Musings of the SciFiPastor
Thoughts from my Visit to JSM
During my recent trip to Baton Rouge and Healing Place Church, I stopped by the headquarters of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. In the eighties, Jimmy Swaggart was the most popular televangelist on the airwaves, with ministry reaching literally around the world. Then, in early 1988, it came to light that he had utilized the services of a prostitute, and much of the ministry came crashing down.
Brother Swaggart was very influential in my journey to accepting Christ in 1986. For that, I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. On the flip side of that, I also made him an idol in my early Christian walk. The pedestal on which I had placed him quickly crumbled when the scandal hit, but fortunately my faith, though shaken in the fall, remained strong.
The truth is, as horrible as the spectacle became, I am thankful that my eyes were taken off of a man. I learned from the experience that even our Christian heroes can (and will) let us down, so our faith cannot be placed in them alone. Even Paul wrote “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1), implying that we should NOT imitate him when his actions do not reflect Christ’s character.
Our human heroes are just that: human.
That being the case, I wonder what it must be like for Brother Swaggart to drive up to his headquarters each day. Right across the highway from his administration building and church sits this sight:
This is a dorm building that was under construction in 1988 when the Swaggart scandal hit the fan. It has sat here uncompleted for over twenty years. TWENTY YEARS!
Moreover, in October 1987, more than three months before Swaggart’s sin became known, David Wilkerson stood in Brother Swaggart’s pulpit and prophesied that God was not pleased with the television ministry and that if things did not change, they would see birds fly in and out of this building and take roost.
As you can imagine, the students of Jimmy Swaggart Bible College all but labeled Wilkerson a heretic. They pulled his books from their shelves and denounced him.
Imagine how that prophecy echoed in their ears when Jimmy Swaggart stood in his pulpit on February 21, 1988 and confessed, “I have sinned.”
So, again, what would it be like to drive by this half-completed dorm building almost every day for twenty years and be reminded of your failure?
Here’s the kicker: What towers are you constructing in your own life?
What are you doing right now that could leave a lasting consequence? Even after you repent, God forgives you, and you move on with your life, you still may have to deal with the consequences of your decisions.
Some sins are easily forgiven, but not so easily forgotten.
I took more pictures of this half-finished tower than anything else on my trip. I want to remember what is at stake when I don’t imitate Christ.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Seduced Into Idolatry
Pete Wilson
I think most people get into ministry for the right reasons. We want to spread the Gospel. We want to help the church reach her full potential. We want to help people become the men and women God created them to be. Our motives are pure but over time we easily become seduced into playing games, which feed ego.
•Power
•Performance
•Praise
•Perfectionism
All of these become these mini god's, which promise us increased satisfaction and purpose but leave us feeling unsatisfied and empty.
The other night I was reading in Luke 14 and read (25) Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: (26) "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple.
We're all smart enough to know that Jesus is not saying that we literally need to "hate" our family. His main point in this passage is don't take something good and make it ultimate.
This is where I believe so many of our ministries get off course. Your greatest temptation as a leader in the church will probably not be to abandon the faith, embezzle money, or get involved with a scandal that's going to hit the front pages. Not that we don't have to guard against such things, but I don't think this is our biggest temptation.
Your greatest temptation is not to chase after what is ridiculously evil but what is deceptively good. This is where so many of us are seduced into idolatry.
John Ortberg recently wrote a fantastic article for Christianity Today where he ended with the following questions. He labeled the series of questions the "Idol Quotient Test."
-Where does my sense of security come from-from God or from how my church is doing?
-After a worship service, do I find myself grateful that God is God and feeling joyful that I get to live in his care? Or, if I'm honest, are my emotions dictated more by how many bodies were in the room?
-Do I spend more time thinking about God, or thinking about how to make my church/ministry do better?
-How do I feel when the prospect for more prizes in the church tournament-recognition, praise, reputation, applause-get taken away from me?
-Does my sense of identity flow more out of my relationship with God or out of my performance at church?
-How much do I sacrifice to know God better versus how much do I sacrifice for my church to work better?
As I read through these questions I started to break out in a cold sweat. Idolatry had never been clearer. I'm afraid I may tend to take good things and make them ultimate things.
Pete Wilson is the founding pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Cross Point is a 6 year-old church which reaches over 2,500 people each weekend through its 3 campuses located around the metro Nashville area.
Pete Wilson
I think most people get into ministry for the right reasons. We want to spread the Gospel. We want to help the church reach her full potential. We want to help people become the men and women God created them to be. Our motives are pure but over time we easily become seduced into playing games, which feed ego.
•Power
•Performance
•Praise
•Perfectionism
All of these become these mini god's, which promise us increased satisfaction and purpose but leave us feeling unsatisfied and empty.
The other night I was reading in Luke 14 and read (25) Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: (26) "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple.
We're all smart enough to know that Jesus is not saying that we literally need to "hate" our family. His main point in this passage is don't take something good and make it ultimate.
This is where I believe so many of our ministries get off course. Your greatest temptation as a leader in the church will probably not be to abandon the faith, embezzle money, or get involved with a scandal that's going to hit the front pages. Not that we don't have to guard against such things, but I don't think this is our biggest temptation.
Your greatest temptation is not to chase after what is ridiculously evil but what is deceptively good. This is where so many of us are seduced into idolatry.
John Ortberg recently wrote a fantastic article for Christianity Today where he ended with the following questions. He labeled the series of questions the "Idol Quotient Test."
-Where does my sense of security come from-from God or from how my church is doing?
-After a worship service, do I find myself grateful that God is God and feeling joyful that I get to live in his care? Or, if I'm honest, are my emotions dictated more by how many bodies were in the room?
-Do I spend more time thinking about God, or thinking about how to make my church/ministry do better?
-How do I feel when the prospect for more prizes in the church tournament-recognition, praise, reputation, applause-get taken away from me?
-Does my sense of identity flow more out of my relationship with God or out of my performance at church?
-How much do I sacrifice to know God better versus how much do I sacrifice for my church to work better?
As I read through these questions I started to break out in a cold sweat. Idolatry had never been clearer. I'm afraid I may tend to take good things and make them ultimate things.
Pete Wilson is the founding pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Cross Point is a 6 year-old church which reaches over 2,500 people each weekend through its 3 campuses located around the metro Nashville area.
best advice to pastors i've read! by pastor perry noble
best advice to pastors i've read! by pastor perry noble
It’s Hard To Lead When… April 20, 2010
#1 – You think you are better than the people you are leading. (No one loves an environment where they are constantly looked down upon and spoken down to!)
#2 – You think you are smarter than the people you are leading. (Reality is…you’re probably not. AND…if you are then your insecurity limited you to only bringing stupid people to serve around you…not wise!)
#3 – You think the people you are leading should take care of you…but you refuse to take care of them.
#4 – You don’t respect the people you are leading. (If there is someone in the room who causes you to roll your eyes everytime they speak…either they should not be there OR you need to do a serious gut check and make sure you aren’t intimidated.)
#5 – When you are threatened by the people you are leading. (There is NOTHING more dangerous than an insecure leader. Saul freaked out when they gave him credit for slaying thousands and David credit for slaying tens of thousands…and, well, it didn’t end well for Saul.)
#6 – When you run over those you are supposed to be lifting up.
#7 – When you believe the people around you should do what you say because of the POSITION you hold rather than the PERSON you are!
#8 – When you allow unresolved conflict to dominate everyone’s thoughts but you refuse to bring it out in the open for fear of the discomfort it may cause. (If you team can’t enter into uncomfortable conversations then your team will NEVER accomplish anything significant!)
#9 – You don’t love the people you are leading. (Jesus was an effective leader because He genuinely LOVED the men He led! AND…also because HE WAS JESUS! :-) )
#10 – You don’t listen to the people you are leading. (If you view your leadership team meeting as an opportunity for you to only teach rather than share your heart and learn from others…it’s probably a really boring meeting!)
It’s Hard To Lead When… April 20, 2010
#1 – You think you are better than the people you are leading. (No one loves an environment where they are constantly looked down upon and spoken down to!)
#2 – You think you are smarter than the people you are leading. (Reality is…you’re probably not. AND…if you are then your insecurity limited you to only bringing stupid people to serve around you…not wise!)
#3 – You think the people you are leading should take care of you…but you refuse to take care of them.
#4 – You don’t respect the people you are leading. (If there is someone in the room who causes you to roll your eyes everytime they speak…either they should not be there OR you need to do a serious gut check and make sure you aren’t intimidated.)
#5 – When you are threatened by the people you are leading. (There is NOTHING more dangerous than an insecure leader. Saul freaked out when they gave him credit for slaying thousands and David credit for slaying tens of thousands…and, well, it didn’t end well for Saul.)
#6 – When you run over those you are supposed to be lifting up.
#7 – When you believe the people around you should do what you say because of the POSITION you hold rather than the PERSON you are!
#8 – When you allow unresolved conflict to dominate everyone’s thoughts but you refuse to bring it out in the open for fear of the discomfort it may cause. (If you team can’t enter into uncomfortable conversations then your team will NEVER accomplish anything significant!)
#9 – You don’t love the people you are leading. (Jesus was an effective leader because He genuinely LOVED the men He led! AND…also because HE WAS JESUS! :-) )
#10 – You don’t listen to the people you are leading. (If you view your leadership team meeting as an opportunity for you to only teach rather than share your heart and learn from others…it’s probably a really boring meeting!)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Do our churches have sheperds or hirelings?
John 10:11-13 (The Message)
11-13"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him.
My first years in bible college our professor said 90% of pastors are good as gold the other 10% are bologna. That was 20 years ago, i think the number of selfish, fake pastors is on the rise. Sounds harsh i know but when the bad lawyers and politicians do stupid things its up the good ones to protect their profession by discliping the bad ones. Needless to say, no denomination catholic or protestant is willing to keep any accoutable much less disclipine or remove anyone from office. Most denominations are fraternities that keep the "good ole boy" network going and defends its own regardless of the health of the churches these pastors serve. So how do you tell if your organization or church is led by a hired gun and will run the first time there is a rough spot or he doesn't get his way.
1. Does the leader teach personal sacrifice for the sake of the flock or biz.? Does he model it? how? in time or money?
2. Is there a team, not "me" mentality? Is he a "general" barking orders?
3. Is there a kingdom mindset that promotes the kingdom over promoting a church or leaders name?
Job 7:2
As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
4. Is there a high turn over rate of staff members? All the good staff people seem to leave?
5. How does the leader show loyalty and honor to those he serves with and over?
6. Has the leader stuck thru some bad times? When he could have left for greener pastures or is it that he is constantly looking for greener pastures in other states and churches, but none can be found or at least none that will match his present salary?
7. Has the left other flocks "holding the bag?"
8. Has a number of sheep left the flock due to neglect or abuse? Is there signs of fleecing the flock for financial gain even outside the church in seperate dealings?
Beware of jealous/insecure leaders their envy drives them to draw
people to themselves and not to Jesus and His church! judahsmith
11-13"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him.
My first years in bible college our professor said 90% of pastors are good as gold the other 10% are bologna. That was 20 years ago, i think the number of selfish, fake pastors is on the rise. Sounds harsh i know but when the bad lawyers and politicians do stupid things its up the good ones to protect their profession by discliping the bad ones. Needless to say, no denomination catholic or protestant is willing to keep any accoutable much less disclipine or remove anyone from office. Most denominations are fraternities that keep the "good ole boy" network going and defends its own regardless of the health of the churches these pastors serve. So how do you tell if your organization or church is led by a hired gun and will run the first time there is a rough spot or he doesn't get his way.
1. Does the leader teach personal sacrifice for the sake of the flock or biz.? Does he model it? how? in time or money?
2. Is there a team, not "me" mentality? Is he a "general" barking orders?
3. Is there a kingdom mindset that promotes the kingdom over promoting a church or leaders name?
Job 7:2
As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
4. Is there a high turn over rate of staff members? All the good staff people seem to leave?
5. How does the leader show loyalty and honor to those he serves with and over?
6. Has the leader stuck thru some bad times? When he could have left for greener pastures or is it that he is constantly looking for greener pastures in other states and churches, but none can be found or at least none that will match his present salary?
7. Has the left other flocks "holding the bag?"
8. Has a number of sheep left the flock due to neglect or abuse? Is there signs of fleecing the flock for financial gain even outside the church in seperate dealings?
Beware of jealous/insecure leaders their envy drives them to draw
people to themselves and not to Jesus and His church! judahsmith
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
who has "a right" to gamble? oops bingo?
living in east alabama within half a hour from a well known casino and dog track, gambling is part of our culture. This year it has come to the fore front due to politics and the local economy. Being raised a christian I have probably heard through the years gambling was bad, but have never had a strong opinion for or against. I guess there are only two sins I've never been tempted with- kissin some hairy man nor throwin my money down the toilet. The Bible doesn't have alot to say on this topic but gives us the wisdom to decide what is right and best for our lives. I do think most politics and all gamblers are corrupt people and are looking for any way to steal from others.
But lets say, Alabama gives the clearance for bingo- casinos. Its not too late to save others from destroying their lives and the lives of thier families thru gambling. Heres what I would propose if I were in political office. It would help decide " who has the right to gamble."
I would suggest a "green card" type of system that would require all gamblers to show identification that they met several requirements.
1. they are employed
2. they are "debt free" house, credit cards ,cars etc.
3. they recieve no financial aide- food stamps, umemployment, disability, welfare.
and if they have within the last five years - it had been paid back in full.
4. All school loans had been paid back in full.
5. their parents nor children are on financial aide of any type.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
6. they give to charitable causes and are paid up on taxes.
if they go to church and call themselves christians they tithe.
7. they have proof of life insurance and health insurance.
But lets say, Alabama gives the clearance for bingo- casinos. Its not too late to save others from destroying their lives and the lives of thier families thru gambling. Heres what I would propose if I were in political office. It would help decide " who has the right to gamble."
I would suggest a "green card" type of system that would require all gamblers to show identification that they met several requirements.
1. they are employed
2. they are "debt free" house, credit cards ,cars etc.
3. they recieve no financial aide- food stamps, umemployment, disability, welfare.
and if they have within the last five years - it had been paid back in full.
4. All school loans had been paid back in full.
5. their parents nor children are on financial aide of any type.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
6. they give to charitable causes and are paid up on taxes.
if they go to church and call themselves christians they tithe.
7. they have proof of life insurance and health insurance.
pastor chris elrod from lakeland tells it straight
by Chris Elrod There is some stuff I just cannot comprehend. Try as I may to get it…it doesn’t make any logical or Scriptural sense. Here is a partial of things I do not understand.
Folks that show up to church only a few times a year but expect the pastor to drop everything to provide them with his undivided attention.
People that put nothing in the offering plate but still have the stones to expect that their opinions on the church should count.
Parents who ground their children from church or the youth group…the very things that could help them with their behavior, future and afterlife.
People that expect the pastor to tolerate their political views…but leave the church because of his.
The occasional volunteer that expects the church to throw a parade in their honor just because they finally did what the Bible commanded.
People that have basked in the grace of God…but fail to give grace to anyone else.
Pastors that leave one church for another…for better pay.
The need for church growth plans, programs, books, conference, seminars and resource kits…when we already have the Bible
Women that tolerate their husbands having multiple affairs…”for the sake of the kids”.
Pastors that would rather be political pundits or civil rights leaders…instead of just preaching the life-saving message of the Word of God.
People that have one spiritual standard for their pastor…and another for themselves.
Folks that think the word ‘disciple’ is a noun…and not a verb.
People that make comments about needing to go “deeper” in God’s Word…as if there is a Scripture in the Bible that isn’t deep.
Pastors that think accountability means never asking them the tough questions or taking the hard line when it comes to their failure to follow Scripture.
Men that think being the head of the household has something to do with the amount of money they are bringing in or the title they acquire at work.
Folks that show up to church only a few times a year but expect the pastor to drop everything to provide them with his undivided attention.
People that put nothing in the offering plate but still have the stones to expect that their opinions on the church should count.
Parents who ground their children from church or the youth group…the very things that could help them with their behavior, future and afterlife.
People that expect the pastor to tolerate their political views…but leave the church because of his.
The occasional volunteer that expects the church to throw a parade in their honor just because they finally did what the Bible commanded.
People that have basked in the grace of God…but fail to give grace to anyone else.
Pastors that leave one church for another…for better pay.
The need for church growth plans, programs, books, conference, seminars and resource kits…when we already have the Bible
Women that tolerate their husbands having multiple affairs…”for the sake of the kids”.
Pastors that would rather be political pundits or civil rights leaders…instead of just preaching the life-saving message of the Word of God.
People that have one spiritual standard for their pastor…and another for themselves.
Folks that think the word ‘disciple’ is a noun…and not a verb.
People that make comments about needing to go “deeper” in God’s Word…as if there is a Scripture in the Bible that isn’t deep.
Pastors that think accountability means never asking them the tough questions or taking the hard line when it comes to their failure to follow Scripture.
Men that think being the head of the household has something to do with the amount of money they are bringing in or the title they acquire at work.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Can bivopastors be the aswer for struggling churches in todays economy?
just heard that almost 70% of the churches in america are pastored by bivocational ministers. Makes you wonder why they are often the forgotten and overlooked step-children of the ministry world. Considering the present and future economy of the U.S., I strongly believe there will be a rise in the number of bivopastors serving in local churches. I have never seen any statics or suggestions in the area of salaries and what churces per size should really spend of staff. the bigger questions that many churches will face soon is who should hire full-time versus bivopastors and staff.
there will always be circumstances that effect ever decision that don't fit the norm. ( like buildings payed for, or one giver in a group of 20 that gives a huge amount that pads the numbers) Here is some common sense guidelines churches should consider.
these numbers are based on the actual number of adults only (no kids)per sunday average attendance
35-45 adults( yearly budget under $50K) --a bivopastor only, with volunteer staff
45-65 --( budget of @ $80-100k) a bivopastor with part- time paid staff - this is the biggest area of concentration of churches that are struggling financially and may be having to cut back staff. if pastors are full time in this range it is only because it is an older church with the buildings and land paid for.
65-100 (budget over $100-125k)-- have only met a few bivopastors with churches this size that are not full-time. Most pastors are only considering full time positions thus.
100-125 ( budget @ $150- 175K) full time pastor, part time secretary and music and youth worker.
125-150 ( budget over $175-200k)full time pastor, full time 2nd pastor all other positions part-time
over 150 adults (budget over $225k) several full time staff members
study shows saving on staff salaries promote church health
Warren Bird... Thanks to over 700 churches that responded to Leadership Network's “lean staff” survey in January, we have some helpful insights for everyone. We compared churches that spend only 10%-35% of their budget on staff (which we call “lean”) against churches that use higher percentages for their staffing costs...
Responses included churches of all sizes, from attendances of 50 to 20,000. Among the things we learned:
* Lean staff churches do a better job with volunteers and lay leadership development.
* Lean staff churches invest a noticeably higher percentage of their budget beyond the walls of their church.
* Growing churches spend a smaller percentage of their budget on staffing costs, so they’re “leaner” than plateaued or declining churches.
* Staff costs become leaner with size -- as overall weekend worship attendance increases, but not dramatically so.
there will always be circumstances that effect ever decision that don't fit the norm. ( like buildings payed for, or one giver in a group of 20 that gives a huge amount that pads the numbers) Here is some common sense guidelines churches should consider.
these numbers are based on the actual number of adults only (no kids)per sunday average attendance
35-45 adults( yearly budget under $50K) --a bivopastor only, with volunteer staff
45-65 --( budget of @ $80-100k) a bivopastor with part- time paid staff - this is the biggest area of concentration of churches that are struggling financially and may be having to cut back staff. if pastors are full time in this range it is only because it is an older church with the buildings and land paid for.
65-100 (budget over $100-125k)-- have only met a few bivopastors with churches this size that are not full-time. Most pastors are only considering full time positions thus.
100-125 ( budget @ $150- 175K) full time pastor, part time secretary and music and youth worker.
125-150 ( budget over $175-200k)full time pastor, full time 2nd pastor all other positions part-time
over 150 adults (budget over $225k) several full time staff members
study shows saving on staff salaries promote church health
Warren Bird... Thanks to over 700 churches that responded to Leadership Network's “lean staff” survey in January, we have some helpful insights for everyone. We compared churches that spend only 10%-35% of their budget on staff (which we call “lean”) against churches that use higher percentages for their staffing costs...
Responses included churches of all sizes, from attendances of 50 to 20,000. Among the things we learned:
* Lean staff churches do a better job with volunteers and lay leadership development.
* Lean staff churches invest a noticeably higher percentage of their budget beyond the walls of their church.
* Growing churches spend a smaller percentage of their budget on staffing costs, so they’re “leaner” than plateaued or declining churches.
* Staff costs become leaner with size -- as overall weekend worship attendance increases, but not dramatically so.
where is the worst place to eat in your area?
had the displeasure of going back to a place to eat today that i knew was less than pleasurable. How can anyone screw up a pizza buffet? i had given this place in my town 10 plus chances because i love pizza, my favorite. the problem has never been the pizza. Its part of a successful chain, pizza hut. As recent as 3 yrs. ago, it did decent biz with a great lunch crowd. But every time you would notice horrible service and other patrons getting disgusted by the lack of care of the employees.
Today they were serving the same food, same price, same building but it seems people have caught on. fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, shame on me. No one was there during the rush lunch hour.
I wonder if many unchurched felt the same as i when they tried to give church another try, this past easter sunday . No doubt some attended churches that were based of models of the 1950s and haven't changed a bit. they only seem less connected to reality more than ever. Often churches fail not because of a bad product, but by bad service or preperation. Whats the difference between a 5 star restaraunt and golden corral, not really taste- its preparation. its the effort put into the quality of the food and the atmosphere in which it is served. A caring, attentive staff who has pride in their work has alot to do with the quality of effort in which they serve. Knowing our product and the benefits to our guests, how much more pride should we put in caring for those who walk thru are doors. unchurched people are not put off with Jesus, they are just confused by the manner in which we do things in order to please ourselves and not our special guest. Most churches are friendly to each other, but not the guest who don't look like us, dress like us and talk like us.
Today they were serving the same food, same price, same building but it seems people have caught on. fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, shame on me. No one was there during the rush lunch hour.
I wonder if many unchurched felt the same as i when they tried to give church another try, this past easter sunday . No doubt some attended churches that were based of models of the 1950s and haven't changed a bit. they only seem less connected to reality more than ever. Often churches fail not because of a bad product, but by bad service or preperation. Whats the difference between a 5 star restaraunt and golden corral, not really taste- its preparation. its the effort put into the quality of the food and the atmosphere in which it is served. A caring, attentive staff who has pride in their work has alot to do with the quality of effort in which they serve. Knowing our product and the benefits to our guests, how much more pride should we put in caring for those who walk thru are doors. unchurched people are not put off with Jesus, they are just confused by the manner in which we do things in order to please ourselves and not our special guest. Most churches are friendly to each other, but not the guest who don't look like us, dress like us and talk like us.
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