Is the Internet the Proper Place for Biblical Confrontation?

In twenty years of serving Jesus, I have watched my ministry practices change in a positive way due to the technological age we live in. The availability of Christian resources online (blogs, podcasts, etc.) has been help me to keep abreast of current issues and topics in Christendom. However with every good thing, there is also a dark side. Just as positive resources are a mouse click away, the internet provides a vehicle for well-meaning and sometimes not so well-meaning critics. These critics, in the name of Biblical confrontation, use the internet (blogs, Facebook, etc.) to critique and lodge accusations against others believers. Some have blogs devoted purely for this reason. They often do so in the name of Christian apologetics or simply to “contend for the faith (Jude 3).

I have to admit that I am extremely bothered by this component of the Christian web. Maybe it is because I am getting older and maturing. Maybe I sense that the tone, topics and character assassinations exhibited by those who blog and those who respond to these blogs are well outside of any Biblical conduct encouraged by the Scriptures. So as I have wrestled with my feelings concerning this dimension of the blogosphere, I have arrived at several thoughts concerning whether the internet is the proper place for Biblical confrontation.

1. The First Amendment does not supersede the scriptures.
We live in a free society where we are guaranteed the right to express our opinions openly without any fear of reprisal. Our culture prides itself in open and frank conversation. We love the fact that we can surf the net and read the writings and posts of others who support our agendas. While this may be true for our culture, I find that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are constrained by the scripture in how we can approach the faults and errors of another brother. Too often much of what I read in the name of Biblical confrontation is outside of the guidelines of Matthew 18 and Galatians 6:1. We need to remember that our rights to freedom in our culture do not trump the guidelines of scripture concerning our approach to another human being.

2. The internet is not governed by social constraints.
I am really amazed at the lack of constraints that people have on the internet. All of us probably have shaken our heads at the online behavior of individuals we know. We know that they would never act that way in public. Yet, they feel perfectly free to do so on the internet. The tone and manner of the confrontations taken place on the net in most cases would not be exhibited in a face to face meeting. Why? Those meetings would be governed by accepted social norms and protocols. On the internet, everything is fair game.

3. It appeals to immaturity.
As a new Christian, I often found myself attracted to critiques of others and their ministries. At that time, there were no blogs to read. Instead, there were publications written by folks who felt it was their duty to expose the errors of others. These publications appealed to the baser part of my character. As I have grown older, I realized that it appealed to my immaturity. In many ways, this type of information is simply a Christian version of the tabloids that plague our society.

4. The validity of a point does not negate the manner of communication.
When I read the blogs of those who have chosen to confront others on the net, the issue is not the validity of their point of concern. The issue is the manner that they have chosen to communicate it. They chosen not to go to the individual themselves, but rather to discuss the issue (without the offending party) in a public forum. Just because your point is valid, does not negate the principles of Biblical confrontation.

5. The object of our confrontation doesn’t live nearby.
I have found it interesting that most of the critiques are about pastors who live in another city or state. It is easy to throw bombs at people who don’t live near us. I am sure that there are people and ministries in your community who hold to the same beliefs and methods. Yet, we would never think of expressing our feelings about them publically. That because we might meet them in town.

6. Words have consequences.
James tells us the unrestrained words have consequences (James 3:1-16). I believe that the nature of the internet shields us from the consequences of our behavior. But the fact remains that my words, written or spoken, can and will hurt others.

7. In a church context, it would be called dissension.
This behavior often manifests itself in our churches. One party is offended by another. Rather than deal with the issue Biblically, one party begins to express to others their position. That party soon gathers others to sympathize with their position. Soon, divisions arise within the congregation. This pattern of destructive behavior is known as dissension. Yet, on the internet it is called proper.

8. Biblical confrontation seeks restoration.
Missing from much of what is expressed on the internet is a Biblical concept of confrontation. Biblical confrontation seeks to restore an individual. The manner and scope of what is written on many blogs is not for the purpose of restoration. Rather is to demonize individuals and their ministries. You are sometime left with the impression that they are really not interested in changing the person’s life. In fact, such a change would be an inconvenience which would result in the questioning of one’s sincerity.

I have to face the reality that the internet is what it is. As I mentioned before, this type of behavior existed before the existence of blogs. Yet, I do have control over my own behavior. I can choose not to read these blogs. I can choose to influence younger believers, especially those who are called to ministry, reject this tabloid-like material. I can help them to see that it is appealing to their immaturity. Like all other forms of gossip, I can choose to let it end with me.

Confessions of an Approval Addict

Hi, my name is George. I am an approval addict. I desperately need the approval of others in order to feel good about myself. For years this has been an underlying motivation for my pastoral ministry. The funny thing is my lust for approval is not for that which comes from the congregation I pastor. I lust for the approval of denominational leaders and mentors.

Lust seems like a strong word, but I believe that it truly reflects a struggle that a pastor can have in his ministry. Our human tendency is to want to know that we are accomplishing something. One measurement of accomplishment was engrained in us as children. We know that we are doing right when we have the approval of our superiors. For those of us who never had such approval from our parents, we find ourselves lusting for such approval from an authority figure.

The difficulty arises when such approval is not given. That can be devastating. For example, a few years ago I attended a denominational meeting. I met a former instructor who asked me where I was pastoring. I told him where I served, to which he responded “Where is that?” After describing where my church was located, he stated flatly, “I guess that’s a mission field too.” That offhand comment ripped my heart out.  It took several weeks to regain my perspective.

So, how do I get over my addiction for the approval of others? How do I find contentment in where God has placed me? The scriptures have been a source of comfort and encouragement. Consider what Paul writes in Galatians concerning his ministry and the approval of the leaders in Jerusalem.

But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.  (Galatians 2:6 NKJV)

Did you catch what Paul was saying? It made no difference to him what position the leaders in Jerusalem held.  They did not assist him in his ministry and calling. In God’s economy, He shows no personal favoritism to any man.

It really doesn’t matter what others feel or think about how I am doing as a pastor.  I need to wake up to the reality that those whose approval I seek, are not sitting around contemplating my ministry. They are busy carrying out the ministry that God has given them. I need to become indifferent to their approval. Even if approval were given, as sometimes is, I need to recognize that it does not satisfy the lust for approval. Rather, I need to seek the approval that only comes from being obedient to the Lord. It is an approval that can only come from the Savior.

Are you an approval addict?

What Really Matters in Pastoral Ministry

I was meditating on the first two chapters of the Book of Job. I found the interaction between God and Satan to be very intriguing. As I mulled over the passage in my mind and heart, I found that what was not said to be riveting. In fact I would say that what was not said in the interaction between God and Satan helped me to see what really matters in pastoral ministry.

Consider what the passage says:

And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Job 1:7-8(NKJV)

Consider what the passage does not say:

Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, look at how big his flocks are, check out how many camels he has, ponder the how many servants are in his household, what a payroll, consider the size of his wealth, look at his influence in the community and nation…

Is it not interesting that God did not commend Job’s possessions and achievements. Rather the Lord focused on his character, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil.

The implications for a pastor are significant. When the Creator of the universe looks at a pastor, he does not say:

Have you considered My servant Pastor ________________, that there is none like him on the earth, look at what he has accomplished at _______________ Church, look at the church’s attendance on Sunday morning, look at how many ministries have been started, ponder the impact of the church’s service to the community, what a leader, look at how relevant his messages are, consider the influence that he has in the community, just check out how many friends he has on Facebook …

What really matters in pastoral ministry is character. God looks at our character not our so called accomplishments for the Kingdom. Men look at that and don’t care about the character of a man.

What is God saying about me during His conversations in Heaven?

Thoughts about the End of the World

By now, all of us have heard about the predicted end of the world on May 21st. The billboards announce it. The media has made it a major news story to satisfy America’s right to know. I recently saw two new cars plastered with decals proclaiming the doom that is to come. So I thought that I would share some thoughts. I am not so much interested in refuting Harold Camping’s second attempt at predicting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Others have dealt with issue in a Biblical manner. However, my thoughts have to do with those who have pumped lots of money into the proclamation of this prediction. I am thinking about those who will be waiting for something to happen on May 21, but will wake up on May 22 to find that nothing has changed. My thoughts flow along two lines: Why they are doing it and what will they face later?

Why they are doing it?

Let me first acknowledge that no one can know the real reason why anyone jumps on a prophecy bandwagon. But I have a theory. Based on my observations about those who really believe that Camping is correct, here is what I have noticed.

1.    They are having a difficult time with our rapidly changing culture. By now everyone should realize that we no longer live in the twentieth century. As Dorothy stated, “This isn’t Kansas anymore, Toto.” Our culture is becoming increasing secular. Christianity is becoming less and less mainstream in the America. Pluralism is the mantra of the present. Because of this many Christians are simply finding it difficult to cope. Sadly, Christian media over the past few decades has immersed Christians with sweeping generalizations about how Christian America was. At the same time, those Christians overlooked the reality of where the nation truly is. Somewhere along the way they woke up and realized things are not the same and now it is difficult to cope.

2.    Coupled with the rapidly changing culture is the present political climate in America. Once again, Christians have been immersed in a message that one political party represented Christianity in America. We were told that as long as we could elect the right people in office, they would in turn select the right judges. The result would be an America that was moral and we could live comfortably. Sadly, none of those predictions have come true. In fact, when someone from the other party becomes president, the predictions of Lord’s coming increased. So these folks are disappointed and have given up.

3.    Before I share my final thought, I must acknowledge that I am theologically dispensational. With that qualifier in mind, I believe that the extreme focus of end-time prophecy within the American church has produced Christians who can easily be deceived by someone who has found something new in prophecy.

When you combine these three thoughts in an individual, you have someone who is ripe to believe a prediction by a discredited spokesman.

What will they face later?

We can spend large amounts of time speculating on why they embracing Camping’s prediction. I recognize that each individual has their own reason. The fact remains they will wake up on May 22 and face two realities.

1.     Embarrassment

The first thing that they are going to face is embarrassment. They have spent large sums of money and time trying to warn their family and friends about the predicted doom. When the prediction is proven false, they have to face the same family and friends and explain themselves. They will have to answer questions that they do not want to answer. They will have to face the reality that people have long memories. They will face the brunt of jokes for years to come.

2.    Anger

The second thing that they are going to face is anger. Of course, they will be angry at Harold Camping. Some will be angry at themselves for foolishly embracing the prediction. Sadly many more will be angry at God. They will discredit the Word of God. They will give up on God and their churches.

The fact remains, there is going to fall-out from Camping’s prediction. Sadly the fall-out is people. There will be those who will be disappointed. There will be those who will have another reason to mock the Christians and the church. Once again the rest of us have to sit back and helplessly watch it happen.

Great Marriage Resource for Men

I recently finished reading For Men Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn. I have to admit that I dreaded reading another marriage resource. But I was pleasantly surprised at the material presented in this book. This book comes close to helping clueless men like me have a better understanding of our wives. As I read the book, I had several “you have to be kidding” moments as I read the book. But as I gave the material some thought and looked at my wife through the lens of the book, I could not help but see the point that the authors are trying to make about women. For example in looking at how are wives communicate, the authors point out that they want us to listen to their problem, not solve it. I have to admit that I have been clueless on this issue for almost 18 years of my marriage. In fact, if I think about, my wife is just as capable to solve problems as I am. Reality is she is probably more capable than me in the problem solving area. She just wants to know that I care and I am willing to hear her out.

The strength of this book is the research gathered from a study group of 500 women. The only weakness to the book is the fact that it left the reader wanting more information. This is a book that I will definitely recommend to men. We have all heard that adage “if you figure women out, write a book and you will become a millionaire.” This book is the first that I have come across, that even makes an effort to fulfill this overused statement. If the authors come out with a follow-up book, I will definitely get it.

It must be noted that I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

More Fallout from My Trip Overseas

As I mentioned before, my trip overseas has left me totally undone.

In fact, there has been some serious fall-out in my personal life. One major area that has been impacted is the fact that I am no longer listening to certain leaders via their podcasts. My decision to quit listening to several podcasts has nothing to do with the orthodoxy of these leaders, but rather their humility. Let me explain the fall-out in further detail.

Before going overseas, I would listen to several podcasts each week from various leaders. Some podcasts were purely Biblical, expository preaching. Some podcasts dealt with leadership issues. I have to admit the material was great and refreshing.

After coming back from my trip, I begin to notice some things that I never paid attention to. First I began to notice the overt bragging that some leaders continually engaged in about their ministries. After witnessing the humility of national leaders who will never be known publically this side of heaven, the bragging was hard to comprehend. If you are doing something for the Lord, Great. Let it speak for itself.

Second, I unsubscribed from one leadership podcast because I got sick of hearing about the lifestyles of the rich and famous. The leadership interviews were great, but the interaction between the hosts about bird hunting in Alabama, skiing in Colorado, and getting a personal trainer for one’s birthday is too much to stomach. Forget the abject poverty that most pastors around the world live in, what average pastor in America has the privilege to do these things.

I have decided to listen to leaders that teach the scripture and place the focus of Jesus, not themselves. I must also state that I has caused me to examine what I am communicating. Is Jesus and His word the focus of my communication, or am I the focus?

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14(NKJV)

Observations from Overseas

I recently returned from a two week trip overseas. Due to the sensitivity of the situation, I cannot be specific about the location of my trip. However, I will share some random thoughts and impressions that I gained from my trip.

1.    What’s missing in Church Growth

For the last twenty years, I have immersed myself in various church growth models and writings. This has occurred through formal education, numerous conferences and books unnumbered. It was not until this trip that I realized that in all of the studies, methodologies and theories, there has been an important factor missing from the church growth discussion. That factor is the intense spirituality of the church overseas. I realized that in the research of the church overseas, the focus has been on methodology. I believe that this is due to a North American presumption concerning our spirituality. This trip revealed to me that I cannot assume anything about the level of spirituality in North America. What I witnessed was a level of spirituality that was beyond anything that I have witnessed in the twenty-six years of being a believer. For example, I was able to participate in the celebration of the Lord’s Table (communion) with the national pastors. That service unnerved and humiliated me. I witnessed believers, normally unemotional in their demeanor, weeping as they partook of the elements. I have never seen this in any communion service that I have been part of here in North America. I was struck with the realization that methodology without the spirituality is meaningless. It is no wonder so many North American pastors are frustrated by church growth thinking.

2.    Pastoral Humility

I met a pastor who has planted 300 churches in the last ten years. I was completely dumbfounded by his humility. The number of churches that he planted was insignificant to him. Rather than focusing of the number of churches planted, he bemoaned the fact that he was worthless to the Lord due to limited theological training he has received. I don’t recall ever meeting a North American pastor who has planted that many churches. In fact, our tendency is to boast about our accomplishments rather than focusing on our weaknesses. This pastor unnerved me as well.

3.    Priorities

The trip caused me to reexamine my priorities. I realized that ministry to me has become a matter of convenience. If the circumstances and opportunity are present, then I will serve. What I witnessed overseas was an intense commitment to obedience whether it was convenient or not.

4.    Suffering

I met a lady who has endured much persecution and suffering over the last 40 years. I was struck by the joy that flooded her life. In spite of all that she has endured for Jesus, she had a smile on her face. I realized that she has a joy in Christ that I do not have.

5.    The Word and Prayer

I saw an intensity in prayer and the word that truly rebuked me. Enough said.

I am still processing my trip. There is one thing that has happened. It changed me.

A Timely, Important Book

In culture of subtle universalism, Andy Stanley’s Since Nobody’s Perfect… How Good is Good Enough? is an excellent resource to examine the issue of how one can be sure that they will go to heaven when they die. The author presents a concise, yet detailed look at the “good people go” view. He guides the reader through the process of examining the flaws of this universalist view point. Amazingly, as he presents the difficulties with the “good people go” he makes every attempt not to be offensive to the reader. He genuinely wants his readers to consider the problems with this common view point. In the final section of the book, Stanley presents the Christian viewpoint concerning life after death. Again, great care is given to allow the reader to accept or reject the Christian viewpoint. Stanley is not trying to ram the Christian viewpoint down anyone’s throat. He presents his view point and gives the reader the opportunity to respond.

Andy Stanley’s Since Nobody’s Perfect… How Good is Good Enough? is a perfect book for two different groups of people. First it is an excellent book for Christians who are trying to help their friends understand their view of life after death. The book is a short and easy to read. It is also makes a concise presentation in a non-offensive manner. Second, the book is an excellent resource for those who are looking to examine the issue of life after death. The book shows the problems with the “good people go” view and provides the Christian perspective concerning the issue. The makes every attempt to allow the reader to have a different mindset, while challenging their line of thinking.

Stanley’s Since Nobody’s Perfect… How Good is Good Enough? is an excellent book that I will be recommending to others.

It must be noted that I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Next Christians – Book Review

When I received Gabe Lyons’ latest book, The Next Christians, I have to admit that I felt apprehensive with the subtitle “The Good News About the End of Christian America.” My uneasiness is due in large part to watching Christians react, often negatively, to the reality that the American culture has shifted to a pluralistic mindset that is often antagonistic to Christianity. Since reading UnChristian, that Lyons co-authored with David Kinnaman, I have wrestled with how the followers of Jesus are being perceived by the those outside of the Christian faith. The author’s latest book provides a vision of how believers can attempt to change the negative perception of non-Christians to Christianity. Let me make it clear that the author’s intention to show how believers can live in a post-Christian culture in such a way where unbelievers can be confronted with the truths of the gospel without being repulsed by the incongruent actions of the followers of Jesus.

The strengths of the book are seen in two areas. First Lyons provides a comprehensive look at the fragmented nature of the Christian community in its interaction with the current American culture. This section is a must read for every Christian leader. The author shows that the Christian community is not a unified entity that we have wrongly assumed due to the rhetoric of Christian leaders and the media. As I read the accurate descriptions of the different groups within American Christianity, I could not help but feel that there must be something else.

It was the second strength of the book that provides the reader with a vision of that “something else.” Lyons presents a concept of restoration that American Christians should reflect as they interact with our post-Christian culture. He illustrates this concept of restoration with the personal stories of “restorers” or “Next Christians.” From their experiences, Lyons weaves their personal journeys into six characteristics that he feels must be exhibited by Christians today if we are going to have an impact on our culture.

Lyons’ book is a good, thought-provoking work. It is obvious as you read the book, that it is the work of a “Next Christian” who is trying to cast a vision for a better tomorrow.

If you are looking for a different direction from the negative reaction to our culture that has become normative for American Christianity, then The Next Christians is a book that you to need to read and ponder over.

It must be noted that I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Danger of Wrong Motivation

I was considering the sin of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 and its implications for my life and ministry. I wrestled with the question, “Does their sin of lying to the Holy Spirit have implications for a pastor?”

The answer is a resounding “yes!”

Notice the sequence of events that Luke lists in the book of Acts. First, he tells us that Joses (also named Barnabas by the apostles) sold a piece of ground and gave the proceeds to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37). The text seems to imply that his actions resulted in being recognized by the apostles, thus the bestowal of a new name which means “son of encouragement.” By sharing this point, Luke is laying a foundation to gain an understanding concerning the incident with Ananias and Sapphira. Luke shares that they too sold a piece of property. They then held back some of the proceeds. As they presented their gift to the apostles, they misrepresented the sum of the sale. What follows is a confrontation concerning their motives, which resulted in the immediate judgment of God.

In looking at the text, several key points emerge.

1.    Ananias and Sapphira surely saw or heard of the recognition that Barnabas received for his gift.
2.    They, in turn, duplicated Barnabas’ actions, only their motivation was self-serving.
3.    The text implies that the purpose for the gift was for their personal benefit.
4.    Peter describes their action, based on their wrong motivation, as lying to the Holy Spirit.
5.    They faced the immediate judgment of God.

Having recognized these key points, there emerged an uncomfortable feeling within myself as I reflected upon my life and ministry. I can see a similarity between my motivation and the motivation of Ananias and Sapphira. Consider the progression toward sin in my life.

1.    I am aware of others who are rightly being recognized for their kingdom service. This normally takes place at conferences or denominational meetings. I can also become aware through blogs, journal articles and even word of mouth. This awareness in and of itself is not wrong. The issue is how I respond to it.
2.    The awareness of others being recognized triggers a lust within me for recognition. (see James 1:14-15)
3.    This lust for recognition becomes the motivational factor for my pastoral ministry.
4.    I rationalize my lust for recognition by claiming that I am doing it for the Lord. He has given me a vision for what he wants to accomplish. Yet in reality, the vision is my own, not God’s.
5.    My service to God becomes a lie. It is not for Jesus. It is purely for my own lust.
6.    God judges me. Notice that success in ministry can be judgment as well, as God gives you over to your desires. (see Romans 1:18-25)

It is subtle. Yet the reality is that the wickedness of my heart can deceive me concerning the very nature of my service to God.

I now pray, “Lord, purify my motives”

 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9(NKJV)