like I couldn’t get enough of the Bible, and meeting with other Christians to worship and pray about everything in life! One of the best parts, though scary at times, was learning to tell others about Jesus Christ!

Finding a Church was Exhausting

Trying to find a church was much harder than I had expected.  The town I was living in at the time was saturated with evangelical churches. The problem in many of them was the preaching.

I didn’t know anything about preaching at the time, having only been a Christian for three years. I thought preaching was about teaching people the Bible, so they could become Christians and know God in Christ more truly and deeply. But I was in for a surprise.

They were Preaching Many Other Things

In many churches I visited, one didn’t even need a Bible. This was not because they provided them, or published the verses in a bulletin or projected them on the screen, but because Bibles weren’t even used. Go figure!

Some sermons didn’t even mention Jesus, except maybe at the very end, believe it or not. So many focused on personal moral issues or current political issues, harping on them week after week. Way too many sermons were way too cute or clever to be true, at least I knew they couldn’t be from the Bible. A few talked about theological concepts at levels that were beyond me, and from looking around the room, beyond most people. Some preachers obviously enjoyed their illustrations too much, and some congregations did as well.

The list of unimpressive preaching examples could go on and on. But, honestly, for most of the sermons I heard, I could have stayed home and learned more from the Bible on my own, if that were the only reason to go to church. It was so depressing.

Why didn’t pastors preach the Word of God? This was so confusing to me. All I wanted was the Bible, nothing fancy.

What was so Hard about Just Doing the Job?!

I had a hard time figuring out what some of those pastors must do all week, if that was all they could come up with on a Sunday morning. I knew the pastor had to run the church and care for people in need. But, after sampling so many churches, I was beginning to wonder what they even paid this guy for? He was not even doing his main job, for crying out loud!

Maybe I was wrong, but if the primary responsibility of the pastor is preaching the Word of God, then it seemed to me that it should be given primary attention by the pastor. These were the verses I knew at the time, and maybe a few others:

Acts 20:27 ESV “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” 

Ephesians 4:11–14 ESV “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” 

2 Timothy 3:16–4:5 ESV “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Eventually, the Lord led me to a church that preached the Word very clearly, simply yet deeply. Over the next two years, I came to know God much better, love Him more and serve Him as a new believer under spiritual transformation in Christ.

That was what I was thinking in 1988, anyway. I have grown much since that time, but this adventure of mine as a young Christian trying to find a church that taught the Bible has forever shaped my view of preaching, and pastors.

Good Guys Always Win

In American folklore the good guys always win.  Although this makes for great books and movies, we know that it doesn’t always work out this way in real life.

Maybe Not Today

However, often times it does!  As the book of Proverbs teaches, God very frequently demonstrates His moral order in our lives and our lifetime.  And yet, we also learn from the Bible that the story is not over.  There are many scenes still to be played out in history.

God has fixed a day for His final justice to be perfectly established and His full blessings to be distributed with honor and glory.  Ultimately, the bad guys will get what they deserve, and the good guys will win.

Romans 2:6–8 ESV “He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”

Ready for Tomorrow

We must also understand that “seeking for glory and honor and immortality” in the above passage from the book of Romans is not built upon a trust in one’s own “well-doing” and power behind it.  Much of Romans is dedicated to debunking this false sense of security and self-righteousness, especially when people trust in their religion to save them.

The seeking for glory, honor and immortality is later revealed in the book of Romans to begin with seeking it by faith in Christ, His Cross and Resurrection.  Then, our continuing seeking for them is by this same faith in Christ, persevering by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation and the life transformation that accompanies it come from God Himself through the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8–10 ESV “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

John 3:20–21 ESV “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.””

The Tremendous Win

Eventually, the degrees of recompense are justly measured out for good and bad deeds.  But also, those who are rewarded have nothing of which to boast except the power of Christ working righteousness through them.

Revelation 2:26–27 ESV “The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.”

In the end, and for all eternity, the good guys do win and win big.

Proverbs 4:18 ESV “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”

Pray That Other People’s Prayers Get Answered First

Your friends might pray better prayers than you do.

The Praying Prayer Team

I have many friends who regularly pray for me, my family and my ministry.  Sometimes, I wish I could listen in while they are praying.  This is because I know them and how spiritually-minded they are.  I am confident they are praying for my best and for the advance of the Gospel of the Kingdom through me.

One reason I would like to listen is to hear how the Holy Spirit might be leading them to pray for God’s will for my ministry.  But, I don’t need to hear their prayers because I will see the results of their prayers soon enough!

Borrowing Their Prayers

Sometimes I have a hard time praying for myself.  The same is true for my ministry.  I might just be tired, or tired of praying the same things over and over.  And I am sure I don’t see all the things for which I should be praying.

Every so often I start by praying, “Lord answer the prayers of Dave & Beth, Bala & Carol, Tim & Lisa, Tim & Michelle, Raymy & Jennifer, Brian & Pearl, Bob & Pam, John & Debbie on my behalf.”  These dear friends form my core prayer team.  Other days, the Lord will bring to mind other prayerful friends.  Whatever these people have prayed is surely good.

A Really Good Solution

This kind of praying opens my mind to the broader purposes and workings of God in the world and our lives.  I end up praying for those who are praying for me, and our partnership in the Gospel is strengthened!

Have you ever noticed how the Apostle Paul truly valued the prayers of his mission partners?  He understood prayer to be a powerful means of support, encouragement and actually making a difference in his ministry.

2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 

Colossians 4:3 ESV “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ . . ." 

Ephesians 6:18–19 ESV “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel," 

Romans 15:30 ESV “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,”

It is wonderful to know that we are co-workers through our prayers.  Pray for those who are praying for you, that God answer their prayers for your ministry even before He answers your own.

Churches Know Best How To Do Church

In the past few months, I have worked with two churches on two different paths toward developing their global mission focus. 

One church started right off with an exploratory trip to a specific region of the world to find a national ministry partner with whom they might work together for training other pastors and leaders.  Now they are figuring out what their partnership will look like over the next three years as they plan and execute trainings twice a year together. 

The other church started with a careful year-long in-depth examination of their opportunities, putting in a lot of thought in defining their future three to five year partnership.  Now they are excited to get over there with a team and get engaged with the official partnership.

The first church found a reliable guide and went overseas to see what would happen, and now is working hard on defining the partnership.  The second church found a trustworthy consultant to lead them through the discovery process, and now is going overseas with clear expectations to maximize their ministry.

There are many other ways for churches to begin and to develop global partnerships that contribute to the growth of the church around the world.  There are multitudes of variables to consider, but church partners are more desired and more valuable than they often realize.

More Desired than Expected

Church partnerships are crucial and highly effective for church planting and leadership development around the world.  For many churches this is news to them.  They are simply used to supporting individuals or projects.  

But, those they send often dream about a church who would partner with them in the work itself.  Mission agencies and other parachurch organizations are looking for churches to become significant players in cross-cultural contexts.  And national partners long for relationships with healthy churches that can help them accomplish even more with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for His Kingdom.

This is because the heart of the matter is relationships.  Individual missionaries can only do so much, even if they are part of a great team, and have deep relationships with those with whom and to whom they minister.  Agencies will relate at a different level and in more organizational ways, and they will be instrumental in a variety of unique contributions.  More is needed and it is something only churches can provide.

More Beneficial than Expected

National ministry partners might be planting new churches or strengthening existing ones, and on the side they are probably initiating a whole lot of other very good ministries.  What they so often need and want is a church, or two or three working together, to help them figure out their next ministry steps.

The most obvious reason is that a reasonably healthy and successful church must know how to do church well.  Resources and seminars are wonderful gifts, yet even more wonderful are relationships with other churches attempting the same things in their own context, who might be able to provide next level mentoring.

Church partnerships come with a lot of relationships:  pastors to pastors, leaders to leaders, members to members, men, women and young people.  Along with these ever growing number of relationships come more prayer, support, and encouragement from regular church people living regular lives.

Partnership takes on a much richer meaning because of these types and levels of relationships that crisscross throughout each of the churches and ministries involved.  This in turn makes all the training, coaching and mentoring all the more beneficial.  In addition, churches that make good partners are often well networked for access to further assistance.

When it comes to doing church, whether starting them, growing them or maturing them, churches know best how to do church.

How might your church develop a global mission focus, a partnership that will advance the mission in a less-reached area of the world?  Would such an approach capture the hearts and minds of your congregation?  In doing so, they will be launched into a previously unknown world of human need and the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Animism Makes Sense

The spirits used to dance on his roof at night clapping their hands and shouting, keeping him awake and stirring up many concerns in his head.

While we are busy denying demons, offering intellectually satisfying alternative explanations, and snickering at those who talk about demons, the Bible speaks extensively to their reality.  The problem is that even though we are Christian, those of us in the enlightened world have believed almost equally in the “gospel” certainty of naturalism—a most foolish combination.

This is Life for Most People

One of my good Christian friends in south Asia told me his story of salvation and how the spirits, or demons, would make his life miserable.  The most memorable example was that of the dancing upon his roof many nights each week.  How awful!

At one level, demons can be simply annoying, like they were to the Apostle Paul in Acts 16:18 ESV, “Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’  And it came out that very hour.”

However, most often they affect lives at a much more serious level, bringing all sorts of evil, inciting fear, enticing to immorality, giving false teachings, and basically working all sorts of havoc.

These evil powers might curse your business enterprise, bring sickness to your family, empower and embolden your enemies, and do any number of other nasty things, unless you appease their wishes, whether worshipping idols (objects of nature) or carrying out their designs upon others.  So, of course you would do what they tell you, and by the way . . . so would your neighbor.

This is life for most people in the world today, and has been throughout history.  It is real and it makes total sense.  We should not ignore their sufferings and mock them in their plight, but sympathize and also demonstrate the power of the Gospel of Christ.

There is a Gospel of Greater Power

When my friend became a follower of Jesus Christ, who is the Lord, the demons stopped tormenting him.  Whenever he encounters them and their workings now, he simply rebukes them in the name of Jesus.  There is no need for special words or rituals, any Christian conjuring of any type.  He tells others of freedom and forgiveness in Christ.

The reality is that people are in bondage to evil and evil powers.  But, the Son of God became man “to destroy the works of the devil” and his minions, and proclaim liberty, light, life and bring blessings that cannot be taken away.

Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” 

Colossians 2:13–15 ESV “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Here is hope!  Here is freedom!  Here is forgiveness, reconciliation, and power against all evil!

The One True Living God has all power over human and demonic curses, especially to bless.  He is more powerful than those demons that distress the lives of billions.  And of course, the Lord Christ is exalted and ruling from heaven now, and will return to establish His Kingdom in its fullness forevermore.

I’ll be heading back to my friend’s place soon.  May we be fearless to proclaim, in the face of the spiritual realities of life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Bless Your Predecessor, Bless Your Successor

A colleague of mine has a saying:  “it is all about who you follow.” This is very true; because comparisons are inevitable.

My Predecessor

When I arrived as the new pastor it wasn’t too long before I heard the comparisons.  To some I was all the previous pastor was not, and all they ever hoped I would be.  To others I was greatly lacking compared to the skills of my predecessor. 

It didn’t take long to hear contradictory testimony, however.  To some I was more personable than the last pastor.  While to others I was less personable than the last pastor.  I am still trying to figure that one out.  

I guess it is a little like making a call as a soccer referee, to one sideline you made a great call and to the other sideline you are an idiot.  And of course, the parents may change their minds when you make the next call; and most likely they will change their minds many times throughout the match.  

None of the pastoral comparisons were mean or unkind in anyway, at least the ones I heard.  I enjoyed listening because the comments revealed far more about the people making them and their desires than the pastors under scrutiny.  And it is good and helpful to get to know such things about the people you want to serve.

Besides, it is only natural for people to make such comparisons, and to base them on their own experiences.  People have different perspectives and commitments.  And most people don’t mean any harm.  

A Strategy for Comparisons 

I knew this would happen so my approach going into the position was to only make positive comments about my predecessor.  After all, we pastors need to stick together.  I am so glad I made this commitment as it kept me thinking clearly and honoring God in my thoughts of him.  And whenever he and I spoke I was able to bless him. 

Whenever I heard a negative comment I would defend him, offer an alternative view, and redirect the conversation.  Whenever I heard a positive comment I would reinforce it and share in the goodness that person felt.  Regardless, I would pray for these dear people in the pastoral transition, as it is a challenge for everyone.  

Even pastors have to admit that we do the same comparing quite often.  Truth be told, we might even be less charitable toward others, while at the same time harsher on ourselves, failing to see the grace and gifts of God given uniquely to each servant of the Lord.  Let us remember Ephesians 4:7 ESV “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

My Successor

This past week my successor arrived, and I am now his predecessor.  He will likely have to find his own approach to dealing with the pastoral comparisons sure to come his way. 

A few months ago after he accepted the call I was thinking how I might bless him before he even arrived.  So I wrote him a short email, “I can hardly wait to see what God does through you at the church!  You are the right man chosen for the right time.  You have all my support and prayers in advance for whatever you set out to accomplish.”  I will be praying for him and the people we both love and serve.  

The installation service a few days ago filled everyone’s hearts with joy and hope.  My predecessor, my successor and myself were all present and we all spoke to encourage the dear people of God.  We all viewed this as one grand partnership in God carrying out His purposes in and through this particular church of His.

Transitions are Blessings

Transitions are exciting, promising, and unsettling times.  Many people think that success can be seen in a church maintaining the vision of its previous pastor.  I disagree.  I believe that it is more often God’s design to give new direction through a new leader.

By recognizing this we can more thoroughly rejoice in the past, and in the new present, and be ready for a different future.  It has been my experience that when a pastor blesses his predecessor and his successor, he blesses the congregation more than he can imagine.  And I believe God is blessed.

It is unwise to compare pastors to pastors, for too long or too closely.  Even we as the pastors need to guard our minds and not get sucked in, for we are often even more vulnerable than the congregations we serve.  Consider 2 Corinthians 10:12b ESV “But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”

Pastors Daniel, Tim and Bob

Vicki Burris, Lisa Etherington, Linda Holmquist

Who Else Is In The Room?

Spiritual warfare is a reality in the midst of personal conflict. So, recognizing that warfare is an initial step toward conflict resolution. Bring all the realities to the table: It is not just people themselves who are involved; Satan and his horde of demons take advantage of our many weaknesses and brokenness and will often use specific individuals to work up and sustain conflict within congregations.

If we recognize the existence of spiritual warfare . . .

1.  We will resort to prayer more quickly and with greater faith, because we realize that more is at stake than our relationships. Satan and his demons are after the larger prize of crippling the gospel witness of each church. Capturing a congregation with internal conflict is effective and lasting. “Be sober-minded; be watchful,” Peter warned. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV). 

2.  We will feel a freedom, or a relief, that there is more involved than just people. It is true that someone is to blame for conflict. However, if we just look to people to find out who is wrong, we are not taking into account the full reality. Demons can be blamed and should be blamed—they often play a major role in our conflicts. Just acknowledging this releases some of the pressure. 

3.  We will see the limitation of our own resourcefulness to bring resolution and will turn to God (James 4:7). If spiritual powers are involved, then we need more than our tools and training in conflict resolution. Yes, we should use them. But we must not depend too much on our effectiveness in doing so, so that we are not “outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Corinthians 2:11, ESV). 

4.  We will deal with one another with greater humility, care and respect. All of us are susceptible to the powers of demons—their playing with our thoughts, attitudes and lives. We must rely upon God’s power and wisdom to bring solutions, not ourselves.

The challenge is making this known to people in the midst of their conflict and then dealing with it together. We’re not trying to avoid responsibility by saying, “The devil made me do it.” Rather, we’re recognizing the unseen spiritual realities of our conflicts and going on the offensive. When we recognize conflict, we might start by praying through these four points.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:10–13, ESV).


(This blog entry of mine was originally published as an article in the December 2010 issue of EFCA Today, copyright Evangelical Free Church of America.)

Stop Trying To Be Jesus To People

It started with the cool and the cute WWJD bracelets.

A Poor Question:  What Would Jesus Do? (WWJD)

How valuable are quaint Christian sayings like, “WWJD?”  This particular saying has been criticized from many angles, yet it is still utilized constantly as we implore one another to imitate Christ our Lord.

Surely, they have some merit, and move many to good works.  But is that good enough?  Our purpose in this world goes far beyond gaining public acceptance and like-ability as Christians, building a church reputation or hoping non-Christians see Christians as nicer and better people and want to become one. 

Asking “what would Jesus do?” is such an offensive question.  It is far too personal, too unanswerable, too myopic, and too pretentious all at the same time.  We are not Jesus, and we simply do not know the answer, especially in regards to other people, let alone ourselves truly and deeply.  It is simplistic moralism.  In fact, that is its background.  The idea for the question came from the book “In His Steps” by C. Sheldon.  This book promotes a moral vision in line with a liberal Christianity.

Some have heard the criticism and switched their language.  Instead we hear that we are “to be like Jesus” or “to be His hands, feet, etc.”  Same difference.  Same limitations.    Yet, the worship songs keep rolling out.

Such brief moral musings actually limit our Christian vision and smudge the glory of God.  What if we stopped trying to be Jesus or some lesser incarnation and just let Jesus be Jesus?  And what if we asked instead, “what would Jesus have us do?”  Let’s return to basic Christianity.

A Better Question:  What Is Jesus Doing? (WIJD)

Most certainly we should really start with considering what Jesus has done in His Incarnation (becoming man), His life (revealing God’s truth) and especially on the Cross (redemption from sin).  Even before that there was His eternal glorious existence as the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, and then taking part in the creation of the world.

In fact the opening of the Book of Hebrews does exactly this in 1:1-4 (Jesus Christ In Eight Wonders), but then proceeds to recount the heavenly coronation liturgy given for the Holy Son of God in verses 5-14, extensively.  Did you know that this is what it is?!

Hebrews 1:5–14 ESV “For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”?  Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”

So, perhaps our focus should be on what Jesus is doing now, in light of what He has done, and of course looking ahead to what He will be doing.  

What about the here and now?  An often overlooked doctrine of great importance is that of Christ Jesus’ ascension (going into heaven), coronation (being crowned as king), and session (reigning as king), after His resurrection and before His yet future return.

Ephesians 1:20–23 ESV “that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Our Lord Jesus Christ is actively and sovereignly ruling over all the affairs of this world to advance His own glory and to honor and bless His Church.  In other words, He is not just some historical moral religious teacher or exemplary Lord, but the director of all things from His heavenly throne.  That’s awesome!

The WWJD thing hinders us in doing missions because the focus is on ourselves, our morals, our reputation and mundane concerns of this life.   The WIJD concept advances us in His Mission because we now see it, and it is huge!  

Our morality will take care of itself, through the power of the Holy Spirit working His will in us, of course.  But, with the WIJD vision we can lift up our heads and work on larger things because we see the larger glory of God!

So ask yourself and others often, “What is Jesus Doing?”  Wonder aloud together.  Worship, praise and pray.  Rejoice and move forward.

What Does The Rest Of The Church Do?

I enjoy reading help wanted ads for pastors because so many of them are unrealistic. 

What this Pastor Will Do

Much space is devoted initially to describing the pastor being a mature man of God, spiritually qualified according to Scripture to lead the church.  Then comes forth the list of everything this pastor is required to do.  He is to preach and teach, of course.  But, he must be notably skilled, excellent, relevant and compelling . . . and presumably every Sunday.  

He is to visit those in need, provide counseling, encourage, reprove, rebuke and exhort as needed.  He must lead the board and the staff.  He has to have a proven history of successful leadership at other churches, being a strong leader and a constant builder of new leaders.  He also needs to develop local and global outreach ministries.  

Then comes the list of yet other things they would really like him to do in addition.  He himself must do local evangelism and cross-cultural work.  Not only that, he himself must see people come to Christ.  Like so many job descriptions, the pastor is supposed to do almost everything and be almost perfect.  

Oh yes, while he is doing all of this, he is also to be continuing his formal education, and maintaining an exemplary life of prayer and meditation.  Nothing is mentioned about his family, but assuming he has one, assuredly it would have to be just as great as all the above.

What this Church Will Do

As a pastor reading all of this, my first thought was, “so, what does the rest of the church do?”  Is there anything left of significance.  Perhaps they watch the pastor do it all, encourage and pray for him, even set up committees to keep track of his progress and make sure he does it all.

In this particular position description the congregation is “to grow in grace and knowledge.”  That’s it!  And they seem to be really energized by its possibilities.  Somehow they envision a large expansive ministry resulting from the pastor doing everything and they themselves doing very little.

They say they want to be a real church and not just a place to attend church, but it doesn’t ring true.  This appears to be confirmed by a brief visit to their website.  A moderately sized church but with very little ministry in proportion.

If everyone worked together on all those great things listed above for the pastor to do the church might grow and accomplish even greater things. 

Equipping Everyone to Work Together

I know that I am not being fair to this particular church.  And I know that it is job description for the pastor and not the church.  However, it illustrates what is often a reality--unreasonably high expectations of pastors and unreasonably low expectations of church members--which often leads to a lot disappointment and failure.

Might it be possible to write a position description for a pastor that expresses vision, and one that values leadership and teamwork in the mission?  Notice in this passage how everyone is equipped and then works together to make it happen.

Ephesians 4:11–16 ESV “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

How is your church?  How do the church members view and value leadership?  How do the leaders themselves understand their role?  Does everyone see the whole church as a team working together on the mission?  

Godspeed on the pastoral search!

Everyone Goes On Every Trip

This saying shaped the culture of our church.  One of our goals as a congregation was to grow together to become a group of people committed to the global mission of the Gospel.  The saying “everyone goes on every trip” set the expectation for each of our  mission trips.

The approach was simple:  some would go, and the rest of us would send and support in many different ways.  There was always something for everyone to do.  We would seek people out and create opportunities for them to be involved.  Here are a few of the ideas that worked well for us.

Before the Mission Trip

The team was selected about six months before each trip.  Then the team would meet for special prayer and training meetings every other week until they left.  This time of prayer was promoted to the whole congregation to join with the team to ask God for success with His Gospel.

One simple tool that was always useful in the work were “Gospel bracelets” consisting of colored beads which corresponded to the “wordless book” presentation.  These would be used as gifts and as conversation starters.  It was a large project to assemble these, and a great way to meaningfully involve the children and youth of our church.

Funding of trips can be done in a variety of ways.  For us it culminated in our fundraising dinner held one month before each trip.  We encouraged people not to give to the trip at all until this dinner.  The letters had gone out to friends and family, and most of all the donations had been given.  However, there would always be a significant gap.  So, people were instructed to bring their checkbooks to the dinner and pray in advance about what the Lord would have them give.

This event is where we would share the vision for the mission trip and the specific strategies to be used in doing evangelism and church planting.  Each of the team members would share from their hearts, as well, about why they were going and what they hoped to see God do.  We ended the dinner with a time of group check writing; then we listened to music while the figures were tallied, and finally we would praise God how He always brought in the amount we needed!  This happened with every trip.

During the Mission Trip

Part of the dinner included signing up for very important support roles that would be played out during the two-week mission trip.  One role was to “Adopt a Missionary,” which involved preparing personal cards of daily encouragement to send along with that missionary.  It also involved praying more intentionally for that one person on the team during the trip.  

A related role was to “Adopt a Missionary’s Family,” which meant being committed to take care of any needs that arose during the trip.  Often this would involve fixing things around the house that broke.  It might include mowing the lawn, running errands, taking care of children and even simply providing encouragement to the spouse.

We believe that prayer is the most important activity accompanying the proclamation of the Gospel.  We put together a 24-hour “Prayer Chain,” with one-hour slots, where a person committed to pray during that hour each day.  We filled the list up twice, sometimes three times over.  Related to prayer is fasting, and so we also put together a list for “Daily Fasting,” where people would sign up to fast one of the days during the trip.

One of the biggest blessings was getting communication back home from the team out working.  A team member was selected to write a daily progress email and send it to a point person in the congregation who would then disseminate it to the church.

After the Mission Trip

Unlike many churches, when our teams returned we kept the story-telling to a minimum for about five days.  And we purposefully did not share anything during the Sunday morning worship service.  This is because we wanted a whole evening to tell stories and celebrate together what God did.  

Since the whole church had been personally invested in the mission trip, the whole church would show up for the evening of story-telling.  The team was coached on how to tell their stories well, and in such a way that magnified God and His power.  What evenings of joy and blessings these were--three hours of sharing, crying, rejoicing, and simply being amazed at God together!  We would observe that so many prayers were answered so specifically, and that God worked in and through us as His church so gloriously that we were greatly honored and humbled.

Of course, this would just be the beginning of the stories.  Now the team was free to share completely in their small groups, over lunch with friends, and at other churches to encourage them, as well.  In just a few short months it would be time to plan the next mission trip.  It was these stories that moved most people to consider physically going on the next trip themselves.

Mission work is a whole lot of fun and very exciting when “everyone goes on every trip.”  We all knew the saying and loved it; and loved how it grew on us, built us as a community of believers, and enlarged our hearts for the glory of God.  

Our church mission verse came to be:
Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Prayer Is Our Real Work

We are all prone to timidity.  Timeless then, is our Apostle’s urgent appeal in Ephesians 6:18-20 to pray in the Spirit with persevering alertness for the Church’s boldness in its Gospel proclamation.  At the conclusion to the Apostle’s discussion of fighting valiantly in the spiritual war, we come to the absolutely crucial matter of prayer.

Praying in the Warfare

Ephesians 6:18 ESV “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

Prayer is not a piece of the armor, but it is clear that this praying belongs with the discussion above because of the participial form of “praying.”  In other words, after the soldier is outfitted for war, he is to pray a lot because the battle again is won by the Lord, not one’s skill in the battle or his spiritual merits.  

Dependent prayer accesses the power crucial for success in the spiritual war, being aware of both our spiritual goals in situations, and our very real weaknesses.  We can have real confidence going to prayer, and while praying, and then we will find real power resulting from prayer.

We are to pray at all times, at every opportunity, for the struggle never stops, for us or for others.  To pray in the Spirit means under His influence and with His guidance and assistance.  It is not a special way to pray (e.g. speaking in tongues), but a way of stating exactly what prayer is--intense spiritual activity.

In performing this constant prayer, we are to be alert in intercession for others in the war, as well.  In fact we show our love for all the saints by our prayer for them.  Alertness means perseverance and vigilance in petitioning for others according to their need.  It means keeping spiritually sharp and focused in our prayers.  

Prayer is powerfully effective in the spiritual war and does make significant gains.  The Holy Spirit guides our prayers to pray according to the will of God.  God then answers our spiritual prayers empowering His Church.  We really are accomplishing remarkable work in the Mission by praying for our church partners.

Praying for the Boldness

Ephesians 6:19–20 ESV “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

The Apostle Paul is in prison in Rome and will soon have an opportunity to speak of the revealed mystery of the Gospel before Caesar or his deputy.  How important and daunting!  His chains in this passage speak more of his obligation with God for the Gospel as His ambassador.  He does not pity his difficult situation, but rather he revels in his own mission and this opportunity!

Even the Apostle Paul requests prayers on his behalf for boldness in testifying to the Gospel.  However, this is not asking out of weakness.  He does not distrust or doubt, instead he is eager to fulfill his ministry faithful to the very end.  He desires strengthening so he will know what to say and how to say it without fear.  He wants to be able to speak freely, and have powerful expression, and be clear.  He knows that the prayers of the church will be effective for this outcome and so asks for them.

So, if the great Apostle asked, then we should not be ashamed of asking for boldness, for all of us are still in the body of weakness.  Often, we all need and want prayer for the same things; and so we ask and pray such for one another.  It is true that our Gospel partners need our many prayers for their boldness; and we ourselves need theirs for us.

2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

Colossians 4:2–4 ESV “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”

We Need a Renewed Understanding of the Work of Prayer

Romans 12:2 ESV “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Pastor Ben Patterson, in his book Deepening Your Conversation With God asks, “Why don’t we believe we’re getting anything done when we pray?”  He answers, “Two reasons:  the world’s view [secularism] and the world’s pace [busyness].”  The logic of secularism is busyness.  When we get busy, prayer is the first thing to go, when prayer is what will rescue us.  But, prayer is our real work--giving up on human efforts and trusting God to work.

Pastor Adoniram Judson Gordon (1836-1895) of Clarendon Street Baptist Church in Boston, a model for many of a “dynamic mission station,” put it clearly, “You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed.”