Mark Waltz | ...Because People Matter

Attractional or Missional? Yes.

There's quite a debate going on in church-world these days: are you a missional church or attractional church? It's a heated debate. Most seem to think it's one or the other. Either you're intent on drawing a crowd to your campus, to your weekend, to your message OR you're taking the message out there, off the campus, meeting people in their context. Which is it?

At Granger, we think it's both.

Last week our own DC Curry - student ministries director extraordinaire - was in Japan playing with Notre Dame in the Japan Bowl (ND whooped 'em - 19-3). He was there with ND, but he was there as a Christ-follower. He was there as GCC's student director. His "hat" never came off. He was missional.

This week he and the rest of our student staff are leading a high school team of 38 (including our daughter) in missions work in Monterray, Mexico. 

All week long our South Bend community center has continued to serve the people of Monroe Circle - with relational care, food, and community.

On Thursday another team of adults leaves for India, bringing hope to a small community of otherwise outcasts.

And at home? On our campus? We're inviting friends and family to explore relationships as God intended them. We're teaching through a communication series called Sand Traps, attracting people who would otherwise write off church as irrelevant and stoggy.

Check this out: the following two videos played in the same weekend service. One making a comical point about how arrogance can mess up relationships. The other celebrating the missional work being done by the people called Granger Community Church.

Attractional or missional? Yes.

Kalavai from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Golfisode - Episode 3: The Arrogance Trap from Granger Community on Vimeo.

The Prodigal God: Our Story of Control

I had a college professor who taught that the parables of Jesus had one and one point only. It was wrong to try to read too much into the details of Jesus' stories. Take the ever-popular story of "the prodigal son". Point: God the Father is a forgiving, unconditional loving God. According to my prof, the story's elder son character was merely added in to round out a great story. I think he may have missed a point or two in the parable.

Tim Keller's, The Prodigal God helped me gain fresh appreciation for the genius story-telling of Jesus. In fact, he helped me see Jesus in fresh light. I'll not try to give a book report on Keller's fine work - you should read the book for yourself. Here are a few of my takeaways...

• The story is about two sons, not one. And both brothers have issues of control. They long to control their own destiny, make life work they way they believe it should work. The younger son leaves his father to own his own way. The elder brother seeks control through his moral uprightness, doing what he believes his father expects. By doing so he believes he'll gain the outcome he desires from his father. The father's role is then to "bless", coroporate, make life happy for the son. 
• • I've had my share of elder brother syndrome. Blaming God for not making it work. More proud of my rule-keeping, than humbled by God's grace.
• Churches are unfortunately filled with elder brothers. Elder brothers who seek God's favor more than they seek relationship with God. Elder brothers who self-righteously criticize, ignore, and reject younger brothers. Jesus' primary audience when telling this story were "elder brother" Pharisees. Keller writes: "...the main barrier between Pharisees and God is 'not their sins, but their damnable good works.'
• • Even now, I'm more prone to think with some level of disgust about the "other people" I know who behave like elder brothers. In doing so I wonder what amount of "elder brother" still lives in me.
• The younger son made a laundry list of his sins to own and confess to his father upon his return home. The elder son - in his arrogance - had no such list. Keller observes, "To become Christians we must also repent of the reasons we ever did anything right. What makes you faithful or generous is not just a redoubled effort to follow moral rules. Rather, all change comes from deepening your understanding of the salvation of Christ and living out of the changes that understanding creates in your heart. Faith in the gospel restructures our motivations, our self-understanding, our identity, and our view of the world. Behavioral compliance to rules without heart-change will be superficial and fleeting.
• • I first became aware of this sin of idolotry - sins of ill-motivation - several years ago. The fact that it was years ago doesn't make me a saint today; it only means I have more experience being aware. My motivation matters. And I'm too easily motivated by selfishness. I've done lots of "right" stuff over the years - not always for the right reasons.
    
• Jesus knew the Torah. He understood the Jewish concept of being "my brother's keeper." Keller points out that a compassionately motivated elder brother would have gone to look for his younger brother. Jesus leaves out of this story the character he actually was in flesh and blood - the true elder brother. The elder brother who gave up what was his; who didn't bemoan the Father who reinstated the younger brother (thereby giving away what was now rightfully the elder brother's share of the estate); the elder brother who lived, died and rose again to point the way Home to the Father.
• • My elder brother, Jesus - he paid the price. He came after me. He was - and is - the way home to the Father. I want to know more of this intimate relationship with God. I want to continue to capture the fresh, simple complexities of scripture, including the parables with all their points.

I needed this read. I still have control issues. I'll bet you'll uncover a couple of your own.

Read Keller's book - then tune into Willow's Leadership Summit: he's a featured speaker.

15 Reasons to Travel to Indiana in June

I've had a few conversations lately about summer plans, travel, vacations... and stay-cations. Typically people think about travel to Indiana as a required travel route to get to Chicago from Ohio or the obligatory family reunion because that's where Grandma still lives.

But without shame or embarrassment I submit 15 reasons to travel to Indiana within the next few weeks:

1.   The temp hasn't dropped below 40 degrees for at least 3 days now.
2.   Corn. Fields.
3.   The President of the United States is coming to Indiana in just 5 days. And his Grandma doesn't live here.
4.   Soul Funkshun @ the East Race
5.   Yard. Sales.
6.   Yarn Overcomers! Meetup (YO!) - (ok, I'm a little embarrassed) 

The other 9 reasons happen on the campus of Granger Community Church. WiredChurches.com will be hosting a variety of workshops, designed to help you lead well, empower your people and resource your church ministry.

Pick one of the following workshops to attend all day. Come for the full day - or stay for two. Here are 9 more great reasons to travel to Indiana in June:

7.  Less Clutter. Less Noise. [How to get the word out.](Thursday, June 25

8.  EnterMission [Engaging your people in local and global missions.] (Thursday, June 25)

9.  First Impressions [Keep guests coming back to your church.] (Thursday, June 25)

10.Kids [Creating safe, fun spaces for kids to know Jesus.] (Thursday, June 25)

11.Multi-site Church Practicum [Strategies for launching a multi-site.] (Thursday, June 25)

12.Less Clutter. Less Noise. Day 2 [Extended Day 1 with consulting.](Friday, June 26)

13.Lasting Impressions [Keep guests growing and engaged.] (Friday, June 26)

14.Simply Strategic Volunteers [Finding and keeping great volunteers.] (Friday, June 26)

15.Information Technology Practicum [IT best practices, resources and tools.] (Friday, June 26)

Your materials and lunch are included. So are the real-life examples of what works and what doesn't work. Meet leaders from churches across the country and engage conversation with the Granger team. Just $99 per person, per day.

In Indiana.

What are you waiting on? Another reason? Come on. That's not gonna happen.

Michael Franzese | Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss

Skills are skills. Christ-follower or not. That's why I've never understood the choice some Christians make to find a "christian plumber", "christian roofer", or a "christian surgeon." Skills are skills. You can be a Christ-follower and be a poor plumber, a rotten roofer or a scary surgeon. Skills are skills.

Before Michael Franzese was transformed by God's grace, he was among the best at what he did. He made money. Lots of money. He was a successful businessman - with the mob. Michael had... and has skills.

That's why I think you should read Michael's latest book, I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse (Thomas Nelson). If you run a business, lead people, want to be successful in life, or want to better navigate a difficult financial climate, read Michael's book. Michael has skills.

And, Michael has met Jesus. And that's changed - not his skills, not his street smarts, not his seasoned experience - but, Jesus has changed his motivation (and he operates within the law now). And that changes the outcome.

That's why I recommend Michael's book to pastors and church leaders, too. Michael doesn't just understand financial success, he understands people, goals, and bottom-lines.

I had a chance to ask Michael some questions about his book. Read on to hear from Michael in his own words:

Me: Michael, your story of life inside, and outside, the mob is captured in a gripping way in your book, Blood Covenant. In it you shoot pretty straight about the change Jesus Christ has worked in your life. What motivated you to write this new book - about business?

Michael: There are business insights I wanted to share that I developed from my old life that I am sure would be beneficial for all those engaging in or planning to be in business today. Insights that can’t be learned in a classroom or boardroom but rather that were developed on the streets.

Moving Past the Critics

My sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the comments / conversation to this earlier post: Confused by the Critics. Many of you expressed great encouragement to me and to the church I serve, Granger Community. Several of you didn't agree with my post or the approach to preaching taken in our weekend services. You disagreed with respect. Again, thanks to everyone who entered the conversation.

Now, it's time to move on.

• At Granger, we have clarity on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• We have clarity on our mission.
• We are responsible to the calling and vision we believe is ours as we continue to learn and follow King Jesus.
• We will continue to preach the Law and the Prophets as Jesus summarized them in the "great commandment" - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22.37-40)
• We will continue to rally around the "great commission" - "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28.18-20)

I cannot - we will not - be distracted by detractors or self-appointed discerners. We must move on.

The purpose of this blog site is not to present a forum for religious debate. The comments for the previous post as well as this one are now closed.

People need Jesus. People need to know they matter to Him. That's where I'm spending my time.

Confused by the Critics

Saturday evening I had a rare opportunity to engage some Granger Community Church critics on our campus, in our weekend service. It was rare because often our critics (we seem to be in good company with Saddleback Community, Willow Creek Community, New Spring, and other similar ministries) post blogs, write articles, and air radio broadcasts without ever meeting our senior pastor, Mark Beeson, me, or any of our other pastors or staff. Typically, without a personal visit to our campus or a personal attempt to understand, shots are fired and sharp conclusions are drawn.

Not so last evening. Chris Rosebrough, host of Pirate Christian Radio, and blogger at Extreme Theology, and three of his friends from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne (Ryan, Jay, and Evan) drove over to tour our facility and experience the weekend service for themselves. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet them, answer their questions in a pre-service tour, then spend some time talking after the service.

It was apparent that my guests and I shared some common theological ground - we've missed the mark, fallen short of God's glory, our destiny is spiritual death and purposeless living... except for a Savior. Jesus Christ has done in his living, death, and resurrection all that we could never do on our own. We are the direct recipients of his grace - unconditional love, full of forgiveness, complete in Christ. And we did nothing to earn it.

It was also apparent that there are some disparaging differences between us. Just what are the far-reaching implications of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Just what is our step or steps to experience life here and beyond as God intended for Kingdom-citizens? How exhaustive is his plan and work to redeem all of his creation for all time? How is salvation to be understood, taught, embraced, and experienced? I'm fairly certain we didn't find common ground on these questions.

If I understood a major concern expressed by my guests, it centered around a proper understanding of both the Law (we've missed it, we can't attain to God's perfection on our own) and God's grace through Jesus (undeserved, not earned, completely free gift of unconditional love from God). This is where it gets especially confusing.

This weekend my friend and fellow pastor, Rob Wegner, preached the most brilliant, biblically-centered message about the work of Jesus Christ to completely transform a human life. Rob painted both the painful picture of our try-harder cycle juxtaposed to our contentment to merely be an applauding fan of Jesus. Rob preached God's grace as our only hope. God's grace alone makes a personal relationship and Kingdom-citizenship possible. And yet, Jesus says, "Follow me." Apparently, there is a step we must make. There is an action required of us. While we do nothing to earn God's free gift, our commitment to follow Jesus, rather than merely be a fan, demonstrates our trust and willingness to obediently live his redemptive lifestyle and life mission. [Watch the entire service and Rob's message here - Go to "Mix It Up, click "listen" or "watch" when it's live by mid-day Monday]

Yet, upon leaving the service last evening, Chris twittered his conclusion of that message and service: "What we heard was depressing & sad. All law no gospel. Tragic!" I was in the same service, same message. I heard a clear message of God's grace and crystal teaching that our best efforts won't attain the life God calls us to live.

In a tweet posted Sunday afternoon, Chris noted: "Reconciliation with God does not depend upon our merits, commitments, decisions, or earnest sincere strivings." I couldn't agree more. However, upon being reconciled by grace to God - our devotion to God, our decisions to obey and honor him, our sincere strivings will demonstrate both God's work of transformation within us and our intentional cooperation with his transformational work.

Maybe the confusion is clearing for me. Maybe this isn't so different than the divisive debate that ensued after our senior pastor of nearly 20 years resigned (at a former church I served).  Our staff and elders debated sharply for months the question of reformed theology: do humans have and exercise free will in being reconciled to God? The collective answer to that question had direct impact on who taught, what was taught and how. All the while our focus on people who mattered to God was weakened. The message of God's grace was tied up in a board room of men, duking it out with Bible sword drills, holding fast to their understanding of the scriptures. Tragic.

I agree with my guests: context of scripture matters. Which is why it is so critical to understand the audience Paul is originally speaking to in his letters. He speaks into the collision of two worlds in the new emerging Christianity: Jews and Gentiles. He speaks to the ineffectiveness of our efforts to keep the law. In Romans 10 he says it's this simple: it's not about keeping all the rules to be "good enough". What's "good enough" is that you believe in your heart and you speak with your lips - "Jesus is worth following...He's the Lord of my life." Nothing else is necessary - no sacrifices, no special ceremonies, no law-keeping perfection. The ground is level at the foot of the cross for both Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slave and free, Lutheran, Methodist, Nazarene and Baptist.

I'm confused by websites and radio shows that put so much energy and time into criticizing fellow Christ-followers and churches who are preaching Jesus, inviting people to engage the Kingdom of God here and now, making their lives count in God's agenda to redeem all of creation for his glory and honor. I'm concerned for the confusion that's created for those who still haven't experienced the reality of God's grace - as they watch the feud, hear the sarcasm, left to wonder what grace must mean if it's not shared by those who preach it's message. Tragic.

I'm glad for the time I got to spend with my Saturday evening guests. It was one more step in trying to understand. In this visit Chris, Jay, Ryan and Evan were kind, respectful, and gracious. I sincerely appreciated our conversation.

I wish there was less confusion for me at this point, but I do have renewed clarity about this: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the ultimate Redeemer. Our very purpose for living is found in his purpose alone. Our mission at Granger Community is crystal: We will continue "helping people take their next step toward Christ... together." We'll celebrate every step, expecting every step to ultimately lead to spiritually transformed lives by the power of God's Spirit and the grace of Jesus Christ. Our failure to do so would be tragic.

Coaching: IBM and the Church

I've been in a handful of conversations over the past year about the benefits of coaching in the local church. I've been curious about the role it plays or could play in discipleship of individuals. I've asked:

• How is it different from counseling?
• Is it the same as mentoring?
• Is it just a "safe" word to help us get around the baggage that comes with words like "discipling" or "accountability?"
• What role might it play in unleashing the untapped potential that exists in every Christ-follower in the local church?

I met Jane Creswell nearly two years ago when we shared the platform at a conference in North Carolina. A former manager of product development at IBM, she also started IBM's Coaches Network. She is the founder of Internal Impact, a consulting and coaching service to corporations world-wide. Jane is a corporate coach who trains corporate coaches. Her story is inspiring and her experience is impressive (see Time Magazine, CareerLab,  HR Magazine). Not only is she a world-class expert in corporate America, she's seen the benefits of coaching in the local church as well. Her paradigm for coaching stems completely from a Christ-center, from the potential and calling within the great commandment and the great commission.

From Jane's book, Christ-Centered Coaching, here's a sample of some "coaching questions" from the scriptures. Keep in mind that coaching questions are aimed at discovery and choice of the person being coached.

• You are wonderfully made - Psalm 139.14-16
  • Question: How can more of your "wonderfulness" be lived out?
• God gave humans dominion over all the earth - Genesis 1.28-30
  • Question: What would it look like for you to demonstrate "dominion" in your current challenge?
• God will renew a right spirit within you - Psalm 51.10
  • Question: What would it take for you to adopt God's new perspective on this topic?

How might these kinds of questions, centered around Christ, and targeted to help individuals own their  journey with Him, enhance growth and focus among our people? Throughout the rest of the year I'll be studying, reading, and engaging conversations to understand and cultivate these kinds of relationships in the local church.

I'd love to hear from you if...

• You've been the direct benefactor of Christ-centered, discovery-based coaching
• You're also exploring a similar approach to discipleship and relational growth in the local church
• You're using any form of coaching in your local church ministry
• You'd like to engage the conversation somewhere in the next several months

Thanks, Jane, for your life work in this critical area. And thanks for giving us one more handle on discipleship.

Behind the Scenes @ Granger

2 weeks away. 2 days. 24 leaders.

There's still time to sneak behind the scenes with the senior management team at Granger Community Church. We invited 24 leaders to join us last year for the first time. Not for a conference. Not for programmed sessions. Not for hours of teaching.

We're inviting 24 church leaders again this year. In just 2 weeks. If you lead your church, you're invited to a 2-day conversation. With our senior team. With other great leaders from other great churches.

We've cleared our calendars May 6 and 7, just 2 weeks away. We want to listen. We want to share. We want to invest in you and your ministry. We'll drill down on...

• how we do life together
• administrative issues and decision-making processes
• first Impressions and guest services
• creative brainstorming and planning
• spiritual development and training
• missions impact and partnership models

The cost of the 2 days includes all meals and hotel lodging - all you have to do is get here. But register quickly. Register today. Register here.

Classic Mark Beeson | "Poser"

This past weekend we continued our series, SYNC, with a focus on relationships. Everyone needs friends, and the Bible is filled with "wiki-stories" that illustrate God's design for friendship. One of those stories finds Jesus center stage teaching in an over-crowded, standing-room-only house. The bible says, "the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick." In classic Beeson-style, Mark pulls candor and humor from his own life experiences to illustrate the power and wonder of the Son of God.

Enjoy!

Watch the entire service here.

30 Days of Sex | Love & Lust

If you experienced this past weekend, and you're married, you might have thought the service wasn't for you. After all the topic was lust. That's for all the single people or, I suppose, married people who are flirting with an affair. It might have been easy to check out (except for that stunning interview with Satan...watch it here).

Hold up. Let's consider this: Is it okay to lust for your spouse?

I admit it, I've told my wife that I'm filled with lust for her. What I'm saying is, "I think you're hot. You're making me hot. Let's get hot together  I 'lust' you. (blush... this is getting way personal.)" I don't intend to be one-dimensional. I intend it in the context of celebrating our multi-dimensional relationship. But, in the heated moment, it's pretty focused. It's about sex. Pure and simple.

Is that okay?

Absolutely (especially when she says, "yes"). I want her to know that I treasure her...and her "Wonderland" body (thanks, John Mayer... I think he borrowed the eroticism from Solomon). I want her to know that after 27 years of marriage I still find her attractive and sexy. God designed sex between a married man and woman to be filled with pleasure. Highly erotic. Charged with sensual energy. Intimately romantic.

BUT. (one T)

But, if all I do is really lust for my wife, if all she hears from me is "I lust for you", then I'm only singing Cheap Trick: "I want you to want me, I need you to need me, I'm beggin' you to beg me." It's one-dimensional. "I want one thing from you - keep me happy sexually." That's lust - and even within marriage it's way short of God's ideal of Love.

This weekend Rob Wegner clearly defined Love that is God-honoring, other-treasuring (watch an excerpt here).

• Love is relational - interested in the family, friendships and human interactions of the other.
• Love is intellectual - interested in how the other thinks, reasons, and processes.
• Love is emotional - concerned with how the other feels.
• Love is spiritual - interested in who God made the other to be and their relationship with him.
• Love is physical - enjoyed by sexual chemistry and desire.

Men, you love your wife with that kind of love and "lust" will be a playful, mutual expression of appropriate physical desire. Women, you love your husband with that kind of love and desire, and his tendency to "lust" after other women will be minimized. But note the distinction between a playful "lust" in marriage and a selfish expression of lust.

Play the video above again. By definition lust is reductionary. It always wants more, never satisfied with the present pleasure and connection. It is self-absorbed. Lust will hurt - even destroy - your marriage. Love will ignite the spark and cause your marriage to burn hot.

• Read the 30-Day Sex Challenge ... and Sex God. Then talk about it. Not just the sex. But where your ideas of sex come from. What hurts, fears and misgivings you have about sex - from past or present.
• Read the Song of Solomon together (read it in the Message)... in bed.
• If you've given up on 30 days of sex, then plan an overnight. Send the kids to Grandmas and stay home if you can't get a hotel. But, think honeymoon. Plan. Be creative. Give yourselves  to each other again: fully - relationally, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Which will it be in your marriage? Love or Lust.

I choose Love.

30 Days of Sex | Rob Wegner on Lust

Here's a clarifying clip about the contrast of lust from Rob Wegner's message: Just Lust from this past weekend. This is great teaching. Jump here to read more about: "Lust in Marriage"

If you want more from Rob, watch the entire message here (click the "watch" icon for "Just Lust").

30 Days of Sex | An Interview with Satan

I had the unusual and unexpected opportunity recently to interview Satan about... yes, sex. Any surprises?

From weekend service, Granger Community Church, March 21/22, 2009. Watch the entire service here.

30 Day Sex Challenge | Is Sex the Point?

I know, I know. It seems like a crazy question to ask a week into this month-long sex challenge: Is sex even the point? It is, obviously. But maybe not.

• What's the point of a football player spending hours in the weight room? To bench record weights? To sweat a lot? No, the point is to play ball better on the field.
• What's the point of studying for an exam or doing daily homework in school? Merely the grade? No, the point is to be equipped for life experiences, including the workforce.
• What's the point of spiritual practices? To know more about the Bible? To be an expert "pray-er"? Hardly. The point is to live a transformed life after the Way of God and his agenda.

Maybe sex isn't the point. If you thought it was and it's created tension in your marriage and bedroom. Call a timeout.

The point is not to merely get to the end of a month and be able to say, "We did it for 30 days!" The point is not to set new records in skill, frequency or creativity (although there's nothing wrong with that, I'm sure). The point is to journey toward intimacy. And intimacy isn't just about the physical act of sex.

Intimacy is about connection.It's about listening. It calls for selfless denial. It involves changing your agenda, your priority, your behavior. Intimacy may culminate in the bedroom, but it doesn't start there. Intimacy starts in the heart. It's a mindful, willful decision. It shows up in phone calls, non-sexual touch (that might mean you don't expect anything after giving the back rub, guys), doing the dishes, and parenting the kids. Intimacy, romance... foreplay. It starts way before the bedroom.

Is sex the point?

Kinda. It will be a helpful practice.

Here's what my wife and I have discovered over the past week:

• We've had more intentional conversations about our shared life, goals, and sex.
• We've been more careful to speak positively into each other.
• We've flirted more.
• We've listened better.
• We've ... (you don't need to know everything).

So, ask yourself: Do I want to love my spouse better at the end of this 30-day journey? Or do I just want to look back on a month of great sex?

Answering that question could be a challenge.

Some of you would do well to start over with a 30-day Romance Challenge. Yeah, romance.

By the way, there's a good chance you'll still have sex this month.

(Missed getting the book from our bookstore? You can order it here from the authors, Paul and Susie Wirth.)

(Curious about where you can get your own bedroom door hanger and other tools for the journey? Check 'em all out here.)

Get Your Head Out of the Sand!

At Granger Community Church we're committed to meeting people where they are. We've discovered that most people who are unchurched aren't too concerned with Levitical law, Jewish ceremonial cleansing rites, or how to parse a Greek verb. Most people are trying to navigate challenges related to parenting, a flailing sense of self worth, how to make a living, and even personal sexuality. So, that's where we want to meet them. Right where they are.

We just finished up week two in our weekend series, Sex for Sale. The Bible has a lot to say about sex. God created it. So, we're not afraid to talk about it.

But it seems some people are very afraid for us - the church - to talk about it. Ironic, I think.

I'm speaking specifically about churched people who consider themselves to be Christians. I don't understand them. I want to. But I don't. I don't want to be unkind. But this might sound a bit frank.

Get your head out of the doggone sand!

I've heard parents in our office, at our guest services desk, and on the phone - angry, rude, unkind, scathing - sharing a piece of their mind because their sixth or seventh grader will be expected to sit through the service (Our age appropriate ministry that runs concurrently to the adult service only goes through fifth grade.) Are you kidding me?

I'm shocked that any parent would choose to not talk with their child about sexuality before middle school. In fact, with no suggestion of the "right" age, conservative Christian parenting expert, James Dobson's Focus on the Family website calls parents to "get started now" with the sex talks. Parents who have decided not to talk with their children, especially delaying past third or forth grade, have merely decided to bury their head in the sand while their child's peers and the media "educate" them on sex. Such education is certain to be distorted at best, perverted at worst.

I wonder:

• Does this topic open too many wounds, scratch too close to personal distortions connected to parents' own sense of worth? Is it just too difficult to face the truth inside their own life?
• Does the discussion of sex in church present a risk of guilt and shame, because parents feel unable to speak with any sense of moral authority to their own kids? (God offers forgiveness. You can start again.)
• Do some Christians think "spiritual life" is about believing the right stuff, having a great "worship" experience, with little to no integration to real life - like relationships, sexuality, finances, or attitude?
• Do some parents not want the church to "force" the conversation they're not willing to have with their kids?

I just wonder...

By the way - when your head is in the sand, it's dry and suffocating. And when you spew on others who refuse to bury their head, all they can see is... well, your back side.

Meditation & the Cross

Last evening was the first of three Journey Bible Classes I'm leading, Spiritual Disciplines: Meditation on the Cross. Thomas Merton notes: "True contemplation is not a psychological trick but a theological grace." The practice of meditation from a Christian world view centers on Jesus. It's not merely a pathway to relieving stress or sorting through anxiety (although the scriptures attest to the beyond-understanding peace that comes through Jesus).

As any spiritual discipline, the goal of practicing meditation is not to become "good" at meditating. As Richard Foster puts it, "What happens in meditation is that we create the emotional and spiritual space which allows Christ to construct an inner sanctuary in the heart."

The goal is spiritual transformation. The goal is a paradigm shift that impacts our living, behaviors, thoughts and attitudes. It's intended to help us shift from our myopic focus on the stuff in our lives that so easily distorts and distracts and defines us to a focus on Jesus' kingdom agenda where we experience intrinsic worth and value; where we shift from self absorption to selflessness.

In the class we considered prayers from the passion of Christ, that can be used as centering prayers as we meditate on Jesus, allowing him to meet with us personally. For those who have not begun a regular reading of the passion week of Christ's betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial, here is a schedule of reading that will allow you focused meditation on the cross for these few weeks leading up to Easter.

• Thurs, March 12: Matthew 21.1-11
• Fri, March 13: Mark 11.12-14
• Sat, March 14: Mark 11.15-18
• Sun, March 15: Luke 20.1-8
• Mon, March 16: Mark 12.1-44
• Tues, March 17: John 12.2-11
• Wed, March 18: Matthew 26.14-16
• Thurs, March 19: Mark 14.10-11
• Fri, March 20: Luke 22.3-6
• Sat, March 21: Matthew 26.17-29
• Sun, March 22: Mark 14.12-25
• Mon, March 23: Luke 22.7-20
• Tues, March 24: John 13.1-38
• Wed, March 25: John 14.1-16.33
• Thurs, March 26: Matthew 26.36-46
• Fri, March 27: Mark 14.32-42
• Sat, March 28: Luke 22.40-46
• Sun, March 29: Matthew 26.47-27.26
• Mon, March 30: Mark 14.43-15.15
• Tues, March 31: Luke 22.47-23.25
• Wed, April 1: John 18.2-19.16
• Thurs, April 2: Matthew 27.27-56
• Fri, April 3: Mark 15.16-41
• Sat, April 4: Luke 23.26-49
• Sun, April 5: John 19.17-30
• Mon, April 6: Matthew 27.57-66
• Tues, April 7: Mark 15.42-47
• Wed, April 8: Luke 23.50-56
• Thurs, April 9: John 19.31-42
• Fri, April 10: Isaiah 53

30 Days: A Journey To Intimacy | Make Her Shine

This past Sunday I was standing at the back of the auditorium in our weekend service when my friend, Thane walked over to me. Thane's wife, Sarah, wrote, appears, and did her own voice-over for "My Story" (below). As Thane stood beside me, I listened, got choked up, then smiled, then choked up again. Thane's eyes never drifted from the screen. He knew, as I did, that Sarah wasn't merely writing poetic prose. She wasn't portraying someone else in a dramatic presentation. This was her story. Thane was moved all over again.

When we stepped out of the service, I looked Thane in the eyes and said, Thane, I know that God is at work in Sarah, but don't miss this. You are loving her well. You are helping her experience her worth and value. Keep loving her.

To every married man - get this:

• Your wife's identity is ultimately to be understood, realized, and lived out in Jesus. She's created by God and being redeemed by the work of Jesus' Spirit within her.
• But, people are still his number one plan for developing people.
• Your wife will blossom, grow, develop, and shine because you value her.
  • Call out the best in her.
  • Treat her like the treasure God made her to be.
  • Remember what attracted you to her and refresh her memory.
  • Ask God to help you see her as He sees her.
  • Love her.

She'll shine.

Enjoy this video of Sarah's story and Angie Henry's performance of the moving song, Breath Me that follows.

My Story from Granger Community on Vimeo.

30 Days of Sex | Announcement or Next Step?

I'm posting this video clip from this past weekend for two audiences, two purposes.

First, Granger Community Church attendees and members:

• If you missed the weekend, you missed this unapologetic recommendation from our senior pastor, Mark Beeson. Interested in an approach to your sexuality and relationships that honors God and the people closest to you? Then, get these resources. Today. There's a limited amount of each title. The bookstore will be open prior to and following Journey Bible Classes this Wednesday - beat the weekend rush, get the book(s) while you can!
• If you're married and you've picked up the book, 30 Days, A Journey To Intimacy, then, just remember: "the Beesons are with you!"

Second, friends of Granger Community - church leaders and pastors:

• Mark Beeson's recommendation of these resources is a great example of what an intentional promotion looks like. This is no mere announcement.
• Church services are cluttered every weekend across the country (the globe) with announcements that few people pay attention to because it's just more noise, another menu item among dozens.
• Stop making announcements. Offer "next steps." Next steps are practical, doable steps that many if not all in your weekend service can take on their journey toward and with God. More than just one more thing to do, next steps help people actually apply the teaching that was so helpful to them when they heard it.
• Next steps help people take the message of the weekend into their world of relationships and activities. Next steps help people engage the process of discipleship in every area of life, integrating Jesus' way as the norm for living.

Pay attention: this is good stuff - 

Beeson's Recommended Reading from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Wired. Churches. Granger.

Get Here.

• take the bus
• hop a plane
• drive your car
• start walking now

Bring Someone With You.

• your pastor
• your spouse
• your neighbor
• the bus driver
• your Starbucks' barista

Pack Some Stuff.

• your Bible
• a pen
• another pen for the bus driver
• a couple layers of clothes - it's Indiana
  
• a little cash for the cafe

Expect.

• exuberant worship
• practical tools
• engaging teaching
• less clutter, less noise
• new ministry networks

Register.

• now
• online
• here

Leading the Serve | Rob Wegner and MLK

(Photo: Mark Beeson)

This past Monday my friend and fellow pastor, Rob Wegner, was one of six recipients of the Martin Luther King Drum Major Award, sponsored by the Martin Luther King Foundation, City of South Bend, City of Mishawaka, and the Chamber of Commerce. The award was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's speech at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 4, 1968 (Read the speech here) and is given to honor people for their community service in our area.

Rob had this to say on Monday as he received his award:

On behalf of Granger Community Church, I am privileged beyond words to receive this great honor that carries the name of Dr King.  He is one of the  brightest lights in our country’s history. On this day, we all find our lives elevated by his great faith, his great work and his great vision. Especially in light of tomorrow’s inauguration, it is right for us to pause and recognize what a an emotionally powerful and historic moment this is.  One that goes beyond the ordinary politics that we are all accustomed to. In large part due to legacy of Dr King, the whole world will now see an idea of American Leadership that reaches beyond white males.  Tomorrow, the whole world will see the American ideal of racial equality realized in a whole new way.

Regarding the Drum Major award,  I stand here merely as a representative of the people of Granger Community Church. As is true of any great endeavor, the work that Mayor Rea described as our gift to this community extends so far beyond the gifts and talents and devotion of any one person. If it weren’t for the willing hearts and hands of the people called Granger Community Church, if it weren’t for the support and brilliant leadership of our Senior Pastor Mark Beeson, a much smaller story would have been told this morning.

On behalf of Granger Community Church, I want to say, it is our commitment to continue the great work of service that Dr King has called all of us to. These are his words..

“.. Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness… by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.”

Rob, I'm grateful for your commitment to the kingdom of God and your faithfulness to teach, mobilize and model for others what "up there", "down here" looks like.

• Read Rob's post about it here.
• Read Mark Beeson's comments here.
• Read the South Bend Tribune article here (limited time access).

Obama, Our Country and the Church

I've been disappointed (that's putting it mildly) by the boorish comments made about our new president-elect Barak Obama by people carrying Jesus' name. Where's the voice of leadership among the Christian community in contrast to the fear-filled judgment of alarmist conservatives? This past weekend our senior pastor, Mark Beeson spoke to our people about an election past, our new leader, and the future ahead of us. What do you think of Mark's comments? What should be capturing a people of Hope at this time? Watch this - let me know what you think...
Beeson's Thoughts from Granger Community on Vimeo.

(Thanks Tim Stevens for capturing and posting the video, so I could share it, too.)