Neglected Topics

Over the past few months I have had the priviledge of conducting workshops in a variety of settings (churches, retreat centers, and Christian colleges). The topics have covered everything from church growth to singles ministry to mission work. On the surface these topics would not seem to have a common thread, but it turns out that they do. During the question and answer sessiosn, one common theme came up in all of these programs. "Why aren't the churches doing a better job addressing the social, moral and practical issues facing society today."

Now I have never been one to bash churches, or make blanket statements about the condition and state of the Lord's work. That is the beauty of church autonomy - there is the ability to minister to the unique needs of the local church and develop outreach tools for the community you serve. That being said, it is troubling that the same questions are popping up over and over.

* Why aren't we being more pro-active in addressing marriage problems?

* Why won't churches provide practical advice on dealing with sexuality issues?

* Why are so many of our efforts now inwardly focused?

The overwhelming number of questions dealt with a congregations ability to deal with the really difficult challenges of 21st century culture. There was plenty teaching from the pulpits on sexual sin, morality and raising children in an increasingly immoral culture, but the concern came over how to make application of the lessons.

No one would argue that pre-marital sex is sinful, or that pornography is a social and spiritual disease that is destroying homes and families all across our country, but as Christians, what can we do to make a difference. How can we assist young couples who are struggling with their finances, or provide support to those with addictive behaviors?

I don't know the answers to these questions. I would love to hear your comments on the most pressing "ministry needs" in our churches and how we can address them. You can post your comments here, or email me at coffeehouse47@hotmail.com

Rhythm

I wrote this on August 21st when I returned from Nigeria, since I am leaving again in two weeks, I wanted to repost this. I pray I can recapture the feelings expressed in this blog.

As our vehicles neared the village of Ukpom Abak you could hear the drums beating in the distance. The rhythm and flow of the music seemed to match the characteristics of the earth and sky. As we drew closer traditional dancers lined the streets and filled the drab, dark sand with vibrant color and movement.

My journey to Africa reminded me that God created us to interact with his creation, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:26). Some cultures seem to understand that concept of dominion better than others.

The last two weeks illustrated to me the differences in cultures, but also gave me a deeper appreciation of my African brothers and sisters. Each morning, long before sunrise I could hear the soft echo of Christian hymns in the distance as our Christian family met for "morning prayers." Their hymns of praise were accompanied by nature's song. The chirping of crickets, the sweet chorus of birds singing as the earth awoke from her slumber.

I don't know a better way to describe what I heard and saw - it was man interacting with the rhythms of the earth. I don't mean for this to be some metaphysical incantation - it was simply the beauty of God's creation stepping in harmony with the glorious bride of Christ.

Last Sunday morning was my first morning home. I woke up to the sound of the alarm beeping from my cell phone and contemporary music blaring from my clock radio. Rather than synchronizing with the rhythm of nature I interrupted it.

Sometimes we return home telling the worst of what we see on foreign soil. We talk about the poverty, sickness and despair. What I will always remember is making the effort to climb out of bed early one morning and join my brothers and sisters in morning prayers. As I returned to my home the sun was rising over that house of worship and all seemed right in the world.