The Fresh Work of God

Sometimes in ministry, I feel I’m leading on last year’s ideas. Instead of clearly sensing direction from God, I tend to do what last worked.

Those dry times are generally a direct result of my own spiritual negligence. Instead of seeking God passionately, I am occasionally lulled into a business-as-usual approach to prayer and study of God’s word.

Instead of expecting a fresh work of God in my life, I seem strangely content with doing ministry from memory rather than ministry from fresh revelation from God.

A few months ago, I determined that experiencing the presence and direction from God would be my top priority daily. I stepped up my time in prayer, time in God’s word, and started recording what I believed God was showing me.

This week I’ll talk about some of the fresh works I’m excited about as a spiritual leader.

How about you? Are you living on last year’s work or a fresh work of God in your life?

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What I Didn’t Learn in Seminary

I’m writing from my perspective. Obviously many of you had much different experiences. Here’s a short list of what I didn’t learn in seminary.

• Believe it or not, I never had a class on how to do a wedding or funeral.
• We never looked at how to manage a budget, lead a board meeting, recruit volunteers, raise money, hire and fire staff, or design church facilities.
• I only took one class on preaching. In my opinion, we should have been required to take at least three if we were hoping to be a senior pastor.
• We didn’t study any thoughts on kids’ ministry, student ministry, missions, or small groups.
• Although my time in seminary predated the need, I think all schools today should teach pastors how to leverage technology in the church.

For those of you that attended Bible School or Seminary, what skills were overlooked in your preparation?

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What I Learned In Seminary

My opinions about seminary are mixed. Unquestionably, the schools I attended shaped my views. To give context, I studied one year at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and three at Philips Theological Seminary.

(My United Methodist district superintendent approved SWBT then after a year said he made a mistake. I chose Philips since it was the only UMC approved school within driving distance.)

Although I’m don’t believe all pastors must obtain a seminary degree, I did acquire some knowledge and skills that were valuable. Here are a few of the things I’m thankful for:

• Seminary taught me to read fast and absorb a lot of information. (Many classes required us to read a book a week.) Speed-reading has made a huge difference in my life and ministry.
• Hebrew was helpful to me. (What I know about Greek I picked up on my own.)
• Seminary taught me to be a better writer. At Phillips, we rarely took tests. Most classes required a lot of writing. This skill has helped me minister to people in ways I couldn’t otherwise.
• The history courses were helpful. I was especially inspired by Moody, Finney, Wesley, and Whitfield. I also was moved by studying Medieval Christianity. Knowing how God used people in the past helps give me a broader perspective of what He could do today.
• I learned why I believed what I believed. At Philips, many professors had a very liberal theology and looked down on conservatives. They tested my faith often and helped me to become more grounded than I would have been otherwise.
• I made some very good friends in school.

How about you?

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One Prayer - Father’s Day Message

I’ve pre-produced a special Father’s Day Message titled, God is…Father. We wanted to make it available early in case any One Prayer churches wanted to use it on the actual weekend. Go to www.oneprayer.com to download.

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Suggestions for Today’s “Relevant” Church

When we started Life Church in 1996, we intentionally desired to be a “relevant” church. For way too long, what happened in church on Sunday seemed way too disconnected to the other 6 days and 23 hours of the week. With sincere intentions, we (and many others) deliberately sought to present God’s eternal truths with daily applications.

A decade and a half later, it is rare to find a church that isn’t making an attempt at a “contemporary” service. While I believe the shift that occurred in the 80s and 90s was appropriate and in some ways necessary, in my opinion—at many churches—the pendulum has swung too far. Another correction is necessary for many.

• What used to be edgy is becoming distasteful.
• What used to be cool is becoming cheesy.
• What used to be creative is becoming gimmicky.

While the intentions of most relevant pastors (including my own) are generally to reach those who don’t know Christ, we have to ask ourselves, “How effective are our ministries really?” Just because we are “growing” numerically doesn’t mean the people coming are growing spiritually.

This week, let’s respectfully discuss some possible corrections for the “relevant church.”

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They All Aren’t Saved

Just because people attend your church, serve, and give, don’t assume they are saved.

My father-in-law was a deacon in his church for years before truly understanding the grace of God.

One of my greatest fears is that many of our churches are full of people with a false spiritual confidence.

I like to tell young preachers, you don’t fail when you invite people to repent and follow Christ and no one responds. You fail when you don’t invite people to repent and follow Christ.

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Present the Gospel

Chances are good you’ll want to preach occasional messages on managing your money or improving your marriage. Those are unquestionably important topics (among many others) that touch people’s lives. Scripture talks directly to these important subjects and so should we.

But no matter what your text or topic, present the Gospel.

Jesus didn’t come to give us a better life, make us happy, or make us rich. He came to deliver us from our sins and introduce us to His father.

• Don’t get distracted by preaching to draw a crowd.
• Don’t believe everyone attending your church is saved.
• Don’t get so creative you fail to communicate biblical content.
• Don’t ever forget the One who died so we can live.

No matter what the topic, text, or package, you CAN present the Gospel. I challenge you to do it every time you preach.

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Preaching a Dangerous Message

Pastor, you are called to preach a dangerous message.

(Notice I didn’t say an “edgy” message. There is a big difference between dangerous and edgy.)

• Preaching the Gospel of Christ is offensive to men. If you’re being criticized for your sex talks and creative marketing and never for preaching Christ, something might be wrong with your preaching.
• Preaching God’s standards will make some people mad. If your sermons always make people feel better about themselves and you never confront their sin, they won’t likely see their need for a Savior.
• Preaching about the miraculous power of God stirs people up. If your typical message is five steps to a better life, you may be overlooking the one step of truly taking God at His word.

I pray our messages become more Spirit-filled, Scripture-packed, and God-annointed!

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