A Catholic Culture

Throughout Scripture, the development of a personal relationship with God is not only recommended, but even commanded.  We read of great relationships such as Enoch's, where walking with God was a daily reality. And while men like David did not physically commune with the Father,  the Scriptures allowed for a spiritual experience just as real.  The words of God were so integral to David's life that he hid them in his heart.  Jesus spoke that man should not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Paul wrote to Timothy, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."  Scripture suggests that communing with God is equivocated to a relationship with His Word.

Cults of all sorts distort this Christian principle,  and I see it bleeding over even into our most fundamental circles today.  The Catholic church, to name one,  highly emphasizes mass attendance, frequency of sacraments, and reading through the missals produced by the church.  Scripture's authority is degraded by the pope's ability to infallibly speak "ex cathedra" overruling the written Word.  Members of the Catholic church are not encouraged to search out the Scriptures, but rather to trust the word of their priest for doctrine and instruction.  

Those claiming the banner of independent or fundamental christianity would hold to the ideology that they should personally commune with God through His Word,  but is that truly believed?  As I sit in churches across the United States I see members with closed Bibles.  I listen as pastors, both tenured and inexperienced, recite their sermons often misconstruing details and facts.  Their interpretations of Scripture are often filtered through the lenses of their indoctrinating school, ministerial idolatry, and adherence to the traditions of men.  They subliminally promote the continued legacy of ignorance within the laypeople.  The people are not being taught to search out the Word for themselves, subsequently most are content to adopt the views of their pastor as their own with no personal affirmation.  When Scripture is not primary, the church begins to worship the stained glass, pews, former pastor's pictures, memorial plaques, and church rituals.  It's no longer genuine worship that is spiritually compelling,  its idol worship under the guise of a pursuit of old paths.

Is fundamentalism all that different from Catholicism?  As pastors of different fellowships hold to the "views" of their respective "ministerial giants" on the platform of "old paths"  do we not then make these men as gods?  When our doctrine is affirmed by the sayings, sermons, and memoirs of men of faith rather than the Author of our Faith,  do we not override the authority of the I AM?  When we are more concerned with the names on the wall, the way the piano is played, and the structure of our service do we not resemble the iconic worship of a cult?  The blame lays not solely on the shoulders of the present day ministerial hierarchy,  but also on those who do not present themselves as workmen.  I see a generation that stands before God unapproved, ashamed, and ill equipped to rightly divide truth.  Is it any wonder our culture continues to rapidly drift?  The denominational lines are greatly blurred in this respect, where even the most conservative baptist is no different than the catholic.  What are you? 

Stunt Double Churches

If you have watched one of Jennifer Lopez's action-packed films,  you have seen the individual on the left.  Yes,  that is her hired stunt double.  Often, celebrities in the film industry hire out their extravagant moves to those more agile, and able to perform what they cannot.  Whether it be age, agility, or a contractual agreement,  most stars are not solely responsible for the super-hero image the public retains.  Bone structure, clothing, and hair allows for an identical viewing experience...from a distance.  But upon closer review,  major differences are exposed.

In Acts 8, we find a sorcerer named Simon.  For years he has performed "miracles," enchanting and enslaving the people of his city.  In fact, his performances were so convincing that "from the least to the greatest, they all gave heed saying, this man is the great power of God."  Of course, Simon was aware he was not, in fact God, nor did his power originate fro the Most High. Simon implies that he is "some great one."  Not God; certainly close though. Yet, from a distance, the stunts he pulled looked so similar, they were mistaken as identical. That is, until a man named Philip enters the scene.

Philip's message and miracles were directly from God.  Those once mesmerized by the power of Simon are now following after the actual power of God.  The message brought by Philip was so convincing that even Simon converted to Christianity.  As he saw the apostles laying hands on the converts, and the Holy Ghost moving upon those people, he desired that same power. His tricks did not compare to the real thing,  and if he was to enhance his own image, he would require this supernatural power.

A simple walk through Facebook and your local news outlet will reveal a generation of "Simon's" under the banner of the local church.  Stunt Double Churches.  We watch the body of Christ host extravagant stunts that no doubt attract the media and draw local attention,  but under the surface lack substance.  Facebook and Twitter posts read "CHECK OUT WHAT WE'RE DOING!"  "LOOK AT OUR PASTOR."  "SEE WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED!!"  These churches are not carrying the fire of the Holy Spirit,  they have lit their own torch with strange fire.  Yes,  the miracles look like something Jesus would do,  sound like something Jesus would do,  but upon close inspection, are nothing more than solicitations for increased self image.  How dare we hashtag #GloryToGod in what we have made all about us!

Here are some things to watch for in a stunt double church.

1.  Do not mistake Holy Spirit movement with generated hype.
     The movement of the Holy Spirit is pure, and always draws attention back to himself.  Yes, it's exciting,  but excitement does not equal Holy Spirit.  Go with me to any sports activity.  There you will find the lifting of hands, dancing in the aisles, shouting, singing, and a buzz-filled air that is contagious.  Sure sounds like the makings of a great church service,  but in actuality it is entirely void of God's presence.  Sad that many cannot distinguish between the two.

2.  Stunt Double churches thrive on attention.
     Attention is attention, whether positive or negative.  As long as the church's or pastor's name is trending on twitter or buzzing in the local paper,  the church is "doing something."  Some churches, like "Hillsboro Baptist" enjoy the spotlight pointed at public protest,  while some bask in the accolade of public service.  "Watch this video as our pastor eats 237 goldfish while walking 500 miles in his bare feet. " #GloryToGod  WOW!  Check out war Fox5 said about our church!  #GloryToGod

3.  Stunts always have to be topped.
     The point of a stunt is to exhibit some extreme behavior!  It wouldn't exactly be a stunt if it was "less than" what you did the year before right?!  It has to grow!  It has to get bigger!   When a genuine movement of God takes place,  it is unique and powerful every time.  While the outcome of a Holy Spirit encounter may produce various mathematical figures in terms of salvations or decisions,  a move of God is unequivocal to any number.  It cannot be manufactured, therefore it cannot be improved upon. At what point do stunt double churches draw the line for "enough."

4.  Stunts are personality driven. 
     Stunt double churches are always always personality driven.  If the personality is unable to perform, the stunt loses its luster and following.  A healthy church is driven by a passion for the Word of God, a personal relationship with Jesus, and a devoted love to the organization Christ gave his life for:  the church.  All too often the masses follow a stunt master, who will not surrender his pulpit or prominence for fear of people leaving.  This fear is valid,  for if that pastor surrendered his preaching ministry to another of the staff for any length of time,  his shallow followers would vacate in search of another Simon the sorcerer.

5.  Generated excitement is only temporary.  
Truth:  Watching J.Lo's stunts in some of those movies are pretty incredible; but I didn't chose the movie to see that dude....I came to see J.LO!  This same principle applies to the Christian.  The "radical fundraisers" and "powerful promotions" of the stunt double churches are great,  and seem to be "of God."  But when I find a community of believers where God REALLY shows up, that's what I want to totally buy into.  Yeah,  stunts attract some great media attention,  but how much growth did you get from that?  Oh, that's right....none.  And in two weeks, that story will be out of print and out of mind.  On to the next stunt!

Leading Through Conflict of Culture

My head is often racing in the realm of ministry because that is where my vocation and calling intersect.  Ministry has its perks, while balancing its fair share of problems.  As pastors we often think we are the only ones who bear burdens of this particular nature,  but as I examine the business world,  I find similar successes and failure when the proper leadership principles are weighed.  One area we probably all dread is dealing with conflict within the culture of our organization.  Here are some of the principles that should help alleviate some of the stress:

1.  Live Above Reproach
This is the umbrella principle that qualifies or disqualifies a pastor.  I heard one man accuse another not too long ago of living a life that was above reproach.  In the back of my mind I thought, "what a great victory!  The fact that his words and actions would solicit this description!"  Leader, study the word,  follow the Lord, and have an answer ready for when you are questioned so that you might be described as "above reproach!" 

2.  Refuse to Mount the Offensive
OK,  I'm not suggesting that you never pursue wrong.  This principle swings into the accusation realm.  When you find yourself backed into a corner,  instinct is to take up arms and fight back.  DONT!  (Jesus didn't...)  When the dust settles,  your testimony will reflect someone who allowed the darts of accusation to be thrown with grace and mercy.  Hurts in the moment,  but lends toward a big win in the end.  You may never get an apology,  but you will be able to sleep at night.

3.  All that is said must be true,  but not all that is true must be said.
The Great Gatsby quoted,  "Apologies aren't always because you're wrong, but often because you value a relationship more than your ego."  This statement will always ring true.  True courage is eating crow for the sake of a soul.  The taste of crow is bitter to the extreme,  but the aftertaste is eternally sweet.  Speak truth,  but speak slowly.  Refuse to share what God has not given you liberty to reveal.

4.  Miles and mistakes do not a relationship break;  people do.
You've heard it said, " I can't be your friend anymore because ____________."  Great leaders often struggle with owning every mistake as their own,  and deeply yearn to DO SOMETHING or SAY SOMETHING to "fix" the problem.  But it was not the mistake the broke the relationship;  that was a choice by a person. You say, "but I feel bad!"  Here is what you should examine:  The accuser of the brethren only recalls past mistakes you have already settled with the Lord.  The Holy Spirit convicts of present sin.  Is it right with you and the Lord?  If yes,  then stop letting the devil throw false guilt into your mind.

5.  God cultivates the ground, and waters the seed; Your job is only to plant.
The ground of confrontational hearts is often cold and hard.  Any farmer knows this type of soil must be tilled and cultivated in order for seed to take root.  The seed is good, but the environment is not prepared.  Leaders love to play "Holy Spirit" in an attempt to achieve faster results.  Dear minister/leader,  you are not responsible for how the truth is received, you are only accountable for the sowing process.  The more a heart rejects truth, the harder it gets. 

6.  Attack on practice is not attack of person. 
As leaders,  when someone questions our process of progress, because that is "our baby"  we often assume the attack as a personal blight on our character.  I have heard leaders suggest "If you attack that,  you're attacking him,  and therefore you attack me."  Though our systems are built on our personalities,  we must separate our processes from our personality so that when improvements must be made, we do not make them personal.  When addressing a practice,  it is always good to keep in mind that at one time,  this was a revolutionary idea!  ...just not anymore.

7.  Off limits for conversation, off limits for improvement.
For a pastor,  the sermons is "the main event"  of a church worship experience.  Our staff often feel awkward making suggestions for improvement because they did not deliver here.  But criticism most often is constructive when passed from the foundation to the head.  If your foundation cannot discuss,  it will crumble, and the head will fall.  Create a culture where everything is open for conversation...of  course principle #6 will have to be in effect for this to be successful.

8.  Marry You Mission,  Date Your Model.
YES!  I get to date a model!!!  OK...maybe not quite.  The mission of your organization or "DNA"  should not change if it is solid.  This one thing is off limits for discussion.  The mission is the lens through which we view and make all other decisions.  If your mission is clear,  there will be no need to micromanage as your staff will align everything with the mission.  The model is ever changing!  Thank God for the absence of flannel graph and pipe organs in today's model. 

9.  Everything Rises and Falls On Leadership
I grew up hearing this, and how true?!  If you want to see more rising than falling, check your pride at the door.  Guess what?  We all make mistakes!  No one is immune.  Sometimes the immortality mindset kicks in,  and we over compensate for our insecurities with pride.  This poison water will flow directly into the culture of your organization, crippling it from the bottom, up. 

10.  Call For Constant Course Correction.
Jump in your car,  aim it one direction,  take your hands off the wheel, and just gas it.  Nah,  that won't work....try this:  Get in your sail boat,  aim it North,  hands off the wheel,  and just go.  Well,  that's a bad idea too.  Maybe one more?  See if you can get that kite to fly high without guiding the string....  Notice something?  A good steward of a vehicle must constantly evaluate the direction.  Wind of society, doctrine, and culture has a tendency to shift and move us week to week,  day to day,  mood to mood.  If you notice a recurring problem in your organization,  evaluate the source.  The list of issues are endless, especially in the church world....poor spirit,  disengaged people, revolving door of staff, poor facilities, no growth.... you see in church,  we don't always see the problems until the money runs out.  As long as we can finance what we're doing, we will continue to do it.  Then, when money runs low,  red lights go off.  As a leader in any capacity,  examine what is working and what is wasted energy.  Constantly correct to stay on course.