Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way

Recently my friend Brandi sent me a book.  I’ve heard of it, and I understand the basic premise, but I haven’t read it yet.  Maybe you’ve heard of it. Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow.
The basic premise, as I understand it, is ”that the caters to women, children and the elderly by creating a , predictable environment.”  In other words, the church is too nice.

Last night, I was talking to a pastor I respect, about my continued desire to return to pastoral ministry.  As I explained to him that there really isn’t room in the Church for someone like me, he shared some good insights, and thoughtful .  One question in particular haunted me though.  He asked why I don’t just settle in and be a “good“ parishioner. Read the rest of this entry »


Generous

Maybe it’s not right to tell these there is room for them in most circles—because there’s not.” ~Brian McClaren

Starting a is a daunting process.  Not the least in this process is, where to start.  One could read the Bible through and through, and still not have a solid handle on what it is God is trying to say.  I mean, how does one understand infinity, especially from the perspective of our finite world?

There are many reasons people start churches – most of them are bad reasons (eg; frustration, boredom, rebellion, division, pride, and so on).  The best reasons are rooted in The Great Commission and The Great Commandments.  If one doesn’t start there, then the new church is likely to have some aberrant DNA and the goal, no matter how visionary, will not be reached.

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Is There Room for Me?

~ Country Cascade ~

credit: Flicker

I’m not an idiot. Oh sure, you could probably find a few who would disagree.

You may disagree.  But I’m not.  Even if I never do something significant again, I have accomplished a few things in my past.  Good things – and few great things.  But maybe my time has passed.  Maybe my flame is going out.  It certainly is beginning to feel like there is no room for me.

The last few years have been filled with a lot of .  The details are insignificant, but suffice it to say that I’ve been rejected by my , my employer(s), and a lot of potential employers.  Even and friends have turned away.  I have pretty thick skin, but I must say, I’m starting to take it personally.  Except I know a few things about , and in my head I know that rejection often says more about the rejector than it does about the rejectee.

Read the rest of this entry »

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