Hello Church,
I consider myself an optimist. I personally believe that Christians should be, by default, optimists. We believe in the goodness of God and that, inevitably, the Universe will be okay. My soul is saved and God is just and all the bad will eventually go away (read the Bible). And yet it is difficult to be an optimist.
I want to share my Christian perspective on optimism vs pessimism. I don't know if it is anything you haven't learned long before me, but I'm going to be optimistic. This might help someone out there.
- We remember the bad, wrong and negative and we want to share it with those around us. The vast majority of our talk about sports teams, politics, religion, family members and the run-of-the-mill daily occurrences usually have to do with losing, investigations of wrong-doing, hypocrisy, bad decisions, etc;
- We don't do nearly as well remembering the good, right and positives of our days. Perhaps a psychologist or anthropologist can explain why. However, as I have observed myself turning a corner in my attitude, the pervasive pessimism that I see and hear has increasingly annoyed me. When it stops annoying me, I should get worried.
- Pessimism has been multiplied many times over with the onslaught of social media. I have come to see it as a kind of poison that ruins our psyche. I took Facebook and twitter off my phone and drastically reduced my use of all social media. I am happier.
- How can a Christian be a good Christian if it he/she is poisoned by a pessimistic world-view? I have learned to subtly challenge negative comments with positive ones; question the theology of doom and gloom out loud; critically think through criticisms to determine constructiveness or destructiveness; and invite the presence of God in with a person's thoughts and actions.
- Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you believe in the redemption of all Creation, the salvation of souls, and an interceding God (Read the Bible). Then you should seek out a pep in your step.
- In order to focus on optimism, I have chosen to at least ignore the petty complaints about life (or laugh at them). I have made it my mission to take every circumstance and be determined to not let the negative drive the discussion. It isn't always easy. I'm not always good at it..... I mean.. uh... sometimes it is really easy. I am sometimes good at it (see what I did there?).
- When I mentally review my day, I make it a point to list the positives. I make note of the negatives only if I see the possibility of turning it into a positive tomorrow. If not, I let it slough off. I don't think about it, dwell on it, post it, or give it any of my energy. Truth is, most of the negatives of my day weren't in my control in any case.
Emmanuel has a slightly different energy than it did a year ago. It's better. I go to activities expecting to participate in uplifting stuff. It won't always happen. That isn't the point. It is my expectations that are the point. I am choosing my attitude.
What good do you expect to see and talk about today? Look for it. I'm optimistic that you'll find it.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, June 17, 2019
Monday, June 10, 2019
Meow! Woof! And The Occassional 'Hello'
Hello Church,
I've never blessed animals before. I'll have to look in the instruction book to see what it says about it. Hopefully it isn't too complicated.
This Saturday (12-3) is a day for us and the Humane Society to show off animals. I like the possibilities of this event. It could be a day that begins a longer-term partnership.... something Emmanuel is striving for in many different ways.
But the truth is that Saturday isn't really about the animals, though I am sure they will have their own opinions on the event. The occasional happy dog or grumpy cat who wants to know what all the hub-bub is about. It is really about the owners and would-be owners. We want the community to know that we care.... not just about animals, but about those would-be care-takers who enjoy the company of a pet or pets.
So I am looking forward to meeting people too... to make connections and let them know that Emmanuel is a place for them. That if they are looking for a community of people that has something in common with them (like animals), then we can be that place.
Let's go make establish partnerships, make connections and possibly a friend or two.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
I've never blessed animals before. I'll have to look in the instruction book to see what it says about it. Hopefully it isn't too complicated.
This Saturday (12-3) is a day for us and the Humane Society to show off animals. I like the possibilities of this event. It could be a day that begins a longer-term partnership.... something Emmanuel is striving for in many different ways.
But the truth is that Saturday isn't really about the animals, though I am sure they will have their own opinions on the event. The occasional happy dog or grumpy cat who wants to know what all the hub-bub is about. It is really about the owners and would-be owners. We want the community to know that we care.... not just about animals, but about those would-be care-takers who enjoy the company of a pet or pets.
So I am looking forward to meeting people too... to make connections and let them know that Emmanuel is a place for them. That if they are looking for a community of people that has something in common with them (like animals), then we can be that place.
Let's go make establish partnerships, make connections and possibly a friend or two.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, June 3, 2019
When God's Plans Are Not Your Plans
Hello Church,
Engage the Holy Spirit.
Sunday is Pentecost. It is the day when God gifted the would-be church with His Spirit to comfort and teach and to inspire. It's a big day to celebrate.
As we live into a renewed Summer at Emmanuel--as we look at new kinds of partnerships with schools and animal shelters and retirement communities and food programs, etc--I think it paramount to consider how we go about it.
Engage the Holy Spirit.
As people of routine, we are often dictated by what our routine tells us. For example, today is Monday. On Mondays I type my blog; find Scripture for Sunday; post on Facebook; and follow-up with any stuff that happened the previous day. (Btw, yesterday was an awesome Sunday.... if you didn't catch it, find it here! No lie... one of my best Sunday services in a long time).
This Sunday we are also about routine. For example, we are always invited to wear red on Pentecost Sunday. We will sing and pray and preach in a linear fashion.... or will we?
Sometimes the Spirit tells you to do something out of the ordinary. Maybe it is a nudge or push or shove. Maybe God finds a way to tell you to break your routine and be led by a more spontaneous opportunity. God's Holy Spirit doesn't always tell you His plans beforehand. And if He does, we don't always listen.
Engage the Holy Spirit.
We will attempt to do so this Sunday... unless the Spirit tells us to do it a different day...
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Engage the Holy Spirit.
Sunday is Pentecost. It is the day when God gifted the would-be church with His Spirit to comfort and teach and to inspire. It's a big day to celebrate.
As we live into a renewed Summer at Emmanuel--as we look at new kinds of partnerships with schools and animal shelters and retirement communities and food programs, etc--I think it paramount to consider how we go about it.
Engage the Holy Spirit.
As people of routine, we are often dictated by what our routine tells us. For example, today is Monday. On Mondays I type my blog; find Scripture for Sunday; post on Facebook; and follow-up with any stuff that happened the previous day. (Btw, yesterday was an awesome Sunday.... if you didn't catch it, find it here! No lie... one of my best Sunday services in a long time).
This Sunday we are also about routine. For example, we are always invited to wear red on Pentecost Sunday. We will sing and pray and preach in a linear fashion.... or will we?
Sometimes the Spirit tells you to do something out of the ordinary. Maybe it is a nudge or push or shove. Maybe God finds a way to tell you to break your routine and be led by a more spontaneous opportunity. God's Holy Spirit doesn't always tell you His plans beforehand. And if He does, we don't always listen.
Engage the Holy Spirit.
We will attempt to do so this Sunday... unless the Spirit tells us to do it a different day...
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Will You Help Do Something Drastic?
Hello Church,
Many don't know it, but this week is very important for us as the church. I will be engaging in at least 4 face-to-face conversations that could be a catalyst for cultural change at Emmanuel. By this I mean continuing a shift from 'doing' to 'engaging'. From 'providing' to 'relating'.
Before you get your hopes up (or your anxiety up), know that this also continues to be a very difficult shift. It likely has been the most difficult task I have taken on in 20+ years of ministry. Re-inventing, reconstructing, re-visioning, reassessing, reasserting.... I can't and won't do it alone. Will you help?
To help you might need to re-look at how you are the church. Re-define how you measure success as a Christian person and as a community of Christian people. I am asking you to do something very difficult, but not something I haven't been doing for myself the past 12 months. Why would I ever do something so drastic? What would I invite you into this painful process?
85% of churches in the U.S. are declining. 15% are growing. 14% are growing because of church transfers. 1% are growing because of new believers (and it is more like .5%, but we like to round up). 96 churches are closing per week. 50 pastors are leaving per day. (Hartford Institute for Religious Research).
Why? And what is the secret formula to buck the trend?
Churches that are finding a little growth are the ones who have stopped looking at numbers, programming or events and started looking at culturally relevant relationships. Opportunities for face-to-face conversations is still a thing for people strive toward. Less ranting about rules and doctrine, more attempts at engaging the neighbor. Feeding the hungry turns into eating with the hungry. Attending worship turns into participating in worship. Giving to one another turns into sharing with one another. Praying for people turns into praying with people. Get it? Will you help? How?
Not just texting. Not just Facebooking. Not just snapping, instagraming or tweeting.
Engage in real, authentic, relevant, face-to-face conversation.... sort of what Jesus did. It is a start and something I am committed to doing moving forward. Will you help?
The opportunities are coming.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Many don't know it, but this week is very important for us as the church. I will be engaging in at least 4 face-to-face conversations that could be a catalyst for cultural change at Emmanuel. By this I mean continuing a shift from 'doing' to 'engaging'. From 'providing' to 'relating'.
Before you get your hopes up (or your anxiety up), know that this also continues to be a very difficult shift. It likely has been the most difficult task I have taken on in 20+ years of ministry. Re-inventing, reconstructing, re-visioning, reassessing, reasserting.... I can't and won't do it alone. Will you help?
To help you might need to re-look at how you are the church. Re-define how you measure success as a Christian person and as a community of Christian people. I am asking you to do something very difficult, but not something I haven't been doing for myself the past 12 months. Why would I ever do something so drastic? What would I invite you into this painful process?
85% of churches in the U.S. are declining. 15% are growing. 14% are growing because of church transfers. 1% are growing because of new believers (and it is more like .5%, but we like to round up). 96 churches are closing per week. 50 pastors are leaving per day. (Hartford Institute for Religious Research).
Why? And what is the secret formula to buck the trend?
Churches that are finding a little growth are the ones who have stopped looking at numbers, programming or events and started looking at culturally relevant relationships. Opportunities for face-to-face conversations is still a thing for people strive toward. Less ranting about rules and doctrine, more attempts at engaging the neighbor. Feeding the hungry turns into eating with the hungry. Attending worship turns into participating in worship. Giving to one another turns into sharing with one another. Praying for people turns into praying with people. Get it? Will you help? How?
Not just texting. Not just Facebooking. Not just snapping, instagraming or tweeting.
Engage in real, authentic, relevant, face-to-face conversation.... sort of what Jesus did. It is a start and something I am committed to doing moving forward. Will you help?
The opportunities are coming.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, May 20, 2019
Big, Fancy Words And Joe's Losing Argument
Hello Church,
Sacramental Theology is a tricky thing. The ins and outs of Communion and Baptism can make one rather confused, especially if there is a diverse range of church experiences.
June 2nd is not to be missed. With 5 Baptisms and Holy Communion on the slate, it makes for a rather short sermon. So if you enjoy the Baptism of young children or old men; like the taste of juice and bread; or don't like listening to me go on and on.... then Sunday, June 2nd is the day for you.
And every time I come upon one of these kinds of days, I am reminded of my unworthiness compared to God's Grace. I THINK I know the rules around these sacraments. I am prepared to debate with the best of them. I am ready to fight tooth and nail, drawing lines in the sand on who can and cannot do what and why and therefore and so on and so forth. I am Methodist. We have rules. Take it or leave it.
And I often end up feeling silly. Issues of intinction, immersion, rebaptism, reaffirmation, transubstantiation and other words that only live in seminaries create looks of confusion among the laity and make preachers sound smart. The problem is Grace isn't confusing. Grace is simple. Grace should stay simple. God doesn't complicate it with fancy words (the Book of Mark had no big words... read it and find out). And so Pastors should not meddle in the attempt to make it fancy. For God gives Grace more lavishly than I would. Just sayin'.
So June 2nd is a day when I get out of God's way. Let the theologians make their comments. In my ever-determined way to err on the side of Grace, I'll force God to be angry with me because I was too gracious rather than not gracious enough. My words will be fewer and the water will fly, maybe to unwanted or unneeded places (ever try to baptize a 6-month old?), but it will fly nonetheless.
Besides, some arguments you know you just won't win.... so why try?
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Sacramental Theology is a tricky thing. The ins and outs of Communion and Baptism can make one rather confused, especially if there is a diverse range of church experiences.
June 2nd is not to be missed. With 5 Baptisms and Holy Communion on the slate, it makes for a rather short sermon. So if you enjoy the Baptism of young children or old men; like the taste of juice and bread; or don't like listening to me go on and on.... then Sunday, June 2nd is the day for you.
And every time I come upon one of these kinds of days, I am reminded of my unworthiness compared to God's Grace. I THINK I know the rules around these sacraments. I am prepared to debate with the best of them. I am ready to fight tooth and nail, drawing lines in the sand on who can and cannot do what and why and therefore and so on and so forth. I am Methodist. We have rules. Take it or leave it.
And I often end up feeling silly. Issues of intinction, immersion, rebaptism, reaffirmation, transubstantiation and other words that only live in seminaries create looks of confusion among the laity and make preachers sound smart. The problem is Grace isn't confusing. Grace is simple. Grace should stay simple. God doesn't complicate it with fancy words (the Book of Mark had no big words... read it and find out). And so Pastors should not meddle in the attempt to make it fancy. For God gives Grace more lavishly than I would. Just sayin'.
So June 2nd is a day when I get out of God's way. Let the theologians make their comments. In my ever-determined way to err on the side of Grace, I'll force God to be angry with me because I was too gracious rather than not gracious enough. My words will be fewer and the water will fly, maybe to unwanted or unneeded places (ever try to baptize a 6-month old?), but it will fly nonetheless.
Besides, some arguments you know you just won't win.... so why try?
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, May 13, 2019
Looking Forward To Tomorrow
Hello Church,
It's refreshing to be productive.
Since re-inventing myself, re-prioritizing how I spend my time, and setting new goals for myself, I have found a new lease on my days. I feel a general sense of overall productivity and purpose. I once again feel I have a place in God's plans for the day, though I usually don't know how. Life is good.
How did I get here?
If you are like I was, you might feel frustrated or discouraged about your day, generally speaking. You are tired and have moments of 'blah'. While I have shared much of my journey over the past year, there is something I haven't mentioned.... and this might help you.
Choose who you spend your time with.
In my vocation there can be a lot of negative. Conversations are had on a regular basis that involve the bad, sad, frustrating, conflicting, grief-stricken, uncertainty and grumpy. Sometimes it can't be avoided. Part of my job is to help people move through their down times. I actually like doing that. Again... a sense of purpose.
But in order to maintain a sense of balance and overall perspective, when it is possible, I stay away from the negative. God wants us to have joy. Some people don't have joy. So unless it is my Call to help someone through yucky times (i.e. to be someone's pastor), I stay away. It does me no good to constantly subject myself to how terrible someone thinks this world is.... be it the news, Facebook, my neighbor or some random person who just wants to complain. I don't need it, don't want it and I have learned it puts me in a bad place.
So I am always ready to be someone's Pastor. I am not always willing to participate in the banter of negativity. God wants you to have joy. I want you to have joy. I want me to have joy. I will help you get to that place, but if you don't want to have joy, your behavior will tell me (and everyone else around you). And if your behavior leads me to conclude that you are just want to live in the dark places and are too stubborn to move, I will go somewhere else until you are ready to meet Jesus again... and walk in His way. Then we can pursue joy again.
It is in this way that I can always look forward to tomorrow. When I can choose to do so, I will spend time with those who are determined to be joyful in the midst of God's grace... even if they fail to do so from time to time.
Choose who you spend time with... choose the spiritually alive, vital, love-seeking soul that oozes joy, contentment and peace. These things are contagious too. Take advantage of it.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
It's refreshing to be productive.
Since re-inventing myself, re-prioritizing how I spend my time, and setting new goals for myself, I have found a new lease on my days. I feel a general sense of overall productivity and purpose. I once again feel I have a place in God's plans for the day, though I usually don't know how. Life is good.
How did I get here?
If you are like I was, you might feel frustrated or discouraged about your day, generally speaking. You are tired and have moments of 'blah'. While I have shared much of my journey over the past year, there is something I haven't mentioned.... and this might help you.
Choose who you spend your time with.
In my vocation there can be a lot of negative. Conversations are had on a regular basis that involve the bad, sad, frustrating, conflicting, grief-stricken, uncertainty and grumpy. Sometimes it can't be avoided. Part of my job is to help people move through their down times. I actually like doing that. Again... a sense of purpose.
But in order to maintain a sense of balance and overall perspective, when it is possible, I stay away from the negative. God wants us to have joy. Some people don't have joy. So unless it is my Call to help someone through yucky times (i.e. to be someone's pastor), I stay away. It does me no good to constantly subject myself to how terrible someone thinks this world is.... be it the news, Facebook, my neighbor or some random person who just wants to complain. I don't need it, don't want it and I have learned it puts me in a bad place.
So I am always ready to be someone's Pastor. I am not always willing to participate in the banter of negativity. God wants you to have joy. I want you to have joy. I want me to have joy. I will help you get to that place, but if you don't want to have joy, your behavior will tell me (and everyone else around you). And if your behavior leads me to conclude that you are just want to live in the dark places and are too stubborn to move, I will go somewhere else until you are ready to meet Jesus again... and walk in His way. Then we can pursue joy again.
It is in this way that I can always look forward to tomorrow. When I can choose to do so, I will spend time with those who are determined to be joyful in the midst of God's grace... even if they fail to do so from time to time.
Choose who you spend time with... choose the spiritually alive, vital, love-seeking soul that oozes joy, contentment and peace. These things are contagious too. Take advantage of it.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Monday, May 6, 2019
The First Big Win For The Renewed Emmanuel....
Hello Church,
Engage, Engage, Engage....
Implementation is always the most difficult of all the phases to complete when re-inventing yourself. I find that to be true personally as well as corporately. This is true for a church as well. Sitting around and talking about it is easy. Actually doing it is not always easy.
So it is important to celebrate when God works through us and something new works. Any win at all is a good win and, in my opinion, we are having our first big win as a renewed, engaging church.
The Personal Discipleship Team started posting daily devotions on Emmanuel's Facebook page. It is an effort to engage the social media world in a more intentional way. Facebook keeps stats on who looks, clicks and shares the posts we make. 7 people took a day of the week and wrote a devotional. Here are the results.
1,400+ people received an Emmanuel post (compared to our average of about 400)
400+ people engaged a post, meaning they clicked on it or shared it with someone else (compared to our average of about 130)
This was just the first week, but it would seem Emmanuel has made an impact of some sort... certainly more engagement than we typically do. I believe this is a first of more to come in all kinds of ministry areas.
The key is for you to do something. Engaging in our new ideas is what creates wins. More opportunities are here and will continue to be made available. Get involved in something. You can help Emmanuel be a more engaging church.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
Engage, Engage, Engage....
Implementation is always the most difficult of all the phases to complete when re-inventing yourself. I find that to be true personally as well as corporately. This is true for a church as well. Sitting around and talking about it is easy. Actually doing it is not always easy.
So it is important to celebrate when God works through us and something new works. Any win at all is a good win and, in my opinion, we are having our first big win as a renewed, engaging church.
The Personal Discipleship Team started posting daily devotions on Emmanuel's Facebook page. It is an effort to engage the social media world in a more intentional way. Facebook keeps stats on who looks, clicks and shares the posts we make. 7 people took a day of the week and wrote a devotional. Here are the results.
1,400+ people received an Emmanuel post (compared to our average of about 400)
400+ people engaged a post, meaning they clicked on it or shared it with someone else (compared to our average of about 130)
This was just the first week, but it would seem Emmanuel has made an impact of some sort... certainly more engagement than we typically do. I believe this is a first of more to come in all kinds of ministry areas.
The key is for you to do something. Engaging in our new ideas is what creates wins. More opportunities are here and will continue to be made available. Get involved in something. You can help Emmanuel be a more engaging church.
God is Good,
Pastor Joe
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