Why did we do that?

This has got to be the worst question a boss could ever ask! First, if you are "we" and you don't already know the answer, then you are not really "we" and this is only a less rude sounding way of asking "Why did YOU do that?". I've decided there are only three possible answers to this question...

1. There is a very good, (or at least accpetable reason) "we" did that.

2. I don't care.

3. I'm insuburdinate.

Reccomendation to all bosses; If you really think #2 or #3 are true, don't beat around the bush, cut to the chase and let's get this resolved. If you think it's #1 and there is a disagreement about what is good or acceptable, maybe the better question is; "What could WE do so this happens differently next time?" or maybe "Is there anything I could do, to help YOU do this better?" These questions might be helpful, the first one is not.

Still working through some stuff. Hoping for more positive change. Thankful that Yo is at home. Looking forward to small groups and a vacation. PEACE.

Mixing Metaphors...Sheep Poop?

A wise pastor once told me that there's something all Shepherds deal with. Despite my strong desire to further use alliteration I will describe this something as sheep poop. In fact there's actually a pastoral ministry book I hope to read one day titled "They smell like sheep". I think both the author of this book and the wise pastor are speaking to the idea that effective pastors must be around, hang out with, and walk through things with their people, even the difficult and unpleasant things. I agree and hope this "sheep smell" is a mark of my ministry.

But as I wrestle further with my own thoughts on grace and leadership, I realize leading people is much more difficult than controlling people. Better by far... But much more difficult by far. Often in discussions with my boss and fellow staff members there is a resistance to change... a fear of failure ... a pre-tense of being careful ... and an intentional level of what might be seen as micro management. I know this comes from a burden of responsibility to protect the sheep. From what I'm not sure, but I understand the motivation and think it's admirable. However, I've come to find myself repeatedly saying in these discussions "I'm not sure how it's gonna work. It might be messy. But it ought to be good." or something to that effect.

"It might be messy"... this is the phrase that caused be to start mixing my metaphors. It might be messy like sheep sh...(uh)...poop. Should we as pastors "protect" our people by keeping them away from poop?

How would you do this with sheep? Know that I have thought through this thoroughly, but am a poor illustrator, so as much as I would like to share some of the pictures I've come up with I will stick to writing, and leave this to your imagination.

The only real way to prevent sheep from pooping is to stop feeding them. This is not a good option for a shepherd...or a pastor. In fact, it's amazing that the healthy by product of being fed becomes a blessing to the sheep later as it fertilizes the ground they are eating from! I hope my sheep poop small amounts from being fed just right. I hope the messes they make can be "cleaned up" in such as way that they are a blessing to others and even themselves. I hope I never wake up to a ministry with out poop.

Did I take this too far? Any Thoughts?

H E L P !

OK, generally It bugs me when churches expect things to be cheap or free because they are a church. However, because of a series of unfortunate events I am in a bit of a pickle and need some help. On June 2nd I am taking a group of juniors and seniors ( 16 of us altogether) to the Queen Mary for our annual Night of Elegance. Because our numbers are up (this is good) and because of a miscue with the folks at Tibby's Dinner Theatre (this was bad). I am over budget on our dinner plans and have not yet arranged for our transportation. Our church owns a 1977 Crown school bus. It is a wonderful tool for ministry. It is not what the students are expecting sense I told them we would be "riding in style". So, here is the blog o plea for help... Does anyone have the hook-ups with a limo service that is not yet booked that night and may be looking for a tax right off? Does anyone know where I can rent a limo, shuttle, or charter bus at a discounted price? Does anyone, (or maybe your church) own a nice van/ excursburban / or explorekee we could borrow or rent cheap for the night? I can offer donation receipts, use of a 1977 Crown bus, humble monetary compensation and eternal gratitude if anyone has a great idea. It is not essential for us to ride together but It would be cool. Any ideas out there?

Yes this is a "prom alternative". It makes me wonder why some people feel an alternative is necessary. It also makes me cringe a little when the students SPEND so much on the evening. However, it is a wonderful tradition... A night for Leah and I to share with our upper classmen and really honor them and even encourage them... A very "elegant" night where no one is pressured to get drunk or get laid... A night of lifetime memories that I think is way more fun than waiting in line to take pictures, listening to music you don't like, and watching other people dance. I am not anti-prom! But I do like what we do on "N.O.E."

Anybody want to help? Leave a comment here or email me from my profile. Thanks!

Two Movies... One Night

I took my kids to see TMNT, which was way better than I thought it would be. It was full of really cool CG, comic book type action, and "deep" discussion on topics like leadership and grace, they just never called it that. Then the wife and I watched "The Pursuit of Happiness", Sad, Sappy, and pretty dumb. Here's what I learned...A million bucks will make you happy, or at least a good job will. Oh yeah, you don't really need a mom.

I was surprised by both films. Pleasantly by the turtles and disappointed by the fresh prince. My how things change.

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 05

This one is the best. Speaks to my life dreams and inner conflicts! If you haven't seen these you really should go to you tube and watch them all.

Grace, Authority, and Leadership. Part 2

Wow, the begging for comments was really just a ploy to see if anyone was still reading this. Maybe it would have been easier to install a counter. I'm glad at least three of you are reading. I'm finding a real helpful escape in just being able to think through some of these things, outloud in a sense.

Without getting into a discussion on church structure, there is certainly a diversity of positions held even by you three who were kind enough to comment on the previous post, I would like to explore this further. I can see clearly the pros and cons of my own church's leadership structure (or what JDF might see as a lack of leadership structure), and I have a fairly good idea there are pros and cons to your church's structure as well. Certainly there are a lot of books and even classes being taught on pastoral leadership that cover grace and authority, but I wish there was more being said about the assertiveness of Jesus, and how that applies to christian leadership. This "third way" Journeyman spoke of, Jesus calling us to turn the other cheek, Being a "strong" leader without feeling the need to control or manipulate others, these ideas go together. I hope they are marks of my ministry.

I love being a Pastor. Do it cuz it's the law! Do it cuz it's policy! Do it cuzz I'm the boss! No, no, no...Do it cuz God says! Now there's power! Seriously, there's this relief that when people step outside established boundaries and rebel or sin ...they are not disrespecting me but actually disrespecting God. Wonderful, carries with it the huge responsibility of greater judgement, and making sure you actually say what God says. I was blown away by a recent conversation I had with a pastor that shared he spends less than 10% of his time working on his messages. There is something wrong here. Is this because he's being the ceo, administrator, maintenance person, worship leader, technical advisor, etc? I think so, but what are the praxis for protecting yourself from that? Logistically, these things are necessary. Yes? I love what Journeyman added about submitting to each others strengths and giftings, takes a certain humility and Godly wisdom for a leader to do this well.

General consensus...Live Godly lives and lead by example.

How do we separate the common from the holy? or the secular from the sacred? I am not a financial guru, fitness expert, or enlisted warrior in the religious "rite". However, I do feel like stewardship, health, and social action are important facets of my faith. Certainly Jesus spoke about these things, albeit in His unique assertive way. I have a hard time saying certain areas are off limits for God to speak into. He is the creator of all things. As His called, and appointed, leaders are there certain "common" areas we should not speak into? I would hope people would see the incarnate Christ in the ways I live, spend, and even vote, or maybe even don't vote.

Certainly I would agree that Christianity in many churches across the U.S. has become all about being wealthy, drug free, and republican... for Jesus. And then there's the other voice that strives to be giving to the coolest cause, following the latest health/nutrition fads, and voting democrat...for Jesus. And now these two camps and (and their countless off shoots) can focus on pointing and laughing at each other, instead of focusing on Jesus. Certainly these are "common" things and our lives should be summarized, not by these labels but by ideas like grace, service, redemption, love, and holiness. Surely these are the causes that the scripture, the sacraments, and the godly shepherds will lead to. As christian leaders can we and should we, impart these practices with out ever talking about political associations, 401k, or weight watchers?

I think that for the sake of "discussing the vernacular" we must talk about these things. Any overseeing should truly be practiced in the so called "sacred" areas. As individuals we should be intentional in finding fellowship and practicing grace, among others who disagree with us in the so called "common" areas. And any pointing and laughing should probably be at our own expense. Surely there is plenty to laugh at.

May we always stay focused on Jesus. And may we lead others to see Him and serve Him.

Grace, Authority, & Leadership

What does it mean to be an authoritative leader? Is this a bad thing? What parts of a local church is the pastor "responsible" for? Which form of church government is best? Why is everyone so upset about their pastor being a ceo? Are smaller churches better churches? Are bigger churches better churches? What is the job of an "Assistant Pastor - Youth & Administration"?

As I ponder these questions today, I am reminded of an ol' truth I learned while working in management for Brown. "It's the man who makes the tie, not the tie that makes the man." I am more and more uncomfortable with the idea that "I am the pastor. Do what I say. I am supposed to be in charge!" More and more I think we should be looking to Jesus...IT"S HIS CHURCH! and error on the side of grace, not authority. Any thoughts out there in blog o land?

The tie qoute at UPS is especially powerful because middle management are no longer required to wear ties, yet I think they are still using this quote. Perhaps they should say... "It's the man who makes the tucked in shirt and lack of facial hair below the upper lip, not the tucked in shirt and lack of facial hair below the upper lip, that makes the man." Just doesn't have the same ring does it.