Misconceptions
The other night, I was in Atlanta, GA to watch some wrestling. While I was there, I came across some people who had my stereotypical wheels spinning.
One of these people was a street preacher. Technically, I guess he was a parking lot preacher, but you get the drift. He was across from Centennial Park, and I caught what I believe to be the end of his message. He presented the Gospel and was telling any listening ear what they could do in order to not go to Hell.
I also came across a couple of people in the city with plastic cups in their hands looking for spare change. Just change. No big speech or build up.
In both of these instances, I assumed the worst. What were the endgames of the preacher and the other men? Was one motivated by condemnation and the others by a need for a fix? Those were the judgments I rushed to.
What if I was wrong in both cases–what if the preacher was answering his call to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and the men were trying to get something to eat? What if I was right–what if the preacher was being condemning and the men were wanting money for drugs or alcohol?
In either case, these people are creations of God. In either case, something greater than the glimpses of them I saw motivated their actions. In either case, I’m called to respond with love.
It’s a horrible thought to think you’ll be associated with a preacher who is damning everyone who walks by or helping others damage themselves. However, you have something to offer these people: love. By loving them, you will never go wrong. By loving them, you are showing them the light of Jesus. By loving them, you are letting God take over–He can do more than your conceptions anytime.
Furniture Store and Place of Worship
I remember the first time I drove past the side of an IKEA on my way to Charlotte, NC. I saw a big, blue building with yellow letters on it, but I didn’t know much about it. Days later, I heard a friend get excited about going there on a Charlotte trip she was taking. It seems like I’ve heard about IKEA regularly since then; even seeing it in the movie (500) Days of Summer.
IKEA, you have my attention.
None of this made me really want to consider going. After all, it’s a bunch of furniture, and that’s not my idea of a trip destination. That was until I read this post on my Bible study leader’s blog last week. The post speaks of how exciting of a shopping experience IKEA is; even comparing it to Disney.
The night of my next Bible study, I asked what was so special about IKEA. I was then presented with all the wonders of going there. When you walk in, you’re given supplies to help you shop. There is a level that is nothing but showrooms–literal “rooms” simulating apartments, dorms, houses, etc.–and a second level where you do your actual shopping. There’s a restaurant, and since IKEA is Swedish, so is the food. I was told you can spend hours there. The furniture is sleek and contemporary, and the price ranges are pretty affordable. As if this didn’t do the trick, I was then handed an IKEA catalog to get a little taste for myself.
I want to go to IKEA now.
What I ultimately walked away with are thoughts on how I to share about my church with someone in a way that produces the same result as IKEA being shared with me. What do I say or do when telling someone about my church? Like IKEA, do people want to hear how big and modern it is? Should I tell them we brew fresh Guatemalan coffee; that when they walk in, they will be handed items to help them connect to the worship service?
While all of these things are part of creating a positive and memorable reaction upon arrival, I’m not sure that’s what people want to hear about when you’re sharing about your church. After all, they could just go to IKEA for most of what’s mentioned above.
People who are considering going to your church are looking for answers, and not a free donut. Tell them about what your church has meant to you. Share your story. Tell them about the lives you’ve seen changed. Share with them the things God is doing in your church. Help them become hopeful that where you worship is a place they may get their answers. Then feed them a donut and hand them a program once they’re there. Pray for them, excitedly share about where you go, and lead them to a place that may leave them saying, “I want to go to church Sunday.”
Take these things I’ve mentioned, and then go all “IKEA” with them.
The SarcMark: Asking My English Teacher
Dot + circle + swirl=sarcasm???
According to the folks at Sarcasm, Inc., that’s how you make the SarcMark.
You may have heard of the newest addition to the punctuation family last week, and at $1.99 per download, a way to express sarcasm is raking in some serious cash.
The SarcMark is gaining attention in news reports and across the ‘net. Allow Jimmy Kimmel’s stunt double to show you how it works:
How does the SarcMark favor in the writing world? Has its time finally come? I decided to ask my eighth grade English teacher, Mrs. Laurie Frazier:
Okay, Matt, I think the SarcMark is a really innovative!! Like the ad says, its time has come. When you want to ask a question, can’t you?? When you want to shout, you can shout!! I think this little mark has the potential to revamp our traditional system of punctuation. Let’s face it, language is an ever-evolving organism. It grows and changes as the human race progresses. Look at the word “nice.” According to Maria Boomhower at EZine.com, it used to be ”an insult and meant foolish or stupid in the 13th century,” but, of course, it now means “good and pleasing or thoughtful and kind.” Words like “cool” and “postal” have taken on a whole new meaning in the world of slang. Then new words have had to be invented to again keep up with humankind’s progress – words like “spyware,” “supersize,” and “manga.” So, it only stands to reason that if our language is “alive” and must continue to develop and grow, why shouldn’t our system of punctuation? I, for one, like the SarcMark so much that I decided to download it. If I feel like making a sarcastic remark, I want to make sure everyone knows it’s a sarcastic mark! No more misinterpretations or scratching of the head. The SarcMark makes it plain and simple and keeps no one guessing, even the geniuses (if I had the SarcMark, I’d put it right it here!).
Thank you, Mrs. Frazier! What do you think about the SarcMark, and is it worth $1.99 for people to get the hint?
Why Everywhere Matters
Whenever a tragic event like that in Haiti occurs, two sets of emotions seem to arise. Some people feel led to help out in any way they can. Others wonder why so much attention is being paid to another country when theirs has people in need. Why give money away to another nation? Why go and help them out in their time of need? Why have a telethon for them?
While I’m no expert in the answers to these questions from a government or celebrity perspective, I hope I can shed some light on the Biblical commandment to help other nations:
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
–Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus wants us to go everywhere and share Him. When you look through the four gospels at the beginning of the New Testament–Matthew, Mark, Luke and John–you will see the ministry of Jesus Christ while He was here on Earth. He didn’t stay in one place, but traveled to many, and preached how to be with God for eternity. However, He didn’t stop at preaching. He healed people, spent time with them, ate with them and loved and cared for them. This work continued with His disciples in Acts:
‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’
–Acts 1:8
By saying His disciples will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the Earth, Jesus means their homes, their regions, their nations and beyond. This call was answered as His disciples spread past where they lived to share Jesus with others and to meet their needs.
This is why everywhere matters–be it Haiti or outside your door. We do need to meet the needs of the people of our nation. That has been true and always will be. Celebrity telethons were there post-9/11 and post-Katrina. They were there for Haiti, too. Praise God they were, as the influence of these people raised money in a couple of hours that would’ve taken weeks to be received otherwise.
We need to be there for everyone. Maybe the relief efforts of Haiti have brought forth places locally and nationally you would like to help out citizens of your country. That’s great. They need you. The best thing to do is respond as you are called. You don’t pick up a phone and say, “hello?” before it rings. The world is a global effort, and the best way to find out what actions you should take is to seek the counsel of God. He is the hope we all need.
First Birthday
One of the highlights of this blog thus far was having Kem Meyer spend some time here on her book tour for Less Clutter. Less Noise. Kem is a Communications professional, and is currently Communications Director for Granger Community Church in Indiana–just one example of the many jobs that makes a church or ministry effective.
It’s been great sharing my thoughts with you over the past year as this blog community has grown. Short of posting on social networks like MySpace and Facebook, this is becoming the longest I’ve let an independent blog last, as stated last week.
If you look back on archived posts, you will find a wide variety of things on my mind, and I hope you will always have to look no further than the front page to find something that gets you thinking, inspires you and leads you to take further action. There’s a world out there that needs you, and a God who loves you more than you can ever imagine. I pray you will be pointed to both.
Now that the pressure of making it to the one-year mark is behind me, I can’t wait to move forward with you and see what all we can accomplish and dialogue about (I’m always open for suggestions).
Right now, I want to pray for you:
Father, whoever comes here and reads what is written, may they always be able to find You in the midst of it. It is my desire to give You the glory, and for people to connect with the love You have for them. Please keep all receptive hearts moving closer to You. May we reach the world by first reaching for You and then letting You lead us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
My First Birthday - October 16, 1986
Upside Down
I live in a little city called North Augusta, SC. You’ll find it on Google Maps if you click the zoom button enough times. North Augusta is where I’ve lived all my life. I grew up in a church that is part of the cityscape. I now go to church in the facilities I went to high school in. I’ve taken many walks in Riverview Park. I remember when the arrival of a Walmart Supercenter was a big deal. North Augusta is my home.
What I have a hard time imagining is what would happen if all of my surroundings were turned upside down. What if some of the landmarks of the city crumbled to the ground? What if a majority of the people I know lost their homes instantly? What would it be like if every street I went on in North Augusta was filled with devastation?
That is the harsh reality thousands are facing in Haiti today. What the people of Port-au-Prince call home is for the most part destroyed. Many have lost family members in the tragedy that is presently in existence. They are going through this where they call home.
I can’t picture spending one night in the street, and many are living this way. There are people tirelessly looking for their family and people who have been notified their families are gone.
Imagine if your world was turned upside down. That is the reality in Haiti. What you’re seeing is real. These people are breathing the same air you are. Those who were killed as a result of the damage are as precious as the person you love the most. God made us all. Would you do everything you could for those closest to you? Do what you can for these people.
One Week from Today
Hard to believe, but one week from today is this blog’s one year anniversary! That’s a lot of writing; especially when I started out writing daily. This is getting to be the longest I’ve stuck with a blog outside of a social network. I’m glad you’ve been stopping by to read it up, and hopefully you’ve been able to take away something.
Keep coming back between now and next Tuesday. You never know what I’ll have on my mind.
Walking In
Man, last night was great, wasn’t it?! You spent time with people you love and welcomed in a new year and a fresh start. For a lot of you, your New Year resolutions have already taken effect. Some have smoked their last cigarette in an effort to quit. Some have taken their last bite of junk food in an effort to lose weight. Some have hung out with their kids in an effort to be a better parent.
Then there are those of you with that one resolution that hasn’t happened yet. That’s because it couldn’t have; at least not until this weekend. You are the ones who said you will start going to church. Whether you’ve been an attendee before or this is your first time going, the next few days tend to get tougher. You go through feelings of excitement and nervousness. And when the time finally time finally arrives to go to church, it’s what it will be like walking in that gets to you the most.
There you are. You’re in your element and comfortable with the way things are. Well . . . kind of comfortable. I mean, you already have a feeling beginning to overwhelm you to go to church. And there’s the church that awaits you. It’s a group of people gathering to take part in corporate worship in an environment they’re used to. By your joining them, these two worlds are colliding. This is the part that can get to you.
I want you to know that I’ve been there several times. I’ve known I would walk in and out of church without a scratch on me, but whether it’s been a brief sabbatical from a church I grew up in, or beginning at a new one, it’s always tough. I hope you go through with this particular resolution when the time comes. These feelings are real, but are barriers that are constantly and prayerfully being broken down.
If you’re in the Central Savannah River Area or an Illinoisans in the Decatur/Forsyth area, I recommend giving TrueNorth Church a try. I’ve been a part of TrueNorth for over four years, and have loved the way they strive to get rid of the uneasy feelings that exist with stepping back into church. From parking to outdoors to the lobby to walking in that last set of doors, it is the desire of TrueNorth and its volunteers and staff for you feel welcome. Find out more and get a taste of TrueNorth Church at their website: http://www.truenorthchurch.com.
Walking in may be a difficult feeling, but I pray you will go through with it. In many cases, authentic community is waiting for you!
Happy New Year!
If you attend a great church you would like to share for people in your area to visit, please comment with the information.
Word Up
Committing to reading the Bible has never been more accessible. Thanks to YouVersion, there are 20+ reading plans available on their website, on your phone, or in your RSS reader for no charge. Starting tomorrow, I will be continuing a plan online that was introduced to my church over the summer.
These plans range from 25 days to two years, and you’re bound to pick one out that suits you. Once you do, you can connect to a community of users who are on the same plan.
If you’ve never used YouVersion, chances are you’ll love all you can do with it. If you’re more book-friendly or use an eReader or a mobile app (by the way–YouVersion has those, too), then you can still follow along. You can also check out Gene Jennings’ recommendation for a reading plan on his blog.
What a great time to word up!
Thanks for Stopping By
Word Up
- John 1:14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
