27 Tough Questions Pastors Ask

Last month at our annual pastor's conference, the founder of The Hardy Group, Dick Hardy, spoke. The Hardy Group is a growth consulting company for pastors, and has had tremendous success across all kinds of denominational, social and regional lines.

What struck me most was how practical and down-to-earth Dick Hardy was. Though he's helped hundreds of churches, from the biggest to the smallest, he was approachable and accessible to everyone. He even gave his personal cell phone number to the entire audience! That was impressingly genuine.

But what I'm most thrilled about is his newest book, 27 Tough Questions Pastors Ask. He made copies available to us, and asked us to write a review. Well, it didn't take long to find something valuable inside the cover of 27 Tough Questions, before I connected.

Lately at our church, we've been seeing a groundswell of interest in prayer. We made a small adjustment to our bi-monthly prayer meeting, and overnight the attendance shot up! But that's not all! The results of our prayers shot up too!

After one Sunday evening prayer meeting--where we prayed for new families--we saw 16 new families the very next week! 16! Prior to this we averaged about 5 total per month. Wow!

So, back to the prayer closet we went. After the next prayer meeting--again praying (among other things) for new families, we saw 6 new families the following week! It was amazing! However, upon further investigation and follow-up, we discovered that of these 21 new families, only 5 were from the local area. The others were out of towners. So, now we're praying more specifically: "God, please send new families--from our area--that need You, and Your presence."

What's this have to do with 27 Tough Questions? No sooner did I open the book and begin working through the easy chapters when I came across this statement: "There are three cultures that are critical to the success of any church. They are...A culture of prayer...A culture of change...and a culture of ministry to young families." (pp.34-36) As excited as I am about the spike in the culture of prayer, we need to foster the other two cultures as well to see the growth numerically and financially--in addition to spiritually.

Thank you Dick for your valuable insights and assessments. I've already gleaned a lot, and will keep 27 Tough Questions on hand to glean much, much, more!

Love Like a Hurricane

Chances are, you haven't heard of John Mark McMillan. But you may have heard of his product.

John Mark McMillan is a singer/songwriter who released his debut album--The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down--in 2005. One of the songs from this album has been a huge hit, in spite of the fact that it is best known by the five other artists who've covered it, rather than it's writer, McMillan.

The song has tremendous sentimental value because McMillan wrote it in a season of personal pain following the death of his close friend, Steven. Steven was a youth pastor, and one day during a church staff meeting he prayed out loud, "Lord, if it would shake the youth of a nation, I will give my life today." That very same night, McMillan was awakened by a phone call telling him Steven had been tragically killed in a car accident. That's when he penned the words to the song, How He Loves:

He is jealous for me loves like a hurricane
I am a tree bending beneath
The weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden I am unaware of
These afflictions eclipsed by glory
I realize just how beautiful You are
And how great Your affections are for me
Oh how He loves us so
Oh how He loves us
How He loves us so

Over the last several months, my family and I have gone through a personal "hurricane"--back-to-back family deaths, depression, discouragement, etc. But through it all, John Mark McMillan's words have spoke to us in a deep, profound way. Because, even though it seems like the relentless wind, rain, and storm of the season would overcome us, the hurricane of God's love was even greater! His love is like a hurricane--greater than even a category 5 monster that threatens to reshape entire cities! Centuries ago, a young shepherd learned and understood what McMillan found true during his season of pain: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4, NIV)

If you're going through a difficult time, let me encourage you to reach out to a Heavenly Father that loves you like a hurricane! He's with you, for you, and never let's go--because He loves us!

What Kind of Man is This?

"Jesus got into a boat and his followers went with him. A great storm arose on the lake so that the waves covered the boat, but Jesus was sleeping. His followers went to him and woke him, saying, 'Lord save us! We will drown!' Jesus answered, 'Why are you afraid? You don't have enough faith.' Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm. The men were amazed and said, 'What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'" ~ Matthew 8:23-27, NCV

When I was in the sixth grade, my family moved from Kansas City, about 45 minutes south to a small, rural town -- Cleveland, Missouri, population (now) 679. The house we moved into sat on two and a-half acres, and had a pond in back. It was a great place to live for me and my two younger brothers, because we had more room to roam than we ever knew what to do with.

One disadvantage, however, was that we were forced to share all that acreage with my least favorite creature in the world: snakes. Ribbon snakes, black snakes, and copperheads were common as well as an occasional water moccasin. It could be my imagination, but I recall legends of 8-foot rattle snakes roaming those parts, and stories of 16-foot boa constrictors that preyed on 10, 11 and 12 year-old boys. While living in that house I developed a serious fear of snakes. It started as a fear, grew into a paranoia, and then morphed into a full-blown phobia. I was petrified of snakes.

One warm summer evening, one of those critters crawled inside the house, and was inching his slimy, slithering body up a door frame. I was frozen in terror. My Dad, however, sprang into action. With super-human courage, he confronted that vermin with his trusty square-edged shovel. He disposed of the evil attacker in short order, rescuing me -- and our family -- from certain death. After tossing the remains of the intruder outside, I looked at my Dad with a new sense of awe and amazement, wondering, "What kind of man is this?"

The gospel writer Matthew shares that God views our storms in the same way my Dad viewed that snake. He wrote, Jesus, "got up ... gave a command ... and it became completely calm." (v. 26) Just like my Dad handled my great fear of snakes with great calm, Jesus handled the furious storm with great calm. The sea became as still as a frozen lake. And the disciples were left wondering to themself, "What kind of man is this?"

Through trust in God, we can have the kind of courage we need to overcome life's storms. We can fear less and trust more. Whether our fears are of snakes or storms, we have a heavenly Father ready to handle any fear we'll face. That's just the kind of Father He is!

Take Care of the Things You Only Get One Of

Not too long ago, I was speaking to our congregation about the brevity of life, and how quickly we find our self one, five, ten, twenty or more years removed from something, and realize, "Wow! Where did time go?" I had one of those experiences recently.

My wife and I had taken my oldest child to Texas to enroll her in a two-year music internship. As the three of us sat through the parent-student orientation, the director of the internship was saying something to the effect that the students were adults now, and would be addressed, treated and expected to act as adults. To further his point, he said:

"This isn't high school sports anymore. Your sons and daughters aren't 'boys & girls' anymore. In high school they have 'boys' track and 'girls' track. Well, this isn't high school. They're young men and women, and they'll be treated as such."

While he was saying this, I was sitting next to my soon-t0-be twenty year-old daughter and that entire reality sank in like a soaking rain. Somehow over the last nearly two decades, this little bundle of joy we brought into our home in the late '80's had made the transformation from a little girl to a young woman! And in a few moments I was going to kiss her good-bye and leave her a few hundred miles away for a long, long time. I had to resist the strongest temptation to panic, take her by her hand, grab her mother, march out to our car, drive back to our 'safe' existence with 'our little girl' and never again venture out!

Obviously, I didn't (though I still miss her very, very much)! But that experience left an impression on me. And when I stood up to speak the very next Sunday, I had planned to talk about this whole subject of how short our life is, and how quickly time flies. The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, told the Christians at the ancient Roman city of Ephesus to: "Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NLT) So, with that 'real time' experience fresh in my mind, I was reminded of some of the things we only get one of, like...

One Body.

Enough has been written, reported and studied about how we Americans should take care of ourselves that I don't have to reiterate any of that here. Suffice it to say however, you only get body--good bad or indifferent--and the better you treat it and maintain it, the better you'll feel. You only get one body. Trying to inhabit two at once isn't mentally healthy, and will get one permanently attached to thorazine.

One Mind.

We also only get one mind--one brain to train. There are myriads of productive, conventional and legal ways to expand one's mind. On the other hand there are myriads of counter-productive, unconventional and illegal things one can attempt to expand one's mind that could result in severe destruction to one's self and others. But the fact is you only get one mind--to use or lose. And it's our own personal choice how to best achieve that.

One Moment.

Further, each of us is given the same 60 second minutes, 60 minute hour, 24 hour days, 365 days a year to spend. And each moment is a choice that could affect the other choices we'll make seconds, hours, days, months and years ahead. There were dozens of poignant, Kodak moments I captured with my oldest daughter, and believe me, while I was seated in that auditorium that day, they were playing like a DVD in my mind! I was glad to have been on hand to witness many of those firsthand, as well as with my other children. Finally, we only get...

One Legacy.

This is probably 'the thing I only have one of ' that I'm most concerned about. When I leave this earth, I'm most concerned about the kind of legacy I'll pass on to my kids. I'm not talking about occupation--I hope they know that I'll love them no matter what line of work they choose. And I'm not talking about an inheritance--of course I'd like to be able to pass along some of that if possible. What I'm talking about is the integrity, character and values that are core to my life. Those qualities that my kids will remember and cling to when they face adversity, hardship and defining moments. We're only allowed one legacy to pass on, and I'm striving to pass on one that will stand the test of time!

To drive this all home, there's a song that dovetails with this so well. It's by the group 33 Miles, (pictured below) and it's a cut from a new release due to hit retail outlets soon. It's called One Life to Love. You can download the track yourself, but the ingenuity of 21st century technology has allowed me to hyper-link to their website where you can listen to it. Take a moment, turn up your speakers and let the message of this song remind you to take care of all those things in your life that you only get one of!

The Sage Advice of Tony Horton

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine and I began working out together. He was wanting a workout partner to help keep him accountable, and I was just wanting to get back to doing something so that I didn't feel quite as sluggish, slow and blah! So, after going over some possibilities, we came up with an agreeable solution. We would meet early in the morning at our church gym, and begin working out with the Power 90 videos my wife and I had purchased a few years back. It has saved us both the cost of a gym membership, and surprisingly, we've able to hook up about 4-5 times a week consistently.

Even though I'm only acquainted with Tony Horton vicariously, through his workout videos, I got to thinking that there are several profound, spiritual, applicable truths in his sagely advice and expertise. Let me give you a few to chew on.

Sage Advice #1: "If you're feeling exhausted...hit the pause button."
Sometimes when life is getting to be too hot to handle, a well-timed, strategic break in the action is more helpful than having more time in your day. A pause, even in music, helps us, um, pause! Even the writer of Psalms understood this. Throughout the Psalms there's the ancient Hebrew word, selah, which is "a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption." Every now and then, we need to hit the pause button, and interrupt our busy life for reflection, accentuation and rest. Good grief, even God didn't work seven days a week! Shouldn't we take a cue from Him? Not trying to meddle. Just a thought.

Sage Advice #2: "Remember this is level 1-2...listen to your body."

One of the things Tony Horton excels at is teaching. Throughout the upper body and cardio workouts he's taped, he is constantly encouraging, instructing, coaching, and challenging. But he prefaces all of it with the standard disclaimers before you even see his chiseled face and wise instruction to "don't overdo it...listen to your body...if you're feeling a stitch...exhausted...parched...hit the pause button. We'll still be here when you return." Wow! How many times do I wish I had heard that before I opened my big mouth, or over committed myself, or over extended my finances. Oops. Borderline meddling.

But this idea is right. Especially spiritually. The great missionary apostle Paul reminded followers of Christ in the ancient Roman city of Corinth, that, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ." We are all at different places in our journey through life, and have a unique purpose, unique calling and unique position. So we need to pay attention to what the Savior is speaking to us, and appropriate it according to our level of purposefulness, understanding and influence. And be careful not to overextend ourselves.

Sage Advice #3: "Keep moving...it's better to move a little, than to stop all together."

That tells me that it's more important to develop endurance and finish strong than it is to get out to a fast start and burn out! Again, the tremendous example of the apostle Paul comes to mind. During the latter part of his life, he was imprisoned, confined to an existence in a dank, dark Roman dungeon; his date with a martyr's destiny to look forward to. But astoundingly, he's not succumbing to despair, discouragement or depression. Instead, he is still concerned with learning and growing. In a correspondence to his colleague Timothy, he writes, "When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers." Amazing! Here's a man who's struggling to survive in prison, and he still wants to expand his mind, and pen his thoughts! He wants to keep moving, and finish strong! That's such a terrific alternative to coasting into our eternal destiny in neutral.

I'm not able to ascertain Tony Horton's spiritual disposition, nor am I qualified to give a definitive assessment to such. However, while getting in better shape, and listening to the various comments he makes throughout the 35-45 minutes me and my buddy spend with him regularly, his advice strikes much deeper than just sculpting a lean body. It's good life advice too!

Cardboard Testimonies

Recently, a friend of mine emailed me a cool video that was on You Tube. Apparently, a pastor in Amarillo, Texas had several people from the congregation prepare a 'cardboard testimony.' Each person, or persons, had a piece of cardboard that on one side told what they were like before putting Jesus first in their life; and then on the other side, they wrote something that described their life after putting Him first.

As I watched the video, I observed a couple of things. First, it began in silence, with people being respectful and quiet. Then, with each proceeding 'cardboard testimony,' the audience freely began to applaud, and encourage--depending on the statement of God's goodness. That was moving to watch.

Also, towards the end, Pastor Tommy Politz wraps it all up and is visible moved as well. But what I caught, was that this was the third time that weekend they had done this! It still touched him! Wow! What a powerful exercise in God's goodness, grace, mercy and forgiveness! I posted the video below so you can see for yourself.

That's not where the story ends. A few days after I'd received that email, a woman from my congregation called asking to see me. At that appointment, she told me that in a dream God had shown her all the 'garbage' in her life (her words, not mine) and the damage she was doing to her husband and kids. She went on to read a portion from her journal about her dysfunctional upbringing, resulting dependence on prescription drugs, and struggling marriage. Her next request blew me away: she asked if she could read this 'confession' this coming Sunday morning, in front of her entire immediate family. She was ready to come clean in a big time way, and ask forgiveness from the people she had hurt directly, as well as ask for the support of her extended church family as well. So, after prayer and a little work on my part, I agreed, and put two and two together.

That Sunday, her story was integrated into the message portion of the service. To drive home the point that a church should be a place of love, acceptance, forgiveness and healing, I captured the 'Cardboard Testimony' video and showed it as well. In effect, the message we sent--to her, and to one another--was, without Jesus, we're all messed up in one way or another. And we welcomed her to the family!

By the way, I found my own piece of cardboard, and wrote out my 'cardboard testimony.' I don't have any visuals of it, but on the front side it read: Consumed by selfishness & lust. On the flip side I wrote: Crucified with Christ! -Galatians 2:20- That pretty much sums up the story of my life.

What would your cardboard testimony be?

Gazelle Intensity

During the last two months I've been working through the Financial Peace University material on a weekly basis with a group of about 8-10 other families. It's really been challenging and helpful--both personally and as a group.

One of the phrases it uses often is gazelle intensity. In the context of FPU, it generally means that unless you really get inspired, motivated and downright angry to change, you won't change your behavior. To illustrate, Dave Ramsey mentions a proverb for daily life, written by that timeless millionaire, Solomon: "Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." (Proverbs 6:5, NIV) Obviously, for FPU's purposes, that proverbs applies to financial issues such as unnecessary borrowing and debt (the context of the proverb bears this out--Proverbs 6:1). However, like many principles, this can also be applied to other areas of our life. Such as our passion, intensity and inspiration for pursuing a one-on-one relationship with our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.

A gazelle is one of the fastest animals on the planet. But, it is not 'the' fastest. That distinction belongs to the fleet-footed cheetah. However, did you know that gazelle is one of the cheetah's favorite meals? But, just because a cheetah decides it wants a gazelle for dinner, doesn't mean it's a slam dunk. Though the gazelle isn't as fast as a cheetah, it can avoid being captured, killed and devoured by running in serpentine patterns to avoid the cheetah. In so doing, it wears out a much faster predator and spares it's own life!

What a picture for us! When it comes to an intensity to pursue God, there is an equally aggressive foe to deal with known as the devil and sin. Like the gazelle, we must run a more strategic, smarter, defensive path away from these in order to free our self, and remain passionately in pursuit of God.

I shared this with some of my friends at First Assembly last Sunday, and used the video below to illustrate. I found a You Tube video of a gazelle and cheetah encounter that I captured. Then as I reproduced it for my illustration, I was able to mute the audio and dub in a choice of my own. I think you'll see how I adapted the sound track to reflect a little more of my personality. (The song is an excerpt from Can't Get Away, by one of my growing favorite groups Rush of Fools. Check out their stuff by clicking the link, or going to www.myspace.com/rushoffools)