recommended reading for 2009

It never fails.  These last days that lead into a new year seem to give us more opportunity to look back into the past than is really needed.  We remember the best and worst of 2008 with our news stories, movies, TV moments, and music.  Most of it really isn’t worth taking the time to remember…

Yesterday I mentioned to a friend that one of my goals for 2009 was to get back to reading from books.  I read a lot in 2008, but for some reason I seemed to drift over to spending more time reading from blogs and online news sources, than I did books.  While I still learned plenty, discovered some brilliant minds in the blogosphere, and spent just as much time reading as I normally do…they weren’t the same as holding the pages of a book in my hands.

Today, I thought I’d do the un-original thing and offer my recommendations for some great books for 2009.  They all  have a spiritual bent to them, some being more directed to those of us who are pastors and Christian leaders.  But each of them are worth giving some time to as I found great truths and wisdom in each of these books.

The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative by Christopher Wright.  This might seem like a really boring and academic title, but don’t let it keep you from at least looking through this insightful, creative and wise book.  I didn’t agree with all of Wright conclusions about the Scriptures, but he made me think more than any other writer has in a few years.

The Celtic Way of Evangelism by William Hunter.  This is a simple little book which explores the story of St. Patrick and how he went against the old ways of the Catholic church to reach the people of Ireland.  Anyone who has a heart for serving their community in ways that center on relationship and collaboration should read this inspiring story.  I think I’ve read this 3 times now, it’s that good of a book!

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.  A classic writing on the spiritual disciplines!  This is a book for everyone who wants to have a deeper, more sacred faith in God.  Great to have and just read pieces of it throughout the year.

Everything Must Change by Brian McLaren.  An important book for anyone who thinks critically of the church and its role in war, justice, the economy, climate change, and social equality.  This book, like many of McLaren’s books will make some feel uncomfortable, while making others feel like “finally there is someone willing to tackle some important and controverial issues”.

Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri Nouwen.  A short book, but packed with incredible wisdom!  It takes the reader along the stories of how Jesus was tempted in the desert and relates it to the temptations every pastor and leader faces today. 

So that’s it.  There were other books read, but these were by far the most influential this year.  If you’ve ever read, or are currently reading one of these, give me your feedback on them.  What did you like, or not like about it?

What book would you recommend to me to read in 2009?  I’d love to hear your thoughts…

Love and Peace.

transformers for some…corn for others

I realized that most won’t like this post; much less even want to look at this picture.  Why?  Because it’s Christmas.  For many people, this is a very happy and festive time with our family and friends.  It’s not a time to talk about an evil man like Robert Mugabe and his oppression over the people of Zimbabwe…

I saw this picture on the cover of the NY Times a few days ago and the image has been in my head ever since.  It doesn’t strip my joy of Christmas, because for me this isn’t about parties, trees or presents.  It’s about God bringing Himself to humanity as one who would rescue us, and then release us into His mission.  But, when I see my boys and know how fortunate they are to live in a free country and experience an “American” Christmas…it’s difficult to put into words how the tragedy of Zimbabwe affects me.  I pray for them…

People occasionally ask me why I share so many global stories.  The reason is simple: Awareness.  The more people who are aware of what is happening in our world, the better chance we have of being the change we want for it.  I have no idea how to be the change in Zimbabwe and to be honest don’t feel called to that.  I’m certain that the work we’ve begun in Swaziland, Africa is where I should be at this stage of my life.  But maybe…just maybe, someone will come across one of these stories and begin to think about how they can give their life to bringing justice.

Again…I know it’s not exactly what anyone wants to think about on Christmas.  But if we look closely at the story of Jesus, we might see that it was about much more than what our malls, TV commercials, and church pageants want us to believe it’s about.

Love and Peace.

locked out on my first day…

In recent weeks I’ve posted a couple thoughts on change.  I know it’s been said that “change is our friend”, but whenever you’re in the midst of deep change that not only affects you, but your wife and children…it’s never easy to just be friends.

This major change that we’ve been faced with lately has been the opportunity to be the new Lead Pastor of our church.  I have been serving as the community/culture pastor at Redwood Hills Church for a couple years now after pastoring in Tacoma, Wa. for 8 years.  This was an open door I honestly never planned for my ministry career, but when it came to me…I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.  I absolutely love what our faith community values and believe God has placed us here as part of His plan for our lives. 

I’m a fortunate man, humbled by this challenging opportunity!  Thankfully Redwood Hills doesn’t expect their pastor to be “everything to everybody”!  Big reason why we choose to journey with them…

Long story short…last Sunday following our worship gathering we held a special business meeting for the purpose of ratifying the Trustees recommendation for me as pastor.  It was a unanimous vote and I now have a new position in leadership.  To be honest…I’m both thrilled and scared!

This Sunday was supposed to be my first Sunday on the job, but because we’ve had this record snow storm here in the Seattle area…our gathering was cancelled.

You see…we meet in a local elementary school where the school district announced that due to the storm, there could be no use of their buildings over the weekend.  I hated making that announcement to the church! 

I drove early to the school errr..church, to meet anyone who may not have received our multiple announcements (Enews, Text, Website, Facebook) and let them know of our decision.  While waiting outside the building I couldn’t help but laugh as I stood outside locked doors, looking into what should have been our worship space. 

I couldn’t beleive it…my first day on the job as pastor, and I was locked out of my own church!  Hopefully God wasn’t trying to tell me something…:)

Love and Peace.

you thought our congress was bad…

Apparently the US and South Korea are tangled up in a huge mess as both sides try and make some trade deals.  The South Korean Parliament is divided with those who oppose the deal being locked out of the meetings.  The NY Times ran these crazy pictures today which show us just how intense other governments can be.

Here’s a picture of people locked out as they desperatley try and break through the barriers…

Here’s what happened to those same guys once they broke through…

Note to self: When wanting to enter a South Korean meeting…knock first!

I can just picture this in Washington DC as little Nancy Pelosi fends of the conservatives with brass knuckles and nunchucks!  Now that would be news worth watching!!!

Love and Peace.

Longing for Mary’s Song during Christmas

The Christmas season is always one of my favorite times of the year as a pastor.  I love to teach through Advent and grow in my understanding of God’s story in bringing us His son Jesus.  I love the history, the mysterious prophecies, and the way God chose to use the most humble and marginalized people to bring about His plan.

I prefer the Gospel of Luke in my Christmas studies and this year has been no different, as I’ve been amazed at all the new insight gained through my time of study.  There are so many layers to the story and it reminds me each time I read through it, how God is always working behind the scenes of our lives.  Whether we want Him to or not…

One of the more popular pieces of Scripture is found in Luke chapter 1.  It’s widely known as Mary’s Song…a response / prayer from Mary’s soul as the magnitude of all that is happening to her, and the world, begins to sink in.

Here it is…

And Mary said:
   ”My soul glorifies the Lord 
    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 
  for he has been mindful
      of the humble state of his servant.
   From now on all generations will call me blessed, 
    for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
      holy is his name. 
 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
      from generation to generation. 
 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
      he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 
 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
      but has lifted up the humble. 
 He has filled the hungry with good things
      but has sent the rich away empty. 
 He has helped his servant Israel, 
      remembering to be merciful 
 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
      even as he said to our fathers.”

It really is a beautiful song…full of humility and wonder.  But as I’ve pondered on it this week, I can’t help but long for our world to hear Mary’s song anew. 

Read these words again…He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. 

This is facsinating Exodus language which we find throughout the Old Testament.  Mary is recognizing that once again, God has “heard the cries of My people”…and brought justice, rescue and hope.

I have to be honest…it’s been difficult for me to read this and not wonder why God isn’t doing more to rescue the millions in our world today who are starving, oppressed, and forced to live in such horrid conditions.  When will the Congo recieve justice?  When will Mugabe, the evil leader of Zimbabwe be brought down from his throne of terror?  How long will those who rule with greed be allowed to have so much while their people live with so little?

I believe that Jesus came to save the world and that we will always have our hope in Him.  I also believe the church can do more to creatively be the change we all desire to see in the world.  But then there are those times when I sit back and ask God why He won’t intervene and bring rescue.  Why is He waiting?    Who is He preparing that we don’t yet know about?  Our world needs a renewed hope that He is hearing their cries! 

I’ll continue to read her song this Christmas season…trying to trust God for justice, food, water, healing, and hope.  While praying for wisdom as I seek to bring hope in whatever way I can. 

Love and Peace.

When does faithfulness move into familiarity?

Yesterday I posted about going to the memorial service of a friend who died suddenly from bacterial meningitis.  David Gray was a good man and after the service, it was obvious to me that he made a much bigger impact on this world than I imagined.

One thing I didn’t share in the previous post is that the church I was going to attend the service at happened to be my former church which I spent most of my life, and 8 years of being a pastor.  It’s about an hour’s drive from where I pastor today.  I enjoy going back to see old friends, but I don’t miss working there one bit.  It’s a great church…just not for me. (read here for more thoughts on that)

As I walked into the chapel where the service was being held, and sat down I couldn’t help but notice one thing.  The majority of the people in the crowd and ALL the people involved in the service have been around this church for 20 years or more! 

Before I go any further, let me explain briefly why I resigned from the church I grew up in and pastored in for several years.  Besides some major philosophical reasons…I was way too comfortable there!  It was pretty much all I knew in church and for me to be faithful to God as a pastor, I needed to move into something much more challenging. 

So sitting in this beuatiful chapel, listening to people honor the life of a good man, I wondered to myself…when does faithfulness to church cross the line to a culture of familiarity?  Notice I didn’t ask IF it happens…because it does and it happened to me.  The question is WHEN? 

These people whom I talked with, listened to and watched are all good people who have given so much for ministry of this church…but when a church has an admin / pastoral staff  with over a dozen people who have worked there for over 20 years…I wonder if it’s more about a place of comfort and familiarity than it is faithfulness to what God is calling them to.  I hope that doesn’t seem judgmental or critical…I’m not assuming this about them, I just wonder.

The same question can be asked of people and families who have been attending  a particular church for some time.  We are called as people who are becoming the church to live faithfully to God in every way possible.  But if any aspect of that is being done without thoughtfulness, or even a sense of tension…I think we have to ask ourselves “why?”. 

This is one of those posts where I’m literally writing without having given a ton of thought to this, so if it’s seems dis-jointed or even rediculous…I’m sorry.  But the more I think about this, the more I believe it’s a valid question for pastors and church leaders.

Is your commitment to your church about being faithful to what God has called you to, or is it a culture of familiarity that you’ve become a part of?  Trust me…it’s not an easy question to ask, and even tougher to deal with if the answer means making some difficult decisions.  Looking back now almost three years, I can say that for us, it’s been worth all the sacrifice and hardship! 

Love and Peace.

Remembering a friend today

Today I will be going to a memorial service for a friend who died suddenly last week from bacterial meningitis.  He didn’t know he had it!  His name is David and we were never close…but he made an impact on my life.

David had a rough life as he never found a wife, had kids, or even a high school diploma.  He was poor, a bit of a loner and just wasn’t what our society would deem successful.  But one thing David was, more than anyone I’ve ever been around…he was a joyful man. 

Joy…what does that mean for us?  Why don’t we see more of it in people’s lives today?  What is the source of all joy?

I’m grateful I can go to his service today.  Memorials have a way of bringing closure, along with forcing me to once again examine my life and what I want my legacy to be.  Often times, I realize what I want it to be and what it’s becoming don’t match the way I would like.

So today, I grieve for a life that ended way to early, and I hope to cultivate more joy in my life.  Not an easy day…

Love and Peace.

Lame duck…lame fist-bump!

Fist-bumps just went down a notch in my book…

There are some things I love about our President, but being “cool” has never been one of them!  That’s the worst fist-bump I’ve ever seen!  C’mon man…put some energy in it!!!!

Love and Peace.

Why Stories Matter…

The other day while having lunch with my friend Parker, we got to sharing some stories of people we know who have had some incredible life-change.  It was one of the moments where we were both reminded of how powerful and important it is to engage into others’ stories…because stories shape our lives and remind us that each of us a part of something much bigger than ourselves!

One of my more recent friends is Jeff Greer.  Jeff is an amazing song-writer and singer, who has a passion for those in our world caught in the injustice of slavery, and for the local homeless here in Seattle.  Specifically, the Nickelsville community in the UW district.  A community of homeless people who have been treated unfairly by the city and Mayor Nickels. 

Jeff has been spending his Monday nights with these people singing, listening, and learning.  Recently, Jeff shared this video on Facebook.  It’s a story…one that matters.

Jeff is a good man, whom I believe God is using more than he realizes.  People like Beau are seeing Jesus through guys like Jeff who have slowed down just enough to give his Monday’s to be with the homeless, and now they are the ones I’m sure who are encouraging, teaching and giving hope to Jeff! 

Funny how that always seems to happen…makes me wonder why I don’t serve more!

Love and Peace.

Failing to prepare…failing to save life

We have all heard by now about the tragic events at a Long Island Wal-Mart where a crowd gathered outside waiting for the doors to open on Black Friday.  A store employee died from being trampled to death.

Please take a moment to let that image sink in your head…being trampled to the point of suffocation.

I’ve had plenty to say about Black Friday here on my blog over the last couple years.  I’m done talking about our incessant desire to consume stuff!  Consumerism is very important to our economy, and that is not what kills store employees.  It’s our crazed society that has been convinced we must have all these TV’s, ipods, talking Elmo’s, clothes, and game consoles.  These things are fun and good, but none of us are entitled to any of it!

I’m sure Wal-Mart will once again go through some turmoil over what happened last week, but I don’t think much will change for this retail mogul.  I like what my friend Isaac said yesterday on his Facebook update…”thinks Wal-Mart will get away with it…shameful.”  Isaac’s probably right…

Yesterday, Wal-Mart claimed that safety is their top priority.  The following picture (from No Caption Needed) makes me believe otherwise.

Wal-Mart anticipated a crowd would gather outside in the late night hours.  Their response?  One extra security guard and a sign on the wall pointing people to where they prefer the chaos to form.  Crazy… 

It’s really too bad this all had to happen and I hope that through stories like these, we as a nation will begin to see our gluttony and the hurt it sometimes causes.

Love and Peace.