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margo-xmas

Parents often forget that their most important mission field is the home. Living missionally as parents means that God’s goodness should infect our homes as we humbly live out the power of the Gospel in our own lives. And as this happens, we pray God will woo our children to his saving grace.

I am so excited to share that last night, I had the privilege to lead my daughter Margo in a prayer of faith and trust in God’s grace for her salvation. What an unbelievable opportunity! Since Cooper trusted in Christ back in January 2008, Margo has been asking a lot of questions. There have been many moments over the last year of her life where I thought I saw the “lightbulb” come on for her, only to be convinced that she needed some more time.

Last night, we were reading the story of Jesus and the children from Matthew 19 from The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (an amazing Gospel-centered children’s Bible) and I could tell that something clicked in Margo’s spirit. She got it. The part of the story that she resonated with said this:

…no matter how clever you are, or how good you are, or how rich you are, or how nice you are, or how important you are – none of it makes any difference. Because God’s love is a gift and, as anyone will tell you, the whole thing about a gift is, it’s free. All you have to do is reach out your hand and take it.

…You see, children loved Jesus, and they knew they didn’t need to do anything special for Jesus to love them. All they needed to do was to run into his arms…

After I read this, Cooper said, “That’s what I did, Dad,” and Margo said, “That’s all I have to do, Dad?” I told her yes. It knew it was time. It had all been leading to this moment. We went upstairs and we talked for a bit and prayed together. Wow…

What is beautiful about this is that Cooper was drawn to the saving knowledge of Christ through the Word by the same Bible almost a year and a half ago. God’s word is alive!

She is so excited to get baptized, especially to show her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins about her decision, but she is almost more excited to take communion as a family. At The Journey, we come forward to take communion and Holly, Cooper, and I have been doing this together for the past year and a half. Margo has been joining us as we go forward but not partaking. She has been asking more questions lately about what the elements represent.

I think this has been another big part of her journey to Christ. It reflects what can happen when, as an ordinary family, as Tim Chester and Steve Timmis say, you do ordinary things with Gospel intentionality. Just having Margo around the sacraments made an impact on her. It drew her into wanting to be a part of God’s family.

I thank the Lord for the professions of faith of Cooper and Margo and continue to pray for my two youngest, Sloan and Everett. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord…

For further reading, the following post was written in January 2008 and captures my heart on bringing the Gospel to your children, highlighting what is most important and exposing some misconceptions. I would encourage you to read: Bringing the Gospel to your Children: What I’ve Learned So Far


ddevito

“If you want to talk to somebody honestly as a human being, ask him about his kids, find out what his dreams are, just to find out for no other reason because as soon as you lay your hands on a conversation to steer it, it’s not a conversation anymore, it’s a pitch. And you’re not a human being you’re a marketing rep.”

-Phil, played by Danny Devito, from The Big Kahuna

I have begun meeting with an older mentor who is providentially working God’s truth deep into my soul. Last week, we met and he challenged me on the issue of what I “lead with.” Especially in conversations with those who don’t follow Jesus.

What do you lead with? Do you lead with what you do? Is what you do who you are? Or is what you are not defined by what you do? Is telling people what you do even important?

People are not commodities. Evangelism is not a recruiting scheme. Conversation and relationship should not be bait-and-switch.

We must be compelled by love.

See also: Doug Pollock: Ten Spiritual Conversation Killers


rhythm

metronome.JPG

I promise to get the Re-Engineering in 2008 series off the ground soon, but until then, this has resonated with me since I heard it back in 2005. This is the reason we all need to ‘re-engineer’:

rhythm

This is where we find ourselves:

I think so many of us find our lives out of rhythm. We got this great conversion story how Jesus hit us or how something awoke in us. Yet ever since then, we have really struggled to find out how life works with Him…

-Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church from his sermon, Rhythm Part 1

What rhythm should do:

Rhythm should reflect health for you. Not health for me, for your friend or for the next guy. Rhythm by definition is created by contact then rests, contact then rests. The pattern of contact and rest is what creates rhythm.

-Ron Martoia, from his blog Velocity Culture and his entry “Now to Rhythm”

Why rhythm is more than a ‘Jesus’ thing:

…this doesn’t seem to be a Jesus thing only. His disciples (which He’s called us to be – His disciples, living a life of discipleship) are called to do the same. He said, “Come follow me, live as I live.” His life is marked by Him consistently getting alone for silence, and seclusion, and meditation, and thought, but He also teaches the disciples to do the same after they’ve been giving of themselves, teaching and running about. Jesus says, “Let’s get out of here. Let’s get where it’s just you and me. Let’s get away from the phone, the email, turn off the computer, let’s stop worrying about problems that have tolet’s rest, let’s re-sync. Let’s re-sync.”

-Matt Chandler, from his sermon, Rhythm Part 2


how to write a bridge

neil-finn.jpg

I just got done watching one of the greatest bands of our generation, the newly reunited Crowded House and its lead singer/songwriter, Neil Finn, on Austin City Limits.

One thing that struck me is how genius the bridges of his tunes are. I have always struggled with writing that really killer bridge that is appropriate but distinct and makes the song richer instead of feeling like the obligatory bridge.

You can catch “Don’t Dream It’s Over” from the performance tonight here. You can check out some of his other tunes here.

Listen for the genius in those B sections…

[Side note: Hands down the best B3 solo of all time is found on Crowded House's original studio version of "Don't Dream It's Over" hearkening back to Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale"]


become a student again

I was a horrible college student. I had music on the brain. The irony is that I’m now working at that same college as an instructor and coordinator for a worship program there. Talk about having to prove myself…

Post-Nashville, God called me back into local church ministry and within a month’s time – although the interview process should have tipped me off – I realized I was in a bit over my head with certain folks who were resistant to some things I was doing. So I started to pray. I started to talk to the staff at my church. And I started reading. And I read and read and read.

I haven’t stopped.

studying_19900_md.gif

This is an artist’s rendition of me in my home study.

Something clicked those 4 years after graduating from college that for me to honor God with my mind, I had to become a student again. And a real student at that. One that could take things like theology, worship, etc. and discern how that knowledge truly intersects with life and ministry.

If you’ve been following the blog of Ron Martoia – former pastor of progressive Westwinds Church in Jackson, MI and author of Static and Morph – you’ll know he is sharing axioms regarding his personal spiritual rhythms.

His most recent axiom caught my eye and is one I think we would all do well to consider, especially those in leadership roles. Check it:

Axiom # 3
Life long learning is a non negotiable for development and creativity.

I am going to be honest with you, this just happens far to infrequently. Not only does it not happen in the life of the average American (the number of Americans who actually buy non fiction to read is woefully small. The number who actually read more than the first chapter – miniscule) it happens as rarely in ministry.

I am not unrealistic in realizing the average person in ministry should have a balance between the various spheres of life. But never read a theology book? Never consider what is emerging in the world of cultural critique? Never consider a consistent practice of familiarizing themselves with cutting edge leadership and semiotics? This sort of laziness is just a recipe for church malaise; a vibe more common than anyone would like to admit. And it is a prescription for a boring, self absorbed person.

This is the single practice that has kept me fresh over the years. (the next post I will talk to you about THE most important practice you could daily engage to revolutionize your life) You don’t have to read three books a week, listen to 12 podcasts and surf cultural trend websites daily. But you do need an intentional plan.

What areas will you become an expert in over the next 10 years (take the long view)? Why not commit right now to one full day in bookstore getting book reading ideas and creative insights? How much time will you commit to taking new material whatever the format it takes? Input may be the most important determinate in creative flow.

Life long learning is not only the way to remain at an exciting place but it is the source of creative injection for the primary vocation into which you are living at the moment. Your ability to enact, creatively shift, and think beyond the box to the sphere or pyramid is dependent on your commitment to input. Go for it!!


a new economy

As a person who enjoys writing prose, mainly in the form of music – although I’m not in the league of this guy, this guy or this guy – I was moved by this vid.

From Brian Thomas, Director of Worship and the Arts at Kaleo Church – San Diego. Enjoy…


the art of compassion

Ever wonder what compassion looks like? Tonight I caught I a glimpse.

I saw the story below tonight on Glenn Beck about an amazing lady named Kaziah Hancock. In short, Hancock is an artist who is painting original oil canvas portraits for the families of fallen servicemen and women as a way to say thank you for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

This fiery yet tender woman is doing an extraordinary service for these families. At the time of this report, she has painted over 200 portraits. You can view them here: Portraits of Heroes. The portrait to the right is of SSG. Dale Aldon Panchot, the son of the family who was featured in the Beck piece.

Hancock is truly embodying the art of compassion, literally. In light of our recent celebration for our freedom, take about six minutes and be inspired by a true American hero.


Sometimes people put to words those things that have evolved in my heart and mind over time, especially in areas that I am particularly specialized and/or gifted in. You know, those things that you do but you don’t know how to explain it to someone else. [I often deal with this when it comes to questions about vocal technique. I have a hard time describing the evolution of a pop voice; I can't seem to remember on the spot how I got where I am today...]

Anyways, I came across this recent entry from Bob Kauflin’s blog and thought, “Yeah, that is something I do but don’t realize I do and I would want to pass this on as a guiding principle to any young worship leader” so that is what I’m doing. Here’s the excerpt I resonated with:

So how do I help them focus on the words we’re actually singing? At the very least, I have to be thinking about them myself. I’m constantly asking myself questions in my mind like, Why is this true? What difference does it make? What if it wasn’t true? What’s not being said here? What does that word mean? Why does this line follow the last one?” As I answer those questions specifically, it helps me interact more with what I’m singing, and it has a greater impact on my soul. When I’m leading, I’ll simply share some of the answer to those thoughts with the congregation through spoken or sung fills.

…done well and with genuine emotion, brief exhortations can be an effective way to motivate people’s devotion to the Savior.


counter-cultural parenting…

Via Brant Hansen of Letters from Kamp Krusty:

I’m hereby offering advice to no one in particular. No one asked for it, and no one should vainly imagine themselves its intended audience. So be not offended. I didn’t have you in mind. You probably think this song is about you? Don’t you? Don’t you?

Put Your Dang Kids to Bed!

Seriously. You can do it.

If you want to have a marriage with some zing, put your dang kids to bed. Put them to bed EARLY. Put them to bed on time, the same time, every night, and make them stay there.

Then, go goof off with your wife. Laugh and talk and unwind and watch “Walker, Texas Ranger” until you can’t laugh anymore. Be unproductive. Smooch. Do this every night.

Your kids need to sleep, and they can sleep. They actually don’t have to get up every ten minutes. They’re just doing that to get attention and delay bedtime. Don’t allow it, or you’re a pansy.

This gives you — and, more importantly, your wife — some peaceful time, every day, to look forward to. Moreover, it lets you stay happily married. She’s under less stress, you have time to connect, life is good, your marriage means something, and you remember you’re not just roomies with junior-size roomies running around.

Don’t just “help” with bedtime. Supervise it, entirely. Let your wife use that time as wind-down time, or to take care of last-minute things. Kids will want to make bedtime an endless parade of traditions, too, in order to stave it off. Don’t let this happen. Make it as simple a process as possible. If you want to read a story, awesome! Just start early enough that the lights go off at the appointed time. Your kids will start to complain. Too bad. Lights off. Sweet dreams. Buh-bye.

Let them know that your time with your wife trumps all other considerations, and, after their bedtime, they are “other considerations.” Kids resist this, but — deep down — positively love it.

7 p.m. is not too early for young children. Give yourself a couple hours together, not one or two nights a week, but five or six.

If she’s stressed out every night, because of her job, let her quit her job. If you can’t afford it, afford it. Sell stuff. Move. Rent. Forget the college fund. Don’t buy dumb cars and houses and stuff to make yourself feel cool, and miss out on a joyous, stress-limited marriage. She can take care of herself. It’ll give her time, and energy, to love her children, her neighbors, and you.

So you bought her a nice car? Who gives a rip? She’d rather drive an old mini-van and have you around, living life together at a sweet, beautiful pace. Even if she doesn’t think she wants this, she does.

Quit buying crap and live in a trailer if you have to. And put your trailer-kids to bed, for crying out loud.

There. Sheesh.

My wife and I thought we were crazy. Now, we’re just ‘krusty’…


Credible acts, ALBUM ACTS, are coming back. Oh, they won’t be selling albums, but a continuous stream of songs, which people will want, because they BELIEVE IN THE ACT!

…they used to say all publicity was good publicity. Well just ask Britney if that’s still true. You’ve got to MANAGE publicity, you’ve got to worry about being OVEREXPOSED, you’ve got to make sure your fans trust you…Musicians are no longer stars, but minstrels who the audience DEPENDS ON! The band is down in the pit WITH the fan. That’s why the audience loves the act, because they’re REAL!

No posturing involved…playing for the long term, not just doing what’s expedient. THESE are the code words of the new act/entrepreneurs. Word of mouth trumps hype…

Don’t swing for the fences. We live in a niche world. Don’t carpet bomb, hitting those not interested, rather just appeal to the core. And the core will support you, buy your CD even if they’ve stolen the tracks, as a badge of HONOR!

…concentrate on building your base, person to person, not programmer to gatekeeper…the gate is the quality of your music and your ability to find friends who will spread the word for you, because they love you and your music, not because you pay them, but because they WANT to be involved, because they BELIEVE!

This quote is rife with parallels for the evangelical church. I’ll be doing a series on the ‘shadows’ Lefsetz unpacks for church leaders:

1) Getting in the pit with the fan
2) Gatekeeping the image
3) Embracing the niche
4) Creating honor for the core


about me


Husband and father of four, university instructor, seminarian, church planter, and conference architect.

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