Review of "When God Goes To Starbucks", Paul Copan
Books which are written to answer “real” questions with practical, real-life wisdom need to grapple honestly, then, with the kind of authentic issues that cause people concern. Paul Copan’s, “When God Goes To Starbucks” does that admirably.
What are some of those real questions? Well, for example . . .
“Is it okay to lie to Nazis?”
[By the way, according to Copan, the answer is yes, “deception is morally permissible . . . under certain specific conditions.” But you have to read chapter 3 in the book to get the full explanation.]
“Does the Bible condemn loving, committed homosexual relationships?”
“Aren’t the Bible’s ‘Holy Wars’ just like Islamic Jihad?”
“Why are Christians so divided? Why so many denominations?”
[Copan is a very smart and highly educated man, but, he missed the obvious correct answer to these two questions. It’s simple to see that Christians wouldn’t be divided if everyone would just come to see things my way.]
Oh well, he did a pretty good job, other than that.
Copan has written several books along the lines of “When God Goes To Starbucks” and he does a good job of writing in a way that is accessible to regular people and, yet, provides thoughtful answers that are not so lightweight that they lack genuine intellectual substance.
From one of those “regular people” . . .
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
If You Listen Carefully, You Can Hear The Atheists Screaming
What if a highly respected, well-known, Oxford-educated, atheist philosopher changed his mind, late in his career, and decided that he, now, believed in God?
You say, “Well, he would probably write a book with this kind of sub-title: ‘How The World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind.’”
You’re right. And that brings us to Antony Flew’s book and this review.
This book is a little bit autobiography and a good bit of philosophy with a little bit of the philosophy of science. (It’s everything I can do to resist some kind of reference to: it’s “a little bit country” and “a little bit rock and roll”.)
Flew provides a good bit of information about his background, and this helps the reader see the larger context of his life. I found this to be interesting.
To those of us who believe in God there is great satisfaction in the fact that Flew stresses, numerous times, that one of his guiding intellectual values has long been to follow the evidence wherever it leads. And “the evidence” has led him to this conclusion: “I now believe there is a God! So there!”
Alright, if you look in the book the “So there!” part isn’t really included in the text. But, in my imagination, it’s a nice little shot.
Flew provides his evidence for belief in God and makes a good argument.
It is also interesting and satisfying to theists that Flew credits recent scientific advances as a significant factor in his opinion regarding the existence of God. This is satisfying to theists because sometimes belief in God is portrayed as an entirely unwarranted; blind leap of faith; embraced by uneducated people—usually wearing no shoes or socks; with no rational basis whatsoever.
Since I’m a Christian, I found another line in the book to be quite pleasing. Flew says about Christianity, “If you’re wanting Omnipotence to set up a religion, this is the one to beat.”
I know, I know, atheists and non-Christians will find that to be ridiculous and aggravating. But, it’s still true that he wrote it. So there!
The book has two interesting appendices, one written by Roy Abraham Varghese, who is the co-writer of the book and one written by Bishop N.T. Wright. Bishop Wright’s essay on “The Self-Revelation of God in Human History” is outstanding.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
You say, “Well, he would probably write a book with this kind of sub-title: ‘How The World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind.’”
You’re right. And that brings us to Antony Flew’s book and this review.
This book is a little bit autobiography and a good bit of philosophy with a little bit of the philosophy of science. (It’s everything I can do to resist some kind of reference to: it’s “a little bit country” and “a little bit rock and roll”.)
Flew provides a good bit of information about his background, and this helps the reader see the larger context of his life. I found this to be interesting.
To those of us who believe in God there is great satisfaction in the fact that Flew stresses, numerous times, that one of his guiding intellectual values has long been to follow the evidence wherever it leads. And “the evidence” has led him to this conclusion: “I now believe there is a God! So there!”
Alright, if you look in the book the “So there!” part isn’t really included in the text. But, in my imagination, it’s a nice little shot.
Flew provides his evidence for belief in God and makes a good argument.
It is also interesting and satisfying to theists that Flew credits recent scientific advances as a significant factor in his opinion regarding the existence of God. This is satisfying to theists because sometimes belief in God is portrayed as an entirely unwarranted; blind leap of faith; embraced by uneducated people—usually wearing no shoes or socks; with no rational basis whatsoever.
Since I’m a Christian, I found another line in the book to be quite pleasing. Flew says about Christianity, “If you’re wanting Omnipotence to set up a religion, this is the one to beat.”
I know, I know, atheists and non-Christians will find that to be ridiculous and aggravating. But, it’s still true that he wrote it. So there!
The book has two interesting appendices, one written by Roy Abraham Varghese, who is the co-writer of the book and one written by Bishop N.T. Wright. Bishop Wright’s essay on “The Self-Revelation of God in Human History” is outstanding.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pursuit of Morals
*Note: This entry first appeared as a “Letter To The Editor” in the Southtown Star newspaper. In the published piece a couple of lines were edited out. I am including the edited lines here. This is my response to an editorial by the editors of the newspaper which ran on Sept. 7, 2008, entitled: “Radical Change Needed To Fix Societal Woes”.
Pursuit of Morals
I appreciated your editorial “Radical Change Needed To Fix Societal Woes”, September 7, 2008. You are certainly right that there are problems of violence in our culture that have morality at their root. And I join with you in admitting that these are not issues that have a quick and easy fix.
One of the questions that the editorial raised, for me, was “how do we inculcate and encourage good morals?” When we read that more120 people were shot and killed in Chicago this summer, it’s hard to avoid the issue of morality.
I would like to suggest that the inculcation and pursuit of morals will always require that truths about ourselves must be honestly faced—truths that will not necessarily be comfortable. As a culture, we seem to be pretty big on comfort and trying to ensure that no one ever feels guilty. I admit that I find that comfort-seeking tendency in myself, as well. However, wrestling, personally, with moral truth will often make us uncomfortable. This is a form of discomfort we must be willing to endure. Most of us would agree that it is a form of discomfort which is preferable to the discomfort of a bullet.
Also, morals, by definition, have to do with right and wrong and the pursuit of that which is right. This will mean that those who hold up standards of right and wrong—parents, teachers, clergy, and other leaders—should not be quickly and thoughtlessly labeled intolerant and small minded. Morality, in our culture, is sometimes actually discouraged because those who would champion standards of right and wrong fear being labeled as repressive, backward, and other names that are even less pleasant.
Also, some seem to have great disdain for the mention of God and/or religion along with the subject of morality. And it is understandable in a religiously pluralistic society that introducing God into the discussion could heat up the debate. However, the founders of our country assumed that our morality would involve God and that without that basis it would not work.
This is what George Washington said in his “Farewell Address” to our new young nation: “And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure--reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
It can be difficult for naturalistic and materialistic worldviews to provide a solid philosophical basis for morality because they ultimately fall back to the kind of relativism that is part of the moral confusion that your editorial correctly laments.
So, even though I know references to God and religion can, in some ways, make the discussion of morality more difficult, the alternative seems to be to continue in the direction we are currently heading.
The obvious question is: How’s that working?
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
Pursuit of Morals
I appreciated your editorial “Radical Change Needed To Fix Societal Woes”, September 7, 2008. You are certainly right that there are problems of violence in our culture that have morality at their root. And I join with you in admitting that these are not issues that have a quick and easy fix.
One of the questions that the editorial raised, for me, was “how do we inculcate and encourage good morals?” When we read that more120 people were shot and killed in Chicago this summer, it’s hard to avoid the issue of morality.
I would like to suggest that the inculcation and pursuit of morals will always require that truths about ourselves must be honestly faced—truths that will not necessarily be comfortable. As a culture, we seem to be pretty big on comfort and trying to ensure that no one ever feels guilty. I admit that I find that comfort-seeking tendency in myself, as well. However, wrestling, personally, with moral truth will often make us uncomfortable. This is a form of discomfort we must be willing to endure. Most of us would agree that it is a form of discomfort which is preferable to the discomfort of a bullet.
Also, morals, by definition, have to do with right and wrong and the pursuit of that which is right. This will mean that those who hold up standards of right and wrong—parents, teachers, clergy, and other leaders—should not be quickly and thoughtlessly labeled intolerant and small minded. Morality, in our culture, is sometimes actually discouraged because those who would champion standards of right and wrong fear being labeled as repressive, backward, and other names that are even less pleasant.
Also, some seem to have great disdain for the mention of God and/or religion along with the subject of morality. And it is understandable in a religiously pluralistic society that introducing God into the discussion could heat up the debate. However, the founders of our country assumed that our morality would involve God and that without that basis it would not work.
This is what George Washington said in his “Farewell Address” to our new young nation: “And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure--reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
It can be difficult for naturalistic and materialistic worldviews to provide a solid philosophical basis for morality because they ultimately fall back to the kind of relativism that is part of the moral confusion that your editorial correctly laments.
So, even though I know references to God and religion can, in some ways, make the discussion of morality more difficult, the alternative seems to be to continue in the direction we are currently heading.
The obvious question is: How’s that working?
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
Review of "Is Believing In God Irrational?"
Are Skeptics Unbiased Or Are They Just Unaware of Their Bias?
Amy Orr-Ewing has written an interesting, persuasive and accessible book that deals with very relevant questions she has encountered in the course of her work and travels.
Now, that I read the line I just wrote, it occurs to me that it sounds a lot like something you would read in a book review. But, having re-read it, I stand by the statement. “Is Believing In God Irrational” is a helpful book on the subject of apologetics.
Orr-Ewing does a great job of explaining how atheists often sneak their philosophical presuppositions into their arguments while acting as if they are approaching the subject of God as neutral, rational, scientific observers basing their opinions solely on scientific, empirically verifiable fact.
Orr-Ewing effectively points out how critics of religion and/or Christianity often apply a double standard, exempting their viewpoint from the criteria by which they judge Christianity.
For example, she notes the assumption of skeptics that “you as a Christian are biased by the circumstances of your life”—something that any defender of Christianity has certainly encountered. She continues with the unbeliever’s argument, “[however], I as a skeptic am completely neutral in my thinking.”
It’s remarkable how completely dispassionate and neutral and totally rational all of the skeptics of Christianity are, isn’t it? Mr. Spock would be proud.
Orr-Ewing goes on to say, “Isn’t it just as likely that the secular thinking of the questioner has been passed on by the environment of the person and is culturally conditioned?”
This is an excellent point and, yet, it is one that seems to escape some very smart people. It makes you wonder if there is a measure of very intentional self-deception occurring.
For a weightier treatment of the subjects she raises you would have to go on to some other books, but this is an excellent response to a number of genuine and valid questions that seems to come from a very authentic Christian heart.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Review of "Passionate Conviction"
"Passionate Conviction" is a collection of essays gathered from several Christian apologetics conferences which were held by the Evangelical Philosophical Society, “the largest society of Christian philosophers in the world”. Counting the president of the society, their membership is now up to three.
That’s a joke. Relax. Actually, there are a significant number of Christian philosophers.
The book is divided into six parts with each part containing at least two essays:
Part 1, Why Apologetics?
Part 2, God (which includes arguments for His existence)
Part 3, Jesus
Part 4, Comparative Religions
Part 5, Postmodernism and Relativism
Part 6, Practical Application
It is a good and helpful book, although, it is typical of books on apologetics in that the writing can be a little dry. In fact, if you will quickly fan the pages of the book you will actually get a little poof of dust. (I know, the jokes are getting worse as we go along, but I’m amusing myself, slightly.)
My favorite chapters were:
In Intellectual Neutral, by William Lane Craig. Craig argues for the importance of deep thinking and study—in other words, “the intellectual life”—to the life of faith. He quotes J. Gresham Machen, “The church is perishing to-day through the lack of thinking, not through an excess of it.”
Living Smart, by J.P. Moreland. This deals with “integration” which has to do with unifying areas of our lives that involve diversity and yet, are part of the whole of who we are and what we believe as followers of Christ.
Christ in the New Age, by L. Russ Bush. It’s interesting how many really old ideas have become part of what is now considered to be “New Age” thinking. It’s also interesting to see how effectively New Age thinking has penetrated and influenced American culture; including the Christian church.
Reflections on McLaren and the Emerging Church, by R. Scott Smith. I found this chapter interesting because I find the “Emerging Church” movement to be interesting. I’m somewhat fascinated by what “catches on” and captures the thinking of a group of people. By the way, for a very helpful book on the subject of the Emerging Church, check out “Why We’re Not Emergent”, DeYoung and Kluck.
Dan Marler
That’s a joke. Relax. Actually, there are a significant number of Christian philosophers.
The book is divided into six parts with each part containing at least two essays:
Part 1, Why Apologetics?
Part 2, God (which includes arguments for His existence)
Part 3, Jesus
Part 4, Comparative Religions
Part 5, Postmodernism and Relativism
Part 6, Practical Application
It is a good and helpful book, although, it is typical of books on apologetics in that the writing can be a little dry. In fact, if you will quickly fan the pages of the book you will actually get a little poof of dust. (I know, the jokes are getting worse as we go along, but I’m amusing myself, slightly.)
My favorite chapters were:
In Intellectual Neutral, by William Lane Craig. Craig argues for the importance of deep thinking and study—in other words, “the intellectual life”—to the life of faith. He quotes J. Gresham Machen, “The church is perishing to-day through the lack of thinking, not through an excess of it.”
Living Smart, by J.P. Moreland. This deals with “integration” which has to do with unifying areas of our lives that involve diversity and yet, are part of the whole of who we are and what we believe as followers of Christ.
Christ in the New Age, by L. Russ Bush. It’s interesting how many really old ideas have become part of what is now considered to be “New Age” thinking. It’s also interesting to see how effectively New Age thinking has penetrated and influenced American culture; including the Christian church.
Reflections on McLaren and the Emerging Church, by R. Scott Smith. I found this chapter interesting because I find the “Emerging Church” movement to be interesting. I’m somewhat fascinated by what “catches on” and captures the thinking of a group of people. By the way, for a very helpful book on the subject of the Emerging Church, check out “Why We’re Not Emergent”, DeYoung and Kluck.
Dan Marler
E-Flash From Dan, September 2, 2008
Dear E-Flash Friends;
While I was buying an iced tea, yesterday, I had an impromptu chance to invite an acquaintance to our Fall Kick Off services, which begin this week (Sept. 7th).
She said, “You know what? I might just show up.”
I said, “That would be great!”
Then, she told me that she had recently been kicked out of her church. (I’m pretty sure she was joking.)
I told her, “Don’t worry about that. I’ve been kicked out of my church three or four times now, but I just keep coming back.”
We both laughed and then she called over two big guys and they walked me out of the establishment. Apparently, my sense of humor has a very narrow appeal.
Just wanted to remind you that our big “Fall Kick Off” is coming this weekend! I’m excited. I hope you are, too. We’re starting a new series titled: “What Creates A Unique Life?”
Surveys consistently reveal that the majority of Americans identify themselves as “Christians”, even as “born again Christians”. And, yet that seems puzzling to some of us because the attitudes and behaviors and beliefs of many people don’t seem to reflect a commitment to God and His influence in their lives.
Interestingly, further research has revealed that in addition to identifying oneself as a Christian, there are some fairly simple, but very important biblical beliefs that help to determine whether a person’s life gives evidence of God’s presence and influence.
People who claim to be Christians but do not hold these beliefs, in general, do not appear to live life in way that is much different than unbelievers. On the other hand, people who claim to be Christians but DO hold these key beliefs, in general, live lives that are different, changed, unique—not perfect, for sure, but more Christ-like.
Our fall kick off series will be investigating these biblical beliefs and values that are important to creating a unique life—in other words, an authentic Christian life. I believe this will be an interesting, helpful, challenging, encouraging series for all who come.
Can you think of someone you could invite? Would you pray about the matter and then take the risk of making an invitation? Would you pray that God will bless us and that he will use us to bear fruit through our church?
I’m grateful to be able to partner with you in ministry.
Thanks and God bless,
Dan
P.S. We are having a prayer service for our Fall Kick off, with a time of worship, on Saturday, September 6th, at 7 pm. I hope you can come and worship and pray with us that God will move powerfully and mightily in our church, in the coming year.
While I was buying an iced tea, yesterday, I had an impromptu chance to invite an acquaintance to our Fall Kick Off services, which begin this week (Sept. 7th).
She said, “You know what? I might just show up.”
I said, “That would be great!”
Then, she told me that she had recently been kicked out of her church. (I’m pretty sure she was joking.)
I told her, “Don’t worry about that. I’ve been kicked out of my church three or four times now, but I just keep coming back.”
We both laughed and then she called over two big guys and they walked me out of the establishment. Apparently, my sense of humor has a very narrow appeal.
Just wanted to remind you that our big “Fall Kick Off” is coming this weekend! I’m excited. I hope you are, too. We’re starting a new series titled: “What Creates A Unique Life?”
Surveys consistently reveal that the majority of Americans identify themselves as “Christians”, even as “born again Christians”. And, yet that seems puzzling to some of us because the attitudes and behaviors and beliefs of many people don’t seem to reflect a commitment to God and His influence in their lives.
Interestingly, further research has revealed that in addition to identifying oneself as a Christian, there are some fairly simple, but very important biblical beliefs that help to determine whether a person’s life gives evidence of God’s presence and influence.
People who claim to be Christians but do not hold these beliefs, in general, do not appear to live life in way that is much different than unbelievers. On the other hand, people who claim to be Christians but DO hold these key beliefs, in general, live lives that are different, changed, unique—not perfect, for sure, but more Christ-like.
Our fall kick off series will be investigating these biblical beliefs and values that are important to creating a unique life—in other words, an authentic Christian life. I believe this will be an interesting, helpful, challenging, encouraging series for all who come.
Can you think of someone you could invite? Would you pray about the matter and then take the risk of making an invitation? Would you pray that God will bless us and that he will use us to bear fruit through our church?
I’m grateful to be able to partner with you in ministry.
Thanks and God bless,
Dan
P.S. We are having a prayer service for our Fall Kick off, with a time of worship, on Saturday, September 6th, at 7 pm. I hope you can come and worship and pray with us that God will move powerfully and mightily in our church, in the coming year.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
E-Flash From Dan, Aug. 21, 2008
Dear E-Flash Friends;
What makes a unique life? What are the factors that will make your life everything that it’s supposed to be?
Here’s a related question: What beliefs and values distinguish Christians whose lives seem no different than unbelievers, from Christians who’s lives are truly different and marked by God?
Are you curious?
Good. That’s what we will be talking about starting on Sunday, September 7th, 2008, at our Fall Kick-Off service. We’ll start a new 7-week series that day, titled: “What Makes A Unique Life?” I really hope you’re planning to be here. And I want to encourage you to invite someone to the fall kick-off. Can you think of someone for whom you could pray? Someone you could invite?
I believe we could pack the church on this day and start our new ministry season with excitement and effectiveness and, most of all, glory to God! If we will all invite someone, it will be an incredible day. It could be a day of new spiritual beginnings for many, as well. It would be so cool to be a part of God’s work in that way, wouldn’t it?
We have lots of invitation cards at the church. If that would help you to invite others, please feel free to take a bunch and hand them out.
You say, “Dan, I know a lot of people I could give those cards to, you don’t have enough of them.”
Oh yes we do. Keep handing them out and we’ll keep printing up more!
Our church has a calling to help hurting people find and walk with God. (I keep finding that there is no shortage of hurting people.) I trust that you agree with me that it’s a high honor for us to serve Him and help people come to know the truth and saving grace of Christ.
I’m looking forward to September!!!
Blessings,
Dan
P.S. By the way, the message for this Sunday (Aug. 24th) is going to be very interesting. We’re going to be talking about “judging” others and the idea that some people think that Christians are “too judgmental”. We’ve probably all heard that complaint before, right? Well, we’re going to talk about some of the realities of judging and judgment and the true and not-so-true baggage that comes with those words. I think it’s going to be very challenging and helpful teaching. Why not invite someone this Sunday . . . in a way that seems very kind and non-judgmental?
What makes a unique life? What are the factors that will make your life everything that it’s supposed to be?
Here’s a related question: What beliefs and values distinguish Christians whose lives seem no different than unbelievers, from Christians who’s lives are truly different and marked by God?
Are you curious?
Good. That’s what we will be talking about starting on Sunday, September 7th, 2008, at our Fall Kick-Off service. We’ll start a new 7-week series that day, titled: “What Makes A Unique Life?” I really hope you’re planning to be here. And I want to encourage you to invite someone to the fall kick-off. Can you think of someone for whom you could pray? Someone you could invite?
I believe we could pack the church on this day and start our new ministry season with excitement and effectiveness and, most of all, glory to God! If we will all invite someone, it will be an incredible day. It could be a day of new spiritual beginnings for many, as well. It would be so cool to be a part of God’s work in that way, wouldn’t it?
We have lots of invitation cards at the church. If that would help you to invite others, please feel free to take a bunch and hand them out.
You say, “Dan, I know a lot of people I could give those cards to, you don’t have enough of them.”
Oh yes we do. Keep handing them out and we’ll keep printing up more!
Our church has a calling to help hurting people find and walk with God. (I keep finding that there is no shortage of hurting people.) I trust that you agree with me that it’s a high honor for us to serve Him and help people come to know the truth and saving grace of Christ.
I’m looking forward to September!!!
Blessings,
Dan
P.S. By the way, the message for this Sunday (Aug. 24th) is going to be very interesting. We’re going to be talking about “judging” others and the idea that some people think that Christians are “too judgmental”. We’ve probably all heard that complaint before, right? Well, we’re going to talk about some of the realities of judging and judgment and the true and not-so-true baggage that comes with those words. I think it’s going to be very challenging and helpful teaching. Why not invite someone this Sunday . . . in a way that seems very kind and non-judgmental?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Thank You, From Dan
To the First Church of God in Oak Lawn:
I’m overwhelmed and humbled by your surprise 50th birthday party for me.
Wow, you got definitely “got” me! (You have to be careful about surprising a guy at my age, you could trigger some kind of episode.)
Thanks for the many gifts and cards and expressions of love and appreciation. I was deeply touched. I determined, last Sunday, that I am, for sure, the most blessed man on planet earth. I’ve been thanking God all this week for allowing me to be the pastor of such a wonderful, kind, gracious, loving congregation of people . . . with just one or two exceptions.
(Come on, that’s a joke, I’m kidding.)
Please accept my sincere thanks and my love.
Blessings,
Dan
I’m overwhelmed and humbled by your surprise 50th birthday party for me.
Wow, you got definitely “got” me! (You have to be careful about surprising a guy at my age, you could trigger some kind of episode.)
Thanks for the many gifts and cards and expressions of love and appreciation. I was deeply touched. I determined, last Sunday, that I am, for sure, the most blessed man on planet earth. I’ve been thanking God all this week for allowing me to be the pastor of such a wonderful, kind, gracious, loving congregation of people . . . with just one or two exceptions.
(Come on, that’s a joke, I’m kidding.)
Please accept my sincere thanks and my love.
Blessings,
Dan
Friday, July 11, 2008
E-Flash From Dan, July 11, 2008
Dear E-Flash Friends;
My daughter, Rachel, and I were riding a wave runner a few days ago and after a while Rachel started to get bored. You know how it is, right? Zipping across the waves--on what amounts to a motorcycle on the water--at 35-40 mph . . . that can get a little boring. After all, wave runners don't come equipped with DVD players.
Well, I decided to let Rachel take the controls of the craft. I knew that would make things a little more interesting for her.
(I know, you can probably see this one coming, but don't get ahead of me.)
Rachel had the controls and we were moving pretty slowly--which believe it or not--is much more unstable on a wave runner than if you are moving quickly. At one point, we were not only moving slowly, but we were sideways to the waves rather than facing straight into them. This is, also, a very unstable position. Well, sure enough, a wave hit us and we lost our balance and got thrown off of the wave runner.
Wave runners have a very important and helpful design feature that involves wearing a wrist band which is connected to a "kill" switch on the craft. So, if you fall off the vehicle, the engine automatically stops and the unmanned wave runner doesn't take off and leave you stranded in the water.
There we were, floating in the Gulf of Mexico, about 600 yards from shore--wearing very buoyant life vests--about 10 feet away from our wave runner. This, actually, is not a difficult predicament, it's happened to me several times before. However, if you've never experienced it, I suppose it might sound a little unnerving.
Rachel immediately grabbed on to me with an iron claw grip.
I said, "Rachel, be calm, it's alright. Just relax and hold on to me and I will swim over to the wave runner."
After about 30 seconds of swimming and pulling Rachel, I said, "Hey Rachel, I still want you to be calm, but you can kick your feet a little bit, too."
We climbed back on board our craft, but as I was pulling Rachel out of the water, back up on to the wave runner, we had one of those moments where we began laughing--the whole incident suddenly became very amusing to us. And it was extremely difficult to try to pull Rachel up on to the wave runner while we were both laughing.
You say, "So, Dan, what's the moral of the story? What's the lesson in this modern day parable?"
I really don't have one. I was just hoping that you would read the story and find it enjoyable and amusing and that you would say to yourself, "Boy, it will be great to see Dan and Nadia and Rachel again, pretty soon." Because I am definitely looking forward to seeing all of you!
Love and Blessings,
Dan
P.S. Quite a few folks from our Youth group, along with several adult counselors left, today, for the Church of God International Youth Convention in San Antonio, Texas. We are very excited about their participation in this event and are hoping that this will be a time of great spiritual growth and challenge and awakening for everyone who is going. Please pray that they will have safe travel, spiritually receptive hearts, and lots of fun. Actually, I'm pretty confident about the "fun" part.
P.P.S. Here's a wonderfully encouraging passage . . .
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
P.P.P.S. Hope you're planning to be at church this Sunday, July 13th. Chris is talking about something really important, "Loving Jesus With Your Whole Heart". It's going to be great!
www.VisitUsOnline.org
My daughter, Rachel, and I were riding a wave runner a few days ago and after a while Rachel started to get bored. You know how it is, right? Zipping across the waves--on what amounts to a motorcycle on the water--at 35-40 mph . . . that can get a little boring. After all, wave runners don't come equipped with DVD players.
Well, I decided to let Rachel take the controls of the craft. I knew that would make things a little more interesting for her.
(I know, you can probably see this one coming, but don't get ahead of me.)
Rachel had the controls and we were moving pretty slowly--which believe it or not--is much more unstable on a wave runner than if you are moving quickly. At one point, we were not only moving slowly, but we were sideways to the waves rather than facing straight into them. This is, also, a very unstable position. Well, sure enough, a wave hit us and we lost our balance and got thrown off of the wave runner.
Wave runners have a very important and helpful design feature that involves wearing a wrist band which is connected to a "kill" switch on the craft. So, if you fall off the vehicle, the engine automatically stops and the unmanned wave runner doesn't take off and leave you stranded in the water.
There we were, floating in the Gulf of Mexico, about 600 yards from shore--wearing very buoyant life vests--about 10 feet away from our wave runner. This, actually, is not a difficult predicament, it's happened to me several times before. However, if you've never experienced it, I suppose it might sound a little unnerving.
Rachel immediately grabbed on to me with an iron claw grip.
I said, "Rachel, be calm, it's alright. Just relax and hold on to me and I will swim over to the wave runner."
After about 30 seconds of swimming and pulling Rachel, I said, "Hey Rachel, I still want you to be calm, but you can kick your feet a little bit, too."
We climbed back on board our craft, but as I was pulling Rachel out of the water, back up on to the wave runner, we had one of those moments where we began laughing--the whole incident suddenly became very amusing to us. And it was extremely difficult to try to pull Rachel up on to the wave runner while we were both laughing.
You say, "So, Dan, what's the moral of the story? What's the lesson in this modern day parable?"
I really don't have one. I was just hoping that you would read the story and find it enjoyable and amusing and that you would say to yourself, "Boy, it will be great to see Dan and Nadia and Rachel again, pretty soon." Because I am definitely looking forward to seeing all of you!
Love and Blessings,
Dan
P.S. Quite a few folks from our Youth group, along with several adult counselors left, today, for the Church of God International Youth Convention in San Antonio, Texas. We are very excited about their participation in this event and are hoping that this will be a time of great spiritual growth and challenge and awakening for everyone who is going. Please pray that they will have safe travel, spiritually receptive hearts, and lots of fun. Actually, I'm pretty confident about the "fun" part.
P.P.S. Here's a wonderfully encouraging passage . . .
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
P.P.P.S. Hope you're planning to be at church this Sunday, July 13th. Chris is talking about something really important, "Loving Jesus With Your Whole Heart". It's going to be great!
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
How Can A Book That Teases Atheists NOT Be Fun?
This is a review by Dan Marler of "The Devil's Delusion", David Berlinski.
David Berlinski is a gifted writer and he is a witty and persuasive writer. That is an interesting and fun combination.
In fact, Berlinski's wit can make his arguments seem even more forceful. Don't get me wrong, I think his arguments are strong anyhow, but you know how it is, the humor helps. Here are some examples of the Berlinski wit:
Speaking of Hector Avalos, atheist professor of religous studies at Iowa State University, "He is a member in good standing of the worldwide fraternity of academics who are professionally occupied in sniffing the underwear of their colleagues for signs of ideological deviance."
"The details may be found in Hawking's bestselling A Brief History of Time, a book that was widely considered fascinating by those who did not read it, and incomprehensible by those who did."
"When asked what he was in awe of, Christopher Hitchens responded that his definition of an educated person is that you have some idea how ignorant you are. This seems very much as if Hitchens were in awe of his own ignorance, in which case he has surely found an object worthy of his veneration."
Suddenly, it occurs to me that those comments may not seem quite as funny when they are not read in context. But they made me laugh when I was reading the book.
I know, humor is subjective.
Berlinski's book, is basically a defense of God and religion against the recent attack of atheism--particularly the haughty form of atheism that pretends to draw all of its ontological stature from a pure and inescapable scientific reason. The Devil's Delusion is even more interesting because Berlinski is a "secular Jew"--his description--with a Ph.D. from Princeton who has spent many years writing about mathematics and science. In other words, this is an apologetic for God and religion coming from a highly educated, secular man who has signficant experience in, and great respect for, science.
One of the interesting ideas that I took from the book has to do with the similarities between the faith in God that existed in the pre-Modern era and the faith in Science--yes, sometimes blind faith--of the Modern and Post-Modern eras.
If you're rolling your eyes, right now, and saying, "Oh, come on, there are no similarities between faith in God and faith in Science" my response would be: Read The Devil's Delusion.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
http://www.visitusonline.org/
David Berlinski is a gifted writer and he is a witty and persuasive writer. That is an interesting and fun combination.
In fact, Berlinski's wit can make his arguments seem even more forceful. Don't get me wrong, I think his arguments are strong anyhow, but you know how it is, the humor helps. Here are some examples of the Berlinski wit:
Speaking of Hector Avalos, atheist professor of religous studies at Iowa State University, "He is a member in good standing of the worldwide fraternity of academics who are professionally occupied in sniffing the underwear of their colleagues for signs of ideological deviance."
"The details may be found in Hawking's bestselling A Brief History of Time, a book that was widely considered fascinating by those who did not read it, and incomprehensible by those who did."
"When asked what he was in awe of, Christopher Hitchens responded that his definition of an educated person is that you have some idea how ignorant you are. This seems very much as if Hitchens were in awe of his own ignorance, in which case he has surely found an object worthy of his veneration."
Suddenly, it occurs to me that those comments may not seem quite as funny when they are not read in context. But they made me laugh when I was reading the book.
I know, humor is subjective.
Berlinski's book, is basically a defense of God and religion against the recent attack of atheism--particularly the haughty form of atheism that pretends to draw all of its ontological stature from a pure and inescapable scientific reason. The Devil's Delusion is even more interesting because Berlinski is a "secular Jew"--his description--with a Ph.D. from Princeton who has spent many years writing about mathematics and science. In other words, this is an apologetic for God and religion coming from a highly educated, secular man who has signficant experience in, and great respect for, science.
One of the interesting ideas that I took from the book has to do with the similarities between the faith in God that existed in the pre-Modern era and the faith in Science--yes, sometimes blind faith--of the Modern and Post-Modern eras.
If you're rolling your eyes, right now, and saying, "Oh, come on, there are no similarities between faith in God and faith in Science" my response would be: Read The Devil's Delusion.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
http://www.visitusonline.org/
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Some Thoughts On Discipleship, Part 2
This is part 2 of a two-part column on the subject of discipleship. This is not a comprehensive or systematic treatment of the subject, it is simply a few random thoughts that I hope will be helpful and will encourage further thinking by others.
Encouraging Daily Personal Bible Study/Devotional Time
The obvious point that has been coming up in current research on discipleship and spiritual growth is the importance of personal Bible study and personal prayer and devotional time, including the discipline of solitude. It seems that many people know the value of these spiritual disciplines but, probably, they don’t know how to go about doing it. Or, it may be that they find it to be boring. Or—it is a discipline, after all—they find it to be hard to do on a regular, consistent basis and they quit.
Part of our church’s job will be to encourage, foster, help and train people to engage in these critical disciplines, on their own, on a regular basis.
Serving
Part of discipleship will involve helping the disciple to find a place to serve the body. We’ve acknowledged that this is not a strong area in our church. I wonder how much of this has to do with our lack of skill at helping people find areas to serve—I know that accounts for some of the problem here. But, is this also, partly, a reflection of the fact that some people really don’t want to serve? Or, they only want to serve under ideal conditions? I think, perhaps, unintentionally, we may have given some folks the impression that serving will always be something that is fun; and joyful; and gets a person excited; and is completely fulfilling. I don’t find that reality when I look in the Bible. And I know, personally, that if I only served the church in areas that I enjoyed, there would be a lot of things that I wouldn’t do.
I’m a firm believer in gift-based serving—how can I not be, it’s biblical? But, the simple truth of the Bible is that sometimes serving, even in areas of giftedness, won’t be fun. The most obvious example is a crucifixion.
Please understand, I’m not saying that serving should be a constant drag. I hope it will often be joyful and fulfilling. But if most of the people in a church only serve when it’s convenient for them and only when it makes them feel good, then the picture of serving that you’re likely to get is the picture that we see in many of our churches, these days.
Serving is a “discipline” in which “disciples” engage. As such, I suspect it won’t always, necessarily, be fun and enjoyable and convenient.
By the way, I’ve been thinking a good bit, lately, about the things that we sometimes, unintentionally, do as a church that foster selfishness. The idea of serving only when it’s fun; and easy; and convenient; and exciting; seems like it has the potential of fostering a form of selfishness that is part of what serving is supposed to help diminish in our lives.
Transforming The Mind
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is not hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:1-3
I’ve listed those three passages of scripture, above, because of their reference to our “minds”. The Bible clearly tells us that transformation into the character of Christ, which is a key aspect of discipleship, involves the mind.
We have the freedom to control—at least to some degree—our thoughts. In addition to this, we have some freedom of control over what our minds are exposed to. Certainly, we don’t have complete freedom of control in terms of what our minds are exposed to, but we have “some” control. Again, since transformation into the character of Christ involves the mind, we have to teach disciples about “thinking”. Our discipleship training will need to involve guidance and challenge and instruction on what we put into our minds, what we intentionally think about, and what we “allow” into our minds.
Dallas Willard, speaking of spiritual formation, says, “As we first turned away from God in our thoughts, so it is in our thoughts that the first movements toward the renovation of the heart occur. Thoughts are the place where we can and must begin to change.”
I don’t have a method, here, for the training of our minds, I simply mention it as something that our discipleship training will need to consider. There are some obvious actions that readily come to mind when it comes to positively training and influencing our thoughts.
What needs to go into our minds: Bible study; Bible memorization; worship songs; good preaching/teaching; good Christian reading; loving, positive, encouraging, stimulating, challenging conversation.
What needs to be eliminated, as much as we can control: Certain TV shows, certain images, certain kinds of conversation, certain magazines, that do not encourage and promote within us the light and truth of Christ and His kingdom.
Philippians 4:8 is a helpful thought: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
I think a sober word of caution is in order here: When we begin to talk and teach and train in regard to “what people think”, we are dealing with a very personal and important aspect of who a person is. This is an area where we must be very gentle and extremely humble. It is a significant matter to presume to teach someone “what to think”. We must be careful to defer to Scripture as much as possible. We must be willing to be silent where Scripture is silent. We must be willing to freely admit that there are aspects of the renewing of our minds that we do not completely understand. Arrogance, presumptuousness and ungraciousness in this area can quickly be interpreted in a very negative way as an attempt by “religious people” to try to “control the minds of others”. Let’s be honest, this kind of negative perception has some valid cause for concern when we consider the history of some “Christians” and some Christian groups.
Obviously, it is not our intention to try to “control the minds of others”, our intention is to help people be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ—one of the central purposes for which we were created. But, again, when we venture into teaching and training regarding “what people think”, we are on sensitive ground and we must venture forth lovingly, graciously and very humbly—with strong adherence to Scripture—remembering that our own minds are still in the process of renewal, as well.
I humbly and lovingly submit these thoughts for your reflection.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
Encouraging Daily Personal Bible Study/Devotional Time
The obvious point that has been coming up in current research on discipleship and spiritual growth is the importance of personal Bible study and personal prayer and devotional time, including the discipline of solitude. It seems that many people know the value of these spiritual disciplines but, probably, they don’t know how to go about doing it. Or, it may be that they find it to be boring. Or—it is a discipline, after all—they find it to be hard to do on a regular, consistent basis and they quit.
Part of our church’s job will be to encourage, foster, help and train people to engage in these critical disciplines, on their own, on a regular basis.
Serving
Part of discipleship will involve helping the disciple to find a place to serve the body. We’ve acknowledged that this is not a strong area in our church. I wonder how much of this has to do with our lack of skill at helping people find areas to serve—I know that accounts for some of the problem here. But, is this also, partly, a reflection of the fact that some people really don’t want to serve? Or, they only want to serve under ideal conditions? I think, perhaps, unintentionally, we may have given some folks the impression that serving will always be something that is fun; and joyful; and gets a person excited; and is completely fulfilling. I don’t find that reality when I look in the Bible. And I know, personally, that if I only served the church in areas that I enjoyed, there would be a lot of things that I wouldn’t do.
I’m a firm believer in gift-based serving—how can I not be, it’s biblical? But, the simple truth of the Bible is that sometimes serving, even in areas of giftedness, won’t be fun. The most obvious example is a crucifixion.
Please understand, I’m not saying that serving should be a constant drag. I hope it will often be joyful and fulfilling. But if most of the people in a church only serve when it’s convenient for them and only when it makes them feel good, then the picture of serving that you’re likely to get is the picture that we see in many of our churches, these days.
Serving is a “discipline” in which “disciples” engage. As such, I suspect it won’t always, necessarily, be fun and enjoyable and convenient.
By the way, I’ve been thinking a good bit, lately, about the things that we sometimes, unintentionally, do as a church that foster selfishness. The idea of serving only when it’s fun; and easy; and convenient; and exciting; seems like it has the potential of fostering a form of selfishness that is part of what serving is supposed to help diminish in our lives.
Transforming The Mind
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is not hidden with Christ in God.”
Colossians 3:1-3
I’ve listed those three passages of scripture, above, because of their reference to our “minds”. The Bible clearly tells us that transformation into the character of Christ, which is a key aspect of discipleship, involves the mind.
We have the freedom to control—at least to some degree—our thoughts. In addition to this, we have some freedom of control over what our minds are exposed to. Certainly, we don’t have complete freedom of control in terms of what our minds are exposed to, but we have “some” control. Again, since transformation into the character of Christ involves the mind, we have to teach disciples about “thinking”. Our discipleship training will need to involve guidance and challenge and instruction on what we put into our minds, what we intentionally think about, and what we “allow” into our minds.
Dallas Willard, speaking of spiritual formation, says, “As we first turned away from God in our thoughts, so it is in our thoughts that the first movements toward the renovation of the heart occur. Thoughts are the place where we can and must begin to change.”
I don’t have a method, here, for the training of our minds, I simply mention it as something that our discipleship training will need to consider. There are some obvious actions that readily come to mind when it comes to positively training and influencing our thoughts.
What needs to go into our minds: Bible study; Bible memorization; worship songs; good preaching/teaching; good Christian reading; loving, positive, encouraging, stimulating, challenging conversation.
What needs to be eliminated, as much as we can control: Certain TV shows, certain images, certain kinds of conversation, certain magazines, that do not encourage and promote within us the light and truth of Christ and His kingdom.
Philippians 4:8 is a helpful thought: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
I think a sober word of caution is in order here: When we begin to talk and teach and train in regard to “what people think”, we are dealing with a very personal and important aspect of who a person is. This is an area where we must be very gentle and extremely humble. It is a significant matter to presume to teach someone “what to think”. We must be careful to defer to Scripture as much as possible. We must be willing to be silent where Scripture is silent. We must be willing to freely admit that there are aspects of the renewing of our minds that we do not completely understand. Arrogance, presumptuousness and ungraciousness in this area can quickly be interpreted in a very negative way as an attempt by “religious people” to try to “control the minds of others”. Let’s be honest, this kind of negative perception has some valid cause for concern when we consider the history of some “Christians” and some Christian groups.
Obviously, it is not our intention to try to “control the minds of others”, our intention is to help people be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ—one of the central purposes for which we were created. But, again, when we venture into teaching and training regarding “what people think”, we are on sensitive ground and we must venture forth lovingly, graciously and very humbly—with strong adherence to Scripture—remembering that our own minds are still in the process of renewal, as well.
I humbly and lovingly submit these thoughts for your reflection.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
Some Thoughts On Discipleship, Part 1
We have a task force in our church thinking and praying about the subject of discipleship. I, recently, put some thoughts into writing on the matter and it occurred to me that it might be of interest to others, so, I’m putting it here on the blog in 2 parts.
This is Part One . . .
All The Time
Part of our task is to help disciples see and understand that spiritual formation is a part of literally everything that we do. Spiritual formation happens in small groups and it happens during public and private Bible study and it happens during public and private worship, of course, that part seems obvious to us. But spiritual formation needs to be recognized as something that is a part of all of life. There is a false dichotomy that we have accepted which suggests to us that there are “spiritual” things that we do and there are “secular” things that we do. Disciples need to see that our relationship with Christ and our apprenticeship to him is a part of everything that happens in our lives, all the time, every moment, every day.
We need to teach this, we need to talk about it in our conversations; and those of us who understand our role as leaders and mentors need to be aware of living this reality.
Now, obviously, some things that we do have a much more direct and tangible influence on our spiritual formation than others. Reading and studying the Bible is a more direct and tangible act of spiritual formation than going to a baseball game. However, we may be more tempted NOT to live and respond and talk and act like Jesus at a baseball game, thereby, providing us with a different challenge and opportunity for growth than the Bible study.
I recently heard a speaker at a conference talk about being challenged—by a show on CNN—to understand the priorities of life in a way that conflicted with his beliefs and values as a Christian. His identification of what was happening to him, as he watched this show, and his understanding and commitment to his primary values—his Jesus inspired values—was an act of spiritual formation in the course of every day life.
When We Gather
In the times that we already do gather, we need to see and understand that spiritual formation is happening. This needs to be talked about and recognized. And, I think, perhaps, we need to be more intentional about spiritual formation in some of what we do when we are gathered together.
For example, if we were to think about everything that happens from the moment a person enters the church property for a Sunday morning or Wednesday night service, to the moment they leave, we might recognize that some of the things that we already do could be done in a more purposeful way.
Could our greetings of one another have a more purposeful discipleship element? I’m not trying to create a false or uncomfortable greeting—or make our fellowship times awkward—but I’m asking the question.
Could our offering time have a more purposeful discipleship element? I think it probably could.
This is not a list of all the areas, it’s just a few examples to get us thinking. My guess is that there are probably other elements of our time together that could be thought about in this way, as well.
Along these lines, it may be that we need to think of our services—and perhaps even intentionally present and structure our services—more as a time to “develop” than as a time to sit and watch a presentation.
The way I heard this described, recently, is to think of services the way you would think of a dance class or a trip to the gym for a work-out. Please don’t think I mean this in any frivolous or disrespectful way. And I’m not comparing the worship of Almighty God with a dance class. The point in the description is that we go to a dance class or a gym “EXPECTING” to grow and develop and learn, that’s the whole purpose of going there. Could we present and structure our services in such a way that people would come expecting to grow and develop and learn as part of their experience of worshiping God?
Again, I don’t presume to know the answer, for sure, I pose this as a genuine question for our reflection.
One On One Mentoring
The idea of one on one mentoring has been mentioned and I think that holds great promise. If just the few people who seem to have a particular interest in discipleship, would find one person to mentor—with part of the goal of the process being that the mentored person would someday mentor someone else—we all know the principle of exponential growth works quite powerfully in this regard.
It’s likely that many of the original mentors would say, “I’m willing. But how do I do this? Is there a some process or some guidelines I should follow? Is there some training that could help me know how to begin?” Part of the role of the discipleship task force could be to find the training help, or create the training help for the original mentors.
I believe in our last meeting, some brief conversation occurred along these lines. So, I thought I would throw in my two cents: The mentors, when looking for someone to disciple, probably need to try to find someone who they believe already shows signs of significant commitment and spiritual passion. Leaders, working in a one on one manner, are usually best advised to leverage their time and efforts with a student. And one form of leveraging time and efforts is to attempt to mentor someone who really cares, someone who is really committed, someone who demonstrates a sincere passion for God. Obviously, God’s leading in the matter is most important.
Part two of these thoughts on discipleship to follow shortly.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
http://www.visitusonline.org/
This is Part One . . .
All The Time
Part of our task is to help disciples see and understand that spiritual formation is a part of literally everything that we do. Spiritual formation happens in small groups and it happens during public and private Bible study and it happens during public and private worship, of course, that part seems obvious to us. But spiritual formation needs to be recognized as something that is a part of all of life. There is a false dichotomy that we have accepted which suggests to us that there are “spiritual” things that we do and there are “secular” things that we do. Disciples need to see that our relationship with Christ and our apprenticeship to him is a part of everything that happens in our lives, all the time, every moment, every day.
We need to teach this, we need to talk about it in our conversations; and those of us who understand our role as leaders and mentors need to be aware of living this reality.
Now, obviously, some things that we do have a much more direct and tangible influence on our spiritual formation than others. Reading and studying the Bible is a more direct and tangible act of spiritual formation than going to a baseball game. However, we may be more tempted NOT to live and respond and talk and act like Jesus at a baseball game, thereby, providing us with a different challenge and opportunity for growth than the Bible study.
I recently heard a speaker at a conference talk about being challenged—by a show on CNN—to understand the priorities of life in a way that conflicted with his beliefs and values as a Christian. His identification of what was happening to him, as he watched this show, and his understanding and commitment to his primary values—his Jesus inspired values—was an act of spiritual formation in the course of every day life.
When We Gather
In the times that we already do gather, we need to see and understand that spiritual formation is happening. This needs to be talked about and recognized. And, I think, perhaps, we need to be more intentional about spiritual formation in some of what we do when we are gathered together.
For example, if we were to think about everything that happens from the moment a person enters the church property for a Sunday morning or Wednesday night service, to the moment they leave, we might recognize that some of the things that we already do could be done in a more purposeful way.
Could our greetings of one another have a more purposeful discipleship element? I’m not trying to create a false or uncomfortable greeting—or make our fellowship times awkward—but I’m asking the question.
Could our offering time have a more purposeful discipleship element? I think it probably could.
This is not a list of all the areas, it’s just a few examples to get us thinking. My guess is that there are probably other elements of our time together that could be thought about in this way, as well.
Along these lines, it may be that we need to think of our services—and perhaps even intentionally present and structure our services—more as a time to “develop” than as a time to sit and watch a presentation.
The way I heard this described, recently, is to think of services the way you would think of a dance class or a trip to the gym for a work-out. Please don’t think I mean this in any frivolous or disrespectful way. And I’m not comparing the worship of Almighty God with a dance class. The point in the description is that we go to a dance class or a gym “EXPECTING” to grow and develop and learn, that’s the whole purpose of going there. Could we present and structure our services in such a way that people would come expecting to grow and develop and learn as part of their experience of worshiping God?
Again, I don’t presume to know the answer, for sure, I pose this as a genuine question for our reflection.
One On One Mentoring
The idea of one on one mentoring has been mentioned and I think that holds great promise. If just the few people who seem to have a particular interest in discipleship, would find one person to mentor—with part of the goal of the process being that the mentored person would someday mentor someone else—we all know the principle of exponential growth works quite powerfully in this regard.
It’s likely that many of the original mentors would say, “I’m willing. But how do I do this? Is there a some process or some guidelines I should follow? Is there some training that could help me know how to begin?” Part of the role of the discipleship task force could be to find the training help, or create the training help for the original mentors.
I believe in our last meeting, some brief conversation occurred along these lines. So, I thought I would throw in my two cents: The mentors, when looking for someone to disciple, probably need to try to find someone who they believe already shows signs of significant commitment and spiritual passion. Leaders, working in a one on one manner, are usually best advised to leverage their time and efforts with a student. And one form of leveraging time and efforts is to attempt to mentor someone who really cares, someone who is really committed, someone who demonstrates a sincere passion for God. Obviously, God’s leading in the matter is most important.
Part two of these thoughts on discipleship to follow shortly.
Dan Marler
Oak Lawn, IL
http://www.visitusonline.org/
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