Should Pastors Sign Prenups?

Have you ever thought about how many ways becoming a pastor is like getting married? Here are a few:

1)   They both typically happen in a church

2)    You are never really prepared for either

3)   You will always look back on both thinking, “If only I knew then…”

4)   They both involve a powerful commitment between you, Christ, and another party

5)   Unfortunately, the odds are poor for either to last long-term

The phrase, “I wonder how long this one will last?” is usually in reference to a marriage or new pastor. Sadly, in both cases, many people assume it won’t work out.

In marriage, the world has devised “prenuptial agreements” as an attempt to reduce risk from broken-marriage fallout.

The funny thing is that we typically overlook the original prenuptial agreement: wedding vows.

If we took more time to consider and commit to the vows we take in marriage, there’s not doubt that the divorce rate would drop dramatically.

Which leads me to my question… should pastors sign a prenuptial agreement with churches?

I’m not talking about a document that focuses on everything that may go wrong in a pastorate –but instead a commitment to everything that should go right! In other words, what would it look like if congregations took the time to ask pastors to take certain vows when assuming leadership at their church? Here are a few vows that I think should be at the top of the list:

1)   I vow to care more about your spiritual advancement than my career advancement.

2)   I vow to prepare for every sermon as if it were my last.

3)   I vow to pray for you more than projects.

4)   I vow to protect the integrity of this church and the name of Christ.

5)   I vow to follow Christ with all my heart.

6)   I vow to place my priorities on my family before the church.

There are so many more vows that could be included. Which ones would you add?

Kingdom Clearance

Have you ever considered the fact that the most insignificant of species can gain access into some of the most significant locations? When was the last time you heard of an ant requesting security clearance for White House access? Yet, I’m sure a few of those pesky bugs make it in the oval office every once and a while. You may say, “big deal,” its just an ant -but I’d like to see you infiltrate the highest military security in the world!

I love the way that the Bible flips ordinary thinking to reveal “kingdom thinking.” For instance, Jesus taught that “the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16), “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11), and “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).

The point is, in God’s Kingdom, bigger is not always better. Sometimes God chooses to use the overlooked and forgotten to do the meaningful and lasting.

Proverbs 30:24-28 says it best:

Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise:

the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer;

the rock badgers are a people not mighty,

yet they make their homes in the cliffs;

the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank;

the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces. (Proverbs 30:24-28)

Most of us would overlook ants, locusts, and lizards. But they have the remarkable ability to go places we may never gain access. God has given them “Kingdom Clearance.”

I love the way one Chinese pastor described the underground church’s mission efforts in other “closed” nations. compared their network of secret missionaries to ants by saying something to the affect of, “It’s hard for an elephant to enter a village unnoticed. That’s why we go as an army of ants.”

Maybe you’ve been discouraged because you feel like an “ant” in this world. As it turns out, this is could be a wonderful privilege. Take heart –you’ve been designed perfectly for kingdom work!

Right now, quit thinking about all of the limitations that “worldly wisdom” places upon you and start looking at the opportunities that Kingdom truth offers you. Consider these two questions:

1) Who naturally confides in you? It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor, popular or unknown -God cares about them and has given you the privilege of investing in their life. The point is, there is probably somebody in your life to whom you have been given more “clearance” than anyone else. Will you see this as a ministry opportunity? Be a listening ear and wise counsel. Share the gospel.

2) What environments have you been given access to? Do you have “clearance” at the office? On the job site? On the team? Don’t take that for granted -not everyone has the platform you’ve been given. Use it wisely for the Kingdom.

Six Degrees of New Year’s Resolutions

This year, for my new year’s resolutions, I want to try an experiment with the “six degrees of separation” theory. You know what I’m talking about, right? The theory proposes that everyone in the world is connected by no more than six relationships. For instance, Elvis Presley may be your cousin’s-neighbor’s-friend’s-former girlfriend’s-roomate’s-uncle. (or something like that).

So, to test the “six degrees” theory, I’m writing down a few “impossible” goals (sort of a cross between “bucket list” and “in your dreams” ideas). I’m hoping that someone who reads these goals will know someone who can help me accomplish one of them and will connect me with the right people. Make sense?

Here are my goals:

1) Flip the coin before an NFL game.

2) Stand in the Oval Office (the real one).

3) Visit the set of a major motion picture during filming.

4) Give a pre-game devotional to the Arkansas Razorback football team.

5) Be a guest anchor on a newscast.

I’m fairly certain that these are out of my reach. So, if you (or someone you know) have a connection that might help me achieve one of my goals, would you let me know? Maybe we could all make a road trip out of it? This could be a lot of fun!

Well, here goes… let’s see what happens in 2014!

Use Good Judgement

A recent quote in my local newspaper caught my attention. A spokesman for a secular organization critiqued a Christian for speaking his convictions. That’s not the part that caught my eye. What stood out to me was the additional comments made by the organization’s spokesman, in which she said (paraphrase), “the convictions this man has spoken are judgmental which is a direct contradiction to Christianity.”

Ok, here’s a few quick thoughts:

1)            It’s strange to think a non-Christian has the wisdom to define what is and isn’t “Christian”

2)          To state that something is or isn’t “Christian” is a judgment

3)           While certain “judging” is warned against in Scripture, there is plenty of admonition to “judge” and make “judgments” (but that’s a different subject)

The whole issue heightened my awareness that the world is not leaving Christianity alone. Instead, many non-believers are trying to redefine the message of Christ’s gospel.

What’s worse, is many who claim to be “Christians,” buy into false teaching and begin to propagate a false gospel. Whether or not it is because of their lack of knowledge, lack of conversion, or desire for worldliness (or a combination of all three), believers are called to be on guard against false gospels. Paul wrote to the Galatians:

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-10).

Wow, that’s some pretty strong language Paul is using. The call to guard against “other gospels” is crucial to the Christian life.

The best way to be on guard against false gospels is to know the real gospel. The more your life revolves around the gospel, the more aware you will be of errors in false teachings.

Further, you must never allow your faith to go into “cruise control” where you cease to test ideas and teachings. One of the most dangerous things a Christian can do is to stop thinking. Test everything you read and hear against Scripture. Ask whether the teaching exalts Christ and reflects the gospel accurately.

Don’t be tempted to think that “I’m saved, that’s all that matters, so I’ll leave the deep thinking to scholars.” Every message you hear has the power to impact your heart. Proverbs 4:23 states, Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

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So when it comes to filtering incoming messages, good judgment is a must!

Knowledge has Consequences

We’ve all watched children laughing and playing. It usually provokes thoughts such as, “They don’t have a care in the world,” or “I wish I had their innocence,” or “Wouldn’t it be great to be a child again.”

Ironically (if you can remember that far back) most of the children are thinking, “I can’t wait to be a grown-up!”

Everybody wants to be at a different stage in life. Rarely do any of us stop and enjoy the place God has put us at this very moment.

As adults, we all had moments in life where we couldn’t wait to grow up. At that point in our lives we recognized the amazing benefits of knowledge and experience. We couldn’t wait to have freedom and privileges. There were so many paths to pursue –relationships, careers, hobbies, adventures…

And then, at some point, in the middle of what we call “the real world,” we feel stuck. The exciting innocence of youth has disappeared and the sought-after opportunities of adulthood have lost their luster. Suddenly, the “real world” feels much heavier and burdensome than once thought and we find ourselves in agreement with Solomon, who said: “For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:18).

Ouch… probably not the kind of verse you put on graduation cards! But Solomon makes a great point: Every piece of wisdom, knowledge, and experience carries is bundled with both blessings and burdens. That means that every moment in life finds itself somewhere on the continuum between the “wide-eyed” excitement of youth and the somber reflection of adulthood.

But, as Christians, did we really expect anything different? We, who believe that the great joy of salvation required the great pain of crucifixion, should be the first to expect that every great blessing is accompanied by a great burden.

But we can’t just leave it there. After all, we understand that the burden of the cross was carried by Christ –not us. Therefore, the gospel doesn’t just teach us about the cost of joy; the good news of Christ also teaches us about the availability of joy! In fact, the New Testament actually commands us to have joy.

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But how does that reconcile with the “stuck” experience described by Solomon? Was Solomon missing something? Of course not. In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon arrives at this very conclusion when he says, “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long s they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

But how is that possible in difficult circumstances? Only through the burden-bearing ministry of Christ. He who has overcome death and the grave has the power to bear your burdens (Philippians 3:10). Only Christ can truly make “everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

You see, the goal is not to avoid knowledge an experience. The goal is to enjoy Christ’s redemption of every moment of your life –so that, even as an adult, you may experience “kingdom life” through the exuberance of a little child (Matthew 19:14).

Your Church’s Turf May Be Bigger Than You Think

“Turf wars” can be brutal –especially within ministry.

As a young minister in the Eighteenth Century, John Wesley was chided by the Anglican Church for preaching across parish lines (invading another pastor’s turf).

When approached, Wesley famously explained, “The world is my parish.” In other words, Wesley did not draw boundaries for his ministry. He saw a world full of opportunities.

Usually when we think of ministry “turf wars,” we think about boundary disputes between two churches. However, I think we should be more worried about the boundary disputes pastors place upon their own churches!

Wesley was right –the world is (your church’s) parish. I can say that confidently, because the Bible states is clearly.

In the beginning, God gave Adam and Eve the task of multiplying and filling the earth (Genesis 1:28) with the people made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). This was the first call to discipleship in history.

In the very same sentence, God gives Adam and Eve every resource they need to fulfill the task when he says, “fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28).

Here we see the commission (make disciples) and the resources (subdue and have dominion).

Jesus repeated the idea when He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given unto me” (Matthew 28:18). Commission, plus resources, equals “the world is my parish.”

So why do many pastors assume their churches have incredibly low limits? Why do some pastors laugh at the idea of their church “changing the world?” Isn’t that like laughing at Christ’s commission?

I believe many pastors struggle with an internal “turf war” in which they believe that their ministry is inferior. For many, it is because of personal limitations. Maybe they don’t have the charisma or organizational skills of another pastor down the road. Perhaps their church doesn’t have large facilities or overflowing bank accounts. Maybe they feel as though they don’t have any “go-to” leaders in their church to whom they can delegate and trust.

But all of these perceived limitations deny the power of God to provide everything they need to pursue Great Commission work.  Either Christ has “all authority” or He doesn’t. And, if He does, He can –and will- provide exactly what His churches need exactly when they need it.

Maybe the problem is that we don’t always recognize the resources God has already. For instance, the pastor who only sees a small building might be missing the dozens of houses owned by his members in which small group Bible studies could take place. Or he may not realize that public facilities such as parks and rec centers are a part of God’s provision for His church. Such public places are filled with sinners who need Jesus! What an opportunity to set up a children’s Bible club in the summer or men’s basketball Bible study.

Pastors, if you think that the disciples at your church have been given to you in order to build bigger buildings, you’ve got it backwards. Christ has already provided buildings (in your community) for you to make disciples. And, last time I checked, nobody is waging “turf wars” over those locations. The only person who is limiting your church may be you.

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When we realize that God has already provided the resources for us to minister, public buildings become mission outposts and our congregations become missionaries. The world truly is your parish!

The Future of Change

Change is hard –everyone knows that.

So, will things ever cease to change?

Perhaps we tend to think change will cease when this life is over and we arrive in our Heavenly home. Is this true?

Changes in Heaven Today

Let’s start with what is happening in Heaven right now. Jesus told his apostles that He was going “to prepare a place” for them (John 14:2). That sounds like some sort of celestial renovation project taking place. So, at present, it seems as though Heaven is experiencing change.

The Future of Heaven

What about in the future when Jesus gathers all of His people to be with Him in Heaven (sometimes referred to as “the day of the Lord”)?  At that time, we will enter a “new Heaven” (Revelation 21:1). It sounds like the remodeling project will be finished at that time. But does that mean the end of change? Perhaps it does (or not) for our heavenly dwelling, but not for our heavenly experience!

Our Ever-Changing Heavenly Experience

Consider what Paul prays for the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:18. He proclaims his desire for God to open the eyes of the Ephesians hearts so that they might see “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.”

I assume Paul was praying for the people to see the “immeasurable greatness” during their time on earth. However, the word, “immeasurable” implies something eternal. In other words, we will be discovering new facets of Christ’s power for all of eternity. The phrase, “you learn something new every day,” will still be true! Jonathan Edwards once stated, “…the saints will be progressive in knowledge to all eternity.”

Does that imply that our heavenly, glorified state will be incomplete? No, instead, it points out 1) That Christ’s greatness is eternally inexhaustible, and 2) That our “completion” in Christ involves never-ending change in our knowledge of him!

Changing Knowledge of the Never-Changing God

You see, God never changes. But our knowledge of Him will be forever changing.  Our God is so majestic that we can spend eternity marveling at His greatness and never run out of delightful, awe-inspiring, discoveries!

Don’t worry, however, if you find “change” difficult and dreadful. This kind of change will be refreshing and joyful –like watching a child learn his first words or take his first steps.

So what do you think? Have you “changed” your views on “change?”

No lo, No go

Growing up in a pastor’s family, I was accustomed to being one of the last to leave the church building on Sundays. Many times, I would wander around the halls of the facility to pass the time.

I can remember one time, in particular, when I opened the door to the large sanctuary and took a step inside. I didn’t know the lights would be out.

I don’t know if it was because of the darkness, the size of the building, or the fact that it was a church (after all, they have funerals in there) –but something about it really scared me. The only light was the soft glow of exterior lights illuminating the stained glass (even scarier).

Immediately, I turned toward the door, pushed it opened, and ran! That was the last place I wanted to be alone.

I had walked through that sanctuary in the dark several times before with my dad. But for some reason, I was never scared as long as I was with him.

Years ago, speaking at a conference, a missionary proclaimed, “No lo, no go.” At first, the crowd didn’t understand. So, he repeated himself. “No lo, go go.” Still, the crowd seemed puzzled. So he continued several more times, “No lo, no go.”

Finally, he opened his Bible to Matthew 28:20 and read, “and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (KJV).

He said it once more; “No lo, no go.” This time the entire arena understood.

In all the theorizing and strategizing of the previous two verses in Matthew (commonly known as the Great Commission), it is easy to miss the “lo” and focus on the “go.”

Perhaps we miss the power of the “lo” in English. After all, it does sound akin to “low” or “lowly.” However, this is the same word that is translated “behold” many times in the New Testament. In fact, almost every time an angel proclaims a message to a human, they use the word “behold.” In today’s vernacular, it might be translated more like, “pay attention,” or “get this.”

In other words, just after Jesus gave us the daunting task to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” He quickly followed the command with a “hold up, don’t miss this!”

What was it that Jesus didn’t want them to miss? “I am with you, even to the end of the age.”

I imagine, upon hearing the Great Commission, the disciples were overwhelmed and feeling insufficient for the task –and that’s exactly how they should have felt. Making Christ-like disciples is not an easy task. In fact, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Through Christ’s power, your discipleship efforts will surpass anything you ever would have imagined accomplishing and reach people you would never would have dreamed of reaching. After all, He does have “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).

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But without acknowledging Christ’s power in disciple making, you may strive for a while in your own strength. Or, you may not even attempt such a challenging task. Either way, you will eventually become so discouraged and intimidated, that you will run away from the idea, like a scared child alone in the dark.

Behold; get this; pay attention! You are not alone.

“No lo, no go.”

Pastors Need Pastors!

In need of prayer? Call your pastor.

Facing the loss of a loved one? Call your pastor.

Been betrayed? Call your pastor.

Carrying the weight of an entire congregation’s burdens is a difficult task –and only the pastor knows the full gravity of the position. So at the end of a long day of pastoring the congregation, who will pastor the pastor?

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For most pastors, I suspect, the answer is, “nobody.”

Depending upon your denominational affiliation, it is quite possible that your pastor does not have any designated support structure to care for his needs. Even more, they don’t feel comfortable leaning on those around them. Why?

  • Pastors are worried that congregations won’t trust them if they reveal their problems. The pastor frequently presents the church as a “safe place” for sinners to confess their sin and share their burdens. Ironically, however, he feels like it is the most dangerous place to confess his own shortcomings.
  • Pastors are tempted to think they shouldn’t have problems. Although he preaches that “all have sinned,” and “there is none righteous,” the pastor feels as though he has been placed into a position where having problems is a sign of incompetence.
  • Pastors feel inadequate when admitting they can’t solve their own problems. Even though sin and shortcomings are inevitable for the pastor, they feel as though they must solve their own problems. Otherwise (they think) who would want to approach them for counsel?

All of these reasons for concealing burdens are based upon worldly thinking –not biblical thinking. Scripture repeatedly describes godly leaders as those who lean on others. For example: Moses leaned on Jethro, Aaron, and Joshua. David depended upon Jonathan, Nathan, and his mighty men. And Paul was supported by Barnabus and Timothy. (Those are just a few of many examples.)

Leaning on others for support is not a sign of incompetence, but rather a sign of maturity. Those who are mature in Christ recognize that they are unable to “go it alone.”

So what can the “lone pastor” with no staff or elders do to find help? Here are some ideas:

  • Find at least one spiritual man in your community who can shepherd you. Look for someone with whom you can be completely honest and trust. It would be preferable to find someone with age and experience in ministry –perhaps a retired pastor or an older deacon. You will probably want someone outside of your congregation to avoid putting them in awkward situations. The closer in proximity, the better so that you can meet face to face on a regular basis.
  • Inform leaders in your church of your spiritual mentor. Your church leaders should be glad to know that you have an accountability network. Further, it will help create a new culture in your congregation in which leaders are not expected to “have it all together.”  Take this initiative as an opportunity to demonstrate biblical leadership (dependent upon others) as opposed to worldly leadership.
  • Admit shortcomings regularly and publicly to your congregation. Don’t be afraid to let your congregation know that you are human. Contrary to what your instincts might say, your congregation actually appreciates your honesty and transparency. In most instances, it will help erase the barrier between the pulpit and the pew allowing church members to be more open and honest with you about their own problems.

What if you are not a pastor, but you want to help your pastor experience this kind of support and encouragement?

  • Don’t expect your pastor to be superhuman. It all starts with expectations. The next time you hear a fellow church member complain about the pastor’s shortcomings (ie. humanity), help them remember that he is a sinner saved by grace –just like everyone else. Encourage your fellow members to pray for the pastor and his family.
  • Encourage your pastor to seek fellowship with other pastors. Let your pastor know that spending a morning, afternoon, or retreat with other pastor in your area will not be considered “slacking off.” Encourage him to take advantage of such relationships. Let him know that you care about his spiritual health.
  • Offer to host a pastor’s fellowship at your church’s facilities. More than likely, your pastor would be blown away if you, your Sunday school class, or small group offered to host a “pastors’ brunch” or “pastors’ coffee and desert gathering.” Let him know that you want him to build relationships with other ministers and that you’ll do anything to help make that happen.

Maybe you have some more ideas. What are some other ways to help pastors receive the shepherding they need?

No Black Balloons Today

Today would have been Jill’s 40th birthday.

Years ago, if you would have asked me what I would be doing on December 20, 2013, I would have said something like, “blowing up black balloons,” or “making last-minute preparations for a surprise party.” I’d like to think that I would have thrown her the best “over the hill” party ever with plenty of embarrassing pictures and videos from her youth.
Of course, knowing Jill, she would have gracefully taken it all in stride.

I can imagine her refusing to be the center of attention, and instead, serving cake and punch to the guests. Somehow, even at her own party, she would have become the hostess by making everyone else comfortable. It was one of her many gifts.

Days like today bring back a myriad of memories. Typically, the more sweet the memory, the more painful the remembering. It’s a difficult paradox that has no earthly solution.

That’s why today, I choose to look forward to another celebration -one that will not have a change of plans.

On that day, all those who have placed faith in Christ will be reunited with Him -And I plan to enjoy that celebration with Jill!

Happy Birthday, Baby. I love you more than ever.

Scott