On the Journey with You

church leavers

2010-07-05T07:02:00.001-04:00

In his book “Church Leavers: Faith Journeys Five Years On” Alan Jamieson writes: “A new spiritual landscape is opening up across the western world, and we are finding that church leavers are playing an increasing role. (George Barna’s) research suggests that by 2025 seventy percent of American Christians’ primary means of spiritual experience and expression will not be through a local church. If (he) is even remotely right, then it is crucial we come to understand church leavers and their continued journeys of faith in order to prepare for the new realities of a fundamentally different spiritual landscape.”

what’s required?

2010-06-21T15:55:00.001-04:00

A woman emailed one of our group leaders: “My husband and I have been attending Journey every chance we get. We are both new to church and the Bible. I would like to attend the group meeting, but with my lack of knowledge of the Bible I was wondering if it would be appropriate.” The group leader responded: “There’s never a requirement for a certain level of Bible knowledge in order to participate in stuff at Journey. Part of the reason we’re named Journey is our strong belief that we are all at different places in our spiritual journey and God loves and accepts us where we are on that journey. It is our sincere hope that all will feel loved and accepted right where they are when they come to Journey . . . we effort to love people the way God does.”

whose might?

2010-06-14T09:21:00.000-04:00

I received a call this morning from a deeply devoted follower of Christ. Among her spiritual gifts is the speaking of words of encouragement. She said that during her quiet time it had been placed on her heart that she should share with me from Zechariah 4:6-7 that though there will be challenges ahead as Journey prepares to fulfill God’s vision to become a multisite church, I need to hear God say that it will be accomplished “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.”

media junkies

2010-06-10T12:08:00.000-04:00

A Kaiser Family Foundation study found that U.S. kids ages 8 to 18 are now using their phones, computers, TVs and video game systems for a total of 7.5 hours a day or 52.5 hours a week. Average daily media consumption for U.S. kids: watching TV—270 minutes; listening to music—151 minutes; text messaging—90 minutes; nonschool computer use—89 minutes; playing video games—73 minutes; talking on cell phones—33 minutes.

never thought possible

2010-05-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

I received this email today; it’s what we’re about: “There has been a 180 degree turn-around in my children’s attitude towards “church” since coming to Journey. I have seen spiritual growth in all of my family in the last two years. God is changing attitudes and hearts in my family in ways in my humanness I never thought possible.”

who doesn’t go to church?

2010-04-13T13:48:00.000-04:00

George Barna conducted a study that found that 28 percent of adults in America have not attended any church services or activities within the last six months. That translates to nearly 65 million adults. Adding children under 18 who may be living with them, the number swells to 100 million. If the unchurched population of the United States were a nation of its own, it would be the 12th most-populous nation on Earth. The demographics of the group defy common assumptions. There are more unchurched women than men. Boomers and their elders outnumber the young. Conservatives are more likely than liberals to be unchurched, and whites outnumber minorities nearly 3-1.

just a hobby?

2010-03-26T12:16:00.000-04:00

According to David Barrett, author of the World Christian Encyclopedia, every 24 hours 72,900 people become Christians, the largest number in history. Of that population, however, only 7,200 are in Europe and North America, combined. Why this stark contrast between Christianity in the West and in the rest of the world? In South Korea, home to five of the ten largest churches on Earth, massive crowds pray every morning at 4:00 a.m. and all night every Friday. In Cuba over the last decade, a million people have become Christians. In America is the problem that for many people God is just a hobby, not really worthy of our full devotion?

what’s Easter about?

2010-03-16T13:59:00.000-04:00

The Barna Group conducted a survey asking people what they thought the meaning of Easter was. Two-thirds of Americans (67%) indicated that they thought Easter was a religious holiday (which means that one-third of Americans think Easter is not a religious holiday.) The survey found that 42% of Americans identify Jesus’ resurrection as a part of Easter (which means a majority of Americans don’t realize Easter is about Christ’s resurrection.) Interesting.

saints or sinners?

2010-03-12T12:58:00.000-05:00

In his book “What’s So Amazing about Grace?” Philip Yancey comes to this candid conclusion: “Having spent time around ‘sinners’ and also around purported saints, I have a hunch why Jesus spent so much time with the former group: I think he preferred their company. Because the sinners were honest about themselves and had no pretense, Jesus could deal with them. In contrast, the saints put on airs, judged him, and sought to catch him in a moral trap. In the end it was the saints, not the sinners, who arrested Jesus.”

unChristian, part 4

2010-03-10T09:15:00.001-05:00

Young adults outside the church give the following as the primary reasons they’ve never become Christ-followers: they’ve never thought about it, they’re not particularly interested in spirituality, they’re already committed to another faith, they’re repelled by Christians.

unChristian, part 3

2010-03-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

85% of young adults outside the Christian faith believe present day Christianity is hypocritical. Almost 50% of young adults who go to church believe present day Christianity is hypocritical. Why? Born-again believers are just as likely as not-yet-believers to gamble, visit a pornographic website, take something that doesn’t belong to them, consult a medium, physically fight or abuse someone, become drunk, use illegal drugs, lie, try and get back at someone, say mean things behind another person’s back. No difference.

unChristian, part 2

2010-03-01T19:01:00.002-05:00

Do you know what percentage of young adults outside the Christian faith have a positive view of evangelical Christians? 3 percent, yes, 3 percent (and the vast majority of these outsiders have been to Christian churches and have heard the message of Christ.) Why so negative? Christians have become famous for what we oppose, rather than what we are for. Only a small percentage of outsiders believe that the labels “respect, love, hope, and trust” describe Christianity. Here are the six most common objections outsiders raise about Christians: 1) hypocritical; 2) too focused on getting converts; 3) antihomosexual; 4) sheltered; 5) too political; 6) judgmental.

unChristian, part 1

2010-02-27T18:11:00.000-05:00

I’ve started reading the book “UnChristian.” It’s based on research seeking to learn why increasing numbers of young adults are skeptical of Christianity. Some reasons these “outsiders” are resistant to the Christian faith is that they perceive (1) the church has become infatuated with itself, (2) believers often are blind followers who would rather repeat slogans than actually feel true compassion and care, and (3) Christians no longer represent what Jesus had in mind.

stats

2010-02-07T09:23:00.001-05:00

A recent survey found: Average age—all churches: 53, megachurches: 40. Single adults—all churches: 29%, megachurches: 47%. College degree or higher—all churches: 41%, megachurches: 52%. Attenders reporting growing involvement—all churches: 35%, megachurches: 44%.

hearing God

2010-02-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

How do you “hear” God speak to you? It’s a good question. I’ve never heard God audibly say anything to me, but I believe God communicates with me. Now, I don’t think God speaks to all people in the same way. God may speak through dreams, nature, counsel from other people, art, the Bible, music, prayer, serving, and multiple other ways. If you think God may be trying to communicate something major he wants you to do, seek to confirm it before taking the plunge. Talk it over with a spiritual mentor; make sure it’s consistent with the truth of God’s revelation found in Scripture; get feedback from your community of fellow Christ-followers. When you’re pretty certain God wants you to do something—actually do it—obey. If you don’t, why would you think God is going to speak to you anytime soon on any other matter?

“we go to First Baptist Church”

2010-01-29T10:17:00.000-05:00

I had one of those “Uh-oh, I think I’m in trouble experiences” in the lobby after worship. A couple came up to me and the first words out of their mouths were “We go to First Baptist Church!” A part of me wanted to respond back just as emphatically “Why aren’t you there then?” but I refrained. I just said “Well, I’m glad you’re here with us at Journey” and I did mean it. Then they said “Our young adult daughter doesn’t like coming to our church, and she’s dating a boy we can’t get to come to our church. We asked around in the community about where we could find where they might go, and we were told Journey. It’s not for us (again said emphatically) but they loved it.” I whispered a silent prayer “Thank you, Jesus.”

what’s the code?

2010-01-28T11:55:00.000-05:00

A first time guest in worship came up to me in the theater lobby. She said she really enjoyed the service, but she had a question. She knew I was reading from the Bible when it was shown on the screen, but she didn’t know what “the code” was at the bottom. It dawned on me she was referring to the reference and translation information. I love that people at Journey can honestly ask questions without the slightest concern of being made to feel uncomfortable.

I want

2009-12-30T16:49:00.001-05:00

As this year comes to an end and we prepare for the beginning of a new one, I want to adopt the attitude of looking for the good, the beautiful, the holy in all of life. I want to celebrate the beauty of every sunset. I want to marvel at the child who giggles with abandon and savor the joy of it. I want to focus on the good that is in every person, seeing them as the handiwork of God. I want to make the most of every moment, recognizing that life is a gift I do not deserve. I want to experience love and give love. And as best I am able, I want people to see Jesus in me.

memories

2009-12-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

For many of us, traveling the path toward spiritual and emotional wholeness requires that we learn to remember our pasts differently. We’ve fallen into the pattern of traversing the same old unhealthy memory ruts again and again. The original wounds may not have been of our doing, but we’re the ones who choose to keep going back to them repeatedly in ways that only perpetuate the hurt. The memories we choose to repetitively relive have a way of not only defining who we were, but also they can come to shape who we are now and who we will become. The good news of the gospel of grace is that we can choose to no longer allow painful memories to dominate our thinking which results in our continuously perceiving ourselves, our relationships, and our world in a negative way. There’s the old saying “forgive and forget,” and I do believe it’s absolutely essential that we forgive, but I’m not sure it’s possible to totally forget, nor do I believe it’s necessarily wise. Though we may not be able to completely forget, we don’t always have to remember, and when we do remember, we can choose to focus on good memories and let them come to define us. And if we have trouble remembering many positive experiences in life, we can intentionally begin to create new and meaningful memories. This Christmas—I wish you new and meaningful memories.

never pray for . . .

2009-12-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

Brian Tome writes in his book Welcome to the Revolution: “Never pray for something you aren’t willing to be the answer for.” Wow. What if we were to take that seriously? I know my prayers would get a lot shorter—at least initially. What if we really were to come to believe that God wants us to be the answer to the prayers we pray, that God actually wants to work through us? Could it be that one of the main reasons for praying is that it enables us to get attuned to God’s will and empowered to accomplish it?

what do I deserve?

2009-11-13T13:07:00.000-05:00

When things don’t go the way you want. When you’re frustrated. When you’re disappointed. Ask the question: “What do I deserve?” Here’s the right answer: “Nothing.” We don’t deserve anything. All of life is a gift. When we see life from this perspective, it radically changes things. We stop whining. We stop complaining. We quit being so negative and pessimistic because an “I don’t deserve anything” perspective leads to an attitude of gratitude that generates an optimism which is based on the realization of how truly blessed we are.

taking it to the streets

2009-11-12T09:12:00.000-05:00

On Sunday I taught about taking the message of Christ to the streets, and one young woman decided to do exactly that. She went to a bar and start playing pool with people she’s known for 10 years. She invited them to come to Journey, and much to her amazement, they were interested. Her best friend was there who had seen something different in her life and wanted to come too but asked about some creative ideas on how to tell her husband who is such an atheist that he has said to his wife, “On my death bed in the hospital, don’t you dare bring a pastor, a priest, or anything in that room.”

I don’t want to come to your church anymore

2009-11-03T17:46:00.001-05:00

I talked on the phone today with a woman who has been coming to Journey. She began the conversation by saying: “I don’t want to come to your church anymore.” I asked if she’d been treated unkindly. She said: “No, the people there are great. They’re loving and accepting. But I can’t come anymore because I’m used to being strong. When I come to Journey, I keep crying through the services. I used to never be sensitive to other people, but now I’m starting to be. I’m used to going to a church and sitting there, and it making no difference. But when I come to your church, I think about what you said all week. You’re so honest. My sister drives three hours just to hear you speak. It’s just uncomfortable to me. I’m learning I need to change, but it’s scary. I just can’t come anymore.” I told her we wanted only the best for her and that I hoped she would keep coming, but whatever she decided we’d still love her. She said: “churches aren’t supposed to be like that.”

advantage

2009-10-29T09:17:00.000-04:00

This morning I read 1 Corinthians 10:24 in my daily devotional time. It says: “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.” I read it again. “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.” I should know that, right? I mean, I’m a pastor-type person, aren’t I? And yet, honestly, it sounds strange to my ears. In our broken sinful world, isn’t the first thought that usually comes to our minds: “Seek my own advantage over that of the other.” Isn’t it usually the case that we think first of self rather than others? My how Jesus turns our thinking upside down; or at least it should be that way if we take him seriously. Just imagine how different the world would be if we really lived in accordance with “Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.” (I have to keep repeating it so I don’t forget.)

bitterness

2009-10-28T09:16:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 12:14-15 says: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Bitterness. It’s poisonous. I know people who have allowed their bitterness to consume them. And the result? It damages every relationship in their lives. Erwin McManus says that you can’t be bitter toward one person. It’s impossible to compartmentalize a corrosive emotion like bitterness. It corrupts all of our relationships to one degree or another, including our relationship with God. Bitterness is anger turned inward, and it hardens our hearts. It ends up limiting our capacity to genuinely love even those who have never wronged us. When we embrace bitterness, we reject grace. Our judgment is impaired. Our perspective is skewed. Or memories are distorted…God save us from bitterness!