Imitation Is NOT the Sincerest Form of Flattery

We've heard (and maybe spoken) often the phrase, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." And, while that may be true in our human way of thinking, that does not apply to the things of God.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my ministry work has been that imitation is a hinderence. It is also very difficult to get away from imitation.

As we grow and mature, we look to and imitate the behaviors and patterns of the things we like and want to be like. If you're learning how to hit a baseball, you learn by imitating the basics you are taught. If you are learning leadership, you study and mimic the leaders you want to be like.

In ministry, however, imitation can tear you down rather than lift you up. Sure, there are certain aspects that we copy, but those are only what come from the Bible. It's part of becoming more like Christ. He taught us how we ought to live.

But, as we mature in our walk with Jesus, the imitation has a break down of sorts. In times of God's silence, we too often resort to mimicing the successful things that we see others doing.

I'll give you some examples. I think most of us desire for God to send a revival among the churches and awakening of the people. And, often we look back at past moves of God, and try to copy the things that worked in order to prompt God to move today. It's all well intentioned, but if we learn anything from the Bible, we should know that our efforts, as noble as they may be, probably won't work very well.

For proof, I point you to the way God interacted with His people in the Old Testament. Every move of God was a one-and-done approach. The Great Flood happened one time. The Ten Plagues - one time. The march around Jericho - once. Pick your judge - each approach was unique. Small boy whipping a giant - legendary event.

How about New Testament examples. Well, virgin birth; the death, burial and resurrection of a sinless man; Pentecost.

I hope you are getting the idea that I am pushing. God never runs out of unique ways to move in the lives of individuals. Yet, so often, we rely on the crutch of imitation to do ministry. We shape our churches after highly successful ministries. We style our preaching and teaching after famous pastors. In short, we incorporate the world's methods of success into what is supposed to be unique, then wonder why it doesn't always work.

God has a unique plan for you, your ministry or church. Let the Almighty shape that plan, and don't shortcut it by inserting your imitated, second-best.

Doing the Unpleasant Things

In every business, organization or effort there are always things that no one really desires to do, but they must be done.

On the football field, the undesirables are two-a-day practices in the scorching August sun. Those undesirables will later lead to a team that can withstand the pressures of a four-quarter game in December, January and maybe February.

In the workplace, no one desires to take out the trash, clean the toilets, or even do the mundane work of the office.

In a volunteer organization, it is easy to get volunteers for stuff that is relatively easy, or the things that really make a difference. It isn't so easy to find people willing to do the difficult and trying tasks without being compensated in some way. More on this in just a moment.

Jesus gave us THE example that as Christ-followers, we need to be willing to joyfully do the unpleasant things in life. John 13 records Jesus' final meal before his arrest and execution. As the disciples arrived in the room where they would have this last supper, Jesus does something his followers have never witnessed. The man who spoke and lived out humility displayed it by becoming a servant, and washing his disciples' feet.

This was the job of a slave, and not the King of Kings...or so the disciples believed. We get Peter's astonished reaction, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” No doubt everyone in the room was wondering why Jesus was doing someone else's job. I suppose there was a slave standing nearby wondering who took their job...and WHY???

Jesus doesn't keep his men in suspense. He tells them outright in verse 16 why he washed their feet, "I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message." Jesus was living out this statement in relation to God the Father, but He also wanted the disciples to learn this truth.

It's a difficult truth to swallow, because our human nature is full of pride. We don't want to stoop into servanthood unless we're going to get something out of it, like a pay check. Being a servant with no compensation goes completely against our nature. Yet, Jesus demonstrated that He wants us to be willing to do the unpleasant things. In verse 17, He says, "Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them."

I write about the church a lot, and I think this story applies directly to how we volunteer in the church. I see a lot of people what are willing to tackle the easy chores, or the ones where a lot of other people are at, but not many are willing to do the difficult or disgusting tasks.

Ministry can be very fun, but there are always times of humbling that must occur for us to become more like Jesus. We need these times to keep our pride in check. And, it is during these times as a servant that others take notice, and are drawn to Jesus.

So, what about you? What is it that you find unpleasant that God has asked you to do? Jesus washing the disciples feet only took a few minutes. Chances are, what God wants you to do may last only an hour a week, or it might be a one-time deal.

Monday Ten

1. Everyone's a Monday morning quarterback, especially after the NFL Draft.

2. I would hate to be good enough to be the #1 draft pick, especially if you're a quarterback, because you always go to a crappy team.

3. I feel sorry for Sam Bradford. Hopefully, the St. Louis Rams can find an offensive line to protect him.

4. I have mixed feelings about the Kansas City Chiefs draft picks. They did need help on the defense, but at the same time, Matt Cassell got beat up last year at QB, because KC didn't have much of an offensive line.

5. This all reminds me of the movie "The Blind Side." If you haven't watched it, go rent it and bring it home. Good stuff.

6. My wife and I took the kids to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Sunday. She and I haven't been there since our childhood. Not much has changed, but I do think the museum was smaller than the last time I was there.

7. I don't remember taking the tour through the battlefield as a child, but we went yesterday. My oldest son and I walked down Bloody Hill.

8. It's amazing to realize that Missouri was host to the third most battles in the Civil War.

9. It was also interesting to learn how the lack of good communications cost the Union the battle, and also prevented the South from holding onto their victory. But, such was the way of the mid-1800s.

10. I can't wait for warmer weather. Must grill again!

A Christian's Perspective on Earth Day

I strongly dislike Earth Day, but not for the immediate reasons you might suspect.

I have no problem with taking care of our natural surroundings. God put us in place as the caretakers of His creation, and there is a certain level of respect that we should have for it. No one wants to eat diseased fish from a polluted stream. Nobody wants to live next to neighbors who just toss their trash in their yard for the wind to blow around. And there isn't anybody who enjoys an acid-rain shower.

So, we do have certain responsibilities to take care of God's creation. But, to what limit?

I don't like Earth Day or the green movement, because they have made a religion out of environmentalism. I explain my views here. What is interesting is that ever since I wrote last year's Earth Day post, the whole climate-change argument has been found to be fraudulent. The science behind it is nothing more than a hoax.

With that in mind, we need to go back to Genesis and understand that God gave Adam a couple of commands regarding the earth. He gave mankind dominion over the earth. Translation: we're in charge of taking care of God's creation. That's important when it comes to keeping our surroundings clean.

And, God told mankind to use and consume the creation. Today, we have distorted this part of the command by making certain elements of nature, be it animal or plant, more important than mankind. We've handed dominion over to the things God gave us authority over.

God set up a particular order for this world, and called it "very good." Consider this as the world celebrates Earth Day.

When Life Throws You Lemon-Sized Tumors

I have never met Zac Smith, and probably won't on this earth. I do, however, know his father. Zac is a 33-year old man who's parents were missionaries to Ecuador (now live in Springfield, Missouri).

Zac has cancer, and probably won't see the end of this year. Yet, he has an incredible story, and interesting perspective on this "gift" of cancer.

I visited with his father, Jim, yesterday. He told me how after high school, Zac had drifted from God, and later returned to his faith. Living in Colorado, Zac felt burdened to enter church ministry, and wanted to be a preacher/teacher/etc. His door into church ministry came in the fall of 2008 at NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. However, the job he was hired for would not allow him to ever preach or teach to the church outside of his small group.

His father says that Zac had to come to grips with that fact, knowing that he probably wouldn't get to share his heart in the way he wanted.

Then, came stage-four colon cancer, and a lemon-sized tumor. Unless God works a miracle, Zac's time on this earth will come to an end soon. His desire to serve God will be cut short of his plans. Yet, God has bigger plans.

After being diagnosed, Zac's church did two, short videos where Zac tells his story. These videos were used as part of sermons for the church. In a way, Zac has received his chance to speak in church. What's more, these videos have been watched by thousands over the Internet and in other churches. God is using Zac's story and his testimony to do things Zac probably never would have done on his own.

I invite you to watch the two videos below.

Monday Ten

1. I am glad it is Monday. The kids' behavior made me say that.

2. My wife is dreading summer break. Again, the kids' behavior this weekend reminded her of that.

3. I don't know what it was - perhaps something in the air - but, every child I met this weekend had a touch of the devil in them...and the girls were the worst.

4. My in-laws come for lunch yesterday. It was the first time I had ever grilled for them. The burgers were some of the best I have ever made.

5. By the way, charcoal kicks the pants off of gas grilling, but you have to really love your food since charcoal takes longer.

6. A friend of mine from North Point Church spoke last evening to the youth (and a lot of adults) at my parents' church in Mountain Grove. They all enjoyed Brandon Beck (from KY3) being there.

7. Speaking of my church...another great weekend where over 100 people gave their lives to Jesus. That's awesome!

8. Sometimes it is strange the connections you learn you have to people you don't even know. Last year, I watched an online broadcast of a service from a South Carolina church. They showed a five minute video called Letter to Zac, which is a moving video about a young guy, dying from cancer, who writes his teenage self a letter. Last week, I found out that I know the man's father. He works for next door at the Baptist Bible Fellowship missions office.

9. Pray for Zac Smith in Anderson, South Carolina. Unless God provides a miracle to his cancer, he will not live much longer. He has a wife and three children.

10. To live is Christ and to die is gain. -- Paul

Five Thoughts on Church Music - Part 3

Concluding the church music series....

4. Sacrifice can be good for the soul.

What does the culture in your community look like? What types of music do the people listen to? What are their interests?

I ask these questions, because a lot of churches in America today are running their worship services opposite to the needs of the next generation of people communities.

To often, what appeals to the younger generation does not appeal to the older generations. But, because the older generations are in charge of local churches, the worship style is tilted toward the older crowd's preferences.

An older gentleman told me one time that his generation had the same battle with his grandparents' generation. That seems to fall in line with the history of the worship wars that I referenced yesterday. Each new generation of worshippers has had to battle older worshippers to express what is in their hearts and minds through worship.

That doesn't sound very Christian-like, and having experienced some of these battles first hand, I can tell you they can get down right ugly.

Simply put, we all like what we like. We all have preferences. That applies to worship style and preaching. Change those, and we can get upset about the adjustments.

But, is our determination to have it our way biblical? I would contend that it isn't. Our driving force in the church should be to fulfill the Great Commission - to share the Gospel with the entire world, including new and different generations of people. When we refuse the newer generations the opportunity to lead, worship and teach in the ways that speak to them, we are blocking them from fulfilling God's commands on their lives. We're also allowing our selfishness to get in the way.

Allow me one little side commentary that goes along with this point, and the one on lyrics. I've heard the complaint about repetitive lyrics, and how that is ungodly and sinful. Most times, those making that argument cite the biblical reference that speaks against repetitive prayers. And, these individuals take that truth and dovetail it into music. But, they are in error. Repetitive music, like praise and worship can be, if it has substance in it, can be very God honoring, and it most certainly isn't sinful. Folks that have issue with repetitive choruses will really have a problem with the scene in Heaven some day.

Okay, back on track. We need to be willing to sacrifice our personal preferences and ideas in the effort to draw the newer generations of believers into our churches, and to win them to Jesus.

5. Music and worship should be exciting.

Have you ever been in a church service where it felt as though you were walking through knee-deep mud just to get through a song? Few things are worse to sit through in church (and not God-honoring) than boring worship.

Jesus died on a cross. God brought Him back to life. Jesus went to Heaven, and will return again someday. That is EXCITING. Don't do these truths injustice by conducting lifeless worship.

Regardless of your music style, worship should be exciting. We're singing about the Risen Savior.

If your church is in a worship rut, something has to change. You might need a new worship pastor, new music, oxygen, ANYTHING. Worshipping God should invoke excitement in your congregation.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:26 that the purpose of a church service is to strengthen the believers. That includes the worship time.

Worship is designed to honor God. In return, God comes to those who worship Him. Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4, "But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way."

Sadly, I think we forget these facts, and the end result is something that's boring to both us and God. I know from experience that after sitting through a boring service, I don't feel strenthened, and I doubt God feels very honored.

Maybe, just maybe, what is needed is someone willing to be the odd ball - to refuse to allow the boring worship to continue - and to be excited as an individual in order to set the example for others.

Five Thoughts on Church Music - Part 2

Continuing with a few thoughts on church music....

3. Burn the Hymnbook

Okay, perhaps that's a little extreme, but I do want to draw your attention to something that is dying in a lot of churches - originality. And, I think the hymnbook is partly to blame.

Allow me to throw in the disclaimer that there isn't really anything wrong with hymnbooks. There are hundreds and thousands of great worship songs in them. But, if you know anything about the history of the songs in them, you would realize that many of those songs are outdated and somewhat irrelevant to today's world.

Starting around the time of our nation's birth, the first worship war, if we can call it that, began with the compositions of Isaac Watts. Isaac's songs were from the heart, spoke to the needs of the people in his day, and we still sing them today. But, after Isaac's generation of writers passed on, those songs gradually stopped speaking to people in the way they did Isaac's generation.

Why? Because the needs and culture changed.

This brought about another change in writing style in the 1800s, another in the early 1900s, and yet another in the late 1900s. Each of these time periods saw the rise of writers who composed music that spoke directly to the people in their churches. At first, their music was only locally supported, but time allowed for the music to spread.

Today, technology has allowed new music to spread through the church at a much quicker pace than Isaac Watts' or Fannie Crosby's writings ever did. New music can be recorded in one country, put on an album, or downloaded from the Internet, and incorporated into a church on the other side of the planet within a very short amount of time.

Australia's Hillsong Music is probably the best example of how technology has impacted church worship. In the early 1990s, Hillsong recorded "Shout To The Lord." It was still being introduced as a new worship song in some areas in the early 2000s. By contrast, their song "Mighty To Save" was released in September 2006. By the start of 2007, that song had been incorporated into many worship services in America, and has been covered by a couple of mainstream Christian artists.

Back to the hymnbook. In many ways it is a history book of worship music. It contains songs that have been handed down over the centuries from generation to generation. It is very good stuff. However, I believe that our modern-day reliance on the hymnbook, especially in traditional churches, has squelched the writing creativity in those churches that use them.

Think about it this way - Isaac Watts got his start writing music, because he was tired of the unorganized screeching that went on in the churches of his day. So, when he presented his pastor-father with his concerns, his dad challenged him to fix it by writing new songs for worship. And, that's just what he did.

Today, our churches need to encourage new compositions to offer praise to God in the language today's culture uses, and in ways that speak the hearts of today's Christian believers.

You have talented people in your congregations who likely have the gift of writing and composing. Let them loose to see what they come up with.

Five Thoughts on Church Music - Part 1

It amazes me how controversial this topic has become in our churches, but allow me to unpack five thoughts over the next few days regarding church music.

1. Surveys show that most people like good music.

Okay, there isn't actually any survey that says that, but judging by how society soaks in music, it's a pretty safe bet that most folks like music in one form or another. What's more is that I believe most people actually like good music.

I define good music as music that is performed well and has good lyrics. In my 17 year radio career, I have heard my share of bad performances and bad lyrics. Perhaps in your church you have heard similar, especially on the performance side. (More on lyrics in another point.)

Few things are worse in a church worship service than sitting through four or five minutes of someone screeching out a song about Jesus. Put someone on stage who cannot sing well, and you can bring the service to a halt, and not for good reasons.

Now, it's at this point that someone will note that God loves anyone who lifts a joyful noise in worship. That is true. God can move in the most adverse circumstances. But, why put up a wall where you don't need to have one?

Church leaders need to have the courage to tell people that their song (or their singing) doesn't match what the leadership is looking for. You can do this in very tactful and constructive ways, so you don't destroy someone. A friend who used to be the worship pastor at a local church had a requirement that anyone who wanted to sing a song needed to audition the song for approval. The church I attend auditions singers and musicians to be able to find the best. These are both great techniques to be sure you have good sounding worship.

An addtional thought here.... Anytime you have to tell someone they aren't good enough, have the courage to tell them why. Give some constructive criticism, and let them know how they can improve. Probably the best way to do this is by recording the audition, then going back through it with the singer, coaching them on how to improve. When a person can hear what you're saying, they will be more receptive.

So, what do you do if the talent pool is shallow in your church? Well, you make the most out of what you have. A lot of churches have the traditional "special" right before the preaching or during the offering. Maybe that needs to be eliminated. I don't know what will work for your situation, but the point is that you should be open to different approaches for special singing.

Ultimately, the worship team should do its best to honor the Almighty with the best they can offer.

2. Lyrics matter.

A few years ago I was introduced to a new song during a worship service that peaked my curiousity...and not in a good way. The praise team was covering a song by a well-known worship pastor.

There wasn't anything really wrong with the performance, but the lyrics can only be described as dreadfully thin. And, by thin I mean that there may have been, at most, a dozen words to the three minute song. You read that right. So, imagine in your mind these few words constantly being repeated for that length of time.

What made the song so terrible wasn't the repeated lyrics (more on this tomorrow). Instead, it was what the lyrics said ... absolutely nothing, or at least nothing the average person would understand. They were built around a Bible verse, but the wording was something that most people wouldn't get. The lyrics literally killed the song.

The songs you choose for church worship should say something. They should have some meaning. They should be something those singing can understand, they should make sense, and they should honor God.

Church Debt Revisited...Again

Last summer, I wrote here and here about the dangers of churches relying on debt to cover their ministry expenses and expansions, and why it is important for churches to operate debt free.

Earlier this month, Reuters posted this story noting that foreclosures on churches have tripled over the past couple of years. The article suggests that the majority of foreclosures are being caused by building loans that the churches can no longer afford.

If your church is in debt, no matter how great or small, I encourage you to pay it off as quickly as possible. It might be possible for you to do it now verses later should the recession worsen.

Oh, and I wouldn't buy into the notion that God will get you out of the debt troubles your church might be facing. The hundreds of congregations that have gone bankrupt or filed for foreclosure have experienced what God warns against. Proverbs 22:7b says "...the borrower is the slave of the lender."

God's instructions on debt and money are pretty clear. If at all possible, the church should not be using debt as the means to increase its territory.

Monday Ten

This Monday Ten is special, because:

1. It's my birthday. Birthday's are always a cause for celebration.

2. It's my dad's birthday, also. Who could've planned that...except an OB/GYN who was going on vacation. (re: induced)

3. Typically, we go to Incredible Pizza to celebrate birthdays. I wanted a change of pace, so I bought some season passes, and we went to Silver Dollar City yesterday.

4. We haven't had season passes to SDC for the entire family in quite some time. This should be a fun summer.

5. The weather for my birthday is awesome. I love spring.

6. My wife and kids have a birthday celebration planned today. All I know is that we're going to Macaroni Grill for dinner. This should be fun.

7. My wife asked me the other day if I wanted a clue about my gift or if I wanted it to be a surprise. I've figured out gifts in the past, and that doesn't leave much fun for opening the gift, so I told her to keep it a secret.

8. I found another reason to love Saturday night church at North Point Church: You can celebrate your birthday on Sunday when the crowds are lower.

9. Speaking of North Point, we hit a non-Easter attendance record this weekend with over 4,500 there over Saturday and Sunday. I'm excited to see what God will do next at our church.

10. And, the last reason this day is special: I'm giving away lots of prizes on my show, 12p-3p on KWFC, 89.1-FM.

Lasers For Easter

I had no part in the thought or planning process that brought about what happened at North Point Church on Easter. Therefore, I cannot tell you the inside reasoning on why a church would lure people to its Easter services with lasers and giveaways. What I can tell you is why it was a pretty good idea.

Here's the background. A few weeks ago, Pastor Tommy began hinting of a laser show for the Easter services. As the days drew closer, there was even talk of some big ticket giveaways, and cotton candy for the kids.

Minus the church, that sounds like a pretty good party. Add the church, and you have a recipe for evangelism.

My church will undoubtedly draw some criticism for its out-of-the-box Easter celebration. We did last year when the Easter service was built around a movie theme. So, it's a safe bet the critics will have something to say again.

I'll admit that my first reaction to hearing there would be a laser show was one of skepticism. After all, who ever heard of Easter being celebrated with lasers. But, the more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that the Church today could stand a healthy dose of out-of-the-box ideas.

You see, so often, we develop our church services and activities around people who already are in the church. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with doing stuff for the people in your congregation, but there is a nasty side-effect. Over time, the church becomes more of an insider's club where those already in the church know how everything is supposed to work, but newcomers don't have a chance of getting it. History has shown that once a church becomes a club, evangelism faulters.

To counter this tendency to focus inward, church leaders need to look for ways to get their congregations out of their comfort zones while also attracting people who don't attend church. For North Point, this meant lasers, giveaways and cotton candy for Easter.

Now, I would imagine that NPC will also draw complaints that the lasers, lights and live band are more entertainment than they are spiritual. (Side issue: What are cantatas? Nothing more than entertainment designed to attract a crowd. Nothing wrong with it, but let's not get overly critical of having entertaining services.) If that's your argument, I'd caution you to be careful.

• David danced before the Lord to the point that his clothing was falling off. Michal didn't think that was very spiritual.
• Everything Jesus did was outside the norm for the religious crowd. People flocked to Him to see the show and hear his teaching. Jealous, religious people killed Him.
• If that's not enough for you, Revelation 19 suggests that what will be going on in Heaven will make Easter lasers seem like dim flashlights.

The point isn't to do a cool show for entertainment sake. Lasers, giveaways and candy were tools used to evangelize. They were used to get people to come who normally wouldn't set foot inside a church. In the end, NPC doubled its regular attendance over seven services on Saturday and Sunday. And, more importantly, 165 people made decisions for Christ.

Now, if you're still skeptical of lasers for Easter, ask those 165 who are now committed to Jesus whether it was worth it. They will be part of that Revelation 19 crowd one day, and for some of them, it was the lure of something out-of-the-box that got them to hear a message about Jesus.

Monday Ten

1. Last week was very amazing - from start to finish.

2. It started with a two day fundraiser at the radio station. Each year God amazes us in new and unique ways. This year, the pledges were slow in coming in until a local businessman challenged listeners. The end result was 90 minutes and $18,000+. That's never happened before. Way to go God!

3. I always look forward to Easter weekend. We had a wonderful Easter weekend. One of the best.

4. We had an Easter egg hunt and egg coloring for the boys on Sunday. They had a blast.

5. Easter services at North Point Church were the most amazing I have been a part of. 8,433 people attended seven services (three on Saturday & four on Sunday). 150 people made decisions for Jesus. WAY TO GO GOD!

6. The 4th & 5th graders at church kicked off a new program called Zone 45. It will help them feel older and help their transition into the middle school classes.

7. We had lasers, dancers and giveaways in the services. I'll write more on this during the week, and tell why this non-traditional method of reaching people works.

8. KWFC marks 41 years this Friday with a special, free concert. Visit kwfc.org to learn more.

9. Summer is coming. The Royals and Cardinals kicked off their seasons today. I love baseball!

10. I turn 36 one week from today. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe I'll go to Silver Dollar City instead.