Friday, November 30
Lately I've been thinking a lot about the words of Psalm 131:
1 My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have calmed myself and quieted my ambitions. I am like a weaned child with its mother.
We live in a culture where we are constantly encouraged to aspire to more -- bigger dreams, bigger goals, bigger everything.
Have you ever noticed that small children have to be taught to think this way? Small children don't concern themselves with matters too great for them. They just have fun and enjoy life. Only as they go through our American educational institutions are they prodded and jarred into making big goals for themselves. "What are you going to be when you grow up? What great thing are you going to do with your life?"
Have you ever noticed the way elderly people no longer concern themselves with matters too great for them? Ever heard your grandma say, "Man, I have so many really cool things I want to accomplish this year!" Never. My grandmother gets up in the morning and embraces the day like a small child. She doesn't concern herself with great matters or things too wonderful for her. She took time to talk to everyone that showed up at Thanksgiving; just to sit and talk with people and genuinely listen to them. To really listen. Me? I was too busy. My mind was swirling with all the stuff I had to get done. I don't think I really listened to one person all week long.
I would love to know how to discipine myself to calm myself and quiet my ambitions, to be like a small child again, to be like an elderly person. What would that look like at 40 years of age? What would that look like for you?
Quieted Ambitions
Cynicism, Presidential Debates, and Whining Christians
Thursday, November 29th
Last night I caught a little bit of the You Tube Republican debate. Honestly, my gut level response is that they seemed very genuine and concerned for our country's future.
I felt I needed to just state that somewhere, and since I scribble on this blog just about every day I figured this was as good a place as any.
They seemed, for the most part, very genuine.
We are so used to being cynical of public people -- mistrusting their motives, always looking for their hidden agenda, always looking for the hidden scandal or the "swept over" impropriety just waiting to be unveiled on some stupid cable news show -- that we forget that these folks are just like you and me. They're just trying to carve out a place for themselves in this world, trying to do right by their families, trying to help people along the way, and do it while being genuinely broken, struggling, learning and growing people.
I guess I can sympathize a little bit with these candidates as a pastor because people in our culture are just as cynical about what I do.
Every time I talk about money there's always a group of cynical people that think I'm siphoning off money to fund an extravagant lifestyle. If they only knew how little I get paid, how much money I give away, and how much of myself I've sacrificed on their behalf. Maybe the church isn't out to "get your money" after all. Maybe, just maybe, we as a collective body of believers have been called by God to help people far from God become maturing disciples. Maybe it takes money to organize and lead that effort. Maybe you talk in a cynical fashion because you feel guilty because instead of tithing you went out and bought another stupid luxury car you didn't need. Maybe it makes you feel better to talk crap about your pastor, your church leaders, or even the freaky nut job televangelist with the crazy hair because it takes the focus off of your sinful and decadent spending habits.
Every time I talk about helping people there's always a group of people who think I'm not as caring as I say or purport myself to be because when they went to the hospital I didn't visit them. If they only knew the piles of emails and phone calls and drop-by visits and the incessant daily requests I get to meet and counsel with people. You know, maybe you're cynical about me, or the pastor at your church, or other church leaders because you refuse to grow up and need someone to constantly hold your hand. Maybe you're cynical because you are an immature, whining, and ever-dependent person who is nothing more than a shallow self-help consumer of religious goods.
The other day I stumbled across a radio program. The guy makes his living making fun of politicians. He's funny. He's strident. He's cynical. And he caters to people who love cracking jokes at the expense of public people.
Part of me bets that the same people who listen to this guy also are regular church goers.
One Week of Food
Wednesday, November 28
Got an interesting email forwarded to me that showed the difference between what an average family in the United States spends on food for one week and what an average family in Africa spends.
United States: The Revis family of North Carolina Food expenditure for one week: $341.98
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp. Food expenditure for one week: $1.23.
My Aunt Lyn
Tuesday, November 27
Glad to be back. We went to Ohio to spend the week with my folks for Thanksgiving. It wasn't at all what we expected. The night before we left my mom called and said that my Aunt Lyn, the one I wrote about in Second Guessing God, had a bleeding stroke. After we drove over to Columbus we went to see her Wednesday night. It was emotional. She lay in bed unresponsive -- hooked up to wires, tubes and monitors and continually laboring in her breathing. Right before we left the hospital room, after much prodding on everyone's part, Lyn awoke and smiled.
She looked at my mom, who was calling out to her over and over again, and slowly said, "I'm not dead Darlene" (as if to say "stop shouting in my ears people!"). It was a humorous break in an otherwise emotionally charged visit.
She's still touch and go at this point, but I came away from this unexpected week away with a few thoughts:
1. We have the greatest medical care in the world. The doctors and nurses caring for Lyn are exceptional. We forget how blessed we are in this country.
2. My parents' faith still moves me. One of the things I look forward to year after year is my father's Thanksgiving Day prayer before the meal. This year's was no exception.
3. There are no guarantees in life.
4. Every moment with loved ones is a gift.
Looking Forward To Thanksgiving
Tuesday, November 20
In many ways Thanksgiving is a more enjoyable holiday to me than Christmas. I'm looking forward to seeing all of my family (with the exception of my older sister and her crew from Tucson who are stuck doing a basketball tournament over Thanksgiving break...will miss you guys a bunch this year).
Wherever you are or wherever you go I hope you reconnect with and enjoy those you love the most in this world, even my tree-hugging friends out there who will have tofurkey (imitation turkey made out of tofu) and other strange neo-enlightened dishes. Pile on the gravy baby. There are no weight watcher points allowed on Thanksgiving.
Brian
Ohio State vs. Michigan -- The REAL National Championship
Friday, November 16th
This Saturday is the big game. Ohio State is playing Michigan up in Ann Arbor. We had a joke growing up that went something like this: QUESTION: "How do you get to Michigan stadium?" ANSWER: "Go north until you smell it and west until you step in it." (I think every football team has that same joke).
Here are a few commercials that will give you a little insight into the greatest rivalry of all sports:
Elders, Deacons and CCV’s Leadership Team
Thursday, November 14th
A good friend of mine asked a great question about my post yesterday. Essentially he asked what is an elder, a deacon, and how do they relate to CCV’s Leadership Team. I thought I’d answer that question today. Here goes…
Elders
I and the ministry staff members at our church are considered the “elders” of the church and must meet the character qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. We are considered “elders” in the sense that we are charged with the actual day to day spiritual leadership, oversight and nurturing of the congregation.
Leadership Team members must also meet the character criteria of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, but don’t serve in the actual caring and nurturing capacity. There’s a reason for that -- as the church grows the staff must increase to nurture and care for leaders who care for everyone, but you can’t have a governing board that continues to grow. Imagine making key ministry decisions in a room full of 89 people. The Leadership Team will always remain no larger than 7 people. There may come a time when we have 89 ministry staff members.
However, just because ministry staff other than me meet the “elder” character qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, that does not place them on the Leadership Team.
CCV’s Leadership Team members meet the qualifications of “elders” but delegate the day to day running of the church to me and the staff but retain the ultimate decision making on the budget within that team.
The Leadership Team oversees me as I oversee the staff.
Deacons
All home team leaders, lead VK teachers, student ministry coaches and any other ministry team leaders must meet the character qualifications for Deacons as set out in 1 Timothy 3.
Essentially any non-staff leader of people at CCV is considered a deacon.
Hope this helps Sean!
Brian
Welcome New Leadership Team Members
Wednesday, November 14th
On Sunday night I announced the three new members of our church's Leadership Team. Please welcome with me Diane Karchner, Perry Corda and Paul Williams of the Orchard Group. Three more will be added next Fall.
Here's an overview from our church's by-laws of what our Leadership Team is all about and who can serve on it:
Leadership Team Description:
At Christ’s Church of the Valley we believe that the church should be led by those with the spiritual gift of leadership. Therefore, up to six people with this gift (and other complimentary gifts) will serve with Brian on the “Leadership Team.” From the beginning we will always include one “outside” member on our Leadership Team. Leadership Team members, other than the Senior Pastor, will serve for a period of three years and until their successors are selected. The Leadership Team will meet quarterly.
Purpose of the Leadership Team:
The Leadership Team exists to assist Brian in fulfilling his calling by serving five specific functions:
1. Serve as the primary care group for Brian
2. Provide a sounding board for Brian as he senses the next steps for the church.
3. Hold Brian accountable for the performance of the church.
4. Serve a fiduciary responsibility to the church by determining salary increases for Brian, approving the annual budget, and holding Brian accountable for the financial health of the church.
5. Hire/fire Brian.
Eight By-law requirements for selection to Leadership Team:
1. They are a mature Christian with highly developed Christian character as outlined in 1Timothy 3:1-11 and Titus 1:6-9.
2. Member
3. Spiritual gift of Leadership
4. Agreement with our mission, philosophy and beliefs
5. Served for at least two years without control or authoritarianism.
6. They tithe.
7. They have demonstrated positive support for the staff.
8. They feel called by God to exercise their gifts within this body of believers.
Vision Night 07 A Hit!
Tuesday, November 13
This past Sunday we had a blow-out night at CCV. It was our annual vision night where we come together as a church and celebrate what God has done over the past year and begin dreaming about what could happen in the next. The sharing was powerful. The worship inspiring. I shared what I felt was God's heart for this next year. It was a really cool night to simply be together with the team.
Here are some highlights I shared. Take a look at what God has accomplished over the past year...
2006/2007 Highlights:
1. Despite our limited seating capacity we've seen continued growth:
Year Attendance
1999 0
2000 253
2001 294
2002 452
2003 531
2004 761
2005 879
2006 1091
2007 1131 (and growing each week!)
2. We've had 654 baptisms to date!
3. We held our biggest Kids Camp in church history—758 kids!
4. We helped launch Providence School of Music in August—over 135 students!
5. We launched Providence Christian Preschool in August—72 students enrolled!
6. We've seen a 47% increase in Student Ministries (80 in June, 150 in September)
7. We have more adults participating in Home Teams than ever (544 adults in Home Teams with 51 Home Team leaders)!
8. We held our biggest Fall Festival ever (over 700 people on Oct. 21st)!
9. Our Maximum Impact Simulcast reached 130 business men and women!
10. We've had over 200 people go through our baptism class!
11. We now have more kids in Valley Kids than at any time (274)!
12. We began a quarterly pastor’s luncheon for area pastors!
13. We launched a new Senior’s ministry for geezers!
14. We helped our daughter church, Forefront Church in Manhattan, grow to over 250 each week!
Yeah, I know, that's a lot of exclamation points. But things are exciting around here. I'm glad to be part of it.
Wednesday's Pastor's Luncheon
On Wednesday we hosted another area pastor’s luncheon for Independent Christian Churches. It was great seeing a whole bunch of pastors who are really tearing it up around the greater Philly area. It was also really encouraging seeing my old friends and meeting a bunch of news ones. We even had an old friend drive in from Marion Ohio to be with us.
The following guys brought their whole staffs to visit with our CCV staff. It was a great time. If you live anywhere near these churches you definitely need to check them out:
Sheldon Lee, Sr. Pastor
Hillside Christian Church, Sinking Spring, PA http://www.hillsidechristian.info/
Craig M. Casey, Sr. Pastor
Princeton Community Church, Princeton, NJ http://www.princetonchurch.com/
Phil Strunk, Sr. Pastor
Bux-Mont Christian Church, Ivyland, PA http://www.buxmontchristian.com/
Matt Johnson, Sr. Pastor
Levittown Christian Church, Levittown, PA http://www.levittownchristian.com/
Tim Grasham, Sr. Pastor
North East Christian Church, Middletown, DE http://www.nechristianchurch.com/
Brian Brewer, Sr. Pastor
Delaware Valley Christian Church, Media, PA
Steve W. Taylor, Sr. Pastor
Celebrate Life Christian Church Lancaster, PA http://www.clifecc.com/
Next luncheon: February 08.
The End of an Era
Thursday, November 8
This past Friday night our family experienced the end of an era. While we were at dinner my youngest asked a very simple question: "Is Santa real?"
Lisa and I looked at each other with a sheepish look on our faces.
"Why do you ask?" Lisa said.
"Because all of my friends at school except Maddie say he isn't real."
"What do you think?" I shot back, as if to stall a bit, smiling the whole time.
Laughing, she said, "He's made up, isn't he? Tell me the truth. Is he real or not?"
Lisa and I looked at each other and knew that the time had come to spill the beans. I leaned forward and said, "Honey, Santa isn't real. You are correct. Santa Claus is a game that parents and grandparents play with their children. We played the game with both of your sisters and they helped us play the game with you."
"So I can be as bad as I want and nothing will happen?!" she quickly shot back.
"No."
"So who ate the cookies?"
"We did."
"And who bought the presents?"
"We did."
"Who wrote me back when I wrote all those letters?"
"Your older sister. And, you may not want to hear this, but Santa isn't the only thing that's made up. The tooth fairy, for instance, not real."
"You made her up too?"
"Yep. And the Easter bunny too."
"I knew it."
"And what about Jesus? Did you make him up too?"
"No. He's real."
"How do you know?"
"Because he doesn't give you presents based on whether you're good or not."
Catching Up
Wednesday, November 7
Here's a shot of where I've been for the last two days. The members of our Leadership Team flew into the Big Apple for an Orchard Group retreat and asked me to come into the city rather than having the whole bunch of them drive to Philly. It was a great meeting. I've never been more excited about what's happening in our church.
I haven't blogged for a couple days so let me ramble a bit about some things I've been thinking about and what I've been up to:
More unchurched and spiritually disenfranchised people came during the last three weeks to the Our Rotten Sex Life series than any other time in recent memory. It was so successful that I'm tempted to follow that up with a series I'm calling, "Sex, Sex and More Sex." :)
Excited about Vision Night this coming Sunday evening. We're going to introduce two new people that are coming onto our Leadership Team, celebrate what God has been doing in the past year, and share some of the really cool things we think God is up to for the next two years. If you're a CCV'er make sure you come dressed up in your favorite sport's team stuff.
We're starting a new series this Sunday called Switch. It's all about the way Jesus changed lives "back then" and is still doing the same today. People have been sharing some really cool "Switch" life-change stories at our Switch blog. You might want to check it out: http://switchstory.blogspot.com/2007/10/we-all-have-switch-story.html
Thanks to all of the 44 pastors who have taken the time to fill out the all-church campaign survey I created. If you haven't taken it yet I'd love to have your input. I really would. CLICK HERE.
My OSU Buckeyes are #1 in the country. Can't touch this.
Pastors Please Take Survey!
Friday, November 2
Pastors, I need your help.
I am in the process of developing a strategic partnership to launch a school/Aids clinic/church plant in Nairobi Kenya.
As an author, one of the ways I want to help fund this is through a book that I write that is packaged into an all-church campaign, much like what other author’s have done.
Here’s where I need your help. I’ve created a survey to help me determine what topics/issues would be most helpful to pastors who might want to do an all-church campaign in their church.
Could you take this quick survey? I would really value your input.
Also, would you mind putting a note about this in your blog (or emailing other pastors) and encouraging them to take the survey? I will post the results to this survey on my blog on December 15th. I think the info. we gather could be really helpful to dynamic church leaders out there.
Here’s the survey link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Cn3ERIeQFZpudTx9cZzEXw_3d_3d
I really appreciate this!
Brian
Working Out, Eating Right and Feeling Good
Thursday, November 1
Two weeks ago I headed back to Weight Watchers and started working out again, Monday through Friday at the gym. I took a long sabbatical from both of these while I was writing and paid dearly – weight gain, poor sleep, irritability, and an incomprehensible desire to see the Red Sox win the series. It was horrible.
But I’m back on track now and really feeling good.
For the past week or so, as I’ve been getting back into a healthy routine, I’ve been reading the Book of Proverbs for my daily time with God. I’m reading a chapter at a time, stopping to ponder on the verses that stand out to me. I’ve been struck by the promises about health and life given to those who seek God’s inspired wisdom and discipline in their life.
Here are just a few I’ve noticed so far:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (Proverbs 3:1-2)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8)
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck...When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:21-22, 24)
Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 8:32-35)
For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. (Proverbs 9:11)
I love these promises. They’ve helped me get off to a good start. But ask me two years from now how I’m doing. That will be the real test.
Hope you’re having a great week.
Brian
