Word is, the US church has “lost home field advantage.” In the past, even those not attending church thought churches were good things. Now they often group them with the Taliban. There are reasons for this, many of them deserved. And there are implications as well – e.g. outreach is harder, churches will soon be taxed, etc. But take heart. The early church didn’t grow because it enjoyed favorable press or government backing. Christ’s early followers trusted the Spirit, loved others and proclaimed the love and grace of God. And oh by the way, God prevails.
Thoughts on Religious Freedom: As our culture grows more diverse (and less classically religious), questions of religious liberty become more important and more vexing. In this talk, Andy Crouch, argues that religious freedom is necessary for “the common good.” He also argues that, whoever you are, you need to be prepared to defend things you do not like. You can watch his 18 minute talk or read my crib notes.
Quotes Worth Requoting:
- Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me. Jeremiah 9:23f
- Who cares about the Hall of Fame. I’m pursuing the Hall of Faith. Baseball Legend Darryl Strawberry
- Law, in his terrible, cool voice, said…”If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God, in the end it will make no difference what you have chosen instead.” Those are hard words to take. Will it really make no difference whether it was women or patriotism, cocaine or art, whisky or a seat in the Cabinet, money or science? Well, surely no difference that matters. We shall have missed the end for which we are formed and rejected the only thing that satisfies. Does it matter to a man dying in a desert by which choice of route he missed the only well? C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
From the Headlines – We Need More Babies: Just before going to print with Futureview, I pulled the chapter on the upcoming population implosion. I yanked it because: 1) the arguments were complex; 2) I didn’t want to be called Chicken Little; and 3) it was all too depressing. Since then, a number of references to the West’s population woes have started to appear. In this VOX piece, Lyman Stone argues that the US needs, “more babies, more immigrants and more integration.”
All My Hope is in Jesus: I don’t spend a lot of time on Youtube, but I have this week. I love David Crowder’s new Gospel single, “All My Hope is in Jesus.” (It has been a great supplement to my study of Galatians). By the way, I recommend you watch this version, just to see David. When I first met him, he was clean shaven. I remember teasing him when he started growing a goatee. I suspect I am not the last.
Thanks and Praise:
- Christ Church is off to a strong start for the REACH campaign, with all of the leaders (i.e., elders, deacons and ministry staff) making lead gifts.
- At Monday’s All Staff meeting, we are hosting a discussion about resilience, featuring insights from Lilly’s ten year longitudinal study on the well being of pastors (and others in the helping professions). The staff from a half dozen other churches are joining us.
Prayer Requests:
- Last night was the official start of Commitment Weekend – when we invite people at Christ Church to make pledges towards the REACH Initiative. I would covet prayers for the results (we hope to secure pledges for $19M over the next two years) and also to lead well (whatever that means) in the days and weeks ahead.
- Syler Thomas, the Student Ministries Pastor at LF who also oversees The 01, has been on staff for twenty years, and consequently is up for his second sabbatical. Pray for him as he leaves next week, to rest and work on two books. Pray also for the teams stepping up during his absence.
- Holy Week is around the corner. That not only includes lots of additional services – a Passover Seder, Good Friday events, a sunrise service, programming for children, etc. – but also the gathering of the CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only). Pray that those who know Jesus as the Risen Lord of all, are able to loving and boldly find ways to suggest that those who do not know him take another look