the broken whole

I love lists. I don’t know why…but I do. Recently I ran across a blog entry by Craig Groeschel of lifechurch.tv. When he turned 40 he wrote several blog entries detailing 40 things he wishes someone told him when he was 20. He continues by saying that someone probably told him, but he wasn’t paying attention.

There are some good things here. I think the entries were written largely for pastors, but the thoughts are transferrable to all.

1. Life is short. Make every day count for God’s glory.
2. Life is short. Don’t take it too seriously.
3. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
4. Jesus cares more about the church than you do.
5. You can’t please everyone…so why try?
6. People will criticize you. Quit whining. Get used to it.
7. Three months from now, you won’t even remember most of the things that are bothering you today.
8. You can’t do it all. Stop trying.
9. God called you because He is good, not because you are.
10. If you blame yourself for the bad results in ministry, you’ll likely also take credit for the good results.
11. Become close friends with other pastors in your town (as many as you can).
12. Your kids will be grown before you know it. Don’t sacrifice them on the altar of ministry.
13. Your ministry isn’t your god. God is your God.
14. You know how to give and how to minister to others. If you don’t learn how to receive, you’ll burn out and/or die.
15. Studying for sermons doesn’t replace your personal time with God and in His word.
16. Err on the side of generosity.
17. Believe in people that others overlook.
18. If you’re going to reach people that others aren’t, you’ll have to do things that others won’t.
19. Your integrity matters more than you can imagine.
20. Hire staff members that you like.
21. When you have a tough decision to make, but you know it’s right, make it immediately. (Like pulling off a Band-Aid: do it fast, and all at once.)
22. Hire slowly. Fire quickly.
23. You can’t change people. Only God can.
24. Don’t criticize others’ ministries. Yours isn’t nearly as perfect as you think it is.
25. Take care of yourself. Eat right. Rest. Exercise. Take time off. No one else can do that for you.
26. If you don’t take much time off, it’s because you’re proud, and you think you’re more necessary than you really are.
27. Don’t just delegate responsibility. Delegate authority.
28. Laugh frequently.
29. People will leave your church. People you love and trust will leave your church. Don’t take it personally.
30. When you suffer and hurt because of ministry, worship Jesus all the more
31. Talk about Jesus every time you preach.
32. Be careful what you say. You’re being watched (and recorded).
33. Don’t return emails when you’re angry.
34. Check to make sure your microphone is turned off before you use the bathroom. Double-check.
35. Check to make sure your zipper is zipped every time before you preach. Double-check.
36. Love your wife more than you love the church. The church is Jesus’ bride, not yours.
37. Always be caught speaking well of others.
38. Compliment, encourage, and build up your staff and volunteers.
39. Hand write thank you notes.
40. Smile and look people in the eyes when you talk to them.
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Do you agree with the entries? Do you resonate with many of the thoughts? What do you think?

First off…MAGI…what’s up with that? Who are they…what are they…where did they come from? We’re aren’t really told much. We do know they were from the far east…very far east. Probably followers of another god or gods. Perhaps followers of a philosophy more than a religion. We do know however, when they saw a sign from God…they followed. They were given an incredible invitation. They were invited to come worship and enjoy the newborn King…God in the flesh. Instead of sending an RSVP…they simply came.

What about the people next door? We’re told (in scripture) that by the time the Magi get to Jesus, He is nearly two years old. What about the people who lived next door and in the cities right around where He lived? Why didn’t they come?

Let’s not forget…the invitation was a star in the sky. This wasn’t a black-tie event with an exclusive star-studded invite list. This invitation was to all…come and worship the King!

Those furthest from God were the only one’s to respond. Not the “religious elite.” Not the next-door neighbors. No one. Proximity to God doesn’t necessarily equate to relationship with Him. In addition, if we don’t look for God all around us, chances are we’ll probably miss Him.

What things are we missing? What signs has He shown us? Who around us is in need that we have neglected? Signs and invitations are always different, but they are always present. May we open our eyes.

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I’m officially old!

Ava just recently had her first birthday. It was so much fun. Aside from the fact that I can’t believe I’m the dad to a one year old…it was a blast.

She loved her cupcake and ice cream. Our house is now full of new toys…which will have to make way soon for Christmas toys.

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Ava, I love you so much. You are such a sweet little girl. May God keep you healthy and strong. May you see how beautiful you are to God. I pray that you will open up your life to all God has for you and that you’ll your life will produce love, hope, & art.
~ Daddy

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Halloween is such a cool event in our neighborhood. Everyone dresses up and the sidewalks are full!

Last year we were hoping Ava would come in time for the fun. But, we sat by ourselves handing out candy as we waited. But, this year she was able to get on the activities. She was so cute (and I don’t even like to use the word “cute.”

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While giving my message this past Sunday during our worship gathering, I realized that I forgot to write out a quote I meant to use. Graceful as my team always is, they forgave me. But asked that I post the quote on my blog. So, here it is. We were discussing what it means to be whole.

“When the Lord divided Canaan among the tribes of Israel, Levi received no share of the land. God said to him simply, ‘I am thy part and thine inheritance,’ and by those words made him richer than all his brethren, richer than all the kings and rajas who have ever lived in the world…The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever.�
-A.W. Tozer (The Pursuit of God)

WOW! What a title, huh? Maybe it should read: Adventures in Missing the Point. Yeah…that’s more like it.

At Mosaic in Terre Haute, we are doing a series on common spiritual misconceptions. Below are the myths we are working through:

> The Church and the World: Us vs. Them - No…us for them.
> Church is about money: No…church is about the poor.
> The Christian life is about eliminating sin: No…it’s about action, love, service.
> God is with the Religious Elite: No…God is with the broken.
> God can be figured out: No…God is BIG! We journey with Him and learn as we go.

So…what do you think? Where did these myths arise? How can they be overcome? Is it important to dispell them? What are some myths you are working through?

Leave us your thoughts. We’d love to discuss this with you. Blessings,

Chad & the Mosaic Terre Haute team

Hey guys,

Sorry for the delay in posts. I have so much in my head…but not processed enough to post it. However, I ran across this video recently and it hit home. Lately I’ve been doing some thinking (I know…dangerous). I’m really searching for a few really important things. Those being: to find God’s heart and walk as close to it as I possibly can and how to help my family walk by His side as well. Now, this is just as much about volition as it is about character. Secondly, I want to unleash as many hearts as possible…the hurting, those in poverty, those searching for God.

Anyway…I ran across this video of Bono and I was really challenged and encouraged with his passionate thoughts and actions. Click on the link below to watch the video.

::BONO::

Chad

This was movie weekend in the Lunsford house. Fires in the fireplace, popcorn, and great flicks were on the menu. We watched a couple great movies and were taken in by the Oscar buzz.

::Oscar’s first…

As we were watching the awards ceremony, I told Katie how angry I was with myself for not doing more creative things with my life. I always dream of doing these things, but never do. Perhaps doing more with photography, writing a story, developing a short video, learning a new instrument…etc. I’m marking a line in the sand…here and now…I must give time for creativity, or I’ll bust. Katie was inspired to start looking at ways to help others. There were so many films highlighted last night that dealt with world needs and crisis. She was compelled to learn more about global needs and find a way to be a part of the solution.

::Now, for the films…

We first watched “Little Miss Sunshine.” What a great movie! Let my disclaimer be said…the language is foul. However, the acting and writing were memorable. Very inspiring, very challenging, one that will stick. Not to mention…I couldn’t stop laughing during the whole movie!

Later we watched “World Trade Center.” I think this has been out for a while, but we never had a chance to watch it. I cannot believe what these guys went through. I was surprised at how quickly I had forgotten about the feelings I had on 9/11 and the days that followed. I had forgotten how much Americans rallied together and how triupmphant the human spirit could be. If you need to be reminded how important it is to live everyday to the fullest, to love fiercely, to give of yourself generously…grab this movie.

What about you? What has inspired you lately? Have you seen these movies…what did you think? What have you seen lately?

Last week their was a rumbling in Central Florida as many leaders from around the globe converged to make up Humana 2.0. Humana was a conference led by Alex McManus and other great leaders, professors, and pastors from various ministry settings.

I always love hearing what the McManus brothers have to say. They look at God with fresh, unaffected eyes. Their passion for mission and the permission they give leaders to run are unparalleled. Leaders from Canada, Germany, England, and the US (to name a few) converged and discussed how God is using them and their teams to make an impact. Each had a different story, with a different strategy, in a unique context. This was not a one size fits all conference. This was a “listen to God, follow your dreams, and reach out around you” conference.

Unfortunately, I was careless at the airport when we landed in Orlando, and thus I received a bone contusion on my right hand. Stuck in a splint for the duration of the conference, I was unable to take notes… and thus, the quotes below are sometimes paraphrases of the sessions. So, allow me a little liberty. But, below are some great thoughts speakers gave us, along with some personal commentary on them.

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01. The highlight of the trip was Katie and I getting to hang out with Alex and many others at the Vox World Music Jam on Saturday night at the “House Blend Cafe” (houseblendcafe.com ~ Ocoee, FL).

02. Alex: “Innovation is always de-synchronized with the perceived present.”

::This makes perfect sense, but so many of us are afraid or hindered from doing things “differently.” Why? Because it’s never been done before? It might shake up the system? Because you don’t have the permission? Difficult steps may have to be taken…but you always have the permission.::

03. Alex: “What are you doing that requires an explanation?”

::This was based on Peter’s explanation (Acts 11) for reaching out to Cornelius and gentiles. Sometimes, God doesn’t make sense. Often, God doesn’t make sense. But, why does this shake us up so much? Everything we’ve ever known about God is outside of the rational. We are so desperate for the box and fitting everything into it, that we try to put God there too. Sometimes God will call you to do things that don’t make sense. But, take heart, He rarely does. And this is more than ok with me. If God makes sense to me, He’s not much of a god. Maybe it’s time we embrace more the idea of entering the Kingdom of God “like a child.” A little naive. Full of faith. Giving it our all.::

04. Gerardo Marti: “It’s not how many people you welcome in to your home. It’s how many people welcome you into their home. Are you the kind of person others would welcome in?”

05. David Arcos: At Mosaic (LA), “We create art because it’s a matter of life and death.”

::David, the creative arts director at Mosaic in L.A., was stating how important art is to their church community. In essence, they create art because it’s what helps lead their friends to Christ. It’s not about being cool or hip…it’s about people seeing Jesus.

06. Dean Sharp: “We, those of us up here on stage, we are a bunch of failures. And that’s ok.”

::Dean (dean.voxtropolis.com) was pointing to fellow “Makers of Fire” who were joining him on stage for a breakout session. He was referring to the numerous times that they had all tried new things in ministry and the many times they failed. But, that there were also times that they succeeded. And those times of success happend because of the experimenting and innovation they were willing to work out. Essentially, failure will happen. But keep innovating.

07. Thorsten Moritz: “Depart from the center…the synagogue. Decentralize and be where the people are…We are God’s people in the world.”

::Thorsten walked us through how the Christ Event fulfilled the law and therefore we were not bound to it or to the centralized form of spiritual government being formed. We, those in Christ, are God’s people in the world. We are the priesthood of all believers. Where we are, God is there.::

08. Erwin: “A church can be successful and have no effect in the world.”

09. Erwin: “Stop responding and create. Decide what gets engaged by the world.”

10. Erwin: “I want to live my life on behalf of someone nobody cares about.”

11. Erwin: “Create environments where people who are seeking God can interact with people who are seeking God and know Him.”

-I loved this quote. Too often, in Christianity, we try to tell everyone how much we know and try to act like we’ve arrived. Let’s just admit it…rather, let’s embrace it…WE’RE ALL SEEKERS. We’re all seeking God. We all want to know Him more deeply and more profoundly. That’s healthy.

“To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.” -AW Tozer

Thoughts?

Whoever wrote the song “Back Home Again In Indiana” obviously went south for the winter. After spending some time in central Florida, we are a little shocked by the chill, freezing rain, and snow. Katie, Ava, and I visited Alex McManus, Erwin McManus, and other leaders from around the world for Humana 2.0, a international convergence of makers of fire. It was time well spent.

It’s good to be home in our bed in our home with home-cooked food. But, I miss the sun. We’ll have some pics up soon. We’ll spread the sun for the rest of you joining us in the cold and clouds