Fear of Identity

As recent posts of my thoughts make their way out into the ether I've noticed that there is a fear of identity that is rising to the surface of the comments that are being left. It's apparent that some of my thoughts and opinions are ruffling the feathers of traditionalists, but what is amazing to me is the fact that—even though they want to disagree with me—they are either too ashamed of their opinions to use their name, or my blathering is hitting a bit too close to home; thus the dreaded Anonymous moniker.

Let me start out by saying that I welcome opinions by any and all, whether pro- or con-. If someone comments—unless, of course, their language is not conducive—I'll allow it to stay attached to the post. I'd also like to say that there is no one out there of whom I can't learn. I am a student, therefore always seeking knowledge. I am also not so convinced of my understanding and intelligence that I am beyond being incorrect. I'm wrong a lot, but that's why I keep studying, and discussing, and questioning… I'm seeking knowledge and understanding.

We make a grave mistake when we assume that we know everything about any one subject. We also make a mistake when we assume that the people we've been listening to are the final authority on any subject. We are all human, therefore fallible. We will all misunderstand, misinterpret, misinform, misguide… you get the picture? The practice of questions and discussion is not to promote ire between factions of any group or creed, but rather to foster individual and corporate growth among and between us all.

When you're scared of a different opinion then you're unsure of your own.

We'd all learn a valuable lesson if we took on John's credo: I must decrease so that He may increase. We cannot magnify nor elevate GOD to His rightful place in our lives until we are willing to debase ourselves and our philosophies. None of us have arrived, we're all carnal, none of us have done anything of any significance; yet… for some reason, GOD still chooses to use us. But, He will not use us if we glorify ourselves.

Listening to our own headlines, believing our own press, drinking our own Kool-Aid… you call it whatever you want, the practice will destroy us.

I want you to feel safe in your identity as you interact with me. So, I'm going to bare my soul in the hopes that you will see that the water's fine, and be willing to jump in.

Traditions

I believe that traditions of men are exactly that. While there is biblical precedent for the teaching of traditions, there is never license given to morph these traditions into Doctrine. Because of this I believe that organizational standards are traditions. The Text does not lay out a set of minimums by which we are to live, therefore neither will I; I chose, rather to live in the maximum of GOD's Illumination. 

All this being said, there are traditions to which I live and teach to my family. While I believe that I can demonstrate the biblical principle of each of these traditions, I do not assume that this gives me the right nor responsibility to bring you or anyone else subject to the practice of my family. Call me crazy, but I expect the same courtesy from everyone else. For example, I'll be glad to remove my wedding ring when I minister to your congregation if you're willing to put one on when you minister to mine.

One final thought on the subject of traditions, I don't believe that traditions that have been established in our lifetimes have the same importance and spiritual significance of those that Paul and the rest of the Apostles taught. Nor do I believe that just because GOD called me to be a teacher that my opinions or interpretations are necessarily GOD-breathed. I have made mistakes before, and will most likely again, therefore I leave GOD a wide berth in establishing doctrine and providing Illumination. Anyone who thinks that their teachings or sermonizings are on a level playing field with those of the Apostles thinks far too highly of themselves.

Religion

In my opinion, religion is the greatest weapon in our enemy's arsenal. Religion convinces people that their religious efforts are efforts toward GOD. This couldn't be farther from Truth. Religion in all of its flavors is humanistic at best. Whether we call them denominations, organizations, fellowships… a rose by any other name is still a rose, and all of these are but nicknames for religion.

Religion separates man from GOD, while relationship reunites GOD with man.

Because of my belief about religion I tend to shy away from the status quo. I'm not attempting to be relevant or relative. I'm neither emerging nor emergent. I'm neither liberal nor conservative. Please don't bulk me into any of these groups as I don't fit comfortably into any of them. I'm trying to be a disciple of Jesus, nothing else.

If your views on any subject are a result of your denomination, your circle of friends or the collective Kool-Aid jug at which you gather from time to time, your views aren't your own, you're being a parrot. Well, I refuse to be a bird-brain for anyone. I do my best to allow GOD to shape my opinions and views in His direction.

My view and understanding of the origin and purpose of religion throughout human history has also made me very intolerable of sacred cows and envelopes. In my opinion, sacred cows should not only be tipped, they should be shoved over a cliff. As to envelopes, if they're there, I'm going to push them (consider it a type of OCD).

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All this being said, I love a good debate, and I don't always have to win. I also love a good discussion. So, relax a bit. Take off your mask of religiosity. Be confident in your position and leave us your name. Don't hide behind anonymity, be true to yourself.

But most of all, learn to live clear.

The Joy's in the Ride

While there may be some who think that the journey is referring to Steve Perry and the boys, I'm actually talking about this life-altering, day-by-day, relationship between GOD and me.


Although I was first Spirit-baptized when I was a young warthog of 12-years-old, I didn't truly begin my journey until just after my 30th birthday. This isn't something of which I'm proud, just the reality. It was around this time that my pastor, Jeff Morgan, introduced me to transparent Christianity, and I haven't looked back since. Brings to mind that old Gospel tune, …drinkin' of the wine, the wine, the wine…, but I digress.


What I can't understand is the fear and loathing within the Apostolic Movement for referencing our walk with GOD as our journey. Are we not in day-by-day interaction with GOD; do we not experience good days and bad days; are we not daily learning more about Him and His Mission in our lives?


Are we scared of calling it a journey because we've listened to our own headlines for too long and are now convinced that we do—in fact—have all Truth and have arrived; that this is truly the epitomy of everything GOD has for us in this life? Are we really this arrogant?


Could it be that we're afraid of a journey because this realization lessens the congregation's dependence on a dictatorial overseer who calls all the shots from a hiarchial poteum that was constructed by organizational methodology rather than in the Text?


Are we afraid of the journey because this understanding reminds us that each of us should work out our own salvation individually, with reverence and sobriety?


No, I'm not advocating a rejection of pastors; however, I am encouraging a biblical understanding that we must all find GOD for ourselves. We will not be able to hide behind our pastor when we stand before GOD to answer for our individual actions. I've said it before, our pastor is a gift from GOD, not our intermediary between us and GOD. Why are so many of us waiting to hear from GOD through His man? What is wrong with spending time with GOD every day, and hearing from Him individually? Sure we need authority over us, but that doesn't negate the importance of personal relationship with the Lover of our soul.


This relationship is our journey to salvation. We haven't arrived, we're on the path. We may see the prize, but we have to keep walking until we obtain.


Don't be scared of the journey. As Amanda Marshall sang back in the 90s, …the joy's in the ride…. When was the last time you allowed GOD to court you? When was the last time you flirted with GOD? When was the last time you curled up in His arms of grace and mercy and allowed Him to whisper in your ear sweet somethings of His Character and Essence?


I dare you to try it.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Daisy St,Trabuco,United States

Returning to Antiquity

I was recently asked why I place so much focus on the rabbinic ministry of Jesus, and why I reference Hebraic tradition so often. They continued, "Why listen to rabbis when we have the Messiah?" So, I figured I'd take the time to explain my passion for 1st Century ethos.


First, while it's a very good educational practice to question modern rabbis, it would be a huge mistake to follow any of them. The only Rabbi that we should follow is Jesus. For this to make any sense you have to first understand that Jesus lived His earthly life and conducted His earthly ministry according to the rabbinic tradition. He gathered disciples, He traveled around Judea and the Decapolis interpreting the Torah and the Nevi'im and He commissioned His disciples with His yoke (or doctrine) at the end of His earthly ministry. Throughout the four Gospels Jesus is referred to by His followers as Rabbi (or Master: KJV; or Teacher: ESV and others). It is important to note that He came in the ministry of interpreting the Torah, and thus fulfilled the Torah with His sacrifice. Denying His rabbinic ministry denies an integral aspect of His Mission.


The next reason why I focus on the 1st Century Community is because of Diaspora. Diaspora loosely refers to the spread of the Good News that occured after the Day of Pentecost. Diasporic Communities sprang up all across the known world—as far even as the Brittanic Islands—almost overnight. Luke reference this in the second chapter of his Acts, where he says that GOD added to the Community daily... Before Paul's Illumination, and even before he wrote his first letter to the 1st Century Community, there were thousands of Diasporic Communities in homes who had already dedicated themselves to following their Rabbi, Jesus Messiah (Jesus Christ, or Jesus the Savior, or Jesus—YHWH's Salvation). Not since the 1st Century has there been such a vast and rapid dispersion of the Good News; no, not even Azusa.


The next reason why I focus on the 1st Century is because of the advent of 4th Century cath holos (Roman Catholicism) that perverted and merged GOD's Community with human religion. Far too much of what we call Church Tradition has it's genesis in cath holos rather than in the Missio Dei (Mission of GOD). As a result I am calling for a return to biblical antiquity, a return to the 1st Century ethos that is dedicated and sold out to our Rabbi, Jesus—GOD's manifested Salvation.


I believe that GOD has called me to rip the facade off of denominationalism and religiosity so that the Light of His Illumination can shine again in the hearts of His Community, so that we return our focus to His Mission and His Kingdom. GOD didn't commission us to construct organizations and fellowships that are more akin to humanistic religion; He baptized us with His Spirit and Essence so that we would spread His Yoke, shining His Identity, building His Kingdom.


I wholeheartedly believe that the time has come to lay aside the trappings of denominational religion and return again to biblical antiquity; primarily 1st Century antiquity. When GOD's people today allow themselves to have all things in common, and to live in common unity, as the Ekklesia did in the 1st Century, we will begin to see a 1st Century outpouring of GOD's Spirit.


I've dedicated my life and the lives of my family to this return. We welcome you to join us on the journey.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Snapdragon St,Trabuco,United States

Just How Weak Are You?

Recently I was involved in a Twitter conversation concerning weakness vs. strength. The catalyst for the conversation was the following statement:


"Cater to the weak, the weak get weaker. Cater to the strong, the weak get stronger."


In my opinion, this credo sums up the fundamental flaw with present-day pentecostalism. Yeah, I know, you're thinking, "Here goes Monte on another sacred cow tipping adventure," but please look past my normal brashness to the heart of this statement. While this thinking may be a vitally important leadership principle in a secular sense, there is no biblical basis for the theory. 


There is an obsession in the Apostolic Movement with leadership. We have leadership conferences where we are taught to focus on leading people and are indoctrinated with the latest team-building guru's enlightened drivel. I'll be the first to admit that there is some good that is to be gleaned from these types of sessions, but I'll also be the first to admit that these sessions do—in fact—rob our attention from our true purpose: disciple making.


When did GOD call us to be great leaders?


Appreciating the political irony of Ayn Rand's novels doesn't mean that her economic views gee-haw with the Text (especially what with her being an atheist and all). Too often we form our spiritual opinions and posture by our social and political view, rather than allowing our relationship and mission from GOD to shape every other aspect of our lives.


To reference the statement: cater to the strong… This flies in the face of GOD. Jesus demonstrated to us that the Good Shepherd will leave the 99 [strong] sheep to go searching for the one lost [weak] sheep. In fact, if you take the time to study the Text from Genesis to Revelation, you won't find one instance of the weak being ignored for the sake of the strong. You will find, however, plenty of examples of the strong being admonished to bear up those who are struggling or in need.


In my opinion, this obsession with leadership stems from the deification of our processes, or denominational structures. We're so drunk on power that we can't live without the euphoria of leadership. For so long we have lived our lives within the confines of these organizations or fellowships that were created by man and for man that we've actually started to drink our own Kool-Aid. Well, lest a new generation die on the streets of our denominational Jonestowns, let's face the fact that our structures are drifting us far from GOD and His Mission.


I have recently been accused of wanting to water down Truth for the sake of convenience. This accusation was hurled by individuals who have sat at the feet of their own headlines for so long that they've forgotten their purpose, so blinded are they to their myriad additions to the Text. GOD never called us to build churches full of strong people. GOD never called us to build art galleries full of perfect people. GOD never called us to punish the weak members of our congregations by ignoring their struggles and character flaws. GOD called us to make disciples. A disciple maker's job is to teach and instruct a weak individual into strength. If anything, the strong should be ignored because they've got their crap together. What was it Jesus said? Something about if you're not sick you don't need a doctor…?


I'm sorry, far be it from me to actually utilize Text to shift the discussion.


Here's a thought: consider for a moment that you're an under-shepherd entrusted with the care of the Shepherd's flock while He's gone on business. When He returns you tell Him that rather than present Him with a flock of sickly, worn down sheep, you simply put all your focus on those who never got sick, who never drifted off on their own, who never had to be taught to eat the right grass, etc. Then you tell Him that because you were focusing only on those sheep who were strong that you decided that the weak sheep would learn by example to simply return to the flock when they'd drifted off, or would see all the strong sheep eating the good grass and see that they should change their eating habits, or see that the other sheep weren't sick and thus heal themselves. Then tell Him that those weak sheep who wouldn't learn from the example of the strong sheep… well, you just let them go, because they were holding the flock back from their full potential. Then, when you've told the Shepherd all of this, show Him His flock. Do you really think for a moment that He's going to be pleased that only a few sheep remain? Do yourself a favor, read W. Phillip Keller's book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23; it will change your opinion on the true role of a pastor in the lives of the congregation. Understanding our role as under-shepherd realigns us with our true purpose.


When we forget our purpose we create our own doctrines and missions; hence, religiosity and denominationalism.


Paul admonished us to glory in our infirmities. And no, he's not talking about physical infirmities, he's referencing our spiritual worthlessness. Isaiah told us that—in GOD's eyes—our best attempts at appearing holy are as if we were to wear clothes that have been used to clean human excrement or to absorb menstrual discharge (do the study, you'll see that I'm correct). Could it be that we're so covered in all of this that we've stopped diffracting His Light and Glory?


We need to stop lying to ourselves. We all struggle with issues. There are times when we're all weak, and there are time in which we are all strong; although I'd be willing to bet that the weak moments far outweigh the strong ones. GOD didn't call us to be dictatorial leaders who's desire for global conquest drive us to create uber-humans. He called us to make disciples by imitating His own life, and by teaching His yoke.


I'll leave you with this statement: Cater to the strong, your kingdom will grow. Heal the weak, bear them up, teach them where they screwed up, pray for them through their humanity… do all this and you'll be advancing GOD's Kingdom.

I'm Ok Not Being First

Every Sunday Olga, our four chicks and myself leave Orange County and drive three-and-a-half hours to Tulare where we are helping to launch a new church plant. We normally leave to come home as soon as that service is over; however, this week was a bit different because of the school holiday, so we stayed over. Because I have night blindness Olga normally drives home, but since we weren't in a rush (or simply because I have an inner death wish) I decided that I would drive home and let her rest.


I love to drive fast. In fact, if you've ever ridden in a car with me driving through the OC traffic, you know I'm not scared to push my car to the height of its German engineering. This—however—is not the case when I'm out on the highway; out there I'm the most observant observer of the the speed laws. My blinker is used almost to the point of ridiculous. You see, I hate getting tickets. You know the pillars of cloud and/or fire that followed and led the Israelites in the Old Testament? I have a large neon sign that floats above me when I travel that says, "I want a ticket!" Thus, my over-adherence to the laws of the road.


So—getting back to the story at hand—there I was meandering along at 70 mph on Hwy 99 South, approaching the Grapevine… Now, those of you who are familiar with this part of California know of which I speak. The Grapevine is a beautiful respite after the sheer boredom and flatness of the Central Valley (primarily Bakersfield; the town that GOD forgot, but Dwight Yoakum didn't). Because of the steep inclines, the speed drops to 65 mph on the Grapevine, and is strictly enforced. This in no way deters many of the heavy footed travelers from barreling on at 70 mph + (but such were some of you… no wait, such were me). So as not to alert any of our good CHP officers, I calmly drop my cruise control to 66 mph (sheesh, I'm such a rebel) and begin the trek across the mountains. I am immediately in a borage of cars, SUVs and cross-overs careening past me on every side (have you ever felt compassed about on every side by so great a cloud of speeders?). Several are very friendly, they even extend to me the finger of friendship. Others are giving me a love tap on their horns as they speed past me. One individual felt like he would take time out of his busy schedule to teach me a lesson, so he began to drive right beside me, then suddenly whip in front of me, slowing down, then whip to the other side in his best Fast and the Furious impression. He was having a blast in his after-market decked rice rocket, but my gas-guzzling SUV (actually 27 mpg on the road) never faltered; I figured he had more to lose if I accidently bumped his uber-large wing (I've always wondered if those actually would help a car fly).


These antics continued on for about 10 to 15 miles until he apparently grew bored and sped off. While I would never have given him the satisfaction of knowing that he had gotten my goat, inwardly I was seething. I remember thinking, "Dude, if we had been on the 405 or the 5 in Central County I would've run your fiberglass pile of junk off the road!" (angry much?). Having been known to jump out of cars at red lights to verbally accost particularly bad drivers, for the next few miles I fantasized about what I would've said to him if the opportunity had presented itself. I was so engrossed in my mind-movie (on 8mm for the more "conservative" of my readers) that I almost missed the beautiful scene playing out on the side of the road, not unlike a road-side Nativity scene at Christmas. In his hast to demonstrate to me his purchasing prowess in regards to his after-market acceleration system, this poor Paul Walker wannabe had forgotten that the steep inclines of the Grapevine are a haven for patrolling CHP officers. There he was, pulled over, with not one, but two CHP teams, lights a-flashing, wearing their tight-fitting polyester uniforms.


I laughed.


Sad to say that my inner smart alec took over, and as I drove past in the slow lane at a brisk 66 mph, I couldn't help but bump a quick horn blast and offer a light wave.


It was at this moment that GOD reminded me of several things, not the least of which was the fact that gloating is not a virtue. The crux of the Illumination was a reminder that the first won't always finish first.


I was reminded of the majority of the time when I do everything in my power to be first, to be the best, to outdo someone else, to have the best church, to have the best worship band, to teach better than anyone else, to know more than anyone else, to have more, to wear nicer clothes, to drive a better car, to spend more, etc. that I'm still finishing dead last. Honestly, I could go on and on regaling you with examples of my personal drive to beat everyone else, but that doesn't change the facts at hand.


Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with striving to better yourself. In fact, the striving to be more than we are is a GOD-inspired endeavor. However, trying to be better than everyone else is where the problem lies. It's when we are seeking to rise above everyone else that we overlook the fact that in our ascension we are actually putting other people down.


It is impossible to elevate yourself without stepping on someone else.


I think that Jesus' cousin John had it right: He must increase, but I must decrease. I like how Patterson paraphrased this in The Message: This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines, [John 3:30]. I wonder how many times we stop the plan of GOD because we are unwilling to give Him the center or the focus?


In my mind, this is played out more prevalently in our misunderstanding of ministry. Our primary usage of the word ministry comes from the koine Greek word διακονία or diakonia [dee-ak-on-ee'-ah]. If you properly study this word usage you'll see that every definition of ministry indicates either servitude or subservience. Now, ask yourself this question: how do we as Christians define ministry? Have we not placed ministers on a pedestal? I'm not talking about giving honor to whom honor is due, I'm referring to an almost minister-worship. And this is not simply an action of the laity, far too often we ministers—either drunk on the accolades of the crowd, or blinded by our own self-worth—continually strive for superiority in our arrogant, GOD-ignoring ladder climbing. If you don't believe me look at our church buildings and tell me we're not trying to outdo each other.


Jesus made Himself a servant to the world, and even debased Himself by washing the disciple's feet and by allowing Himself to be hung naked on the cross. Yet, His called oracles (preachers and non-preachers alike) are often found preening and prancing, drawing the attention to ourselves rather than to Him.


Have you ever made a similar statement: "Well, they don't have all the Truth," or "Their standards aren't as high as mine." Truth be told, we've all fallen prey, at one point or another, to the fallacy that we've received all of GOD. The arrogance of this assumption is sickening. Who are we to think, even for a second, that it's even possible for us to remotely comprehend more than a fraction of All that GOD is? Illumination comes to the seeker not the one who feels that they've gained everything there is to know about Truth.


We don't have to be the best.


And, not being the best doesn't mean that we've missed the boat. As long as we're seeking Truth, He will reveal Himself to us [John 16:12-14]. Jonathan Stockstill wrote a song that says, Come reveal Yourself to me… You're all I want to see… What if this were true in all of our lives? What if GOD were the only thing that we tried to see; His purpose, His mission, His call, His heart…? I wonder what would happen in our world if GOD's people would lay down their swords of defense (they're kind of pointless what with Him being our defense and all) and genuinely begin to seek His face? Oh wait, didn't He say something about this already in 2 Chronicles 7:13-15? Yeah, I think He did. This was GOD's promise to Solomon that if His people were ever without rain, without food, abused by pestilence that all they (we) had to do was simply start by humbling themselves (ourselves), then pray, then seek, then turn, that He would be there ready for them (us). Strains of when the enemy comes in like a flood are floating through my mind even now.


We don't have to have the largest congregation on the most prime piece of real estate to have GOD's favor; all we have to do is seek Him. If your local Community doesn't have the funding to be a mega church, stop faking it. Start asking GOD to reveal Himself in every gathering, start focusing on the Mission Dei in every aspect of your process, start discipling individuals into relationship with GOD rather than conversion to your religious denomination… GOD will promote you in His time. If your reach is only 35 people, do whatever you can to make sure that all 35 know GOD, know His voice, know His face, it won't be long before that 35 make an eternal impact.


We don't have to the be the best, only someone who seeks His best.

What Is Church?

Have you ever truly paid attention in a pentecostal church service? No, I'm not talking about simply listening to the man of GOD teach or preach; I'm asking if you've ever truly observed and absorbed the actions, order, worship, and possibly even the sermon content of what we call church. If you have, have you ever noticed that the vast majority of our church services are centered around people who are already saved?

How do you define church?

Did GOD call us to have church or to be the Church?

Wasn't the foolishness of preaching given for the saving of the lost? If so, when did it morph into saint maintenance? Or—more importantly—when did going to church become more important than building a personal, intimate relationship with GOD?

There may be many reasons for the purpose-shift that seemingly has taken place in the Community, but it is my opinion that for too long we have ignored what Jesus actually said when He handed out the keys to the Kingdom in Matthew 16:13-20. Let's look specifically at verse 18:

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

When this Text is translated into English the word church is always used as the translation of the koine Greek word that Jesus actually spoke, which was ekklesia. Ekklesia can be translated as a church, or group of religious believers, but it translates more accurately into community, a gathering of individuals, committed to a common cause, theme, mission or goal. By the context, both in subject and geography, we can see that Jesus' words usage was not referring to a religious group, but rather a communal body. Jesus spoke these words while He and the twelve were visiting Caesarea Philippi; which was a community establish by the Caesar Philip, and was dedicated to the worship of Caesar as the son of god.

Jesus was not establishing another religious movement, He was establishing a community of believers who were to be dedicated to His Mission and Purpose.

So, getting back to the reason for the purpose shift, I believe that for too long we have focused on being religious rather than being communal. We want to build our churches rather than His Kingdom. We are dedicated to creeds established on conference floors rather than in the mouth of GOD. Because we've shifted away from His Purpose, we have focused on our religion. We have focused on us. Therefore, why wouldn't our church services be centered on us and the maintaining of ourselves?

In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus gave His Community His Mission: go make disciples, teach and baptize. He never said go build cathedrals, tabernacles or mini-franchises all over the globe. He never instructed us to gather together and go through rituals that have their root in spin-offs of Roman cath holos, that demand that everyone, everywhere adhere to same structure and methodology.

We do ourselves a great disservice when we force the under-shepherd to preach to us (we who claim salvation). I've searched the Text, but I can't find one place where the 1st Century Community was instructed to preach to those who had been Spirit-baptized. Now, I'm not saying it's not there, I just can't find it. What I have found is many instances of deep teaching to the Community. But every instance of preaching I've found is to the unregenerate.

Who do we preach to on a regular basis?

Why are our sermons filled with pentecostal colloquialisms with which many a guest have no connection?

Why is there so much tongue-talking in our gatherings, when Paul specifically taught us not to babble in tongues in public?

Why are the vast majority of our song choices horizontal rather than vertical?

Why do we go to church so that we can connect with GOD, yet throughout the week we have little or no interaction with Him whatsoever?

Why are we so fixated with that old tyme religion? (Yes, I spelled the word that way on purpose). What took place in the 1st Century wasn't a religious happening, it was a GOD-happening. Our obsession with the early 1900s is stealing our focus away from GOD's Mission, to reach the lost. Not to put another butt on the pew (or chair), but to lead another hungry soul to Christ.

Honestly ask and answer these questions:

1. If what we've been given truly is everything we say it is, then why are so many of us leaving?
2. If what we've been given will truly change lives, how come many of those who are Spirit-baptized in our services do not stay for more than a few weeks?

The attrition in the Apostolic Movement is real.

Within the last three months I have heard the statement, "I go to church, then I go home and watch [insert the name of your favorite mega-preacher] so I can get fed," at least a dozen times. Look around. Be honest. Don't blame it on the economy. Place the blame where it belongs: in our own laps. We are the problem.

I know, I know, there are some who are already beginning the rip campaign. But you are the ones who truly need to ask the question. If it's so great, then why?

The truth is, what we've been entrusted with is the greatest gift GOD ever gave humanity. The problem is not with the gift, the problem is with us. We've stopped sharing the gift and have begun spreading a religion based on the gift.

Please don't get me wrong. I'm not bashing anyone. No, wait. That's not true. I'm bashing myself. I'm the problem. I've focused more on pentecostalism than on discipleship. I've been more concerned about building a church than growing His Kingdom. This blog post is self-medication that is awaking me to the realization that I have shifted away from the Missio Dei and into denominational religion.

What is church?

Church is not a religious gathering in which ceremonial worship is conducted according to the rites passed down from Azusa or the subsequent, myriad denominations. At least it's not supposed to be. Church is the assembling of ourselves together with people of like precious faith, who have come together to worship GOD in both Spirit and in Truth, to create an atmosphere in which GOD can begin to prick the hearts of the unbelievers, so that when they hear the Word of GOD preached with anointing they repent of their sins and are filled with the Spirit of GOD.

For too many of us, church has become either our social connection or our spiritual all-you-can-eat buffet. We come and shake hands with those in the congregation who we can actually stomach for more than five minutes, then we find our seat (the same seat we've sat in for years, passed down from our forefathers who held that patch of ground when we still sat in pews) and settle in for our me-fest, in which the worship leader can only sing songs that remind us of when were young, and the preacher can only preach sermons that challenge our spiritual intellect (an intellect not from study, but from countless repetition of the Text throughout the years). All the while we're ignoring those to whom Jesus Commissioned us.

Church is not about us, it is about the lost.

Steven Furtick made the statement that if you received the baptism of the Spirit last Sunday then that was the last service that Elevation Church was about you.

No, I don't agree with everything that he preaches or does. But I do agree with this. We may not like it, but he's right. It may make us very uncomfortable, but it is still truth. It's biblical. It's not a truth found in our manuals or fellowship articles, but it is a Truth found within the very Character of the Text. It is a truth that dates all the way back to GOD's covenant with Abram: I will bless you so that you can bless every nation in the world. GOD hasn't entrusted us with this awesome treasure so that we will build walls of protection that block the world's path to Truth. GOD's Mission is for us to take this treasure—in our jars of clay—beyond our walls to the hurt, hungry and lost world that surrounds us.

Yes, I want to be seeker-friendly (and with that I am forever damned by those who will completely miss my point). I want anyone who is seeking GOD to know that I won't get in their way, but rather I will take their hand and lead them into His Presence. No, I don't want to be like the world, nor adhere to the thought process of humanism, but I also don't want to be so heavenly minded that I'm no earthly good. No, I won't be so pentecostal that I'm afraid to get the stench of sin on my lily white robes that I use to conceal the rake, putrid, decaying rot that is my true underbelly.

Jesus took the twelve to the other side. The other side is where the sinners lived. The other side is that uncomfortable place where we're surrounded by prostitutes, drug addicts, spouse abusers, homosexuals, child molesters, murderers…

That is where Jesus ministered.

Are we ready to go?

And—when we get there—are we ready for church?

A New Year

Well, you knew it was coming. Everyone else is jotting down, blogging, tweeting, Facebooking (does MySpace still exist?) their thoughts on the new year, new decade, etc., so I figured that I needed to join in the fray.


Over the past eight years I've developed a personal practice of self-examination and reflection at the close of each year. This introspection has served to force me to face some ugly truths about myself, as well as stretch my spirit to new levels of relationship with GOD. In closing out 2009, my internal spirit-walk found many an area that requires adjustment, but also some areas in which I feel as though I've gained some ground. The most significant of these is in my trust level for GOD.


See, I've often said that I trust GOD, but the truth be told, I was lying to myself and anyone who bothered to listen. It's next to impossible to trust someone who you do not know. I'll be the first to admit that I know very little about GOD, but I am learning more about Him every day. I think this is what is meant by relationship.


In terms of relationship, 2009 was a record year for advancement. I've grown more close to GOD than I've ever been up to now. I'm also learning to trust Him. One of my favorite serendipitous moments of 2009 is the discovery that He was taking care of me and my family, even when we forgot to ask. I remember only praying for GOD to provide for our needs twice throughout the entire year, but we never went without food, we always had a roof over our head, a car to drive, friends… and so much more. It was almost as if He knew what we needed (image that—what with Him being GOD and all). In looking back I realized just how much GOD knew about me this past year, and how much I had learned about Him.


We're getting past the awkward phase.


You know that phase in dating when you're too nervous to eat in front of each other… where you're not quite sure if they'll still want to date you if they see you eat a salad. That's the phase that I'm realizing that I'm moving out of in my relationship with GOD. I've realized that He loves me. That's it, nothing else profound, He just loves me. Yes, He knows all the junk about me. And for those of you wondering, yes He knows about that too. It's like He's saying, go ahead, eat that salad with your mouth open, I love you for who you are not how together you act.


In light of this beautiful illumination, bring on 2010. If I learned all this last year, imagine what I'm going to learn this year. I can't wait to move to deeper relationship with GOD; in fact, I'm anticipating some major advancements in that department.


I have but one resolution for 2010. Actually, call it a declaration. Here goes: less of me, more of Him.


This is going to be a great year.