Life Journal 6/17/09 How then shall you live?

Young folks especially READ ON!!

Reading Colossians 3 today as a part of my Life Journal reading (If you haven’t gotten a Life Journal yet, there are some on the way). I read in my NKJV but then popped in for a rare visit (at least these days) to the Message translation of this same chapter. Eugene Peterson brought some good paraphrasing to this particular chapter. Paul is laying out some basic standards for living as Jesus-followers. This ties in with Jesus’ teachings on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. If we have really given our lives to Jesus and accepted the love, grace and mercy available because of the cross and resurrection then Paul challenges us to truly change the way we live. I see this chapter especially poignant to young people. Our faith in the US has experienced somewhat of a backlash against religious legalism, and for the most part I’m all for it. There has been added “requirements” placed on Christ-followers that aren’t based in Scripture. This backlash has been especially true among young adults and teenagers. One of the things I love about Ephesus Church is the freedom to truly be ourselves. To be discipled and challenged and grow while not bogged down with false legalism and requirements.

However…there are some dangers to this new exploration of “freedom in Christ.” Taking it too far. As Christians we are called to righteousness in our thinking and our actions. Jesus sets this up in Matthew 5-7 and Paul continues it through much of his writings (probably because it’s all from God and is useful for teaching!), especially here in Colossians 3. Too often young people who are Christians push the envelope a little too far in how they live life. Too much drinking, too much “passion” (Col. 3.5), too much filthy language, etc. Another element that Eugene Peterson translates in the Message is good stuff: “killing off everything connected with that way of death:…doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it.” Then later, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men.”(both Colossians 3)

Young people, hear me, how are you going to live? Jesus is calling us all to more than just acceptance of the cross, He’s calling us to righteousness in every aspect of our lives. Live free, enjoy life, don’t get bogged down in legalism. Those of you that have hung out with me know I strive to live this way. BUT, there is a balance. Don’t be like the world just because you have “freedom.” Choose to live differently as Scripture challenges us to live differently in those areas of your life. Read and meditate on Colossians 3 and see if there are areas in your life where some shifts need to take place.

Game on!

Leadership Writing #2, Integrity & Character

Leadership writing #2 Integrity & Character

We first looked at the importance of courage in stepping out into leadership. Without courage, we never act, and therefore never lead anyone anywhere. This next topic is just as important, but on the backend of our leadership. We often talk about ethics and values in our society, but we don’t really attach that to underlying integrity and strength of character. The reality is “values” cannot be detached from an underlying foundation of integrity built on a strong character. This means we are unable to hang some values on the wall and proclaim to adhere to them if they do not flow out of our personal integrity and character. They are mutually inclusive (I’ll not dive into the issue of whether “values” are a modern attempt to define morality dissociative of a biblical principles. You can talk about that amongst yourselves! Besides we all know the answer is 42 (send me an email if you got that joke!)). To succeed in the long-term as a leader you must be a person of integrity and character. Below are some specific points on integrity and character.

1. It starts with a God’s-eye perspective

In 1 Samuel 16 God specifically tells Samuel he sees the heart and not the outward appearance. We like to quote this verse often, but don’t live it out often enough in our own lives. We’re drawn to charisma and larger-than-life leaders. That is not inherently bad, but we must also examine the heart just as God does. To bring that even closer to home, what is your motivating drive? Is it about accolades and success? Are you motivated in your leadership based on Godly desires or human achievements? Being motivated to succeed is not wrong or in itself unhealthy. I firmly believe God desires us to be driven to do our best, but He desires our success to glorify Him and be motivated by Him.

On another level, when our hearts are truly following after God there is an inherent honesty and authenticity to what we do. Others see this very quickly. The leaders that I respect the most exhibit this authenticity explicitly. I’m convinced they do not sit around in the morning thinking of how they can appear authentic to those around them each. It flows naturally out of who they are, a foundation built on God’s perspective not man’s perspective.

King David first began to attract followers long before he became king of Israel. In fact he had hundreds of followers willing to live in caves and constantly flee the army of King Saul who was looking to kill David and his followers for 10 years. He did not have prestige or position. He had won some battles, but these were quickly overshadowed by Saul’s attempts on his life. He was a leader in these early years, because he was a man after God’s heart, a man of integrity inside and out. He understood his source was from God, and that is where David built his foundation as a leader.

2. Integrity is not always required for success

There are times we see folks around us achieve success and move up corporate leadership ladders, but their integrity and character is very suspect. We often wonder “why them?” This may be true, but success can still happen. We are all born with certain gifts and abilities. For some, those include the ability to make things happen and move projects and organizations forward on willpower and ability. Unfortunately, without an underlying foundation built on Godly integrity, these individuals are nearly always doomed to eventual failure. This is usually very painful for the individual and devastating to the organization and people. I have seen this happen over and over with church leaders. Their abilities drive explosive growth, which leads many to see them as strong leaders. But the success cannot be maintained without a strong foundation. It’s like an army that has the strongest tanks and the most ammunition storming across the countryside blasting everything in its path, only to find itself far from its supply bases and out of gas. At that point the enemy rallies a few troops together and destroys the attacking army that no longer has any ammunition to fight with. Our integrity and character are our supply. The smart military commander thinks logistics before tactics. They have the right equipment, they have the right mission, and they ensure they have the foundation to carry the fight all the way to the conclusion. Too many times we can have the right equipment and the right mission, but we don’t ensure the foundation: our character and integrity.

God cares much more about who we are than about what we have accomplished. In Matthew 10, Jesus tells of those who will come to the Judgment Seat and list all of their accomplishments yet Jesus will still say “I don’t know you.” His larger concern is not what they accomplished it’s about their heart. We must overcome the “success” mentality. God will bring the success, He controls the outcome. His plans will come to pass with or without us; His deeper desire is to see us love Him with all our heart, soul and mind. That is the foundation of integrity, regardless of success. At Ephesus Church, success without integrity holds no value whatsoever.

3. Those that follow leaders value integrity in that leader above all else.

I touched on this a little above. If you look at examples in your own life of whom you have followed I believe you will find this to be true. Those that cut corners, manipulate or more blatantly violate biblical principles do not hold our loyalty long. I have worked under both leaders of integrity and leaders of very suspect motives. Those leaders that have held integrity and character in high regard continue to influence me today. What’s important to note is that you will not necessarily agree with all the decisions of leaders placed over you, but if you trust the integrity of that leader you will wholeheartedly follow nonetheless. That is true of your own leadership. Buy-in flows out of integrity. If you have a direction you are looking to take your team be sure your heart and actions are based on integrity above all else. From there your team will follow you. When you have to make tough decisions or have audacious goals, begin with integrity and character in your life first and your team will be motivated to follow you.

4. Having strong character is hard!

Andy Stanley says, “character is the will to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.” When you have a goal you are working towards, there will often come opportunities to compromise and take shortcuts. In the short-run compromise may bring some success, but ultimately lack of character will cause the bottom to fall out. When mountaineers are climbing high mountains like Mt. Everest, they typically will determine a turnaround time. This is the time the climbers will give up their summit bid and return to high camp with an appropriate amount of safety margin. To be left exposed on a high peak overnight, because you were unable to return to camp, almost always leads to death or severe injury. But when you’re climbing and the sky is clear and the summit is in sight it becomes very easy to compromise on the turnaround time. Summit fever leads to poor decision-making by even the most experienced climbers. In 1996 several climbers on Mt. Everest ignored their turnaround time, they compromised and instead of heading back to the safety of their camp they pushed on. This caused them to still be on the mountain when night fell and an unexpected storm swept across the peak. Over the course of the next few days, 12 climbers lost their lives, because they compromised. Often when the goal is in sight, we’re the most tempted to take short cuts or compromise on our principles, often at the expense of our character. This was the case for those climbers on Everest in May 1996. It would have been much more difficult in the short run to turn around with the summit in sight. For many, this was an once-in-a-lifetime shot at standing on the highest peak in the world, they did not want to turn around! But the result was disastrous.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a situation where they had to choose to take the easy path and compromise or maintain their Godly character in the face of extremely trying circumstances. Either they could denounce God and worship the Babylonian king, or they could stand with integrity and be thrown in a fire so hot it killed the guards tasked to throw them in. Living with integrity is hard!

5. Integrity and character are lifelong pursuits

Never can we say we’ve arrived and have all the character we’ll ever need. Building our foundation in integrity and character is not like building a retirement fund. We can’t just set a goal, achieve it, and then live off the interest the rest of our lives. No matter how much we strive for righteousness and become more like Jesus, we will always be tempted to shortcut our integrity and therefore must always be pursuing character in life and leadership. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” Always pursue integrity in all you do as a leader and in life. God promises to guide, direct and care for us when we do.

Latest email update

Right now I’m sitting at the Smelly Cat coffee shop just of North Davidson St. in NoDa, Charlotte. I’m getting ready to head over to a meeting with a man who own a warehouse full of artists’ studios who is interested in being a part of what Ephesus is doing. After that I’ll pass by our building on Brevard St and dream a little about our upcoming arts and music gathering stART on February 24th. In the midst of it all, I can’t help but sit in awe of all that God is doing. This morning I was having breakfast with an old friend and he asked me if I was overwhelmed. I said “Almost, but every time I feel like I’m about to go over the edge, God does something amazing.” It keeps happening. There is A LOT happening, and A LOT left to be done, but so far, God is faithful. Thank you all for being a part and supporting what is happening.

A few updates, next Sunday, January 27th, Adam will be leading worship with the Ephesus team and I will be talking briefly about what is happening with Ephesus. I hope you can all be there. Also at some point in the next month or so, Pastor Farrell would like everyone who is going to be connected with Ephesus to be in the 3 services at Grace and they will pray for us. I would like to ask everyone who receives this email to respond back to me and let me know what level of connection: serving, attending, “may pop by”, praying and supporting, etc., you are willing to make to Ephesus. Farrell would like everyone going to Ephesus to be there to be prayed for. I have spoken with many of you, and I know many of you have been praying. Now is the time to move forward in what God is calling you to do, and I would ask that you let me know specifically as well.

Please continue to pray for Ephesus, specifically that we would make strategic partnerships and relationships in the Uptown and surrounding community. That is so vital. Personally, please pray for clear direction for Casey and I as we consider selling our house and moving into Charlotte.

Again thank you for all your support, encouragement and prayer as we prepare for the beginnings of Ephesus.

Ben

Pumped and feeling crazy!

Good day today. Met with Pastor Farrell today. I really appreciate our times together as I see such a great, humble leader who loves Jesus. He’s really supportive of our church plant as we move forward and agreed to let me present our vision video and preach on Sunday morning in the coming months. I also am making some connections for facility, getting the team together and generally excited about what God is doing. Right now I’m at Dilworth Coffee pretending to be cool and solve the problems of the world. Thanks Grace for the latte!

Another great meal

Today I was able to have breakfast with Jonathan Martin from Renovatus Church. What a good conversation. At least from my end, hopefully I didn’t talk too much which I certainly can struggle with. He’s been pastoring a church in the Plaza/Midwood section of Charlotte for a little while now and it was awesome to hear his perspective. Some of the things I’ve been thinking through were confirmed by what he shared, plus it was just cool to have a conversation with a guy pursuing God’s call in a fresh way. You know, I’m always a little intimidated to meet pastors, especially in my area. What if they’re better than me, cooler than me, more spiritual than me…insert immature question here. But what always ends up happening is I get encouraged and God opens my perspective a little wider and it’s good stuff. Thanks for taking the time Jonathan.

Pastoral Crash and Burn

Today I spoke in church about the spiritual battle we’re a part of and led in to the armor of God. But one of the points was understanding what is at stake. Kind of the notes to myself that I didn’t preach out loud was what is at stake for me as a pastor. I’ve really been struck lately with how much moral failure is out there in pastoral ministry, they seem to drop all over the place, and as God gives me more responsibility I’m becoming much more aware of what is at stake. I have to stand strong IN HIM and only Him. It’s so easy to slip back into my ways and gifts and abilities and ultimately blow it I’m sure. Mark Driscoll shared some incredibly sobering statistics on his blog about this. I don’t want to be one of those guys. I’ve now been in pastoral ministry for almost 7 years so I beat one statistic, for those of you who know me, please help me stay focused on Him…

JUNE 18th UPDATE:

Steven Furtick who pastors a massively growing church in Charlotte, also blogged about this issue last week. As I shook hands and what not in the foyer of our church after I had preached yesterday I had several people give me good comments about it, and even as I listened, in my mind I was thinking “I can’t blow this,” meaning make a disqualifying moral mistake. #1 my wife, Casey, has already given me a pretty clear indication of what would happen (thanks baby!) and # 2 there is just too much at stake. This is one of those good fears though I think cause I have to keep this at the front of my brain constantly.

I finally went to Mars Hill Church

Today I made it to Mars Hill Church in Seattle. After several years of reading the books and listening to Mark Driscoll’s podcasts, I made it there. But wouldn’t you know Mark was taking the week off and wasn’t preaching, topped off with the fact that my trip to Mt. Rainier was in total cloud cover and I didn’t even see the mountain. All the more reason to come back next year and climb it! Anyway, even though Mark Driscoll wasn’t preaching it was still a pretty cool experience. The church is set up very cool, they take it a direction I’d like to go. It was wild to see the group of people there. All young people, an entire church of young people. Good stuff…

Leaders…

As I jump into this church plant process with both feet all I can think about is leaders. I NEED THEM!!! If you’ve ever done church ministry without leaders around you and then done ministry with leaders on board you know where my need comes from. I’m not going to provide principles of leadership or write a new book, I just know how important leaders are. Quality, passionate, creative, visionary, loving leaders. I need ‘em, the more the merrier. If you know where I can find them, please let me know. I want a team church. How much more excitement is there when you are moving forward as part of a team of motivated people. Pushing each other farther, building on each other’s strengths. Doing things you never thought possible. It’s a ride. The more I look at my planning and strategy, the more I realize I want to have happen and the more I realize I can’t do this on my own. I need the folks who want to see the lost and hopeless find Jesus and aren’t afraid to do whatever it takes to see that happen.