Brett Favre and Preachers...

A lot of people make demonizing comments about Brett Favre. Many criticize him for being a media hound or loving the limelight. People often say that Favre just doesn't know when to walk away. I think I get it! I think that Favre has something on the inside that drives him. He has some sort of internal drive that tells him that he must be on that field on Sunday taking snaps and completing passes for touchdowns. For Favre it isn't about the money, the success or the limelight. For Favre it is about the moment.

I am not saying that Favre's internal drive is the same unique call that a preacher has, but I think there are some similarities that help understand his past decisions.

A man that has been called to preach doesn't do so for the money, the fame, the success or the limelight. He does so because there is a God given internal drive that tells him that his mission is to open the Bible, study it, and then share with other humans that are on a divine pilgrimage. He preaches to convey truth, lift up Jesus, and because He must! It isn't something he chose, but something that God chose for him. In Book of Jeremiah, God says that He knew Jeremiah before He formed Him in his mother's womb. And, God says he consecrated him a prophet unto the nations. This means that Jeremiah, just as preachers today, have a call upon their lives that is from God! In other words, men preach because God told them to!

So you can continue to be critical of Favre if you like. But, strive to understand that the preacher is preaching out of a compulsion from God.

I have no greater struggle in my life that the balance between ministry, mission, and preaching. I have been in full-time ministry for over 11 years. I have about 1/2 of this experience in the local church and 1/2 of it in chaplaincy. I enjoy serving as a chaplain and know I am making a difference in the lives of people. However, there is always a deep and frustrating struggle when I am not preaching every Sunday. People who don't have the unique call to preach simply say - you get to preach once a month you should be happy! But, those that have the unique call fully understand. It is more than an opportunity - it is a spiritual burden.

So, even though I think Favre has been a bit flippant I empathize with him. He desires to be the one taking the snap and throwing the winning pass. The preacher desires to stand behind the sacred desk, open the Bible, and preach truth to sinners and saints. He desires to proclaim truth into the darkness and see the power of the Holy Spirit change lives forever. He desires to see men and women mature in their faith. He desires nothing more than - to preach!

You're Fired!

I have often said that college football coaches and pastors have a lot in common. It is funny when a pastor or a college coach is talking to another potential employer they must sort of hide the fact they are doing so. Additionally, when things aren't going right in the program the trustees or boosters can decide the coach just isn't the right fit. When things appear to be going wrong in the church a "board" of deacons or a personnel committee simply decides that the pastor is the "wrong fit" for the setting or for a specific congregation. In fact, I read that 34% all pastors serve congregations that fired their previous pastor or actively forced his resignation. Sadly, 23% of all current pastors have experienced forced termination.

I am getting sick of hearing about pastors being fired! I believe that I now know about 9 individuals that have been terminated from their ministry positions.

I realize that every minister isn't perfect. Don't get me wrong there are reasons to terminate pastors. I see the teaching of heretical doctrine, and illegal and immoral actions as clear grounds for dismissal. But, bad people skills, bad preaching, and poor leadership skills doesn't constitute putting a minister in the street.

I believe churches have been wrongly led into believing that they are a business rather than a Kingdom Institution. Therefore, if we can just get the right business leader with all the right talents then we will be successful. If it were only that easy!

Therefore, a lot of good men have been forced out because they didn't fit the mold.

I understand there are bad matches. But, this epidemic must stop. These terminations are destroying families and ministries. I am not an advocate of blaming everything on the devil. But, I can clearly see how the devil uses these opportunities to shift the focus off the Gospel and on to gossip. For example, rather than going through the process of mediation, reconciliation or conflict management - a church (or a select group of members) elect to terminate. The church then must go through the process of healing and searching for a new leader. This entire process shifts the focus of the church away from the Gospel. I wonder if pastors and congregations were in a partnership together attempting to advance the gospel if there would be so many forced terminations?

A journey...

WOW! It has been a minute since I have posted on my blog. I am feeling the deep need to reflect - so here goes. I sort of hate to reflect on some issues and allow the world to watch and listen. However, I do believe that my struggles aren't particular to myself. Therefore, they may help others.

First, I have been reflecting a lot upon my "call." I am reading a book entitled 45 Days To the Work You Love. This book has really prodded me towards the intense and often asked question about my existence. I have found the book so amazing that I have already given away three copies. "To Glorify God through the making and maturing of believers through the preaching of God's Word." I have been reflecting on this motto and mission a lot. Accomplishing it or not? Sensitive enough to it or not? Willing to sacrifice for it or not? Willing to make it central and paramount in my life?

Second, I have begun implementing an intentional plan to sand down some rough edges. I have realized that unless I have some pointed assistance in my life I will never accomplish the things God has established for me to tackle. Therefore, I have found a mentor. This is something I have resisted. I think my youthful enthusiasm had me fooled into believing that I didn't need any pinpoint guidance. Second, I have started reading in some subjects that I have neglected for many years. One of the these subjects is leadership. Since my experience in the U. S. Army I have believed that leaders are not constructed and developed, but instead born. This led to this wrong conclusion because I saw so many "great" leaders that seemed to simply be born to do so, and so many "bad" leaders that seemed to be beyond help. Therefore, I have simply neglected trying to become a better leader. I assumed I either had it or didn't. After investigating my own life and asking my wife and close friends what would make me a better minister and pastor I have been led to work on the following: resolve and leadership. By the way, their answers were painful, but worth every minute of discussion. I guess I should ask those that represent my former ministry position. I did inquire with one former church member. His answer is appreciated and will be taken under advisement. Third, I continue to work on a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in nonprofit management. These studies are helping me with strategy, leadership, and are making me a more effective public servant in my current ministry setting.

Why am I sharing all this with you? That is a valid and appropriate question. First, I want people to understand that you must continue to work on yourself. We all need to be better husbands, wives, moms, dads, co-Workers, and Kingdom Citizens. I think too often we feel like a ship that has been set out to sea and we are drifting upon uncharted waters. Often we need to pull out the map, observe the situation, and ensure we are "drifting" in the proper direction. Don't simply go through life without examining it and yourself. Second, I hope this prods you to simply THINK! Think about your existence, your place and role in and for the Kingdom, and how you can bring Glory to God through your passions.

My life has been dramatically challenged in the last couple of months. Over the last 4 months I have questioned the very purpose of the last 14 years. I have allowed "people and things" to creep into sacred places in my life and challenge my God given passions. I have allowed circumstances to overshadow my supernatural calling and equipping. The cloud of uncertainty is lifting. Passions are being restored! Purposes are being renewed! God is blessing regardless of perception! I am on the journey again!

Crossroads or stop signs...

Recently I have been thinking a lot about the past. Shana can tell you this is normally not a healthy thing for me. But, I think I have a much healthier perspective about the past than I use to have. Often in my life I have said I was approaching a crossroads. Crossroads are like Y's. There are several choices that include sitting there and doing nothing, pick a direction, and going backwards. We often use the idea of crossroads because it seems so "cataclysmic." It seems so pivotal to say, I am at a crossroads. Or, this church or that church is approaching a crossroads or critical moment. I guess it just sounds good.

I know I have been through some crossroads. I have been through a few decision moments and I knew that whatever I decided was going to change my life forever. I am understanding what a crossroads in your life really looks like!

But, the point of my writing is to let you know that the decision that is just beyond the horizon isn't always a crossroads. As we approach them we know that a decision is very near. We think they are crossroads. However, after we have passed through the moment and are on the journey again we realize that the decision point we were at was more like a stop sign than a crossroads.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

The point is very simple: we are on a journey! This journey is with the Father, Son and Spirit. Many decisions are going to be crucial. But, approach them with God's help and with a prayer for wisdom and guidance. God already knows the plans He has for you and I. Our concentration must be on seeking the will of God in each situation. It doesn't matter if it is a crossroads, a Y, a stop sign, or yield sign. Follow Jesus and know that God's plans for you are good because they are from Him. He is perfect!

God's Love for a Prostitute

Hebrews 11:30-31 says, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute received the spies in peace and didn't perish with those who disobeyed."

In Joshua chapter 2 we find the amazing story of the spies being sent to Jericho to scout out the city for Joshua.

Did Joshua really need this report? God had already given Israel the land. Joshua 1:2 says, "Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites." What compelled Joshua to send these spies?

We can be confident that God called Joshua to send the spies and that Joshua listened and obeyed. But, there is much more to the story than that. Too often we look at this passage and are led to ask the question, "is lying on God's behalf right?" The heart of this passage says something completely different! The heart of this passage is that a loving God sent two men into enemy territory to provide provisions for the deliverance and protection of Rahab and her family. What an amazing demonstration of God's sovereignty!

The point is clear: God knows where the faithful exist! God is sovereign and will ensure that His children are redeemed! God will go to great measures to put things on the hearts of his people even though they have no idea how the puzzle fits together. It wasn't revealed to Joshua that Rahab would be awaiting those he was sending. It wasn't revealed to the two spies that Rahab's deliverance depended on their going to Jericho. What is clear - God was in control of the situation the entire time. He knew where she was, what she believed and who she belonged to.

Lesson for you: God knows! God knows what is in your heart. The Father knows your concerns, the desires of your heart, your struggles and your hurts. God is still in control. He is bigger than everything. God can love and redeem anyone - even a prostitute. He is a loving God. Trust Him and allow Him to show up in your life. He is faithful! He is calling us to be faithful believers and followers.

Frustration and the SBC!

Well my frustration has officially reached a point that I must say a few things about the events that are going on in the SBC. I am a "young leader." I am a 34 year-old pastor. I am a graduate of the Baptist College of Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). I am working towards my Doctorate of Ministry at NOBTS. My entire SBC education has had 1 underlying theme: SUPPORT THE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM!

Currently my church supports the Cooperative Program (CP) by giving 10%. I must say that as a "young leader" - I have a few concerns about what is going on with the SBC.

Clearly - I have no intentions of leaving the SBC. But, I must ask some tough questions. I fully support and appreciate the Great Commission Resurgence (GCR) Taskforce. I respect the task force that has been given the charge of looking at some very challenging issues.

But, after reading this article http://www.arkansasbaptist.org/current_news/?id=734 I am concerned with the perception that you can't judge a church's commitment to the Great Commission (GC) by observing how much they give to the CP. I agree with this statement. But, you can judge a church's commitment to the SBC by their commitment to the CP.

Tragically I am led to this question - what would happen if ALL churches in the SBC voted to lower their CP giving to 2.5 or 3.5 percent? One answer - the SBC would see some real restructuring.

I am also led to this question. Why are so many people that give so little of their undesignated budgets to the CP in a place of leadership to help propose changes to the SBC? I know that is a tough question. It is a question that some of my friends and peers don't want to ask. And, they don't want others asking that question.

When I was a chaplain in the U. S. Army one of my supervisors gave me some great advice. Chaplain Walker said, Mullis - Don't drink the Kool-Aid. I am not comparing these great men and women leading this task force to Jim Jones. But, I do believe that we must look at the facts. We must carry things out to a logical conclusion. We must ask the question - where is the SBC really headed? What is the future of the CP? Should our churches follow the leadership of those on this task force and reduce our CP giving? I am just sayin'!!

Push out into the deep

Luke 5:4 has always been a verse that the Holy Spirit has used to nudge me to considering things that are outside of my comfort zone. I still remember the first time I read this verse and was consumed with the idea of "pushing out into the deep-waters." I understand the passage is about pushing out into the deep and catching fish. Jesus shows soon to be disciples the harvest He can bring in the natural world as an example of the harvest He can bring to them serving as "fishers of men."

One of the principles found in this passage is that we must be willing to be followers that will push out into the deep while expecting God's rich blessings. Too often, we toil in very close proximity to the bank. However, God is calling us to go deep in various ways.

"Push Out Into the Deep"

That is what I have challenged FBCE to do this coming church year. But, I realize that many read this that aren't associated with FBCE. Therefore, I challenge you as well - Push Out Into the Deep.

Push out in your intake of God's Word, push out in your giving, push out in your going, push out in prayer life, and push out in your faith. I am convinced that God wants to bring renewal to His people and His church. If we are willing to "push out into the deep" God will bring a tremendous blessing. If you read the passage you will see that their nets were full of fish. In fact, they had to call in reinforcements to harvest all the fish that day! There were so many fish that the boats began to sink.

This rich harvest was only possible because these men followed the words of Jesus. He told them to let down their nets. First, they explained to Jesus that they had been fishing all night long. Sounds like us - try to explain to God things He already knows. Simon finally responds by saying, "but at your words, I'll let down the nets." When called to push out into deep-waters our responses must not include excuses. Instead our responses must be: Jesus, at your command we follow.

If you are willing to get out in the deep waters with God - He will meet you in a spectacular way! You want renewal, you want revival - push out into the deep!