Articles

(2/8/11) A recent issue of Mission Frontiers (Jan.-Feb. 2011), published by the U. S. Center For World Mission, was dedicated to the theme of discipleship and why it is not working in the USA. Several of the featured articles offer a critique of our predominant "church systems" and their lack of success at developing disciples who can disciple others. Are they failing? See what you think. You can read any article at the following link - http://www.missionfrontiers.org/issue/archive/discipleship-revolution. In case you're interested, you can listen to a podcast I did about this dated February 7, 2011. There I talk about some practical things to think about when considering discipling others.

(1/4/2011) Here's an interesting article about a group that has elected to meet outside the box of organized religion in homes. You can also glean some pratical examples regarding how they are learning to love and encourage one another in their God journey. Click on this link to read about "Home church: Fellowship in the living room"...
- http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/12/08/home-church/

(12/27/10) The George Barna Group offers some interesting insight into how the religious landscape is continuing to morphe into something new in the following article - "Six Megathemes Emerge From Barna Group Research in 2010". Good reading! You can access the article by simply clicking on this address - http://www.barna.org/culture-articles/462-six-megathemes-emerge-from-2010

(1/21/10) Georga Barna recently published his "Year-in-Review Perspective". This article summarizes four themes that surfaced from all of the research his firm conducted regarding religion in 2009. It seems to reflect upon the effectiveness of, and disenchantment with, the discipling methods currently practiced in the body of Christ. Click here to read or copy it - http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/325

(1/21/10) Newsweek published a brief article in December 2009 that continues the discovery of shifting patterns in America's spirituality. This is their lead sentence for their article "House of Worship, Finding Spirituality At Home" - "Seven percent of Americans say they attend religious services in someone's home." The shaking and shifting continues unabated within God's family. I am not enamored with "house churches" but with the evolution of the spiritual landscape away from organization and institutional expressions to more family and organic expressions. I don't think this shift is a fleeting phenomenon - but rather it is continuing to gain momentum. Click here to read or copy the article - http://www.newsweek.com/id/228722

Here is what the relational journey with Christ can be like. Check out this article by Wayne Jacobson - Friends and Friends of Friends: Living in the Relational Church - Part 11. "Participating in the Life of the Church has less to do with rituals and doctrine as it does relationship. Here's a way to define the church that transcends all the organizations in which people try to contain it." Click here to read or copy it - http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=55

Below are some other very informative articles written by Wayne Jacobson that provide a great deal of insight regarding the relational journey. Click on the web address to go to the article. (Added 10/19/09)

• Living In The Relational Church - Part 1- What would happen among believers who really saw the church in the same way God sees her? http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=21


• Living In The Relational Church - Part 2 - A continuation of our look at the church as God views her and how we can truly participate in its life. http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=22


• The Spirit of Family: Living In The Relational Church - Part 3 - Why we don't experience more family life with other believers and what we can do about it. http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=28


• Why I Don't Go To Church Anymore: Living In The Relational Church - Part 6 - Questions and answers about the nature of the church in our day and how it is that we can relate it with life and vitality. http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=32


• Why House Church Isn't The Answer: Living In The Relational Church - Part 7 - Those who look to House Church as a panacea for what ails the church may be sorely disappointed when they get there. What do we really have to fix for church life to be productive and powerful? http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=35


• We Already Have A Shepherd! Leadership In The Relational Church - Part 8 - How did Jesus intend leadership to function in his incredible family. http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=39


• Shared Dependence: Living In The Relational Church - Part 9 - Unless our dependency is squarely on Jesus and not on each other, we'll never know the beauty of church life. http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=40


• The Church That Jesus Builds: Living In The Relational Church - Part 10 - Unless Jesus is our focus and passion we'll never discover what life can be like between believers who are sharing that passion together. Here are ways you can connect with the church Jesus is building around the world. http://www.lifestream.org/bodylife.php?blid=46

This February 2008 article from The Barna Group - "Americans Embrace Various Alternatives to a Conventional Church Experience as Being Fully Biblical" - provides some insight into the major shifts taking place in people's spirituality. http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/19-organic-church/47-americans-embrace-various-alternatives-to-a-conventional-church-experience-as-being-fully-biblical

Newsweek published an interesting article in March 2009 entitled - "A Christian By Any Other Name". It provides some insight into the reasons many believers are abandoning the identity statement "Christian" and embracing the description "a follower of Jesus" instead. Here is the link to the article - http://www.newsweek.com/id/188198

Local & Regional Events

Nov. 10, 2010
I do not know of any at this time.

My Itenerary

Staying home for now. I am available to meet with those interested in knowing more about the relational journey. You can get in touch with me via email. Simply click on the "Connect" tab above.

Audio Messages

The following information is taken directly from Wayne Jacobson's site, Life Stream, and introduces his seminar entitled "Transition". "How does one move from the bondage of religious thinking into the freedom of relational living in God's life? Through the teaching of Scripture and examples from his own life, Wayne describes this journey and explains how you embark on this journey as well. This is the most important teaching that Wayne does as it focuses on the power of the cross and how we live changed lives in him. We feel this teaching is so important that we are providing all eight and a half hours of this seminar in mp3 files as a gift to hungry hearts." Click on http://www.lifestream.org/transition.php. You really need to listen to this.

The House2House website has provided a free download of “Thom Black, with The Barna Group, speaking about the "revolutionary" change that is occurring in the Church - what they are seeing, where they think it's going. Recorded at the 2005 National House Church Conference in Denver." mp3. Click on -
http://www.house2house.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic%2520FTContentServer?pagename=FaithHighway/10000/7000/767HO/downloads. Scroll down until you find the free download.

The Journey

I’m not a writer. In fact, I hate writing. Always have and always will. But I feel compelled to add my thoughts to the growing conversation about the shaking and the change the church in North America is experiencing. My wife and I are among the growing number of followers of Christ who have been affected by both the shaking and the change. Where we are today in our spiritual journey is not where I expected us to be just a few years ago. In fact, I can’t even say the journey was my idea at all.

The journey? What is it? It's a simple phrase to describe life as a follower of Christ. Growth in Christ is a journey, a process, not an event. There really is no arrival place. It's literally a journey - from glory to glory.

Our journey began with a desire to build the kind of church God has always longed for – the model in my mind was one very much like the one that currently exists – only different in some minor ways (I won't go into detail about that here). Admittedly, I had no idea what that church looked like or how it would evolve. We had served God and His people in a variety of capacities for over 30 years. After concluding an almost seven year senior pastorate in a rather large charismatic church, my wife and I simply launched out on a journey of discovery, unsure of where it would lead or what it would involve. In our hearts we knew that we could no longer be content with the church, as we knew and experienced it.

That was over 9 years ago and we’ve changed a lot and learned a lot, and I would say we are closer to what we believe God desires "church" to be. It doesn’t look very much like the church we knew, which was built primarily around structure, organization, control, gifting, and an individual’s personality (i.e. a pastor). It’s simpler, less stressful, and a whole lot more fun.

How did we get so far off target? I think we drifted off target when we began to define “church” by the kinds of things we did. Things such as where and when we met, deciding that what we believed about the Bible and God others should believe too, deciding what should be defined as an acceptable “style of worship” and so forth. We got off target when we tried to figure out how to get God’s people deeply indoctrinated and fully imbedded into the organizational life of this thing we defined and labeled as “church.” Although we wouldn’t admit it and would argue profusely with anyone who would suggest it, commitment to God was measured by one’s commitment to the life of the organization – i.e., tithing, attending, serving, joining, etc. Of course all the planning, dedication, sacrifice and expenditure of huge sums of money were intended to help people become better followers of God.

But there is only one problem with all the time, talent and treasure dedicated to make "church" work - it doesn’t work very well. I hate to say it but the majority of churched people aren’t becoming better followers of God. How many people have you bumped into actually look and sound like Jesus? Isn’t that the goal of our efforts? Aren’t we supposed to be helping people become like Jesus? Where are these people? It’s been reported that the divorce rate among Christians is higher than the divorce rate among atheists. Josh McDowell states that 63% of our teenagers leave church when they leave home - never to return to church. Robert Lewis and Rob Wilkins write in their book The Church Of Irresistible Influence that "even though some 500 billion dollars has been spent on church growth materials and seminars during the last 15 years, the percentage of evangelicals in this country is actually smaller now than before." A 2007 Newsweek article stated that "82% of Americans claim to be Christian", yet we still allow abortion on demand and openly practicing homosexuals and lesbians are allowed to serve in leadership positions within various Christian denominations. And just recently the presiding bishop of a leading evangelical denomination said the belief that "we can be saved as individuals" is a "heresy". As Apollo 13 captain Jim Lovell said, “Houston, we have a problem!”

We have a problem! We’ve been duped! Jesus stated something so simply that we've missed it. In John 13:34-35 He said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Read the four gospels. Is there any explicit teaching from Jesus that would in any way describe the focus and method of doing church that is currently practiced in North America? I can’t find anything Jesus said remotely hinting to what we see being practiced in today’s church. Jesus spoke about a way of relating, not a way of meeting. Jesus summarized the entire Old Testament law in what we know as the two Great Commandments. These were to be the two essential identifying characteristics of God's people. You know them I’m sure, but I’ll include them just in case. Matthew 22:36-40, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." The Old Testament law as summarized by Jesus was primarily centered upon “relationship”. Relationship to God and relationship to one another – everything is summed up in those two relationships. Jesus built His style of church upon these two relationships. Therefore, the Christian life is not measured by one’s faithfulness to an organization, but fidelity to the relationships indicated by Jesus. They are not the same!

The questions I had to ask myself over and over on this journey were these: Can I have an intimate relationship with God without being a part of an organization? Do I have to “join” a church organization as it is currently known and practiced, and learn to worship Jesus the way they worship Jesus, in order to have a bonafide relationship with God? We’ve been duped into thinking we do. What is the first thing we do with a new convert? We take her or him to the building (i.e., church) where we meet so he or she can learn to do church the way we do it. Immediately we get them signed up for “membership classes” so they can “join the church” and “validate” their relationship with God. In our quest to build our organizations we’ve failed to fully comprehend that you can’t "join the church" – you have to be born into it (Jn. 3:3-8). That’s what Jesus said! Yes, you can join an organization but don’t confuse that organization with the church God is building. Every born again believer is an automatic member of His Church (Eph. 5:29-30) – even without attending six weeks of membership classes.

As I've progressed in my journey I've discovered that my whole concept of “church” had to be rethought and biblically grounded. That was hard. Bible College and Seminary had trained me very well in how to "build" and lead a church. It was no different than any other human organization. You plan, organize, govern, lead, and manage it like a secular corporation. However, I was always troubled by the primary importance given to the organization as opposed to the individual needs of the people who belonged to it, or the people it was supposed to reach. It deeply troubled me that the needs of people became secondary to the needs and survival of the organization – all in the name of building the church. It’s a myth to believe we can build the church anyway. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” I wonder how much of what man has built is really Jesus’ church?

As I journey along I'm seeing more clearly that in order to understand church correctly you have to see and understand Jesus Christ correctly. They are related. Jesus came from heaven not only to redeem man from his sin but also to show man how sons and daughters of God are to live as His children. He is the only model for our life. He is the pattern Son for all sons and daughters to follow. How He lived His life is how we are to live our life. How He related to His Father is how we are to relate to our Father. How He related to those around Him is the way we are to relate to those around us. The example He set is the example we are to follow. That’s as clear as I know how to say it. What Jesus did is what we are to do. No more, no less!

So if you want to learn what is critical to your faith journey, you need to study the life of Jesus Christ. Start by reading John’s Gospel. It is full of instruction. As you read, please notice what the text does not say. You will not find any reference to this thing we have made church being a viable part of Jesus’ life on earth. Jesus’ focus was on a particular kind of relationship – a relationship to the Father and a relationship to those around Him characterized by love. That was Jesus’ style of church. Not attendance at meetings, attending seminars, building huge buildings, growing memberships, going on TV or radio, and so forth. The contemporary church has taken the focus off of living like Jesus - though I’m sure it wouldn’t admit it. The real pressure is applied to maintain a faithful connection to the organization called church while the leadership, for the most part, overlooks how the people are actually living their lives. How else can we explain the pitiful state of the church in the USA?

I’ve discovered that in order to build the church God longs for the focus has to be on relationships. That’s the pattern established by Jesus. Not just any kind of relationships but Christ-centered relationships anchored in God’s love. In John 17, just before His arrest, we are given a snapshot of the uppermost thing on the heart of Jesus. There He prayed for the relational unity of His body – the Church. How are we doing? Our best estimates suggest there are between 20-30,000 denominations currently in existence worldwide. Apparently none of the leaders of those denominations have read 1 Corinthians 1:13 – “Is Christ divided?” Division results when we make anything or anyone but Christ the true center of our lives. I’m convinced the Church God is building is being built upon Christ-centered relationships that are nurtured and sustained by His love, and that church looks and functions much differently than the one presently dominating our spiritual landscape.

I’m happy to say I’m a part of that growing church which is being built upon expanding Christ-centered relationships. I know I don't have all the answers but I’m learning better each day how to live loved by my Heavenly Father and how to share that love with my "neighbors", free of the religious requirements and expectations imposed by organizational and institutional Christianity. I’ve discovered I don’t have to be part of a religious organization in order to have an intimate and growing relationship with my Father and that freedom has allowed me to get to know and enjoy God better than I have ever imagined. As Wayne Jacobson says, “I’m learning to live loved and to live love”. I’m also learning how to live as a follower of Christ with other followers free of the institutional religious system and its obligations. As I do, I’m seeing people grow in their relationship with God and one another in some amazing ways. Each passing week I’m seeing more of Jesus and less religion. It’s exciting, fun, and at the same time, challenging! I’m glad I’m on this journey!

Postscript:
After reading this you might ask, “Are you saying that it’s not important for followers of Christ to get together with other followers of Christ?” No, I’m not saying we don’t need to gather together with other followers of Christ. We do. But that’s a different topic. If you want to discuss it with me let me know. Welcome to The Journey Dialogue.

Interesting Information

Here's a great site to get lots of interesting information about reaching and discipling lost people world over. Highly recommended! Click on this link - http://www.missionfrontiers.org/

Robert Lewis and Rob Wilkins, in their book The Church Of Irresistible Influence, quote a George Barna report "that compared the lifestyles of Christians and non-Christians, using 131 different measures of attitudes, behaviors, values, and beliefs. His conclusion: 'In aspects of lifestyle where Christians can have their greatest impact on the lives of non-Christians, there are no visible differences between the two segments.'" (p. 24) Is this the best we can do?


Graham Cooke writes in his book A Divine Confrontation, "The universal Church is in a state of profound change. There is a shaking taking place, new relationships are forming, current friendships are reforming in a high spiritual dimension and purpose. There is an ongoing tactical shake-up taking place as God's new strategy for worldwide harvest comes off the drawing board and into our hearts for these last days. It is clear that the Lord is doing a new thing: He is presenting the Church with new wineskins. The cutting edge of the Church has been moved forward into a new dimension where even the most forward-thinking and progressive churches will need to rethink their strategies for this new season of Holy Spirit activity...Whatever we think we know, understand, and have experienced about church has probably not prepared us for all that God will be doing in this next phase. He is doing a new thing! We must therefore position ourselves where we can hear and bear all that the Lord wants to make known. Even Jesus said to His disciples at one point, 'I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now' (Jn. 16:12)."


LK10.com posted an article written by John White titled “Spiritual Moms and Dads”. It is subtitled, "Changing the definition of church from a meeting to a family changes everything."

Changing the definition of church from a meeting to a family changes everything. It changes personal interaction from once a week to daily. Encourage one another daily… Heb. 3:13. It changes training from communicating content to conveying life. We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well… 1 Thes. 2:8. It changes leaders from skilled teachers/organizers to devoted parents. Like a mother caring for her little children…as a father deals with his own children… 1 Thes. 2:7,11
Gordon McDonald, editor of Leadership magazine in an article titled “Leader's Insight: So Many Christian Infants”, begins to capture this understanding of leadership. “But mature Christians do not grow through programs or through the mesmerizing delivery of a talented speaker (woe is me) or worship band. Would-be saints are mentored: one-on-one or, better yet, one-on-small group (three to twelve was Jesus' best guess). The mentoring takes place in the streets and living-places of life, not church classrooms or food courts. And it's not necessarily done in Bible studies or the like. Mature Christians are made one by one through the influence of other Christians already mature.” To read Gordon McDonald's entire article click http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2007/cln71001.html. To learn more about LK10.com click http://lk10.com/intro.html.