Christian Standard | September 2020 by Christian Standard Media

fr o m th e pu bli sh er

10 Foundation Stones of the Church N o . 5: Fellowship

C HANGE IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF LIFE,

but human beings seem to have a built-in resistance to it. I don’t think that’s all bad, as change for change’s sake may not produce the best results. However, oftentimes change is critical or even welcomed, especially in the midst of crisis.

with their members. This development may change certain metrics of church moving forward, as some people might prefer online convenience over an in-person setting, especially while we continue to deal with the nagging reality of the pandemic.

One of the hotly debated issues in the church world over the last few years has been whether or not online church is a legitimate form of church. On this discussion topic, the COVID-19 crisis forced an almost instantaneous pivot in the American church world. Virtually every church in America put aside whatever personal convictions they had about this method in order to continue communicating and worshipping

While future ramifications of the online church experience are unclear, we find some glaring deficiencies in this method when we measure it against the blueprint of the church laid out in Acts 2:41-47. In at least three areas—all of them essential to ministry—there are highly problematic or very challenging shortcomings with digital church. We already discussed one of those areas, church authority, in an earlier article in this

SEPTEMBER 2020

The concept of fellowship in the church has often been misunderstood or misapplied. Over the years, the word has been used to refer to pitch-ins or potlucks, afterglows or meet-and-greets with finger foods or desserts. It seems food has always been an essential part of true Christian fellowship. More recently, fellowship has been defined in the setting of a small group. Fellowship might be experienced where someone feels they are in a safe enough space to share what’s actually going on in their life; this might occur in the context of a Bible study, book discussion group, or a number of other formats. Churches have well-defined and programmed environments where both staff and trained volunteers create atmospheres for these ministries to take place. But is this true Christian fellowship? In my humble opinion, true Christian fellowship is understood by the Greek word alleylon (ah-leyloan), which is most often translated into English as two words, “one another.” It’s used 100 times in 94 New Testament verses, with Paul responsible for about 60 percent of those. It is used memorably in the short directives to “love one another,” “bear each other’s burdens,” and “forgive one another,” but it’s really so much more than that. The “one another” Scriptures can be divided into three major categories. The first category centers on unity, and it comprises about one-third of these Scriptures. Some of these verses include Mark 9:50; John 6:43; Romans 12:6; 15:7; 1 Corinthians 11:33; Galatians 5:15, 26; Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; and James 4:11; 5:9, 16. The second major category centers on loving, and it comprises another one-third of these Scripture verses. Some of these include John 13:34; 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11; 4:7, 11; 2 John 5; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 5:14; and Romans 12:10.

The third category centers on humility, and it comprises about 15 percent of these Scriptures. Examples include John 13:14; Romans 12:10, 16; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3; and 1 Peter 5:5. Numerous other “one another” interactions include Romans 14:13; 16:16; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 10:24; James 5:16; and 1 Peter 4:9. Although Colossians 3:16 uses a different Greek word, the same teaching applies. What do we discover when we study these “one another” references? First, none of them can truly occur outside of a real relationship . . . an in-person relationship. None of these spiritual expectations can adequately take place in a virtual format. We weren’t designed for that and neither was the church. Second, these things cannot be programmed into church ministry; however, church programs can create contexts where these attributes can thrive. The “one another”-type attributes must flow out of lives that are devoted to Christ and exampled by how we live in relationship every moment of every day. These things happen when we are in close proximity to one another, using what we see, interpreting needs through reactions and other nonverbal communication that include intently listening and physical touch. Real Christian fellowship are the cords that bind us together and the conduit the Holy Spirit travels through to create the fruit that he alone can provide and the world so desperately needs.

Jerry Harris is publisher of Christian Standard Media and senior pastor of The Crossing, a multisite church located in three states across the Midwest. @_jerryharris /jerrydharris

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series. We’ll discuss a third in upcoming months. This month we will focus on the second area of weakness: fellowship.

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GOD PROVIDES IN TIMES OF CRISIS

Gary Johnson and Jared Johnson

MOVING FROM CRISIS TO R E N E WA L Austin Gohn

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In Every Issue 2-3 | from the publisher

e2:EFFECTIVE ELDERS T hink ing For wa rd, Mov ing For wa rd Gar y L. Johnson

8-9 |

6-7 | from the Editor

10-11 | POLISHED T he G o s p e l t h a t Ne ve r S hu t s D ow n Megan Rawlings

EXODUS [WILDERNESS]

WA N D E R I N G T H R O U G H T H E CO R O N AV I R U S W I L D E R N E S S To m E l l s w o r t h

F I N A L L Y M OV I N G F O RWA R D Matt Summers with Janice Summers

12-14 | HORIZONS C hu r ch e s B e F r i e nd Ac r o s s C u lt u r e s Laura McKillip Wood

16-17 | MINISTRYLIFE O n c e Up o n a P a nd e m i c Anna Brink

56 62 66

U N S TO P PA B L E John Whittaker

A N E W PA N D E M I C T r e v o r D e Va g e w i t h M a r k A . Ta y l o r

APPLICATION

Kevin Dooley

STUDY

'THE GOD WHO PROVIDES'

PERSECUTION [NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH]

T H E AT T I T U D E T H AT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Caleb Kaltenbach

18-20 | METRICS

95 | INTERACT

C hu r ch F i n a n c e FAQ Kent E. Fillinger

77-93 | THE LOOKOUT

96 | THE FINAL WORD

f r o m th e edi to r

provider

W H AT DO G OD’S PEOPLE DO when faced

with challenges like a worldwide pandemic or civil unrest? We always have a choice: immediately seek solutions or turn to God. Of course, this is not a binary choice—we can do both—but it’s vital for God’s church that we “seek first” to place our trust in him. The coronavirus and its effects are really not all that novel. For more than four millennia, God’s people have faced challenges literally of biblical proportions, and we can learn from the choices, good or bad, they made. In this issue, we’ve included four Bible-study essays, along with corresponding application articles, that provide wisdom for how to deal with pandemics and other challenges we face today.

Jehovah Jireh is more than just another name for God. That he is a God Who Provides is a vital theological truth, and it is a critical operational principle for Christian leaders. Jesus’ concluding words of his commission, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” is a promise of his presence and provision as we go. We lead under his authority and with all the resources he supplies along the way. Still, when we face challenges, we tend to start with questions: “Why did this happen?” “Who is responsible?” “How can we fix this?” And, of course, a biggie, “How long will this take?” These are familiar questions these days in the world and in the church.

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In discussing David’s “How long, Lord” cry, Warren Wiersbe said, “The answer to the question is, ‘I will discipline you until you learn the lesson I want you to learn and are equipped for the work I want you to do.’” So perhaps each of us should shift our questions to “What lessons has God been teaching me through this pandemic?” and “What is the work he has equipped me to do now?” During my period of waiting years ago, I learned I couldn’t control any of the circumstances I was in, so eventually I surrendered my ways and my timing. I decided to simply do what I knew was right (and righteous) and trust God with all my questions. It wasn’t easy at first. Like many leaders, I’m prone to want to be in control, but God was showing me that he alone is sovereign. In my waiting, as I became more dependent on him, I heard from him more clearly than ever before. I saw him answering my prayers. I now consider that time of waiting as one of the most productive seasons of my life. As I write this at the end of June, many questions remain about COVID-19 and its lasting effects. There are many aspects of it we simply can’t control. So perhaps this is a good opportunity for us to learn, to grow, and to relinquish any presumptions of control we may have. When we do, I believe God will make us better leaders.

I’m beginning to wonder: Could this pandemic be part of God’s plan for preparing his church for future challenges, crises, and even persecutions that will also be outside of our control? How will the temporary closure of our buildings—a relatively small sacrifice in God’s overarching story—equip us for only God knows what? We believe Jehovah Jireh is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Why wouldn’t we look to him first and trust him to provide no matter what comes our way? He will provide— it’s in his name! @michaelcmack @michaelcmack @michaelcmack /authormichaelcmack

Just a reminder about our four-month prayer campaign called “ASK.” If you haven’t already, please join us in asking the Lord to raise up more leaders who will take his good news into the world. To join, subscribe for free to our “Daily Reading with The Lookout” email at ChristianStandard.com/newsletter. Each day (Monday–Saturday), we will include a short but specific prayer prompt.

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About 10 years ago when I was going through a personal crisis, I found myself asking, “How long, Lord?” I found solace in the fact, as I was reading through Psalms during this period, that David often asked the same question (see Psalms 6:3; 13:1-2; 35:17, as examples). I was frustrated with God’s slowness, as I perceived it—I had to wait several years for my answer to prayer. As I compare my waiting to that of God’s people in Scripture, who often waited on God for decades, even centuries, I’m deeply humbled.

e 2 : ef f ecti v e elder s

Thinking Forward, Moving Forward 3 CHURCH-LEADER CHALLENGES AS WE MERGE ONTO THE VIRTUAL HIGHWAY BY GARY L. JOHNSON

EARLIER

T H I S Y E A R , COVID-19 drove news reports. Every day, every media outlet reported on some aspect of the coronavirus and its impact on our lives. One news story caught my attention. It reported how teenagers had completed driver’s education training, but because of social distancing, their required road tests were waived. That story brought back memories of my driving test. After pulling out of the parking lot and into traffic, the examiner had me drive through busy streets and residential areas. I even had to parallel park. But for me, the most unnerving (and exciting) moment occurred when I was told to pull onto the expressway. I remember glancing in the rearview mirror to see whom I left behind as I sped off. Teenagers weren’t the only ones who learned to drive during the COVID-19 pandemic. As elders, many of us were forced to merge onto the digital highway. It was unsettling to lead ministry in strange new ways for which we had little preparation.

We learned to drive virtual worship services, hold leadership meetings and life groups, and pursue all types of ministry on a cyber platform. At times, it seemed as if we were going 100 mph (even though we were in technology’s slow-speed lane). After being forced onto this virtual highway, I need to ask a question. Are we still looking in the rearview mirror at where we’ve been and how things used to be, or are we looking forward and trying to navigate this new road well?

Dr. Gary Johnson served 30 years with Indian Creek Christian Church (The Creek) in Indianapolis, retiring last year. He is a cofounder of e2: effective elders, which he now serves as executive director.

/e2elders @e2elders

I contend that if we want to drive the church forward, we must look forward, and we must think forward. Through all of this, God has continued to be our faithful provider. We were created in God’s image. We can think and reason. We have been given “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Are we taking time to sit and think? America’s greatest inventor, Thomas Edison, used to sit and fish for hours. There was

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everyone onto the digital highway—that is, the digital platform. Now, with the old streets reopened or reopening, we must decide what to do. I strongly suggest we adopt the “both-and” approach and do ministry as both a gathered church and a virtual church.

The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated our need to think, and God has promised to provide wisdom if we will only ask (James 1:5). I see three unique challenges for which we should seek God’s wisdom.

We now live in a technological world. We even have wearable technology that syncs with our various devices. We must fully adopt and adapt to the digital platform to more effectively and expansively preach and teach the Word, disciple others, conduct meetings, plan events, receive donations, and more. Church is not relegated to Sunday only. Our digital platform opens wide the door of the church 24/7. God provides us with his wisdom to leverage this platform.

A New Perspective COVID-19 has forced us to develop new ways of thinking. Like it or not, we have merged onto the expressway of virtual church. Some churches already were there—and they might be in the high-speed lane—but for many of us it was an all-new experience. This phenomenon has made us realize that every church should be early adopters. Remember, the sons of Issachar who, by using their minds, “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). God gives us minds to do the same. We must understand our culture and know how to respond about what next step to take. As COVID-19 raged, did you see obstacles or opportunities? Our answer to that question says much about our perspective. Thinking about, and asking, the question, “What’s next?” is a discipline of leadership. Elders must develop this as a regular practice. It makes for effective leadership. Thinking forward moves the church forward. If we fail to do so, we’re simply revving the engine without putting the church into gear . . . we’re simply making a bunch of ministry noise to capture people’s attention. Thinking what’s next helps us develop and implement a strategic plan for the church. God provides us with minds to embrace this perspective.

A New Platform

A New Place

The traditional church gathering and the cyber church gathering—also called the remote church—are both here to stay. COVID-19 compelled us to open new worship venues around the world. Every church can now have at least one satellite campus—a remote campus. Retail stores with a strong internet presence move people from clicks to bricks; from their websites into their store sites. We can do the same. What will it take for us to move people from just viewing to actually visiting the church? Will we invest in our remote campus by hiring staff and buying necessary equipment? People from all five living generations are online. We must meet them there with the good news. God is faithful, and he provided all we needed, and more, throughout the crisis. Moving forward, we need just to continue to respond in faith by thinking, adapting, and acting. 

The coronavirus shut down traffic on our physical, neighborhood streets and forced most

e2’s book What’s Next? How Thinking Forward Moves the Church Forward is available in both print and digital form. Learn more at e2elders.org.

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a standing rule that people not disturb him when he was fishing. On some days, Edison did not even bait his hook. He simply wanted to sit and think! My question is this: To what degree are we using our minds that God has so richly provided?

Po li sh ed

The Gospel That Never Shuts Down BY MEGAN RAWLINGS

W H AT A T I M E T O BE A L I V E . This year

But here’s the catch—they cannot talk to me has handed us unique opportunities that have while I work. My 19-year-old brother is a man changed our sense of normalcy. Could these of few words, so throughout quarantine, he changes become the standard moving forwould sit quietly with me on my screenedward? I doubt it, but it’s safe to in back porch where he would say some changes are here for work on his projects and I would a while. Take the quarantine, work on mine. During this time, for example. Our routine was we still would occasionally conroughed up, plans were postverse, and the talks were meanponed, and distraction delayed ingful. One such discussion what needed to be done. But started by centering on his inthere is a positive side to all of terest in the military, which has this. We were exposed to an been his life’s dream since he eternal truth: Even when the was a toddler. Megan Rawlings is the founder world seems to be falling apart, and CEO of The Bold Movement. She is an extrovert, pastor’s wife, God has a plan. I have seen this To fully explain this interaction, and lover of the Scriptures. firsthand during the last few I’ll provide some background /tbmministry days. information. When he was 10, @tbm_ministry my brother went to the altar and @tbm_ministry Unexpected Opportunities “prayed the sinner’s prayer,” but @theboldmovement I’m an extrovert. I work best he never followed through with theboldmovement.com when I’m surrounded by people. baptism. However, he followed

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One afternoon on my porch, I asked, “Hey buddy, have you thought any more about baptism?” “Yeah, I think I’m finally ready,” he said. I was intrigued, so I did what any curious big sister would do. I wrestled him to the ground, Hulk Hogan style, until he told me what he meant by “finally ready.” (OK, not really, but I did ask him to explain.) “Well, Sis, I never really felt like I was good enough for God’s love.” (I had to fight back tears.) “I even tried to run away from him.” He looked at me and smiled—it was a smile only someone who really understood God’s love could give. “That was just silly,” he continued. “God was like, ‘No! I am here with you. You are not alone. I love you! Take my love.’” I chuckled to indicate I understood what he meant. “But now, Meg,” he explained, “I know God loves me. I know I can’t run from it. So, I decided to accept it, and now I’m ready.” And accept it, he did! My baby brother was baptized just a few days later. I can already see the commitment in his eyes and the desire in his heart to follow Christ.

Running from Love This weekend, seven days after baptizing my baby brother, my husband preached a sermon on the parable of the lost coin, lost sheep, and

lost son. Notice I said parable (singular). These three stories all share one point that Jesus wanted to get across: come home. At the climax of his sermon, my husband shared one more story with us. In a Brazilian village, there lived a young girl whose beauty was unrivaled. She would often lament, “If I could just get out of this place and make my way to the city, I would be a model and actress without any problem.” One morning, her mother woke up to find the beautiful young girl missing. The mother searched, but her naïve little girl had run away to the city. The mother suspected what would happen to her daughter in a big city with no one to protect her, so she took a picture of her daughter to a printer, had posters made, and headed to the city herself. The young woman was desperate to be among people “like her” and decided she would do whatever it took. She quickly learned how cruel the industry could be. Then she learned how unkind the city was. Her desperation forced her into acts of which she was not proud. One night after leaving a hotel room where she prostituted herself, she made her way to a public restroom. She rinsed her once beautiful, trusting face and was shocked to see the poster next to the mirror. Next to her picture it said, “I don’t care what you’ve done. I don’t care who you think you’ve become. I love you. I forgive you. Come home.” This story is the message of the cross. The implication of Christ hanging in agony on an unsanded, dirty, dead tree is this: “I don’t care what you’ve done. I don’t care whom you think you’ve become. I love you. I forgive you. Come home.” My brother finally heard that message, because Christ and his gospel do not shut down when the rest of the world does. 

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a Christian path by going to a Christian school, summer church camps, and even received a baseball scholarship to play at a Christian college. Baptism was discussed on several occasions, but he always said, “I will someday.” I was never sure what was stopping him until life came to a screeching halt due to the coronavirus.

horizons

Churches BeFriend Across Cultures BY LAURA MCKILLIP WOOD

EBECC A SITS ON A BL A NK ET in the yard family in a way that will continue to improve that surrounds her home, a one-room grass their lives and the life of their community. hut. Her four children play around her, along with her sister’s five children. ReA Multifaceted Partnership becca is the sole support for her children, her mother, her sister, For many years, Lifeline Chrisand her nieces and nephews. Retian Mission has ministered to becca’s husband joined the miliimpoverished communities. A tary in South Sudan, their home key aspect of this has been procountry, years ago. He left the viding opportunities for Amerifamily to fight in a war there and can churches to reach out to those has not returned. Eventually, she in other nations. Lifeline offers a and her family fled from their wide variety of ministry opporhomeland to Adjumani, a comtunities, including meal-packing Laura McKillip Wood, former missionary to Ukraine, now lives in munity of refugees in Uganda. events for American churches Papillion, Nebraska. She serves as (the food is sent to communities an on-call chaplain at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in in crisis in developing countries), Life has been difficult for RebecOmaha. She and her husband, and working with youth in places ca and her children, but through a Andrew, have three teenagers. like Haiti, Honduras, and Guapartnership between three differ/laura.wood2 temala. Lifeline also organizes ent organizations and her church @woodlaura30 and leads short-term trips for community—a project called @woodlaura30 churches who want their mem“BeFriend”—she has opportunity lauramckillipwood.com bers to experience cross-cultural to provide an education for her lauramckillipwood@gmail.com ministry. children and begin to support her

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Lifeline teamed up with Life in Abundance, an African-founded, faith-based community development organization that uses grants and donations to implement programs that help communities in impoverished areas. As part of that partnership, they decided to engage American churches in their work in a manner that would build and strengthen relationships with churches in developing countries. This plan involved training these local churches to be more effective and sustainable, and not dependent on U.S. churches or organizations. “This empowers the local church to effectively reach their own communities in a sustainable way,” said Sheri Sutton of Lifeline. The new approach is called “BeFriend” because the hope is to build relationships between churches in developing communities and churches in America. As the Lifeline—Life in Abundance partnership was starting, leaders at the Crestwood Campus of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, sought to better engage their members in cross-cultural ministry. Through Lifeline, SECC–Crestwood organized an event to package more than 1 million meals (combining rice, dried beans, and other nutritious, nonperishable foods) to send to the people in Uganda. But the church’s leaders wanted to teach their members more about cross-cultural ministry and also open their hearts to the ways God was working in other parts of the world by more

deeply engaging them in the lives of people living in developing countries. A partnership developed that includes SECC-Crestwood, Lifeline, Life in Abundance, and Rebecca’s church in Adjumani, Uganda, where a large number of refugees live. These refugees fled political and economic crises in their own countries and are in need of food, shelter, and the basics of life.

Meeting Needs with Holistic Ministry Because of their physical needs, people in Adjumani are often unable to think much about spiritual needs. When people are preoccupied with survival, they do not have the capacity to think about higher-level needs like quality of life and emotional and spiritual health. Because of this, BeFriend began by providing those nonperishable meals to the church in Adjumani. The church used these meals to reach out to their community. BeFriend is a three-year program that aims to enable people in Adjumani to start new businesses and learn how to organize and strengthen their community. Rather than creating or increasing dependence on American Christians, the program will set up the Adjumani church to support themselves and build the economic and spiritual lives of the people. After the initial meal-packing event, families and individuals in the SECC community committed to giving $33 per month for three years. This money goes to empowering the church in Adjumani to lead the community and equips them to set up revolving loans to help people start their own businesses. “These churches can meet needs in a holistic approach to ministry and gospel living,” Sutton said. Not only that, but members of Southeast visit the Adjumani community and meet the people

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About a year and a half ago, though, Lifeline incorporated a new approach to ministry by partnering with an African-based organization, incorporating American church support to an even greater degree, and seeking to build up the churches in the countries where they are working so they eventually are less reliant on U.S. churches and organizations.

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with whom they have partnered, enabling them to befriend one another and share their lives. Although Southeast is a large church, the program is actually implemented and sponsored by a single campus of the larger church. It is also being replicated now with another church in Kansas City and can be scaled to work with churches of any size.

Additionally, BeFriend provides funds to educate 200 vulnerable children in the community. Investing in the next generation of community leaders and church members ensures the project has a future. This practical help opens the door for conversations about Jesus, and as many as 280 households have received visits and prayers from Christians in the church.

Empowering Adjumani People

“It’s a beautiful partnership where we can all do what we do best,” Sutton said. “The model has proven to work well, and all parties involved work to restore dignity and empower a community to become self-sustaining.”

An important element of this ministry is the empowering nature of it. BeFriend does not pretend to know how best to use the donated funds. Instead, they work with the Adjumani church leaders, who know their people and their culture. The people are given the freedom to use the funds the best way possible. Also, all of the parties involved know that this is a shortterm project. After three years, the American involvement in the project ends. Because of that, the leaders focus on the best ways to empower people and teach them long-term, sustainable ways to support themselves without depending on American Christians. Individuals who participate in the life of the church and the programs developed become agents of change in their communities. They become involved in discipleship groups, learn how to start and maintain small businesses, and participate in self-help groups that teach things like accounting, money management, business skills, and social skills. The church has set up a savings and credit association to give support to the small businesses the people start. The ministry attempts to help people holistically by focusing on the financial, physical, spiritual, and emotional components of life.

For Rebecca, that means seeing that her children get a solid education and learn how to become productive and healthy members of their community. It means feeling the support of a loving community to help ease the burden of caring for her extended family. For the American church friends, it means meeting fellow believers from the other side of the world and seeing how God is moving in the lives of the people there. “We called the ministry ‘BeFriend’ because it’s a two-way relationship,” Sutton said. “It’s not just us going there and telling them what to do.” When Americans visit, the Adjumani leaders teach them about their work. “They’re the experts,” she said. BeFriend is a team approach to problems of poverty and social unrest . . . the body of Christ working together! 

If you’re interested in learning more about this ministry, check out lifeline.org/BeFriend.

Mi n i stry Li f e

Once Upon a Pandemic BY ANNA BRINK

0 NCE UPON A TIME , there was a worldwide

pandemic. While the world’s leaders worked hard to keep people healthy, the government asked everyone to stay in their homes. One woman was doing just that, while also watching the news and praying. During the first week at home, she heard a knock at the door. From a window, she saw who it was: Anxiety. She wasn’t surprised to see him. He knocked often. She sighed, then opened the door. “Hello, I’m here! Let me in, won’t you? This pandemic is crazy, right? We have so much to process together!” Anxiety said. “Well, that’s true,” the woman answered, and she led the way to the kitchen table where they immediately started talking. Several hours later, she heard another knock at the door. She con-

sidered ignoring it because she had so much more to process with her current guest, and anyway, what if this new guest had the virus? But the gentle knocking continued. So the woman got up from the kitchen table to answer the door. To her surprise, it was a face she hadn’t seen in a while. “Hello! Thanks so much for answering the door. I’ve knocked on several, but you’re the first to open up.” She squinted her eyes, studying him. “Oh! Opportunity, right?”

Anna Brink is a writer and children’s theatre director who lives in Lebanon, Ohio. She and her husband, Ryan, have three kids and one spoiled pug. /anna.h.brink @annacbrink imom.com textingthetruth.com

“Yes! That’s me!” he answered. “I don’t think this is a good time for me. Come back later, when things calm down.” He paused, then looked at her with sincerity and a bit of urgency. “I know this may seem like

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stop trying to force the look-alike into the spot. The look-alike leads to frustration . . .”

She hesitated. “Well . . . why don’t you come in, Opportunity? For a little while? I have Anxiety here too, so we can all talk together.”

His voice trailed off, and the woman picked up, “And the other one actually completes the picture?”

“Oh,” he replied, “No . . . thank you, but that won’t work.”

“Yes!” he said, excitedly. “So please, there’s so much I have for you. So many blessings. I don’t want you to miss out.”

“Why not?” she asked. “Anxiety and I can’t stay in the same place. It just doesn’t work.” “But he was here first,” the woman replied. “True. . . .” Opportunity thought for a moment. “Let me ask you this: Is he helping you?” “Hmm, well, yes, I mean . . . the future is unclear, and there’s so much to figure out. He’s helping me process it.” “Have you come to any conclusions?”

“Miss out on what? I’m just stuck in my house right now. It’s awful. There’s nothing to do but wait.” “Oh, but there are things to do. There are special moments with your family and neighbors that can happen only under these circumstances. There are extraordinary assignments you’ve been given . . . opportunities God destined for you for this time! The Father is very creative—you should see all of the amazing plans he has for you!”

“Well, not yet. But I’m sure if we just keep talking and listening to the news, we’ll come up with some answers. Right?”

She stared at him with wide eyes, his excitement contagious. But almost immediately, a thought shaded her optimism, “I don’t think Anxiety is going to leave easily. Trust me, he’s stubborn.”

Opportunity sighed. He looked her straight in the eyes. “I know it seems like you will, but you won’t.”

“Oh I know! But once he realizes there’s no place for him here, he’ll finally leave . . . at least for a while.”

“I don’t understand,” she said. “I’ve been praying for answers, and he’s here, and you’re here too. So, how can that be?”

A new look of determination crossed the woman’s face. She turned to go back into her home. She knew it could be a daily, even hourly battle, keeping Anxiety out so she could host Opportunity. She realized Anxiety would come knocking on her door again. But she had a feeling this was the real piece to the puzzle she had been praying about. 

“Sometimes when you’re putting a puzzle together, there are two pieces that look very similar,” Opportunity said gently. “They both look like they will fit, but they won’t. So, you have to

C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 17 -

strange timing,” he said, “but I have so many wonderful things to talk with you about.”

metr i cs

Church Finance FAQ BY KENT E. FILLINGER

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has dominated our

time and attention for much of 2020. This month’s article provides an overview of church finances based on our 2019 survey of 439 churches, while next month’s article will share findings from a separate survey that seeks to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the financial health of our churches.

How Much Money Was Given to Churches Last Year? The total amount given last year to the churches we surveyed was $872,134,383. This included giving to the general fund, capital campaigns, building funds, and other sources. This reflected less than a 1 percent increase (0.7 percent) from the 2018 giving total. But average giving per church dipped 5 percent compared with 2018.

Did Church Giving Meet, Exceed, or Fall Short of the Budget Last Year? Overall, 44 percent of churches said their total giving in 2019 exceeded their budget. Among large churches, 55 percent saw giving exceed budget—best among the six church size

categories—while only 31 percent of very small churches saw giving exceed budget, the worst percentage among the various categories. Giving fell short of budget at 30 percent of churches, ranging from a high of 36 percent at emerging megachurches to a low of 20 percent at large churches. Twenty-six percent of the churches overall met budget last year. Very small churches were the most likely to meet their budget last year with 38 percent doing so. Emerging megachurches had the smallest percentage of churches meet budget last year with 13 percent.

Kent E. Fillinger serves as president of 3:STRANDS Consulting, Indianapolis, Indiana, and regional vice president (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan) with Christian Financial Resources.

/3strandsconsulting 3strandsconsulting.com

What Percentage of Total Annual Giving Was Received Electronically? This was a new question in the 2019 church survey—and the percentages surely have climbed during COVID-19 (more on that in next month’s column). In 2019, the larger the church, the more likely it was to receive gifts electronically (i.e., online, via church app, text to give, kiosk, etc.).

LARGE 500—999

MEDIUM 250—499

PER CENTAG E O F CHUR CHES WIT H HALF OR MORE OF GIVING REC EIVED ELECT RONICALLY

HIGHEST

PE R C E N TAG E OF GI VI N G RECEIVE D EL ECTRONICALLY 10 0

L OW E S T

54%

VERY SMALL 99 or fewer

SMALL 100—249

36%

32%

30 20

13%

10 0

12% 3%

0 MEGA

EMERGING MEGA

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

VERY SMALL

MEGA

OV E R A L L AV E R AG E P E R C E N TAG E H I G H E S T P E R C E N TAG E L OW E S T P E R C E N TAG E

How Many Churches Have Debt?

A year ago, I studied our 2018 statistical data and learned churches that carried debt were more likely to grow faster and baptize more people than churches with no debt. (Read more in my September 2019 article “The Debt Debate,” available at Christian Standard’s website.) The data from our 2019 church survey reinforced the fact that most faster-growing churches, and most churches baptizing a higher percentage of people, also had some level of debt. The charts to the right indicate that, in all but two size categories, churches with debt had better growth rates and baptism ratios (number of baptisms per 100 in average weekly worship attendance). Overall, churches with debt grew twice as fast as churches with no debt in 2019. I would contend that a healthy, strategic amount of debt can signify a church is moving forward in faith and is willing to take reasonable financial risks to reach the lost.

89%

Sixty percent of churches in our 2019 survey reported having debt. This was a slight decrease from 2018 when 62 percent of surveyed churches reported some debt. The percentage of churches with debt decreased in every size category except for small churches, where it increased by 2 percent.

Does Debt Help or Hinder a Church?

EMERGING MEGA

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

VERY SMALL

HOW MANY C HU RC HES HAVE D EBT 100

The larger the church, the more likely it was to carry debt. The total debt reported for all churches last year was over $813 million. But the average debt load decreased in every size category last year except for megachurches and large churches.

C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 19 -

M E G AC H U R C H 2 ,000 +

SEPTEMBER 2020

C H U R C H S I Z E S (based on avera ge weekly worship atten dan ce) : EMERGING M E G AC H U R C H 1,000—1,999

82%

74%

64%

43%

40 20

0 MEGA

EMERGING MEGA

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

VERY SMALL

OVERALL AVERAGE G R OWT H R AT E 5

4.5%

4.4%

4 3.1%

3 2 1

2.0%

3.0% 1.9%

2.1% 1.3%

0.5%

2.6%

2.5%

1.3%

1.0% -1.0

0 1

MEGA

EMERGING MEGA

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

VERY SMALL

OVERALL

OVERALL AVERAGE BAPT ISM R AT IO 7

6.7

6 5 4

6.3 5.5

4.2

5.3 5.0

6.1 5.4

6.5 5.3 4.6 3.8

6.0 4.5

3 2 1 0

MEGA

EMERGING MEGA

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

VERY SMALL

OVERALL

SEPTEMBER 2020 C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 2 0 -

How Many Weeks of Cash on Hand Do Churches Maintain? Christian Financial Resources CEO Darren Key often says the one financial number every church needs to know is the weeks of cash on hand. He says failure to maintain adequate cash reserves can lead to disaster for a church. The recent pandemic is a perfect reminder that you never know when the economy could struggle or a natural disaster might occur, thus creating a financial burden for your church. Key suggests 13 weeks of cash on hand is the minimum target for a church. A simple method for calculating total cash on hand is to divide your church’s annual expenses by 52 weeks to determine your weekly cash need. Then add up all your cash—in checking, savings, and other “liquid” accounts—and divide by the weekly cash need to find your weeks of cash on hand. Overall, churches that participated in our 2019 research survey averaged 10 weeks of cash on hand, slightly better than the 9.8 weeks of cash on hand from 2018. Again in 2019, very small churches had the most weeks of cash on hand (12.8 weeks). Emerging megachurches, large churches, and small churches tied for the lowest level of cash reserves (9.1 weeks). Rounding out the data, medium churches averaged 10.2 weeks of cash on hand while megachurches averaged 9.4 weeks.

How Often Do Churches Talk about Giving, Generosity, or Stewardship During Weekend Services? This was the first time we asked this question of churches in our annual survey. The answer options included never, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.

One-third of the churches (33 percent) reported talking about giving on a weekly basis. The second most common response was annually (27 percent), followed by quarterly (23 percent). Only 2 percent of the churches said they never talk about stewardship. HOW OF T EN D O YOU TALK MO NEY?

How Often Do Churches Offer Money Management Classes? This was another new question for 2019. Answer options included never, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, or occasionally/no set schedule.

More than one-third of the churches (36 percent) reported offering money management classes occasionally or with no set schedule. This was the most popular response regardless of church size. Thirty-one percent of churches said they offer money management classes annually, while 16 percent offer them quarterly. Fifteen percent of churches said they never offer money management classes. 

view the full repor t V I S I T C H R I S T I A N S TA N DA R D . C O M TO VIEW THE FULL 2 019 A N N UA L C H U R C H S U RV E Y T h i s y e a r, y o u â&#x20AC;&#x2122; l l f i n d f a s t f a c t s a n d t o p t e n l i s t s for attendance and grow th included in the pages o f t h i s m a g a z i n e . To v i e w a l l s t a t i s t i c s f r o m t h e c h u r c h e s w h o r e s p o n d e d t o o u r s u r v e y, d o w n l o a d the complete PDF for free today!

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SEPTEMBER 2020 C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 2 4 -

FAMINE [EGYPT]

W A I T I N G I S

W O R K I N G

An Ancient Commentary on the Coronavirus Quarantine f rom Joseph and the Famine By Mark E. Moore

INFLUENCE, YOU HAVE TO DEVELOP THE GRIT TO GET BACK

The most difficult thing about the coronavirus pandemic has been the quarantine. Call it “stay at home,” call it “shelter in place”—regardless what you call it, it is forced “waiting.” Waiting is hard work. It feels passive, stifling, a waste of time. However, the “waiting room” in God’s healthcare system is where much of the heart surgery takes place. Waiting is where our character is solidified so opportunities can be maximized. There is a pattern for waiting and then working that is as ancient as the Bible itself. This lesson is embedded in the biography of Joseph.

C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 2 5 -

UP ONE MORE TIME THAN YOU ARE KNOCKED DOWN.

SEPTEMBER 2020

IN ORDER TO LEVERAGE YOUR ABILITIES, RESOURCES, AND

S I B L I N G R I VA LY:

THE LESSON OF HUMILITY

Joseph, as you know, is one of the heroes of the Old Testament. In fact, he is a type of Christ, hated by his brothers, yet ended up saving his people. So it may sound strange to be critical of a man who foreshadowed Jesus. But let’s be honest. He was a bad brother! It’s one thing when your father plays favorites, but to flaunt it is just not wise, particularly in a blended family. You know the narrative. Joseph had a dream in which his brothers bowed down to him. At 17, he didn’t have sense enough to keep it to himself. His brothers were incensed. It got worse with his second dream, in which his brothers were joined by his father and mother paying him homage as the sun, moon, and stars bowed to the boy. Even mom and dad said that was too much! Young Joseph made the same mistake as have so many of us. He had a dream of significance that he interpreted as self-aggrandizement. He loved the coat of many colors and believed his future would be filled by the accolades of others. Waiting for these things taught him that leadership is more about serving and that significance requires suffering.

SEPTEMBER 2020 C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 2 6 -

DANGEROUS COUGAR: THE LESSON OF CHARACTER

Joseph had a noble core despite being spoiled as a child. As he matured past puberty, he became a valuable asset in Potiphar’s house. He developed a strong work ethic and moral authority. As a strapping young man in his early twenties, he oversaw the whole house. He had a keen mind and a physical physique that was, well, notable, at least to Mrs. Potiphar. One day, so the story goes, he was taking care of his duties in the family dwelling. Potiphar was away on business. Whether she was lonely, unappreciated, or just evil may never be known. But she latched on to Joseph and propositioned him, “Come to bed with me.” When he refused, she was outraged. She ran straight to her husband and lied, “Joseph tried to rape me!” A false accusation with real ramifications. To make the most of this or any crisis, you had better learn a critical lesson: Your leadership can take you only as far as your character can sustain you. Joseph would save his family, along with a host of other nations, from starvation. Yet his dream of public importance would come true only if his private moments were true to his character. The coronavirus has tested our character in isolation. Pornographic website traffic increased more than 10 percent, prompting some sites to offer free premium subscriptions during the quarantine. Online alcohol sales spiked 243 percent even as liquor store sales increased 55 percent. (Liquor stores were deemed an essential service.) On March 16, sales of recreational marijuana jumped 159 percent in California.

BAKER & CUPBEARER: THE LESSON OF ENDURANCE

Because of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph found himself in prison. This presented an opportunity to display another leadership virtue: grit. If you want to be an agent of change, you must endure significant setbacks. It is not enough to have stellar character if you don’t have endurance. In order to leverage your abilities, resources, and influence, you have to develop the grit to get back up every time you are knocked down. Rather than giving in to cynicism or depression, Joseph continued to lead where he was. He was placed in charge of the prison as he had been in charge of Potiphar’s house. Due to his quarantine, Joseph met a couple of guys— a baker and a cupbearer—he likely would never have run into otherwise. Both men had dreams they could not understand. Fortunately, Joseph had a kind of “technical” expertise in that area. (Think of it as a Zoom call with the Holy Spirit.) Joseph interpreted the dreams for the men—good news for the cupbearer (in three days he would be restored to his position), bad news for the baker (in three days he would be killed). And it came to pass . . . but the cupbearer was slow to fulfill his promise to remember Joseph upon being restored to his position as a sort of sommelier. And so Joseph sat . . . and sat . . . and sat. It was two years before he had opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. While waiting in prison, Joseph was working on endurance.

Clearly, people in crisis can create problems or solve problems. What you do in isolation will determine how God can use you in the public square. IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS IS R E L AT IVE LY E A SY. LEADERS, HOWEVER, FIND SOLUTIONS.

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE LESSON OF THE SOLUTION

Pharaoh’s dream was bizarre. Seven plump cows emerged from the Nile. Right behind them were seven mangy bovine who cannibalized their fellow heifers. What on earth? What could this possibly mean? All of Pharaoh’s magicians, sorcerers, and enchanters were dumbfounded. It was then that our amnesiac sommelier remembered Joseph’s spiritual Skype skills with God. No sooner had he said, “I know a guy,” than they raced to the prison to pull Joseph out from his “shelter in place.” After a quick shower and shave, he stood before the most powerful man on earth. Sure enough, Joseph not only interpreted the meaning of the dream, he offered a shrewd mechanism for managing it. He didn’t waste the crisis. He presented an unprecedented opportunity for Pharaoh to save his own people while raising their taxes, while also becoming a hero to the surrounding nations and getting stupid rich in the process. This is a critical leadership lesson. If you want to advance your career, if you want to make a difference, if you are looking for significance, the secret is in the solution, not the problem. Joseph identified the problem. That showed his wisdom. But that’s not what made him significant. Rather than focusing on himself, Joseph put himself in the shoes of Pharaoh and offered a solution to Pharaoh’s problem. Identifying problems is relatively easy. Leaders, however, find solutions. When you identify problems you are focused on yourself. When you find solutions, you are focused on others. That’s what leads to significance. Think about it from your boss’s perspective. How many people come to him or her with a problem to be solved? If you come with a solution, it sets you apart. This is precisely what postured Joseph, during a crisis, to be a difference maker. You know the end of the story. Joseph saved his family. But he did a lot more than that. He honored his God on an international stage. That never would

C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 2 7 -

FROM RAGS TO RICHES:

TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS OR ANY CRISIS, YOU HAD BETTER LEARN A CRITICAL LESSON: YOUR LEADERSHIP CA N TA K E YO U O N LY A S FA R A S

YOUR CHARACTER CAN SUSTAIN YOU.

have happened without the famine. Everyone can agree on that. Crises are opportunities for God to be honored and people to turn back to him. What is often missed, behind the crisis, is the quarantine. Waiting is working. Had it not been for his time in quarantine, Joseph likely would not have had the wherewithal to come up with an international strategy for healing the nations and unprecedented economic recovery for Pharaoh. Most of us are working right now with a church, a business, or a family that needs solutions. The masses are talking about the coronavirus problem. The elite among us are finding solutions to specific problems. Would you be the new Joseph? Perhaps your church needs someone just like you to develop small groups. Perhaps you know something about marketing or technology that would exponentially expand your church’s influence. Perhaps you understand distribution, community organization, healthcare, mental health, online education, or some new technology or system yet to be developed. The future solutions to the current crisis will come from those with quarantine character. For God’s sake, let it be you.  Mark E. Moore serves as teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona, and is author of Core52: A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year.

G O D

P R O V I D E S

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C R I S I S

Generosity, Responsibility, Humility: The Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Threefold Response to COVID-19

By Gary Johnson and Jared Johnson

SEPTEMBER 2020

Is something similar occurring in America? In recent years, the United States has enjoyed an era of prosperity—from record low unemployment to record high returns in the financial markets. However, an insidious and destructive virus circled the globe and within weeks turned an era of prosperity into a time of scarcity and adversity. The coronavirus pandemic has caused record losses of lives, jobs, savings, and more. It disrupted graduation ceremonies; and it disrupted supply lines and caused shortages of ventilators, N95 masks, meat, and even toilet paper! A phenomenon with similarities to the one that struck Egypt centuries ago became a reality in the 20thcentury world. History has a way of repeating itself. While Egypt experienced abundance and then famine, the nation ultimately demonstrated compassion and generosity. From a macro perspective, Egypt had such plentiful resources during the seven good years that people from neighboring nations obtained relief from her storehouses during the seven lean years, sustaining an untold number of people. God provided on a macro level. At a micro level, God provided for Joseph mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. (In Luke 2:52, Scripture says Jesus also grew in these ways—“in wisdom and

in stature and in favor with God and all the people,” New Living Translation.) Joseph was elevated to become Egypt’s prime minister. God, who is immutable, also has provided for us in the same manner during the pandemic. God provides on a macro level and—as we see in his work in our individual lives—on a micro level. Another familiar phrase, “the tip of the iceberg,” describes a reality that most of an iceberg lies beneath the water’s surface. We might say that most people view the church’s response to COVID-19 something like how they view an iceberg. There was the obvious, surface response, but much of the church’s response has been largely unseen. In the church’s threefold response to COVID-19, all three aspects were connected and inseparable, though two of the three rested beneath the surface. Acts of Generosity

The church’s conspicuous response to the coronavirus has been outrageous generosity, and this type of response is not new. Crises birth generosity. In the past two decades, Americans gave record sums of money in the days following 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy and Harvey, an earthquake in Haiti, and a tsunami in the Indian Ocean. When tornadoes and fires destroy homes and lives, people respond with acts of selfless generosity. During and following the coronavirus, churches opened drive-through food pantries, distributed emergency kits containing face masks and hand sanitizer, engaged healthcare workers and first responders, even assisted other struggling

C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 2 9 -

“History repeats itself” is a familiar phrase because it’s true. In the opening pages of Scripture, Egypt was a world superpower. That nation experienced prosperity like no other realm had ever known. The years of unprecedented bounty, though, were followed by seven years of famine.

SEPTEMBER 2020 C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 3 0 -

congregations to remain open. Larger, more technologically adept churches provided virtual platforms for congregations who knew little to nothing about livestreaming worship services. Why has the church responded this way? The easy and most evident answer is that we have been made in the image of God, the most outrageous giver of all. From the Garden of Edenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundance in Genesis 1 to the restoration of everything in Revelation 21, God provides us with help for today, and most importantly, with hope for tomorrow through the redemption of our lives in Jesus Christ. When we are generous, we look and act like our Father. Sense of Responsibility

Acts of generosity flow from a sense of responsibility, which lies beneath our surface and is a conviction from the Spirit in our souls. Egypt was a generous nation because leaders with a sense of responsibility were at the helm. For seven years, Joseph set aside record amounts of food to feed record numbers of people in years of unrelenting hunger. The fact that Pharaoh allowed Joseph to undertake such a massive benevolent food program indicates he must have sensed a responsibility to others. The church can be generous when leaders have the following twofold sense of responsibility. First, we are caretakers, stewarding what has been given to us. We cannot spend every dollar we receive. We must live within our means. Setting aside resources is both wise and prudent (Proverbs 21:20). We save

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Second, we are Christians, followers of the life and teaching of Jesus. Our Lord’s brother said our faith is dead when we see people needing food and clothes and do not help them (James 2:14-17). John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” taught that when we have material possessions and do not share them with those in need, we lack the love of God. We are to love with action (1 John 3:17, 18). To whom much is given, much is required. E2 works with a church that considered pursuing a loan from SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program even though they have hundreds of thousands of dollars in reserve. They reasoned that if they received the loan, they would be able to share in outrageous generosity with smaller, struggling churches to meet payroll expenses—helping to keep those churches open. When church leaders have a sense of responsibility deep within, the church will pursue acts of conspicuous generosity. Attitude of Humility

Generosity flows from a sense of responsibility rooted in an attitude of humility. Though he was Egypt’s second-in-command, Joseph walked humbly with God. From age 17, when his brothers sold him into slavery, until age 30, when he became a leader of Egypt—and up until the day he died—Joseph depended on God. In his old age, Joseph spoke to his brothers of the time they sold him as a slave: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

Can we say the same? Do we live in authentic humility before God? If we do, we will be more inclined to give generously because others will matter so much to us. Paul urged us, in humility, to think more highly of others and to support their interests before and above our own (Philippians 2:3, 4). Paul also wrote that we should have the same attitude as Jesus, who humbled himself completely and became obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). When Christian high-wire aerialist Nik Wallenda finishes an event, he spends many hours picking up litter his fans have left behind. He fills trash bag after trash bag. Wallenda says he must deliberately resist pride in his life by performing acts of humility. We need to make that same journey.

Acts of generosity flow from having a sense of responsibility to God. This generosity is rooted in genuine humility as we walk with and depend upon the provision God alone can provide. This threefold response to COVID-19 involves more than outrageous acts of generosity; it is the fruit of the Spirit working inside Christians across the country and around the world. People look at the outward appearance of generosity, whereas God also looks at our responsible and humble hearts. As the late Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”  Gary and Jared Johnson serve as executive director and operations director, respectively, of e2: effective elders.

C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 31 -

and set aside resources so we have something to share with others, particularly when a crisis comes.

CAPTIVITY [BABYLON]

'I WILL BRING YOU BACK'

LESSONS FROM THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY FOR MODERN-DAY ‘EXILES’

BY ARRON CHAMBERS

SEPTEMBER 2020 C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 3 3 -

uring this pandemic, quarantine, and sheltering at-home orders, I’ve found myself drawn to Bible stories of liberation and freedom from captivity. We were created to be free—not isolated, alienated, held in captivity, or exiled indefinitely. Even so, such things happen, and it happened to the people of God during a period of 70 years we call the Babylonian captivity. They’d been warned.

SEPTEMBER 2020 C H R I S T I A N S TA N D A R D - 3 4 -

WARNING In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump and a team of doctors gave daily briefings. Day after day they presented numbers and charts that I found informative . . . and incredibly frightening, yet I made myself watch because I’ve lived long enough to know warnings are important (whether I like them or not). For many years, God had tried to warn the descendants of Judah that trouble was coming. God had chosen Judah and his descendants from among the tribes of Israel for a special place in his plan (Genesis 49:1, 8-10). And that plan, according to Jeremiah, included trouble with people from the north. Jeremiah announced God’s warning: “Because you have not obeyed my words, behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north . . . and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations” (Jeremiah 25:8-9; all Scriptures are from the English Standard Version). God also spoke warnings through the prophet Habakkuk: “I am raising up the

Chaldeans [Babylon], that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own” (Habakkuk 1:6). Most scholars agre e that the Battle of Carchemish in 605 BC was an inciting incident in the story of the Babylonian captivity. This battle began after the Babylonian and Median army, led by Nebuchadnezzar, pursued the Egyptians and the Assyrians south to Carchemish and handily defeated them. Nebuchadnezzar emerged from this battle as one of the most powerful leaders in the world. In an attempt to expand the Babylonian Empire, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem (Jeremiah 22:18-30), capturing King Jehoiakim (good King Josiah’s son), putting him in chains, and deporting him to exile in Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:6) along with 10,000 other people of Judah (2 Kings 24:14). The members of the royal family who were exiled to Babylon included Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (A great resource that summarizes the events that led up to the Babylonian captivity is Dr. James Smith’s self-published book, Bible History Made Simple.)

God revealed that his plan was for Babylon to rule over the world for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). For the people of Judah, exile became their normal. Exile isn’t easy—whether it’s being confined inside your home for several months or away from your home for 70 years! The waiting can be painful; it definitely was for Judah. Some of the pain of the Babylonian captivity was expressed by Jeremiah: “Judah has gone into exile because of affliction and hard servitude; she dwells now among the nations, but finds no resting place; her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress” (Lamentations 1:3). The people were distressed during this time of waiting, but they would learn what we often forget: God never wastes pain. He sometimes allows our hearts to be broken in the hope we will grow to love him more wholeheartedly, he sometimes uses times of captivity to (ultimately) liberate us, and he sometimes uses exile to bring us closer to him. But it can be hard to see this in the midst of waiting. It likely was especially hard for Judah, whose home and center for worship was destroyed. In 587 BC, approximately 10 years after the first deportation of people to Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem when Zedekiah (whom Nebuchadnezzar had installed as vassal king of Judah) revolted against him and united with the king of Egypt. After seeing his sons killed, Zedekiah was blinded and then taken to Babylon. With Zedekiah removed, Nebuchadnezzar sent in his general, Nebuzaradan, to finish the job—which he did effectively. Jerusalem was plundered, Solomon’s temple was destroyed, and more people were taken into captivity. The conquerors allowed only a few

SEPTEMBER 2020

poor people to stay in Jerusalem to work the land (Jeremiah 52:16). As the years of exile in Babylon stretched on and on, God encouraged his people, through Jeremiah, to “work the waiting.” We’ve had choices to make every day during the coronavirus quarantine. We’ve had to choose to be overcome with worry or to overcome worry. We’ve had to choose to shrink back in fear or move forward in faith . . . to shrink into less or grow into more. We’ve had the choice of whether to allow the waiting to work us over or, instead, to work the waiting by seeking to grow into the people God wants us to be. God wanted his people in Babylon to grow during their time of exile. Through his prophet, God said, “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. . . . When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place” (Jeremiah 29:5, 10). So, the people faithfully worked and waited for God to fulfill his promise, while they also grew into more devoted followers of the Lord. In Divided We Fall, Dr. James Smith notes, “The captivity in Babylon served a useful purpose in the plan of God. Though surrounded by the influence of pagan religion, the people of God were drawn closer to the Lord. Following the exile to Babylon, idolatry was never again a problem to the Jews.” God is always working in our waiting to bring his plan and promises into fruition. God kept his promises to Judah through a Persian king. In 539 BC, Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon with virtually no resistance. He repatriated the people Babylon had taken captive. Cyrus granted permission for the Jews to return home and rebuild the temple.

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WAITING

I f weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re no t c are ful , exile c an s t rip away ou r id entit y and keep u s fro m fu l f illing our d e s tiny.

God is alway s working in our waiting

to bring his plan and promises into fruition.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Most great stories have a happy ending. And a great ending to any exile is when those who’ve been exiled are allowed to return home.

to stop wondering and resume worshipping! Worship in Jerusalem finally resumed in 516 BC when the second temple was completed.

In Judah’s exile and repatriation, we see a phenomenon that often occurs when people have been imprisoned for a long period of time. At first, prisoners hate the shackles and bars of their cell, but then they grow used to them. Upon their release, if they’ve been imprisoned for a long time, they might even miss their shackles and bars.

As pandemic restrictions have been easing, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a preacher is wondering what to do to reestablish in-person worship and reopen the church. Everyone has an opinion about when churches should open, how they should open, and even who should be allowed to return for in-person worship. As with the exiles who returned to Jerusalem after 70 years away, it’s hard to keep focus on what needs to happen next with so many voices, pressures, and opinions.

If we’re not careful, exile can strip away our identity and keep us from fulfilling our destiny. Many of the Jews and their descendants who’d been born in Babylon became comfortable there and refused to leave. Exile had alienated them from their homes in practical, significant, and lasting ways. Only 42,360 Jews returned to Jerusalem, but they returned with a clear passion and purpose: rebuild the temple and restore worship. With guidance from Zerubbabel, the grandson of King Jehoiakim, they laid a foundation for the temple—which had been in ruins for almost 50 years—but passion for finishing the temple and restoring worship started to wane. They had to deal with a very real challenge all people who have been exiled must face when they return home or the restrictions are lifted—“What now?” “The restoration effort got off to a fine start,” Smith noted in Divided We Fall. “But problems arose. The people had other things to do—building homes, planting and harvesting, making a living. Hostility of neighboring Samaritans endangered public safety. Preoccupied with these difficulties, the people became indifferent to the work of rebuilding God’s house. For some years no further progress was made on this vital project.” “For some years” was actually more than two decades! It took 23 years for the people of God

That being said, I’ll try to do what the good people of God did post-exile so many years ago: return home, rebuild, and work to restore in-person worship in a new, fresh, and significant way. 

Arron Chambers serves as lead minister of Journey Christian Church in Greeley, Colorado. He is the author of seven books, a leadership coach, marriage coach, high school track and crosscountry coach, and cofounder of the Connect Leadership Network, a network of pastors who meet virtually each week for coaching, soul-care, and collaboration. /arronchambersofficial @arronchambers @arronchambers arronchambers.com "Enjoy the Journey with Arron Chambers" available wherever podcasts are found

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WONDERING

MOVING FROM CRISIS TO RENEWAL

what leaders do when their plans are reduced to rub rubbble

BY AUSTIN GOHN

SEPTEMBER 2020

After working at the church for seven years and completing a six-month interview process, I stepped into the role of lead pastor at the end of February—barely a month before something called the coronavirus went from a fringe news report to dominating the headlines (and my Twitter feed). I had read The First 90 Days, a Harvard Business Review book, and created a plan that involved dozens of trust-building conversations, a strategy for generating some short-term wins, and a process for rebuilding our team, which had gone from five to two over the past year. I imagined myself as an “organizational architect,” a phrase I’d taken from the book, and I was ready to lead our church to the next level. I fasted and prayed about it before putting it into action, and, for my first 30 days as lead pastor, I worked that plan without a hiccup. That 90-day plan still sits above my desk, taped to the paneled wall, haunting me. If there was ever a year for casting vision, it was 2020. The phrase “20/20 Vision” had been reduced to a cliché in church circles, but that didn’t stop pastors everywhere from using it. (Admittedly, I was a little sour that I hadn’t thought of it first.) Many of these plans were the result of multiday retreats with staff teams and boards, countless hours of prayer, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analyses, and the advice of expensive church consultants. These plans included building campaigns, new campuses, growth goals, church-planting initiatives, and sermon series. None of them included a contingency plan for a pandemic. I guess we didn’t have 20/20 vision after all. Many of our best-laid plans are in ruins. When I walk into my church building, still closed at the time of writing, I see the sign-up for baptisms sitting in our church foyer and the fridge still filled with Communion trays from the week before we canceled—more ghost town, less Holy Ghost. What do you do when your plans are reduced to rubble?

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I was 30 days into my “first 90 days” plan when I closed our church building indefinitely.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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and communicate

DEVELOP HOPEFUL REALISM In the early weeks of COVID-19, I kept coming back to Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles. Nebuchadnezzar’s armies had already sent out an initial wave of exiles from Jerusalem (Jeremiah 29:1), and the city itself was on the verge of destruction (52:1-30). With the city walls and the temple soon to be reduced to ruins, it was a world in crisis. Jeremiah’s letter is the definition of hopeful realism in a time of crisis. Despite the false prophets who, in an unfounded attempt to keep morale high, were telling the people “we’ll be back to normal in no time,” Jeremiah was committed to reality—or what Dallas Willard defined as, “what you run into when you’re wrong.” Jeremiah, in effect, said, “This will end, but it will take longer than you think.” It will be around 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10), but a day is coming when you will be restored back to your land (29:14). In the meantime, he told them to stop living out of their suitcases and to establish long-term rhythms of work and family (29:5-7). I tried to strike his tone in my own emails to the people in our church, who were scattered about in their neighborhoods rather than gathering together on Sundays. “This will end,” I kept writing in various ways, “but it will probably take longer than we think.” It’s a long-term cultural crisis, by no means on par with the destruction of Jerusalem and 70-year exile of the Jews, but one with losses that are no less real. At the time I’m writing this, we’ve just surpassed 100,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the United States, and many of those folks belong to our churches. Unemployment is the worst it’s been since the Great Depression, and our economy is devastated. Loneliness, depression, and anxiety, already on the rise in an isolated society, have become even more commonplace than before. Some churches that closed their doors for a few weeks or months have found they might need to close them for good. Just as Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles gives way to Lamentations, a season of crisis requires us to stop and lament what we’ve lost. Before we rebuild, we need to walk around the rubble, name the pain, and look at the destruction rather than pretend it’s not there. We must not only give our congregations space to grieve but lead them into it. Yet, as Australian pastor Mark Sayers pointed out in his book Reappearing Church, “God allows cultural crises to drive us back to him.” There are hints of this in Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Even in Lamentations, there are hints of this: “Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old” (Lamentations 5:21). It’s the vocabulary of renewal, and that’s precisely what happens next. Out of the ruins of crisis, God raises up architects of renewal. If the beginning of this crisis required Jeremiah to form our imaginative framework as leaders, the middle of this crisis requires us to shift toward Ezra and Nehemiah.

IF A CRISIS DOESN’T GIVE WAY TO RENEWAL, I T ’ S L I K E LY WE ’ L L G O THROUGH SOME FORM OF

^ and again

CRISIS AGAIN UNTIL IT DOES.

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BECOME AN ARCHITECT OF RENEWAL When exiles began returning to Jerusalem, the city was in shambles. The temple had been destroyed and the walls of the city were obliterated. So, they made plans and started rebuilding— beginning first with the temple and later, under the leadership of Nehemiah, with the city walls. The first was a symbol of God’s presence, the second of his protection. It would have been a mistake, though, to think that rebuilding (or “reopening”) Jerusalem was enough on its own apart from the renewal of the people themselves. God is not interested in merely rebuilding a city or reopening a building. Any architect could do that. Instead, God wants architects of renewal. Starting in Nehemiah 8, a series of scenes show what this looks like. Ezra opens the Torah at sunrise and doesn’t stop reading it until lunch. As the people listen, their response is spontaneous worship. People shout “Amen!” and bow down before God and weep. The scene then quickly becomes one of joyful celebration. A few weeks later, they spend a quarter of the day confessing their sins and worshipping God, only to end with a renewed commitment to obedience. Rebuilding without renewal would have created the same conditions that led to the crisis 70 years earlier, and the same is true with reopening our churches. It can be easy to think that once you get your congregation back in the building, which some of you may have been doing for months now, your job is done. But, just like Ezra and Nehemiah, God is looking for architects of renewal in our own time—people who aren’t content with rebuilding the way things were, but renewing the way things should be. For those who long to be architects of renewal, I suggest three action steps: STUDY PAST ARCHITECTURE. Look back before you look forward. Familiarize yourself with

the patterns of crisis and renewal throughout the history of Israel and the church. Read books like Richard Lovelace’s Dynamics of Spiritual Life or Mark Sayers’ Reappearing Church. Study the history of the church in your geographic region (even outside of the Restoration Movement) and, if your own church has been around for a while, look for spikes in spiritual vitality throughout its timeline. If you know the building blocks of renewal, it’s easier to know where to start. INSPIRE SOME REBUILDERS. There’s that old saying from Antoine de Saint-Exupery, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” The same is true with renewal. Leverage the stories of past renewal movements to stir people’s hearts for God to do it again. Don’t worry about who doesn’t want to be part of it yet. Pay attention to those who share your longing for more and invite them to start praying and dreaming with you.

SEPTEMBER 2020

In fact, as I said in an article in the June issue of Christian Standard, only God can bring about renewal. All we can do is create the conditions. Drafting blueprints is about making plans for habitually pursuing the presence of God, calling people back to the simple truths of the gospel, and challenging people to holiness.

In the end, the connection between crisis and renewal isn’t automatic. In fact, if a crisis doesn’t give way to renewal, it’s likely we’ll go through some form of crisis again and again until it does. Shifting from crisis to renewal requires leaders, architects of renewal, who are willing to trash their 90-day plans and join in what God longs to do through our churches. 

Austin Gohn serves as lead pastor at Bellevue Christian Church in Pittsburgh. He is the author of A Restless Age: How Saint Augustine Helps You Make Sense of Your Twenties. He has written for The Gospel Coalition, Fathom magazine, and Gospel-Centered Discipleship (gcdiscipleship.com). @austingohn @austingohn austingohn.com

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DRAFT YOUR BLUEPRINTS. I say “draft” because renewal doesn’t always go according to plan.

EXODUS [THE WILDERNESS]

'THE GOD WHO PROVIDES'

WHAT ISRAELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE REVEALS

SEPTEMBER 2020 KEVIN

DOOL EY

. . . E S PE C I A L LY D U R I N G C H A L L E N G I N G T I M E S

Oh, to have been numbered among the more than 2 million Israelites delivered from captivity in Egypt once the final plague broke Pharaoh’s resolve. What a thrill to have passed on dry ground between the columns of the Red Sea, and then to have witnessed the end of Pharaoh’s might as the waters closed in on his armies (Exodus 15:1-21). The spectacle that was Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and the ensuing 40 years of wandering in the wilderness surely was “breaking news” across every culture and language that touched the Sinai Peninsula. International trade routes circling the Sinai Peninsula surely buzzed with accounts of Jehovah Jireh’s power and provision. The stories of the Israelites and their God no doubt were translated into every language and shared across maritime and caravan trade routes throughout the Middle East to Persia, and in every port of the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.

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AN ASTONISHING STORY During the 40 years of the Israelite wanderings, how often did foreign tradesman come running into villages shouting excitedly, “Fire! Fire! There’s fire in the desert”? And how many times, in every town and village, on the outskirts of the wilderness, did innkeepers retell stories of God’s provision for his people? They probably told it so many times they grew tired of telling it.

Have a seat. Calm down. Everything’s OK. Nothing’s burning up out there. That glow you see on the horizon . . . those are the Israelites worshipping their God. You mean, they worship fire? No, no, not fire. Their God is known by many names. They call him, ‘The God Who Provides.’

Provides? How does he do that?

Well, you won’t believe it, but I’ll try to explain. You know how cold it gets at night in the desert? Well, their God places a pillar of fire in their midst! It protects them and guides them, all while keeping away the chill at night! Really? How can that be? That fiery pillar is unbelievable! And do you know how hot it gets during the day? Their God sends a dark cloud by day to shelter them from the sun and to guide them on their journey and offer a cool breeze on their way. This has been going on for 20-, 30-plus years. But, but, what do they eat? If they’ve been wandering in the desert like this for decades now, and food is scarce . . . how do they feed so many people? Well, some people find this part even stranger, but . . . their God sends them fresh bread from heaven every day!

No way! Yes! I’ve seen it myself!

Fresh bread? . . . In the wilderness? . . . Every day? Yes, and meat! From heaven too? Yes, their God sends quail and they eat their fill. This is impossible. It’s really hard to believe. . . . I’ve got to ask, what do they drink? I can’t carry enough water for me and my animals to quench our thirst for a day traveling on the outskirts of the desert! Where do they find water for more than 2 million people in the middle of the wilderness? Well, I’ll tell you—now brace yourself—they get their water from a rock! Their leader strikes a rock and their God provides pure, refreshing, thirst-quenching water. It gushes right out of a rock! No! Unbelievable! I’m not kidding. it’s real, I’ve seen it. I’ve tasted the water . . . it’s the best I’ve ever had! I’ve got to see this! I bet I could trade with them for their ‘food from heaven’ in exchange for sandals and clothing! I could make a fortune! Not with this group! Their clothes and sandals never wear out and their food from heaven lasts only for the day. Nothing is left over.

A POWERFUL GOD For 40 years, God used the Israelites, even in their disobedience and disbelief, to be a beacon of his power to all nations. From parting the Red Sea and breaking their bondage in Egypt to stopping the Jordan river so they could enter the Promised Land—and providing all they needed each day of the 40 years in between—“[God] did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful” (Joshua 4:24). Multitudes from among the nations likely saw firsthand the glow in the horizon from the pillar of fire signifying “the hand of the Lord is powerful” in providing for his people. How many of those international tradespeople unrolled their bedrolls at night revealing an image carved from wood or stone and covered in precious metal and asked, “What have you ever provided for me?” And how many of those international influencers gave those worthless idols a toss and began to pursue the one true God, the God of the nations?

A GREAT PROMISE In the midst of challenging times, God is leading, guiding, and sustaining his people while displaying his power over all things and showing his love for all people. God almost destroyed Israel for their rebellion and turning their backs on him, but Moses prayed and stilled God’s wrath, guarding the Lord’s reputation among the nations (Exodus 32:9-14). Israel was spared so the nations would come to know the one true God and submit to his reign. In the midst of uncertain times, God has promised his provision and guidance. Still, if you are like me, you may be tempted to doubt God’s love for us and his ability to fulfill his promise during life’s difficulties. But be encouraged and know that God is true to his purpose and to his desire for all nations to know him and to find salvation provided through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus’ last words before his ascension to Heaven were, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). A great promise that immediately followed his Great Commission for his disciples to make disciples of all nations. More often than not, it is through some of the worst of times, and through the greatest of human challenges, that the “God who provides” is at work through his body, the church, to be a blessing to lost people everywhere. Disbelief kept a generation from entering God’s promise, but even through 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the world was watching as God provided and guided his people. In Psalm 96:10 God’s children are commanded, “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns.’” We should echo that—“Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns,’” especially in challenging times.  Kevin Dooley lives with his wife, Kim, in Avon, Indiana. He is founder and director of Global Hope Initiatives and director of engagement in strategic partnership with Go Ministries. KDooley@GoMin.org

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How many times were these stories told in the courtyards and on the rooftops of desert inns among international travelers from across the world? How many of those travelers became more eager than ever to take this news to their tribe?

WANDERING THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS WILDERNESS

HOW THE CHURCH CAN SERVE THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR SPIRITUAL FAMILIES

BY TOM ELLSWORTH

SEPTEMBER 2020

span is 150 years. And amazingly, when uprooted, it can live six years due to the life-sustaining resources and water stored within.

Many families and individuals have been uprooted during this unique period, but— amazingly—many have blossomed and blessed others in the process. I’ve witnessed such goodness firsthand. My 92-year-old father went home to be with the Lord in late January. Not long after the funeral, and just when my mom needed the healing touch of friends and family, the virus exploded, During this viral pandemic, many feel as if and our culture came to a screeching halt. they have been wandering through a barren With the stay-at-home mandate in place, my wilderness. While the Israelites may have mother was truly alone. had the entire Sinai Peninsula for their trek, most Americans sheltered at home in the ear- Across the nation, the first couple of weeks ly days of COVID-19. A weekend outing was were the most difficult. Everyone feared the spent in the backyard! And like the Israelites, worst, and no one wanted to risk exposing many have lived these last several months in any of our seniors—the most vulnerable age a spirit of fear and anxiety. category—to a virus that might claim their lives. Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, and there have been numerous unknowns dur- But after a short time, that resilient and ining this season. Sadly, many have perished dominable human spirit began to take hold. in this coronavirus wilderness. Simple grave- People got creative. In my mother’s case, side services have temporarily replaced time- members of my home church began bringing honored celebrations of life. Families have food and small gifts. In nice weather, they struggled with closure, feeling they have not would stand in the yard and visit with her been able to honor the life of their loved one as she stood in her doorway. On Sunday afappropriately. Lifesaving vaccines are prom- ternoons, a member of the leadership would ised . . . but who knows when they will be bring Communion and visit while maintainavailable? This only increases our anxiety. ing appropriate physical distancing. Such simple acts became major moments. Mom Despite the bleakness, the resilient human felt loved and remembered. She lives alone in spirit always rises to the challenge. Every wil- the house, but she isn’t alone. derness produces its beautiful blooms. The barrel cactus, native to deserts in America’s So, what are some ways the church can preSouthwest, produces a stunning yellowish vent the most vulnerable in our spiritual orange bloom even in harsh conditions. The family from falling through the coronavirus cactus thrives in tough environments; its life cracks?

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Thirty-five years ago, Indiana issued a license plate with the slogan, “Wander Indiana.” I understood the invitation to casually tour the state for all it has to offer, but the wording felt more like an invitation to lazy futility. Can you fathom what it was like for the Israelites to spend 40 years plodding through a barren land on a journey that could have been accomplished in a matter of weeks? And many of them knew they would never set foot in Canaan, which only added to their futility. Forty years is half a lifetime, seemingly wasted.

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“

WHEN OFFERING ASSISTANCE, WE START WITH THE QUESTION,

‘WHAT IS YOUR PLAN AND HOW CAN WE HELP?’

MEET REAL NEEDS Let’s go back to the wilderness for a moment. When wandering during any barren period, what are an individual’s three most important needs? Most would identify survival necessities as food, shelter, and medicine. Leaders at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church saw that as a place to begin. When offering assistance, we start with the question, “What is your plan and how can we help?” Each person needs their own plan of action. We want to partner with them to solve their issues, not be the solution itself. For instance, Alan Phillips, our pastoral minister, works with a local pharmacist to find ways to reduce the cost of needed medications via discounts and pharmaceutical coupons. And when the cost still is out of reach, the church steps in to make up

the difference. One man approached Alan with his dilemma: eat or pay the rent. The church paid his rent so the man could buy his own food. Sherwood Oaks members Carthell and Peggy Everett created and faithfully operate a food bank in their small, southern Indiana community. It is a lifesaver for many families, and especially so during this season. Seldom can one congregation do everything well. I suggest your church explore how you might work with local businesses, agencies, and nonprofits that have reputable systems in place: pharmacies, food banks, clothing distributors, etc. Don’t spend unnecessary time recreating the wheel. Lend a helping hand and then focus on what the church can do best.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Food, shelter, and medicine are important, but I would suggest an even greater issue created by the virus is loneliness. Media usually focus on the physical aspects of the disease, but the by-product of loneliness is potentially more damaging. Even before the recent coronavirus, former British Prime Minister Theresa May created a new governmental position, the Minister for Loneliness. “For far too many people,” May said, “loneliness is the sad reality of modern life.” Conside r the se he artbre aking comme nts from seniors: • “I just needed someone to listen.” • “God is punishing me for my sins.” • “I have trouble believing God will work this out for good when it seems my world has collapsed.” • “You are the only adult I have spoken to in two days.” Loneliness is a major problem, especially in this current wilderness. Some research even indicates loneliness is as bad for one’s health as smoking. We must remember that social distancing does not mean emotional distancing. The seniors in our congregations and communities need understanding and acceptance even more than help with errands. And I believe the church is best equipped to strike a blow at loneliness. What are you doing to ensure that “at-risk” members in your congregation and community don’t feel alone? Many folks have extra time—especially now—and are looking for something purposeful to do. Remember,

there are dozens of “one another” passages in Scripture. This is a critical time to “care for one another” and “love one another.” Here are a few idea starters to get your creative juices flowing: • Enlist volunteers to call every member of the church over the age of 62. A phone visit means so much—it is a pleasant reminder that the lonely have not been forgotten. • Enlist volunteers to write notes, create homemade cards, or print pictures to send to those sheltered at home. Going to the mailbox is more exciting now than it has been in years. Getting mail—especially a personal, handwritten note—can lift one’s spirits and may change a person’s outlook for days to come. • Enlist volunteers to pray for specific individuals. It can be done privately, for sure, but how much better to pray with that person over the phone. Or write a prayer and send it with the date it was lifted to God. Include a prescient passage of Scripture for encouragement. • Enlist a green-thumb team to deliver plants and flowers to older adults. Fresh cut flowers or blooming potted plants will brighten a home for days and remind the recipient of a church family that cares. We may be living in a viral wilderness, but it doesn’t need to be an emotional wasteland. Step out of your comfort zone to help the most vulnerable among us find a piece (or peace) of the Promised Land. And who knows, you might just make a new friend whose encouragement will help you through your own wilderness moments. 

Tom Ellsworth has served as pastor of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church in Bloomington, Indiana, for nearly 40 years. He has seen the church grow from an attendance of about 80 people to more than 3,000 on two campuses. His retirement, originally slated for April, was postponed until the church resumes in-person services.

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M I N I ST E R TO T H E LO N E LY

F I N A L L Y

M O V I N G

F O R W A R D

5 Strategic Ministry Shifts During the Pandemic Changed Our Perspective

WITH

MATT SUMMERS

JANICE SUMMERS

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Just as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness wondering when they might go back to Egypt, we have found ourselves wondering when we might go back to the way things were just a few months ago. Our wilderness is Joliet, Illinois, in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic. Joliet is the third-largest city in Illinois, home to 150,000 residents. Some think Joliet is a suburb of Chicago, nestled just outside the sprawling metropolis, but she is her own community. Both cities were founded in 1833. Joliet resembles anything but a middle-class suburb. Joliet is a gritty city, home to one of our stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most populated prisons. Stateville Correc-

tional Center is a maximum-security unit with more than 1,600 inmates. It is also one of our largest local employers. The culture of Joliet is tied to her historic prisons. Unapologetically blue-collar and economically low-to-middle income, Joliet is a racially diverse community that often challenges our very conservative, suburban-white, middleclass upbringing. We moved here in 2006 to plant Crossroads Christian Church. Like most married couples in our church, we are a two-income family. Janice is a full-time registered nurse working in Jolietâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only hospital (another one of Jolietâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest employers). She has worked there 14 years and has served as a registered nurse more than 20.

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THE PANDEMIC ’ S MULTIFACETED EFFECTS While many across our country wonder about the effects of the coronavirus, we have seen its devastation firsthand on several fronts. Members of our church have been sick, many people in our community have died, and Janice has been working exclusively with COVID-19 victims since the epidemic began. This disease is like nothing she has ever seen. At the peak of the outbreak, our hospital had one remaining open bed in the COVID-19 Unit (while the facility was two nurses short of their census). On several occasions, Janice was pulled to the Intensive Care Units to assist the nurses specializing in critical care. At the end of May as I write this article, she continues to care for three or more COVID-19 patients during each of her 12-hour shifts. Supplies of personal protective equipment are chronically low. She is required to clean, store, and reuse the same N95 mask and face shield shift after shift; she is given one new surgical mask and one clean pair of scrubs daily. Like me, she has often wondered when things will return to the way they used to be. Before shuttering our live services in March, Crossroads was hitting its stride. Two years removed from a multimillion-dollar relocation, we were just beginning to meet our budget needs. Weeks before the shutdown, we experienced our largest non-holiday attendance ever with 1,450 people. We believed we were entering the Promised Land! Nevertheless, if you told me in February we would have to stop live worship services for a month, I would have told you we wouldn’t survive financially. Two months later, and likely months away from live gatherings in Chicagoland, I’m still marveling at the number of ways God has provided for us. Of course, he always has!

When we acquired our new facility in Joliet three years ago, we knew it would be a financial struggle considering the economic base of our congregation. In our context, $20 per capita giving is saved for our most generous days! Yet God provided a tenant paying $28,000 a month for 28,000 square feet of space in our building. It seemed like manna from Heaven, and it enabled us to move forward with our relocation. Little did we know, our tenant would be one of our first causalities of the coronavirus (after our live worship services). As I write this, our tenant is now three months removed from making a payment, and we are perhaps months away from reopening and years away from repaying our losses. But God provided yet again through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and a mortgage restructure by The Solomon Foundation. TSF continues to be an incredible ministry partner. Our Crossroads people have been incredible, as well. We started social distancing during our weekend worship services a week before it was required. Then, days before the stay-at-home order was issued, we decided to move our services online. Our people responded positively with prayers, words of encouragement, and—because most of our families are essential workers—a temporary increase in financial support. Despite God’s provision, it still felt as if we were wandering in the wilderness. The Paycheck Protection Program and our mortgage restructure were only temporary solutions, and our online engagement and increased giving peaked and flattened. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, I found myself grumbling and wondering when we could go back to Egypt.

As we wandered through this wilderness, however, we did not just sit and wait. Instead, we made a number of strategic ministry shifts in response to it.

PROGRAMMING

PA STO R I N G

From programming to pastoring. Traditionally, our ministry staff spends much of their time planning weekend worship services. Today we are spending much of our time pastoring the people in our church. Our staff is calling the thousands of people in our database to check on them, answer any questions they might have, and pray with them. Our people have been tremendously appreciative.

S U N DAY

EVE RY DAY

From Sunday to every day. We are now spending more time creating content that fosters daily discipleship rather than weekend worship. We are hosting live prayer events on social media, providing parenting tips for the pandemic from our Next Generation team, and sharing practical marriage advice on a regular basis from our pastors and their wives. We are ministering to one another daily instead of weekly.

PROVIDING

RESOURCING

From providing to resourcing. In the past, our ministers provided and our people consumed. Children’s ministry often consisted of our Next Gen team organizing events for children to come and learn, apart from their parents. Now our Next Gen team is resourcing parents with materials to disciple their own children. Likewise, rather than providing Communion emblems for our people, we are resourcing them with videos to make their own unleavened bread for Communion for their families.

CONSUMING

SEPTEMBER 2020 CONTRIBUTING

From consuming to contributing. As a result of the shifts from programming to pastoring, from Sunday to every day, and from doing to resourcing, we are seeing a shift away from consumer Christianity. Our people no longer ask, “What can you do for me?” Instead, they are asking, “What can we do?” We are seeing positive results across the board, including our people giving greater attention and care to our senior adults who are especially at-risk of COVID-19. Meanwhile, dozens of our women are making thousands of face masks to distribute to people in need. Two of our smallbusiness owners have shifted their production to PPE and are selling it at cost or are giving it away. We are witnessing authentic discipleship as people move from being consumers to contributors!

WHAT WAS

WHAT WILL BE

From what was to what will be. While we grieve what has been lost, we believe the difficult journey we are experiencing will propel us forward, toward the restoration of the early church. In fact, as we share these shifts today, we can’t help but wonder, Why weren’t we doing these things all along? Janice has repeatedly asked: “Are we going to keep doing these things after the pandemic?” We’re no longer grumbling, wondering when we can return to Egypt. Rather, we’re looking forward to entering the Promised Land. 

Matt Summers serves as lead pastor and planter of Crossroads Christian Church in Joliet, Illinois. Janice has worked more than 20 years as a registered nurse.

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OUR MULTIDIMENSIONAL RESPONSE

PERSECUTION [NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH]

WHAT ACTS TEACHES US

ABOUT PERSECUTION

UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLE UNSTOPPABLE A S A CATA LYST FO R

SPREADING THE GOSPEL

BY JOHN WHITTAKER

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IN A GREAT STONE ROOM, THE APOSTLES STOOD SURROUNDED BY THE ENTIRE COUNCIL AND SENATE OF ISRAEL—12 ORDINARY MEN ENVELOPED BY THE NATION’S MOST POWERFUL LEADERSHIP BODY.

“We must obey God rather than men,” Peter and the apostles declared. And the ruling body became like a lynch mob until a single member intervened. “If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail,” Gamaliel said, “but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39). As the narrative of Acts unfolded, Luke repeatedly revealed the correctness of Gamaliel’s statement. On this particular occasion, in Jerusalem, the apostles were whipped and then sent on their way, and Luke said they “did not stop teaching and preaching” in Jesus’ name.

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SCATTERING AND SPREADING GOOD NEWS

Luke quickly moved on to the story of Stephen, a follower of Jesus who wasn’t so fortunate. After his speech, the ruling body descended on Stephen, forced him out of the city, and stoned him to death. Stephen was a young man cut down in the prime of his life. Did he have a wife and children? Luke did not say, but he told us Stephen’s martyrdom was the catalyst for spreading the news about Jesus. Although the gospel had been growing powerfully, it had remained in Jerusalem up to that point (6:1-7). Recall Jesus’ words, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Four years had elapsed by the time of Stephen’s stoning—and it had been a great four years in Jerusalem—but it was time to move out. The council hoped Stephen’s death would bring an end to this movement of Jesus followers. Instead, his stoning became a catalyst. A great persecution arose against the church. The people scattered, and seeds of the gospel were planted throughout Judea and Samaria. Everywhere the people went, they proclaimed the news about Jesus (8:1-4). Luke described how God used Philip, one of those forced out of Jerusalem, to take the message of Jesus across racial lines and to the Samaritans (Acts 8). But then Luke shared the ultimate individual example of flipping persecution on its head. That persecution, it seems, was being spearheaded by Saul (aka Paul). We’re familiar with the story of Saul’s conversion (Acts 9), but notice what led up to it. Saul was given official letters to search out followers of Jesus in . . . wait for it . . . Damascus, located 130 miles northeast of Jerusalem. For the first four years after Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension—through the first seven chapters of Acts—the work of the gospel was confined to Jerusalem. But once persecution arose, suddenly there were followers of Jesus 130 miles away! Not only that, the chief persecutor (Saul) became the chief promoter (Paul)— and Jesus personally recruited him for that role while Saul was in mid-attack! After his conversion, Paul immediately began proclaiming Jesus in the Damascus synagogues, professing that “He is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). Paul

Paul had to flee Damascus. Later, he had to flee Jerusalem. He ultimately returned to Tarsus, his hometown—300 miles north of Jerusalem—and more gospel seeds were planted . . . spread (again) by the winds of persecution. Gamaliel’s words were prophetic indeed! Men can’t stop God’s work. Peter preached in Judea (Acts 9:32-43), and then, in a giant leap forward, he baptized the first Gentiles in Acts 10. The ends of the earth were all that remained. Again, Stephen’s death and the church’s persecution served as the springboard: So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus (Acts 11:19-20, New American Standard Bible).

F A I T H F U L LY E X PA N D I N G G O D ’ S W O R K

The impact of Stephen’s stoning spread far and wide in the 10 years that followed. The gospel spread to the northeastern coastline of the Mediterranean and out to Cyprus. It even spread cross-culturally. Men came from Cyprus to Antioch and preached to Greeks as well! Luke wanted his audience to be aware that all this occurred because of what happened to Stephen. I can’t help but think of the story of the five American missionaries martyred in Ecuador in 1956—how two years after their deaths, Elisabeth Elliot (widow of a victim) and Rachel Saint (sister of a victim) returned to live among the very tribe who killed their loved ones. Through their efforts, many in the Huaorani tribe came to know God. A victim’s son, Steve Saint, wrote decades later, “This success [Huaorani conversions] withheld from them in life God multiplied and continues to multiply as a memorial to their obedience and his faithfulness.”

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carried on such a powerful preaching ministry in and around Damascus that the persecutor-turned-promoter became the persecuted.

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The church at Antioch became the sending church for Paul’s missionary travels. The book of Acts ends with Paul preaching the gospel at the very heart of the empire—in Rome with the imperial guard listening in—because of persecution! At every turn, we see the truth of Gamaliel’s prediction of the futility of fighting to stop God’s plan. In fact, when people use persecution to attempt to stop God’s work, it becomes the very thing God uses for expanding his work. That might seem fairly obvious, but think about it. If we long to see the work of the gospel go forward, we shouldn’t fear persecution. We don’t seek it, of course, and we avoid it when we can (as the apostle Paul did in Acts). But neither should we fear it or be shocked when it happens . . . or act like it’s the worst thing in the world.

JOINING IN JESUS’ SUFFERING

The maxim Jesus applied to himself, it seems, is also true of his followers: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24, NASB). This happens again and again in Acts. But, even though this happens by the clever sovereignty of God, it happens only through men and women who are absolutely loyal and submitted to Jesus. In Acts 5, when the apostles were surrounded by the most powerful men among the Jews, their loyalty to Jesus compelled them to say, “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29). And after they were beaten for saying it, they “went on their way . . . rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (5:41, NASB). The apostles didn’t whine. They weren’t angry. Instead, they rejoiced because they could join Jesus in suffering shame. God uses this attitude—the attitude of joining in Jesus’ suffering—to advance his cause in the midst of persecution. We see this with Stephen too. As rocks pummeled him to death, he echoed Jesus’ words by praying, “Do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). The same attitude was there among those who were scattered in the wake of Stephen’s death. Fleeing Jerusalem meant leaving homes, friends, jobs, spiritual community . . . and starting over somewhere else. But they didn’t

And this attitude was also on display with Paul. It’s all over his letters, and in the book of Acts too. As his third journey came to a close, Paul was headed to Jerusalem with threats overshadowing him. He knew full well what might happen, but he said, “I don’t consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24, NASB). God’s people live for the work that persecution can’t stop. I can’t help but think of a more recent example, the story of missionary Eugenio Nij. Long story short, in 1997, Nij was unjustly arrested through a crazy series of events but—just like his brothers and sisters in Acts—he remained absolutely loyal to Jesus. Jail didn’t stop him from doing God’s work. He pastored and preached to the other inmates, and during his 126 days in jail, he baptized more than 200 people! Once again, persecution became part of God’s strategy for advancing the kingdom of Jesus through a life devoted to him at all costs. That’s the way it was in Acts. It’s the way it’s always been, and the way it will always be.  John Whittaker has been a pastor in two churches and taught New Testament, theology, and preaching at Boise (Idaho) Bible College for 19 years. Currently he equips people to follow Jesus by creating podcasts, YouTube Bible studies, and online courses to help people learn and live the Bible. /johnwhittaker1969 @john.whittaker1969 johnwhittaker.net /JohnWhittaker

THE BIBLE CAN BE HARD TO UNDERSTAND. SERMONS AREN’T ENOUGH. AND EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE IN ORDER TO FOLLOW JESUS. BIBLE IN LIFE uses everyday online resources to teach people the Bible and connect it to life so they can follow Jesus.

Visit us online or contact John at john@johnwhittaker.net for more info.

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cower in fear or become bitter. Instead, they “went about preaching Jesus wherever they went.”

N E W

P A N D E M I C

THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS PROVIDED THE CHURCH WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND APPROACHES . . . WILL WE TAKE THEM? by TREVOR DEVAGE with MARK A . TAYLOR

SEPTEMBER 2020

But more often Christians in America apply Bible passages about persecution only to the suffering of martyrs in foreign lands. Maybe now is the time for us to think again. The COVID-19 pandemic’s threat to local churches is something like the risk of militant Hindus killing village preachers in India or repressive regimes confronting believers on several continents. It is an attack on Christian ministry as sure as the stoning of Stephen by those who wanted to crush his message. Satan, our wily, conniving enemy, will try to undermine the church with this pandemic. In fact, I believe the battle has already started. The biggest sign of the devil’s influence is talk about “getting back to normal.” When we long for the church to go back to the way it was pre-coronavirus, we may be preparing for retreat. Maybe, like me, you know of local churches that have never left the “normal” of a 1950s approach to ministry that today serves few and reaches even fewer. These complacent churches like what they do, and they want to do it again. They want next year’s church calendar to look pretty much like this year’s. It’s only normal. Of course, many church leaders would make fun of local churches stuck in ruts like those. But I wonder if some of us have unwittingly created new ruts we’ll rush to revisit when the pandemic threat is lifted. I fear some of us will insist on paradigms of the past instead of embracing new approaches opened to us by the current crisis. Could God be using this pandemic to awaken us to new opportunities that look like anything but normal? I hope so. I believe Satan’s attack via this pandemic can spark the church to be more effective, just as his attack against the first Christians was the catalyst for spreading the gospel to the whole world. For that to happen, we need to look afresh at the opportunities and obligations before us now.

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Ask the typical Bible study group, “How are Christians like us persecuted today?” and you usually get blank stares. Some might remember being bullied at school or ignored by the party crowd at college. Maybe one will tell about being disowned by her family when she decided to get baptized. You might even come across someone who got fired because he wouldn’t lie for his boss.

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W H A T D O P E O P L E V A L U E ? Without all the busyness, without all the hurry, life for many during the quarantine became simpler. They had no choice but to dispense with most of the extra around the edges. But their relationship with God through the church remained. And for many it deepened. The church I serve had already been offering a well-produced online worship service for a couple of years when the shutdown was announced. It was part of our ambitious strategy to interact with web surfers every hour, every day of the week. So, we were ahead of the game in some respects, and during the shutdown, the response to our online presence grew. Most weekends during the quarantine, some 7,000 viewers stayed with our online Sunday services at least 20 minutes each week. (By the way, the 20-minute benchmark is a much more conservative way to count online viewership than some use.) When we added even more new features during the week, viewers came back. For example, I started a livestream prayer time that aired most weekdays at lunchtime, and I plan to continue these sessions indefinitely. They regularly attract more than 10,000 viewers; some days the total is closer to 15,000. Meanwhile, Zoom counseling sessions replaced face-to-face meetings during the shutdown, and I’ve been able to engage more people one-on-one than ever before. Cary Nieuwhof wrote in his blog earlier this year, “The collapse of so many people’s worlds has got them asking deeper questions, and, thank God, they’re still looking to the church to help.” Now is the time for the church to multiply avenues for offering that help. Now is the time for churches to create new models for evangelism as well as fellowship and Bible study. Online ministry will be a key component for reaching the previously unreached, even after we think we no longer need to depend on it.

H O C O W I T O C U

W D O W E M M U N I C A T E T H D A Y ' S L T U R E ?

After the pandemic, content won’t change, but the way we deliver it will change. Even as many gather physically, many will continue to engage online. This will change preaching. Several ways come to mind: • Platfo rm s an d p u lp its are n o t re q u ire d. Teaching can be effective from an

office or living room.

• B ig f ixe s are p o ssib le w ith mi ni mal co st . Camera angle and inexpensive light-

ing properly placed greatly improve how the speaker appears on a screen.

• We lo o k at th e cam e ra an d n ot aro u n d an e m p ty ro o m . The camera is

the gateway into the eyes of those watching.

• Co n te n t volu m e w ill b e trim m ed as we o ffe r sm alle r sn ip p e ts m ore o fte n w ith co n ce n trate d su b st an ce an d valu e . • Au th e n ti ci ty w ill grow f ro m a buz zwo rd to a ce n tral strate gy. Viewers

value transparency as never before.

T O G E T H E R ?

What does this mean for getting back together? Once again, the times call for a refreshed strategy. As editors are preparing this issue of Christian Standard, Christians are divided about how and when to reopen public worship services. If we’re not careful, Satan will use that controversy to divide and damage the church. Regardless of the specifics for different congregations in different situations, it’s sure that all of them will one day resume meeting weekly in their buildings; perhaps most will have reopened by the time this piece is published. All of us can understand the push to do that. We want to see and hug our friends. We want to experience singing and preaching in one place at one time. Many of us have been in the habit of weekly worship gatherings, and we missed them! But I’m hoping we won’t settle for the joy of togetherness. I hope we won’t turn our backs on the world around us after we’re free to experience again the good feelings we get inside our church buildings. In response to the reopening clamor this spring, longtime minister and missions consultant Dick Alexander posted the following open letter to President Trump: Churches haven’t been closed. Church buildings have been dark on weekends for over two months, but most churches are doing well. When you gave the order that large assemblies were not allowed, churches that didn’t already livestream their worship services set up within days to do so. Home Bible study groups switched from in-person meetings to online platforms. Churches doubled down on their community involvement by doing food drives, blood drives, reaching out to the elderly, and looking after vulnerable children. During the economic shutdown, they gave more to help the needy.

All this is good and it needs to multiply. The church was never meant to define itself by the quality of its meetings but instead to measure ministry by its impact on the community. We gather to scatter. Just as Christians scattered after Stephen was stoned, I’m praying for a new pandemic, a gospel pandemic as contagious as any we’ve ever experienced. At the height of the coronavirus quarantine, Craig Groeschel reminded his listeners that each of us is a carrier of something. We can be carriers of fear or negativity or selfishness. But in the pandemic I’m praying for, Christians will be carriers of faith, not fear . . . grace, not grumbling . . . new life, not negativity. What we carry will spread. When we find a cure or a vaccine for COVID-19, the news will spread like wildfire. That’s the nature of good news: you can’t keep it in! Now is the time to redouble our initiatives to take the gospel out of our church buildings and into our everyday worlds. I pray this pandemic will restore missional reasons for meeting weekly: inspiring gatherers to leave the building as faith spreaders, love givers, and hope dealers. I pray we’ll always remind Christians at church services to ask themselves, “While I’m here, what will equip me to go back to the world for Christ?” I grew up knowing a church filled with nice people doing nice things. But that’s not enough. Let’s not go back to that normal. The church today has an opportunity to reset. To spread good news as never before. To tell people what we’re for, not just what we’re against. To snatch people from the fires of Hell (see Jude 23). We can release a pandemic of good news that will be carried by everyone who catches it. An oft-repeated motto at our church is, “Go and make, don’t sit and take.” Let’s get started. 

Trevor DeVage is senior pastor with Christ’s Church, whose main campus is in Mason, Ohio. Mark A. Taylor, retired editor and publisher of Christian Standard, is a longtime member of Christ’s Church. / tdevage

@trevordevage

trevordevage.com

SEPTEMBER 2020

G E T

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W H Y

HOW DO WE RESPOND TO THE DUMPSTER FIRE THAT IS 2020?

THE ATTITUDE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

UFOs . . . Harry and Meghan stepping away from the royal family . . . Carole Baskin . . . murder hornets . . . the Golden Gate Bridge making music . . . Zoom-using 95-year-olds . . . America, the land of homeschooling. . . . If you had asked me a year ago what all of these things would have in common, I never—in a million years—would have guessed 2020.

BY CALEB KALTENBACH

The future church arrived suddenly and unannounced. Leaders of churches, ministry organizations, and Christian educational institutions had to become digital experts overnight. As I write this, most churches have reinstituted in-person worship services, but leaders still discuss masks during services, the proper method for handling Communion, sanitization of ministry areas, managing social media outrage, and discouraging “greeting one another with a holy kiss” (that last one was a joke . . . kinda). So, how do we continue to respond to the dumpster fire that is 2020? How should church be done? Better yet, what should be our attitude toward how church should be done?

LOOK UP Stephen’s death provides a takeaway that may help us manage our attitude during 2020’s chaos. Right before his death, “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). Stephen then asked God not to count his death against the people (7:60). In a pivotal moment when Stephen could’ve been angry and selfish, he chose to be faithful and humble. While in the midst of lethal opposition, Stephen’s actions and words were reminiscent of Jesus—the perfect example of humility. Because of Stephen’s example and that of other leaders, the church grew under persecution. New Testament scholar T. B. Williams wrote in 2016, “Patient endurance during times of trial is not simply a means of achieving divine favor; it has become the very definition of how a Christian relates to God.” I believe God is attracted to humility. Humility during trials— no matter what kind of trial—fosters healthy churches and Christians. Similarly, Paul challenged us to imitate Jesus’ humility in Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

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Until this year, you probably didn’t say “in-person gatherings,” “flatten the curve,” “PPP loan,” and “new normal” . . . but now you do. Rarely did you mention “coronavirus” (or “rona”), “quarantine,” and “Zoombombing” . . . but now you do. You didn’t attend webinars on mental health, social distancing, and in-person vs. digital services . . . but now you do. In January 2020, you didn’t know Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, or George Floyd . . . but now you do.

SEPTEMBER 2020

VALUE OTHERS FIRST

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With Stephen’s example and Paul’s words in mind, how do we “do church” today? What should our attitude be? How should we respond to both new government rules and personal preferences? A start might be to consistently ask ourselves: “How can I value them over me?” After all, Jesus reveres this kind of thinking. And we must keep coming back to the question, “How can I value them over me,” even when we are tempted to do otherwise . . . even when our personal feelings are unacknowledged . . . even when we have feelings like . . . • I’m tired of social distancing during worship services. • Online reservations for church offend me. • It would be easier to sing without a mask. • Wearing gloves for Communion is dumb. • Sanitizing a room five times a day is getting old. • I’m going to join the social media outrage mafia. • I don’t agree with what they said! Though it’s not wrong to be frustrated—certainly everyone experiences frustration—it is wrong to force our opinions on others “in the moment.” It’s troublesome when we’re able to manage our frustration but selfishly decide against doing so at the expense of others just so we can “make a statement.” There are times and places to make such statements, but during an in-person worship service isn’t the time or place. It takes the focus away from Jesus when people should be worshipping him—especially during a season like this one.

“

HUMILITY DURING TRIALS —NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF TRIAL— FOSTERS HEALTHY CHURCHES AND CHRISTIANS.

SEPTEMBER 2020

I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person. For some, this kind of humility begins by repenting of sin. Humility will include recognizing that others need comfort and need to experience healing. It will involve learning. It will include embracing biblical justice and acknowledging intrinsic human value . . . and speaking up when there is injustice and when humans are devalued. Asking that question again and again—“How can I value them over me?”—brings us back to Jesus’ example and how true Christianity has grown through the years. Historian Everett Ferguson asked in his book, Church History, Volume One, Could anything be more improbable than that a religion following a man born of an unwed mother among a widely despised people in an out-of-the-way part of the world—a man then crucified by the ruling authorities on a charge of treason—should become the official religion of the Roman world, the formative influence on Western civilization, and a significant influence in other parts of the world? God has probably leveraged 2020 to sift you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. (I know he has been testing and purifying me.) I pray it leads all of us to humbly love God and people more.  Caleb Kaltenbach is an author and leads The Messy Grace Group. He and his family reside in Southern California.

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Martin Luther’s words in Wittenberg during the bubonic plague might set an example for us in valuing others first. He wrote,

F T H I N G S R F I R S T T

BY RENEE LITTLE

During a recent church-leader call hosted weekly by The Solomon Foundation, Kyle Idleman talked about prioritizing the Great Commandment over the First Amendment. I spent some time later that day studying both. Some people might equate the Great Commandment with the Golden Rule; that is, treat others the way you want to be treated. But the Bible is clearer and more specific about the Great Commandment: [An expert in the law asked,] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord

your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36-40). The foundation of our relationship with God comes down to how we love him and how everything we do—relationships, work, entertainment, education—displays our love for him. No success, status, or possession will matter at the end of our days. How we loved God and loved others will be our victory.

By contrast, the First Amendment is extensively taught, widely practiced, and passionately defended in America, and rightfully so, for it is foundational to American freedom. That said, some people believe the First Amendment merely guarantees the freedom of speech. James Madison, America’s fourth president and the chief author of the Bill of Rights—and thus the First Amendment—provided a bit more detail. He wrote, “Congress shall make no law respecting

an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” A poll by YouGov.com in 2016 showed 41 percent of Americans say the First Amendment is the most important in the U.S. Constitution. It is arguably the most important amendment to the maintenance of our republic.

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS RESPOND I N T O D AY ’ S C U LT U R A L C L I M AT E ?

Today’s cultural climate in America is tense, fearful, and combustible. Land mines litter conversations about COVID-19, the racial divide, and the upcoming election. People offer up explosive opinions and quick corrections. Each wonderfully and perfectly made human seems to experience such conversations daily with friends, family members, and neighbors. How should the church and Jesus-loving people respond? What will bring God glory? Such daily tensions have given the church and its leaders a powerful opportunity. Satan intended these hot-button issues for harm, but God will turn them into a blessing. Now is the time for the church to continue teaching and living out the simple basics of God’s commandments. He provided them to protect us from daily fear and

worry such as now envelops this nation. Love God and love your neighbors first (that is, before anything else). I heard Barry Cameron of Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, say something years ago that has stuck with me (though the saying goes back, at least, to Stephen Covey): “Keep the first things first.” Scripture says it this way, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). How do you seek first the kingdom of God? Obey God’s Great Commandment by loving God and loving the people in your life. Do that well first. Do that well by listening and by being slow to anger and by seeking God in every action and with every breath. Do that well by spending time in the Word of God. Do that well by being generous with the firstfruits of your labor.

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SPONSORED

board members took swift action to help keep us united and focused on the first things: honoring God and loving the people in our lives. We arranged for a weekly video call among church leaders and TSF staff. These regular conversations expanded into a movement of leaders resourcing and encouraging one another. The weekly calls progressed naturally to bringing in speakers from within our group to lead discussions on hot topics. Soon the conversations carried over to a private Facebook group that allowed participants to safely ask questions or celebrate wins directly with each other 24/7.

gether. The gains can be exponentially greater when together we focus on those two things God called us to love first.

When the Paycheck Protection Program was announced, TSF leveraged banking relationships to help churches be among the first to apply for funding; in the process, more than 40 churches were funded with almost $9 million. Still, there were many churches that did not receive PPP funds, so TSF helped create a grant program for smaller churches that needed help. The grant program was funded by a combination of church partners, investors, and TSF. This movement of churchesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this group of people seeking God firstâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;has proven we are better to-

Pounding the pavement looked different in this season of COVID-19, but the TSF team never stopped giving our all to help reach the lost in the name of Jesus. We have kept first things first by honoring God and demonstrating love and compassion to the people in our lives. As for what is second, well of course, making sure we can speak freely about what is first.

TSF not only brought together church leaders, we also brought together the top investors within our organization biweekly. Doug Crozier, CEO of The Solomon Foundation, spoke openly and honestly about everything from financials to updates on what was happening in local churches across America. Together we prayed over the churches, their leadership, and the communities they were reaching.

You too can join TSF; it is never too late. We want to partner with you! Check out our rates at www.thesolomonfoundation.org.

Renee Little serves as senior vice president of project management with The Solomon Foundation. If you wish to join in their weekly discussion or be a part of growing churches with TSF through investments or loans, please contact her at rlittle@thesolomonfoundation.

how to use

Each week has a lesson aim, lesson text, and supplemental text.

Tabs indicate the week of each lesson.

Each week features three sections: Study, Application, and Discovery. Use the Discovery questions to study, discuss, and apply the Scripture passages in a group or class.

j u d g e s

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

r u t h

REVERSE EHT DNERT

SERVE GOD

D E V O T E D LY.

lesson text:

supplemental text:

ruth 1: 3 - 5 , 8 -11 , 14 -18

r u t h 2 :1 7-2 3 ; 4 : 9 - 1 7

s t u dy

Serve Devotedly by mark scott

Arthur Gossip was the preacher at the Beechgrove Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. The day after his wife suddenly collapsed and died in 1927 he preached his famous sermon, “When Life Tumbles in, What Then?” In the days of the judges, life tumbled in for three widows: Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth. This last widow taught us what to do when life tumbles in: serve devotedly. Devotion Can Reverse Disobedience Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11 The local famine in the land was the result of disobeying God. In the house of bread (Bethlehem) there was no bread. The dysfunctional cycle in the book of Judges had created destruction. Elimelek (also spelled Elimelech and meaning “My God is king”) took his wife, Naomi (“delight”), and his two sons, Mahlon (“sick”) and Kilion (also spelled Chilion and meaning “pining”), to Moab to survive the famine. The Moabites had a rough beginning (Genesis 19:36-37), and while it was not sinful for an Israelite to marry a Moabite, it was far from ideal.

Naomi was accompanied on her journey by her daughters-in-law. She said to them, “Go back.” This phrase springs from a single Hebrew word that appears in this text five times; it is translated, “go back,” “return,” or “turn back.” (Dialogue is one of the main literary features of this book; 59 of 84 verses are dialogue.) Naomi wished Orpah and Ruth well in two ways: kindness and rest. Kindness is the word for God’s loving-kindness or covenantal love. Rest can also be translated as “comfort.” By the phrase, “May the Lord . . .” Naomi was invoking God’s special kindness toward them.

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Devotion Can Give Evidence of Conversion Ruth 1:14-18 There was more weeping. Orpah headed back to Moab, and she was not criticized for her decision. But Ruth’s devotion did stand out. She clung to Naomi. The word can be translated “join” or “cleave.” It is the same word used of Adam clinging to Eve (Genesis 2:24) and Israel clinging to God (Deuteronomy 10:20). Naomi had met her match in terms of devotion. Ruth would not take no for an answer. One of the most beautiful statements of devotion ever occurs next in our text. It is often said (or even sung) at weddings—even though that is not its context. Ruth chose life with Naomi over family, national identity, and religion. Ruth was loyal. It is as if she said, “Enough already! I am going with you!” Ruth will go with and stay with Naomi. Her people would be Ruth’s people. And, most importantly, Naomi’s God would be Ruth’s God. This is the language of conversion in the Bible. Ruth crossed a line. Ruth’s attitude was like Cortez’s attitude (“burn the ships”). She would die in Israel and be buried in Israel. What she probably did not realize was how this decision would feature into the coming of the Messiah (Ruth 4:15-17). Do we realize what our conversion can bring? Ruth was so serious about this that she invoked a judgment of the Lord: “May the Lord deal with me.” Naomi twice used similar phrases, each starting with “May the Lord,” early in our text (Ruth 1:8-9). Ruth promised that even death could not separate her from Naomi. Ruth would not be deterred. She was determined (persistent or obstinate). Devotion was in place. Now the bigger story can unfold. - 79 -

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WEEK OF September 06

In the course of time, Elimelek died. The sons married Moabite women. Mahlon married Ruth (Ruth 4:10) and Kilion married Orpah. After ten years (literal or figurative . . . for a substantial time) both sons died. When word came that there was bread in Israel, Naomi decided to head home. Was she reversing the former disobedience of going to Moab to start with? A Jewish tradition said that death was the punishment for leaving Bethlehem (John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary). In the Old Testament, marriage meant security for a woman. And consider the thought of leaving three graves in a Moab cemetery.

This was an emotional scene. They kissed and wept aloud. The weeping involved more than shedding tears. They “wailed, lamented, and bewailed.” The girls not only refused to leave their mother-in-law, they also pledged to be assimilated into the Israelite nation. Naomi insisted that they go back. Naomi reminded them that even if she were to marry again and have sons, the girls could hardly wait for the boys to mature in time to marry (vv. 12-13). Naomi felt that God’s hand had been dealt against her. Later she would desire not to be called “delight” but “bitter.”

A p p l i c at i o n

Ruth's Exemplary Loyalty by David Faust

Brand loyalty keeps us buying Coke or Pepsi, Fords or Toyotas, and cheering for our favorite sports teams. Loyalty can be misplaced, though. Have you been burned by an unscrupulous salesperson who cheated you, an unfaithful friend who betrayed you, or a church leader who wounded you? Jesus urged us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, refusing to follow untrustworthy preachers, priests, or politicians who would lead us astray. Loyalty is rare. “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6). Even Jesus wasn’t immune to disloyalty. Peter denied him and Judas betrayed him. At first, George Washington trusted a soldier who later plotted to surrender West Point to the British, and we remember Benedict Arnold as a traitor. Ruth—one of two women to have books of the Bible named after them—serves as a positive example of loyalty. Loyal to God’s Covenant Community: “Your people will be my people” (Ruth 1:16) Ruth grew up in Moab, but she chose to identify with her mother-in-law Naomi’s kin, the Israelites. In our day it’s popular to trash the church. Do we have the courage to stand with God’s covenant people and say, “I’m with them”? Although it’s flawed, the church is “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). We can be honest about its imperfections without body-shaming the body of Christ. Loyal to the Lord: “Your God [will be] my God” (Ruth 1:16) How did Ruth even know about the true God? She must have learned about the Lord while she worked beside Naomi at home and in the fields, and it’s likely their fam-

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ily observed the Passover every spring. Naomi’s family moved to Moab to escape from a famine, but on a deeper level, God sent them there as missionaries! If a new job takes you to a different city—if you move away to attend college or serve in the military—don’t leave your faith behind. Take it with you and share it. Loyalty to God is our highest commitment. Loyal Until Death: “Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried” (Ruth 1:17) Jesus said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10). After serving 18 years as missionaries in Ethiopia, my friends Adrian and Jennifer Fehl returned home to America. To clarify that the Fehls’ departure was permanent, Ethiopian authorities stamped “Leave for good” on their passports. My friends said, “We looked at those words a different way. It was good to be there in Ethiopia, but now we were leaving for a good reason and we knew God would use us for good back in the USA, too.” When a Christian dies, the message, “Leaving for good,” could be stamped on our caskets. It’s good to serve the Lord here on earth, but after death comes something far better. In time, Ruth’s son Obed became the grandfather of Israel’s famous King David. A bit of Ruth’s Moabite blood flowed in the veins of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5-6). Jesus slept in a manger in the same village where Ruth cradled little Obed in her lap. It’s amazing what God can do through loyal servants who remain faithful to him. Personal Challenge: Do a loyalty self-check. What are you doing to build trust with others? Are you completely faithful to your family? To your spouse? To the Lord? To your coworkers? To your friends? If you identify any pockets of unfaithfulness in your heart, confess them to the Lord. - 80 -

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D i s c ove ry

by Michael C. Mack 1. What was the biggest challenge you faced last week? 2. What did you do last week, as empowered by God’s Spirit, to share the love of Jesus with someone? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11, and 14-18 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to retell the story as if telling it to a group of fifth- and sixth-graders. (Option: Ask three people to act out the main parts of the narrative.) 3. What stands out to you about the relationships between Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth? 4. Let’s look more closely at some of the details: • What words in this passage reveal the feelings these three women had for each other? • In what specific ways did they show humility, not looking to their own interests but to the interests of the others? • Look through the passage for the possessive pronouns her, your, and my; who used each one; and to whom they referred. In what ways do these words and phrases signify each woman’s priorities in life? • Look for the phrase, “May the Lord,” and who said it. What does this repeated phrase indicate to you about these women and how they viewed God? 5. What do you learn about God from this narrative? 6. What does this passage teach you about humanity and what’s truly important to us? 7. What do you learn about devotion and obedience?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .” 10. What challenges do you anticipate this week?

For Next Week: Over the next week, read and reflect on 1 Timothy 1:12-19; 6:11-16 as next week we begin a study of 1 Timothy and the theme, “Build Christ’s Church.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.

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WEEK OF September 06

8. Take a few minutes to think about someone you know who is not fully following Christ as Savior and Lord. Now imagine this person someday saying to you, “I want your God to be my God.” How can you work toward that kind of redeeming relationship with this person?

t i m o t hy

BUILD CHRIST'S CHURCH

JOIN CHRIST IN THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH .

lesson text:

1 T i m o t hy 1 :1 2 - 1 9 ; 6 :1 1 - 1 6 supplemental text:

M a t t h e w 2 8 :1 8 -2 0 John 18:33-37 1 C o r i n t h i a n s 9 : 24 -2 7 2 Corinthians 10: 3 - 5 Colossians 1:28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:2

s t u dy

Fight by mark scott

It is difficult to misunderstand such one-word commands as “quiet,” “stop,” “go,” or “run.” The next several lessons have titles that are one-word imperatives. When we obey them in a scriptural context, we help “build God’s church.” These lessons come from what are known as the Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus). The Christian life is likened to a race, a journey, an athletic contest, and a battle (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1; Ephesians 6:10-20). Believers are to be battle-ready and battle-tested. In a word, we are to fight. Paul told Timothy to fight the battle well (1 Timothy 1:18). The word for fight means to be a soldier or lead an army. Paul also told Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith (1 Timothy 6:12). The word for fight there means to struggle or to agonize. Paul used it of his own life’s struggle in 2 Timothy 4:7. While we fight differently than the world does (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), we still fight. Saved to Fight 1 Timothy 1:12-17 This is one of the most self-disclosing passages of the apostle Paul. In the literary context, his life is set over against those of the false teachers that Timothy is to wage war against (1 Timothy 1:3-11). Paul’s previous life in sin is contrasted with God’s merciful redemption of him. If we learn anything from this powerful paragraph, it is that there is some value in remembering past sins. We can realize that we have been saved to fight.

Paul was keenly aware he had been saved for a purpose. At the heart of his personal testimony, he gave the first

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Inspiring Others to Fight 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 6:11-16 Paul was saved to fight. But he wanted to equip others to fight as well. So, he encouraged his son in the faith, Timothy—who perhaps was timid (2 Timothy 1:7)—to stay in the battle. Keeping this command (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3) would be easier if Timothy would remember the prophecies once made about him (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). Paul does not say what those prophecies were. It would also be easier if Timothy would hold on to faith and a good conscience in contrast to what others had done. Paul went on to mention two men (Hymenaeus and Alexander—1 Timothy 1:20) who “shipwrecked” their faith. This expression is used in a literal sense about Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:25, but here it is used figuratively of what can happen when someone gives up the battle. The final charge to Timothy in this Epistle comes in the context of comparing Timothy as God’s man with the subject of money. This passage relates how false teachers misuse money (1 Timothy 6:3-10) and how rich Christians need to use their wealth wisely (6:17-19). To fight the good fight, Timothy will have to flee any love of money, take hold of six different Christian virtues, and remember his good confession. This good confession of Timothy (which perhaps occurred in Acts 14:21) was rooted in Christ’s original good confession before Pontius Pilate (John 18:36-37). Timothy was to keep his confession of faith without spot or blame until the appearing (manifestation) of Jesus, which would happen on God’s timetable. Similar to the earlier paragraph, Paul ended this section with a doxology (1 Timothy 6:15-16). Even God’s greatest enemies can become his finest servants ready to fight (John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary). - 83 -

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Paul thanked (gave grace to) Christ Jesus for giving him strength (literally, “clothed with strength”). Knowing what he used to be, Paul was ever grateful that God would consider him trustworthy by placing him into service. On the debit side of his ledger were his sins: blasphemer (liar or slanderer), persecutor (one who hunted down Christians—Acts 22:4-5; 26:9-11), and violent man (insolent). On the credit side of his ledger were God’s wonderful attributes: mercy (tender kindness when we feel helpless), grace (love for us that is undeserved but which is poured out in superabundant ways when we feel worthless), and faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

of five “faithful sayings” of the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8). The formula he used to underline God’s saving purpose means something on the order of, “take this to the bank.” Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Paul proclaimed that he was the worst sinner (he calls himself the “least” in 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8). That made God’s patience and Paul’s example all the more powerful. No wonder Paul ended this testimony with a profound doxology (v. 17).

A p p l i c at i o n

How to Have a Good Fight by David Faust

Ironically, it was a fighter who informed us that peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Paul compared himself to a boxer throwing punches (1 Corinthians 9:26). He saw the Christian life as a battle against dark spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12). As death approached, he said, “I have fought the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Not all fights are good. Some are petty or even humorous. The author Kevin Leman quips, “My wife and I live in a two-story house. On most any issue, she has her story and I have mine.” Followers of the Prince of Peace, even whole denominations, spend too much time bickering among themselves. Mark Twain is said to have joked that he put a dog and a cat together in a cage as an experiment to see if they could get along. They did, so he put in a bird, a pig, and a goat. After a few adjustments, they got along too. Then he put in a Baptist, a Presbyterian, and a Catholic, and soon there was not a living thing left! What makes a fight good? Right Cause We don’t have to debate every subject and offer opinions on every issue that comes along. “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23). Marvin Phillips said, “Satan’s greatest weapon has been to keep the people of God arguing about lesser things.” But some causes are worth fighting for. Nehemiah urged, “Fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (Nehemiah 4:14). Paul flexibly adapted his methods of presenting the gospel to different audiences, but he remained firm and unbending about the gospel message itself (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 15:1-3). Jude said to show mercy toward doubters, but “contend for the faith

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that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3, 22). Let’s choose our battles wisely. Right Motivation Political candidates promise, “I will fight for you,” but are they in the race mainly to satisfy their own egos and push their own agendas? The “good fight” is motivated by love for God and neighbors, not by selfish ambition. Right Methods Christians shouldn’t fight dirty. It dishonors God if we try to win battles by compromising our ethical principles or relying on our own cleverness. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). When Paul told Timothy to “fight the battle well” (1 Timothy 1:18), he used the word strateuomai (from which we derive strategy) to describe the fight. Later he instructed Timothy, “Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), and here he used agonizomai (the source of our word agony). Even in agonizing situations, our strategies must align with God’s will. “We do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Right Outcome Though he endured many struggles, Paul looked forward to “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Timothy 4:8). Life is filled with battles, but the Lord has won the war. When the good fight is finally over, we will have forever to celebrate God’s victory. Personal Challenge: What is one battle you need to fight right now? What is one current battle you would be wise to avoid? - 84 -

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D i s c ove ry

by Michael C. Mack

1. What was the biggest challenge you faced last week? 2. What did you do last week, as empowered by God’s Spirit, to share the love of Jesus with someone? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 1:12-19 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Repeat the process for 1 Timothy 6:11-16. Ask the third person to summarize these passages in one minute or less. 3. What stands out to you the most in these passages? 4. Let’s look more closely at some of the details: • How does Paul describe himself—who he was and who he had become? • What do you learn about Timothy? • How would you characterize Paul’s charge to Timothy? • How specifically was Timothy to carry out that charge, and for how long? 5. What do you learn about God’s nature from these passages? 6. What do you learn about yourself? 7. What character issues do you most need to pursue?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .” 10. What challenges do you anticipate this week?

For Next Week: Over the next week, read and reflect on 1 Timothy 2:1-8 as we continue studying 1 Timothy and the theme, “Build Christ’s Church.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.

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- 85 -

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8. To whom will you be an example of Christ this week so this person “would believe in him and receive eternal life”?

t i m o t hy

BUILD CHRIST'S CHURCH

P R AY F O R E V E RYO N E T O B E S AV E D THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS .

lesson text:

1 T i m o t hy 2 :1 - 8 supplemental text:

Acts 4:23-31 E p h e s i a n s 1 :1 5 -2 1 ; 3 :1 4 -2 1 ; 6 :1 8 -2 0 1 T i m o t hy 4 :1 - 5

s t u dy

Pray by mark scott

Last week’s lesson was entitled “Fight,” and we do that in many ways. We fight by using bold preaching (Acts 4:19, 20, 29). We fight by destroying arguments raised against God (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We fight by sacrifice and endurance (Revelation 2:1-3; 13:10). We fight by singing (Revelation 15:3-4). And we fight by praying. Paul urged Timothy to stay put and slug it out against the false teachers in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3-11). Paul even added his own testimony to help Timothy endure the opposition (1:12-17). Next, Paul admonished Timothy with several congregational directives. These involved prayer, men and women in the assembly, leaders, and apostacy (1 Timothy 2:1–4:5). We understand this from a passage in the middle of these directives (3:14-15). The interrogatives—where, when, what, who, why, and how—can help us understand the passage. Where and When Where are these teachings applied? The church. (To be more accurate, the question is, “Who is being called to pray?”) While many verses in 1 Timothy (and almost all of 2 Timothy) are directed at Timothy in particular, these instructions are for a wider audience. Timothy’s job is to pass them on. Remember that often in the Pastoral Epistles the “you” is plural, meaning Timothy is not the only one being addressed.

What and Who What is Paul urging us to do? The New Testament used four verbs for pray and four nouns for prayer. Prayers have particular nuances and purposes. They are not all alike. Petitions are prayers that make known specific requests, supplications, or benefits. Prayers is the generic term, which highlighted respectful speech to God. Intercession meant to entreat or interpolate with familiarity (i.e., praying for others). Thanksgiving is exactly what it says. Whom do we pray for? The answer is broad and includes all people (humankind). This might be why

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Why Why do we pray? Paul gave two reasons Christians pray for humanity in general and governmental leaders in particular. The first reason benefits believers, and the second reason benefits unbelievers. Governmental leaders do hold sway over people’s lives. They pass and enforce laws, they administer justice, and they uphold the common good (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). When Christians pray for them, their prayers have a residual benefit. Believers can lead peaceful and quiet (tranquil) lives. If the “peace of Rome” is preserved, then Christians could conduct themselves in godliness (a key term that appears several times in the Pastoral Epistles; it means “respect for deity”) and holiness. There is a special beauty (good) in this. It pleases (makes welcome or acceptable) God. The second reason for Christians to pray is that there is only one way to God. Great Bible doctrines are taught in 1 Timothy 2:4-6. Among those doctrines are the love of God (who wants all people to be saved), the truth of God (as revealed in the Bible), the mediation of God (which is found in Christ as the “middle person,” cf. Hebrews 7:20-22), the redemption (“ransom,” as in that of a slave, cf. Mark 10:45) by God, the timing of God (proper time), and the mission of God (i.e., Paul’s place as an appointed preacher, apostle, and teacher to the Gentiles). How How are we to pray? Since Paul will continue to instruct the women in the passage that follows, he gave the men of Ephesus (and everywhere) a prayer admonition. They were to pray with no pretense (lifting up holy hands, cf. 1 Kings 8:22; Ezra 9:5; Psalm 28:2; Lamentations 2:19)—even the pictures in the catacombs indicate this posture. They were also to pray with no ill motive (anger or disputing), which will be especially important in this next section. Weaker God Judges 6:28-32

The issue of our boldness is always related to another issue—namely, whose god is God? Is Baal of the Midianites God? Or is the Lord of Israel the real God? In the morning there was no small stir about the demolished idol and pole. The people carefully investigated (searched and inquired) as to who was responsible.

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WEEK OF September 20

When are we to begin to follow Paul’s teaching? Immediately. In fact, Paul said, first of all. Whether Paul meant to establish a list with prayer being at the top or whether he was just emphasizing prayer as a priority, it is clear prayer must be a first concern and not a last resort. Paul urged (to beseech or encourage) prayer on us. Just as Paul “urged” Timothy to remain at Ephesus (1:3), so he urged prayer for all people.

Paul pushed his prayer vocabulary to the limit. Christians should not be partial in their prayers. But then Paul drilled down into more specificity. Pray for kings (earthly potentates) and all those in authority (prominent leaders). Considering Nero was Rome’s leader at the time this was written, it is a stunning command by the apostle Paul. On the other hand, who needed more prayer than Nero?

A p p l i c at i o n

Does It Really Help to Send Thoughts and Prayers? by David Faust

Prayer gets a lot of lip service, but not a lot of respect. Do you see prayer as a last resort or your first response? Many treat God the way a pilot treats his parachute: He’s glad it’s there for emergencies, but he hopes he never has to use it. When a basketball player heaves a long shot that has little chance of hitting the basket, announcers say, “He threw up a prayer.” In football when the quarterback desperately flings a pass into the end zone as time expires, it’s called a Hail Mary. Upon hearing bad news, well-intentioned sympathizers say, “We’re sending our thoughts and prayers.” To many, that expression has become a lame-sounding cliché. Taking Prayer Seriously Are thoughts and prayers impactful? It depends on what we’re thinking and to whom we’re praying. In the Bible, prayer isn’t bland; it’s dynamic. Jesus encouraged us to ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7). “Petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving” for everyone, including government officials (1 Timothy 2:1-2), are a prerequisite to cultural change and spiritual renewal. James insisted, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Jesus prayed before common meals and uncommon miracles. He slipped away from the crowds to spend time alone with the heavenly Father (Luke 5:16). He prayed all night before calling the 12 apostles (Luke 6:12-16). Likewise, his followers prioritized prayer in their gatherings (Acts 1:14, 2:42), leadership selections (Acts 6:3-6), and strategic planning (Acts 13:1-3).

thing new, explore an untested field of activity, or step into uncharted territory, as in “before starting her own business, she tried a short foray as an actor in the theater.” Both of these definitions apply to prayer. Through bold strategic prayer, we attack Satan’s strongholds. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8). And whether you are a new believer or have known the Lord a long time, God calls you to walk with him into new, uncharted territory. If you’re ready for a prayer foray, why not start with these “Four A’s”? • Admire. “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.” Expand your appreciation for his power and glory. Admire who he is and what he has done. Magnify the Lord, because when he looks bigger, your problems look smaller. • Admit. Be honest about your struggles, weaknesses, questions, doubts, sins, and shortcomings. When you’re on your knees, you can’t stumble, and you can’t run. A humble, contrite heart says, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” • Ask. Approach God boldly and specifically. “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). • Act. Prayer isn’t mere talk. Faith without works is dead. Don’t just pray, “Thy will be considered” or “Thy will be discussed.” Jesus said to pray, “Thy will be done.”

Prayer Foray

Real impact requires more than just “sending thoughts and prayers.” When we think biblically and pray earnestly, it will lead us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

It’s time for us to go on a prayer foray. Foray has two primary definitions: (1) To attack or invade enemy territory, as in “that foray might cost the soldiers their lives.” (2) To make an initial attempt, try some-

Personal Challenge: On a piece of paper or in your personal journal, use the “Four A’s” mentioned above to write your own prayer to God.

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D i s c ove ry

by Michael C. Mack

1. What challenge did you face last week? 2. Were you an example of Christ for anyone this past week? If so, whom, and in what ways were you an example? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 2:1-8 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Ask the third person to summarize the passage as if teaching a middle school small group about the topic. 3. What did you notice in this passage that you’ve never really noticed before? 4. Let’s look more closely at some of the details: • How did Paul describe different forms of prayer? • Whom and what are we to pray for? • What can our prayers accomplish? • How is prayer connected to people’s salvation? • What attitudes are involved in effective prayer? 5. What do you learn about God (and what he desires from his children) from this passage? 6. What do you learn about yourself (and your value to God)? 7. What do you learn from this passage that will help you go deeper in your prayer life?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .” 10. What challenges do you anticipate this week?

For Next Week: Over the next week, read and reflect on 1 Timothy 3:1-16; 5:17-22 as we continue studying 1 Timothy and the theme, “Build Christ’s Church.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.

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8. For whom will you pray this week, that this person will “be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth”?

t i m o t hy

BUILD CHRIST'S CHURCH

A S S E M B L E L E A D E R S W H O M O D E L C H R I S T, AND BE SUCH A LEADER.

lesson text:

1 T i m o t hy 3 :1 - 1 6 ; 5 :1 7-2 2 supplemental text:

M a t t h e w 1 6 :1 6 - 1 9 M a r k 1 0 :4 2 - 4 5 A c t s 1 3 :1 - 3 1 C o r i n t h i a n s 1 1 :1

s t u dy

Lead by mark scott

Jesus prayed all night before choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). The Holy Spirit selects the right leaders for the church (Acts 20:28), but prayer (last week’s lesson) is the precursor for that. If Timothy was to be successful in Ephesus, he would need to pray for good leaders to assist him. Our default setting in the Western world is to organize and categorize. We desire a neat and tidy list of qualifications for elders and deacons. Typical to Paul’s Near Eastern mind-set, he had little interest in neat and tidy lists. New Testament servant leadership was less formal and more fluid than in our world. Paul seemed comfortable to discuss the character of church leaders in terms that were positive and negative, internal and external, grouped and singular, familial and corporate. Shepherds 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17-22 Having discussed the roles of men and women in worship (1 Timothy 2:8-15), Paul began the discussion of church leaders with yet another of the “faithful sayings.” An overseer (“one who gives compassionate care for” and also a synonym for elder or pastor—cf. 1 Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4) must indicate some level of desire to serve. He must “aspire” to (reach for) it—but maybe not too much (i.e., constrained by humility). If he humbly does so, he will see that eldership is a noble task far more than an office.

If you want to really know what an elder is like, ask about him at home. The first way an elder is above reproach is in his primary relationship (he is in a state of total fidelity with his wife). This qualification heads the list and then has two verses devoted to it later (vv. 4-5). If he cannot manage (stand before) his family, how can he lead the church? The elder is to be a measured person (temperate and self-controlled)

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Elders who direct the affairs of the church (rule well— “stand before” the congregation in preaching and teaching) are to be honored in respect and remuneration. Old Testament (Deuteronomy 25:4) and New Testament (Luke 10:7) texts affirm this. Elders are to be given more than a fair shake when accused, but if they sin, they are to be rebuked publicly because of their high profile. Servants 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Were the early deacons just ministers who served at the discretion of those over them (Acts 6:1-7; Romans 16:1-2)? Or were early deacons a recognized group of servant leaders who knew the deep truths of the faith and were willing to first be tested to assess their leadership ability? Either way, they had to meet a similar critique of their lives as did the elders (six of their qualifications overlap with those of the elders). Deacons do not oversee the church, but they do serve the church, as Christ did (Mark 10:45). Out of all that Jesus could have been, he chose to be a deacon. Saints 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Paul’s letters substituted for his presence. Though absent, Paul wanted the saints to know how to conduct themselves in the church, which was God’s pillar and foundation of truth in the world. Elders oversee and deacons serve, but all the saints embrace the glorious confession (hymn?) in verse 16. This is a Christocentric chapter. Elders are shepherds like Jesus. Deacons are servants like Jesus. Church members are saints who believe the gospel. - 91 -

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Next, Paul built a sandwich (more technically “brackets,” which scholars call “inclusio”). The is to be (v. 2) and the must also (v. 7) act like two slices of bread. Paul insisted the elder must be above reproach (blameless or unimpeachable) from those within the church. And, the leader must have a good reputation (good witness) from those outside the church. A blameless and evangelistic elder then possesses all the other qualities inside “the sandwich.”

who has it all together (respectable means that his whole world is ordered). He loves strangers (is hospitable) and can articulate the gospel (is able to teach). The elder has his passions under the control of the Holy Spirit (not laying down alongside of wine; not violent or quarrelsome, but gentle; not a materialist). Finally he is not to be a recent convert (neophyte). This may explain why Paul told Timothy not to lay hands on a potential elder too hastily (5:22). This level of leadership can be fertile ground for pride. So, avoiding the devil’s condemnation and the devil’s trap are paramount.

A p p l i c at i o n

Who Is Worthy to Lead? by David Faust I don’t measure up. That feeling stirs in my heart when I read the daunting biblical qualifications for church leaders. From one perspective, what the Lord asks of leaders isn’t very different from what he asks of every Christian. Who shouldn’t be gentle and hospitable? Who shouldn’t avoid the love of money? But “above reproach” is a tall order. God has high expectations of church leaders, and “we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). Oversight of the body of Christ should never be taken lightly. First Timothy 3:1-16 compels anyone who tackles this “noble task” to ask serious questions. How “self-controlled” is good enough? How much teenage rebellion is allowed in the home of a leader who tries to “manage his own family well”? “A good reputation with outsiders” is important, but we all have our critics. Does “able to teach” mean instructing individuals oneon-one, or must an elder be a public speaker skilled in addressing large groups? Other than Christ himself, who perfectly fulfills these requirements? Who is worthy to lead God’s church? Internal Checkpoints One qualification for church leadership is an inner motivation to serve. No arm-twisting is required when the individual humbly but persistently “aspires to be an overseer” (1 Timothy 3:1). This aspiration not only refers to God’s initial call, but also to a desire to continue serving, even during rough patches when it’s tempting to give up. Leadership requires honest self-evaluation. Neglecting this point makes us vulnerable to pride and moral failure. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Leaders who lack self-awareness slip into sloppy habits. They become too comfortable being in charge, too accustomed to the spotlight, too used to getting their way in meetings and being the biggest voice in the room. Leaders must check our attitudes, guard our hearts, and engage in unvarnished

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soul-searching. Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves . . . test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). David prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). External Checkpoints Wise leaders also make themselves accountable to others. Spouse. An elder must be “faithful to his wife” (1 Timothy 3:2), and a godly spouse is a valuable sounding board, providing wise counsel. Congregation. “Above reproach” doesn’t mean perfection (a standard that would disqualify all of us), but it implies that the congregation is confident about the leaders’ maturity in Christ and finds no glaring faults that would inhibit their ability to lead. Deacons “must first be tested” before they serve. Even if a formal pre-ordination process isn’t required, at minimum this implies thoughtful examination by the congregation before pressing someone into service. Other elders. First Timothy 5:17-25 pictures a healthy leadership environment marked by mutual accountability. Honor leaders who serve well. Protect them against frivolous, unfounded accusations. Confront and discipline those who sin. “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” and rush leaders into service prematurely. And remember: We benefit not only from interacting with our own leadership teams, but also by connecting with elders and staff from other congregations for mutual instruction and encouragement. Who is worthy to lead the Lord’s church? None of us, actually. But throughout history, our gracious God has called, equipped, and empowered imperfect people who, despite their weaknesses and inadequacies, step up and give him their best. Personal Challenge: Do you “aspire” to serve the Lord or lead in his church? This week, how will the Lord use your spiritual gifts to advance his kingdom? - 92 -

SEPTEMBER 2020

D i s c ove ry

by Michael C. Mack

1. What new challenge did you face last week? 2. How would you evaluate your prayer life this past week? Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read 1 Timothy 3:1-16 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Repeat the process with 1 Timothy 5:17-22. Ask the third person to summarize the passages as if teaching a fifth-grade Sunday school class about the topic. 3. What most stood out to you from these passages? 4. Let’s look more closely at some of the details: • How would the application of these passages instill or restore in people confidence in their church leaders and the health of their church? • What church leadership principles can you draw from these passages? • What roles do moral character and maturity play in church leadership? • What connections do you see between a leader’s “private life” and church leadership life? • What connections do you see between a leader’s “public life” and church leadership life? • What reasons do these passages provide for why qualified leaders are vital? • How should the church treat its leaders? 5. What do you learn about God from these passages? 6. What do you learn about his church?

8. In what specific way do these passages call you to lead well or serve well? 9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .” 10. What challenges do you anticipate this week? For Next Week: Over the next week, read and reflect on 1 Timothy 4:6-16 as we continue studying 1 Timothy and the theme, “Build Christ’s Church.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.

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7. What is at least one thing from these passages you need to obey?

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Faith-Politics Self-Check . . . Tina Wilson What a PERFECT checkpoint from Christian Standard [The Final Word, “Self-Check: Politics Edition,” p. 96, July 2020]! Great way to start every single day from now through November 3!

Open or Closed? . . . Don Stuart, Nashville, Indiana I greatly appreciated Rusty Russell's analysis of opening or closing churches during the pandemic, a difficult decision for most of us ["Church & State: Our Relationship with Governing Authorities and How We Respond to Their Commands," p. 34, July 2020]. One of the three situations he cites for not submitting to government authorities is an unjust or illegal order. The U.S. Supreme Court in Ex parte Milligan (1866) ruled that even during the Civil War our constitutional rights and guarantees are to be protected, seemingly a precedent to overturn mayors and governors who simply declare church is closed. Churches may choose to be open or closed, a First Amendment right entitled to protection.

Fighting for Acts 2 Restoration . . . Mike This is a good word [“An Acts 2 Movement: Restoring the Dynamic Life of the First Church,” by Tyler McKenzie, p. 20, June 2020]. We need this restoration. It’s so interesting that the church would even come face-to-face with dealing with these things and struggle with Gentiles being welcomed into the body and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 10-11). Some continued to struggle with this discrimination for the life of the early church; even Paul called out Peter because of . . . the way he treated Jewish Christians differently than Gentile Christians. They kept fighting for the Acts 2 restoration even in the midst of pushback, struggle, and personal hardship. They kept growing, seeking, and following even in the midst of failing and falling short.

Restoration . . . Not Preservation . . . Sonny, Salt & Light Ministries Our prayer for 47 years has been the restoration of the new covenant model [“Restoration . . . Not Preservation,” by Josh Ross, p. 26, June 2020]. We are watching with great interest several groups that have come to Restoration Movement beliefs by other means and do not embrace the traditional model but are seeking the ancient Way. There are many voices speaking many different doctrines today. One of the questions is, who has the humble spirit to wash the brothers’ and sisters’ feet in unity? We want to restore the “First Works” of the ekklesia. We want a unity based on followers discipling, not fans, [and] unity based on clear teaching, not the divisive rules of men or denominational bravo sierra. Larry E. Whittington It seems, though, each individual must abide by his conscience whether about music, cups, Sunday school classes, or—on and on—so there is still this “difference” [“Restoration . . . Not Preservation”]. When the “differences” are accepted and not condemned, unity can show itself. Dr. Jane Vert, Phoenix Christ’s last prayer for us was that “They may all be one” [“Restoration . . . Not Preservation”]. It is essential to live this goal. It is at the core of the Restoration Movement, is Christ’s wish as well, and is our own central core value. So I thank you for those unifying words. It seems Christians everywhere like to emphasize how they are different and “the true believers.” This is such a stumbling block to unbelievers, believers, and the growth of the body. We must strive for unity or we will cease to fulfill Christ’s wishes.

‘Far from the Path’ . . . Al “Essentials” sounds great but agreeing on what they are is another matter [“The Starfish Effect: Why Our Decentralized Approach Is Our Strength,” by Scott Kenworthy, p. 45, June 2020]. Also, without a central body and the sense of “entrepreneurship” (aka, self-promotion), it is very easy to stray far from the path; there is no check or balance for determining right doctrine. Pseudo unity is not what Jesus sought for the church.

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