Revitalize Your Church

The powerful words of William Booth , co-founder of the Salvation Army, about a vision he had concerning the lost around us -- and the apathy of the church. (thanks to Ra'ah, Australian Pastors )

"Mom, remember that beautiful vase that has been passed down through our family from one generation to another?" Larry wondered. "Yes, darling, it's very precious to me." his mother replied, "Why do you ask?" "Because this generation dropped it!" As I observe what's happening across our land, I can't help but conclude that this generation of parents has "dropped the vase." We have dropped the vase of morality: "What feels right" has replaced "What IS right". We have dropped the vase of responsibility: When things go wrong, the first reaction is to hide from and/or blame others. It must be someone else's fault. We have dropped the vase of industry: Today's emphasis on amusements have deprived the rising generation the noble satisfaction of completing a good day of hard work. We have dropped the vase of creativity: Brains shrivel when they're not stretched. Television is the number one mind shr...

Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their cat. He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water. She called out, "Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!" Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought about that before he joined my church!" (Thanks to my sister-in-law, Sandy, who forwarded this to me!)

Updated: In 1969, Elmer Towns published a book highlighting the Ten Largest Sunday Schools in America (Back then, they measured the size of a congregation by Sunday School attendance.) Stumbling upon the Towns book a few months ago, I wondered what has happened to these churches over the four decades since this publication. I sent our fine intern, Becky Kavin, on a detective mission to discover how these congregations have fared. Here's what she found: 1. Akron Baptist Temple, Akron, OH 1968 -- 5762 2008 -- 2000 2. Highland Park Baptist Church, Chatanooga, TN 1968 -- 4821 2008 -- no response 3. First Baptist Church, Dallas, TX 1968 -- 4731 2008 -- 2600 4. First Baptist Church, Hammond, IN 1968 -- 3978 2008 -- 12,000 (did not respond -- this figure comes from Outreach Magazine) 5. Canton Baptist Temple, Canton, OH 1968 -- 3581 2008 -- 1500 6. Landmark Baptist Church, Cincinnati, OH 1968 -- 3540 2008 -- 1200 7. Temple Baptist Church, Detroit, MI (Now Northridge Church) 1968-- 3400 20...

God, what is the hardest thing you can do through me? Please do it! -- Joan Correll shared this powerful little prayer during our worship services last Sunday.

Hayward Wesleyan Church Family, As we continue on our journey through Ephesians, we will be focusing on 4:1-16 this Sunday, You can read it here. Here are a few questions to consider as you read the passage: 1. Note -- 3:1 says "prisoner OF the Lord" 4:1 says "prisoner FOR the Lord." What is the difference? 2. Look at the stack of "Ones" in verses 4-6. What do you observe? 3. What spiritual gifts are listed in verse 11? What is the purpose of these gifts (see verses 12-13?) 4. What does it mean to "speak the truth in love"? (v 15) Which is harder for you to speak? 5. What are the signs of spiritual maturity? (vv. 13-14) 6. How should we grow as a church? (vv. 14-16) Songs we're doing this week include: How Great Thou Art How Great is Our God Your Grace is Enough Indescribable Here I Am to Worship

Researching pastor, poet and professor, Henry Van Dyke, I found this wonderful hymn he wrote: No Form of Human Framing. To summarize, he says that we can work like crazy to bring people together, and unite their hearts as one. However, all human efforts are woefully inadequate. In the human realm it CANNOT be done. However, IN CHRIST, we find our unity. I like the last stanza which says, "Forgive us Lord the folly that quarrels with our friends, and draw us near to thy heart where every discord ends."

The worlds in which we live are two The world "I am" and the world "I do." The worlds in which we live at heart are one. The world "I am" and the fruit of "I have done." And underneath these worlds of flower and fruit The world "I love" -- the only living root. -- Henry Van Dyke

Earth Day just came and went without me even realizing it (yesterday!) Note to self: Don't let the same thing happen on Secretary's Day (today!) My friend and ministry partner, Heath Davis wrote a good post On Earth Day.

For a man of faith, NO meeting is an accident. -- Henry Nouwen

Some people have brains, but no enthusiasm. Others have enthusiasm, but no brains. It's best to possess both. Fred Smith, founder of FedEx, first developed the idea for his company while he was still a student at Yale. The professor didn't think much of the idea, and gave Fred a "C" for the project. (Impractical!) Fortunately, Fred did not heed the "intelligent" professor's advice. Instead he went out and enthusiastically developed the world's largest express transportation company. Sometimes "conventional wisdom" is the enemy of innovation and progress.Unenthusiastic intelligence results in half-hearted living. It is, as Voltaire describes, "like a warming oven - always heating, but never cooking anything. "Enthusiastic people aren't necessarily shallow thinkers (despite what some folks might believe.) Peter Marshall said, "Enthusiasm is not contrary to reason. It is reason - on fire!" Enthusiasm is a positive, ...

Now, THAT'S what I call a church fight!

I went to the plate three times this morning, expecting to hit a homerun. The 8:20 sermon, after two strikes, was a pop fly to shallow right. I didn't even get on base. The 9:40 sermon was better -- a double, played in deep left field. The 11:00 sermon was a straight line drive single. Nothing to write home about, but at least I got on base. Oh well -- I'll just keep swinging the bat and hope for a homer next Sunday.

Everybody is tempted to give up sometimes. Even the greatest success stories have the “shadow moments” of futility and hopelessness. It comes with the package of being human. Wouldn’t it be great if we received a dollar for every time we felt like throwing in the towel – but didn’t? We’d be rich! That, ultimately, is the difference between those who rise above the ordinary and others who meander in mediocrity. In order to achieve greatness, you must keep going – even when the way is riddled with difficulty. With your eye on the goal, you must plod forward without wavering. When my children were smaller, they loved it when I read “The Little Engine that Could” to them before bed. “Read it again, Daddy!” my daughter exclaimed, “Read it again!” There’s something about keeping on which inspires all of us: from children to senior citizens. What if Henry Ford would have quit? You’d be walking to work! What if Susan B. Anthony had quit? None of the women would be able to vote! What if Bill Ga...

"The first job of a leader is to define reality, last to say thank you and, in between, to be a debtor and a servant." -- Max DuPree I'd add somwhere -- to bless, inspire, and bring hope for a better tomorrow.

A great quote I picked up from my good friend, Phil Stevenson: Leaders don't have to agree -- but they DO have to understand.

To the Hayward Wesleyan Church Family: This Sunday, as we continue our journey through Ephesians, I will be speaking from the third chapter. Once again, I encourage you to read the passage ahead of time. It's good preparation for the heart. You can find the passage here at Bible Gateway. All week long, I've been praying the last eight verses over you. Some questions to ponder: 1. Verses 1 and 14 say "For this reason. . ." What is the reason? 2. Look for the following words: Grace Glory Mystery Power In Christ Jesus 3. When writing this letter, Paul was a prisoner (probably in Rome.) Why do you suppose he calls himself a "prisoner of Christ"? Also, here is a list of songs we're planning to sing: (note -- the two older hymns are from Cyber Hymnal. The plodding electronic music at the site leaves a bit to be desired -- but it has all the lyrics, and also tells the story behind the song.) The newer songs are from You Tube -- and I can't guarantee tha...

A hard heart is no protection against a soft head. -- C. S. Lewis The Abolition of Man

Earlier today, I posted something goofy about my pastor friend who has had to miss several ministers' meetings due to funerals. Every time the meeting was scheduled, he had another funeral to conduct. I ribbed him a little bit. Sadly, this afternoon, I discovered that today's funeral involved the tragic death of a young man. It was very difficult for everybody. If I had realized the circumstances, I would never have written the original post. Thus, I have chosen to remove it, and ask all my readers to pray for this precious family during their hour of grief.

It was my first college paper, and I stayed up all night attempting to capture the essence of William Shakespeare. I wrote, re-wrote, and wrote again. The CFD (Cruddy First Draft) didn't cut it. Neither did the CSD (Cruddy Second Draft) nor the CTD (Cruddy Third Draft.) I worked my fingers to the bone hammering stubborn typewriter keys, in a frantic attempt to sound intelligent and scholarly. I scoured the thesarus for the longest multi-syllable words I could find and plopped them into my sentences. Finally, after several anguished hours, I had a six page masterpiece. Never, in all my life, had I written (or even read) a collection of so many scholarly words in such confined space. I smiled triumphantly as I turned my assignment in to Dr. Elder the next morning. As a noted scholar in literature, she was sure to be impressed! A few days later, our graded assignments came back. I was astonished to find no grade on my paper. Instead, a bold "See Me!" was scribbled at the top...

"Taxes are what we pay for civilized society" -- Oliver Wendell Holmes "I am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money." -- Arthur Godfrey New simplified 1040EZZ -- line 1 -- How much did you make? line 2 -- Send it in.

Yesterday we celebrated Wes' Golden Birthday -- He turned 14 on 4/14. We had a delightful day together as a family -- going on a field trip to the zoo, and then exploring the shore of Lake Superior.

Recently, my friend, Eunice LaCoy, gave me a little pamphlet she found in her attic -- a 1929 publication from the American Bible Society. They had written President Hoover, as well as the governor of each state, asking for a personal testimonial to the Bible, and an expression of opinion on the value of Universal Bible Sunday. The President responded, as well as 26 of the 48 governors. President Hoover said, "The annual observance of Universal Bible Sunday is a valuable aid in spreading knowledge of the Book of Books, from the pages of which have come those ideals that root our government and our national life firmly in the conscience of men and women." Governor J. C. Phillips of Arizona: I think the movement to establish Universal Bible Sunday is a most commendable one. I was a Bible student early in my life, and during most of the later years have taught a Bible class. Governor H. G. Leslie of Indiana: The biggest influence in the lives of men today is the open Bible. No ...

"Forgiveness is giving up all hope of having a better past." -- Anne Lamott

I took Hannah to see Nim's Island this evening. It was a delightful movie with a positive message: face your fears and live the adventure! We had a lot of fun on our "Dad and Daughter" date and both gave the film a "thumbs up."

Tommy Mitchell has launched a very good series on Death, Dying and Funerals

I am preaching through the book of Ephesians -- and this week, we're covering the second chapter. I'm encouraging all our people to read the passage ahead of time, so they can arrive on Sunday morning with prepared hearts. You can find it by clicking here (Bible Gateway) Some questions to ponder as you read the passage: 1) What "deadens" us? 2) What makes us Alive? 3) What does this passage say about our good works? 4) What walls of hostility (alienation) should be broken down? How? 5) What does it mean to be "Built Together as a Temple?"

Right now, we are getting HAMMERED with a winter storm. It's the biggest one of the year -- April Showers bringing May flowers! The blizzard like conditions are God's tender mercies in disguise. In just over an hour, we will be holding the funeral services for Scott Hams, a UW Stout student, who was killed in a tragic fire last Saturday. The police chief told me a couple of days ago, that a nasty, hateful group from Kansas was threatening to come and protest at the funeral. These are the same folks who travel around the country and rant at funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq. They call themselves a church -- but they are certainly based on a "different gospel." I think their leader must not have gotten enough attention when he was a little boy or something, and ended up twisted. Scott's family has enough to deal with, without having to face a group of nasty hatemongers. Anyhow, Highway 53 is impassable -- so I think that takes care of our protestors.

"The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything ." -- Julian of Norwich

A great article by Chuck Warnock

In June, I am privileged to represent Wisconsin at the Wesleyan Church General Conference in Orlando. (Florida seems like a strange place for a summer conference -- maybe we should pospone it until February!) Last Saturday, I received my delegate packet -- and was delighted to see the two names presented as candidates for General Superintendent: Dave Holdren and JoAnne Lyon. Both JoAnne and Dave are good friends of mine. Either one of them would make an outstanding leader for our denomination. It's going to be a difficult decision. I wish we could elect them BOTH!! Hmmmm . . . could we go back to FOUR Generals? Or. . . maybe we could divide it into two part-time jobs and figure out some kind of "work share" arrangement. "OK JoAnne, you take Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Dave, you've got Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. . . and you both have to work on Sundays." ----------- Correction: A good friend gently pointed out that I shouldn't be advocating ...

You are a jewel! A treasure! A priceless diamond! There's no one else in this whole world quite like you. You're one of a kind. You were designed and fashioned by God's hand -- and He doesn't make mistakes. As the old saying goes, "God don't make junk!" Yes, you're a diamond, and so am I. So is your spouse, your parents, your children, your relatives, your co-workers, your friends. Now, that's a genuine treasure trove!! Shiver me timbers!! However, there's one little problem. We're still diamonds in the rough: not yet smoothed and polished. Quite a bit of "coalish carbon" remains. Our rugged edges and odd shapes lead to conflicts, irritations, and misunderstandings with the other "diamonds" around us. This is why we must go through difficulties. The Master Jeweler knows exactly what is needed to shape us according to the best design and make us shine. He uses the hammer of hardship and the anvil of angst to knock off the...

The Hayward community was saddened by the tragic death of 23 year old Scott Hams, a student at UW Stout. Scott and two other students perished in a house fire this past weekend. When Scott was a little boy, Cathy and I took care of him in our home during the summer months. Three years ago, his mother, Bonnie, passed away after a long struggle with cancer. Please pray for Scott's dad, Al and his brother, Josh, as they go through this dark valley of grief. Josh attends our youth group each Wednesday night. The funeral will be held at our church this Friday, with Rev. David Benson of First Congregational, officiating.

One day, a few years ago, I was deeply troubled with some issues at the church. It seemed like the problems kept piling up on me. Life was hard, misunderstandings abounded, and everywhere I looked, it seemed that the difficulties multiplied. I decided to call my mentor, Loring Peterson. He'd know just what to do. Loring had preceeded me at the church, and I always could count on him for a good word of wisdom and encouragement. "Hey, Mark!" he answered the phone cheerfully, "How are you doing up there in the frozen tundra??" (He'd retired to Florida.) "Don't ask, Loring! It's just terrible! I have more troubles than I can count. Every time I turn around, a new problem pops up. Loring, would you please pray for God to take away my problems?" I was astonished when my esteemed mentor shouted, "NO!!! Heavens, No!!" "What??? No??? I thought you cared! I thought you understood! Why won't you pray for me??" "I'll pr...

Last week, I preached on being "In Christ" . Today, I spoke on what it means to be "In Prayer." There's a big difference between saying a prayer and being IN prayer. Two ways to live "In Prayer": 1. Spirit of Prayer: This is a day by day, moment by moment awareness of God's presence -- maintaining a prayerful attitude throughout all the interactions from the day. 2. Seasons of Prayer: Setting apart extended time, each day, to pray deeply. This also applies to getting away for a day (or half day, or two days, etc) for prayerful reflection -- hearing from the Lord. The most loving thing you can do for others is to pray for them. Here's a great way to BLESS your loved ones: B -- Body: Pray that God will grant strength, energy and healing. L -- Livlihood: Pray that God will help them in their work, school, and all the details of living. E -- Emotional: Pray that God will keep them from discouragement, depression, anxiety and fear. Ask that the...

An old professor at the University of Notre Dame, looking back on his long life of teaching, said this to his friend, Henri Nouwen: "I have always been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I slowly discovered that my interruptions WERE my work!" ( Out of Solitude )

15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church...

Chuck Warnock had a great post recently on What You Can Learn About Church Growth from Your Garden.

A beautiful poem by 17th Century follower of Jesus named George Neumark. A man acquainted with deep loss, he understood the power of peace and total trust: Leave God to order all thy ways, And hope in Him whate'er betide; Thou'lt find Him in the evil days Thy all-sufficient strength and guide: Who trusts in God's unchanging love Builds on the rock that nought can move. Only thy restless heart keep still, And wait in cheerful hope, content To take whate'er His gracious will, His all-discerning love, hath sent; Nor doubt our inmost wants are known To Him who chose us for His own. Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways, But do thine own part faithfully; Trust His rich promises of grace: So shall they be fulfilled in thee: God never yet forsook at need The soul that trusted Him indeed. An inspiring account about how a group of school children, trapped in an avalanche, were rescued through singing this hymn can be found here (in preface.)

A brief synopsis of last Sunday's sermon from Ephesians 1 There are many ways people relate to Christ: A. Christ is An Enemy (but He's still reaching out to you) B. Christ is A Stranger (go deeper!) C. Christ is an Aquaintance (or Familiar Stranger) (Go deeper!) D. Christ is a Helper (true -- but go deeper!) E. Christ is a Friend (the best friend you'll ever have -- but go deeper!) F. Christ is Savior (a glorious truth -- but you can still go deeper!!!) Here's the deepest level -- and it is the secret to spiritual victory: IN CHRIST 1) I am blessed in heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing (v. 3) 2) I was chosen before creation to be holy and blameless (v. 4) 3) Glorious grace has been feely given to me (v. 6) 4) I have redemption and forgiveness of sins (v. 7) 5) I have wisdom and understanding by' the riches of God's grace (v. 8) 6) I know the mystery of God's will and how to please Him (v. 9) 7) I am destined to fulfill God's plans (v. 12) Sum...

I had the privilege of watching my children compete in the Regional Bible Quizzing Competition last Saturday in the Twin Cities. It brings me much joy to see so many young people hiding God's Word in their hearts. It was great to re-connect with my son, Adam and his bride, Allegra, who brought a young team from Iowa. They've done a fantastic job recruiting and coaching some eager quizzers from their church. One of their team members, however, was not able to come at the last minute, leaving them short. As Adam and Allegra puzzled about how to handle the empty seat, it dawned on them that Allegra was still under the age cut-off for quizzing. So, at the last second, she switched from coach to player (sort of like Frank Robinson.) Amazingly, at the end of the day, she took seventh place in the tournament! Congratulations to Allegra, who, in a pinch, came off the bench, and made championship quizzing look like a cinch! I hope Aaron Rogers can do as well for the Packers this fall!

A picture of our deck this morning

"He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." -- Jim Elliot