David Tarkington

Making the Shift from Church-Focused to Kingdom-Focused

I readily admit that I really never have original ideas. I claim Ecclesiastes 1:9 for this reality.

Last week I was at a gathering of church planters and pastors of churches that are raising up church planters. The keynote speaker and leader of Vision 360 (and Pastor of NorthWood Church in Keller, Texas) Bob Roberts, Jr. shared about the necessity of moving away from the western "church-focused" model to the biblical "Kingdom-focused model." 

Though this is not a new concept, it was so refreshing to see it laid out in such an understandable way. It is exciting to be able to see or hear something and sit back and go "Wow! That's exactly what I've been thinking, but wasn't able to clarify in my mind." God does this. He uses the Word, situations and others to speak (and pretty much anything else He chooses. He is God, you know.)

So, what does this mean?

What's the big deal about shifting from being Church-Focused to being Kingdom-Focused?

The big deal is that remaining in a Church-Focused framework means death and missing what the Gospel leads us to do and be.

The problem is that I grew up in a Church-Based model. I was trained in this framework. That's what I learned in church, at seminary and in ministry meetings. We work and work at doing church better under this framework only to continue to see the Great Commission go unfulfilled.

I'll break down more of this in later posts, but let's start here. 

The Church-Based Framework . . .

Now, at first glance you may not find any problems with this framework. It has a number of church terms listed: disciple, gospel, etc. However, look closely and you'll discover that the Church is the center and the primary functions lead to growing the church (the organization, not the body and therefore, not the people.) 

This is a radical shift for me and maybe you as well. Of course we're supposed to make disciples, but all too often that looks like nothing more than a membership drive and increased participation in a program. Here's a newsflash - just because people show up at church does not mean they are disciples.

The membership strategy and participation numbers lead this framework and then an interesting view of the gospel comes. This view is all about self, rather than about God. It's about personal salvation and personal atonement for one's sins. I know, I know, you're saying "What's wrong with that?" Well, nothing except for the exclusion of God. Unfortunately, this is how Christianity has been sold, especially in the west. It's about "praying a prayer" rather than about the Lordship of Christ.

Of course, the desire is for personal salvation and Christ's death does atone for one's sins. The issue is the focus. The focus is not about "me" or "us" but Him.

In the church framework the society is basically ignored. This leads to isolationist Christianity. It's evidenced in a "hiding place" church and ministry that is designed to keep us safe from the evils of the world. It results in "Christian" versions of every societal domain and further removes us from being "in the world" while using the excuse of not being "of the world."

The church, therefore becomes the building and an institution. Regardless how many times we say that "the church is the people not a building" our culture is built on this framework, so it is difficult to really live otherwise.

So, that being said, what does the Kingdom-Focused framwork look like?

The Kingdom-Focused Framework. . .

It may seem subtle, but the differences are huge. In other words. . .THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.

The Kingdom-focused Church begins with the Gospel. It's the gospel of the Kingdom of God and focuses on His sovereignty and kingship.

This leads to disciple-making. The Great Commission is a Kingdom-focused command. We are to make disciples. Disciples are those who hear and obey. They live under the lordship of the King. (

Society is not something to be disengaged from, but something to engage. Domains are engaged. Loving one's neighbor becomes real. We then do not love people for the sake of seeing them become Christians, but just because we love them. Yes, we want them to come to Christ, but love must be unconditional.

The church is then defined and living out as the "ecclesia" - the called out ones. The church is the people and we are the ambassadors of the King in this world. We represent Him.

What does this mean?

It means a shift must happen. Language must change. Motivation must adjust. It's about the Kingdom, not about "our" church.

The Church Modeling Stewardship & Generosity (or "Why We're Giving Away $36,000?")

Churches and pastors are good at promoting the message that people should tithe and give generously, cut up credit cards, eliminate debt and save accordingly. The only problem is that while the message is true and right, often the church doesn't actually model that very well.

That's why I am so excited to share once again that the financial leadership team of the church (made up of laypersons) continues to lead us to a place where ministry continues to be done and missions is supported, at increased levels, while saving, giving and eliminating debt is being modeled.

As the church models this as a whole, it is much easier for me and you to see how it should be done in our individual lives.

So, here we are once again. A surplus of funds from regular tithes and offerings from the past six months allows us to worship God through our actions. Like I said Sunday, talk is cheap. This is more than just talk.

We shared at our quarterly meeting last Sunday evening the details, but let me explain them here.

A net "income" has accumulated over the past six months. This was carried over from 2011 and now we are at a place to distribute funds accordingly.

The total amount to distribute is $143,504. From this, per the distribution scale developed last year, the following is happening now:

1. We are "paying" our accrual accounts a total of $23,673 to bring us up to where we should be as of 3/31/2012. The accrual accounts are new and designed to provide funds for replacement and upkeep of high cost items (i.e. A/C units, roofs, transportation).

2. This leaves us with $119,831. Of this, the distribution is as follows:

   1. 40% for capital improvements and/or debt reduction. The total amount is $47,933. Of this, $16,016 was spent in January for the purchase of our needed new sound system in the Worship Center. That amount will be applied to the Music Ministry Budget to put it back in order for the remaining ministry needs for the year. The remaining $31,917 is available for capital improvements and/or debt reduction. Most likely this amount will go towards new signage around campus and the stage rebuild in the Worship Center. These things will take place over time this year since they will cost more than $31,917 and we will not spend money we do not have.

   2. 30% will go in our Emergency/Opportunity Fund. The total is $35,949. This fund is being filled to provide us "rainy day" funds. These are for real emergencies such as fire, hurricane, etc. that may cause us to close for a number of weeks.

   3. 30% of the funds will be given away to Gospel-centered ministries. This is our church being generous and aiding in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The total amount is $35,949 (however, we have been told by one individual that they will give $51 to make it a nice round $36,000.) Here's who we are blessing this month:

      • $5,000 to Mercy Hill Church in Greensboro, North Carolina and church planter Andrew Hopper.

      • $5,000 to Caleb Crider, church planter in Portland, Oregon.

      • $5,000 to Sean Benesh, church planter in Portland, Oregon.

      • $5,000 to Matt Jolley, church planter in Portland, Oregon.

      • $5,000 to Anthony Harris, church planter in Vancouver, Washington.

      • $5,000 Clay Holcomb, church planter and pastor of Trinity Church in Happy Valley, Oregon.

      • $3,000 to the Clay County First Coast Women's Services.

      • $3,000 to Living Water International to provide clean water and the message of life through Jesus Christ in Guatemala.

It's an exciting time to be at First Baptist. I've never experienced anything like this. I pray that we remain faithful and focused and continue in this story.

When you see these numbers, in addition to what we were able to do last fall, it's astounding. Also, this is in addition to what we do regularly through our giving to the Cooperative Program, Associational Missions, the Orange Park Clothes Closet, the Florida Baptist Children's Homes, the benevolent gifts distributed regularly through our Deacons, and more. 

Some may not fully understand why we do this, especially the giving away of funds to ministries not in our own backyard and not seemingly benefiting us locally. It's the Acts 1:8 model. We aren't forgetting or ignoring the local mission. We are just living obediently to reach "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world" at the same time.

Whether we all get it or not, I truly believe God is smiling on us.

We are blessing ministries that focus on women and children, orphans, the least of these, and church planters and missionaries. Sounds very biblical, doesn't it?

As we model what godly stewardship looks like, I pray that we (me included) will begin to make the changes necessary to get our own houses in order. Let's get out from under the debt that keeps us in bondage. Let's live unselfishly and generously.

Oh, by the way, for information on personal stewardship as well as helpful resources for you and your family, go to this page on our website (it's more than just the portal to online giving.)  - http://www.fbc-orangepark.org/giveonline.html.

God is Always Changing

OK, so God isn't changing. He's the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and for eternity. Yet, he is always changing. He's continually changing us, his children. When we became Christ-followers and surrendered to his call, we were immediately and forever transformed. We went from death and now have life. However, even now, as living children of God, we are still in a state of change. He is continually renewing and transforming and changing us into his likeness.

He's doing this to the church as well. (Well, that's redundant since we are the church, but you understand, right?)

We are constantly in a state of flux. That means things are always changing. As much as we'd like to hold on and stay the same, it's just not possible. This is true for individuals, families, communities and churches alike.

For years, we have heard the frustration of church-goers and Christ-followers about change. We've often talked about how much churches hate change. I guess it's true. Most of us resist change, yet it's continually happening.

Sometimes the change is immediate. At other times it's subtle.

Sometimes the change is damaging. At others it's healthy and needed.

Some things never change (i.e. the Gospel).

Some things need to change.

I have noticed that while I say I don't like change too much, the reality is that I love it. In fact, I thrive on it. Maybe I'm a little ADD and get bored too easily. Just look at our church's website. I design and maintain it and it has changed completely about twelve times in the past eight years. I'm not saying that's good, it's just been a good reminder to me about my need for newness.

God has wired me this way. I get  bored easily. I like to see new things. I love old things. I really love old things made new.

What I don't like is change just for the sake of change. There must be a bigger story and a good reason for change. Otherwise, it's a waste of time. You know, kind of like rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic (that was my required 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic reference.)

So, here's what God is saying to me through His Word, prayers and the voices of others who are godly and have their finger on the pulse of this culture while standing solidly on the Gospel.

The way we have done church must change. 

That's a pretty bold statement and pretty open ended. It also opens me up for some pretty severe criticism from those who believe we need to go back to a previous age rather than move forward.

In truth, we are being called away from "doing" church to living out what it means to "be the church."

I'm not sure what all this entails, but I do know this. The way I was trained, and most other pastors my age and older, to do church, build staff, create ministries and "grow" a church may not only be wrong, it may be unbiblical.

I'm still working through this, so give me some time before you blast me. There's a good chance God will reveal that I misheard him as well.

Nonetheless, I believe we are moving to an age where the traditional pastors or ministers serving an age group or function will be redefined. Oh, we'll still be serving and leading children, students, single adults, married adults and focus on the function of education, music and administration, but the truth of the matter is that God is blurring the lines between heretofore "defined" pastoral roles.

No longer will the church claim to be culturally relevant and biblically solid just by gathering together in large rooms and stating so. We've talked for decades. James' words of faith and works are getting louder, all the while reminding us that works and good deeds do not save.

Years ago churches lauded the fact they were "mission-minded." That, my friends, is not enough. All around our nation and throughout our denomination we have "mission-minded" churches who give a love offering every Christmas and Easter and maybe do a missions study on Wednesday evenings (or Sunday evenings for those few churches still holding the flag for Sunday night services). I fear that these people will stand before God one day and say "But we were mission-minded," and God will say "Where in my commission did I say to think about being on mission?" 

What does this mean for our fellowship? Well, it's the next step in a journey that we have obviously been on for years. However, don't think that just because we send people on short-term mission trips every year we have arrived. I truly believe that each of us are to be on mission and missional in our own communities as well as supportive (and I mean really supportive) of our missionaries on the field. In addition to that, I believe God is going to call out an individual or family in our church (BTW - He's already at work in this area) that we as a church will send to the field. Yes, in addition to our Cooperative Program giving, which continues to increase, our Associational Missions giving, which also is increasing, God is moving us into a part of the story we have never been as a church. We will continue to support our IMB and NAMB missionaries, but we will also have FBCOP missionaries. 

The change is happening. It's exciting. It's Gospel driven. It's not about being a good church. It's about being an obedient family. What will it all look like? I have no idea, but it's becoming clearer every day.

Oh, here's the warning. We can resist the change. Other groups have. You may have seen them around. They're the ones in buildings they cannot afford, looking to close down or sell out. Others own their buildings, so that's not an issue, but there is no life within. They gather regularly, listen to sermons and studies they have heard for  years. They say "Amen" and then go home. They are inwardly focused and satisfied. They will remain for a few more decades until the last of the members pass away or move away. They will pay their bills regularly until the Social Security checks are no longer enough to keep the doors open. It sounds harsh, right? You know it's true, though. It's the lukewarm Christianity and churches that we read about in Revelation. 

Let's not slide into that trap.

Change is normal.

JAX to PDX - Connecting Churches & Church Planters

Something is going on here in Jacksonville, Florida (JAX). It's big. . .really big. It won't be on the news tonight. Most of the people in our communities don't know this is happening. Many don't care, at least right now they don't, but I pray they will.

Something's happening in Portland, Oregon (PDX), too. It's a similar story, but on a different backdrop. Most likely, the majority of  Portlandians do not know it's happening in their city either. However, they will. 

God is at work in these cities in a mighty way.

Last week I traveled to Portland with a good friend, Neil Jimenez. This journey was strange. We knew we had to go, but weren't sure why. About a year ago, Wes Hughes from the Northwest Baptist Convention tweeted to me while I was attending the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. While at this convention, the North American Mission Board was unveiling their "Send: North America" emphasis. The buzz was all about church planting.

So, Wes, while still in the Portland area, tweets over 100 people attending the convention (you could tell who was there by the #SBC2011 people were using) about joining other Baptists in the Northwest to support church planting there.

I responded, thinking Wes was in Phoenix. Since he wasn't we tweeted back and forth and I told him that I would be interested in seeing how our fellowship could connect across the country in Phoenix in this movement of church planting.

So. . .about a year later, Neil and I ended up in Portland with Wes, walking through the numerous communities and meeting with church planters.

What I found surprising was that of the 100+ tweets Wes sent out to SBC attendees about joining them in Portland, he only received one reply. Mine.

So, we travel to Portland last week. We began meeting with church planters and denominational leaders almost immediately. We were getting a crash course on the makeup and diversity of Portland. It's a beautiful city, but not Jacksonville. In fact, their unofficial motto that appears in numerous places is "Keep Portland Weird." I figured I'd fit right in.

So, we walked, rode the MAX (metro train line) and sat in coffee shops all throughout the city just observing, talking and learning about what God is doing there.

Each church planter we met with would ask me "So. . .why are you here?" 

Great question. 

I finally figured out the answer. We were there to discover what God is already at work doing and seeking to find how we can support our church planters and missionaries and get in this great story.

There are great differences between Portland and Jacksonville.

• The geography is very different. While Mt. Hood looms on the horizon in PDX, I shared with our new friends that the tallest mountain in Florida is Space Mountain. 
• JAX has been rated as the least walkable city in America. PDX is one of the most walkable.
• It rains all the time in PDX. It rains a lot here, but not every day (except for those few weeks in the summer when church groups are trying to schedule recreation for youth camps.)
• There's a "Southern Fried Christian" veneer to JAX. Not so in PDX.
• JAX is conservative politically. PDX prides itself on not being so.
• JAX is a football city. PDX is a basketball city (I really enjoyed that.)
• You can pump your own gas in JAX. Not so in PDX or any other city in Oregon. It's a state law.
• JAX has the River Run. PDX has a nude bike race.
• JAX has the beach. PDX is about 45 minutes from the coast.
• JAX has Starbucks. PDX does too, but Portlanders would rather be at Stumptown Coffee or one of the hundreds of independent coffee shops.
• JAX has a lot of bicyclists. Everyone (it seems) rides bikes in PDX.
• JAX has Whataburger. PDX has Burgerville.
• JAX has read Blue Like Jazz. PDX has lived it.

There are other differences, but even with all of these, I noticed some interesting similarities.

• JAX & PDX are both port cities.
• JAX & PDX both have a good college population.
• JAX has Folio Weekly. PDX has the Mercury. They're basically the same paper and have a lot of readers, especially younger adults.
• JAX & PDX both have rivers running through the city.
• JAX & PDX both have many pre-Christians.
• JAX & PDX both have artisan districts.
• JAX & PDX both have a network of believers praying for the city.
• JAX & PDX both have homeless people.
• JAX & PDX both have families in trouble.
• JAX & PDX both have people with drug and alcohol problems.
• JAX & PDX both have residents trying to figure out what life is all about.
• JAX & PDX are both very spiritual cities. (I didn't say Christian.)
• JAX & PDX both have church planters working in the urban core and suburban areas.

So, why were we there? 

I believe we traveled to Portland because God desires our church (First Baptist Church of Orange Park) and other churches in the Jacksonville area to connect with the church planters in the Portland/Vancouver, WA area.

Why?

Some would say "There are enough lost people around here. We need to focus on Jacksonville."

While that's true, that's a pretty small and limiting statement. God's church (remember, it's not a building) is bigger than Jacksonville. For some reason, I believe God has strategically placed us in a position to minister to and with those believers in Portland. Why Portland? To be honest, I really don't know, but I believe it's clearly Portland. 

I do believe it's more than putting mission teams together to travel to Portland, though that may happen. I believe it begins with prayer (actually begins, sustains and ends with prayer) and God will then reveal how we can be His instruments in our city and Portland. 

I'm pretty sure traditional mission trips and church events based on the attractional model are not the answer. 

So, join me in praying for Portland (and Jacksonville, too) as we seek together to push back the darkness. 

Let's win the city! (or cities!)

This story is still being written. 

(BTW - yes, that's a picture of a dude wearing Spock ears and Scotty's shirt while playing bagpipes and riding a unicycle down the sidewalk in one of Portland's 20 minute communities.)

Responding to the "What's Your Focus?" Question

Sometimes social media can be good and helpful. At other times, it can be troublesome and distracting. In most cases, the latter is true.

Sunday evening following a full day of service with the church, I logged onto Facebook and seeing as it was April Fool's Day, I knew that there would be some fake stories and specials online. For some, this is bothersome, but in truth, some of these April Fool's Day stories were pretty funny, or just strange. What amazes me is ho much time and effort is spent by some pretty large corporations to develop these. So, I read and posted some to my Facebook, just to share some a laugh or two. Some of the ones I thought were funny were Google Maps introduction of the 8-bit version for the Nintendo. Another was the introduction of YouTube's DVD collection.

Companies like ThinkGeek, who offer some pretty funny and strange items anyway, had a few "special" items for sale Sunday as well. I linked a few of these to my Facebook page, just for laughs.

Apparently, not everyone in Facebook land thought this was a good use of my time. Perhaps they're right. No argument there. I'll never get that 45 minutes back, I guess.

What concerned me was a comment on one of the linked posts. A statement that basically stated that as a pastor, I was unfocused. Again, I'll admit that is true a times. However, the question raised was deeper than just a personal admonition. The comment basically painted a picture of our fellowship at First Baptist Church, calling into question our mission and focus. 

Now, I'm not upset the comment was placed there. In fact, though placed by someone who apparently feels led to worship at another fellowship at this time, led me to respond. I simply responded that our focus was the Gospel, plain and simple.

Then, I deleted the post, not because I don't know how to enjoy a good joke or that the April Fool's Day item was innappropriate, but because I figured, knowing how Facebook works, that "friends" would then pile on comments to this gentleman's statement. I just didn't see any positive coming from that (plus I didn't want the tons of notifications to pop up on my phone)

Nevertheless, the question was timely.

I had just preached that morning on the value and necessity of having the Gospel as our motivator as the church in all we do. Since there are many more people who were not in attendance at First Baptist this past Sunday than were (and apparently, the commenter on the linked Facebook story is one of them) I felt that clarification on how the Gospel motivates us is needed.

When we as Christ followers speak of the Gospel (and I like to capitalize the word to remind me of the holiness of our topic) we are referring to the "good news" of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection and our opportunity at life and a relationship with the Father through Him.

We have our four "Gospel" accounts in the Bible written by Holy Spirit-inspired men intent on sharing the "good news" of Christ to unique audiences of the day and humanity throughout history.

What's interesting is that the term gospel is not reserved for biblical discussions. In ancient days, the Greeks would use the term to signify the spread of good news in their communities. It could be a servant coming to his master with a good report or a soldier reporting to his commanding officer of the success of a military effort. The gospel is good news.

The Gospel is THE good news.

Therefore, it is this Gospel that motivates and drives us.

There are so many unique fellowships that gather weekly. These Christians, part of the church, collective gather to worship and serve the Lord. 

Some center their message and actions around causes such as homelessness, hunger, orphancare, or community impact, etc. Some are centered around a model of church growth. Others are focused on internal care ministries such as children's ministry, youth ministry, senior adult ministry. However you categorize it, each church drifts toward it's natural bent for ministry. 

Here's the rub.

If a church centers itself around a task, regardless how "good" it may seem or beneficial for the people or community, it is a futile endeavor apart from the motivation of the Gospel.

When the focus of the church becomes events, activities, internal ministries or projects, the Gospel slides into the background often. Sometimes, it seems to melt away altogether. Take my word for it, there are "churches" who gather regularly that have slid into this model. Some are dying, and perhaps they should. Others are sustained on the gifts of senior members, but will be gone in a decade or so when the attendance dries up and the bills cannot be paid.

As Reggie McNeal has said, we must remember that the church is a "who" and not a "what."

What is our focus? What it my focus? Simple, it's the Gospel. It is central to all we do as a church fellowship. It must remain our starting point and ending point. The Gospel leads us to be the "who" we are called to be as His church, getting outside the walls of a structure to interact with the world for the sake and glory of God. How can we be "in the world and not of it" if we are satisfied with good deed ativism, another study course, another event and program apart from the Truth?

Tim Keller states this in J.D. Greear's book titled GOSPEL: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary:

One of the most startling passages in the Bible connects the magnificence of angels with the mystery of the gospel. Although angels are incredibly majestic and powerful beings, living in God’s eternal presence. Yet there is something that has happened on earth which is so stupendous that even these immortal beings experience the persistent longing “to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12). What are “these things” that could possibly and consistently consume the attention of God-fixated creatures?  The answer is–the gospel.

The angels never get tired of looking into the gospel.  This means that there is no end to gospel exploration. There are depths in the gospel that are always there to be discovered and applied not only to our ministry and daily Christian life, but above all to the worship of the God of the gospel with renewed vision and humility.

The underlying conviction in my preaching, pastoring, and writing is that the gospel—this eternally fascinating message craved by the angels—can change a heart, a community, and the world when it is recovered and applied.

… It is one thing to understand the gospel but is quite another to experience the gospel in such a way that it fundamentally changes us and becomes the source of our identity and security. It is one thing to grasp the essence of the gospel but it quite another to think out its implications for all of life. We all struggle to explore the mysteries of the gospel on a regular basis and to allow its message to influence our thinking.

Amen.

All Missions is Local

In 1935, former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill coined the phrase "All politics is local." This was following his first and only losing election. This statement has been discussed in political science and government classes ever since. It makes for good debates.

Derrick Daye and Brad VanAuken recently posted on their Branding Strategy blog about how "All Marketing Is Local" and it prompted me to think about how, in the church, our mission must be local initially. 

Now, I am a proponent of short-term mission trips, a supporter of career missions, and a believer and practitioner of global impact for Christ and all the other terms we use to affirm missions in our Christian world. However, I also believe that missions must first be local.

When I say local, I am not referring to the church planning a local mission project for the congregation, though those are valid and good things. I'm not talking about the youth pastor planning a "rake and run" community event either (this was a term I heard Reggie McNeal use to describe our feel good community mission events based on "random acts of kindness.") Though, I guess those are good as well.

The mission, or doing missions, begins in the invidual. It is a conviction driven by the Holy Spirit. The mission is to honor God through our lives. Honoring God begins in the thought life of a Christ-follower. How we think leads to actions. Therefore, all missions is rooted in the local. . .not the community, but the heart.

Orphans, Adoption, and Fostering. . . Not An Option for the Church

Over the past few months, God has been revealing to me and our leadership team His plans for our church to enter into a story already being written. This story involves something that for many has been reserved as a "private matter." It's something that some have a difficult time understanding why the church would be involved.

It has to do with children. Most churches are very positive toward children. We promote "family friendly" activities, events and ministries. Many have distinct children's ministries that feature camps, children's church and the mainstay of Baptist life - Vacation Bible School.

It's not that we do not love children. In fact, we do. It's just that there is a group of children in our community and throughout the world that we often do not talk about. These are the children living in orphanages and foster homes.

The question we are asking is "What is the church to do?"

 

I am convinced that God desires us not to simply give an offering a couple of times a year for orphan care (though we will continue to give financially.) I am saddened that many churches have left care for children in our society up to governmental agencies.

 

Why is it that we allow the Angelina Jolie's of the world to be the image of adoption? Isn't adoption and rescuing children a mandate for the church?

Many in our tribe are pro-life, as we are. We are adamently opposed to abortion, feeling that life begins at conception. However, beyond protesting abortion and advocating for the unborn, what do we do for those who have been born, but have no home? What about the child who is put up for adoption? What about the child that is in need of a safe home for a season, or a foster family?

Why does it seem that, for the most part, the church is satisfied with leaving orphan care and adoption up to others? 

I read this verse recently while studying. I had read it before, but this time it really struck a chord. God spoke through His Word to me when reading this verse and it was very clear. 

James 1:27(ESV)
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. 

Pure and undefiled religion. Now that's religion that God loves. Notice that the first item listed has to do with orphans. Visiting orphans. That is not all, there is also listed the ministry to widows and ultimately remaining unstained from the sin of the world (i.e. in the world, but not of it.)

If our commission as Christ-followers is to share the Gospel and make disciples, then wouldn't it make sense for Christians to be heavily involved in the ministry of adopting children who need homes. To rescue children and bring them to Christ is a worthy undertaking. 

I'm not sure how this will look for First Baptist Church, but I do know that we will be "all in." I see a day when there are no children in need of adoption in our county. Why? Because Christ-following families will rescue these children and bring them into their homes. Men and women will become "Mom and Dad" for children who have never known such a relationshiop. Some will experience the love of Christ through a family that heretofore they have never known.

In talking with our friends at the Florida Baptist Children's Homes, this step is vitally needed in our area.

So, the ball is rolling now. Steps are being taken. We will not rush in unprepared. . .but we will rush in. 

Why? Because we must.

Is it any different for believers in our culture to ignore the needs (phsyical, emotional, mental AND spiritual) of children and allow others to deal with it than what the Jewish people did in the Old Testament when they offered up children to false gods such as Molech? That may be an extreme comparison and will probably offend some, but in truth, there's not much difference. 

We, the called out ones, the rescued, the ransomed hearts, the children of God are to offer pure and undefiled worship to the Father. To ignore this aspect (and no, it's not the only one) eliminates our worship from being as pure as it could be.

What will this look like? I'm not sure, but here are some ideas:

• We will offer regularly scheduled MAPP classes here at the church (Apparently, these will soon be called PRIDE classes, but are the same thing. Required by the state in order to adopt.)
• We will offer connection groups for families wishing to adopt or foster children. This will enable couples to talk with and get answers about difficult questions from others who have previously gone through the process.
• We will upgrade and enhance our preschool and children's ministries to be more "user friendly" for families with foster children or children through the Safe Families program.
• We will offer training and information for any wishing to adopt or foster children. 
• We will educate church members about this mission and even those who cannot adopt of foster will be invited into the story. Every Christ-follower can be an advocate.
• Hopefully, through partnerships with other ministries, we will be able to offer scholarships or donations for families wishing to adopt. (This will be a huge faith step and maintained by an off site ministry.)
• International adoption will be an option and we want to help in the process. Whether this is through the China Nest of Hope or our mission in Haiti or some other location, we will offer step-by-step information on how, why, and what needs to be done.
• We will celebrate births of babies in our church family. We will celebrate the adoption of babies into families (regardless the age of the child.)
• We will be more involved in orphan care through the Children's Home here in Jacksonville as well as international orphanages.
• We will be an advocate for special needs adoptions.
• We will be an advocate for multi-racial adoptions.
• Etc. (This covers all the many things we haven't even thought of, but God already has in the works.)

We understand that adopting or fostering a child doesn't make a person a "super Christian." We do believe, however, that all believers can be involved in this mission. It's not a new mission. It's living the Gospel where God has placed us.

"Semper Fi" - Always Faithful. . .Everywhere

I enjoyed lunch with a couple of good friends today. Ricky Powell, Pastor of Fort Caroline Baptist Church and I met with Clint Clifton, church planter and Founding Pastor of Pillar Church in Virginia. 

I have known Clint for years. He served as Worship Leader for Church at the Island years ago and then, when on a short-term mission project in Virginia, we reacquainted. It has been good to see how God has used Clint and the ministries of Pillar Church to not only fulfill the Great Commission through individual connections, but through church planting.

Most recently, God has led Clint and Pillar Church to seek to establish new churches at every United States Marine Corps base in the world. The strategy to place new Pillar Churches near these bases will allow for greater ministry and connectivity. 

God is calling men from Pillar near Quantico to go out and plant churches near every USMC base. This is the Great Commission at work.

The Marine Corps motto is Semper Fidelis. Latin for "always faithful," Semper Fidelis became the Marine Corps motto in 1883. It guides Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what.

Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone, andSemper Fi reminds Marines of that. Once made, a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine.

As children of God, we too are called to be always faithful. We are to be faithful to God and the calling which He has given us. The Great Commission instructs us to make disciples, baptize and teach as we go throughout our daily lives. There is no such thing as an ex-Christian.

Pillar Church has been strategically placed to impact Marines and their families in ways that go beyond the temporary. 

The Marine Corps was founded by Congress in 1775. In honor of this date, we are being challenged to join the effort to place a church (yes, it's a Southern Baptist Church) at each Marine Corps base in the world. Our challenge is to donate, just one time, a total amount of $1775.00 toward the effort. We will not make this donation from our church budget, but are challenging the membership of First Baptist Church to join this church planting and Great Commission effort to reach Marines and their families. We hope to have at least $1775.00 to donate toward the Praetorian Project by Memorial Day this year (May 28, 2012.) You can donate through First Baptist Church online or by designating a gift toward "Praetorian Project" or "Marine Churches" with your regular tithes and offerings.

Semper Fi!

Watch below to learn more:

The Praetorian Project from Pillar Church on Vimeo.

(Oh, and what does this mean for Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard bases and stations? Perhaps, that's the next chapter of the Praetorian Project that we are called to spearhead?)

How to Take a Mission Trip and Not Make the Missionary Wish You'd Leave

At First Baptist Church we participate in short-term mission projects regularly. In fact, at this writing, we have teams preparing to serve in Alaska, Arizona, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Iowa and Spain. Other short-term journey will likely be scheduled in the near future to places like China, Wales, Oregon and North Carolina. Most likely, there will be places we send teams that haven't even crossed our minds yet.

Short-term mission trips can be very productive and helpful to missionaries in the field. The teams coming in to visit often bring needed resources with them such as clothing, teaching tools, books, games, etc. The teams also brnig manpower. However, the mission team can also become a bit of a burden.

 

I have been talking to some of our missionaries and sponsored church planters over the past year or so about these teams. Having served and led teams myself, I believe we must be very intentional and strategic. Here are some things that come to mind regarding mission teams that should be taken into consideration in order to avoid being the team that is most appreciated when the trip is over.

 

In other words, here are some pointers to avoid being "that team."

• Don't take over the mission. In most cases, the missionary or church planter has been in the field for some time. He has already scoped the community and is beginning to develop and has developed friendships and relationships. Don't show up with a "new idea" of how things should be done. 
• Don't come with an agenda. If your goal is to be able to go home to your church with a report on how many souls were saved on your ten day mission trip, you will most likely miss the point of the trip and be focused on padding your scorecard for the folks back home.
• Don't be the "ugly American." This not only applies to international trips, but could also apply to other areas of the United States where the religous and political makeup is different than your home. The reality is that the term "ugly American" was coined because some Americans really deserved it. Unfortunately, many tourists often affirm the title. Oh, and stop being so loud. Apparently, Americans are very loud. Settle down.
• Don't come with a plan to help the believers in the mission area learn how to "do church" like you do back home. We had one team that visited Australia years ago. While partnering with pastors there, they worshiped with a local congregation. This local, Baptist congregation was observing the Lord's Supper and like just about everywhere else in the world other than the United States, they used real wine. One of our team members shared how she let them know how wrong that was. We have not been back.
• Don't arrive in the field without knowing something about the culture. You cannot fully understand the culture until boots are on the ground (and in just ten days, you can only get a taste) but effort should be made before the trip to understand some about the culture (i.e. language, political issues, needs, views of evangelical Christianity, etc.) On my recent journey to Wales, my friends in country reminded me how many Americans believe Wales and England are the same. FYI - that's a pretty offensive statement to a Welshman, and probably to an Englishman as well. If you cannot comprehend why that's a big deal, just think about calling a good ole boy from Georgia a Yankee. Get the idea?
• Be prepared spiritually. This is vital. The Enemy will do everything to keep you busy, anxious and worried before a trip. Meet with your teammates. Read a book together. Pray together. Pray alone. Be spiritually ready for the trip. There will be challenges. The mission is too important to view it as nothing more than a "Jesus vacation."
• Journal and take pictures. While on the trip, journal your experiences. Take lots of pictures. You will want to remember what God is doing. We are forgetful. Photos and journal entries can take us back to spiritual highlights (and lowlights - all are beneficial.)
• Don't use the word missionary or mission trip while in the field. In most cases, especially internationally, these terms are frowned upon. Check with your missionary/church planter to learn what terms should be used. I heard of one student pastor who was trying to enter a Eurpoean country with his students. He was asked by customs in the airport what he would be doing. He answered "mission work." Since he did not have a "work visa" he was banned from entering the country, and has been placed on a banned entry list. He was subsequently sent home.
• Don't upload photos to Facebook or Tweet about details of the mission unless you get approval from the missionary/church planter. You can undo years of work with one careless Tweet. 
• Remember that you are the visitors. For instance, about ten years ago I led a team of teenagers on a mission trip to the Middle East. One of our students deplaned and while in the airport stated "Wow! Look at all these foreigners." I had to inform him that we were the foreigners.
• Stop asking if you'll have time to get some souvenirs. Schedule the time. Put it on the agenda. Let everyone on the team know when it will be. Otherwise, you'll end up with at least one team member whose sole purpose is to buy everyone back home some authentic (usually made in China) item from the area you are visiting. I remember a team member about twelve years ago on a trip that was driving us crazy because of the desire to get a "souvenir." We couldn't focus on the work because we were always looking for that perfect piece of junk with the name of country plastered on it. Is it a sin that I hoped her stuff would be taxed greatly at the airport? I repent.
• Don't make the missionary or church planter feel that he/she has to keep you busy. I believe that most all missionaries and church planters truly love when teams visit. However, these have to be stressful occasions. Groups arrive and schedules have to be coordinated. Then, the teams are ready to work. It's almost as if the missionary or church planter has to plan a week of camp for the team to keep them busy all the time. While some events can be scheduled that will utilize the manpower, sometimes things are scheduled for the sole purpose of keeping the teams busy. This is a waste and the mission team needs to relieve the missionary or church planter from this wasteful expectation.
• Be culturally contextual. Know the culture. This is difficult because we all live in a culture that is very regional. Beyond that, we all live within sub-cultures, mostly defined by our church. Listen to the missionary or church planter. Be a helper and encourager. I heard of a mission team member who visited another country recently. He had systematically placed stickers with a dated American evangelistic phrase printed upon them all throughout the area. The problem is that even in America, the stickers are dated. In the nation where these stickers were plastered, the native language is not English. So not only were the stickers out-dated and cheesy. . .they weren't even in the language of the people.
• Leave your evangelistic strategy at home. This one comes with a caveat. There are times when the missionary or church planter will instruct you to come prepared and trained in a certain strategy. In these cases, by all means, bring the resources and come prepared. However, in many cases the pre-published, memorized "key question" strategies of sharing Christ are not the most effective. One of my missionary friends serving in a post-Christian culture told me that new strategies are being developed in these cultures and while the Holy Spirit can definitely draw people to God through the tried and true questions and tracts, they are very, very ineffective. Listen to your missionary/church planter contact. Seek and observe their wisdom.
• Know your purpose clearly. Everyone on a misson team has expectations. If the team leader does not clearly understand and articulate what the purpose of the trip is, some on the team will be frustrated (and will consequently frustrate the rest of the team.) Each trip should have a purpose. It may be construction, community outreach, prayerwalking, etc. Regardless, know what it is and remind the team members. Otherwise other plans will be written in the minds of the participants and the Enemy will use this to affect the team and trip negatively.
• Have fun. Seriously. Take some time to enjoy the people and the area. This is all about attitude. Rest. It's OK. Stay focused. Do what is needed, but have fun.
• Be encouraging. Pray for and encourage the missionary/church planter. Serve them. You'll be leaving in a few days but he/she is still on the field. Make sure your time with them is one that will refresh them, not wear them out. Pray for and connect with them once back home as well. Don't bug them, but, depending upon the area they are serving, connect via social media or email and please, please pray for them. You will remain part of the mission this way.

I'm sure there are many other tips. 

I believe in short-term trips. However, I believe the trips should be designed to encourage and assist those in the field. If trips end up being about the trips and not the bigger mission, stop going. Don't be "that team."

Should Christians Be Involved In The Social Justice Movement?

Over the past decade or so an increase, especially among younger believers, in what is known as "justice ministry" has occured. To some, this emphasis is alarming. To others, it's something that has been ignored for far too long. As more and more legitimate ministries are advocating for the oppressed and poor, the question of where social justice and the ever popular "social gospel" fits in the biblical narrative and our world today has come to the forefront.

The fear that many evangelical Christians have of "justice" ministry is that traditionally, this has been the rallying cry of liberal theologians and even atheistic leaders. Though Wikipedia is not necessarily the best reference site for terms, in this case, they offer a pretty good working definition of social justice.

Social justice is also a concept that some use to describe the movement towards a socially just world. In this context, social justice is based on the concepts of human rights and equality and involves a greater degree of economic egalitarianism through progressive taxation, income redistribution, or even property redistribution. These policies aim to achieve what developmental economists refer to as more equality of opportunity than may currently exist in some societies, and to manufacture equality of outcome in cases where incidental inequalities appear in a procedurally just system.

The word that sticks out in this definition, and is celebrated by many in the world is "egalitarianism." Where issues arise, and blatantly political fodder is developed, is when the term is partnered with "income redistribution," "property redistribution," and "equality of outcome." (www.gotquestions.org)

Those terms are often used in election cycles, and not in positive ways. In fact, it is the egalitarian push that Marx and others have used to justify socialism and communism, especially when referencing an ecomonic outcome. Though some say the actions of the early church as outlined in the Book of Acts affirms a communistic belief system, this is not the case.

Since the social justice or social gospel movements in our culture seemingly have their roots in liberal, social (even socialist) movements, conservative evangelical Christians have often distanced ourselves from such things. By distancing ourselves from this concept of social justice, we have allowed the world to define what it means and have missed out on a vital aspect of the Gospel.

The Bible is clear in both the Old and New Testaments that God is a God of justice. In Deuteronomy we are reminded that this is the case. The Psalms remind us that he cares for the fatherless and in fact will be "Father for the fatherless." We are to minister to the widows and orphans in our churches and communities. Jesus reminds us in his Olivet discourse that we are to love the "least of these" and serve them in His name. 

Therefore, it is blatantly obvious throughout Scripture, that even though the poor will always be with us, we are to love others as God loved us and serve in His name. It is this "serving in His name" that  becomes the great challenge.

The fact is that the world's definition and the Christian's definition of social justice are very different. The world's response to injustice (such as poverty, hunger, slavery, etc.)  is to have the government or an agency advocate care and service to the least in the world in a communal way with a very humanistic outcome desired. While many non-believers advocate for injustices and have raised funds and awareness on a global scale, without a gospel-centric motivation, the "good" works done will remain temporal.

The command to serve the least of these in Christ's name, as stated in Scripture is not given to a government entity or angency, but is given to the church. The church, not a building or denomination or religious agency, but the individual children of God are the ones who have received the instruction and commands to serve the least of these in the name of Jesus.

In other words, I, as a child of God, cannot rightfully ignore the least of these in this world. Ignorance is no excuse. Neither can I use the reasoning that "I gave some money to the church, so that's all I need to do. They'll help the least of these." There is no "they." As believers, it is "we" which begins with "me."

The great commandment, as given to us by Christ, is to love the Lord will all our heart, soul, mind and spirit and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Of course, Jesus then explains who our neighbors are.

So, in the midst of a resurgence of evangelical social justice ministry, it must be remembered that the command is to the individual child of God. When we, as individuals live out the gospel, then the world is changed and God's name is glorified.

Is it valid to be involved in social justice ministries or projects that exist only to advocate for the poor, needy and helpless? The simple answer is "NO." This would be a slide into a "Hands Only" (see this posting for definition) form of ministry. That moves us into a mode no better than the Red Cross or other service agencies. While these entities do some good, they are not gospel-centric and for a church to simply replicate the world's good deed ambassadors is to ignore the gospel. In these cases, God's name is not being glorified.

It is also true that to simply study, read, and think on the things of God without any action is just as useless. Remember, faith without works is dead.

Some argue that feeding the hungry, clothing the homeless or advocating for the unborn or slaves, or any other oppressed group is invalid unless you also share the message of Christ. I do agree with this, however, to believe that giving a Gospel tract to a starving man is better than giving some bread to him is ludicrous. Have you ever tried eating a Gospel tract? The good news of the gospel is to be shared. Jesus is to be overtly proclaimed. The "least of these" are to know that it is all because of Jesus that we serve. Shouldn't our lives be the Gospel tract? Honestly, before printing presses and little gimmicky tracts were ever printed, how did people ever hear and understand the gospel? Through the love of God's children. That's how.

So, is it valid for believers to be involved in social justice causes? Yes, when it is a gospel-centric, God-centered approach that sees and proclaims Christ as Savior, bringing heaven to earth when He returns. This biblical view understands that at His return, He will restore all things and execute perfect justice. Until this time, we, as believers remain Christ's ambassadors to a lost and dying and evil world. We re to express God's love and justice by showing kindness, love and mercy to those who are the "least of these."