Pillars of the Church II: Connecting

The Word became flesh

I asked Bert Douglas, our Director of Family Ministry, to reflect on what it means to be a "connecting" community. Here's what he said...

As our second banner proclaims, St. Andrew’s is a “connecting” church. In fact, connecting is vital to what it means to be the church.

But what is this connecting? What does it look like? How do we live it out?

As I write this, it is midway through December: Christmas time; the time when we remember the birth of Jesus; Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” As Christians, Christmas reminds us that God did not come to us in a pamphlet, or on a computer screen. He came in the flesh.

God cared enough to relate to us, to connect with us face-to-face through Christ, and heart-to-heart through his Spirit.  In the famous Christmas carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Charles Wesley puts it like this :

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,

Hail the incarnate Deity!

Please as man with us to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Christmas tells the story of the incarnation. That’s a big word, but it simply means “in the flesh.” Incarnation is the very method of God’s “connecting” with us. It is not our deep inner feelings, profound as they may be, that should set the agenda for our thoughts on Christian life and community.  It is not what makes sense or seems right to our natural minds that should guide our theologizing.  The guide for authentic Christian thinking about God and community is implicit in the being and presence of Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God.

In Jesus, we see the ultimate way that God chose to connect with us. And when his time with us was finished, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to maintain and build the connection. God’s connecting is incarnational, which means it is personal, active, and messy. God’s connecting Spirit moves towards and enters our messes, creating redemption and unity, which is the ultimate end of God’s mission (Ephesians 1.7-10).

We (the church) are called to enter God’s mission. In John 20.21 Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And so, our connecting, within the Christian community and with our neighbours, must be like God’s, i.e. lived out, personal, active and messy. It is about unity not uniformity, about hospitality not fear.

As we think and pray about connecting with others, here are three incarnational questions we might want to ask ourselves:

1. How can I see Jesus in you?

2. How can I serve Jesus through you?

3. How can I show Jesus to you?

Blessings,

Bert

Pillars of the Church I: Reaching

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”

~ Jesus ~

These were the marching orders—the “great commission”—for Jesus’ followers as they took up his mission of healing and wholeness. This was to be the central characteristic of Jesus’ church, the overarching mission by which all future plans, directions, ideas, and visions were to be measured. Of course, entire books and collections of books have been written about the church and what it means to be the church. But at the heart of it all is a simple message: “Go and make disciples…”

“Making disciples” means helping all people grow in a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. For some people, this will mean going deeper in their existing relationship. (I’ll come back to that in a few weeks when we look at our fifth mark of the church, “Growing.”) For most people, though, it starts with “Reaching.”

But what does this mean? What does it look like? Why is it so difficult? I want to approach these questions by suggesting five reasons we aren’t “reaching” out to the people around us.

1. We Don’t Know How

I think this has to be the number one reason people give as to why they aren’t reaching out to people: “But I don’t know how!” This response assumes there’s a special way we reach out to people, something for which we aren’t skilled or knowledgeable enough.

But “reaching” starts with simply making connections with people outside the church. Jesus was interested in people, which led him to love and serve them. That’s what would open them to hearing the truth about God, which Jesus always shared. As one of Jesus’ closest friends, Peter, would later write, “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within you, but do so with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3.15). Notice that this assumes an existing relationship. “Reaching” grows out of the soil of relationship.

Okay, so “reaching” means connecting with people, which is something we all do already. Pretty easy so far! But it also means purposefully drawing them closer to Jesus. I’m not going to try to give a lesson here today. And besides, I’m probably as much in need of the lesson as you are. But here are a few books and other resources I’ve come across that I’ve found helpful.

Books that help us understand and begin to practice “reaching” out:

·         Evangelism Without Additives, by Jim Henderson.

·         More Ready Than You Realize, by Brian McLaren.

·         Evangelism for Normal People, by John Bowen.

Videos available on the web to watch with or suggest to your seeking friends:

·         Alpha

·         My Hope

Don’t know how? That’s okay. But we can learn.

2. We’re Not Seeing, Or Looking For, God at Work in Our Day to Day Lives

We mustn’t only look at the commission of Matthew 28.19 and miss the promise of the following verse: “And surely I am with you always.” Jesus has promised to be with us in every moment, every circumstance or our lives. He doesn’t just show up at church, or when we pray, or read our Bibles. He gives the Holy Spirit to every disciple, everyone whose trust is in him (John 14.15-21).

So why aren’t we seeing and experiencing his presence with us? Why aren’t we seeing opportunities to speak about our faith? To—gently and with respect—point to the reality of Jesus’ loving presence in our lives? Is it because Jesus is not present? No. We can trust his promise. So maybe it’s because we aren’t seeing him. Maybe it’s because we aren’t in the habit of looking for him in all our relationships and circumstances. Jesus may be with us, but we also need to be with him.

3. We’re Not Praying For Opportunities to Share

More than anything else, this is what will open our eyes to the chances we have to “reach” out. If we aren’t seeing God at work, we can ask Him to show us. For some, this will mean a daily practice of private prayer. For some, this will mean a greater mindfulness and prayerfulness as they go about their daily lives. But it can also be both! Regular times of personal prayer can help us be more mindful and prayerful throughout the day. It isn’t simply something to do in the morning and then forget about. No, pray that God will show you where He’s at work as you go through your day. And then don’t forget to pay attention! I believe that this is a prayer God loves to answer.

4. We’re Too Busy

Believe me, I can relate to this one. By the time I get home from work, take the kids to their games/practices, try to keep up with work around the house, have dinner with the family, etc., I’m ready to just watch a show and then fall into bed. It’s not easy. I get that.

But I’m not necessarily talking about including a new item in your daily agenda (although that may sometimes happen). Rather, I’m talking about including God in every item already in your agenda. Ask Him to be in it all and then, once again, pay attention to what He’s already doing.

And besides, isn’t it true that we’ll find time for the things we think are important? Well, this is at the heart of God’s mission for the church, which is you and me. It’s important.

5. We’ve Lost Sight of the Need

I think this, more than anything else, is at the heart of the church’s trouble with “reaching” out. We forget that all our wonderful neighbours, family members, school friends, teammates, and co-workers desperately need Jesus. It might not look like it on the surface, and they might not feel it, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” That’s the good news, the very heart of the Gospel. “Yes, Jesus loves me – the Bible tells me so.” And he did what loves does à he gave himself for us.

But the Gospel also calls for a response: “…that whoever believes [trusts] in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3.16). Life, true life, is found only in Jesus Christ. Everything, and everyone, else is “perishing”.

 

What do you think? Are there other reasons we aren’t “reaching” out? Are there other resources you’ve found helpful? Please join the discussion.

Six points for Six Points

For almost two years now, everyone entering the sanctuary here at St A’s have had these six banners laid out before them.

 

DOORS

 

COMMUNION TABLE

Based on the description of the early church in Acts 2.42-47, they’re there as a physical reminder of what we’re called to do as the church:

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching [growing] and to fellowship [connecting], to the breaking of bread [worshiping] and to prayer [praying]. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common [connecting]. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need [serving]. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts [worshiping]. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts [connecting], ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved [reaching].
 

We have arranged them as they are not because that’s the order they appear in the text, but because there’s a logical progression as we move into and out of the sanctuary. As the arrow, above, indicates, there is a progression from out to in and from left to right.

REACHING – Before we even approach the sanctuary on a Sunday morning for worship, we are called to be reaching out to our neighbours, friends, and family. As Jesus speaks of it in his Sermon on the Mount, we are to be the salt and light of the world, extending the invitation to one and all to come and experience the life of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5.13-16). We hope and pray that these efforts, with the help of the Holy Spirit, will lead people to come and join us.
 

CONNECTING – Contrary to the language of going-to-church, we are actually gathering-as-church. All who belong to Christ also belong to one another (1 Corinthians 12.27). We gather not merely to receive content, but to express this deeper connection. We also look to extend the circle of belonging through the practice of radical grace and hospitality. We seek to connect with guests and newcomers, helping them to see and experience the power of transformative community.

WORSHIPING – As we enter in further, our gaze collectively turns away from ourselves and towards God. We express this weekly through the reading of scripture, prayer, music, singing, silence, and preaching. Every other month or so, we share the bread and wine of communion. These actions express our praise to and awe of the One and only True God. Through them, declare our collective and individual desire to put Him first in our hearts and lives (Psalm 25.1).

PRAYING – Though it could be seen as one of the elements of our celebrations of worship, prayer is also much more than that. Yes, we lift our hearts together in worship and prayer. But we are also called to a deeper experience of the power of prayer. Everything we do as the church must be centred in and surrounded by prayer. Prayer is not a mechanism, a vending machine by which we get all our desires fulfilled if we only have the right currency. It is a mystery in which the All Powerful God of the universe asks us to participate with Him in His rule. “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” (Matthew 6.10). This is the heart of all prayer.

GROWING – As we begin to move out of the sanctuary, we go out into the world as disciples (apprentices) of the Master, Jesus. The Master has much to teach us that can only be learned as we walk with Him in His “easy yoke” (Matthew 11.29-30). Our “work” is not done at the close of the service of worship. It is just beginning.

SERVING – Our personal growth as disciples of Jesus is crucial, but it naturally leads outwards to the growth of others. Jesus “did not come be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20.28). As his apprentices in the way of the Kingdom, we also are called to serve others as Jesus did. This may take some rather mundane forms as we serve our families and neighbours in practical ways. It may mean putting ourselves forward to serve God’s church in areas of need and leadership. It might lead us to direct our careers in new ways as we heed God’s call to fulltime service in ministry or missions. Whatever the case may be, we are sent in the name of Jesus, the one who came to show us the Master’s loving, servant heart, and so we go ourselves as servants to one and all.

 

These six key practices of the church aren’t unique to this congregation. They’re what God looks for from His church in all its many forms. But we like to think of them as “six points for us here at Six Points.” We’ll explore in more detail over the next few weeks.

Trying Faith

I had cause recently to remember an old hymn written by John Newton, and no, it wasn't "Amazing Grace." He actually wrote one or two others.

I first came across "I asked the Lord that I might grow" when I was a much younger man. It was included in a book I was reading at the time (On to Maturity, by J Oswald Sanders). Some of you that attend St A's heard me share it this past Sunday, October 11, during my sermon.

I was enjoying the book so much that I began to take note of the things I was learning from it in a journal I was keeping at the time. One of the chapters spoke of the faith called for in trying situations (well, all situations, but especially the difficult ones). Here's a portion of my entry from Nov 23, 1994:

Entitled "The Satisfying Compensations of God," [this chapter] talks about faith, especially that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their faith, seen in their words to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3.16-18, can be divided into three categories:

1. Faith in the ability of God to deliver them.
2. Confidence in the willingness of God to deliver them.
3. Acceptance of the sovereignty of God, encapsulated in the three words, "But if not..."

This is what faith boils down to in every situation.

In addition to this, there are three implications of faith:

1. Faith is always confronted with a choice -- we can take the high road, or we can take the low road.
2. Faith always involves a risk -- if there is no risk involved, no faith is necessary.
3. Faith always encounters opposition -- there is no growth where there is no exercise of faith.

With this kind of content, it's no wonder Sanders refers to Newton's hymn. It is a stirring reminder of the need for faith in the midst of trying circumstances.

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.

‘Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favoured hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And bade the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Nay more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

“Lord, why is this,” I trembling cried,
“Wilt thou pursue this worm to death?”
“This is the way,” the Lord replied,
“I answer prayer for grace and faith.

“These inward trials I employ,
From self and sin to set thee free;
And cross thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou might’st find thy all in Me.”

Hmmm. Maybe we should try faith.

A New Blog?

Welcome to "Pivot Points," a new blog I'm starting along with a few others here at St A's. This first entry is primarily addressed to those who are involved here at St A's Church at Six Points so I can take a moment to explain why we're making this change. Subsequent posts will be a bit more general in nature so as to potentially connect with more people.

Some of you might be asking, "Another blog?! Why on earth do we need another blog?!" Then again, maybe you're asking, "What is a blog anyway?"

A blog is simply a way for someone to communicate to others through the internet. We're starting a blog to replace the mid-week emails I started sending earlier this year. We'll be writing about some of the same things--faith, news, leadership, worship, church life, etc.--just in this slightly different format. And we'll still be sending out brief emails every Saturday to give you a heads up about what's happening on Sunday.

One of the benefits of a blog instead of weekly emails is that it will be more accessible to people who haven't signed up to receive emails. People who visit our website will be able to read our blog entries and even go back to read previous entries. We hope it will help people get a better sense of who we are here at St A's. We'll still send occasional emails to let you know what's new on the blog, but more like once or twice a month.

And why "Pivot Points" (besides the oblique connection to "Six Points", that is)? Well, a pivot point is the centre of any rotational system. If you're scientifically minded, you might think of the fulcrum point under a lever. If you're more artistically minded, you might think of the point on the floor where the ballerina plants her point toe and performs a pirouette.

In other words, it's the point around which everything turns, the point where things change direction.

Not that the blog itself is a pivot point. I'm thinking of something (or Someone) more central, more helpful, more life-giving and life-changing. We like to say that our mission involves helping all people experience a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. That's what it's all about. Everything we do centres on and revolves around Jesus.

Every blog entry won't necessarily speak directly about Jesus, but He will definitely be at the centre, the pivot point of all we do. To him be all glory, honour and praise!