Been Reed - Life and Theology. The musings of a young pastor.

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Larry Osborne, Missional Communities, RightNow 2010

November 10, 2010 / Ben Reed / 9 Comments

Missional communities

*Larry Osborne is pastor at North Coast Church. He kicked off the RightNow Conference.

North Coast is strictly a word-of-mouth church. They don’t do marketing. And the principles they used when they were 180 people are the same that they use now. So their growth strategy can work no matter your size. But you have to figure out what God’s calling you to do in your context.

North Coast is believer-targeted and seeker sensitive. 100% of things they do are aimed at Christians, but presented in a way that unbelievers can understand it. In preaching, don’t take so long explaining the back stories of Scripture that Christians tune out, but give enough background that the one who doesn’t know anything about the Bible can follow along.

“Excellent” works in a dechurched environment. And it worked for a long time in the church. Making things HD, pristine, and “perfect” looks great, but what this culture is longing for is authenticity and “the Bono factor.” Their question is, “What are you doing for someone else?”

Real “church” happens in stealth communities (smaller hubs of people on mission), but big events have merit, too. North Coast does these multiple times/year. But this has to be balanced with the consistency in small groups. Only somebody with the gifts of helps or mercy gets motivated in the big missional events. During a 48 hour time period, they had 5500 people doing 92 service projects on 56 sites. The coverage that this got on the news gave legitimacy to those people who had been striving on a personal level to be on mission.

The very first weekend of service, Luke 10:1-20

Before we organize people into large events…or encourage small, “stealth” mission, here are some principles to keep in mind.

Before they went out to serve, Jesus thinned out the herd. If we’re going to meet needs and spread the Truth of the Gospel, the herd may need to be thinned. Not just grab everybody that can help.
They were sent out not just to do good deeds. Heal the sick…and share the Good News. Jesus doesn’t just preach…he helps people’s physical needs, and works to earn the right to be heard.
They were sent out as Jesus’ advance team.
They focused on those who were open to their message. The disciples went to hard places…and stayed in open places. Places that were open to hearing the Gospel. We have to realize that all needs can’t be met. *When the door’s open…stay there!
Poverty, injustice, and disease, as condemnable as they are, and as much as Jesus has come to deliver us from them, are not life’s biggest problem.

Tips to mobilizing small groups to be on mission

What is our purpose, and how will we measure success? We often don’t step back to determine if we’re actually having any success! We need to find a way to measure success.
How can we make this a great experience for everyone? We may teach theology of the body of Christ, but when it comes to practically working it out, we’re not so good at it. We have to understand that the body of Christ really has different people in it, with different callings and gifts, and help them be a better them. We don’t need to make people into someone they’re not. And don’t be afraid helping somebody gracefully step out of a position that’s not a good fit.
How can we institutionalize good intentions? Don’t tell small groups, “Once/year, your group needs to do a service project.” Most people will be all for it, but have no clue where to go. The leadership needs to ask consistently what the group’s service project will be. North Coast puts together a list of events that will be good areas of service. Because good intentions get pushed to the waylaid.
Something to consider is the idea of “going it alone.” When North Coast does the big events with other churches, it often ends up with people not knowing where to go the next Sunday morning. So their answer was to help other churches do this on their own. They train and equip other church leaders to do the work…and so that they can brand it for themselves.
Institute layers of community service. Big events…special events…weekly events.
Don’t rip on the rich. Luke 8:1-3…Jesus and his disciples were supported by a group of rich women. The apostle Paul’s ministry was supported by wealthy individuals. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – teach them not to be arrogant, not to trust in it, and teach them to be generous. He didn’t tell them to sell it all. The rich aren’t our enemies. And God’s not calling everybody to do and be the same thing.

The Church has left the building.

RightNow Conference

Check out this promo video from Max Lucado:

Are you going to the RightNow Conference?

If so, I look forward to seeing you there!

What do you wear to church on Sundays?

November 4, 2010 / Ben Reed / 17 Comments

(photo by Gail Mooney)

What do you wear to Sunday morning worship?

a) My “Sunday best.” Suit and tie for the guys, dressy dress for the ladies.

b) Business casual. Looking nice, but not necessarily a tie or a dress. Probably khakis and a button-down for the guys…slacks or a skirt for the ladies. It’s all got to be ironed.

c) Casual. T-shirt and jeans for the guys. Maybe even slipping in some flip-flops occasionally. Jeans and a nice shirt for the ladies. Ironed…most of the time.

d) Less-than-casual. Hawaiian shirts and cut-off shorts for the guys. Shorts and a t-shirt for the ladies.

e) WYSIWYG. What You See Is What You Get. Roll out of bed, find something clean. If you can’t find anything clean, then the closest thing on the floor will do. Ironing is out of the question. The only way it seems ironed is because it’s laid at the bottom of the pile of clothes on the floor.

Does the way you dress on Sunday mornings even matter?

Should we be concerned in the least with Sunday morning attire?

The Linchpin

November 4, 2010 / Ben Reed / 7 Comments

My pastor, Ron Edmondson, often says that we as a church staff need to be at the point where, if any of our staff members disappeared tomorrow, we could carry on without missing a beat. I’ve heard him say that a lot, and I almost saw it put into practice in my own life just a few months ago.

I was stuck in London because of a volcano.

I put that sentence in there twice so you would know it wasn’t a typo. I mentioned it in my post HERE, and you can read the Guardian’s article HERE. Welcome to my life.

Based on my original flight schedule, I was planning on being back ~a week earlier than our upcoming small group launch, but this volcano was threatening my on-time arrival. Needless to say, I was a little concerned. About as concerned as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs (as we say in the South).

I was talking back and forth with our staff, updating them on our lack of progress, and beginning to think about the possibility of pushing back our small groups launch. Then Ron dropped this bomb in my lap via email:

I hate that you can’t be there, but we have to be prepared enough that we don’t revolve around one of us being there or not being there. Something could always happen like this and the ministry must go on… There are some things just out of our control.

Basically, what I heard was, “You’re dispensable.” Mark my words: our staff could’ve pulled this event off, and it would’ve been awesome. I have no doubt. But hearing that was difficult. Why?

Not because I want to be important, or need to feel powerful. Or because I’m narcissistic and think that the ministry has to revolve around me, and I have to be in the spotlight. Honestly, I’m not a spotlight guy…I’m content spending my hours in the background. But here’s why it bothered me:

I want to be a linchpin.

A linchpin* is a fastener that secures the add-on at the business end of a tractor. It’s a small piece, but without it, you can’t do much with your tractor, and your tools will continually fall off. It’s an irreplaceable piece of equipment that allows more work to be done more efficiently.

And that’s what I’m working to do in my current position at Grace Community Church.

I want to be doing meaningful, Kingdom-building work in a way that fits my gifting…with all of my might. I want to innovate, create, encourage, and train in such a way that, if I disappeared tomorrow, it would be noticed. And I say that with every ounce of humility I can muster. I want to become indispensable.

I feel that if I’m not working to become indispensable, I’m not serving the Church well. I’m just doing a job, punching the clock, and doing mediocre work. My good friend Matt Harmer rightly warns that

Being average is contagious.

I just can’t see how God is pleased with mediocre, half-hearted work.

And I’m convinced that if you’re not working to become a linchpin, you need to start working differently. Or find a new job.

Ever been caught in the trap of mediocre work?

Is God ever pleased with half-hearted mediocrity?

*I read Seth Godin’s Linchpin when it was released earlier this year, so I don’t claim creative rights to this idea…though the story is most definitely mine.

The new NIV

November 1, 2010 / Ben Reed / 4 Comments

I was never comfortable with the gender-inclusive TNIV (Today’s New International Version), but I’ve been a fan of the original NIV (New International Version) for some time now. I’m eager to get a copy of this new translation. Thought you might enjoy this short video from Doug Moo, chair on the committee of Bible Translation, explaining the heart behind the new translation, the NIV 2011. You can read the press release HERE.

(HT: Denny Burke)

Christian “alternatives”

November 1, 2010 / Ben Reed / 14 Comments

Sue, talking with Reverend Tim Tom: “You know who else hit a rough patch? Jesus. He was dead.”

I recently watched the Halloween episode of ABC’s The Middle. The show’s not my favorite, but I loved this episode. One part made me laugh harder than I’ve laughed in a long time. My favorite quote was from Frankie, played by Patricia Heaton.

Whenever there’s an exciting event for kids, the church offers an…alternative.

The shot moves to a group of teens, standing around an empty room, ringing in the new year…at 8:00 pm.

Ever been a part of a Christian “alternative”?

Like maybe a “Souper Bowl” or a “5th Quarter?” Maybe a New Year’s Eve celebration that included praying in the new year instead of kissing the one you love?

How about an alternative Halloween party? I have.

I remember when I was a kid going to the church gym to do a Halloween alternative. I know that all of the parents involved (including mine) were well-meaning. But…here’s what happened. In one corner, you got to fill out a maze. If you completed it, you got a piece of candy! A fruit-flavored Tootsie Roll. In another corner, you tossed bean bags (imprinted with a cross, no doubt) onto the board, and if you made it in the hole, you got another piece of candy!! In another corner, if you wrote out your testimony, you got two pieces of candy.

Is it healthy for the Church to offer alternatives for these holidays?

Or is it healthier for the Church to equip her people to be salt and light in their community?

I believe that it’s more effective, and God-honoring, to free people up to be a vital part of their community. Church leaders can sometimes get into the mode of thinking that offering more and more options for people to come back to the church building is the best way to control equip people to become growing followers of Christ. This line of thinking forgets that the more and more that people come to the church building, the less and less they can invest in their neighborhood. In effect, the church can tear people out of the communities that God has placed them in.

What’s your best memory from a Christian “alternative”?

Does your church offer alternatives? Is that the best way to reach your community?

Healthy Accountability

October 28, 2010 / Ben Reed / 10 Comments

(graphic by Kyle Key)

Is it healthier to…

1. Be regularly accountable to someone who is like you, who struggles with some of the same things you struggle with, and who knows exactly where you are coming from (because he or she has been, and maybe even still is, there)?

2. Be regularly accountable to someone who is not like you, struggles with things you do not struggle with, and has no issue with the thing(s) that easily entice you?

3. Be regularly accountable to nobody but God and yourself?

Vision Leaks

October 28, 2010 / Ben Reed / 1 Comment

I’ve heard Andy Stanley say that vision “leaks.” Here’s what he means:

Vision doesn’t “stick,” so you need to continue to cast the vision of your organization. If you don’t continue to cast that vision, it disappears from the hearts and minds of those in your organization.

And I agree with that.

But let me put a twist on it.

Vision “leaks.” Here’s what I mean:

If you cast your vision well, then everybody in your organization will “leak” that vision on a consistent basis.

You’ll see the effects of clearly communicated mission and vision in all of the different areas of your organization. As people put on the lens of the worldview of your church, every idea that they have and every plan they make will fall in line with the vision you’ve cast. It will leak onto everything they touch.

The goal of casting a vision is that people would not just nod their heads in agreement. You want people who buy in so much that they become marketers and salesmen of the vision themselves, working to persuade others that their vision is too small, too weak, and too bland. In effect, they begin to do the same thing that you do: cast vision.

But the vision has to start “leaking” with you. If you’re not invested to the point that the vision “leaks” out of you in your conversations, ideas, current plans, future plans, and how your corner of the organization impacts the rest…then you need to ask God for a new vision. Because if it’s not leaking out of you, then I can guarantee it’s not leaking out of those you’re leading.

If your vision isn’t “leaking,” maybe you should recast it.

Or get a new vision.

Have you ever seen your vision “leak” in the way I’ve described it, leaking out to others inside and outside the organization?

Ever had to recast that vision because it quit “leaking”?

The value of collecting

October 27, 2010 / Ben Reed / 2 Comments

What did you collect when you were a child?

Baseball cards? Barbie dolls? GI Joes? Pogs? Rocks? Pokemon? Money? Guitar picks? Sticks? Animals?

I was a baseball card collector. I loved the smell of a new pack of cards.

I remember walking into the card shop, looking at the cards that were of great value (so were kept in the glass case, with a negotiable price tag on them), then getting to pick out a new pack of cards that I wanted. It was a great treat. 3-4 times per year, our local mall would host a card show, and vendors would be lined up throughout the whole mall, displaying their cards. That was one of the few things that would draw me to a mall.

Maybe the greatest treat was when I was given a little extra money, and bought a whole box of new cards. There were usually 24-32 unopened packs/box, and I’d always spread it out across multiple days so as to prolong the excitement. I would open a pack or two a day, and as I would, I’d check them against the ones I had already opened, find the duplicates, and make sure to put the “rare” ones to the side. I’d check the latest Beckett prices, look at the trends, and know which cards I needed to finish my collection of that 1994 Fleer set. I’d barter with my friends to trade my duplicates.

Recently, I’ve stumbled back on those cards. I say recently, because by the time I hit late middle school, I didn’t care so much about collecting baseball cards. It wasn’t as cool anymore. It had lost its luster.

Thinking ahead

The reason I care about them now is that one day, I’ll give them to my son. It thrills me thinking that one day, he’ll be able to flip through my cards and build off of my collection. That one day, he’ll have that same feeling of excitement when he opens a new pack of cards.

I’ve been doing a lot of forward-thinking lately. I feel like I’m getting old…but I’ve been thinking a lot about what lasting effect my life will have. What I do, day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month, that will truly last beyond my life.

Maybe I’m having a pre-mid-life-crisis or something. Is that even possible?

Here’s what I’m asking myself right now.

How much does what I’m doing at this moment matter beyond the here-and-now?

Will it still matter in 50 years?

How will my children and grandchildren think of the way I spend my time and energy?

Is what I’m amassing going to have any eternal impact? If not, then why am I amassing it?

Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions?

Leveraging Blogging

October 21, 2010 / Ben Reed / 6 Comments

I don’t write my blog posts so that I would hit the Top 100 Christian blogs (though I do love the stuff that Kent, at ChurchRelevance.com puts out). I write them because I process things externally. The best way I work out my thoughts is to put them out publicly for people to see and critique.

It’s just how I’m wired.

Which means that this blog benefits me more than it will ever benefit someone else.

But, since I’m writing it on a consistent basis, I thought it prudent to leverage the platform to the best of my abilities. So here’s some suggestions I’ve got for you if you care to leverage the power of blogging.

Leveraging your blogging platform

1. Consistently write posts. Don’t let weeks or months go by without a post. You gain influence through consistent posting. Even if it’s once/week, consistency is important.

2. Write substantive posts. Deal with real issues that people face. Answer questions people are asking. Dig into issues that are important. Pictures are great…but if you want to leverage influence, put some substance in there.

3. End your posts with a question. I always try to invite dialog, because I am not simply trying to broadcast information. My aim isn’t to put together a good monologue. I want criticisms, questions, comments…and I’ve found that others want the ability to chime in. Ending my posts with a question help people know how to best jump in the discussion.

4. Make your posts shorter. My rule of thumb is to keep my posts less than 500 words. I know that if I get over 500 words, I lose people’s attention. So I try to get rid of the fluff, and get right to the meat of what I’m trying to say.

5. Read other blogs and comment on them. Engaging others on their turf, on their platform, is a great way to interact. And if your goal is to leverage influence through blogging, this is a great way to do it.

6. Connect your ideas through other social networking platforms. Broadcast updates through Twitter and Facebook. Add your info to Networked Blogs. To PostRank (see my thoughts HERE on measuring success by social engagement).

7. Move beyond the screen. Don’t let interaction stop at the comments section of your blog. Schedule up a face-to-face conversation. Get a TokBox going. A great value of social media is that it can get you further relationally with those you’re developing a network with online.

What am I missing? Would you add anything to this list?

Have you worked on any of these things? Any success?