Are We Doing It Right? November 30, 2005

I have been a Clemson fan since childhood…so I am used to something that Carolina fans are not used to…winning on a consistent basis! :-)

They style of Clemson football has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. We used to win games with running the ball and defense. Every once in a while we would throw a pass…but that was merely for entertainment purposes only.

And what was the bottom line? We won ball games–plain and simple.

Today it is a little different. Since Tommy Bowden became the coach at Clemson we throw the ball a lot more than we did in the 80’s. He seems to strive for a more balanced attack in his game preparation. However, even though the strategy looks completely different than it did years ago–Clemson is still winning football games.

My question is this–by not doing it the way that “it has always been done” has Tommy committed a sin against the football gods? Is there a right way and a wrong way to play football. Seriously–what is a coach supposed to do? Is running more than passing the right way? Of course, passing the ball is a lot more exciting than running…but then is that too entertaining?

I don’t think we can say there is a right way to play the game–the bottom line is scoreboard. As a Tiger fan I don’t care how we win–just as long as we win. Running, passing, whatever–I like to identify with a winner.

And the same can be said for the church!

I have noticed in the world of the internet a quite lively debate over “the right way” to do church. In my mind this is a DANGEROUS place to be–declaring that one way is right and every other way is wrong.

But the debate is raging…traditional vs. contemporary–house church vs. mega church–postmodern vs. well…I don’t know what THEY are against–usually everything!!!

My point is that people get trapped into thinking that there is one way to do church–and if other churches are NOT doing church that way then they are WRONG. And to take that even further…the people in the churches that feel as if they are right openly criticize and condemn…and some have even staged protests outside of other churches.

Uh, somehow I am not thinking that is what Jesus meant when He called us to love one another AND to make disciples.

People ask me, “Is the way NewSpring doing church the RIGHT way.” My response is always, “No, it is a different way!” There are so many different people in this world…and it is going to take so many different styles to reach them. To claim that there is ONE worship style that is right is both narrow minded and egotistical. And to attack people who ARE NOT compromising the Gospel…but are also NOT compromising Scripture is both arrogant and wrong.

There are several questions that I think need to be asked when evaluating a ministry to see if it is in line…

#1 – Is It Growing?

Jesus called us to reach people–period. Healthy things grow–period. And NO ONE can make a BIBLICAL case for a church remaining small & not caring about the community in which it exists.

I hear it from time to time, “We’re small–but we love each other and it is our call to minister to one another.” That is a partial truth…it is A PART of our call…but another part is to go and reach people for Christ. A church that is inward focused & gives the community the middle finger and tells them to go to hell is not doing it right–period.

It’s not about the style of worship either. There is a church right up the road in Easley that is growing like mad–and they are as traditional as they come. We must be VERY careful NEVER to confuse methodology with theology!

#2 – Is It Scriptural?

I say win the game no matter what–but if a team is caught cheating the ref throws a flag. I am all for doing whatever it takes to reach people; however, Scripture must never be compromised.

Now here is where people will look at churches like NewSpring and claim we are compromising Scripture by not dressing up…or they will condemn the fact that we have a band–things like that.

The problem is that these objections are based on personal preferences rather than precepts, and that is a dangerous line to cross.

I once heard of a legalist objecting to rock and roll music because it had a “4-4″ beat. But as I remember flipping through the hymnals that exist in many churches most of the songs were written in…uh…yep…4-4 time.

#3 – Is It Engaging?

I think there is one word to describe a church that is boring–SIN!

Look at it this way–God is not boring. He invented laughter. He invented the sunset. He’s the One who developed the concept of sex! (Thank you Jesus!)

And Jesus–He was not a boring dude. He was always telling stories…and wherever He went there was this crowd that followed Him. (So much for keeping it small!) And when He walked on the water…or turned water into wine–trust me–he engaged people.

And the Holy Spirit–one good read through Acts chapter two will highlight the fact that when He moves it is completely obvious!

And the Bible–this is the most exciting book ever written. There are stories of war, romance, kings and queens, you name it–it’s in there.

Unfortunately I know of many churches who have taken God, Jesus, the Spirit, and the Bible and made them the most boring and irrelevant things on the planet.

God is NOT boring–His Bride should not be either!

These three questions are things that I use to evaluate this ministry. To be honest, I don’t have time to go around and inspect other people, churches, and ministries, take the time to listen to the messages that the teachers in that church does, read all the things that comes out of that church, and then criticize that ministry through random e-mails and blog comments. (I would argue that a person who does have time for that needs a few things…such as a job…)

I know we are not perfect–we never will be. I tell this church often that as long as I am the pastor that things will probably be screwed up around here. However, I believe with all of my heart that we are doing exactly what Jesus has called us to do…and that we are doing it exactly how He has called us to do it. And that is the conviction that a pastor and the leadership of a church must have.

So–style–doesn’t matter. Dress–doesn’t matter. Political preferences–doesn’t matter. The thing we need to agree on is this–let’s love Jesus with everything we’ve got–and love one another that way as well. That is His call on our lives–not to point out the faults that exist–but to strengthen, encourage, and build one another up.

Are we doing things right? Yes–for where we are, for our church–yes. Does this mean that other churches need to do exactly what we are doing? Nope! That’s my thoughts on the matter–what are yours?

Doing Battle With T-Bone November 29, 2005

We have this…well…problem at our office. At first it was sort of funny–but now it has became irritating.

What is it you ask?

Well, there is a dog that lives next door named T-bone. I am not sure what type of dog he is–looks like some kind of mix. Anyway–he’s got this deal where when someone who works here pulls into the parking lot he runs over and sniffs their tires–picks the one he wants–and then takes a pee.

It’s amazing–I’ve never seen a dog tee tee so much–we could have 30 cars in the parking lot and he will literally mark his spot on every one of them! This dog either has an incurable bladder problem…OR he is serious about this parking lot being his territory.

So this morning I am pulling into the parking lot and Jared, our computer guy, has just pulled in a few seconds before me. AND low and behold here came the “tee tee dog” from behind the trailers and did his deal on one of Jared’s tires.

And then I saw him spot my car…and as I pulled into the parking place he came trotting towards MY car–not his car–MY car!

All of a sudden…and I can’t explain it–I got angry & thought, “This dog is not going to whiz on my tires in front of me.” So as soon as I put my car in park I opened the door and ran towards him, screaming as loud as I could!

I don’t think he’s stopped running yet–and probably has no more pee left in him either!

What is my point in saying all of this? That dog had no right to “mark his spot” on something that does not belong to him.

And the same is true for you if you are a follower of Christ!

As Christians we need to wake up and smell the Starbucks. (Anderson desperately needs a Starbucks–can I get an amen!) We have a real enemy–the devil, satan, whatever you want to call him. And though he cannot steal your salvation–he CAN steal your joy by marking his spot on your life. (And if he does mark his spot on the life of a believer–it does stain and it does stink–just being honest.)

I had this thought as I was walking in after scaring T-bone away, “We can do the same thing to the evil one–he has no right trying to mark something that does not belong to him…and never will.”

The Bible says in Ephesians 4:26-27 to not allow the devil to have a foothold. So how are you doing?

Have you let him mark his spot in your marriage? Are you bitter at your spouse…and you don’t exactly know why? Are you avoiding conversations that you know you should have and letting the bitterness build? Are you looking at other men/women and thinking that life might be better with them? This is a foothold!

How about your dating relationships? Are you allowing him to overwhelm you with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy…so much so that you are willing to date anyone at anytime…just to feel better about yourself? Are you doing things you KNOW you should not being doing with the person you are dating. Seriously–you KNOW right from wrong–don’t play stupid!

How about in your finances? Are you spending money that you do not have, buying things you do not need, to impress people that you do not like? Are you living in a HUGE house with nice cars and all the “cool” things in life–and are so deep in debt that when someone mentions tithing you simply say, “I can’t afford that?” I have discovered from personal experiences that if you are not worshipping God with your money–then you are not worshipping.

How about your thoughts about yourself? Are you allowing the enemy to fill your mind with thoughts like, “You are an accident–there is no reason for your existence–no one would miss you if you were gone…” That is pure BULL! Go to Scripture & you will see–God does not make junk. You–LISTEN–YOU were created with a passion and a purpose–the Bible says in Ephesians that you and I are God’s workmanship–translated in the Greek it says, “masterpiece!” That is who he made you to be.

As followers of Jesus Christ we do NOT need to allow the enemy to mark us…we do not belong to him–and we never will!

And if you don’t know Christ–you do not have to live a life of misery–you were designed with a purpose in mind.

When I pull in the parking lot tomorrow there is a good chance that T-bone will be back…but I took my stand against the dog with the bladder issue this morning…and from now on I will show him that he is not the boss. (Yes, this is the redneck coming out in me!)

And as a follower of Jesus–it is my prayer today that I will not allow the enemy to “mark his territory” in my thoughts, my attitude, or the way I treat other people!

We’re on the winning team–let’s live like it!

Don’t Bring Your Kid’s To Our Church…UNLESS… November 28, 2005

Yesterday I did not preach at NewSpring. It was VERY nice to take a week off and to just be able to walk around and see the things I do not normally get to see. (Jason Wilson did an OUTSTANDING job–you can listen here!)

Last night I was able to spend some time in our children’s area and see the incredible job our staff and volunteers are doing. I saw in the nursery how the kids were known by name…and REALLY cared for in a Christ like manner. I watched the pre-school area and how the kids were captivated by a “skit” that was on their level. I listened to the grade school kids talk about the presentation they had just seen and then talk about Jesus in ways that I could have never discussed when I was that age.

Walking away I thought, “Parent’s REALLY should not bring there kids here…UNLESS they want to come every week!

Kid’s LOVE NewSpring! I have seen it over and over again. A mother pulled me aside one morning in the Bagel Shop to tell me that their three year old had a complete meltdown one morning while they were out of town visiting grandparents because they were not going to come to NewSpring. THREE YEARS OLD!!!

We had another kid one Sunday screaming in the parking lot one morning and actually yelled at his parents, “I want to go back to the d*** church!” (I will have to admit that as the pastor…I loved the little dude’s passion–seriously, how often do you hear THAT?)

What I witnessed last night makes me reflect on when I was a kid & how I HATED church. Call me what you will–I HATED IT! (And most of you…if you would just be honest…you hated it as well!)

I tell people that I had a “drug” problem–my mother “drug” me to church every Sunday. I would try to pretend like I was sick…but my mother had a deal…if you are too sick to go to church then you are too sick to play.

It’s amazing–I was usually cured of my illness within a few seconds!

We would go to church and I would go to Sunday school and color some picture…it was usually more of a babysitting service than anything else. (Just being honest!) And THEN I went to the service! Seriously–what child has ever enjoyed “big church?” I would thumb through the hymnal, scan my worship guide for type-o’s, and pray…for it to be over SOON! The pastor NEVER talked about anything that was appropriate to my life–he used big words–and discussed things that I did not understand. Many adults would argue that it was good for me to be in that environment–I would say to the person who told me that, “YOU ARE SMOKING CRACK!”

Other kids in the church were allowed to bring toys, coloring books, and other things to keep them occupied…but not me–my mother at least demanded that I sit up! (Thinking back–just want does a kid learn about Jesus while he is sitting there totally disconnected from the service coloring a picture of GI Joe?)

This was the environment that I grew up in…so when my mother passed away when I was 12 I dropped out of church…because I HATED IT! There was NEVER anything for me–it was like kids were an afterthought!

Dropping out of church…well…I always say that in order to walk with God you need to surround yourself with people who also walk with God. And so…after dropping out…uh, I didn’t walk with God. I did some things I am not proud of–I made some mistakes.

And now I wonder, “What would it have been like if the church where I would have attended had cared enough about children to engage them on their level? What would it have been like if they had spent the money on us kids that they spent on their stained glass windows? What would it have been like if they had provided an atmosphere where kids actually WANTED, no, DEMANDED that they get to come to church?”

Things could have been different! Don’t get me wrong–I am not BLAMING the church…but you would have to agree that, if you grew up in church, you wish there had been more for you!

So at NewSpring we have made an intense effort to offer the same thing for children that we offer adults on Sunday’s–an excellent, creative, and relevant environment where they can learn about Jesus in a way that they can understand and apply. In fact, one of the aspects of our vision is that we do not allow children into the worship service. From time to time this will upset someone…but we have decided to refuse to partner with people who wish to teach their children that God is boring and church is irrelevant.

(And please let me say this…I have heard so many parents say, “But we want to worship as a family.” Parents–you have Monday through Saturday…and if you are NOT worshipping together as a family in those times then you had better not expect your child to think you are godly because you raise your hands in a song. If you are not worshipping all week long your kid will not think you are godly–they will think you are a hypocrite!)

(Oh yeah, for those who think this might offend some people–it does…but 99.9% of the time it is NEVER the people who are lost and unchurched…it is the people from other churches! It was not our intension to create controversy with this–but with people dropping out of church today in RECORD numbers we feel this is a way to combat the issue. And besides–we do not do anything in the main service that would engage a child.)

I was overwhelmed last night…and I know that our children’s ministry is doing an outstanding job. I always tell people who have kids and are considering visiting our church, “Don’t bring them unless you want to come every Sunday–because they are going to have an awesome time!”

Kid’s ARE worth our attention–our time–our money–our effort. They are NOT the church of tomorrow–they are the church of TODAY! To all who volunteer in our children’s ministry–THANK YOU…you are making a difference…and because of what you are allowing Jesus to do through you I feel that many children will not stray down the path that I took–God is using you to reach them…and this community is a better place for it!

Random Thoughts From A Run November 25, 2005

I went for a run yesterday before eating a ton of turkey…I had several random thoughts that I thought I would share.

#1 – God Has Been So Good To Me!

I remember when I got out of the hospital back in July and I went for a walk a few days later. A WALK about wore me out. I literally had to go home and take a nap afterwards.

And then yesterday I went for five miles–WOW! Thank you Jesus for helping me to recover physically.

#2 – God Has Been So Good To Our Church!

I ran by the Sullivan building at Anderson College and thought back to the early days of NewSpring. We used to cram around 150 people in this building…and it wasn’t that long ago.

Today we see thousands come–countless people have accepted Jesus as their Lord, many people who had given up on church are now giving it a change. So many who could not find acceptance are now finding love in the context of community…and there is so much going on that God is doing behind the scenes that we are not even aware of.

#3 – Pain Is The Result of Effort

During the run I got a side cramp. Now I NEVER get those–EVER. What did I do? I ran through it. I began thinking that the reason I was experiencing pain was because I was putting forth an effort.

When pain comes about in life–many times it is the result of us putting forth effort. I know that is the way it is with me many times at least. When you attempt something great for the Lord–there will be struggles–but pushing through the pain is always worth it!

#4 – No Matter How Much I Beg People Not To–People Still Scare The Poo Poo Out Of Me By Blowing Their Horn!

I was going along and “in a zone,” and then someone blew their horn…I nearly lost control of bodily functions! Please–when you see a runner–do not blow the horn. Trust me–they do not really care about your presence at that moment!

That’s it–told you it was random!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! November 24, 2005

It’s turkey day! YEAH! I went for a five mile run this morning…will probably post my thoughts on that later on today OR tomorrow!

I am so thankful…for SO many things! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

The Debate Goes On November 24, 2005

Yesterday I made reference to Lee’s post regarding questions about the church. I thought he raised some outstanding questions…and most of the comments that people have left are quite challenging and thought provoking.

I decided to sort of weigh in my opinion on the matter here because I didn’t want to make his comment thread any longer than it is.

For those who have not read his post, Lee brought up the debate that seems to be gaining momentum in the United States regarding mega churches verses house churches. Both sides are screaming that “we are right & you are wrong!”

I am coming from the point of view of what has happened at NewSpring over the past five and a half years–so if you think my opinion is biased–it might be…but I am not so sure that it a bad thing.

NewSpring began in a…HOUSE…with about 15 people. We had two things in mind–love Jesus and love people…AND we had a passion to communicate to people that the church is the bride of Christ…and she is BEAUTIFUL and not boring.

Here we are several years later running over 4,000 people. I ask you–have we sinned? Have we broken the heart of God? Should we shut it down…or at least narrow the window of people who can come to around 25 people, mostly Christians…and concentrate on community rather than reaching the community?

Sorry–we can’t do that!

However, I would never disregard the importance of community! I am personally in a home group at NewSpring and the community I experience there is incredible. I would not trade the experience for anything–and I believe God is honored in that.

I, as the pastor, truly feel like NewSpring is following the Lord–we are trying our best to teach people to love Jesus and love others…and God is blessing. Lives are being changed–people are being reached–the poor are being served…and there is so much more that has to be done. We say it all the time–this is a God thing!

So what about the house churches? Are they wrong? Is it a sin to be a part of a house church? I have some thoughts on this as well!

I am personally against ANY group of people who claims to be followers of Jesus Christ…but do not give a flying rip about the hell bound people in their community! I don’t care if it’s 20 people in a house or 2,000 people in a massive building–to neglect the Great Commission is a sin!

So if a house church has the ambition of meeting together for community AND reaching people for Christ–I say go for it. But if the focus is purely inward…just so people can get “their needs met,” then I say it is wrong!

Unfortunately, what I have observed with the majority (NOT ALL) of those involved in the house church movement in the United States has not been good. You hear them NOT speaking of community and unity–but rather how the mega church is wrong and ungodly. What is that? You can call NewSpring a lot of things (and people do), but to refer to us as ungodly is plain stupidity. (Yes, you can quote me on that!)

One of the HUGE problems I hear when referring to house churches is, “There is no way everyone can know me in a big church.” I’m sorry–I wasn’t aware of any place in Scripture that the church was supposed to be about you being known! Do you think everyone knew everyone in Acts 2 when 3,000 accepted Christ–that made for 3,120 people–and no one seemed to mind!?

Once again–mega churches provide opportunities for community in the context of homegroups–and for us it is working.

When the church becomes about knowing people…and that IS something I hear, “I am not getting my needs met…I want this…I want that…”, then problems will follow.

Another thing that the house church movement claims is that they are simply joining a worldwide movement…that churches all over the world are meeting in homes and that we need to be doing the same.

One thing that they neglect to tell you is that the reason many churches are meeting in homes all across the world is because THEY HAVE TO!!! There are places in the world that if believers are caught worshipping together then they are KILLED–so they have to go underground…in homes–wherever, just to worship.

AND I have heard from missionaries when these people are told of the large, corporate worship that we are free to experience here in America–THEY CRAVE THAT–they LONG for that, they wish they could experience that! I have even heard stories from missionaries that have served in India and Africa of people who walked with people from their village for days just to come to a church service where they could worship with a large group!

Another thing I hear from the house church movement is that “we are merely going back to our roots.” I would agree that Scripture clearly teaches that the church met house to house–but one would have to be intellectually dishonest to say that the church neglected the large group meetings in order to go house to house. They prayed at the temple…speaking of the temple–if God wanted to keep the whole thing small then what in the world did He think He was going to accomplish with the building of the temple? Sounds like He’s not against large groups gathering for worship!

OK–I will calm down now. All I am saying is this–the mega church movement is real, it is of God, and should not be condemned. If what the mega church does isn’t your style–then say it isn’t your style–don’t dismiss it as ungodly and wrong…AND do not criticize the people leading this movement–especially when you do not know them! Just pray for them–and if we are wrong then ask God to show us where–He can do a lot more than you can.

And to be fair…I will admit that the house church is a valid ministry–but it’s focus should be on outreach…and NOT merely forming a holy huddle and licking war wounds from the previous week! At NewSpring we choose to do both–large group and small group…and God is honoring this. It is our goal to be obedient to Him–and it is my personal goal…even though it is hard at times–to never criticize what God is blessing.

If you are a part of a house church that is loving God and loving people–PRAISE GOD FOR YOU! I am serious when I say that–I pray that your ministry will increase…and that many people will enter the kingdom because of your obedience to the Lord. We are on the same team, we serve the same God–and though we might not agree on the methods then lets at least agree to do ministry–and if other people don’t do it the way we do it–so be it!

That’s about it for now–got to eat some Turkey!

In The Name of….God? November 23, 2005

I had a great conversation this morning in the gym with a couple of friends about the name of God. One of the people I was speaking with was in sales and was telling me about two people who had “prayed about a purchase” and “felt good about it” – and then the next day they decided to pull the plug & not go through with it.

I have to be honest–that REALLY hacks me off! I can’t stand it when people say, “I am going to do this–and God wants me to.” And then the following day they say, “Well–I’m not going to do that anymore because…” And they thene follow with some LAME excuse.

People–STOP attaching God’s name to things He has nothing to do with! If God gives an answer then He isn’t going to tell you the oppisite thing the next day. “Yes, I mean…uh…NO, I mean…well, yes then…” That’s just not who He is!

Want some examples–

The Crusades! What was THAT? Man, those people went NUTS! They were following someone, but they were not following Jesus. He said to “love your neighbor,” and somewhere along the way that got turned into, “free Jerusalem!” And the sad thing is that it was done in the name of God!

How about Christian couples that break up…and one person does not want to accept any responsibility–so they blame it on God. (I will concede that it is God at times–but if God keeps ending your relationships then maybe He is communicating to you that you need to be single for a while!)

One of the commandments is for us NOT to misuse the name of God. In other words–we can’t do whatever we want, put the God tag on it–and then expect everything just to be alright.

OK–that’s my rant for now! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!