Metamorphic

I had a fun talk with a guy this week. I loved it. Ten minutes into meeting him for the first time he tells me I’m wrong about wanting people to go into small groups. I ended up having a wonderful time with him, he gave me some really good stuff to chew on, and some contact information that I believe will help me in my ministry here.
Let me put this in context, one of the major ways that I determine a win is by the percentage of people that we successfully move from Sunday A.M. to our small group environment. The higher the percentage the better I feel we’re doing as a church. I believe this for a whole list of reasons. In fact, maybe I’ll do a series of posts on why I believe small groups are so important, but that’s not this post. One author, whom I really appreciate is Andy Stanley. I tend to think the way he writes, and what he writes makes sense. Now, I do not want to try and recreate another North Point Community or Buckhead or anything else for that matter, but what Andy and his boys’ write makes sense to me. I use a little bit of everything from many different church strategist, but my thinking is probably most influenced by what Stanley and his people have to say about the importance of small groups. One of the things that I believe is important is closed small groups. In other words once a small group reaches a certain point it can no longer be a venue for its members to bring visitors. This is another area where he told me I was wrong. Summarizing the interaction he told me that I was wrong in two areas
1.Measuring success by the percentage of people we move into small groups and
2.Closing small groups.
In fact on #2 he told me “it won’t work.”
So I’m a SBC ordained minister, he’s a big wig in the SBC, so I bring out my big guns. I point out that one of our very own SBC guys has it working for him. I didn’t even get into Ed Young and fellowship church. He looks at me and tells me “It’s not working.” (I want to reiterate here, I really enjoyed meeting this guy and I look forward to more interaction with him, this post is not a slam on him. I promise I’m getting to what it is soon. ) I start to push him on the Andy Stanley thing. I ask, “Is Andy and his church lying?” They say it’s been wildly successful. He comes back with this statement. I’m going to put it in quotes but I want to state it may not be an exact quote.
“do you want me to tell you what’s wrong with Andy’s church? I live just a few minutes from Atlanta. My 9 year old daughter summed up what’s wrong….she came home and said to me: ‘That was a nice show’.
“the problem is they are doing a show, they’re Sunday morning service is a show. They’re not moving people like they want you to think they are.”
To the best of my recollection that is an accurate reiteration of our conversation. What struck me was the idea about the show. To me, this was the “big gun.” This was the argument that would help me see his point of view.
Here’s the thing. I’m ok with the show. I’m ok if people just come to my church b/c of what they perceive as a show. Don’t hang me just yet. Think about it. What is that statement really saying? Essentially the argument is, “it looks different then I’m used to.”
What makes it a show? How is that different then the swaying choirs of yesteryear? More importantly do you think that the crowds that were following Jesus throughout all of the Gospels really were following him because of the theology He was teaching? No way! They were following him because he was doing miracles and they wanted to see them. They were coming for the show. I’m not saying that Jesus was doing a show, simply that people were not coming to him for what we would call spiritually pure reasons. Does this mean that we should do a show for church?
The answer to that depends on what you believe on two separate issues. 1. What is a show and 2. What is the point of your Sunday A.M service? You could probably add a third question: are “shows’ inherently the wrong way to go?
If they’re doing a show by not teaching the Gospel, or running scantily clad women on stage, then yeah they’re wrong. If they are crafting their message in such as way as to cause people to talk about the message, then they’re doing it right. I personally believe the Sunday morning service is for the guests. I hope that the majority of those guests are unchurched people. How many people went to hear Jesus speak simply because they wanted to see if He was going to do a miracle that day? How many had their lives changed? Is that worth it? Is that ok? Can God be pleased and worshipped with actions that some might call a show? I think so.
Too often we say that, worship and church is about our motives and then we criticize people who doing something for God, because they’re not doing it the way we want them to. Often our best argument is that what they are doing is just a show. Well, today’s my coming out party. I’m here to say loud and proud that I’m ok if people call what we do on Sunday morning a show. If it causes more guests to come back, especially if those guests are unchurched and they hear the God’s truth in my message or the message of another speaker, then I win. I win because as Paul tells us, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I cannot compromise on the message of the Gospel. We all born as enemies of God, and the only way to live in right relationship with Him is to accept the invitation to live in His story where he is the star. If we do that, we find that we are called to make disciples of all nations. We also find that often that involves doing things outside of our own comfort zone. Often it involves taking criticism for how we are doing what we are doing even though God gives us a great amount of freedom in this area.

Last night I was watching T.V and playing around on the computer. (working on my Christian School post and a couple of online callaborations that I have going) when the T.V caused me stop and think. The realization that I hadn't checked the Ohio Sex Offenders registry yet. So I do, and I come across the fact that there is a registered sex offender living just down the street from us.
My first reaction was absolute sickness in my stomach. Then some anger that I didn't check this before I moved into this house then anger that he's allowed out. Than more sickness. If you're a parent and you've ever experienced this, you know the wide range of feelings that comes with it. I wanted to go out at 10:00 last night and drive in front of his house and see what it looked like. I wanted to post a sign that said, "Registered Sex Offender Lives Here".
Then I had one of the most horrible thoughts I've ever had, "what would Jesus do with this joker?" I hated that thought. The largest part of me doesn't want to treat this fellow like Jesus would.
Here's the immediate thoughts that came to mind.
•Love your neighbor as yourself
•pray for those who despitefully use you
•Blessed are the peacemakers
•God is not willing that any should perish
That last one was the hardest for me. I want this guy to die. To be honest I want Sexual Crimes (especially against kids) to be a capitol crime and I'm not even pro-death penalty but for these fellows I'd make an exception.
I want to be smart and protect my family, and yet I wonder how God views these people. My theology doesn’t make room for me to love these guys. I don’t know what to do with that. I wish I did, but I don’t. What are your thoughts. I’d be interested in hearing them.

Well, I'm working on a post about Christian School, maybe about schooling choices in general, but until that's done I'm going to post a few mundane one's. Went on a walk with the entire family tonight including Sam. She needs to lose some weight and it wouldn't hurt me to either I suppose, but I'm thinking the two bowls of Ice Cream when i got home didn't help that. Seriously, Kendra really seems to like the walk so I imagine we'll continue them with some regularity.

Could you please email me some contact information? If you go to my user information, there is a working email address there for me. My wife would like to get in touch with  you. Thanks.

Well, we just got back from taking two of our dogs to our local shelter. One of the absolutes hardest things I've ever had to do. Period. Max and Trinity are no longer residing with us. Max was just too destructive of the land, and it isn't ours and we didn't have enough room in the back yard to keep them. I believe they have an excellent chance of adoption. I miss them already. Not sure what else I could have done.

To___________,

First Baptist Church of _______ will be building an addition to their church. If you know of any Christian electricians, heating & air, or plumbing contractors, please have them contact Pastor Keith (555-555-0044) to submit a bid.

I've changed some of the information but the general idea is there. Now, I'm off to try and remember where I've read somewhere about engaging out culture for Jesus.

Ok, Kyra's test came back positive for RSV as well. She's coming home for now. If it goes to her lungs she's in the hospital. For now, we're just going to be making massive trips back and forth to the Dr.'s office.

Got a phone call early this morning. My sister Maria is in the hospital with pancriatitis(Sp?). We're taking Kyra to the Dr.'s today b/c she is exhibiting early signs of RSV. If we catch it "early enough" she won't have to go to the hospital.

Pray for the fam, if you would. Kaidance had been diagnosed with RSV, which is not that big of deal for her as long as it stays out of her lungs. The bigger issue here  is Kyra. If she gets it, she's going to the hospital for an extended stay. So the stress is really on Erica to help Kaidance get acclimated to Kyra and still keep them apart. So we'd really appreciate your prayers right now.

Ok, there's some pics up. Just a few. But they are there. Lots more to come. Kaidance's party and some cute one's of Kendra too.

Ok, so it didn't make my little list there on the side and right now I don't actually own it, but I've read it. And below is a copy of the review I wrote for our weekly bulletin.  Get it if you can, read it. Live it. Good good book.

“It is impossible to be a follower of Christ and not be part of a local church.” That was the opening sentence to a book I picked up to read for few moments before I went to sleep. You know, just kill a few minutes before I try to get a little shut eye before one of the kids needs something at like 2:00a.m.  Unfortunately, for my sleeping schedule I was hooked. It’s been a long time since I read an entire book through in one 24 hour span but it happened yesterday when I picked up The Relevant Church; a book done by a collaboration of authors.

This book is like riding one of those roller coasters that shoots you onto the track. The whole thing takes your breath away, makes your stomach do a few flips and leaves you at the end saying, “Holy Cow, let’s do that again.”  It is a must read for anyone who wants to truly do, “church for the unchurched.” For that matter, it is a must read for anyone who just wants to do church. It’s a book that pushes churches to care more about counting changed lives than it is counting Sunday morning attendance.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is, the way it’s written, almost as if you are discussing how church needs to be relevant with a group of friends over coffee. I highly encourage you to buy it and read it (Family Christian Bookstore has it for $12.99).

I’ll leave you with one more quote: “ The church will be most provocative when it is being itself, … a mini society that proclaims and imitates the person of Christ, and imitates his sacrificial service.”

Momma, and Baby are home. Krya had to stay one extra day due to a high billy rueben count. I'm not sure that's spelled right or who he is but she had a high count so they kept her until today.  Everybody's sleeping right now. Thanks for all your prayers. I'm hoping to have pictures up tomorrow or Friday.

Ok, moved on Friday. Kyra Broolynn Martino was born at 4:36 pm yesterday afternoon. She was 20 inches and weighed 8lbs 4oz. Mom and baby seem to be doing well. Should be coming home later today. Everyone appears to be healthy.

Tons of new pics have been uploaded from the end of last year to just a few weeks ago. Spanning Md to Ohio. Just click on the link on the right that says, "family photo album". It should open right up for you ----------------->

Ok, so I've been inspired by someone I read occasionally. I'm going to start a new photoblog. The catch? This one is going to be a collection of stupid church signs. You know the ones, they have clever witty, and totally moronic statements on them. One's that say,  "Continual prayer will give you a 'calm-plex'" That is actually on a local sign. I'm hoping to start taking pictures of them tomorrow, and have them posted up soon enough. Good times

Spiderman Congratulations! You scored a super 58%!

You're hotter than, well, hot-cakes! You've got a fan base bigger than Pam & Tommy, and to tell the truth, you actually don't mind the super-hero gig. Most of the time, anyway. Everyone seems to love their fun, friendly and courageous hero as you swoop in to save the day, time and time again! Unfortunately, swooping and day-saving doesn't help pay the rent, and you're not exactly the "hero-for-hire" type either. Hey, at least you can play down the whole life saving, self sacrificing gig with some neat lil' punchlines and remarks! Juggling both egos becomes a strain at times and whilst you want to help everyone, you're also in search of "me time", often finding yourself having to make constant personal sacrifices in order to protect those around you. Don't fret though! At the end of the day you'll find yourself with the support from either those you rescue or perhaps a close friend or loved one who'll get you by, reminding you of how cool you look in spandex.

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 34% on Heropoints

Link: The Which SUPER HERO are you Test written by crayzee69 on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Well, I heard about a school that might have been looking for a coach for baseball this spring, but it turns out they're not. Now the odd thing is that, I was really kind of bummed out about that. Which kind of caught me off guard. Well, I'm sitting on my Resume for the fall but with all the potential different things going on there I don't know if that will be good or not. We'll see.