Back 18 or 19 years ago when I was a church planter I began receiving periodically small handwritten, photocopied notes from Ken and June Holtvluwer. It became clear that they obtained from the Christian Reformed Church the names and addresses of all world and home missionaries and sent this photocopied notes to us all. Ken and June are truly very special people. I, like other church planters, reached out to many people to pray for us in that ministry. They are the only ones who did not know me personally and reached out to me, as they did many others. AL board member Tom Bratt still remembers a Christmas card he received when he first came on staff with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee from these people whom he had never met. What a delight to get their notes!
About that time the church I planted received a donated building, purchased land, moved it and needed to refurbish it to become our worship and ministry center. A tip came to me that Ken provided through a third party. The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee had retires called Disaster Response Volunteers who would travel for weeks and months to areas of the U.S. hit by natural disaster. We had gone for a year without any significant natural disaster and the agency was looking for ways to give these people opportunities to serve in the meantime. The tip from Ken was to contact them about the possibility of these Disaster Response volunteers refurbishing our building. I made that contact and those volunteers did refurbish that building over a period of roughly nine months.
On their notes, Ken and June put out a general offer to take any missionary out for breakfast when they were in the Grand Rapids area. I took them up on the offer to meet them and thank them for that tip. I do not know how many others took them up on their offer, but those who did not missed out on something very special. What wonderful times were all those breakfasts first near their business and then later near their retirement home.
I was always tickled to see Ken and June’s joviality. I loved the ways he teased the waitresses and they both got a laugh out of it. I can imagine Ken now having immensely jovial times in unhindered communion with Christ. I hope that as I age my joviality can come close to Ken and June’s.
Ken and June built a thriving lumber and home-décor family business over the years, in spite of a number of setbacks. To see their ability to laugh even during the last 6 years which have been extremely difficult for construction related businesses in Michigan, gives me the courage to persevere even through tough days.
We had some things in common, including a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ and having moved buildings in our lives. Ken and June had moved two buildings in their history.
I admired June and Ken’s faithfulness in prayer. And then to learn that they had shown as much and more love than they showed to little-ole-me to tremendous organizations and institutions like Kuyper College and Mission India. And then that Ken and June would believe so much in what I was and am doing that they gave financial gifts at key times. They both always remembered my wife’s and kids' names. After years of trying, they got the founder of Mission India to have breakfast with us to discuss the possibility of Mission India to use AL, something they greatly wanted to see (this did not come to pass since AL materials are written to a much higher conceptual level than Mission India's "customers" can handle). The fact that June took the time on Ken’s last day on this earth to send Ascending Leaders and me an encouraging note about Ken’s impending passing, overwhelmed me. To be in their circle of influence has been an honor and blessing.
Ken’s was a life exceptionally well lived. He finished very well. I thank God for privileging me to be able to share a very small part of it with Ken and June.We can thank God as well that Ken and June have believed in the mission of Ascending Leaders.
You can read more about Ken’s life at: http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/12/post_56.html
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Group Hug
This blog entry is from AL team member Don Watt. Among a variety of roles Don has blessed the team with, he is the core author of "Dream Teams: People" and is the provider of all the discussion questions for each session in the books. Don also is our team member who took the content from our popular "Charting Your Course" seminars, did further research and put it all into excellent book form. We are all excited that the new "Charting Your Course" book written to be experienced in groups of three is now taking pre-orders and will soon be shipped.
From Don:
We had just finished saying good-bye to our son’s family when one of our granddaughters ran back in, threw her arms around us and shouted, “group hug.” For the next few minutes she and her sister pretended to leave and then rushed back in for another hug. Eventually their parents had to put an end to the “group hug” epidemic. Ann and I savored the warmth of their silly spontaneity for a long while after they left.
Notice the opening verses of 1 John:
From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us. – 1 John 1:1-2 The Message
John saw firsthand the God of the universe (Jesus) laugh at lunch, cry over hurts, clean fish, touch the untouchable (lepers) and hug children. Although in John’s day, many hoped for the Messiah, probably no one ever expected that God Himself would show up. And certainly none expected to have Him over for dinner.
Christianity is “relationship rich.” I have been reading a book titled "Kingdom Living." It was written by a committee of “experts/practitioners” in the field of discipleship. They wrestled with understanding the core essentials for spiritual growth. Eventually they came up with seven process and three theological essentials.
Interestingly, the second essential they present is the need for “communities of grace.” Most of us know that spiritual growth is a product of God’s work in us. We relate to the “me and God” language of Psalm 23. But in reality, spiritual growth happens in a “me, others and God community.” The Ascending Leaders learning process of individual study, small-group reflection and especially triad application is designed to encourage the community needed for spiritual growth.
This Christmas as you experience the wonderful tradition of giving and receiving gifts, you might be thankful for the gift of grace in your small group or triad. Think about this: the others in your triad are gifts from God to you and you are God’s gift to them. The wonderful acceptance, love, encouragement and sharing of others doing life with you is essential to your and their growth. You have our permission for a triad “group hug.”
Have a wonderful Christmas.
From Don:
We had just finished saying good-bye to our son’s family when one of our granddaughters ran back in, threw her arms around us and shouted, “group hug.” For the next few minutes she and her sister pretended to leave and then rushed back in for another hug. Eventually their parents had to put an end to the “group hug” epidemic. Ann and I savored the warmth of their silly spontaneity for a long while after they left.
Notice the opening verses of 1 John:
From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us. – 1 John 1:1-2 The Message
John saw firsthand the God of the universe (Jesus) laugh at lunch, cry over hurts, clean fish, touch the untouchable (lepers) and hug children. Although in John’s day, many hoped for the Messiah, probably no one ever expected that God Himself would show up. And certainly none expected to have Him over for dinner.
Christianity is “relationship rich.” I have been reading a book titled "Kingdom Living." It was written by a committee of “experts/practitioners” in the field of discipleship. They wrestled with understanding the core essentials for spiritual growth. Eventually they came up with seven process and three theological essentials.
Interestingly, the second essential they present is the need for “communities of grace.” Most of us know that spiritual growth is a product of God’s work in us. We relate to the “me and God” language of Psalm 23. But in reality, spiritual growth happens in a “me, others and God community.” The Ascending Leaders learning process of individual study, small-group reflection and especially triad application is designed to encourage the community needed for spiritual growth.
This Christmas as you experience the wonderful tradition of giving and receiving gifts, you might be thankful for the gift of grace in your small group or triad. Think about this: the others in your triad are gifts from God to you and you are God’s gift to them. The wonderful acceptance, love, encouragement and sharing of others doing life with you is essential to your and their growth. You have our permission for a triad “group hug.”
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Ambition: for or against?
Here is another question from a young seminarian, whose questions I am answering on this blog.
YS: What place does ambition have in the redemptive life?
Mike: You don’t ask the easy ones do you ;-). This is one of those that can be so tricky. Certainly there is a place for ambition. God gives us passions and visions for a reason. We are to seek first His Kingdom. There is something very ambitious about that.
Yet, ambition can very subtly become about personal desires, disguised by something else. Let me illustrate. It is good to be ambitious for God’s Kingdom. Many people are ambitiously focusing in on certain parts of God’s Kingdom. Often pastors are focused on building a certain church. When I church planted I was ambitious about building that church. Yet, while I truly wanted to build Christ’s church, I know other motives of proving myself and being noticed mixed in to greater or lesser degrees. We need to check ourselves when we say we are ambitious about God’s kingdom and ask ourselves what part of that has slipped over into building our own little kingdom around our circle of influence and clothing it with “God’s Kingdom” language.
God presently has me focused on building a ministry that brings substantive Christ-like change to many people. If I am so busy telling people about that and ambitiously looking for leads and openings, that I do not ask questions about or take time to listen to what others are focused on in the Kingdom I probably have let that ambition go too far. Whenever I feel myself exceedingly zealous about something, I need to ask myself if that strength of ambition is warranted or if it is about something else like my own neurosis.
We do need to be ambitious about a life with God. I want to be ambitious about living closer to God, better mirroring my Lord and Savior. We do need to be ambitious about living like Christ. Yet over-ambition in that regard can lead to legalism. We do need to be ambitious for the presence and expression of grace. Some have been overambitious and in the name of grace become licentious.
Some people become so ambitious and competitive in sports or politics that when the game is done or the political race is done their opponent has become a lifelong enemy. Yet periodically you see a fierce competitor who loses and after losing speaks graciously about the victor, genuinely thanking the victor for a vigorous challenge and wishing the victor well. John McCain’s concession speech to President Obama was an example of this. This is a good way to hold ambition.
Be ambitious but be careful not to hold it too tightly. Hold ambition loosely. After all, we are fallen creatures and what we think God wants us to be ambitious about may have a flaw that we are blind to. The Crusaders are an example of people ambitious for God who, out of a strong grasp of that ambition did things that were not of God, like murdering people because of their skin color and the living location.
YS: What place does ambition have in the redemptive life?
Mike: You don’t ask the easy ones do you ;-). This is one of those that can be so tricky. Certainly there is a place for ambition. God gives us passions and visions for a reason. We are to seek first His Kingdom. There is something very ambitious about that.
Yet, ambition can very subtly become about personal desires, disguised by something else. Let me illustrate. It is good to be ambitious for God’s Kingdom. Many people are ambitiously focusing in on certain parts of God’s Kingdom. Often pastors are focused on building a certain church. When I church planted I was ambitious about building that church. Yet, while I truly wanted to build Christ’s church, I know other motives of proving myself and being noticed mixed in to greater or lesser degrees. We need to check ourselves when we say we are ambitious about God’s kingdom and ask ourselves what part of that has slipped over into building our own little kingdom around our circle of influence and clothing it with “God’s Kingdom” language.
God presently has me focused on building a ministry that brings substantive Christ-like change to many people. If I am so busy telling people about that and ambitiously looking for leads and openings, that I do not ask questions about or take time to listen to what others are focused on in the Kingdom I probably have let that ambition go too far. Whenever I feel myself exceedingly zealous about something, I need to ask myself if that strength of ambition is warranted or if it is about something else like my own neurosis.
We do need to be ambitious about a life with God. I want to be ambitious about living closer to God, better mirroring my Lord and Savior. We do need to be ambitious about living like Christ. Yet over-ambition in that regard can lead to legalism. We do need to be ambitious for the presence and expression of grace. Some have been overambitious and in the name of grace become licentious.
Some people become so ambitious and competitive in sports or politics that when the game is done or the political race is done their opponent has become a lifelong enemy. Yet periodically you see a fierce competitor who loses and after losing speaks graciously about the victor, genuinely thanking the victor for a vigorous challenge and wishing the victor well. John McCain’s concession speech to President Obama was an example of this. This is a good way to hold ambition.
Be ambitious but be careful not to hold it too tightly. Hold ambition loosely. After all, we are fallen creatures and what we think God wants us to be ambitious about may have a flaw that we are blind to. The Crusaders are an example of people ambitious for God who, out of a strong grasp of that ambition did things that were not of God, like murdering people because of their skin color and the living location.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Back at it.
I can hardly believe it has been 6 weeks since I last wrote here. My writing tends to be sporadic. I get inspired and am more prolific for a bit and then for a period under the weight of other demands and deadlines I have a hard time getting my head into writing.
Over the last six weeks I spent time both in El Paso, TX and in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In one way, these both were artsy trips. In El Paso, I spent a couple days with friend and fellow board member, Geronimo Garcia at his cool company Geronimo Design Inc. We worked on how to get the word out about Ascending Leaders in 2011. You will begin to see results of our work in a month or two. Our HighPoint this month will be our first release of some of the results of these fun couple days together.
While in West Michigan, I was at a conference in Grand Rapids at the same time that “ArtPrize” was coming to a close. ArtPrize is a rather cool period of several weeks during which artwork of many different types are set up around the urban landscape of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Artist of various ability and experience can enter their art. People can vote on the art they like best. At the end, there are several divisional winners and one winner of the grand prize of $250,000. The winner revealed something about the art taste of west Michigan—a huge mural of a picture from a war gone by. The whole thing was done in pencil.
The conference I was there for was that of Partners Worldwide. They had 400 business people from around the world to talk about issues about how Christian businesspeople could use their acquired knowhow to mentor business men and women in developing countries. Why would Ascending Leaders be represented at a conference like that? Spiritual growth is an important piece of Christian business mentoring, both for the mentors and mentees and that is what we are stellar at.
A friend, Terry Butler, was there showing off something that bridged both the artprize world and the partners worldwide. He was showing off Dynablock—a machine that can fit on a single axle trailer (yes he pulled it from Iowa behind his truck) and can make blocks something like cinder blocks on site. It saves lots of transportation issues and costs of ordering and shipping cinder blocks for construction. I first heard about this machine 4 years ago when I was first introduced to Terry. It is a wonder for construction—especially useful in developing countries. It is a practical work of art itself. Terry is creatively thinking of including a copy of Ascending Leaders Thriving Love with the instruction manual of each machine sold. That will be an interesting mix.
While in Grand Rapids, Michigan I taught a 3 day class on discipleship at Calvin Seminary. It was a great experience for the 11 students and myself. The first morning we began sitting in classic lecture style. By the last day of class students were sitting in pods of triads going deep together. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I quite possibly got more out of it than they did, though several students have communicated how much they got out of the experience.
Coming soon: another question from my young seminarian friend.
Over the last six weeks I spent time both in El Paso, TX and in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In one way, these both were artsy trips. In El Paso, I spent a couple days with friend and fellow board member, Geronimo Garcia at his cool company Geronimo Design Inc. We worked on how to get the word out about Ascending Leaders in 2011. You will begin to see results of our work in a month or two. Our HighPoint this month will be our first release of some of the results of these fun couple days together.
While in West Michigan, I was at a conference in Grand Rapids at the same time that “ArtPrize” was coming to a close. ArtPrize is a rather cool period of several weeks during which artwork of many different types are set up around the urban landscape of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Artist of various ability and experience can enter their art. People can vote on the art they like best. At the end, there are several divisional winners and one winner of the grand prize of $250,000. The winner revealed something about the art taste of west Michigan—a huge mural of a picture from a war gone by. The whole thing was done in pencil.
The conference I was there for was that of Partners Worldwide. They had 400 business people from around the world to talk about issues about how Christian businesspeople could use their acquired knowhow to mentor business men and women in developing countries. Why would Ascending Leaders be represented at a conference like that? Spiritual growth is an important piece of Christian business mentoring, both for the mentors and mentees and that is what we are stellar at.
A friend, Terry Butler, was there showing off something that bridged both the artprize world and the partners worldwide. He was showing off Dynablock—a machine that can fit on a single axle trailer (yes he pulled it from Iowa behind his truck) and can make blocks something like cinder blocks on site. It saves lots of transportation issues and costs of ordering and shipping cinder blocks for construction. I first heard about this machine 4 years ago when I was first introduced to Terry. It is a wonder for construction—especially useful in developing countries. It is a practical work of art itself. Terry is creatively thinking of including a copy of Ascending Leaders Thriving Love with the instruction manual of each machine sold. That will be an interesting mix.
While in Grand Rapids, Michigan I taught a 3 day class on discipleship at Calvin Seminary. It was a great experience for the 11 students and myself. The first morning we began sitting in classic lecture style. By the last day of class students were sitting in pods of triads going deep together. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I quite possibly got more out of it than they did, though several students have communicated how much they got out of the experience.
Coming soon: another question from my young seminarian friend.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Another question from a young seminarian
Here is another question from a young seminarian, whose questions I am answering in this blog.
YS: I seem to have a couple different possible opportunities and directions for my future. I am eager to pick one and go in that direction, but it is a tough decision. I hate this ambiguity. I just want to move forward. How do I know what to choose?
Mike: Ah yes, opportunity. You have so much possibility ahead of you. And you have so much energy. I can understand an eagerness to get a direction. You are visionary, passionate and motivated--all very good characteristics.
Yet that same vision, passion and motivation can cause you to get into a hurry and miss the turn God has for you. In a rush you may end up like a car that is speeding so fast down the road that it misses the important exit for the true route to its destination and as a result ends up in a very bad place. I have heard: “A student in a hurry, learns slowly.” I have found that when I get in a rush, I miss nuances that are important.
Bobby Clinton claims that in the first half of adult life what is most important is what God is doing in you. He is using that time and circumstances to prepare you for what He will do through you especially in the second half of adulthood. That is a hard concept to accept--that when you are between 20 and 40 anything you are involved in is for the purpose of God developing you, even when you think you are doing some great thing. So go slow enough for God’s signs to catch your eye and for you to make that turn that gives you some big growth. These opportunities are really about your growth any-way.
At one time, I believe I was in my mid 30s I felt like I was waiting. Some opportunities crossed my path. If I did not jump, the window of opportunity would soon close. My spiritual director gave me some advice that was hard to hear, but that I needed to hear. Her advice was to keep saying “no” until you hear a clear “yes” from God. It is hard to wait, but I think that is very good advice.
So live in the gray area and hold both opportunities in your hand as loosely as you can, as long as you can, until you hear a clear “yes” from God for one or the other. If you do not hear a clear “yes” from God for either, then maybe He has a third option and you will need to say “no” to both.
YS: I seem to have a couple different possible opportunities and directions for my future. I am eager to pick one and go in that direction, but it is a tough decision. I hate this ambiguity. I just want to move forward. How do I know what to choose?
Mike: Ah yes, opportunity. You have so much possibility ahead of you. And you have so much energy. I can understand an eagerness to get a direction. You are visionary, passionate and motivated--all very good characteristics.
Yet that same vision, passion and motivation can cause you to get into a hurry and miss the turn God has for you. In a rush you may end up like a car that is speeding so fast down the road that it misses the important exit for the true route to its destination and as a result ends up in a very bad place. I have heard: “A student in a hurry, learns slowly.” I have found that when I get in a rush, I miss nuances that are important.
Bobby Clinton claims that in the first half of adult life what is most important is what God is doing in you. He is using that time and circumstances to prepare you for what He will do through you especially in the second half of adulthood. That is a hard concept to accept--that when you are between 20 and 40 anything you are involved in is for the purpose of God developing you, even when you think you are doing some great thing. So go slow enough for God’s signs to catch your eye and for you to make that turn that gives you some big growth. These opportunities are really about your growth any-way.
At one time, I believe I was in my mid 30s I felt like I was waiting. Some opportunities crossed my path. If I did not jump, the window of opportunity would soon close. My spiritual director gave me some advice that was hard to hear, but that I needed to hear. Her advice was to keep saying “no” until you hear a clear “yes” from God. It is hard to wait, but I think that is very good advice.
So live in the gray area and hold both opportunities in your hand as loosely as you can, as long as you can, until you hear a clear “yes” from God for one or the other. If you do not hear a clear “yes” from God for either, then maybe He has a third option and you will need to say “no” to both.
Friday, September 3, 2010
"Questions from a Young Seminarian" #1
I am answering questions from a young seminarian.
YS: I have such a hard time with daydreaming and my mind not wandering. I have so many ideas and so many questions. I am often present with my wife and infant son and yet not present—my mind is elsewhere. How can one possibly keep their mind in the moment?
Mike: What you are describing is a common malady of people who are visionary and spend major parts of their day considering and synthesizing ideas. I have struggled with this myself. Dinner together is an important value for our family. Often when all four of us are around the table, my wife asks me, “where are you?”
I remember when I was in my late 20s, planting a church and raising toddlers. I can distinctly remember pushing my kids in a swing at a park, while my mind was figuring out what direction to move with a ministry item and even wishing I could be on the phone making that call (that was pre cell-phones ). Pretty sad, isn’t it? Part of it was then I was filled with so much idealism and the world felt like I was flying by—I wanted to make my mark before too much time had gone by. You are not alone.
But that is not something to simply accept. In July I was at a retreat where I read about the discipline of “mindfulness” or “being in the present” and especially while on a long hike on vacation after that, I was again impressed by this. During that 6 hour hike alone, I determined to keep my mind in the moment, on the trees and rocks and flowers along the trail. I failed often and after realizing that I was in my mind fixing some possible fall issue in ministry pulled myself back to the moment.
When I would hike/walk with my wife in my early 20s she impressed upon me how set I was on the destination of the hike, that I failed to appreciate the beauty along the way. I have gotten a little better at appreciating the beauty in the moment while walking or hiking but have a long way to go in staying in the moment.
I expect an issue of spiritual formation for you will be to do something to keep your mind in the present more often. What I have begun doing is at the beginning of each day, turning this matter over to God, admitting that I cannot by will power keep my mind in the moment and asking Him to keep my mind in the present more that day. So far I have a long way to improve. Possibly that practice will work for you, possibly some other action will help you exercise “mindfulness.”
You are twenty years ahead of me in considering this issue. Keep growing in it!
YS: I have such a hard time with daydreaming and my mind not wandering. I have so many ideas and so many questions. I am often present with my wife and infant son and yet not present—my mind is elsewhere. How can one possibly keep their mind in the moment?
Mike: What you are describing is a common malady of people who are visionary and spend major parts of their day considering and synthesizing ideas. I have struggled with this myself. Dinner together is an important value for our family. Often when all four of us are around the table, my wife asks me, “where are you?”
I remember when I was in my late 20s, planting a church and raising toddlers. I can distinctly remember pushing my kids in a swing at a park, while my mind was figuring out what direction to move with a ministry item and even wishing I could be on the phone making that call (that was pre cell-phones ). Pretty sad, isn’t it? Part of it was then I was filled with so much idealism and the world felt like I was flying by—I wanted to make my mark before too much time had gone by. You are not alone.
But that is not something to simply accept. In July I was at a retreat where I read about the discipline of “mindfulness” or “being in the present” and especially while on a long hike on vacation after that, I was again impressed by this. During that 6 hour hike alone, I determined to keep my mind in the moment, on the trees and rocks and flowers along the trail. I failed often and after realizing that I was in my mind fixing some possible fall issue in ministry pulled myself back to the moment.
When I would hike/walk with my wife in my early 20s she impressed upon me how set I was on the destination of the hike, that I failed to appreciate the beauty along the way. I have gotten a little better at appreciating the beauty in the moment while walking or hiking but have a long way to go in staying in the moment.
I expect an issue of spiritual formation for you will be to do something to keep your mind in the present more often. What I have begun doing is at the beginning of each day, turning this matter over to God, admitting that I cannot by will power keep my mind in the moment and asking Him to keep my mind in the present more that day. So far I have a long way to improve. Possibly that practice will work for you, possibly some other action will help you exercise “mindfulness.”
You are twenty years ahead of me in considering this issue. Keep growing in it!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
"Questions from a Young Seminarian"
A number of months ago I was introduced to a twenty-something student at Fuller Texas Seminary. He and I have been together for various reasons three times and have e-mailed some in-between. He is full of questions--especially questions about character and living for Christ in life and in ministry. He is inquisitive--really good at synthesizing ideas. He and his wife are also new parents. He says he is planning on registering for the class that I may be teaching at Fuller Texas next spring called "Leadership and Character."
I was with him this past Wednesday and he was peppering me with some more really good questions. They were the kind of quality questions I wish I had been asking when I was in seminary.
It made me remember what a time of growth and change my 20s were. During that decade I journeyed from being a college student, into marriage, through seminary, into fatherhood twice, into a year of associate pastoring and then three years of church planting before I reached thirty. It was a decade of huge change, huge growth and lots of lessons learned--some by listening and acting on the advice of others and others the hard way.
I enjoyed answering the questions of my young seminarian friend this past week. It got me to thinking that others may gain from his questions and my attempt to answer them. I believe I will periodically include here a question from this young seminarian and my answer. Lets see if it is of assistance to anyone else.
Peace and Hope,
Mike
I was with him this past Wednesday and he was peppering me with some more really good questions. They were the kind of quality questions I wish I had been asking when I was in seminary.
It made me remember what a time of growth and change my 20s were. During that decade I journeyed from being a college student, into marriage, through seminary, into fatherhood twice, into a year of associate pastoring and then three years of church planting before I reached thirty. It was a decade of huge change, huge growth and lots of lessons learned--some by listening and acting on the advice of others and others the hard way.
I enjoyed answering the questions of my young seminarian friend this past week. It got me to thinking that others may gain from his questions and my attempt to answer them. I believe I will periodically include here a question from this young seminarian and my answer. Lets see if it is of assistance to anyone else.
Peace and Hope,
Mike
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Mike's Summer Vacation
In a few weeks students across the country will be writing the traditional, "What I Did On My Summer Vacation" essay. Allow me to share one of my summer vacation experiences with you.
After several weeks of pushing hard to meet deadlines, my family's getaway to western Washington was much anticipated and appreciated. Besides enjoying the beauty of the mountains and ocean, I relish the opportunity to get away for some reflection time and re-connecting with God's creation. A six-hour solitary hike in Mt. Rainier National Park accomplished just that.
This hike took me through various terrains--a rocky glacial riverbed, old tree growth, young trees sprouting from decaying logs, and as I reached the higher elevations, a thinning tree line, and finally meadows rich with wildflowers, and even some small snowfields. The meadow, abundant with vividly-colored wildflowers, pollinated by buzzing bees, was my reward for an exhausting hike. Had I stayed in the lower elevations, I would not have experienced the beauty and satisfaction that awaited me in this mountain meadow.
Spiritual growth usually occurs in the same way. When we look back over a strenuous stretch of our journey, we realize that our faith is stronger now than it was before - that our priorities are, perhaps, a bit more aligned with our heavenly Father's. Were it not for his faithfulness on our 'hike,' we would likely give up in exhaustion and frustration. But God doesn't quit - and that's the kind of faithfulness I want to nurture in my life - a faithfulness that takes us through the arduous, energy-sapping stretches, that threaten our diligence. My slow, tedious hike brought me to the beautiful wildflower meadow. God's faithfulness takes us to a place of greater trust, greater Christlikeness.
To encourage and enable you in your journey, we are offering Fulfilling Faithfulness at a deeply discounted price of $4.95 while supplies last. This is a great way to dip your toes in the ASCENDING LEADERS stream of materials.
My 2000-foot hike took dogged determination for this out-of-shape, middle aged man with Gulf Coast-acclimated lungs. The AL team has been working with the same steady determination in recent months to make a number of improvements in our services. You can see the results at our new and improved website. We're excited about the new look, as well as the new features, including reviews of our materials. If you've used AL materials, we invite you to write a review. If you're considering using our materials, we trust you'll find these reviews helpful.
May you experience God's faithfulness and grow in your own faithfulness!
Mike
After several weeks of pushing hard to meet deadlines, my family's getaway to western Washington was much anticipated and appreciated. Besides enjoying the beauty of the mountains and ocean, I relish the opportunity to get away for some reflection time and re-connecting with God's creation. A six-hour solitary hike in Mt. Rainier National Park accomplished just that.
This hike took me through various terrains--a rocky glacial riverbed, old tree growth, young trees sprouting from decaying logs, and as I reached the higher elevations, a thinning tree line, and finally meadows rich with wildflowers, and even some small snowfields. The meadow, abundant with vividly-colored wildflowers, pollinated by buzzing bees, was my reward for an exhausting hike. Had I stayed in the lower elevations, I would not have experienced the beauty and satisfaction that awaited me in this mountain meadow.
Spiritual growth usually occurs in the same way. When we look back over a strenuous stretch of our journey, we realize that our faith is stronger now than it was before - that our priorities are, perhaps, a bit more aligned with our heavenly Father's. Were it not for his faithfulness on our 'hike,' we would likely give up in exhaustion and frustration. But God doesn't quit - and that's the kind of faithfulness I want to nurture in my life - a faithfulness that takes us through the arduous, energy-sapping stretches, that threaten our diligence. My slow, tedious hike brought me to the beautiful wildflower meadow. God's faithfulness takes us to a place of greater trust, greater Christlikeness.
To encourage and enable you in your journey, we are offering Fulfilling Faithfulness at a deeply discounted price of $4.95 while supplies last. This is a great way to dip your toes in the ASCENDING LEADERS stream of materials.
My 2000-foot hike took dogged determination for this out-of-shape, middle aged man with Gulf Coast-acclimated lungs. The AL team has been working with the same steady determination in recent months to make a number of improvements in our services. You can see the results at our new and improved website. We're excited about the new look, as well as the new features, including reviews of our materials. If you've used AL materials, we invite you to write a review. If you're considering using our materials, we trust you'll find these reviews helpful.
May you experience God's faithfulness and grow in your own faithfulness!
Mike
Friday, July 30, 2010
Misty Water Colored Memories
It’s been nearly a month since my husband and I helped his 90-year-old mother clean out her home, another step toward finalizing her move to an independent living facility. Now that we’re past the physical exhaustion and emotion of the week, I think I have a little bit better perspective.
Every transition is bittersweet. While my mother-in-law appears to enjoy the services and community of her new “home,” finalizing the move from the house that has been home for nearly 50 years is difficult. Making good decisions about how to dispose of a lifetime’s worth of goods often brought her to tears and us to exasperation. Having downsized ourselves in recent years, my husband and I were much more inclined to categorize dusty attic treasures as “stuff” to be relegated to the dumpster. For my mother-in-law, however, nearly every item was a memory. For one who could not remember where she placed her keys the night before, I was amazed at her ability to recall the occasion and/or the giver of every knick knack or memento.
A wise friend explained that as we age, the thing we fear most is losing our memory. What helps us remember? A trigger. Something tangible—a vase of dusty plastic flowers, a chipped mug, a hopelessly outdated piece of furniture, a brittle, fading newspaper clipping. Remove the trigger, the elderly person reasons, I just may lose the memory. When that’s gone, can the rest of my mind be far behind?
What is it about our minds that we struggle to forget those things we’d prefer not to remember, like the words I spoke to my mother-in-law in frustration—and to remember those things we don’t want to forget, like all those delightful, innocent comments from our children that we vowed to put in a book some day. I’m reminded that God’s “memory” is perfect. He forgets what we want him to forget – our sins. Not only is he merciful toward our faults and failures (Hebrews 8:12), he removes them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). They are gone forever – in the cosmic dumpster – never to return. Even better, He never forgets, but always remembers his covenant promises (Psalm 105:8). He remembers that I am His, bought with a price, destined for eternity together. He doesn’t need a cheap memento to trigger the memory.
Judy Hagey
Ascending Leaders team
Every transition is bittersweet. While my mother-in-law appears to enjoy the services and community of her new “home,” finalizing the move from the house that has been home for nearly 50 years is difficult. Making good decisions about how to dispose of a lifetime’s worth of goods often brought her to tears and us to exasperation. Having downsized ourselves in recent years, my husband and I were much more inclined to categorize dusty attic treasures as “stuff” to be relegated to the dumpster. For my mother-in-law, however, nearly every item was a memory. For one who could not remember where she placed her keys the night before, I was amazed at her ability to recall the occasion and/or the giver of every knick knack or memento.
A wise friend explained that as we age, the thing we fear most is losing our memory. What helps us remember? A trigger. Something tangible—a vase of dusty plastic flowers, a chipped mug, a hopelessly outdated piece of furniture, a brittle, fading newspaper clipping. Remove the trigger, the elderly person reasons, I just may lose the memory. When that’s gone, can the rest of my mind be far behind?
What is it about our minds that we struggle to forget those things we’d prefer not to remember, like the words I spoke to my mother-in-law in frustration—and to remember those things we don’t want to forget, like all those delightful, innocent comments from our children that we vowed to put in a book some day. I’m reminded that God’s “memory” is perfect. He forgets what we want him to forget – our sins. Not only is he merciful toward our faults and failures (Hebrews 8:12), he removes them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). They are gone forever – in the cosmic dumpster – never to return. Even better, He never forgets, but always remembers his covenant promises (Psalm 105:8). He remembers that I am His, bought with a price, destined for eternity together. He doesn’t need a cheap memento to trigger the memory.
Judy Hagey
Ascending Leaders team
Monday, July 26, 2010
Eating bread together
Yesterday, the Renovare Covenant Retreat ended in a worship service, including the Sacrament of partaking of the bread and juice. Rev. Chris Webb introduced the Sacrament by talking about food laws.
Every religion other than Christianity has food laws. Judaism does not allow eating of pork and other meats considered unclean. Hinduism is vegetarian. But God lifted any dietary regulations on the Christian community. Diet is not a wall to determine who is in and who is out with Christianity as it is with other religions.
However, various Christians have given the meal of our Lord titles and used that meal as a statement of who is in and who is out. Some of us call it the Lord's Supper, some call it communion, some call it "mass" and some call it the Holy Eucharist.
I remember 20 years ago our first six months in Sugar Land. We had not yet planted Community Life Church and were using the time to visit various churches in the community to gain some understanding of the Christian landscape in our community. One week I made an appointment and met the pastor of a small church plant. A couple weeks later we worshiped them. This church practiced "closed" communion. When it came time for the meal without explanation the elders stepped to row after row of chairs and at each gave the nod for families to go up for the meal. When they came to our row they walked past. My intellectual side knows that makes sense because "closed communion" dictates that I, not a member of their church or another church in their denomination, was not allowed. For my emotional side, it felt like a punch in the gut. I felt ostracized and left out in the cold with my wife and children. I was a fellow Christian. The pastor knew me as an evangelical Christian with a high view of Christ and Scripture, just like their congregation, yet I was out when it came to the meal of the Lord we shared as Savior and Christ.
Does God smile when he sees us make this meal as a statement of division between Christians? Something to think about.
Every religion other than Christianity has food laws. Judaism does not allow eating of pork and other meats considered unclean. Hinduism is vegetarian. But God lifted any dietary regulations on the Christian community. Diet is not a wall to determine who is in and who is out with Christianity as it is with other religions.
However, various Christians have given the meal of our Lord titles and used that meal as a statement of who is in and who is out. Some of us call it the Lord's Supper, some call it communion, some call it "mass" and some call it the Holy Eucharist.
I remember 20 years ago our first six months in Sugar Land. We had not yet planted Community Life Church and were using the time to visit various churches in the community to gain some understanding of the Christian landscape in our community. One week I made an appointment and met the pastor of a small church plant. A couple weeks later we worshiped them. This church practiced "closed" communion. When it came time for the meal without explanation the elders stepped to row after row of chairs and at each gave the nod for families to go up for the meal. When they came to our row they walked past. My intellectual side knows that makes sense because "closed communion" dictates that I, not a member of their church or another church in their denomination, was not allowed. For my emotional side, it felt like a punch in the gut. I felt ostracized and left out in the cold with my wife and children. I was a fellow Christian. The pastor knew me as an evangelical Christian with a high view of Christ and Scripture, just like their congregation, yet I was out when it came to the meal of the Lord we shared as Savior and Christ.
Does God smile when he sees us make this meal as a statement of division between Christians? Something to think about.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
New website
Our new website is up!! It is so much better than our old website. It has some really great features, a great look and is easy to navigate. We tried to make it as intuitive as possible for searching.
I hope you like it!
And make sure you notice the fall sale of Fulfilling Faithfulness books for $4.95 while supplies last!
Really changing along with you,
Mike
I hope you like it!
And make sure you notice the fall sale of Fulfilling Faithfulness books for $4.95 while supplies last!
Really changing along with you,
Mike
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