Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Welcome Back

Well, what can i say......the Summer of Love about wiped out my blogging! But like Kotter, this old thing welcomed me right back. I'm sorry I failed in the continuity test......but this is a lot like God's grace, you're allowed to ask for forgiveness and get a new start, even if you don't deserve it!

Welcome back to me and esp. to anyone who takes the time to read this thing again. I've learned a heck of a lot this summer......more to come.....I promise!

Monday, June 25, 2007

The Rain

I love the rain; I always have loved the rain. I'm not sure what it is, but the rain always brings a certain feeling with it. For me it brings an assurance that God is still there, still in control, still watering His garden. The rain brings me peace and assurance.

Some people really hate the rain. They get frustrated and even scared when it storms. They often feel that God is angry and He is taking out His wrath on His creation. Many people think God is mad all of the time.

Lately it has rained a lot here. Maybe for the first time since I was a boy it has rained more days than it hasn't this summer. Did I mention that I love the rain? It makes me feel young again when I get out in it and get drenched. It makes me feel good to sit and watch it fall on the pavement and in the grass. I'm glad I'm blessed with a nice, dry house to watch the rain from.

If I was homeless I probably wouldn't love the rain anymore. I might not feel safe and assured. I might think that God was mad at me, taking out His frustration with His people on me. Being homeless would suck...bad. Maybe we should think about the homeless and the helpless today while we are watching the rain from our nice, dry living rooms.

"God help the homeless to feel your assurance even in the storms. Help them to feel young again when they are drenched everyday by these summer rains. Send a real believer their way...someone who takes their faith seriously and understands how blessed they really are. Send a good Samaritan."

If it was easier I would go......I think.

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Battle of the Sexes: A little wager

It occurs to me that women pretty much rule the internet! Most of the posts that I read are not nec. started by women, but are responded to by them. This is something that needs to be addressed, at least in the church community. So.......

I want to make a friendly wager: I will wager a dinner/lunch with anyone that wants to get in. Here's the deal: More men will respond to this post in the comments section than women. The deadline will be July 1, 2007. Only 1 response per person will count towards the total. Let's just see how many men/women will come in with something to say! I think that more men are out there just reading, and not commenting.........what do you say?

Father's Day......what I heard

From all that I could hear yesterday (before I went back to children's church), everyone who actually reported said that they sincerely enjoyed the first event in our Summer of Love (House of Prayer).

It's nice to hear from people who do not normally get the opportunity to share in the public realm. It sounds like there was some initial nervousness, but that overall, the Spirit bore witness that we are essentially on the right track. That's nice to know.

Though we still have some tweaking to do, it seems to me that we are easing out into the right direction. Easing is really hard for me. It requires patience and planning, and everyone knows how I feel about those :)

I believe that July will look a little different, and August even more, but overall, I'm sure we will gradually become more accustom to less attraction and more mission.

It would be nice to get some feedback from yesterday's service. The format, the speaker, the new leaders taking a bigger role, the testimonies, and the overall feeling after the day was complete.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Leaders must set the pace!



So I'm reading this book called They Like Jesus but Not the Church by Dan Kimball. He says "Perhaps one day when people think of Christians and the church, they will think about how we help the needy and compassionately get involved both locally and globally. Maybe they will think of us as gentle rather than abrasive, even with those we disagree with. Hopefully they won't be able to dismiss us as being cold, negative, and judgmental. But this transformation requires leadership to set the example. I believe the church will follow if leaders set the pace and foster a culture of being salt and light, of being loving instead of judgmental and negative. The more we focus on what we stand for instead of what we stand against, the more we will line up with Jesus and His teachings about the kingdom of God, and the more we will be seen as a people who believe in truth and love." (112-113)

So leaders must set the pace if the rest of the church, both local and global, are to respond and become the salt and light that Jesus said we are. We must make people thirsty for what God offers, the chance to never thirst again.

Interestingly, when you fly over the vast ocean (or sail over it I bet), you wonder if you will ever see land again. At night, you learn to look for the bright lights of any city. When you see those lights, it brings you comfort.......you know that a solid foundation is ahead. Jesus said that we are a city on a hill, lights in the distance to bring comfort and stability in this dark and dreary world. Leaders are responsible to God to become that salt and light, even if it makes others uncomfortable at first. When we do it, then others will respond and will rise up to become all that our King commanded us to become.

Thank you leaders, all of you who took the lead yesterday in becoming salt and light. Eventhough I wasn't physically able to be at the House of Prayer, I know that what we did made a tremendous impact. Perhaps it is the beginning of a move of God in our hearts and in our city. Please continue to lead, even if it seems that others are not really following!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Very Successful Start

The Summer of Love got off to a very successful start according to all of those who came back and reported on the events at the House of Prayer this morning. It sounded like the Lord really showed up and showed out. Everyone says that the worship was outstanding and that Pastor Jacob rocked the house!.............something about everyone having a "personal stash" that they keep from God. Wish I coulda heard that one!

Children's church was fantastic and the kids enjoyed it too, lol. Guest speaker next Sunday for Father's Day, woot! Be sure to come early if you are a father, Susie and I would like to bless you guys with an early morning breakfast (around 9-9:30).

For those of you who didn't make it, be sure to check the website for the rest of June's schedule so as not to be left behind.

Mahalo!

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Magnificent

Wow! Hawaii is really a magnificent place. We have had so much fun here and can't believe that our week is almost over. I will try to post a pic or 2 tomorrow (just found some free wifi). Everyone should save their money and come here at least once before they die.

We are contemplating a future trip already. Hope things are well with everyone in the trees of East Texas.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Aloha

This is the last post before we hit the islands..............just wanted to rub it in a little! I will check in every night while we are there to give an update on our status as missional beach bums.

Friday, June 1, 2007

JUNE EVENTS for SUMMER of LOVE

Determined tonight at our latest elder meeting:

June 3..............Darrell Kirchner speaking
June 10............Church-wide ministry to another church (attendance and offering) (Church TBD)
June 17.............Guest Speaker (TBD)
June 24.............Weekend Lake party/campout with churchwide worship and testimonies, followed by picnic lunch (this one includes the children)

There are currently four Advanced Planning Teams with 5 people on each Advanced Planning Team:

Advanced Planning Team for June

Team Leader:
Barry Kirkpatrick (Elder)

Team Members:
Jason Brisuela (Elder in training)
DeAnn Adams (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)

Stay tuned for specifics (more to be announced Sunday).

Advanced Planning Team for July

Team Leader:
John Saferite (Elder)

Team Members:
Jason McKenney (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)

Advanced Planning Team for August

Team Leader:
Darrell Kirchner (Elder)

Team Members:
Chris Smith (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)

Advanced Planning Team for September

Team Leader:
Jerry Payne (Elder)

Team Members:
Fredo Hernandez (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Elders and Deacons

It seems to me that the NT has a lot to say on the topic of leaders in the local church. This is one of the areas that we most need to develop here at our local fellowship. We are in the process of identifying people that would fit the biblical model for leadership.

Elders seem to be in charge of the more spiritual aspects of the church. Not that they are necessarily the most spiritual people (though it would certainly help), but that they are concerned with the spiritual well-being of the church. Things like prayer, fasting, decision-making in the will of God, spiritual direction, etc are all things that they should be looking at during the average week.

Deacons on the other hand are servant leaders. They are also very spiritual individuals, but they let that play out in acts of service within the local context. We are playing (use that term very loosely of course) with the idea of deacons and deaconesses (yes that's right, we are definitely considering women for this crucial area) for Crossroads. These would be the people that care for the daily needs of the body such as feeding the orphans and widows, taking care of the sick (hospital visitation etc), taking care of the facilities, etc. I know we would all agree that these important areas of ministry should not be neglected and would be better accomplished by those that are not only gifted, but ordained to do them.

So what think ye....who are some people that come to mind when you think of Elder or Deacon/Deaconess in the church?

Saturday, May 26, 2007

I have a GREAT idea!!!!!

You know how scripture teaches that the older ought to teach the younger and that the younger should respect and honor the older?

What would you guys think about starting with COOKING!!!!!! Seriously, I think we could have a weekend where we all got together and took turns teaching how to do certain things involving cooking. I mean we could bring our kids and make it really interactive, move over Rachel Ray!

So what do you guys think? Like someone could teach us how to make homemade tamales (yeah you Jenny), someone else could show us how to make real chicken wings, or grill brats that will set you free, or make REAL BBQ, or make a cake from scratch, or homemade bread, or any number of things.

Maybe Darrell could show us how to brew homemade beer! Well he is a scientist afterall :)

Cmon, chime in, let's do this. We can set up the house at the church (or go to someone's house with plenty of room), and just cook all day on a Saturday. Or we could do it once or twice a month during the summer. Let's get it going!

Turning 50.......Wow

Tonight we went to a good friend's 50th birthday party, pretty amazing really. I can't even believe that 50 is so close and that so many of our friends are edging up on that momentous occasion. Trust me, you won't be able to believe it either "next year" (for that is what it will seem like) when you are looking at the big 5-0!

Gary Dollarhide made it to 50 and in amazing fashion. He looks young and acts even younger. I really wish I could look half as good as he did tonight. He is really an amazing man and one of the best Christian witnesses I've had the privilege of knowing. He and LuAnn have been good friends to us over the years; it was really a blessing to be there tonight.

If you have a friend like Gary and would like to comment about them, please feel free to do so. Also, if any of you know Gary, it would be nice to hear your testimonies about what he means or has meant to you and yours.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Finally I get to do beach ministry!

We'll the Payne's have decided to become extremely missional! We are leaving the 48 to go to the Islands (Hawaii of course) to catch some rays and do our best to be missional to the natives and tourists we meet.

We will be leaving next Saturday and staying there the 3rd thru 9th. Seriously, pray that the Lord will only let us be in awe of the beach and weather and waves for a little while so we can focus on brightening someone's day!

Aloha!

Monday, May 21, 2007

Eager Expectation

I can't begin to say how excited I am to see so many people looking forward to the Summer of Love! Thanks Garry for turning me on to that. I looked it up and got lots of cool info about it and we have adopted it as our missional thrust for the summer.

Question: Preaching service once, or twice a month on Sunday? I'm hearing several say that they'd like to limit the traditional "instruction/exhortation" part of Sunday to only once a month and go and be the church the other three Sundays. I'd like to know what you guys think about that.

Also, Court brought up a good idea, worship/coffee/announcements early on every Sunday and then leave together to go into the MISSION field. I like it, maybe not everytime, but it would help with communication and direction related to that weekend's adventure.

Let me know what you guys are thinking........

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Can You Take Me Higher?

Well I just wanted to get some feedback on your thoughts about the lyrics from the Creed song Higher. We went over that song as part of our Missional discussion this morning, tying it in with Luke 4 and Luke 7 where Jesus was describing to those in the synagogue and some followers of John respectively, what it meant for Him to begin His public ministry. "The blind see, the deaf hear, . . . ." and primarily, "the gospel is preached to the poor." This is interestingly in the place of prominence in both accounts.

It sure makes me think that we have perhaps missed one of the greatest blessings of being the church in our generation; meeting the needs of the poor and the poor in spirit. As Creed puts it, "the only difference is to let love replace all of our hate." I know we would never admit to intentionally hating someone, but refusing anyone the chance to hear the good news of redemption and purpose and blessing, somehow that seems to add up to hate; not respecting them or the Lord enough to be salt and light in the culture that most needs it (and desires it).

Saturday, May 19, 2007

What do you think would happen . . .

What do you think would happen if people showed up "for church" on Sunday and there was a sign on the door announcing "We are being the church today at The XYZ Nursing Home. Come and join us as we go . . ." (John 20:21).

Okay, seriuosly, how many would actually go (what %) and how many would start looking for a new church? How many would just throw up their hands in disgust or disbelief? How low would the offering go that day?

But, how many smiles would we generate? How many hearts would jump at our sight? What would that 85 year old grandmother who hasn't seen any family for months think/do when we all lined up to give her a hug? And what if we brought REAL food with us? You know, that home-cooked church kind of food? That might make some old guy do a jig!

And what if we had no agenda but to just go and spend time there, making new friends and enjoying the company of those older and wiser than us? Sure, if someone requested, we could all sing/hum (in my case) an old hymn or whatever, but just going to be salt and light and to let someone's light shine on us!!! Tell me that wouldn't possibly be an outstanding morning!

I can hear someone say, "What of preaching and worship? How would our week go without them?" Well I have 2 thoughts: 1) This one is more positive than the other so i'll put it in first. How about we meet on a different day or maybe even at a different place for that; and 2) Like missing that stuff is really going to make a difference for one week? I mean most of us are hearers anyway, so it's not like the sermon and worship and coffee are going to change us and make us go and DO anything this weak (yes I know how I spelled it).

So, what do you think would happen?

Friday, May 18, 2007

Failure Doesn't Suck

Interesting title for sure, but what does it mean? Check out this great article to read about the guy who has made the most profittable vacuum cleaner in the world. It is about the Dyson guy and what all happened on his way to the top of his industry.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/115/open_next-design.html?partner=rss

This should serve as great proof that failure should never be final. If we are not willing to try and fail then we are not really trying at all and have virtually no faith. That is where I see the average church becoming, well average. It is the compromise of not getting out on the edge and the lack of willingness to take a chance.

What is the absolute worst thing that could happen to the church that attempts something great for the Kingdom and totally fails? Seriously, what is the worst thing that could happen?

It's Friday but Sunday's Coming

Anyone ever remember that song by Carman that talked about the terrible day (ironically we call it good friday) when Jesus died. It's called Sunday's on the Way and it details how the demons were partying after the death of Jesus, but how Satan wasn't so at ease.

He was restless because he knew that Jesus predicted that He would rise on the third day. Needless to say, Sunday was the third day and Jesus did what He said He would and that of course left Satan totally defeated. Good story..................great ending!

Well it's Friday again and Sunday is on the way. At the church where I serve, we are gearing up for an exciting Sunday morning, with a twist for Sunday night. We are meeting to determine the course for the future of our fledgling congregation. Do we continue doing what we're doing and keep getting the same results (about 1-2 committed families a year, committed to Jesus but mostly through our church), or do we chart a new course; a missional voyage that will leave the attractional model (at least for the most part) in the past.

The obvious question is "What will this church look like if we transition towards missional and away from attractional?" I wish I knew exactly, but I don't. For many that would appear as flakiness, but for some of you it will hit home. You know that we see through a glass dimly and that knowing the future isn't very common; yes even among us professional pastors (lol).

So it's Friday...........but Sunday's on the way! Are you looking forward to it?

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Add your MySpace

In the attempt to get to know you guys better, I am requesting that you add your blog or myspace address in the comments section of this post. I would love to link to you guys so this is not just my ramblings but our rumblings! POST!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

I Want a New Drug



In 1988 C. Everett Coop, the then renown Surgeon General, declared that nicotine was as addictive as heroin or cocaine ( http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/05/dayintech_0516). Looking back, I don't think anyone really thought that much about it as a drug, but when lumped in with the nasties, it made us take a harder look at tobacco. In fact, he was the one that forced the Surgeon General's label to be put on all tobacco products; probably a good thing, but likely not saving any lives.

A couple of days ago I was enjoying a blast from the past as I played a round of golf with my brother in Dallas. While driving to the course, I heard the song "I want a New Drug by Huey Lewis and the News. I loved that song back in the day and I think it is worthy of a remix, maybe even a church version. Remember the lyrics of the first verse:

I want a new drug
One that won't make me sick
One that won't make me crash my car
Or make me feel three feet thick
I want a new drug
One that won't hurt my head
One that won't make my mouth too dry
Or make my eyes too red
One that won't make me nervous
Wondering what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
When I'm alone with you.

Man that's what I'm talking about! I want a new drug that makes me feel like I feel when I get alone with Jesus. One that gives me that energy, cleansing, assurance, and community. One that won't make me nervous in His presence, wondering what to do, but rather one that helps me see my place in the scheme of things; my insignificance in the universe, but my purpose in the Kingdom of God.

We have that drug, it's the Spirit, the pneuma, the breath of God, I think. We should OD as fast as possible.

Oh yeah, the last verse:

I want a new drug
One that does what it should
One that won't make me feel too bad
One that won't make me feel too good
I want a new drug One with no doubt
One that won't make me talk too much
Or make my face break out
One that won't make me nervous
Wondering what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
When I'm alone with you

Quite appropriate in describing the Breath of God don't you think?

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Interesting in light of today's discussions:

Can the Traditional Church be Missional?

Thoughts??

DAY 2......Misssional Minds and Butts

Today being Tuesday, I was entertained by a group of philosophers from the region of East Texas. All in all there were 5 of us and we spent about 4 hours conversing about what it means to be truly missional and arguing (so to speak) about whether our fellowship is ready to seriously consider the gradual transformation from Attractional to Missional and what that would look like. Zorlofe made sure that we all knew that we could live communal lives if we really wanted to.

This conversation made me count the cost of being authentically missional, incarnational, contextual, and evolutional. Am I ready to become a MICE follower of Jesus? These are the questions that we all need to ask today....what is the cost and can I afford not to do this?


Alan Hirsch says in The Forgotten Ways, "So while maintaining its "groovy" and somewhat alternative vibe, South [the church he served in as lead pastor in South Melbourne] had inadvertently become safe and more self-consciously yuppie and, as a result, had lost something of its edge. Without anyone noticing, we had lost our original call and missional heart." (p. 33)

Crossroaders . . . does this sound at all familiar? After the 4 hour discussion with missional minds and missional butts, I think the philosophers and I decided that this very much sounds like us. BTW....... Zorlofe is a cool name for a philosopher!

Monday, May 14, 2007

Check out this Nooma video on Anger





So ask someone besides yourself how you're doing on your anger. Are your issues showing through your facade?

First Blog

Well this is my first real attempt at posting my rants on the web. I'm going to test it a little at first until I get a clue, then I'm really gonna rip it up! If you find this blog, please comment so I'll know you were here, thanks!