Getting it right…

Yesterday, I preached about being a church for everybody and anybody, and afterwards a guy told me an interesting story.

The guy telling the story has a friend, female, who is a member of another church in our area. One Sunday afternoon, they had planned to hang after church.  He wanted to do some outdoor kind of stuff, and she was wearing a dress, so he said, “You probably want to change clothes – you can wear some of my sister’s jeans if you need to.” From there, the conversation went something like this:

She: “Oh no, I always bring a change of clothes with me on Sunday’s – in case the ushers at our church tell me I need to change clothes…”

He: “Do what now?”

She: “Well, like if they think my skirt is too short, or if I have on shorts – you can’t wear those at all… And the ushers are not supposed to let you in if you’re not dressed ‘appropriately’.”

He: “Are you serious? You mean they would keep people out if they’re wearing certain clothes?”

She: “Well… no… I’m mean, they wouldn’t really…”

He: “But you just said they would!”

She: “I know… but no… I mean…”

And we’ll let her off the hook here – and let me say that I trust the guy who told me this, and I also know the young lady, and I’m familiar with the church… If she is correctly describing the policy and practice of that church – well, I could be amazed or amused or angry about it, but mostly I’m ashamed of what that church is communicating to people who are far from God…

The fact that such things still happen today tells me that Jubilee is doing exactly what God wants us to do in our community – building a church where ANYBODY can come, no matter how they’re dressed and without regard to their life circumstances, find love and acceptance.

One of the earliest “church fights” was over some people who were trying to make folks jump through some hoops to get to God that He never intended for people to have to jump through. James – Jesus’ half-brother, and the leader of the church at Jerusalem – made this incredible statement to settle the dispute:

“It’s my judgement that we should not make it difficult for people to come to God…”

That’s the kind of pastor I want to be, and the kind of church I want Jubilee to be – but much more important than that, I believe that’s the kind of church God wants us to be.

So, don’t bring a change of clothes when you come to Jubilee – we make it easier than that to find out more about the God who loves you so much He’d rather die than live without you.

A changed life is better than changing clothes…

Skipping Stones 08.09.09

Thoughts bounce like tiny, flat pebbles across the pond in my head…

What an amazing Sunday!  We are still positively GLOWING!

• The worship team was outstanding as usual – I  hope we NEVER take for granted the fact that they routinely do such a good job “setting the table” and preparing us to worship the Lord.
• The house was full – lots of friends and family came out to see loved ones baptized – with TONS of first-time guests.
• I preached a message called, “Baptism – What’s the Big Deal?” from the account of Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts 8.  Sermon audio here: Jubilee Messages Online.
• At the conclusion of the service, we baptized 16 people! It was such a blessing to see these folks make a public declaration of their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Baptism video HERE!
• I got my first assignments for my coaching network.  First up, reading “Spiritual Leadership” by Oswald Sanders – a book I have had in my library for nearly 30 years.  I dug out my highlighted, underlined, dog-eared copy and realize it had been a few years since I’d last read it.  I’ll share one of the many “keepers” to be found on almost every page:

“Spiritual leadership requires superior spiritual power, which can never be generated by the self.   There is no such thing as a self-made spiritual leader.   A true leader influences others spiritually only because the Spirit works in and through him to a greater degree than in those he leads.

“We can lead others only as far along the road as we ourselves have traveled. Merely pointing the way is not enough.  If we are not walking, then no one can be following, and we are not leading anyone.”

• We will be taking the leadership team – and anyone else who is interested –  to Granger Community Church near South Bend for “Innovate ‘09″ in September – I’m super excited about getting to hear Pastor Mark Beeson and his team and getting to hear Shannon O’Dell again.  Don’t forget the deadline to let us know if you’re going is this Sunday, August 16th.
• Exciting times ahead – School starts back this week!  All Church Picnic this Sunday, with Men’s Dessert Cookoff!  The New Testament Challenge coming in September.  ”Sunday of Service” in October.  Seriously folks, we will blink our eyes a couple of times and CHRISTMAS will be on us!  Heads up!

That’s all for now.  Have a great day!

Skipping Stones 08.02.09

Thoughts bounce like tiny, flat pebbles across the pond in my head…

Haven’t done one of these in a while – but it feels good getting back in the saddle…

• Sunday was a near perfect Indiana summer day – low 80’s, and just a few puffy white clouds dotting a brilliant blue sky.
• Our worship team always handles any curveball that gets thrown at them – you all did a great job yesterday!
• We’ve had such strong attendance all summer, no slump!  It was great to see some folks who’d been away awhile, and to have some returning guests.
• We finished out the “Operating System – How the Christian Life is Supposed to Work” message series talking about the Spirit’s work in our lives: He works best in our areas of weakness; He works by rooting out the lies we believe and replacing them with God’s Truth; and his final product is us looking like Jesus.  The boxed sets will be available next week, and you can always listen online – click the link: Jubilee Messages Online
• New message series begins August 16th – “Universal – the Gospel for Everybody”
• This Sunday is Baptism Sunday – we currently have 12 baptismal candidates.  If you are one of those folks: remember to get your information sheets turned in, and be here at 9:30 AM next Sunday.  It’s going to be an AMAZING day!
• This month I will begin a year long coaching network with Nelson Searcy, pastor of The Journey in New York City.  I’m very excited to have this chance to “sharpen the saw” and be better equipped as a leader as our church moves into the future.  We continue to gain momentum, and I don’t want my weak spots and areas of inexperience to get in the way of what could be accomplished in this community.  I truly believe God is going to take us places we’ve never been before – add to that the fact that we have to “re-build the boat while we’re on the water,” and leadership development becomes critical.  Many thanks to the elders for approving my participation in this network.
• Sunday, August 16th is “100% Sunday.” I hope you’re inviting everyone you know with a Jubilee connection – former members, attendees, children of members, ANYBODY who’s ever driven by the building… We’re looking for this to be a time of re-connecting and renewing.
• Exiting things coming up soon: The New Testament Challenge, our 2nd annual Sunday of Service… By God’s grace, and by His power, we ARE changing the world from this cornfield!

That’s all for now.  Have a great day!