Revitalize Your Church

"People of great faith, wait." -- Rick Warren A good quote -- and I need to remember it -- however, on the other hand, sometimes great faith requires us to jump! How about looking at it like this? If you are naturally an impatient "jumper", great faith make you wait. If you are naturally a hesitant "waiter", great faith will make you jump.

Sometimes, after initial success, a leader "downshifts" to play it safe. Monday Morning Insight posted an insightful article by John Maxwell about ramping up again. As my good friend, Famous Dave , says, "Good, better, best, never let it rest, till the good gets better and the better gets best." But Monday is my day off -- so today I AM going to let it rest -- and make the better best tomorrow!

This afternoon, a large crowd met at our church for the funeral service of 34 year old Karine Melby. It was tearful farewell -- but yet, an inspiring celebration of faith and hope. Karine was filled with the love of Christ, and shared His grace with everybody she met. In her last months, she lived by the "Win/Win" philosophy. "If I am healed, I get to stay with my family and friends, and I win! If, on the other hand, the cancer kills me, then I go to heaven to be with Jesus -- and so I still win! Either way, I'm the winner!!" The following is an excerpt from her journal, which she penned shortly before she passed away: Because of the physical pain Jesus suffered on the cross, He can relate to our pain and suffering. He loved his life on earth and asked God if there was some other way -- but God said no -- and Jesus' strength to obey came from His close relationship with the Father. How can we say it's not fair for me to die . . . because I am too young, ...

Although this news has been overlooked by the major networks, a new cartoon controversy has recently erupted. You can read about it here.

My kids are really into Bible Quizzing. In fact, at this very moment, Cathy and the boys are at a quizzing tournament in Iowa, leaving Hannah home with me to "hold the fort!" Ryan (white shirt with green stripe) had an outstanding season, taking first place this year. Luke and Wes (yellow shirts) did great as well, and both qualified for nationals in Omaha. Quizzing has played a major role in the spiritual development of you children. As parents, we have watched them blossom and grow in faith, as they apply the Word hidden in their hearts. We quiz through a huge interdenominational organization -- and hundreds of the nation's top quizzers compete at the regional and national competitions. Bible quizzing is one of the best ways to instill God's Word in the hearts and minds of young people. I cannot understand why so few youth ministries take it seriously. Many youth pastors are far more interested in running cool events and activities than making the effort for Bible...

From time to time, other pastors in our community have accused me of sheep stealing. Now, that is truly an unfair accusation. I have never snuck into another church service and snatched unwitting congregants. I've never hired thugs to zoom into a church parking lot and capture surprised parishoners. I've never stood at a church entrance, and handed out fliers bribing them to my church. It's not that way at all. Our target has always been unchurched people. Any sheep who come to us from other folds, do so by their own choice and legpower. We don't steal sheep -- we just grow green grass. Whenever somebody leaves our church for another, we don't get mad and call the other preacher a sheep stealer -- we examine our own pasture. That reminds me of a children's poem I've read to my kids: Contented Rabbit I have a white rabbit who had the bad habit of leaving his hutch and of running away. I gave him some meat and some cookies to eat; but he just didn't like t...

I picked this quote from Mark Batterson's blog: By the age of 3 children figure out whether your job is to pay attention to them or their job is to pay attention to you. He follows the quote with this profound observation: "I think that same distinction applies to our relationship with God."

"Concentration is the secret of strength in politics, in war, in trade, in short in all management of human affairs." ­ -- Ralph Waldo Emerson ". . .This ONE thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 3:13-14 "You are troubled about many things, but ONE THING is needful." -- Luke 10:42 A schedule packed with many busy activities, programs, meetings and the like, dulls the edge of pastoral effectiveness. The Apostles set the example for us in Acts 6. We must never be so busy "waiting on tables" that we neglect the ONE THING: the spiritual well -- prayer and the ministry of the Word.

My son, Adam, reported that Bethany Bible College had a four hour chapel service yesterday. It began as a normal hour long chapel -- but as it was ending, a student stood and shared a prayer concern. This was followed by others sharing, and soon they entered into a beautiful season of prayer -- which included intercession, confession, testimonies, singing, and praise. The outpouring continued into the afternoon, when the students finally went to classes. My prayer is twofold: 1. That this is just a foretaste of revival for the students of Bethany Bible College. 2. That something like this will happen at our church. It will mess up our schedule, as the 8:20 crowd has to be out in time for the 9:40's to come in -- but I'd give anything to have our schedule disrupted for something like that. Disrupt us, o Lord!

Despite the Prayer of Jabez , Bruce Wilkinson's territory didn't enlarge -- it shrank. His last grand project in Africa ended in dismal failure -- at least that's the way it looks from a merely human perspective. God's ways are not our ways, however. Beyond the surface, his territory continues to expand -- but in a different way. The territory of Wilkinson's wisdom has definitely expanded. You gain wisdom from painful and difficult experiences. Solomon, remember, asked for wisdom, and God was pleased, as it was the best thing he could have requested. Although I do not know him, I'm guessing that his compassion has expanded. You can't see such human need close up, and not have your heart grow larger. Wilkinson's patience has expanded. Working with African beaurocracy is enough to develop anybody's patience! Longsuffering is a muscle, which strengthens with much use. "Tribulation worketh patience. . ." Certainly, Wilkinson's humility...

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a church is allowed to use hallucinogenic tea as a religious practice. Isn't that wonderful news? I'm going to serve hallucinogenic tea at our next church board meeting! Sometimes, as I look at various decisions they've made down through the years, I wonder if the Supreme Court has been drinking hallucinogenic tea.

Last April, I had the opportunity to visit Aldersgate Street in London, where John Wesley's heart was "strangely warmed." The house is gone now -- but the significance remains. On May 24, 1738, after a long spiritual quest, Wesley entered into the deeper life of faith. To put it another way: he moved! He switched residences -- from "religion dwelling" to "faith living." Just three days before, his brother, Charles, had entered in -- gloriously! (On Pentecost Sunday, fittingly!) Charles was up late on the 24th, putting finishing touches on a hymn, when there was a knock at the door. "Towards ten, my brother was brought in triumph by a troop of our friends, and declared 'I believe!' We sang the hymn with great joy. . ." Can you imagine, these brothers and friends, gathered by candlelight, around a freshly written parchment, and singing these words wholeheartedly and tearfully? Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin? Glory!

Question: What do these men have in common? 1. Shammua 2. Shaphat 3. Igal 4. Hoshea 5. Palti 6. Gaddi 7. Ammiel 8. Sethur 9. Nahbi 10. Geuel Answer: When God said "go", they said "no". (See Numbers 13) They listened to their fears rather than the call of faith. "Good sense" held them back from their desired destination. They never entered the promised land. This was the defining moment. Who is bigger? God or the descendents of Anak? Facing this great opportunity for bold belief, they shrivelled in fear. Their inaction proved a faulty theology -- "God is not big enough." Just think of what might have been, had they truly believed that their Salvation was greater than their circumstance. ------- An interesting observation: "Joshua" or "Caleb" are common names these days. There are several in our congregation -- but we do not have anybody named "Shammua" or "Shaphat".

Now Hear This . . . Now Hear This . . . This is Your Captain Speaking. . . This is Your Captain Speaking. . . That is All That Is All (Note: This is, unfortunately, the way pastors often communicate -- many words without saying anything.) Now Hear This. . . This is Your Pastor Speaking. . .

On February 15, 1894, Susan B. Anthony gave a speech at the National American Woman Suffrage Association is Washington D.C. Anthony and her friend, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, had founded the organization twenty five years earlier --for the purpose of gaining voting rights for women. For years, Susan B. Anthony had labored for the voting rights cause. Once, she was even arrested and convicted for the horrible crime of registering and voting. In this particular speech, given on her 74th birthday, at the Opera House on the corner of 12th and F, she proclaimed: "We shall someday be heeded, and when we shall have our amendment to the Constitution of the United States, everybody will think it was always so, just exactly as many young people believe that all the privileges, all the freedoms, all the enjoyments which women now possess always were hers. "They have no idea of how every single inch of ground that she stands upon today has been gained by the hard work of some little handful...

There was a beautiful, extended outpouring of God's presence at Asbury College recently -- beginning during a student-led chapel service, and continuing on for several days. Junior, Ashleigh Graves, wrote a beautiful article on the event , which reminded the old timers of the tremendous revival of 1970 . God is doing something beautiful with the rising generation. It is not a re-bake of 1970, but a fresh, new loaf! Why is it that this kind of thing happens with college students, but hardly ever with their parents?

It's 25 below zero this morning here in Hayward. That sort of puts a unique twist on my perspective as I read about the Evangelical Climate Initiative and their war on global warming. It'll be hard to convince God's frozen chosen up here in the northwoods that "warming" is an issue, when our nostrils stick together every time we breathe in. Timing is everything. Let's talk about it after we thaw out next summer.

We must not sit still and look for miracles. Up and be doing, and the Lord with thee! Prayer and pains, through faith in Christ Jesus will do anything. -- John Eliot, 1666 (Eliot was the first person to print a Bible in America, and outstanding early evangelist to Native Americans.)

The Video Venue folks will definitely want to get their hands on this: A 3-D Image Projector! Of course, the Japanese are still fine tuning it, so, in the meantime, if preachers want to have sermons presented via 3-D Video Venue, the congregants will have to wear those dorky 3-D Movie Glasses. Can you imagine a 3-D Benny Hinn Healing Crusade?

A new twist on the Intelligent Design Debate: Click here .

Yesterday, I made plans for a romantic Valentine's date at the Lumberjack Steak House. Now, that probably doesn't sound too romantic to you folks who live in the city -- but for Hayward, the Lumberjack Steakhouse is as romantic as it gets! So, we dressed up, and I drove her to the restaurant. When we entered, Mrs. Groth, an elementary teacher, was at the hostess counter. "I just came in with my husband for dinner and they put me to work!!" she exclaimed. That's what happens when things get busy in a small town. "Do you have reservations?" "Nah," I replied, "no reservations at all! No doubts whatsoever! We're gonna enjoy this meal!" "Well, people have been calling for a month making reservations for tonight, and if you're not on the list, Rev. Wilson, then, it's going to be difficult to fit you in." She made a valiant effort -- whispered something in the ear of the manager, and then they both looked at us sadly....

What kind of believer are you? Find out by taking this test . I came out as an Orthodox Quaker! Bless Thee, Child.

Poking around for an e-mail Valentine for Cathy this morning I found this sentimental slide show of Hallmark's valentines. I thought I'd pass it along. Remember romance today!

I am sharing a great quote I shamelessly ripped off from Jollyblogger , who shamelessly ripped off from Doug Wilson , who shamelessly ripped off from David Wells : "It is, in fact, this assumption of an ability to move from one plateau of achievement to another that has given us a need always to be post: we feel compelled to assure ourselves that we are post-Puritan, post-Christian, and post-modern. Our world is post-industrial and post-business. Our time is post-Vietnam, post-Watergate, and post-Cold War." [David Wells, No Place for Truth (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1993), p. 60.]

In the Olympic games this week, watch for Rebecca Dussault , America's top female cross country skier. Rebecca is a beautiful young Christian, and I had the privilege of meeting her when she came to Hayward for the American Birkebeiner a couple of years ago. Together, we hosted a chapel for the Birkie skiers. Rebecca was homeschooled. I had the honor of meeting the wonderful parents who raised her. She and her husband have a precious little guy named Tabor, Although respresenting America at this event is truly an honor, I know that Rebecca values her faith and her family in far greater measure than her sport.

At 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning, I was awakened from deep sleep by the phone ringing. It was the burglar alarm company. "There has been an intrusion at Hayward Wesleyan Church. The alarms are going off as we speak. The police are on their way, and you need to get there immediately!" Quickly, I jumped out of bed, hopped in the car, and drove like Jehu to the church. Two police cars sat in our parking lot, as a third cased the surrounding neighborhood with a searchlight. A couple of young, nervous officers approached me. "There's no sign of forced entry, reverend, but there's definitely something going on inside the building! I think we're going to catch 'em red handed!" I opened the door for them, and they entered -- guns drawn and raised high like a SWAT team. They really meant business. If anybody was in the church, these guys were going to take him down! I had to wait outside, until they scoped out the situation. After a long time, they finally retur...

I'm wondering if you would do me a big favor. I'd love to "meet" some of the regular visitors to my blog. If you come to "Revitalize Your Church" on a regular basis, I'd love to know who you are! Would you be willing to either post a comment -- or leave me an e-mail at orangeluther@hotmail.com ? Who are you and where are you from? It would sure be a delight to learn a little more about my guests.

These three Indonesian Sunday School teachers have been jailed for a three month sentence. Their crime? They included some muslim children in their church program. I think the wrong people are in jail. The real criminals are the tyrants who incarcerated our sisters.

Sound men never get a thank you. The next time you see one, make an extra effort to stop and say "Thanks for all you do to make our church service special." The only time they get any attention in church is when something goes wrong, and then everybody turns around and scowls, making frantic hand motions. Of course, the p.a. system can be really frustrating. I think maybe that's where the devil lives. Stan Toler quipped, "You might just be a preacher if you've ever wanted to give the sound man a little feeback of your own." But where would we be without the guy in the booth at back of the church? Preachers need to give a greater respect to the ones who could cut them off at any moment. Kudos to you, Mr. Sound Man!! We couldn't do it with you.

Senator McCain recently wrote this apology to Sen. Barack Obama . You know, it sure sounds familiar. I hate to admit it, but down through, I've made (and received) my share of apologies like that. "I'm sorry all right."

Jim Watkins, one of my favorite writers, shares some delightful musings on cliches in this post!

Last Friday evening, I took my nine year old daughter, Hannah, to the Father-Daughter Ball at the Greysolon Grand Ballroom, in Duluth, Minnesota. We dressed up to the hilt. She had her hair done special, and I bought her a tiara and a corsage. My little princess and I had a splendid time together! After a delicious banquet, we danced the night away! We did the "Chicken Dance", "The Hokie Pokie", "YMCA","The Limbo" and three wonderful hours worth of other numbers! At the end of the night, my feet were really sore, and Hannah beamed from ear to ear. It was one of the best experiences we've ever had together. Now, there's a rule somewhere that Wesleyan ministers aren't supposed to shake their legs like that -- but on Friday night, I followed a higher law, and am a better daddy for it. When we walked into the crowded ballroom, I saw another Wesleyan pastor and his little girl. So, if I'm ever called before the Sanhedrin on this, at le...

Marc Heinrich, at Purgatorio, notes the striking resemblance between N.T. Wright and the Apostle Paul. No wonder Wright seems to know so much about Paul -- they're twin brothers! Two peas in a pod!

I thought I was in a dense fog, when all along, I just needed to clean my glasses! -- My good friend, Paul Kraemer, Funeral Director at Anderson Nathan gave me this great insight (in response to my "In the Zone" post. ) (a side note: the funeral home is one of the few phone number I have memorized. I guess that's just one of the strange things about being a small town pastor.)

Rev. Jimmy McCants was arrested for trespassing Sunday in the middle of the service at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago. He didn't even get to finish his sermon, "Can We Mend a Broken Heart?" He had been fired by the board -- but he wouldn't go. So, they had the cops take him out right in the middle of the message. That seems to be a bit much, paricularly if they had already said their prayers, "Forgive us our trespasses. . ." But, after all, Luther did say, "Sin boldly."

Tony Dungy spoke at the Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast about faith, family, and dealing with the loss of his son. Although his Colts fell short of Super Bowl glory, in Detroit last Sunday, Tony was the champion.

Although Monday is normally my day off, I found myself conducting a funeral service yesterday morning. We bid farewell to Elsie Richards, who passed away two days before her 80th. A few days ago, her daughter, Joy, shared an amazing piece of trivia concerning her mother. Through the years, Elsie had logged over 100,000 miles on her exercise bicycle! Now, that's quite an accomplishment. Although hard to believe, it's true -- and maybe a world record! It makes me wonder though. How many beautiful landscapes would she have seen if it had been a real bicycle rather a stationary one? With those same miles, she could have ridden to southern California and back 25 times! All 100,000 were ridden in her bedroom, however, which leaves me with a deep sense of respect for such a display of self-discipline, and guilt about the cobwebbed exercise bike in our garage.

Ouch! My friend, Larry Wilson, recently shared some lessons learned from a guy who shot himself in the head with a nail gun, and didn't realize it for six days.

Enraged over offensive Danish cartoons about Mohammed, protesters torched a Danish Mission in Beruit today. My, my -- that certainly seems like an over-reaction. Justin Taylor recently posted some insights from John Piper regarding this insanity: Am I missing it, or is there an unusual silence in the blogosphere about the Muslim outrage over the cartoons of Mohammed. To me this cries out for the observation that when artists put the crucifix in a flask of urine, Christians were grieved and angered, but not one threatened to kill anyone. Our longing is to convert the blasphemers with the Good News of Christ's death and resurrection, not kill them. Our faith is based on One who was reviled not just in cartoons but in reality and received it patiently for the salvation of the cartoonists. These riots are filled with intimations about the glorious difference between Christ and Mohammed, and between the way of Christ and the way of Islam. And the cowing of the press around the world an...

Speaking of "The Zone", while Ed Young and friends are trying to get in it, Will Shirmer is encouraging the Mennonites to get out!

Interesting. Ed Young, of Fellowship Church has developed a sermon series called "In the Zone" My friend, Kevin Myers of Crossroads Community Church in Lawrenceville, GA is doing an "In the Zone" Series as well! In Alabama, Josh Ray of Perimeter Point Church just completed "In the Zone "! So did Compass Church in Athens, GA (but without the funky logo) I think I'm missing out. All these guys are "In the Zone" while I'm still in the fog. Kind of reminds me of The Twilight Zone Marathon.

Pastor Toney Salva , of Discovery Christian Center, had to get a tattoo of the Pittsburgh Steelers, after losing a bet with a staff member. He was certain the Broncos would beat the Steelers in the playoffs -- s0 certain. Today, Pastor Toney has a first-hand understanding of Jepthah's Vow, and from now on, when he preaches on Judges 11, it will have a deeper meaning.

Reggie White, Minister of Defense, was elected to the National Football League Hall of Fame today. My sons, Adam and Ryan, grew up admiring Reggie for his deep commitment to Christ and his excellence on the football field. Ryan still has a picture of him on the wall of his room. Reggie's still his hero! I recall visiting training camp one year. Reggie smiled and waved at my boys. That small gesture on his part, left a beautiful lifetime memory for them. In an interview before Super Bowl XXXI, an announcer asked Reggie if he had anything he wanted to say to the world. He responded by singing "Amazing Grace". Our family had the privilege of attending Reggie's last home game at Lambeau Field. At halftime, they honored him -- and the entire stadium of 64,000 stood and sang "Amazing Grace" together, as he ran a lap around the field and pointed up to heaven. Michael Irvin, the star receiver for the Cowboys did not make the Hall of Fame cut this year. His poor choi...

Yesterday, we stood in Greenwood Cemetery in the blowing snow, to lay a great community leader, Mr. Wayne Berard, to rest. Reading Psalm 23 seemed like a slight misfit, as there are no green pastures anywhere around Hayward this time of year. Wayne's brother in law, who serves in an Episcopal Church, finished the ceremony with the following reading. I had never heard it before, and thought it was beautiful. Thus, I am sharing it with you. The author is unknown. When I come to the end of the day And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love we once shared. . . Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone. It's all a part of the Maker's plan. A step in the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. . . Miss me, but let me g...

My good friend, Tina Sheer , was on Survivor last night -- and was, unfortunately, voted off the island first. She was obviously the most qualified contestant on her team -- found the water, started the fire, build the shelter, led them in prayer and caught the fish with her bare hands! Nevertheless, three intimidated and insecure teammates ganged up on her and gave her the axe. It will be interesting to see how the lesser women will fare without her. Still dealing daily with the heavy grief of losing her wonderful son, Charlie, Tina has determined to keep moving forward with her life. It's the hardest thing a person can experience -- and yet, she is walking through that dark valley with dignity, trusting God to give her strength for one day at a time. Survivor is a game -- a "reality show." In reality, apart from "show" Tina is a True Survivor. She may have not won a million dollars, but she won the hearts of viewers across our land. In my book, she's a rea...

A few days ago, a Kenyan woman placed a "curse" on God -- and then died in her sleep. This certainly left an impression on the people of her community, and reminds us that our arms are too short to box with God. I am reminded of the story of the atheist who wanted to disprove the existance of God. During a terrible thunderstorm, she went out on top of a hill and shook her fist in the air. "God, if you're up there, and you're real, strke me down with lightening!", she ranted. Nothing happend, and drenched, she returned indoors to a group of baffled onlookers. "Now, what does that prove?" she demanded. Someone quietly replied, "It proves just how patient God is." But, we must not try his patience -- or we might end up like the Kenyan lady.

My friends, John and Patty Bray, shared a funny story at the Wisconsin Ministers and Mates Retreat. One night, Patty went to bed early, snuggled under the covers and was reading a book. John came into the room with a glass of water and two tylenol tablets. "Why are you bringing me these?" Patty asked, "I don't have a headache." John responded with gleeful enthusiasm: "YES!!"

The Wisconsin lawmakers debated a bill today , that, if passed would bar people from protesting within 500 feet of a funeral. That certainly would seem to be a "no-brainer" -- but it was protested by members Westboro Baptist Church , pastored by Rev. Fred Phelps. (The same nasty folks who are threatening a demonstration at Coretta Scott King's funeral.) They're not even from Wisconsin! They should go back to Kansas, read the Sermon on the Mount, and let us cheeseheads rest in peace. I certainly wouldn't want to be a member of a church like that. (And they wouldn't want me either!) May the Senate vote with gentle dignity tomorrow, and send the rabble rousers packing.

Which Holmgren is doing the most important work? Mike Holmgren has done something great -- leading his Seahawks to Super Bowl XL. It reminds me of the Packer glory days (so long ago!) Yet, on Sunday, the the greater work will be done by his wife, Kathy, who is on a medical missions trip to the Congo . Rich men carrying a pigskin up and down a field = a bit of entertainment. Saving the lives of needy people in the Congo = priceless.

I think this is a beautiful idea from Canada! ( Wesleyan Information Network ) Highland Park Wesleyan Church had a unique service Sunday morning, January 22. The day marked the first service in which two churches— Sunnyside (Ottawa, Ontario) and Highland Park (Westboro, Ontario)—became sister churches. Approximately forty people from Sunnyside were grafted into the congregation at Highland Park. A blessing and commissioning service for those individuals was held on January 15. Rev. Clint Curle, a former Sunnyside pastor (1995-2001), is the pastor of the blended congregation. Speaking of the first blended service Rev. Curle says, “There was a genuine spirit of worship there…We all had a sense that this was really one church under Christ.” Instead of planting a new church, which had been contemplated for six years, leadership at Sunnyside felt God’s leading to become a sister church with Highland Park. Rev. Brent Russett, senior pastor of Sunnyside Wesleyan, says, “We hope that this wi...