Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Should We Circle the Wagons?
There may be a better response to tough economic times.
by Clayton Brumby
Editor's note: The following fictional piece provides some timely reminders for all of us in the midst of the current economic crisis.
As an older pastor, Shawn Minor had seen this before, or had he? Was this economic downturn different? It certainly didn't feel like other "corrections" in the market he'd been through from time to time. This was more like hitting the wall.
And he saw it on the faces of his older members—the fear as their savings and pension accounts shrank. Six trillion dollars is a lot of money to simply evaporate even for an economy as large as America's. But he hadn't been ready for his last board meeting. So much doom and gloom—so much pessimism, especially regarding the church's financial prospects. All systems stop. "It's time to hunker down … circle the wagons … until this blows over." These and other comments haunted him. The thoughts were so defeatist. Was this the way Jesus wanted them to be thinking? Fear … doom … annihilation?
His church wasn't large. If a few families moved because of their jobs, it would have an impact. Yet the church also was growing. He must stay positive and faithful to what he thought God wanted them to do and be—he must. But he couldn't help feeling a little alone in his vision. Was he being naïve? Economics was not his strong suit. If anyone could help him sort that out, Jim McManus could. Jim was a business consultant, a visionary, and thankfully, a new board member. Shawn liked the fact that he was no-nonsense all the way. But Jim had missed the last board meeting, and knowing the economic climate for what it was, Shawn wondered how he was doing. Lunch was his chance to find out.
"Sorry I missed being there Tuesday," Jim said, as he came up to the booth and slid in. "I don't imagine, from the way you look, it was much fun."
"It wasn't a party," Shawn chuckled morbidly, as he shook his head. "And if my lay leadership is this pessimistic, how is the congregation going to keep their heads up?"
The waitress interrupted their comments for a moment, getting their drink orders and giving them menus. "I'll be right back, fellas."
Jim thought for a moment, and then said, "I wish I'd been there, Pastor. I knew this conversation about the economy was going to come up sooner than later." He then smiled to himself, shaking his head and added, "But if they are responding this way, they're looking at it all wrong. This is a golden opportunity for this church—absolutely golden! And if we miss it, it will be because we are gutless. It will be because we have no real vision for what Christ has called us to."
"I wish I had your business sense," Shawn responded, hoping Jim could give him some good, clear reasons to stay with him.
"It's not business sense, Shawn. Do you believe God has called this church to be here?" The pastor nodded his answer. "Then what are we afraid of?" Jim followed.
"I'll admit, things are serious," he continued. "I think we do need to be careful. An economy like this doesn't give people a lot of room for error. But the opportunities are massive!"
The pastor gave him a glance that asked for him to elaborate, so he continued. "In every economic downturn like this, the country loses a number of businesses large and small. Those companies generally don't believe in themselves enough to survive, and you can tell that right off in their approach to marketing and advertising. They 'circle the wagons;' they 'turtle-up.' They fail to position themselves as part of the solution to the realities people are facing. It seems they just hope to hang on long enough to get through it, which is the last thing they need to do.
"The other side of the coin, however, is that, as those companies fail, others that do believe in themselves—that see themselves as part of the solution and market themselves aggressively as a result—end up with the customers who used to patronize those businesses that fold. So the companies with vision, with confidence in their role in the marketplace, and who therefore increase their marketing accordingly, not only survive, they thrive. 'So it's an economic downturn—so what?!' They've just decided not to participate!"
Shawn looked a little lost. Again, he wasn't a businessman, and he wasn't thinking in terms of economics and products and marketing; he was thinking in terms of ministry. "But how does that apply to us as a church?"
"I'm sorry," Jim said sheepishly. "I get lost in my own professional specialty. Here's how it applies: From what I can gather, there are about 300,000 churches in this country. Many, for whatever reason, are always struggling to survive. Maybe their mindset is so narrow, they can't relate to anyone else. Others seem to be marginal 'bless me' clubs that are just interested in maintaining the status quo—keeping the lights on and the parking lot paved. They have little concern for the unchurched community around them, for reaching out. I think a lot of these churches are going to disappear in the next two or three years, and that might be a good thing for the Body of Christ; it could use a good pruning. And where do those people go who no longer have a church to go to?"
Shawn thought for a moment as the idea dawned on him. "They go to a church where people have a healthy vision of what God has called them to, and who are determined to faithfully walk out implementing that vision."
"Exactly," Jim agreed. "So I suggest we 'seize the day.' I suggest we don't give into fear, that we remain faithful to the One who called us; that we remain obedient. We pray. We stop worrying about protecting ourselves. We stop this insanity of 'circling the wagons.' We look beyond ourselves to a hurting world that needs us; a world very motivated to ask important questions now; a world of people who are beginning to base their lives on something more than their company pension and their next tee time. And we get the word out that even though we live in the same world our unchurched neighbors do, and we struggle with the same things they do, that we have some answers. In fact, we have the Answer."
Copyright © 2008 by the author
Ron
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
by Clayton Brumby
Editor's note: The following fictional piece provides some timely reminders for all of us in the midst of the current economic crisis.
As an older pastor, Shawn Minor had seen this before, or had he? Was this economic downturn different? It certainly didn't feel like other "corrections" in the market he'd been through from time to time. This was more like hitting the wall.
And he saw it on the faces of his older members—the fear as their savings and pension accounts shrank. Six trillion dollars is a lot of money to simply evaporate even for an economy as large as America's. But he hadn't been ready for his last board meeting. So much doom and gloom—so much pessimism, especially regarding the church's financial prospects. All systems stop. "It's time to hunker down … circle the wagons … until this blows over." These and other comments haunted him. The thoughts were so defeatist. Was this the way Jesus wanted them to be thinking? Fear … doom … annihilation?
His church wasn't large. If a few families moved because of their jobs, it would have an impact. Yet the church also was growing. He must stay positive and faithful to what he thought God wanted them to do and be—he must. But he couldn't help feeling a little alone in his vision. Was he being naïve? Economics was not his strong suit. If anyone could help him sort that out, Jim McManus could. Jim was a business consultant, a visionary, and thankfully, a new board member. Shawn liked the fact that he was no-nonsense all the way. But Jim had missed the last board meeting, and knowing the economic climate for what it was, Shawn wondered how he was doing. Lunch was his chance to find out.
"Sorry I missed being there Tuesday," Jim said, as he came up to the booth and slid in. "I don't imagine, from the way you look, it was much fun."
"It wasn't a party," Shawn chuckled morbidly, as he shook his head. "And if my lay leadership is this pessimistic, how is the congregation going to keep their heads up?"
The waitress interrupted their comments for a moment, getting their drink orders and giving them menus. "I'll be right back, fellas."
Jim thought for a moment, and then said, "I wish I'd been there, Pastor. I knew this conversation about the economy was going to come up sooner than later." He then smiled to himself, shaking his head and added, "But if they are responding this way, they're looking at it all wrong. This is a golden opportunity for this church—absolutely golden! And if we miss it, it will be because we are gutless. It will be because we have no real vision for what Christ has called us to."
"I wish I had your business sense," Shawn responded, hoping Jim could give him some good, clear reasons to stay with him.
"It's not business sense, Shawn. Do you believe God has called this church to be here?" The pastor nodded his answer. "Then what are we afraid of?" Jim followed.
"I'll admit, things are serious," he continued. "I think we do need to be careful. An economy like this doesn't give people a lot of room for error. But the opportunities are massive!"
The pastor gave him a glance that asked for him to elaborate, so he continued. "In every economic downturn like this, the country loses a number of businesses large and small. Those companies generally don't believe in themselves enough to survive, and you can tell that right off in their approach to marketing and advertising. They 'circle the wagons;' they 'turtle-up.' They fail to position themselves as part of the solution to the realities people are facing. It seems they just hope to hang on long enough to get through it, which is the last thing they need to do.
"The other side of the coin, however, is that, as those companies fail, others that do believe in themselves—that see themselves as part of the solution and market themselves aggressively as a result—end up with the customers who used to patronize those businesses that fold. So the companies with vision, with confidence in their role in the marketplace, and who therefore increase their marketing accordingly, not only survive, they thrive. 'So it's an economic downturn—so what?!' They've just decided not to participate!"
Shawn looked a little lost. Again, he wasn't a businessman, and he wasn't thinking in terms of economics and products and marketing; he was thinking in terms of ministry. "But how does that apply to us as a church?"
"I'm sorry," Jim said sheepishly. "I get lost in my own professional specialty. Here's how it applies: From what I can gather, there are about 300,000 churches in this country. Many, for whatever reason, are always struggling to survive. Maybe their mindset is so narrow, they can't relate to anyone else. Others seem to be marginal 'bless me' clubs that are just interested in maintaining the status quo—keeping the lights on and the parking lot paved. They have little concern for the unchurched community around them, for reaching out. I think a lot of these churches are going to disappear in the next two or three years, and that might be a good thing for the Body of Christ; it could use a good pruning. And where do those people go who no longer have a church to go to?"
Shawn thought for a moment as the idea dawned on him. "They go to a church where people have a healthy vision of what God has called them to, and who are determined to faithfully walk out implementing that vision."
"Exactly," Jim agreed. "So I suggest we 'seize the day.' I suggest we don't give into fear, that we remain faithful to the One who called us; that we remain obedient. We pray. We stop worrying about protecting ourselves. We stop this insanity of 'circling the wagons.' We look beyond ourselves to a hurting world that needs us; a world very motivated to ask important questions now; a world of people who are beginning to base their lives on something more than their company pension and their next tee time. And we get the word out that even though we live in the same world our unchurched neighbors do, and we struggle with the same things they do, that we have some answers. In fact, we have the Answer."
Copyright © 2008 by the author
Ron
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Monday, December 22, 2008
Prince of Peace I
Christmas is one of the most hectic times of the year. Traffic is terrible. One trip down Dixie Highway or Route 747 or a visit to Tri-County Mall or Kenwood Mall will test your calm sweet spirit.
We are all besieged with many activities, dinners, gifts to buy, guests coming and going and, as a result, stress begins to build. Counselors tell us that emotions intensify around Christmas time to the extent that there is more drinking, marital problems, suicides, frayed nerves, and strained relationships at this time of year than any other.
Isn't it interesting that the Bible says that Jesus came as the "Prince of Peace." ? Almost all Christmas cards have something to say about peace. The most popular Christmas carol talks about "All is calm; all is bright". But do we really have peace at Christmas?
One of the most unusual incidents in the history of war occurred on the first Christmas Eve of World War I. The war was only five months old yet 800,000 men had already been killed or wounded. Chemical warfare was being used and bombs were dropped for the first time. It was a killer war.
On that Christmas Eve something unique happened. All was quiet on the Western Front. There was no fighting going on. The British troops raised some signs above their trenches which said "MERRY CHRISTMAS" . To their surprise the German troops did the same. Christmas carols, in different languages, began to be heard. Christmas day found them unarmed.
Soldiers from both sides were meeting out in the middle in an area known as "no man's land." Christmas day passed peacefully and at one spot along the battle line the British soldiers played the Germans in a soccer match. The Germans won 3 - 2.
Peace followed the next day because neither side was willing to fire the first shot. Finally the fighting resumed but only after fresh troops arrived.
If we would let it, Christmas could be a pocket of sanity in a world full of turmoil, hurt, heartache and despair. We can have peace regardless of circumstances.
We are all besieged with many activities, dinners, gifts to buy, guests coming and going and, as a result, stress begins to build. Counselors tell us that emotions intensify around Christmas time to the extent that there is more drinking, marital problems, suicides, frayed nerves, and strained relationships at this time of year than any other.
Isn't it interesting that the Bible says that Jesus came as the "Prince of Peace." ? Almost all Christmas cards have something to say about peace. The most popular Christmas carol talks about "All is calm; all is bright". But do we really have peace at Christmas?
One of the most unusual incidents in the history of war occurred on the first Christmas Eve of World War I. The war was only five months old yet 800,000 men had already been killed or wounded. Chemical warfare was being used and bombs were dropped for the first time. It was a killer war.
On that Christmas Eve something unique happened. All was quiet on the Western Front. There was no fighting going on. The British troops raised some signs above their trenches which said "MERRY CHRISTMAS" . To their surprise the German troops did the same. Christmas carols, in different languages, began to be heard. Christmas day found them unarmed.
Soldiers from both sides were meeting out in the middle in an area known as "no man's land." Christmas day passed peacefully and at one spot along the battle line the British soldiers played the Germans in a soccer match. The Germans won 3 - 2.
Peace followed the next day because neither side was willing to fire the first shot. Finally the fighting resumed but only after fresh troops arrived.
If we would let it, Christmas could be a pocket of sanity in a world full of turmoil, hurt, heartache and despair. We can have peace regardless of circumstances.
Prince of Peace II
We must remember that peace is not just the absence of conflict. Our world is full of war. We need to hear the words of Jesus as He promised peace in the middle of turmoil and stress " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (JOHN 14:27 ).
Have you ever been stalled in traffic in a major roadway. Traffic is creeping along. It is backed up for miles. Everyone is getting more and more tense. Horns are honking, people are shouting to one another and you are about ready to lose it.
You look over and there is a teenager with earphones on. He is smiling, snapping his fingers and thumping the steering wheel. He is thoroughly enjoying himself. Why?
He is tuned to outside music. We need to be tuned that way. In the midst of heartache, sickness, loss of loved ones, we need to follow Jesus' admonition, in Matthew 11:29, when He said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest (peace).".
We get so caught up in the activities that we spend more time making fudge than we do spending time with the one who can give us that peace. Sometimes I think we ought to go ahead and call it "fudge-mas," or "cookie-mas," or "pie-mas"? Why don't we honor the day as "Christ-mas"?
On this great holiday make room for the Prince of Peace. Don't let Jesus be forgotten! Don't forget Him! Please?
Have you ever been stalled in traffic in a major roadway. Traffic is creeping along. It is backed up for miles. Everyone is getting more and more tense. Horns are honking, people are shouting to one another and you are about ready to lose it.
You look over and there is a teenager with earphones on. He is smiling, snapping his fingers and thumping the steering wheel. He is thoroughly enjoying himself. Why?
He is tuned to outside music. We need to be tuned that way. In the midst of heartache, sickness, loss of loved ones, we need to follow Jesus' admonition, in Matthew 11:29, when He said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest (peace).".
We get so caught up in the activities that we spend more time making fudge than we do spending time with the one who can give us that peace. Sometimes I think we ought to go ahead and call it "fudge-mas," or "cookie-mas," or "pie-mas"? Why don't we honor the day as "Christ-mas"?
On this great holiday make room for the Prince of Peace. Don't let Jesus be forgotten! Don't forget Him! Please?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A Boomer’s Guide to Understanding Twentysomethings Part I
By Margaret Feinberg Ones
Retro Versus Metro
Just as every generation is different, every generation also has things in common. Today’s baby boomers and today’s twentysomethings are no exception. Understanding the differences between these demographics is important when it comes to both mentoring and ministering to twentysomethings.
“My culture was filled for the most part with stable families, Judeo-Christian values and a relevance of faith to living,” said Carol Harris, a boomer parent of two twentysomething daughters living in Houston, Texas. “Twenty-year-olds have none of that now. The traditional family is broken, values are based on each individual’s own thinking and faith is not seen as relevant to life. We boomers should simply remember what it was like to be 20 and confused...and then at least quadruple the complexity of what we remember feeling and thinking to even begin to understand what it's like to be 20 now.”
This article is designed to highlight some of the differences between boomers and twentysomethings. It explores how these generations process information, respond and react. As you reflect on the differences, remember that the characteristics found in boomers can be found in twentysomethings just as the characteristics found in twentysomethings can be found in boomers. Being a twentysomething or boomer is more of a mindset and approach to life, and at times, it crosses all ages.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Retro Versus Metro
Just as every generation is different, every generation also has things in common. Today’s baby boomers and today’s twentysomethings are no exception. Understanding the differences between these demographics is important when it comes to both mentoring and ministering to twentysomethings.
“My culture was filled for the most part with stable families, Judeo-Christian values and a relevance of faith to living,” said Carol Harris, a boomer parent of two twentysomething daughters living in Houston, Texas. “Twenty-year-olds have none of that now. The traditional family is broken, values are based on each individual’s own thinking and faith is not seen as relevant to life. We boomers should simply remember what it was like to be 20 and confused...and then at least quadruple the complexity of what we remember feeling and thinking to even begin to understand what it's like to be 20 now.”
This article is designed to highlight some of the differences between boomers and twentysomethings. It explores how these generations process information, respond and react. As you reflect on the differences, remember that the characteristics found in boomers can be found in twentysomethings just as the characteristics found in twentysomethings can be found in boomers. Being a twentysomething or boomer is more of a mindset and approach to life, and at times, it crosses all ages.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
A Boomer’s Guide to Understanding Twentysomethings Part II
Institution Versus Relationship
Boomers tend to value commitment and involvement in an institution. They like knowing that the organization they’re a part of is trustworthy. If the institution is well-established and a has a history within the local community that’s even better.
Twentysomethings, on the other hand, are less interested in the institution and more concerned with the people who comprise the institution. Twentysomethings are driven by their relationships. A boomer goes to church to learn a new spiritual lesson, sing familiar songs and fulfill their commitment to the local church. A twentysomethings goes to church to see their friends and hopefully learn, grow and serve along side them. So a boomer will walk into a service and ask, “What’s going on here?” whereas a twentysomething will ask “Who’s here?”
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Boomers tend to value commitment and involvement in an institution. They like knowing that the organization they’re a part of is trustworthy. If the institution is well-established and a has a history within the local community that’s even better.
Twentysomethings, on the other hand, are less interested in the institution and more concerned with the people who comprise the institution. Twentysomethings are driven by their relationships. A boomer goes to church to learn a new spiritual lesson, sing familiar songs and fulfill their commitment to the local church. A twentysomethings goes to church to see their friends and hopefully learn, grow and serve along side them. So a boomer will walk into a service and ask, “What’s going on here?” whereas a twentysomething will ask “Who’s here?”
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
A Boomer’s Guide to Understanding Twentysomethings Part III
Settled Versus On the Move
Boomers tend to be more well-established, largely due to their age and stage in life. They are more likely to own a home and have several children. Boomers are more likely to have a resume that will actually impress someone and actually have a plan for retirement.
Twentysomethings are little more free-spirited, but not necessarily by choice. Since twentysomethings are getting married between four and five years later in life on average than their predecessors, many twentysomethings are still single. The majority of twentysomethings are saddled with so many student loans and so much credit card debt that they haven’t been able to buy a home. And children will only come after they find Mr. or Mrs. Right… which still may be a few years off.
Most twentysomethings are surprised that their lives don’t mirror their boomer parents. They expected to meet “the one” in college, get married and begin having children by the age of 25. They look at boomers with a quiet sense of envy in some regards. The delay is causing a lot of twentysomethings to ask God tough questions about their singleness and at the same time make the most of it by traveling, changing lives and living a more adventurous lifestyle.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Boomers tend to be more well-established, largely due to their age and stage in life. They are more likely to own a home and have several children. Boomers are more likely to have a resume that will actually impress someone and actually have a plan for retirement.
Twentysomethings are little more free-spirited, but not necessarily by choice. Since twentysomethings are getting married between four and five years later in life on average than their predecessors, many twentysomethings are still single. The majority of twentysomethings are saddled with so many student loans and so much credit card debt that they haven’t been able to buy a home. And children will only come after they find Mr. or Mrs. Right… which still may be a few years off.
Most twentysomethings are surprised that their lives don’t mirror their boomer parents. They expected to meet “the one” in college, get married and begin having children by the age of 25. They look at boomers with a quiet sense of envy in some regards. The delay is causing a lot of twentysomethings to ask God tough questions about their singleness and at the same time make the most of it by traveling, changing lives and living a more adventurous lifestyle.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
A Boomer’s Guide to Understanding Twentysomethings Part IV
Information Versus Conversation
Boomers want information.
Twentysomethings want conversation.
Boomers are satisfied with a lengthy presentation on a topic, whereas twentysomethings are looking for an interactive examination of an issue. While boomers appreciate the time given to a particular topic, twentysomethings want depth. Twentysomethings don’t want to “get it” as much as they want to discuss it and wrestle with it.
“What it means to be "seeker sensitive" is totally different,” said Mark Batterson lead pastor at National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, D.C. “I think twentysomethings are more spiritually attuned. I think many churches watered down or dumbed-down the message for boomers, but twentysomethings are looking for something supernatural, something they can't explain. I think our generation is more in touch with mystery and paradox. So ironically, the more seeker-sensitive you want to be the more spiritual you need to be. I think twentysomethings are looking for a high-octane experience.”
While a self-help title or article featuring six easy steps is appealing to a boomer, a twentysomething would look at the same piece and find it suspect. Certainly, things can’t be that simple. Thus, while boomers enjoy finding a short-cut to the answer, twentysomethings want to take the scenic tour at discovering the same truth.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Boomers want information.
Twentysomethings want conversation.
Boomers are satisfied with a lengthy presentation on a topic, whereas twentysomethings are looking for an interactive examination of an issue. While boomers appreciate the time given to a particular topic, twentysomethings want depth. Twentysomethings don’t want to “get it” as much as they want to discuss it and wrestle with it.
“What it means to be "seeker sensitive" is totally different,” said Mark Batterson lead pastor at National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, D.C. “I think twentysomethings are more spiritually attuned. I think many churches watered down or dumbed-down the message for boomers, but twentysomethings are looking for something supernatural, something they can't explain. I think our generation is more in touch with mystery and paradox. So ironically, the more seeker-sensitive you want to be the more spiritual you need to be. I think twentysomethings are looking for a high-octane experience.”
While a self-help title or article featuring six easy steps is appealing to a boomer, a twentysomething would look at the same piece and find it suspect. Certainly, things can’t be that simple. Thus, while boomers enjoy finding a short-cut to the answer, twentysomethings want to take the scenic tour at discovering the same truth.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
A Boomer’s Guide to Understanding Twentysomethings Part V
Print Versus Image
Twentysomethings process information differently. While boomers are more print oriented, twentysomethings are more image-driven. A boomer will read a book written with linear knowledge to explore and understand a concept. Boomers will respond to the plain black and white text. Twentysomethings, on the other hand, respond and react to film, music and the arts. They grab onto word-pictures—whether spoken or written—and are compelled by images.
The new iWorship DVD tracks from Integrity Music are a good example. They’re used in our church whenever the worship team isn’t able to practice. They provide a soundtrack of popular worship songs. Instead of just having the words projected onto an overhead, there are moving images of nature, people and scenes that play as the words are displayed. A number of boomers within the church have complained that the images are just too much—they distract them from worshipping God. But only one twentysomething has commented that the images are distracting. Most of the young adults appreciate the extra layer of images used in worship.
Church leaders who effectively use graphics and videos in their sermons can help capture the imagination of this generation.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Twentysomethings process information differently. While boomers are more print oriented, twentysomethings are more image-driven. A boomer will read a book written with linear knowledge to explore and understand a concept. Boomers will respond to the plain black and white text. Twentysomethings, on the other hand, respond and react to film, music and the arts. They grab onto word-pictures—whether spoken or written—and are compelled by images.
The new iWorship DVD tracks from Integrity Music are a good example. They’re used in our church whenever the worship team isn’t able to practice. They provide a soundtrack of popular worship songs. Instead of just having the words projected onto an overhead, there are moving images of nature, people and scenes that play as the words are displayed. A number of boomers within the church have complained that the images are just too much—they distract them from worshipping God. But only one twentysomething has commented that the images are distracting. Most of the young adults appreciate the extra layer of images used in worship.
Church leaders who effectively use graphics and videos in their sermons can help capture the imagination of this generation.
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
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