David Tarkington

What the Church Can Learn From Steve Jobs

Some of you will find it difficult to admit that church leaders can learn from a man like Steve Jobs. In fact, just the title of this post is making some of you angry. I'm sure some are looking up verses of Scripture even now that affirm why I should never even attempt to make the claim this title boasts. 

As many of you know, from reading his biography and other reports, Steve Jobs was not a supporter or believer in the Christian church. He was a seeker who abandoned the teachings of the Bible when his Sunday School teacher could not answer a question regarding the suffering in the world. He engaged in the liberal lifestyle and drug culture of Reed College. He became a dabbler and follower of New Age mysticism and his eccentricities of the "all fruit diet" and not bathing for many days as a young entrepreneur are well known.

Even though he was known as a demanding boss and very difficult to work with, his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership at Apple Computers has become iconic. 

I was watching a video presentation by Guy Kawasaki today. Kawasaki worked for Apple during the 1980s and then again in the mid-1990s first as the Software Evangelist and later as the Chief Evangelist. (Nice titles, huh?) He claims to be one of the few people to have been able to work with Jobs twice and survive. He is now an author and speaker and developer of numerous websites. One of my go-to sites is Kawasaki's www.alltop.com. Kawasaki speaks globally in different settings. He has spoken to leaders in the corporate and education world as well as at Catalyst to church leaders. Kawasaki's faith is evident and his ability to keep his finger on the pulse of culture is helpful for the church.

It's obvious that he has much respect for Jobs. When Jobs died last year, Kawasaki developed a list of "12 Things I Have Learned from Steve Jobs." I watched his presentation of this at TEDx at the Harker School in San Jose.

While watching this presentation, even though focused on the tech industry and business, I discovered some things that can be helpful for church leaders.

Here are the 12 things. . .

1. "Experts" are clueless. That's a pretty harsh statement, but it's based on the fact that in industry, there are those who with past experience and age are elevated to the position of expert. Just because there is much wisdom in experience, there are times when the "experts" miss the point. He uses examples of Thomas Watson of IBM who declared in 1943 his view that the world would have a demand for a maximum of five computers. He also references Western Union's internal memo that declared the new device known as the telephone to be a loser and therefore not worth investing into. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: This is a stretch, but throughout church history, and especially in the past century or so, there have been some who have declared their "prophecies" of the future of the global church. Some have been dramatically proven incorrect. Sometimes it's a holding onto the past that leads to this, but mostly, it's a lack of discerning the Spirit's lead. There are far too few "men of Issachar" today who truly understand the times. However, there are some "experts" who seem to have their finger on the pulse of culture and without forsaking any of the message of the Gospel have been instrumental in leading the church to reach postmoderns and others to come. Lesson learned - just because someone has written a book and self-declared their "expertise" does not mean they are right. Trust the Spirit and the modern-day "men of Issachar."
2. Customers cannot tell you what they need. Kawasaki states that "Apple market research" was nothing more than the right side of Jobs' brain. Jobs made it clear that if you asked the customer what they wanted, the answer would be simply "better, faster and cheaper." The customer would only ask for better "sameness," not revolutionary change. Customers can only describe their desires in terms what they are already using. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: People know they have needs, but they don't always know what those needs are. Even good Christian people in the church. Often the perceived need is a better choir, an organ (seriously!), better ministry options for the kids, a more comfortable gathering place, a new pastor, etc. What people need is revolutionary change. This is deeper than church talk. This is referencing the transformational change that only comes from the Spirit of God. So, go ahead and do that "church member survey" but you will not discover what is truly needed. You'll likely see things that have absolutely nothing to do with the Gospel and tranformed lives. You will see things that hearken back to the "good ole days" or a ministry model perfect for the 1950s (or 1990s - by the way, even the 1990s are outdated now.)
3. Jump to the next curve. Big wins happen when you go beyond better sameness. Watch the attached video for a great illustration regarding ice (from harvesters to ice houses to refrigerators.) WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: I'm reminded of Reggie McNeal's book The Present Future. One of the statements in this book was that the church is answering the questions correctly. It's just that we're answering the wrong questions. It's time for a jump. We do not need "better sameness" but revolutionary change. The world is shrinking. The church must not run from the technology that enables us to communicate globally or support financially missionaries with the click of a button. It may seem honorable to discount the internet and hold tightly to that leather-bound King James Version Bible. I just wonder what we'll say when God asks why we didn't use the things He gave us fully so that more could know Him?
4. The biggest challenges beget the best work. The biggest challengers of Apple, this little startup company with a new type of device called the personal computer were giants known as IBM and then later Microsoft. The challenges were great and many other companies came and went in the 1980s and 1990s. Apple saw the challenges as a chance to be better. (This is very hard for me to admit, since I used to work and love IBM, but it's true.) WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: Well, there are the David and Goliath elements here, but when thinking about the local church, it's a good reminder that the Enemy and the world are against the Gospel. Some cower to this. Some resort to creating "holy huddles" that protest everything. These churches become known, not for the transformational love and grace of Jesus Christ, but for the fact (or at least the appearance) that they are against everything. Some churches worry about the future, forgetting that this is a sin. The odds may be against the local church, but the victory is secure. This must be remembered. Any church that loses this focus becomes little more than a club. 
5. Design counts. Kawasaki states that Jobs drove people nuts with his Type A design demands. He stated that "some shades of black weren't black enough" and other detail things that most would say "What's the big deal?" Jobs was a perfectionist. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: The church must remember that the work we do is not for ourselves, but for God. He is the focus. He is the audience. Therefore, why would we offer anything less than our very best? Some churches just offer crumbs at the altar. God deserves the entire meal. The little things matter. Just thinking practically, since our God is perfect and holy, we should care for all that He has blessed us with so that those who do not yet know Him are not distracted by incomplete stories, poor planned events and left-overs. Details matter. It's not about becoming obsessive. It's about offering the best.
6. You can't go wrong with big graphics and big fonts. For Apple, this was made clear during Jobs' regular presentations at Macworld and other gatherings. He would stand in front of a huge screen, usually with one large graphic image and few words presented. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: Fix your PowerPoint (or MediaShout, or other presentation programs for worship). Find some 16 year old that understands that clear and simple is best. Oh yeah, clean up the website while you're at it. No one wants to read paragraph after paragraph on your site (and, therefore, probably not on this blog either.)
7. Changing your mind is a sign of intelligence. Apple did a 180 on it's announcements about app development for the iPhone and iPad between 2007 and 2008. It was the right shift. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: Times change. Programs change. Communities change. Churches change. What doesn't change? The Gospel. The Message. Don't say "We're doing this program until Jesus comes" from the pulpit. I've heard that said. Guess what? We stopped doing the program in two years. Why? Because it was time to change. There was a shelf-life for the program. It had served it's purpose. Oh yeah, sometimes you change because you realize you were wrong. God's never wrong, but we do not always listen well.
8. "Value" is different from "price." Apple products have never been the cheapest on the market. Why then does market share increase? Because the products are quality and have value. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: Ministry is not easy. It will cost. It will cost time. It will cost money. It will cost friendships sometimes. It will cost some relationships (Luke 14:26). However, all of these are worth it. The Gospel is worth it. There is value in the Gospel. It is not cheap. Christ's sacrifice was not cheap.
9. A players hire A+ players. Jobs would say that A players should hire A players, but Kawasaki one-ups him here. If a leader only hires players who are not as gifted and effective as oneself, the organization suffers. If A players hire B players, then B players will hire C players, C players will hire D players, etc. What happens when you get to Z? WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: Staff well. Too often pastors and ministers are "hired" for reasons other than the call of God and the excellence of the ministry needed. Poor hires lead to weak ministries which lead to frustrated leadership teams and disgruntled church members. 
10. Real CEOs demo. Jobs always showed how to use the products on stage at the trade shows. He didn't have someone else do it for him, when he was able. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: Pastors must live out what they preach. Delegation is great, but many pastors do not fully understand what it is. Delegated leadership is not telling others on the staff or in the congregation to do something the pastor would not do. I have seen this and it's poor leadership. Pastors cannot tell others to share Christ if they do not model it first. Real pastors demo.
11. Real CEOs ship. Sometimes the product wasn't fully complete, but Jobs would ship it anyway. It was always ready, but in most cases not fully developed. That's why there continue to be new iterations of Apple devices. Do you know anyone who still has the original iPod? You know, the bulkier white one with the monochrome screen? It was good. It was ready, but not fully developed. That's why there are newer versions of these devices and others released each year. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: If you wait until everyone in your church has been trained in evangelism before you begin to share your faith, you will close your doors soon. If you wait until everyone is fully engaged missionally, you will miss the moment God has given you now. Understand the challenge. Prepare and continually refine, but "ship." Don't remain in the church building. The Great Commission is about action. Real pastors lead their churches to engage. . .to "ship." Refine and release new editions (new believers) as you go and grow, but go and grow!
12. Marketing boils down to providing unique value. Items need to be unique (not refined sameness) and valuable to impact the market. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: Our message is the most valuable one in the history of the world. It's a message of hope and life. It's the Gospel. It is never changing and cemented in Jesus Christ. The method for delivering the message. . .well, that's ever-changing. The challenge for the church is to follow God's lead into newer methods of delivering the never changing message. If the church does not embrace this, we are doomed to replicate what the church of Europe is now experiencing  - closed buildings, fewer believers and a culturally dying faith. (Oh, by the way, it's not hopeless even in Europe. I believe God is going to do a mighty work among the atheistic post-Christian culture there. It's never happened in the history of the world, but then again, our God has mastered the impossible.)

BONUS: Some things need to be believed to be seen. Here's Kawasaki's quote: "When you are jumping curves, defying/ignoring the experts, facing off against big challenges, obsessing about design, and focusing on unique value, you will need to convince people to believe in what you are doing in order to see your efforts come to fruition. People needed to believe in Macintosh to see it become real. Ditto for iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Not everyone will believe—that’s okay. But the starting point of changing the world is changing a few minds. This is the greatest lesson of all that I learned from Steve. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHURCH: I love this parallel. Faith is believing what we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). A visionary pastor must believe that which God has revealed. There's no room for "Show Me" faith.

I recommend you follow Guy on Twitter at @GuyKawasaki 

Read more: http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2011/10/what-i-learned-from-steve-jobs.html#ixzz1qjfQtCkB

"Yes, Virginia, There Is a God." - A Christmas Miracle?

From an editorial appearing in the September 21, 1897 edition of The (New York) Sun titled "Is There a Santa Claus?" the famous line was penned at the close "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." This statement has become an often repeated phrase this time of year. Virginia was the an 8 year old girl who questioned the existence of Santa Claus and was encouraged by her parents to write the newspaper.

The story has been republished ever since and has been featured in movies, television specials and books.

I doubt young Virginia or her parents ever thought they'd go down as part of the American Christmas cultural tradition.

Personally, I have no problem with the mythos of Santa Claus. I know some believers who do and they definitely have valid reasons. I am always reminded about the original St. Nicholas that the jolly old elf is modeled from and his story is pretty remarkable.

Nonetheless, this posting really nothing to do with Santa Claus.

In fact, this is not another rant, as we often see from believers this time of year, to "keep Christ in Christmas."

I wanted to share with you a story of what some may call a miracle. I readily admit the term "miracle" gets overused and misused often. True miracles stem from the hand of God as evidenced of Jesus' actions in the gospels. However, to say that miracles no longer happen would be a fallacy.

Just like with the old "Dragnet" show. . .the story you are about to read is true. Only the names have been changed.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine who works as an administrator in a local public school told me about a young man at his school. This young man was described as one of those boys that teachers like. He's polite. He's considerate. He does his school work and does well. You know, an all around good kid.

This young man was facing a pretty intense and difficult situation at home.

He is being raised by his mother. Apparently, dad is not in the picture. His mother has been diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. She is dying. Due to her health and inability to work, a great financial strain has come upon them.

Their home is in foreclosure. It' in a very nice neighborhood, but the fact of the matter is they have not been able to pay the mortgage for a few months due to medical bills and lack of funds.

The young man has been doing everything possible to raise money. He's been mowing lawns, raking leaves, etc. He's been offering to do anything for his neighbor just to make a little money to go toward expenses. In fact, even though he's in junior high school, this young boy is stepping into authentic manhood by necessity.

Well, the story could go on and on about their circumstances. It doesn't get much better. The mother is a believer in Christ and apparently a number of churches in the community know of her circumstances and are trying to help.

Oh, by the way, there is this. I heard of one group of church ladies who went by see if they could help her. When they went into her home, seeing how nice a home it is, they said "Well, you apparently don't need our help," and left. Apparently, they equated a nice home with "everything is alright," not realizing the true nature of the circumstances.

But I digress. . .

A couple of weeks ago the air conditioning unit in their home went out. That may not be a big deal in some areas, but here in Florida it is. Even in December, we're still mowing our lawns and wearing shorts. My friend at the school was trying to find funds to cover the repair of the air conditioning unit and after praying about it, was led to call a local company (knowing no one at the company) to see if they could help.

This air conditioning company heard the story and agreed to send someone out to repair the unit. They did so without charging a penny. There's more to this story as well. It appears the technician sent to the home was having a very bad day. In other words, he wasn't very nice. The lady (you know, the one with Stage IV cancer) asked him if he was ok and if she could pray for him. He said "Yes," so she did. With tears running down his cheeks, he thanked her. Needless to say, his attitude changed.

Then, two weeks ago, during our weekly prayer meeting I briefly shared that there was a lady in our community battling Stage IV cancer. I don't know her name, nor do I know her son, but I had heard of her situation through a friend. I shared that a number of teachers at this local school were trying to raise some funds to help. All I asked our church to do was pray for the woman, her son and the situation.

Two days ago, I received this email from the friend at the local school:

It is not every day one gets to be witness to a miracle, and that term tends to be overused, but we were able to see a real one this morning. Yesterday, a stranger came to see me here at school. He said he needed to talk to me. He was very serious and closed the door behind us. He immediately asked if we were helping a mother of a student who has cancer. He had heard at church (this was during our Wednesday prayer time - DT) that she needed some help with daily living expenses. I said "Yes." He then slid an envelope across the desk and asked if I would make sure she received it. I assured him I would.

This morning I arrived at school and the mother was here. This was unusual and unplanned because she is very sick and does not leave home often. She had baked a huge basket of goodies for my family so I told her I had something for her's. I handed her the envelope and said there was some money from a stranger to help her out. She opened the envelope and it was like one of those Extreme Makeover: Home Edition moments—she absolutely started bawling! One of the ladies in the office brought in tissues. I was doing the tough guy thing trying not to cry myself, but she just kept on crying. 

I knew it was a big gesture on this stranger's part but I underestimated just how big. When she finally regained her composure she told me she had received approval to have her cancer treated at St. Vincent's Hospital (here in Jacksonville - DT) which then makes her eligible to go to the Cancer Center of America in Chicago. There was only one problem. St. Vincent’s required a down payment of $2,000 to begin treatment. This lady has lost her home, lost her job, almost lost her car, and has trouble just putting food on the table. Well, can you guess how much the stranger gave me yesterday? Exactly $2,000! He thought he was helping pay for some groceries. Little does he know he may have literally saved her life or at least extended her time with her son.

God is active and involved today, just as He always has been. 

Sometimes, even we Christians can miss the miracle. While Christians throughout our culture become known for what we're against as we fight and protest and sometimes even play the victim, all the while God is still at work. As some fight with little love evident to "keep Christ in Christmas" God reminds us, He's active every day of the year - not just a redeemed pagan holiday. 

Yes, Virginia, there is a God. In the era of the "new atheism" and the "secularization of our society" God still reigns supremely. The gospel is still truth. Lives are still being changed. Man-defined "coincidences" still happen as God smiles and says "I don't believe in coincidences."

Who's Your Jesus?

A few weeks back a friend of mine shared a book on Nook (nice app - you can share books for up to 14 days.) The book is titled Imaginary Jesus and is written by Matt Mikalatos. It's hard to classify the book. It's not really non-fiction. It's not a novel. One reviewer said it was C.S. Lewis meets Monty Python. Perhaps.

The book description on Amazon states this:

Imaginary Jesus is an hilarious, fast-paced, not-quite-fictional story that’s unlike anything you’ve ever read before. When Matt Mikalatos realizes that his longtime buddy in the robe and sandals isn’t the real Jesus at all, but an imaginary one, he embarks on a mission to find the real thing. On his wild ride through time, space, and Portland, Oregon, he encounters hundreds of other Imaginary Jesuses determined to stand in his way (like Legalistic Jesus, Perpetually Angry Jesus, and Magic 8 Ball Jesus). But Matt won’t stop until he finds the real Jesus—and finally gets an answer to the question that’s haunted him for years. Be warned: Imaginary Jesus may bring you face-to-face with an imposter in your own life.

 

Since I haven't had the time to sit and read this book for hours on end, I'll probably end up purchasing it because the free 14-day borrow will end soon. I am about halfway through and I must say the concept of the imaginary Jesus is intriguing. It echoes things I have thought and said for years. I even find myself guilty of creating my own imaginary Jesuses at times.

As a believer, I stand firmly on the Word of God believing that it is inerrant and that the Jesus described within those pages is the authentic man (Son of God & God the Son.) Yet, culture has a way of leading us to re-create Jesus in our own image.

This has been the case for years. That's why the short Jewish man from Nazareth is depicted as a tall, very white, European man, sometimes with blue eyes, in many classic works of art. While it's easy for us to identify these depictions of Jesus to be wrong, it become more difficult to clearly see how the Jesuses we create are just as wrong.

Mikalatos introduces and describes many imaginary Jesuses in his book. You may recognize some of them. 

• KJJ "King James Jesus" - This Jesus speaks only in King James English. There are many "thees" and "thous" coming from the mouth of this one. 
• Harley Jesus - This one wears a leather vest and has a tattoo or two. He's not just a biker, he's a "holy roller."
• Liberal Social Services Jesus - This one has arms and legs and works hard to clean up areas and serve the community, but has no mouth. That's because he never says anything about why he does this. He just lives in the social gospel. There's also a Jesus on the other end that has no arms, but has a really big mouth. All he does is talk down to people, but never serves them.
• 8 Ball Jesus - This one is like the Magic 8 Ball toy that has been around for years. Ask this Jesus anything and he'll answer like the 8 Ball. It's all chance with fortune like answers.
• Patriotic Jesus - This Jesus is "red, white and blue" and loves America (more than any other nation) and basically wraps the flag around everything.
• Political Jesus - Yes, he's exactly what he sounds like. This Jesus is intent on changing the world by electing the "right" people into office. 
• Testosterone Jesus - This is my favorite. This is the "men's retreat Jesus" who talks grunts like Tim Allen on Home Improvement and spouts lines from Braveheart whenever he gets the chance. "Free-e-e-e-e-e-e-dom!!!!" He also cries alot and tells men to be better husbands and fathers all the time (when he's not quoting Braveheart.)
• The Secret Society of Imaginary Jesuses - These guys are basically like the Jesus Seminar, only imaginary.

There are others scattered throughout the book like CEO Jesus, Hippie Jesus, Legalist Jesus, Health Nut Jesus, iPod Jesus, and others. This reminds me of the Buddy Christ from the film Dogma (no I didn't see the film, but I have seen the "Buddy Christ" figure - pictured to the right.) It's funny how Christians were so upset about the "Buddy Christ" imagery and the film (and rightfully so) but many continue to create their own personal caricatures of Jesus.

 

As I read (the portion I had the chance to) this book, I couldn't help but  do a little self-evaluation. What Jesus have I created in my own image? Am I guilty of this? 

Unfortunately, I believe I have been at times, and to be honest, so is just about every believer I have ever met. I guess since we are image-bearers of the Creator, we tend to create. It's just in this case, we create what we feel is right, but it's, oh, so wrong.

The authentic, biblical Jesus does not need to be recreated into our image or for our cultural acceptance. While we lament that many unbelievers truly do not know who Jesus is, the reality is that many church-attenders and "Christians" tend to see a Jesus who is not truly the real deal. Even true believers can slide into this.

While this is not really a review of Imaginary Jesus (I can't review a book I haven't finished,) the subject matter did cause me to question. Questioning is not a bad thing. Isn't it the Truth that sets us free?

So. . .who's your Jesus?

Is he one listed above? Is he the Patriotic Jesus, the Political one, or maybe the Liberal Social Services one? Maybe he's a mixture of some or a creation yet to be listed.

Is He the One revealed to us through Scripture or some other version?

Stick with the real one. You can read Mikalatos' book. It's fun, but I recommend you spend more time in The Book. Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.) The truth is there. It's evident who He is, what He came to do and what He is doing now. Don't settle for a cheap imitation.

John 14:6(ESV) 

 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 

Is Your Church Wearing Leisure Suits? (@tonymorganlive)

Do you remember the leisure suit? If you still have one in your closet, sell that thing. They're going for up to $39.99 on eBay. If you still wear a leisure suit. . .stop. They're out of style and though no one has yet told you, apparently, I must speak the truth. They are ugly.

Church consultant Tony Morgan has written a great little leadership book titled "The Leisure Suit Trap: 8 Reasons Your Church is Stuck." It's available for free download here.

I love his Introduction that gives the "History of the Leisure Suit." Morgan writes. . .

At one point the leisure suit was trendy, highly functional, everyone was wearing it, and it was easy to care for. It served a purpose: people needed to wear clothing that was functional and fashionable at the same time. What better solution than a polyester suit?

Eventually, the leisure suit went the way of the pet rock and the cassette player. They disappeared because better ideas came along. That’s the way history works.

Some churches are still wearing their leisure suits. Figuratively, of course. Many churches are stuck. Though they may have had a season where their kingdom impact was expanding, things have slowed down or started to decline. They know something has to change, but many times they’re unwilling to change. They’d rather keep wearing the leisure suit.

The leisure suit disappeared as fashion trends changed. Anyone caught wearing one was immediately branded as out of touch with reality or irrelevant. Sure, the leisure suit still serves a purpose, but almost no one wears them. Unfortunately, many churches still do! They sit comfortably watching the disco ball spin overhead wondering why the congregation is growing older and smaller. What they are doing is no longer connecting with today’s culture. They are not seeing the fruit.

By the way, whatever you perceive to be "traditional" churches aren’t the only churches that are stuck. Your church may have started one hundred years ago or ten years ago or even just ten months ago—but stuck is stillstuck.

We can grow so accustomed to what we are doing that we are no longer aware that the rest of the world wandered off into the future. While we were counting nickels and noses, the world changed.

It’s easy to strut around proclaiming, "I like my leisure suit." But does it really matter what I like? Am I here to exclaim the awesomeness of my personal preferences, or am I here to focus on those people I am called to impact? It’s one or the other.

Sometimes we don’t realize we aren’t connected. We need fresh eyes to see that we are stuck in one or more of several ways.

What’s the point? Until we look at our methods, our message really doesn’t matter. When we keep trying to use the same systems—hoping and praying for different results—that’s when we know we’ve fallen for the "leisure suit trap."

We laugh at the comparison of the church to the leisure suit, until we realize it's a "zinger." You know, one of those "gotcha" statements that makes you say, "Oh, we may be still wearing our leisure suits." I'm not going to break down the 8 signs of a "stuck" church here. I will say that we are experiencing or teetering very close to experiencing a few of these signs even now.

We must continually seek God's leadership and guidance and never rest on the past, or even the present, when it comes to the good things we do in ministry. This read was a good reminder to me that First Baptist Church of Orange Park is glorifying God, but we have not "arrived." May we continually be challenged to be the church God desires us to be.

BTW - in fifteen years, we'll be talking about khaki pants and polo shirts just like we're talking about leisure suits today.

We Were All POWs

I am currently in Americus, Georgia. I am leading a group of our senior adults on a trip to some sites up here nearby. Yesterday, we left early from Orange Park and arrived a little after lunchtime at Andersonville. While some in our group have been here before, the vast majority have not.

Andersonville, Georgia is the home of the National POW Museum and a National Cemetery. If you travel on I-75 in Georgia, you may have seen the brown sign showing an exit leading toward Andersonville. If you're like most, you just drive by. Click here for the National Park Service info regarding this site.

Andersonville is not close to the interstate. It's a bit of a drive.

So, why did the federal government put the National POW Museum so far off the beaten path? 

Andersonville is the home of formerly named Camp Sumter - the largest Civil War era POW facility in the nation. In this Confederate camp, that existed for only 14 months, over 43,000 Union soldiers were confined. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, and exposure to the elements. The camp was not a prison as many would imagine, but an open air 26 1/2 acre stockade with a 16 foot log wall surrounding. While the walls no longer exist, a portion of the stockade has been recreated to help visitors imagine the setting. Today, it's a grassy hill with a few large trees growing in one corner, complete with monuments from northern states commemorating their war dead. At the time the prison was active, there was no grass, just red clay and sandy ground with a trickling stream running through the middle (which was the only source of water, and also served as the public toilets.) 

In 1970 the legislature established Andersonville as a National Historic Site. The goal was to create at the park a museum that would "interpret the role of prisoners-of-war camps in history" and "to commemorate the sacrifice of Americans who lost their lives in such camps." This museum is wonderfully designed and takes the visitor through the plight of POWs in various wars, from the Revolutionary War to Operation Desert Storm (expansion to cover stories from current wars is in the works.) The features of this museum are interactive and very emotional. 

As we walked through the museum, toured the prison grounds and the National Cemetery, the sobering reality of the depravity of man is very clear. I heard some of our seniors saying things like "It's hard to believe that man can do this to other men." 

We discussed how this relates to the larger story. In a sense, every person on the planet is a POW, being held by the Enemy in a prison of sin as the great spiritual battle continues. The sad thing is that most do not even realize they're being held prisoner. Once a person surrenders to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and accepts Him and his substitutionary atonement, he/she is rescued from prison and set free (see Galatians 1.) This is true liberty.

In the museum, there are a couple of short films shown. One titled "Echoes of Captivity" we have shown at our church in the past. Yet, every time I view it, I tear up. The personal stories of men (and one woman) who have served in the American military and have been held captive (some for almost a decade) as prisoners-of-war are incredibly moving. Perhaps the most moving portion of the film is when the former POWs describe the day they were liberated. Some are sharing of an event that took place decades earliers, but the tears start flowing. 

These reunion stories of former prisoners and family are incredible. The joy that is described is overwhelming. The images of these men (and woman) stepping out of planes to be greeted by spouses and children will bring a tear to one's eye. 

We are reminded as believers that heaven rejoices when one soul is saved. I think perhaps this rejoicing resembles these images somewhat (but on a much larger scale.) The rejoicing that takes place when a child who has been held, unknowingly, as a POW in the real battle is liberated and set free. Now, that will bring a tear of joy to your eye. . .or at least it should.

So, this started as a trip to a historic site and has become a great illustration of God's great love for us. I guess it's true. . . everything's spiritual.

He who has ears to hear. . . listen.

Using QR Codes at Church

I've been seeing these new graphic codes popping up everywhere. They're in magazine advertisements. There's even one posted on the gas pump at Walmart. I figured they were some type of new barcode, but not so sure how they worked. So, I looked it up.

These cube shaped barcodes are called QR Codes. "QR" stands for Quick Response. They are specific matrix barcodes, readable by dedicated QR barcode readers (duh!) and many smartphones. Sites claim that Toyota developed these, but a friend at UPS says they did. I don't know? I just know they're everywhere now. I find it interesting that at the gas pump at Walmart, there's a sign that says to put away your cell phone for fear of a static shock that could ignite the gasoline fumes (not sure if this is an urban legend, but it did happen on an episode of "CSI: Miami," once) and yet, they have QR codes on their advertisements attached to the pumps. Hmmm. Put away your phone for safety sake, but get it out to scan this barcode?

Recently I read an article in Church Executive magazine about how churches are using these QR Codes. I previously had just ignored these, mainly because the only smartphones in our household belong to our children and mom and I get the left-overs.

Still, my interest was piqued. I read where one church created large templates of a QR Code promoting a collegiate Bible study event. They went to their local college and with the template and chalk, "painted" the code all over the campus on the sidewalks. Pretty creative. Not sure what the school thought about it.

Sometimes, because we don't understand a new technology, we shy away from it. I figured creating these codes would be difficult, so I had just not done anything with it. Then, I thought about every other software program I have, blogging, desktop publishing, PhotoShop, etc. that all seemed so difficult at one point and now I use almost daily. Surely, creating a QR Code can't be that hard.

Once I Googled "QR Code Generator" I found a site and was able to make a code that points people to our church's website. Even though a majority of people do not scan QR Codes, there are many who can and do. So, for the time being, I'm using the generator and creating codes that take people to different sites with more information about my church, men's retreat, etc. 

Looks like just another way to get the word out regarding ministry opportunities. 

Oh, if you want to know how to make a code using the sites I did, follow these steps:

1. Go to http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ (I'm sure there are other QR Code generator sites out there. This is just the one I used.)
2. Make sure "URL" is selected
3. Paste the web site you desire to send people to in the "Content" box
4. Click "Generate!" (Select the size you want. I chose the default "L")
5. The image appears. You'll need to save the image or copy/paste it into a document. Best to convert to a JPEG.

To test your image to ensure it's pointing where you think - go to http://zxing.org/w/decode.jspx. Select "Choose File" and upload your JPEG image and click "Submit."

Looks Like a Leno "Headline"

We have our homeowner's insurance through the Florida Farm Bureau.  That means that even though I am not a farmer, I'm a member of the Farm Bureau and receive their newspaper each month.  In each month's issue of Florida Agriculture they have a photo of a famous or semi-famous Floridian reading the newspaper.  Most of the time, I have no idea who the individual is, but sometimes I can figure it out.  Below is the image from the November issue.  I'm not sure, but I think the image is of Pam Bondi.  What do you think?

Where Would You Church?

That title looks like a typo.  Some of you are saying "Shouldn't it say 'Where would you go to church?' or maybe 'Where would you do church?'" but it's not a typo.  Read it again - "Where would you church?"

How can the word church be a verb?  It's hard to think like this because we have been programmed to think of church as a building or facility of some type.  If you're more progressive, you think of church as the people (which is right) but even that is a noun.  So, how can you church?

Don't misconstrue this.  Church has been used as a verb in the past, and in some cases still is, when referencing to church discipline.  In other words if a person were asked to leave a fellowship, it would be say that he or she was "churched."

Still, that's not the point here.  Back to the question - Where would you church?

Since the children of God are the church, that means wherever we are, we are doing the work and ministry of the church.  That may be at work, a restaurant, at home, a ball game, etc.

This is not an easy concept to grasp, at least not for me, but I know it's right.  The old template of church being a building or the gathering of the fellowship is changing, or better yet, coming into better focus.  The children of God church wherever they are.

We have been blessed to be a blessing to others.  When you live in the old metric, it's easy to forget this.

Our staff has been chewing through this concept.  It's frustrating to some, confusing to others and challenging to all.  So, I thought I'd open it up to you here.  Go through this process with us. . .

Rather than try to build a crowd, let's go where the crowd is.  That leads to this question "Where is the crowd?"

Here are some places where crowds gather in our community:

• Walmart (This was mentioned at our conference last Saturday and again in the Deacons' meeting Monday night.  It's true.  There are people in Walmart all the time.)
• Tailgating before the Jaguars games.  Here's a thought.  It's radical.  Seems wrong, but bear with me.  What if we had a team of ticket holders who intentionally set up a good tailgating scene in the parking lot of the stadium before the Jaguars games.  The purpose is to have fun, but to intentionally engage with others in the parking lot getting ready for the games.  You know there's a group that attends church services and then shows up at the game, but the opportunity to engage real people with real life doesn't happen often because the game has started and the focus is on cheering or booing the players and/or refs.  I think we've moved beyond the day where "If you're a good Christian you wouldn't have season tickets" to "You are a Christian with season tickets.  How can God use this for the Kingdom?"  Somehow, this has to count, right?
• Whitey's Fish Camp.  There's a subculture in our county that gathers regularly, if not daily, at Whitey's.  
• High School Football Games.  Let's face it, Floridians love football and we love our schools.  These stadiums are packed every Friday night.  We have to do more than invite people to come to a "church" event after the game.  
• Orange Park Mall.  Not the safest place to hang out, but there are still a ton of people there.
• Clarke Park in Orange Park.  This little town-owned park across from the church always has cars in the lot and kids in the playground.  Normally, there are birthday parties all day on the weekend.
• Clay County Soccer.  It's been huge since Eagle Harbor built the fields.  
• Sonny's an La Nop.  Seems like these restaurants are rarely empty, and I should know.
• High School Awards Events & Concerts.  We host some of these, but they always draw a crowd.
• Homecoming Parades.  Again with the high schools, and I believe all of them have some sort of parade around homecoming.  This means student involvement, parental support and community interest.
• The E.R.  This is a touchy subject because most of the folks in the waiting room aren't doing too well, but it's always crowded on the weekends.  That means those working are stressed, too.

Oh, I'm sure there are more.  These just came to mind.

As you look around the community, you will see more crowds.  This is also based on your life stage, interests and circle of influence.  So, you should be able to add to the list.

That being said, here's where I have no answers.  How can we "church" in these crowds?  How can we better penetrate the culture beyond the walls of our building and bless those who need it (note, I didn't say deserve it. . . because no one deserves to be blessed.)  

Let this run around your head for a while. 

I know there are some who really struggle with this concept.  Some of you have even told me that you think I'm devaluing the building of the church with these statements and based on the fact you were saved in a church building, you think I'm missing something.  I appreciate those comments, but again, we just have to get to the point where we stop viewing the buildings as the church.  If the building burned down (and man, I hope it doesn't because now that I stated that, it would look odd) the church would not cease to exist.

We are the church and where we go is where we "church."

So, where are you the church?

Best Band-Aid Packaging Ever

Found this on the web.  Love the packaging for these adhesive bandages.

 

In Jax Airport. . .Waiting

Today is Thursday, April 22 and I am waiting at the Jacksonville International Airport waiting for the rest of our team from the church to arrive.  I am leading a group of 22 people on a tour of Israel for the next week and a half.  This is my fourth time going and it's always a great trip.

The thing about airports is that I have way too much time to sit and think and people watch.  It's about 4pm now and the rest of the team will be arriving around 5pm.  In the meantime. . .

• I ate at Nathan's Hot Dogs.  Pretty good, but halfway through this grilled hot dog covered in melted cheese and spicy mustard I started thinking "This probably wasn't the best thing to eat before getting locked inside a plane."  At least we're flying to Atlanta first.
• That brings up another question.  Our airport in Jacksonville is Jacksonville International Airport, but over the years ever international trip I have taken that originated here resulted in a connecting flight somewhere else in the States.  Wouldn't that make it Jacksonville National Airport?
• When we arrived there wasn't much of a line at the security check-in.  Now, it's full and backing up.  I see hundreds of people who are going to be taking off there shoes any minute now.  Thanks to the shoe bomber we have to see everyone's feet or smell them in the security lines at airports now.
• This trip is going to be excellent.  Not only is my dad going, but my son as well.  This is one of those "chance of a lifetime" events.  I feel for our group - three Tarkington guys is a little much.
• It's pretty easy to determine who the business travelers are versus the guys like me.  I'm feeling better about being able to travel wearing shorts and a T-shirt instead of a sports coat and dress pants.
• People keep asking me who is preaching Sunday.  You all should know by now that I never answer that question.  I mean, what does it matter?  Go to church.  You're not going for the show anyway.
• There's some really relaxing smooth jazz playing over the speakers here.  If I were to sit here long, I'd be asleep and miss my flight. 
• According to the online flight check-in site, my seat is in the middle of a group of three.  I'm praying I can change this.  My 6'7" frame doesn't do too well in those seats, especially when the person in front puts their seat back.  OUCH!
• I led a conference Tuesday on being the missional church with other pastors from the Southeast.  Makes me more committed than ever to continue leading our church to this strategy of being.  The externally focused church (that is first Upwardly focused on Christ) makes the greatest impact and fulfills the Great Commission the best.
• We have teams going to Israel, China, Honduras, Costa Rica, Kenya and other nations in the future.  Our strategy must be to fulfill the Acts 1:8 mandate by being the church here and abroad all at the same time.  
• The only thing that will keep us from fulfilling God's calling is ourselves.
• Thought of the day from my son "When nothing goes right, go left."
• The bookstore in the airport is gone and it's now a massage place.  I'd rather read.
• The TSA folks have the coolest colored blue shirts.
• Just realized the smooth jazz is live.  Pretty cool.  Now that I know it's live, it sounds better.
• My son just asked "Are you just looking around to see what to write about next?"  Answer - Yes.
• Here's a guy in the airport that is dressed like he just finished mowing the lawn.  Cute.
• Is there ever a wrong time to eat a Cinnabon?  I don't think so.
• Old guy wearing a gold chain walking around.  He's coming my way.  Does he know what I'm writing.  Whew!  He just walked by.  Nice gold chain Mr. T.
• I think I'm going to go back near the ticket check in counter.  Maybe someone from our team is here by now.
• Man, I wish I didn't eat that hot dog.