When It Hits the Fan
Ever have one of those weeks where it seems that if it can go wrong it will? Well, welcome to my week. It’s like attending a cow pie skeet-shoot and everyone yells “pull” at the same time and you’re left without an umbrella (get the picture?). I’m talking about situations that range from the usual daily drama to the legitimately justified crisis all the way to the “you’ve got to be kidding me” ridiculous scenarios that can only be resolved by pharmaceutical intervention (and no, I don’t mean me).
I certainly don’t want to make light of legitimate situations that are truly unavoidable and unintentional, it’s just the things that are unnecessary and can be prevented that are most challenging. But these things do happen and believe it or not, they have a purpose.
A few weeks ago, I felt that God was telling me to get ready for some stormy days ahead. Not exactly what I typically like to hear. But I realized that He was telling me so that I could focus and not become distracted. As I was considering all of this, I was reminded of the potential benefits that storms can bring (I realize I’m changing metaphors but this is a little . . . ahem . . . less delicate to work around).
Sometimes storms leave behind damage and destruction along with heavy rain. In the midst and aftermath of a storm, you can feel disoriented, confused, and depending on the situation, a sense of loss. However have you also noticed how clean the air is afterwards and how months of filth and dirt that have accumulated have been washed away? You often see on the evening news how, in the midst of wreckage and debris, people begin to come together to provide relief and assistance. There is a sense of unity that begins to form between people who were once strangers. There is a common purpose that moves beyond people’s preferences and provides an opportunity for their character to be revealed. It is during the rescue and rebuilding that heroes are made or discovered. Challenging situations that seem insurmountable can give us some of our greatest stories of faithfulness, loyalty, provision and friendship. No one likes going through a storm and having to wait it out. But you have to remember, they don’t last forever. They can just seem like they do. Next time you see storm clouds on the horizon, just remember that they can also bring great opportunities with them.
And as for things hitting the fan, . . . well . . . I’ll just leave it at that.
A Prayer Too Christian
On Tuesday, after much controversy, Rick Warren gave his invocation for President Obama’s inauguration (for a transcipt of the prayer, click here). I thought he did an excellent job and delivered it with uncompromised conviction. (I thought the four different references to the name of Jesus was brilliant.) However, it seems that everyone wasn’t pleased. There were complaints that he used Jesus’ name and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. A professor of American religious history at Columbia University who claims to be a friend of Warren says “To lead the nation in saying the Lord’s Prayer, which is so particularly Christian was a mistake.” (click here for reference)
Huh?
You’ve got to be kidding.
I understand being sensitive and diplomatic in order to respect others from different cultures, religions, and points of view. I just find it interesting that all religious and socio-political expressions outside of a biblical worldview seem to come under a special protected class in our culture and find safe harbor in the name of diversity. But when a biblical world-view is presented, it is considered intolerant, prejudiced, and antiquated. It seems that when it comes to Christianity, everyone wants to use the mute button. This is a battle I’m afraid so many are all too familiar with.
So I wonder what would have been acceptable for this event. I know it’s a little campy, but maybe something like this would have been more palatable:
“Our existential one whom we acknowledge as a higher power,
Politically correct be your name,
Your rule at bay,
Our will be done,
On earth, as it is in our personal concept of heaven
Give us this day what we desire,
And forgive those who sin against us
By imposing the oppressive notion of sin
And lead us into opportunities for the gratification of our proclivities and passionate indulgences
For this is our kingdom, power, and glory. Amen.”
I think I may try this one out on Sunday morning. I’ll let you know how it goes.
What If Ted Had Told the Truth?
This is a commentary I wrote for Ministry Today, January 20, 2009.
Ted Haggard is using an upcoming HBO documentary to chastise the church for how it handled his sex-and-drugs scandal in 2006. Read one pastor’s take on why he may have a point.
Ted Haggard is at it again. The former pastor of a Colorado mega church who admitted to a sexual relationship with a male escort in 2006, is now sharing his story in a documentary called The Trials of Ted Haggard. On January 29, the film premieres on HBO and will re-examine the scandal that rocked the evangelical world. For many, this film will reopen old wounds and stir up feelings thought to be dead and buried.I question why Haggard chose this particular outlet to voice the pain and frustration of his private journey. While I can only imagine the suffering Haggard has endured over the past two years, I cannot excuse some of his choices. And now, once again, it seems the church will have to deal with another reminder of those choices. But maybe there are some things worth being reminded of.
In recent news reports, Ted Haggard chastised church leaders for missing an opportunity to use his scandal to “communicate the gospel worldwide.” Despite how we may feel about the circumstances surrounding Haggard, I believe we have the responsibility to ask: Is he right? Did we, the global Christian church, somehow miss an opportunity to respond to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction with the gospel of truth? While these are valid questions that demand our attention, I believe there is another question that addresses an issue just as important, if not far greater:
What if Ted had told the truth? (click here for the entire article)
Christian Network Helping Homosexuals Find Freedom Doubles in Size
Christian Network Helping Homosexuals Find Freedom Doubles in Size
Ministry Will Expand Efforts to Help Churches in 2009
Orlando, FL- Churches in denominations troubled over homosexuality such as the Anglican and Presbyterian churches are experiencing growing concern over the issue and have turned to Exodus International for help. As a result, the world’s largest Christian ministry to those seeking freedom from homosexuality has doubled in size.
For over 30 years, Exodus International has helped those affected by unwanted same-sex attraction to live a life congruent with the Christian faith. In the last six years, the organization has grown from 117 member agencies in 2003 to 234 by 2009. Half of those member agencies are churches that have recently joined the Exodus network and have committed to assist church members affected by homosexuality. The remainder of the network is comprised of professional counselors and local parachurch ministries.
Helping pastors and churches know how to address the topic of homosexuality with biblical truth and compassion is a primary goal for Exodus International. In 2008, the organization held six conferences across the nation that provided practical resources and information to hundreds of pastors.
In 2009, Exodus plans to improve upon this initiative by offering a variety of web-based resources and educational DVDs to churches across the country. In addition, a new book, written by Exodus President Alan Chambers, will help pastors and church members alike to understand practical steps towards leaving a gay-identified life and pursuing God-centered living. The book, published by Harvest House Publishers, is set to be released this summer.
“Though the world is getting spiritually darker, the future of the global Christian church has never been brighter,” said Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International. “We have a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate grace and bold love to a generation longing for real, life-giving truth. We are excited about the opportunities that 2009 holds to do just that.”
Exodus reaches more than 305,000 individuals with a message of hope and freedom through conference events and personal communication with those who call the organization for help each year.
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Founded in 1976, Exodus International is the largest Christian organization dealing with homosexual issues in the world today. With over 200 affiliates in its network, Exodus is a dynamic outreach ministry dedicated to sharing the hope of freedom through the power of Jesus Christ.
Christian Network Helping Homosexuals Find Freedom Doubles in Size
Michael Guglielmucci – “Healer”
I been away for a couple of days so I just found out about Michael Guglielmucci’s deception surrounding his terminal illness. This, to me, is a devastating situation. This not only affects Micheal, his family, his church, but also the entire Body of Christ at large. While Ted Haggard’s fall significantly impacted Christians around the world, there is something about this that cuts deeper. His actions were incredibly intentional, planned, methodically deceptive, and predatory. Having lost a brother and a father to terminal cancer, I can sympathize with the thousands of people who found hope in Michael’s circumstances and now feel incredibly betrayed. I must confess, I am angry. Not in a way that wishes vengeance or is void of compassion for Michael and his family. Rather, it is a righteous anger that is appropriate for this degree of violation. Forgiveness is given. However, the Body of Christ must handle this with integrity and consistency. I’m encouraged by what I’ve read so far regarding how his church is holding him accountable for his actions and exercising compassionate discipline. Read more