http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/national_day_of_

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/new_church_plant

Joel Rainey, whom I've known for a few years now, has written a book called Planting Churches in the Real World. I wrote an endorsement for it, which appears on the front cover.

I think the angle of this book will be very helpful. Most of the books on church planting are written by guys who have planted mega-churches, which often leaves would-be planters thinking that theirs will be the next mega-church. But most new churches don't break 100 in average worship attendance until after the fourth year, and Joel writes his book with this majority group in mind.

The book is, on the one hand, a needed wake-up call to new church planters who approach the task with delusions of granduer. On the other hand, Joel is adamant that a new church can make a great Kingdom impact, whether it is made up of hundreds of people, or dozens of people. Both the extreme difficulties and the rich rewards of church planting are described through his own personal experience. He also speaks with candor to his own mistakes as a church planter (as I mentioned, I've known him for a while and he's quite stubborn.)

This is a great resource for anyone thinking about planting a church. It is available now from the publisher (www.missional-press.com). I also linked (above) to Barnes and Noble.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/friday_is_for_fr

With Friends at Dwell

I had a great time at the Dwell Conference in New York City. I also had the chance to meet uber blogger Darryl Dash, who snapped these photos. Darryl is an always thoughtful blogger and all around good guy, except that he left early to go to the David Letterman show.

Darryl's pictures show a bit of the venue. It was an interesting space, to say the least.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/watching_your_li

I had an awkward situation yesterday. My doctor prescribed a sleep study (part of some health tests I am doing in preparation for my forthcoming new health regimen).

The tech called me to arrange the details. She did not seem to have many details about the clinic, so I asked some questions. One of which was the setting-- in this case it was an office building with several faux bedrooms where they would wire me up and measure me sleeping.

I asked about the staff, and she was "it."

Then came that awkward moment. I knew she would not understand it, but I expalined, "I can't come if it is just you and me in the building." It was awkward and I am guessing few ever said such a thing. So, I skipped out on my study (and will probably hvae to pay the no-show charge).

It might seem silly to you, but let me encourage you to not see it as such. Many of you who read this are young pastors. I know too many pastors who have lost great credibility because of an accusation (let alone an indiscretion).

I am not irresistible. I have a great face for radio. I do not think that anyone will swoon over me. But, I do not know the stability, morality, and disposition of people that I meet.

When I told my wife, I thought she might slap me. She has been excited about my recent health plans. However, she was the opposite. She felt protected and affirmed. She knew I would not put our family in jeopardy.

I remember Danny Akin once saying that he would not pick up a woman on the side of the road in the rain if her car broke down. He would never be alone with a woman not his wife. It seemed a bit selfish until he told the rest of the story. He would pull over and give her the keys and let her drive where she needed to be.

Guarding yourself takes work, can be awkward, and is often inconvenient. But, one problem averted makes it a good stewardship of your life, ministry, and family.

At the churches I planted, we always used something like Saddleback's Ten Commandments:

Thou shalt not go to lunch alone with the opposite sex.

Thou shalt not have the opposite sex pick you up or drive you places when it is just the two of you.

Thou shalt not kiss any attender of the opposite sex or show affection that could be questioned.

Thou shalt not visit the opposite sex alone at home.

Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex alone at the office, and thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex more than once without that person’s mate. Refer them.

Thou shalt not discuss detailed sexual problems with the opposite sex in counseling. Refer them.

Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with an attender of the opposite sex.

Thou shalt be careful in answering emails, instant messages, chatrooms, cards or letters from the opposite sex.

Thou shalt make your co-worker your protective ally.

Thou shalt pray for the integrity of other staff members.

(The first four do not apply to unmarried staff.)

I hope you have a list like this for your own life and ministry.

"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality..." (Ephesians 5:3).

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/accountability_q

Yesterday, I finished up my series through James. I promised to include some accountability question list examples here. These lists are from Cultivating a Life for God (Church Smart Resources 1999 pp.125-131).
Typically, these questions are asked in groups of 2-3, are specific to men or women, meets regularly, and hold each other accountable.

John Wesley’s Small Group Questions:

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass onto another what was told me in confidence?

4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work , or habits?

5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

6. Did the Bible live in me today?

7. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?

8. Am I enjoying prayer?

9. When did I last speak to someone about my faith?

10. Do I pray about the money I spend?

11. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

12. Do I disobey God in anything?

13. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

14. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

16. How do I spend my spare time?

17. Am I proud?

18. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisee who despised the publican?

19. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I going to do about it?

20. Do I grumble and complain constantly?

21. Is Christ real to me?

Wesley’s Band Meeting Questions:

1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?

2. What temptations have you met with?

3. How were you delivered?

4. What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?

5. Have you nothing you desire to keep secret?

Reference: John Wesley’s Class Meetings: a Model for Making Disciples, by D. Michael Henderson, Evangel Publishing House, 1997, pp. 118-9


Chuck Swindoll’s Pastoral Accountability Questions:

In his book, The Body, Chuck Colson lists the questions used by Chuck Swindoll.

1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?

2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?

3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?

4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?

5. Have you given priority time to your family?

6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?

7. Have you just lied to me?

Neil Cole:

1. What is the condition of your soul?

2. What sin do you need to confess?

3. What have you held back from God that you need to surrender?

4. Is there anything that has dampened your zeal for Christ?

5. Who have you talked with about Christ this week?

HT: Journey

The questions I use are from these cards from Church Multiplication Associates. I keep one in my Bible.

The ten questions are as follows:

1. Have you been a testimony this week to the greatness of Jesus Christ with both your words and actions?

2. Have you been exposed to sexually alluring material or allowed your mind to entertain inappropriate thoughts about someone who is not your spouse this week?

3. Have you lacked any integrity in your financial dealings this week, or coveted something that does not belong to you?

4. Have you been honoring, understanding and generous in your important relationships this past week?

5. Have you damaged another person by your words, either behind their back or face-to-face?

6. Have you given in to an addictive behavior this week? Explain.

7. Have you continued to remain angry toward another?

8. Have you secretly wished for another’s misfortune so that you might excel?

9. Did you finish your reading this week and hear from the Lord? What are you going to do about it?

10. Have you been completely honest with me?

HT

Related post: Avoid Any Hint

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/sbc_president.ht

Candidates include (in order they were announced):
1. Bill Waggner.
2. Frank Cox.
3. and Avery Willis makes three (posted with his permission).
...and watch for Johnny Hunt's forthcoming nomination (also posted here with his permission).

It should be a good year with so many godly men interested in leading this convention through challenging times. Pray for God's direction and guidance. I believe that God can bring us together and focus us on His mission.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/clergification.h

A few posts back Chris Norman posted a question in the comments that I thought I would explore a bit as a blog post. His question was for Alan Hirsch, Neil Cole and me and resulted in a brief email dialog. The issue revolves around the full-time pay of pastoral leadership. Is a church healthier with, or wthout paid staff? Is such a concept even biblical? My response in the comments was:

I have no problem with paid pastors (it is biblical). My concern is the bias against the unpaid and the clergification of ministry. All believers have a ministry, mine is just to the office of pastor. God calls us to different ministries, some are paid and some are not, but all are essential.

The monetary support of pastoral leadership is a biblical model. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that, “the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:14) He presses the point again in 1 Tim. 5:17-18 when he told the young pastor, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’” There are other passages that also support this practice (Gal. 6:6; 3 Jn. 1:8) as a good model for sustaining the leadership and direction of the church.

While many understand the biblical merit of this argument, many have also bought into the clergification of Christian ministry. This is the belief that the professionals carry out the real work of the church, and everyone else simply lends a hand here and there. And “professionals” are of course those who make their living from the gospel. Therefore, bi-vocational pastors or church planters are often held in much less esteem, and the rest of the church is seen as practically unnecessary. Such a perspective misses the example of Paul, and more importantly the nature of gospel ministry and church health.

While clearly articulating the idea that pastoral leadership should be supported by their local church, Paul himself often worked outside of the church to support his church planting endeavors. More importantly, Paul clearly teaches that the church’s health is built upon the interdependent ministries that arise from the church body, and not solely from the teaching ministry of paid leaders (1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4; Rom 12:3-8). We have to guard against the tendency to depend more on man and less on Christ among his people.

In the email conversation Neil Cole added some helpful words to this discussion, and I wanted to share them here (with his permission).

1. Paul does say it is the apostles "right" to be supported, but that he and Barnabas have forgone that right for the furtherance of the gospel. I believe the idea is that in pioneering works, he doesn't want to offer the gospel at a charge. That is my own conviction, so I never receive support from the church I am starting at the time, but will gladly receive it once I move on.

2. Jesus sent the disciples (both the 12 and the 70) off without any financial support. He said "do not take a purse." No reserves, no credit cards, no plans for sustenance. They were to believe God to provide for them and solely focus on obedience to the kingdom principles taught in Matt 10 and Luke 10. I often wonder what Christianity would look like if we all started this way. After their faith and obedience are demonstrated (tested?), Jesus later says, "Now, take a purse." (Luke 22?) The idea is that you do not know how to handle money until you know how to go forward without it. Once you prove that your heart is right and your faith is sound, then financial support is fine...as long as it is releasing you to do more of what you do already. The idea of employment is foreign to the NT. You are owned by Jesus, not any other. Job descriptions, office hours, performance reviews, raises, lay-offs, bonuses, etc...have no place in God's kingdom. This is not a business enterprise but a Kingdom and each are agents under Christ's command and none other. He will not place the order and then not pay the bill.

3. There were many times Paul made tents, but also times when he served "full time" while others worked to support him. He never took money from his new churches, but accepted it when he moved on (i.e. Philippians). There is not one model for how this works in the NT and not even one only for Paul himself.

We have many who are moving this direction with radical faith and God is honoring. The last chapter of my next book (Organic Leadership) is story after story of church planters who ventured off away from secure salaries to live by faith and using their entrepreneurial gifts. Each story is unique and powerful. Often additional "side-effects" occur that no one expected...like greater respect in the community and fruitfulness in transforming a city. Often they end up having much greater financial support then they would have had in "professional ministry".

Alan Hirsch had limited time to write but added,

The only thing I would add to Chris is that given that you are in an established church, it has its 'givens' and professionalization of ministry is one of them. But I think we do need to be very careful about being domesticated by being paid full-time. We easily get co-opted to becoming chaplains of the status quo.

Neil’s and Alan’s advice and cautions should give us all pause as we consider what are the pitfalls and pressures we face in the local church. The health of the church depends on the presence of Christ working through the whole body as his missionary activity, and not on select personalities or professionals.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/in_usatoday_talk

Should Christians be involved in politics? Yes.

Are Evangelicals too identified as a partisan political bloc? Yes.

Can Christians still be involved in politics and social action and yet more clearly articulate a gospel message? I hope and believe we can.

As a matter of fact, the growing evangelical understanding of the Kingdom reminds us that we must be involved. (See Russell Moore's helpful, The Kingdom of Christ: The New Evangelical Perspective, for a helpful analysis. Or, Carl Henry's Uneasy Conscience, for an earlier perspective.)

Today, USA Today weighs in on the subject. This story was tied to the publication of an Evangelical Manifesto, a document I am assuming I will like (based on who is endorsing and the theme). The website is here.

We had just completed some research (to be released on the LifeWay Research website today) on the involvement of Christians in politics, so we ended up in the story. I don't speak much of politics, but the research connected well, so here are a few of the comments I made to USA Today (they cited some of them):

The data tells us that a minority of Americans, and a smaller minority of Christians, are concerned that Christians are “too involved” in politics. The more liberal and secular one is, the more concerned you are—which is not surprising. But, the majority of Americans (and a large majority of Christians) do not share the concern that Christians are too involved in politics.

I am one who agrees that evangelicals need to be known for what we are for—showing and sharing the good news of Christ, not only just what we are against. But, in regards to public policy, it is a both/and, not either/or.

You cannot stand for justice and be told you cannot speak of Jesus, nor can you love God and His word and not care for unborn children, the abused, and social justice.

Christians need to speak prophetically to all parties, not be beholden to one. If evangelicals are seen as a voting bloc of the Republican Party, I am concerned. If Christians are told to leave their faith outside the public square, I am more concerned.

Religion will always be an issue in politics. However, as evangelicals we need to not try to moralize the unconverted-- our primary mission is to convert the immoral-- other sinners like us.

Simply put, you cannot have a proper view of the Kingdom of God and not care about society. And, part of caring about society involves advocating for social policy that protects those needing protection and promotes the public good. Maybe part of the problem is that we have been known for advocating polices rather than serving the hurting in the name of Jesus.

We need both.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/joining_the_facu

Danny Akin sent out an email yesterday to the faculty and students at Southeastern indicating I was joining their faculty. So, I thought I better make that official (or as official as a blog can make anything)!

I am joining the faculty of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary as Visiting Research Professor of Missiology.
As I mentioned earlier, I will also be on the faculty of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. And, I do plan to finish my teaching at some other schools where I have committed. But, I plan to focus my non-SBC teaching at Trinity and my SBC teaching at Southeastern.

I will be working with the SEBTS faculty there to help prepare students who are biblically sound and focused on the Great Commission. The seminary has a remarkable focus on the Great Commission and a passion for church planting and missions. In the coming months, they will be sharing some new programs, both at the Masters and the Ph.D. level, that will be of interest to many of you.

Danny Akin is a leading voice calling for a Great Commission Resurgence in the SBC. I am glad to be on team with him and the fine leadership of SEBTS.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/outreach_magazin

The new issue of Outreach Magazine gives their reader-submitted "Resources of the Year" in several categories. What came in at the number one spot for Leadership Training Resource of the Year may surprise some of you (and it greatly disappointed three authors who co-wrote a certain book that was a runner-up).
I Sold My Soul on Ebay by Hemant Mehta took the top spot. From Publisher's Weekly,

Mehta, an atheist, once held an unusual auction on eBay: the highest bidder could send Mehta to a church of his or her choice. The winner, who paid $504, asked Mehta to attend numerous churches, and this book comprises Mehta's responses to 15 worshipping communities, including such prominent megachurches as Houston's Second Baptist, Ted Haggard's New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Willow Creek in suburban Chicago.

A book providing an outsider's honest perception of the church and our faith proves to be very helpful.

The runners up were:

They Like Jesus But Not the Church: Insights From Emerging Generations
by Dan Kimball (Zondervan)

The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church
by Alan Hirsch (Baker)

11 Innovations in the Local Church: How Today’s Leaders Can Learn, Discern and Move Into the Future
by Elmer L. Towns, Ed Stetzer and Warren Bird (Regal) (Cue the weeping and gnashing of teeth...)

Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation
by Mark DeYmaz (Jossey-Bass/Wiley)

In case you are wondering, 11 Innovations in the Local Church is an exploration of some of the current innovations in church life and ministry, and could be helpful in thinking through ways in which local churches can be more effective in their practice and preaching of the gospel.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/darrell_bock_and

I recently wrote about the Evangelical Manifesto.

On the morning it released, I received a call from one of the key people behind the manifesto, Darrell Bock. Darrell is Research Professor of New Testament Studies and Professor of Spiritual Development and Culture at Dallas Theological Seminary. He was quoted in my local paper this morning.

This morning, I had a nice talk with Darrell about his intent (and the intent of the document).

I have read the document and find it compelling in many ways. Would I change some things? Of course. Does it say some important things? Definitely.

As I mentioned in the USAToday story, I was concerned it would be "spun" to say Christians should not be involved in politics. That was not the intent of the signers, but some have tried to spin it that way.

Darrell mentioned his radio dialogue with Denny Burk. Denny has just posted links to the interviews here. Their focus is on what some call "single issue" politics.

Darrell shared the following with me that addresses some of the intent of the document. He will soon release to other blogs but gave me permission to share it with you:

An Evangelical Manifesto is both a call to evangelicals for self-reflection on how they publicly engage in discussion and a reminder of what the term evangelical has meant for centuries before we hit the current cultural wars. About 80 theologians and evangelical leaders released the document as charter signatories. It contains an open invitation to all to consider signing on if they identify with the values of the document. The manifesto notes that evangelicalism is primarily a theological term.

Evangelicals are personally committed to their faith in Jesus. They seek to share that hope as good news about how God restores broken relationships with him and between people. They desire to live out such faith as spiritual experiences where God transforms them through forgiveness and fellowship. Such a faith is public and private. It touches on the entirety of life as sacred.

This understanding means that there is a broad scope of issues that concern evangelicals as they engage in a pluralistic public square. They prioritize these issues in diverse ways, some seeing certain issues as more central than others.

Is the manifesto the same old, same old? I think not. The document asks believer and non-believer alike to appreciate how we affect our social fabric by the way we engage. It then asks everyone, especially evangelical believers, to examine before God how we engage. One way to focus this discussion is to ask what evangelical meant long before the current cultural faceoff. This historical review provides perspective for thinking about that assessment.

This kind of self-assessment is always called for in a spiritual context and can be a very healthy exercise. At an individual level it is what “quiet times” are all about: Before God and the Word it involves asking if we are all we should be as we seek to reflect values that Scripture and Jesus teach. The manifesto is a public appeal to consciously enter into such reflection within our own community. It is the public nature of this personal and corporate-wide call that might be a cultural disconnect. No one is named on purpose. The spectrum includes everyone from the left to the right. So there is no effort to bash one side or another. If the shoe of criticism fits as one reflects on the values described, then the call is to reconsider what can and should be done to regain a better balance.

I signed the document because it stirred me to look at myself and the groups for which I am an advocate. I pondered anew before my Lord how I engage and contend for values in the public square, in terms of the scope of issues addressed, the tone, and especially how I treat those with whom I am in debate or dialogue.

By the way, there is biblical precedent for this. Prophets like Nehemiah and a host others at different times prayed corporately and called for such assessment by the entire believing community of their day.

Here is the question the manifesto raises: Can we/should we pause in self-reflection about how we engage as believer-citizens on issues of the day, both spiritual and political? The manifesto argues, “Yes, we should.”

Jesus has much to say about a whole host of issues beyond the ones that have been targeted over the last few decades, including the ones that have been discussed and defended (sometimes very well, sometimes not so well).

In addition and often missed in the early discussion of the document is this question: Does tone matter as much as content? I think so. To these questions the manifesto also calls for reflection.

What factors are at stake in such an assessment? Why does this matter? Among the stakes are: (1) the well-being of our society, (2) the authenticity of believers' claims to love God and one's neighbor, (3) the integration of those calls to love, (4) the central importance evangelicals give to the need for spiritual transformation to really grow into human maturity, as individuals and as a society, and (5) honoring God with a balanced, consistency between witness, truth, and life.

So how does one respond to such a call?

Simply resort to the previous style of confrontation? Probably not.

Claim that such a call for self-reflection and assessment “muddies the waters”? Don’t think so.

Concerned about a scorecard that asks who the call initially includes or excludes as charter signatories? Not ultimately relevant.

Do such critiques, though honestly made, really address the point when all, including the signers, are invited to ponder in silence? Not really.

Rather than simply dragging out the old labels and category concerns (liberal; conservative; centrist; Catholic; atheist; too ecumenical sounding, like the Evangelical and Catholics Together document; not enough women nor ethnics), can we ask what in the document is a problem or what is well said? Is it really a key concern to ask who was initially asked to sign a document that invites anyone to sign? Should we not ask instead if one should sign anew on to such an array of commitments? Should we not ask why or why not sign? Can or should one as a believer-citizen today engage with conviction for one’s values without doing things that fuel the present cultural war? Is this question worth asking and pondering?

The manifesto simply says emphatically, “Yes.” So that is the point. Pause and ponder anew what we evangelicals are truly called to do–and pray it be done with a balance that honors God, reflects the gospel, and loves our neighbor, even in the midst of serious debate. Is that point worth reaffirming with a signature no matter where we are on the evangelical spectrum? Is it? In other words, to reflect or not to reflect, that is the question.

To read and consider signing the document, go to www.evangelicalmanifesto.com

Dr. Darrell L. Bock is Research Professor of New Testament and Professor of Spiritual Development and Culture at Dallas Theological Seminary.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/friday_is_for_fr

The Multiplying Church
Bob Roberts is blogging his new book, The Multiplying Church, at glocal.net. Check it out.

Mark Reynolds and the Redeemer Fellows Program
Mark Reynolds from Redeemer Presbyterian Church sent along his presentation from the Best Practices Forum at the Exponential Conference (you can download the other presentations here). He tells about the Redeemer Fellows Program, one of the leading church planting internship programs in the country. Download a pdf of the presentation here.

Richard Land on Responsible Religious Freedom
I was on the phone with Richard Land earlier this week and we talked at length about his recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal. Be sure to check out the full article here.

Some excerpts:

The removal of 462 children from the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) polygamist sect's Yearning for Zion (YFZ) ranch in Eldorado, Texas, by that state's Child Protective Services has raised important questions about separation of church and state and the First Amendment's "free exercise" protections. Americans believe fervently in the "unalienable" right to the "free exercise" of religious faith without interference from government. However, we also have a deep-seated interest in protecting children from abuse.

FLDS members proclaim that their sole desire, according to fldstruth.org, is "the privilege of worshipping God as guaranteed by the Constitution," yet the sect's members argue that the practice of their faith involves polygamy, which is illegal in every state in the Union...

What should Americans make of all this? How do we respect religious freedom while protecting children?...

We should be ever watchful for potential government encroachment on our inviolable First Amendment freedom protections. Relentless citizen vigilance is the best safeguard of our religious rights. But the potential for governmental abuse of religious freedom is just that -- potential. The evidence for sexual abuse of children in this case is substantial. In such circumstances the first concern must be protecting children from abuse -- just as Texas law instructs the legal system to do.

Is there the danger of a slippery slope? Could some government officials attempt to use the Eldorado case as a legal precedent to trample the freedoms of unpopular religious groups? Of course. That is precisely why Americans should monitor carefully the actions of Texas officials, make certain they do not exceed their authority or violate religious freedom guarantees and ultimately prove their case in court...

Like most Americans, I agree that the safety of children must always take priority in government's actions. That does not give government officials a blank check to use children's "welfare" as a subterfuge to justify governmental intrusion or to disrupt any practice it finds vaguely weird.

There is no more treasured language in America's collective heart than these 16 words: "Congress shall make no Law respecting an Establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." As invaluable to our heritage as these words are, they were never intended to exempt people from obeying generally applicable laws, which meet a compelling government interest, such as the ones prohibiting adult males from having sex with underage girls in or out of "spiritual" marriages.

To misconstrue the First Amendment's religious freedoms to grant such exemption would be to desecrate those time-honored words and the sacred freedoms they guarantee.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/off_to_two_missi

This week, I will be speaking at two global mission boards.

The IMB

The International Mission Board is my own denominational international mission agency. On Monday, I join with Jerry Rankin to end the evening session talking about how pastors can be involved in global missions.

One of the favorite parts of my job is working with the International Mission Board. When I was praying about coming to LifeWay, it was my dinner with Jerry Rankin that finalized the decision. Odd, I know, but it went like this.

Thom Rainer had approached me about coming to LifeWay and leading LifeWay Research. I was very interested, but feel a call to missiology and mission reserach. Dr. Rankin had asked me to dinner in Atlanta to talk about working with the IMB in a full or part-time role.

We talked a bit about working at the IMB, but when I told him about Thom Rainer's LifeWay Research role, he leaned over the table and said, "Oh, Ed, you need to go to LifeWay and we will just partner with LifeWay to share you!" The rest is history. Part of my job is to serve the IMB-- when I speak, I represent the IMB. And, twice a year I try to involve innovative church pastors in global missions. (My next trip is to Krakow this fall.)

After I speak there, I jump on a plane (a really small plane) from Richmond, VA to Harrisburg, VA to lead a seminar at the Association of Baptists for Worldwide Evangelism (ABWE).

The ABWE

The ABWE is a large mission board for independent Baptist churches. Their website explains:

The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism is an independent mission agency that exists to serve local churches in the task of sending missionaries around the world. ABWE, with ministries in over 80 countries, services over 5,000 churches and 1,400 missionaries.

Many people first heard about the ABWE when the Bowers family was shot down by Peruvian air force planes assist by U.S. advisors in a tragic accident over Peru. (Read their memorial service here.)

You can read more about the remarkable ministry of the ABEW here.

You can read about the ABWE event here.

I have a great heart for the nations-- and hope you do, too. There is so much to distract us from the Great Commission, but it is worth all our effort and our focus.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/forrest_pollack_

Last night, Ted Traylor called to see if I had heard from our mutual friend, Forrest Pollock, pastor of Bell Shoals Baptist Church.

Soon after, the church posted this:

Please be in earnest prayer for Pastor Forrest. On Sunday afternoon, Pastor Forrest left (flying his own plane) for North Carolina, a quick stop before going to a conference in Texas. He reached his destination in North Carolina; however, after leaving from there early Monday morning for Texas, we have learned that Pastor has not yet reached his destination at the time of this writing.

Everything humanly possibly is being done to locate Pastor’s whereabouts. We are, however, appealing to all of our church family to pray earnestly for God’s supernatural intervention. The new Worship Center is open for prayer and will remain so until further notice.

The church is posting regular updates. See updates here. Please pray for God's miraculous intervention.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/in_michigan_with

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Assemblies of God pastors in the Michigan District. We had a great time.

One of my favorite moments was when they prayed for new church planters (there were several others out of the picture). My friend Steve Bradshaw, director of church planting for the district, is introducing them here:


We had a great time of prayer for the planters:


I had the privilege of preaching once and then leading a few hours of seminar to the whole group.


A great day with some good friends. I am going to blog more about my lunch meeting hosted by Steve and Mary Beth Bradshaw.

I have written before about the Assemblies of God and their plans here.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/names_removed_fr

Ergun Caner, of Liberty University, called last Friday and we talked about the Evangelical Manifesto. It seemed a bit odd to see his name on the document considering he taught at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University. We talked again today.

Whatever you think of the manifesto, Ergun's name sticks out like Joel Osteen at a John MacArthur's Shepherd Conference.

Tomorrow the official press release goes out, but Ergun has removed his name from the manifesto. I will link to the release when it is out, but Ergun sent his thoughts here and I have posted them below.

I have already shared my thoughts in USAToday, and elaborated here on the blog. My main concern was that this would be "spun" to say that Christians should not be involved in politics. In other words, we would see titles like this from the Los Angeles Times: Group of evangelical Christians writes manifesto urging separation of religious beliefs and politics.

Darrell Bock has graciously shared his thoughts here at the blog. At the same time he sent the blog info, he sent, but asked me not to publish, a forthcoming editorial in the Dallas Morning News. You can read that here.

Denny Burk and Bock undertake an insightful debate on the document here.

Here is Ergun's statement:

I NEVER SIGNED THIS MANIFESTO

Dr. Ergun Mehmet Caner
President and Dean
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Graduate School
Liberty University


Tuesday, May 13, 2008

In recent days, I became aware that my name is on the list of “Charter Signatories” for the Evangelical Manifesto (EM) (http://www.evangelicalmanifesto.com/sign.php).

There is only one problem.
I never signed it.

A few months ago, I was consulted by a member of the steering committee, and invited to read through a rough draft. At that time, I stated in an email that I felt the language concerning the forefathers of evangelicalism was too dismissive and too harsh. Men such as the founder of our University, Dr. Jerry Falwell, acted with courage in putting evangelical Christianity on the frontlines of the American dialogue.

I was saddened to read that this language was not changed.
Then I became angered by the tone of the presentation at the National Press Club (NPC).

I must state for the record, the EM does NOT reflect my position, and the speakers at the NPC do NOT reflect my position concerning the current state of Evangelicalism.

Even in the preface, I disagree fundamentally with a number of assumptions, namely, (1) that there is any confusion at what being evangelical means, and (2) that we stand in the tradition of the Protestant Reformation. First, I do not see any “confusion” concerning the term- we have always been clear what it means. We are conservatives who believe that Jesus alone is Lord, and the Bible is the only Word of God. The only confusion occurs when a non-evangelical wants to muddy the waters in order to become one of us, since we are such a large constituency.

Secondly, as a Baptist, I do not stand in the “Protestant” tradition. Historically Baptists are dissenters, and were hunted by many of the Reformers. I do not believe, as the longer version of the Manifesto reads, that “evangelical is synonymous with Protestant” (p. 10).

Further, reading the document sounds like an extended apology, and I do not apologize for the stance we have taken for decades: evangelicals are unapologetically and unabashedly pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-prayer. We believe that Christianity has been pushed out of the public square, and I do not believe such a “manifesto” will accomplish the aim of bringing prayer back in schools or rescuing the unborn. Simple logic states that standing for something requires standing against something else.

This was the genius of men such as Dr. Jerry Falwell, D. James Kennedy, Tim LaHaye, James Dobson, Pat Robertson, Adrian Rogers and others. They accepted the challenge of an unabashedly secular society without hesitation and without reservation. We are not “owned” by any political party, but we will stand with and for candidates that are for our values, and against those values that we see as unbiblical, such as homosexuality and abortion.

I absolutely stand against the tenor of the NPC meeting that seemed to distance itself from our forefathers in evangelicalism. Men such as James Dobson and Jerry Falwell stood for truth and righteousness. I not only thank God for these men, I believe we must carry on this fight. It is our duty to continue their stance, not run from it when criticism makes us unpopular. Popularity is not the goal of an evangelical; Converted souls in heaven are the ultimate goal. You do not change a culture by surrender. This is precisely what the document seems to do.

Thankfully, the aforementioned forefathers raised up a generation of men and women who continue to speak in the public square, and build great institutions that do the same. I shall continue to stand in the public square, without apology. I ask that my name be STRICKEN from the charter list of the Evangelical Manifesto. This is NOT a movement with which I am comfortable. I am more than happy to discuss these differences with any member of the EM body, either publicly or privately. My email is ecaner@liberty.edu.


Blessings,



DR. ERGUN M. CANER
President and Dean of The Seminary
LIBERTY Baptist THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND GRADUATE SCHOOL
CN 2500 • 1971 University Blvd. Lynchburg, VA 24502
OFFICE: 434.592.4163 FAX: 434.522.0415

www.liberty.edu/LTS
www.erguncaner.com
ecaner@liberty.edu

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/friday_is_for_fr

Alvin Reid Wins an Award

Congratulations to my friend Alvin Reid whose new book was recently honored. Kregel announced:

Outreach Magazine announced the finalists for their Outreach Resource Awards in February of this year... and this year’s finalists included... Join the Movement: God Is Calling You to Change the World by Alvin L. Reid (Kregel 2007) in the Youth Outreach category.

Congrats to Alvin.


Joe Thorn Needs to Learn Boundaries


Joe Thorn, giving way too many of the details of his life, is twittering the birth of his child today. This would appear to be in the tradition of Steve McCoy's odd decision to blog his wife's brain surgery (back in the dark ages, pre-twitter). My guess is that the baby will look remarkable like Joe, at least in the hair department.


A Picture That Makes Even Me Look Relevant

Nathan Troester was the videographer at the Dwell Conference and was kind enough to send along a photo he took while I was teaching. When I speak at events like these, I am always the least cool guy speaking... but with this photo and backdrop, even I can look emerging:



Larry and Susan McCrary Start a Church Planting Network

My long time friends, Larry and Susan, are seeking to connect churches with church planting opportunities in postmodern Europe. (Larry has shared on the blog before, click here.)

A lot of the planters and pastors I talk to think that involvement in global missions is something that has to wait until the church is more established, but shouldn't international missions be part of a church's DNA from day one? That's the vision of the UpStream Collective... and I think it is a good one.

Having served or currently serving as missionaries in Europe, The Upstream Collective's founders have a common heart and vision for the post-Christian societies of the continent. They also realize that North American churches have a unique opportunity to make an impact on both sides of the ocean as they explore more incarnational approaches to ministry.

I would encourage you to get connected with the guys at Upstream Collective and see what innovative things God might have you do among the nations in Europe and in your own community.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/abwe.html

I had an interesting and exciting week last week at two mission boards.

First, it was good to connect with theologically conservative and biblically driven people who care about contextualization-- at the International Mission Board and the Association of Baptists for Worldwide Evangelism.

Right now, there is a backlash against contextualization in some quarters of evangelicalism. This is unfortunate-- evangelicals do not need more reasons not to engage culture. They can be, as I often say, "biblically faithful, culturally relevant, counter culture communities for the gospel and the Kingdom." Missionaries get that... and I love being around them.

For example, the folks at the Association of Baptists for Worldwide Evangelization (the ABWE), have a great resource to help people determine the "soil" they are seeking to reach. You can see the seminar here. They understand that the "how of evangelism is in many ways determined by the ‘who, when, and where’ of culture."

Second, my transportation got my blood flowing. The good folks at the ABWE sent a plane to get me-- a really small plane. And, I must confess to being a bit nervous due to the weather.

My favorite moment was when my "pilot" introduced me to the young man who was flying the plane. He was 18 years of age. He did great... under the guidance of his flight instructor. And, I was able to get a good night of sleep thanks to their help.

Third, it was good to review some history over dinner with ABWE President Michael Loftis. The ABWE was founded by missionaries from the American Baptist mission board. And their founding got me thinking about the Fundamentalist - Modernist Controversy.

The early twentieth century was a time of theological conflict between churches. Every denomination was impacted. One of the prominent battles took place in the 1920’s and 30’s within the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America.

The “Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy” was a clash between theologies typified by Harry Emerson Fosdick on one end (liberal), and J. Gresham Machen (classic fundamentalism) on the other. Before the term fundamentalism became associated with cultural retreat it was primarily a theological term that pointed to five essential doctrines common to fundamentalists: the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, the virgin birth, vicarious penal atonement, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the historical reality of his miracles. The controversy surrounding these and related doctrines were not superficial, but critical to the identity and action of the church.

Theology gives birth to action, and differences in doctrine lead to differences in practice. For example, some of those who held more liberal theology often saw the Kingdom of God as that which would ultimately come about through the restorative, social outworking of gospel principles by “God’s grace in human life and institutions.” (I recently gave some cautions regarding this view at the dwell conference in NYC.)

For many liberals the coming of Christ was not an external arrival of the Savior, but his gradual emergence through the church’s social work. Classic fundamentalist theology saw the Kingdom of God as that which is established by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, entered into by faith and repentance, and culminates in the literal return of Jesus Christ. Some churches found their primary ministry in social work, while other churches saw their primary goal to be evangelism and church planting, and it was differing views of the gospel and the kingdom that led to these differences.

That difference became a point of contention in the ministry of Dr. Raphael Thomas (as explained in the ABWE history document here):

Dr. Thomas had a great heart and gift for evangelism. He loved to travel into the countryside, visiting the barrios, ministering to souls as well as bodies. He also had a real rapport with high school and college students in Iloilo and developed ministries to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. These activities became a point of conflict when he was criticized by fellow workers for not spending enough time in the hospital. Complaints were made against him to the board. Finally, orders came from the general secretary of the home board telling Dr. Thomas to cease his evangelistic itineration and confine himself to running the hospital. This he could not conscientiously do. It was intolerable that he not be permitted to carry out his first love, evangelism, which was the primary reason for his presence in the Philippines. He felt that he could not continue under that yoke.

Dr. Thomas and his family returned to the USA in February of 1927 and resigned from the ABFMS soon afterwards. In August of that year, they visited the home of Marguerite Doane, along with several other friends. That informal get-together resulted in the birth of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), with the Thomases as one of the founders and its first missionaries. They returned to the Philippines in 1928 where they ministered for several more years. Dr. Thomas retired from the mission field shortly before the outbreak of World War 2, but continued in active service for the mission as a traveling national representative for a number of years.

Those of us who believe the "Kingdom of God" is an important emphasis (that needs to be reclaimed) must be careful. It would be a tragedy if we failed to learn that the last group that used the Kingdom of God to talk of justice often forgot to talk of Jesus. The folks at the ABWE believe we can do both-- and I agree with them.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/please_pray_for_

His five year old daughter, Maria, was killed in a tragic car accident this afternoon. The news is here. Please pray for comfort and strength for the family in this incredibly difficult time.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/preaching_plagia

Preaching is on my mind. We are about to begin some preaching research at LifeWay Research.

Last week, I had lunch with Michael Dudiut from Preaching Magazine and we talked about preaching. Earlier, he had interviewed me for one of their podcasts. So, I have preaching on the brain.

Preaching has become a polarizing topic in evangelicalism. There are so many people yelling that their form of preaching is the only right way: because it is biblical, or because it is relevant, or because it is - whatever.

In the midst of all of this there has been a growing concern about plagiarism in churches. It even made the cover of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. Some preachers have been fired for passing off the sermons of others as their own work. Justin Taylor brings his usual keen insight here.

Of course, some say that using sermon resources that are intended and even sold to be used for that purpose is not plagiarism (in other words, Rick Warren gives you permission to use his sermon without crediting him, etc.).

Warren explains here:

When I was planting Saddleback Church, other pastors’ sermons fed my soul – and eased my preparation! I hope the sermons here will do the same for you. Whether you use the outlines and transcripts for sermon ideas or listen to the preaching to fine-tune your delivery, I’ll be thrilled if your ministry becomes more effective. And if you have a sermon idea that might be helpful to me, feel free to share it! As pastors, we’re all on the same team. Let’s help each other out – and when we get to Heaven, we can rejoice together over the people who were saved as a result!

Steve Sjogren, a great brother with a heart for pastors, wrote an article about preaching and advocated using the sermons of others. Lots of folks got ticked about it, including some friends of mine. James Merritt stepped into a similar bru-ha-ha at my recent denominational meeting and got whacked around a bit.

One of my former NAMB co-workers took a bit of a beating over at Said-at-Southern.

All three of these guys are trying to help pastors, but some are not sure that is the best way.

But, it was Adrian Rogers, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, used to say, "If my bullet fits your gun, go ahead and shoot it." (Rick Warren is widely quoted with saying the same, but it has more punch to see Jerry Vines say it about Adrian Rogers.)

Let me say up front that I am not a preaching expert, but I have my views. And they have evolved over time. I used to preach other people's messages, particularly in the busiest seasons of church planting, and I don't think that was sinful, dishonest, or plagiarism. Yet, later, I decided that this practice was not spiritually healthy for me or for my church. It amounts to a kind of lip-syncing that not only robs a church of a truly prophetic voice, but also a pastor of his own necessary development. In the end I found that my church and I both grew more deeply when we wrested through the word of God in our faith community, not just sharing what someone else wrestled through in theirs.

A few years ago I took a ride in Rick Warren's SUV. He got in his side and then I climbed into the passengers seat -- "climbed" literally because all of his books were piled up on the floor at my feet. He was preparing to preach on sex and marriage and the floor was a mixture of commentaries, books, and articles. I was impressed with his preparation and still today want to see where his preparation leads him, but I have also found that there is value in taking that journey of preparation myself.

I once explained some of my journey on this here:

I’ve preached a lot of sermons that were more about my opinions than God’s Word. Sure, they were based on biblical principles (“love your wife,” “don’t worry,” “work hard”) but not grounded in the biblical story of redemption. Then, Donna (my wife) told me, that after all our years together, she felt that she did not know the Bible well. As her pastor, I had taught her how to be a godly person, but not how to understand our God revealed in the Bible.

The need for biblical preaching has never been more urgent. Biblical preaching is more than common sense truth with biblical proofs taken out of context. Instead, it is letting the agenda and shape of Scripture determine the agenda and shape of the message. I’ve learned that I have not taken it seriously enough—and I think I am not alone.

So, when Sermon Central asked me to serve as a member of their Advisory Council, I was intrigued. When they indicated that they were asking people to take a Preacher's Pledge, I thought it was a great way to have the best of both worlds: start with what the Word says and then see how others have communicated it. I do think that sermon outlines are like commentaries for many preachers. And I think it is a good thing that all these resources are available to generate ideas, etc. But, I think it is a GREAT thing that the leading source of on-line sermons now wants you to pledge to make the Bible the focal point of your preparation.

Some would say, "Well, it is a shame they have to ask for such a pledge..." I prefer to focus on the fact that they are being part of the solution.

The Preachers Pledge is here:

I will make the Bible my primary resource in sermon preparation and preaching.

I may use other resources such as commentaries and websites to enhance, not replace, my personal interaction with Scripture.

As I study I will strive to accurately understand and honestly apply God's Word, allowing Him to uniquely proclaim His truth in a relevant way through me.

Why don't you drop by and take the pledge?... then share your message with others so they can see how God spoke to you through the text as they prepare their own message.

One more thing: let me encourage you not to call something plagiarism that is not.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, plagiarism is,

the theft of ideas (such as the plots of narrative or dramatic works) or of written passages or works, where these are passed off as one's own work without acknowledgement of their true origin; or a piece of writing thus stolen. Plagiarism is not always easily separable from imitation, adaptation, or pastiche, but is usually distinguished by its dishonest intention.

Notice especially that last sentence. Much of what makes something plagiarism is the intention behind the act. In one of the many books on preaching in my library (the "Simple Sermon" series of over thirty volumes), W. Herschel Ford introduces his own sermons, saying,

The messages in this book are sermons that I preached over the many years that I was in the pastorate. I have compiled them from the notes I made before they were preached.

I do not know where I found the material contained in these sermons. I may have borrowed it, as a whole or in part, from other preachers. I simply do not remember. But if this is the case, I apologize right now and hope I may receive forgiveness, and that our combined efforts will win souls and glorify God.

Preachers and Christian workers everywhere are to feel free to use these sermons as their own. (from the foreword, W. Herschel Ford, Simple Sermons on Heaven Hell, and Judgment, Zondervan, 1969), italics added.

So, I do not think it is best to use someone else's messages. As a pastor, God has called you to share His word with the people he has entrusted to you. But, I think calling it plagiarism is unhelpful. This is plagiarism.

And, one day, if you've been sick, or an emergency came up, or if you are just stuck, it is not sinful to follow Jerry Vines lead and preach an Adrian Rodgers sermon. Just don't make it a habit. Your people need to hear God's word FOR THEM and from the shepherd God has given them -- you.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/at_whiteboard_se

I am worn out after a long day at Whiteboard Sessions. Since I was the guy who knew most of the speakers, they asked me to interview them all... which was rewarding and exhausting at the same time.


I will post the interviews and some commentary later... but tomorrow is a short church planting event in the morning (the event goes longer, I just speak in the morning, see here). Then, I am off, gone, outa' here to spend the weekend with my kids

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/friday_is_for_fr

Facebook for Pastors

My friend Chris Forbes from MinistryMarketingCoach.com has put together a handy guide to "Facebook for Pastors" you might like to check out. Download the pdf (E-book page, direct link here). The 31 page e-book makes a case for why pastors should consider using the social networking site in their ministry and has tips and ideas for making the most of having a profile on Facebook. Chris is a ministry media strategist and marketing consultant based in Oklahoma who works globally with missionaries, churches, and ministries in reaching people of all kinds.

Robert Morgan and The Promise

Robert J. Morgan is pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville where the stated goal is simply "to become disciples." His new book from my friends at B&H Publishing Group is called The Promise, and its goal is to show readers how God guarantees goodness to come from even the toughest situations. If you, or someone you know, need a reminder of God's good intentions for his people this book could be a great resource. You can download it for free here.

Piper and Negative Calvinism

Does becoming a Calvinist make you angry? John Piper recently shared his thoughts concerning the negative tone among many Calvinists.

So the intellectual appeal of the system of Calvinism draws a certain kind of intellectual person, and that type of person doesn't tend to be the most warm, fuzzy, and tender. Therefore this type of person has a greater danger of being hostile, gruff, abrupt, insensitive or intellectualistic.

I'll just confess that. It's a sad and terrible thing that that's the case. Some of this type aren't even Christians, I think. You can embrace a system of theology and not even be born again.

Sobering words. John gives a two more reasons Calvinists have, or are perceived as having, a negative tone. Be sure to check it out.

ABWE


I enjoyed my time with the people at ABWE, and this photographer can follow me around anywhere if he can always make me look this cool. (I have no idea how me made the halo appear around "ABWE.")

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/worship_this_mor

This morning I spoke at New Life Christian Church. You probably have never heard of the church, but I think it is probably one of the five most influential churches in North American church planting. It was number 13 on our "Top 25 Multiplying Churches" list (see the article here).

New Life Christian is an Independent Christian Church. I have blogged about their before after a lunch with a key leader from the movement.

They have three campuses, Mclean, Haymarket, and Centreville. The church was founded in 1993 and the Centreville congretation meets weekly for two services in the Westfield High School auditorium. I spoke in Centreville on Psalm 1 looking at God's definition of prosperity and success.

The pastor, Brett Andrews, is just a great guy with a great passion for church and church multiplication. The church so influential in church planting partly because it is the sponsor of Passion for Planting. (This is the organzation that I partner with to run my website www.newchurches.com.) And, Passtion for Planting is the main force behind the National New Church Conference.

I got to know Passion for Planting while I was working at NAMB. (NAMB recommends them here along with some other helpful service providers.) Todd Wilson is the leader of Passion for Planting and a person I have learned to appreciate and trust.

Todd has become a good friend. (We grilled out on Saturday night.) Although Todd may be the most significant church planting leader in America today, he works hard to stay behind the scenes… and I could not find a picture of him. His heart is church planting, but he is one of the least ego-driven people I know. (Since I cannot find a picture you will have to trust me that he looks just like George Costanza from Seinfeld—even his mother sometimes gets them confused on the television.)

I always enjoy being in a new church setting. First, they tend to meet in places that are a challenge to set up... like a high school. Here is a photo of me and the girls about to go into the high school being transformed into a church.



You can usually spot them by the trailer. (It is in that trailer that everything gets stored and transported.



Everything is portable. From the equipment:



To the children's registration:



To the worship equipment (in this case, including a harp):



And it has to be hauled in...



Then hauled out every week...



New Life does a great job being a portable church... which is not an easy task. I wrote about the challenge of "rental fatigue" in a past book. When you think of new churches, pray that God will use their extra efforts to keep people engage in God's mission.

Here is what I wrote on rental fatigue:

Rental fatigue

New churches normally rent facilities for a limited period of time. At first, they usually rent for Sunday morning worship only. These rented facilities are dramatically different from traditional church buildings whose furnishings remain in place from service to service. When renting space, “rental fatigue” develops. This describes the weariness experienced by the core group from having to set up and tear down week in and week out over a long period of time. This challenge may not sound ominous, but finding volunteers willing to get up at 5:00 or 6:00 every Sunday morning for two to three hours of setup wears people out quickly. Unless specific church members sense such activity as their calling and receive great satisfaction from doing it, fatigue can erode enthusiasm quickly.

Value of portability. Overcoming rental fatigue is challenging but not impossible. The planter’s first step might be to commend portability by various means of communication—from the pulpit, through newsletters, and if possible, by the testimony of laypersons who have experienced its value personally. The planter may want to underscore the importance of portability because the church is still in formation. Bill Easum and Pete Theodore’s new book, The Nomadic Church, provides helpful direction on how to cast a compelling vision for building-less churches. In the same way that Israel utilized a portable tabernacle during the forty wilderness years and well after, so the new congregation can be a portable church.

Good stewardship. The planter can help church members understand portability as good stewardship. Many people benefit from pastoral reminders to invest money in church staff members and in efforts to reach the unchurched, rather than in building or buying a facility. Refocusing members on priorities for reaching the community through stewardship of resources will help members center on such priorities for many years to come. By the time the church does build, members will have matured to the point where they view the building as a tool for ministry.

Call out workers. Many people cannot teach or lead in worship, but they can set up chairs or the audio system—and will enjoy doing so. Involving them in set-up efforts is important not only to make everything ready for worship, but also to cultivate their participation and their faithfulness in service. Although the pastors or core group leaders could perform the task, involving others who have no other church job enables them to feel that they are making a valuable contribution. Leaders should praise these people publicly and privately for their faithfulness in this important ministry. Such persons are “body parts” in Christ who, though seemingly of lesser value, actually become more valuable through their service to the kingdom.

Nomad churches

Although the thought surprises our building-centered values, some congregations actually find a “nomadic” existence—moving to new meeting sites as needs change—a way of life. This approach to church planting has become increasingly popular, particularly in expensive urban settings. The reasons for such developments are understandable.

No available acreage. Land in some urban settings is prohibitively expensive. In other areas, churches find that purchasing land on which to build is legally impossible because very old—occasionally even dilapidated—buildings have received civil protection as historic landmarks. This most frequently occurs in the northeastern United States, where many communities guard their colonial heritage. Some open land in urban areas is off-limits to development for houses and churches as a matter of wildlife protection. In still other places, religious, political, or social pressures may prevent a new congregation from purchasing land or from putting up a building.

Available but insufficient. Even if land is available, it may not be large enough to meet needs. Generally, since churches need one acre for every 150 persons, a projected congregation of fifteen hundred will need ten acres of land. Manhattan Island, in the heart of New York City, contains no available tracts that size. (Redeemer Presbyterian meets on the campus of Hunter College in Manhattan.) Northern Virginia offers virtually no land for purchase today. Even if available, land costs may soar to a price of millions of dollars for one acre.

New paradigms for new times. If evangelicals are to be successful in reaching North American urban centers in church planting, we must abandon the thinking that ten acres of land and a brick building are essential in order to be successful. A true New Testament church can meet on the sixteenth floor of a high-rise building just as surely as any First Presbyterian Church can meet on the county seat town square. With the birth of the twenty-first century and the changes it has ushered in, we must redefine good stewardship in the context of land purchase and buildings. We need new paradigms for new times. For those who are not called or convinced by a house church model, we still have to abandon a building centered model if we are to reach this new reality.

And, one last picture.



Since today is the annual "Rolling Thunder" parade, I jumped on my Harley and joined the fray (and if you look closely, there is no key, I did not lift the kickstand, and I am not sure it was even a Harley... grin).

It was great to be with friends at New Life… I am grateful for their work and ministry… and honored they would have me share in their church today.

http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/05/technolochurch.h

Barna Research recently completed two studies ( here and here) related to Protestant churches and the use of technology. For example, "two-thirds of Protestant churches (65%) now have a large screen projection system in their church that they use for services and other events." From the use of video clips during worship to websites and podcasts our churches continue to explore the relevance and usefulness of technology.

Of note in Barna's research is that a church's size and theology seems to be related to its use of technology. Simply put, smaller churches tend to use less tech than larger churches, and theologically liberal churches tend to use less tech than the more theologically conservative. Interesting.

Every church accomplishes its mission with the aid of technology. Even if a church is completely off the grid and avoids all forms of electricity it is technology that gives that church its printed Bibles. Churches are not fighting over the use of tech in general, but as new forms of technology are developed many churches are too quick to adopt or reject such cultural artifacts without much thought. There is no virtue in being the cool, high-tech church, or in being the low-tech, minimalist