Yes, it’s true. I am wading back in to the children’s ministry conversation. The venues are the same, but the perspective is different. I am in the process of developing articles for ministry-to-children.com and new content for kidology.org. As always, I may post content related to children’s ministry on this blog, too. Whereas before I wrote from the perspective of an ordained children’s pastor in a local church, I will now be writing as a missionary to my city and a volunteer in my church. Yet, I am sure I will access my background of practical and academic learning experiences. So I invite you to look for my articles and content and to interact with me here and in those venues. The two websites offer unique and outstanding resources. I am privileged to contribute in a small way in the days to come. And watch out, you will probably be encouraged, inspired, and energized by accessing the resources on both websites.
praise vanquishes the darkness
In the dark hour, when hope seems bleak, the Holy Spirit prompts me to praise. It is not the stuff of spectacle which draws attention to myself. Rather, it consists of heartfelt adoration for Almighty God. It is the donning of spiritual armor, the wielding of spiritual armaments. It is a yielding to God, maker of heaven and earth. It is only made public as a call to brothers and sisters to join in worship, recognizing that our praise, insofar as it is pure and undefiled, honors God and frightens the portals of hell. A sobering responsibility. Not for the faint of heart who prefer domesticated and professionally orchestrated expressions of piety. For it is out of the depths of our hearts fully yielded to the Lord God that we begin to pray and to praise according to his design and his providential love. In so doing, we begin to learn that worship is not about us or our feelings and preferences. It is all about God.
When we do that, when we make praise about God, something happens. He is glorified. He dwells in the midst of our praise. He goes before us in battle, defeating the enemy of our souls.
So, join me. Praise him. With all that you are, shout to the Lord for his glory and give thanks for his deliverance.
And the darkness will be vanquished.
Praise the Lord!
Filed under Life
it’s not over until God says so
One year ago I thought my ministry to children was over. Apparently, it’s not over until God says so. Despite my feelings of inadequacy and my shortcomings. Today I sat among the kids in our church and neighborhood as we watched Asante Children’s Choir perform for us. What a powerful ministry! Beautiful music, fantastic dancing and drumming, and shining, joyful countenances. The boys from Rwanda in East Africa standing with me in the photo are just a few of the choir members, which includes a number of girls as well. Next weekend I will share photos of the performance, too.
This has been an interesting season for me. I long have felt pulled to those in the cultural margins who have been forgotten by much of society. These boys and their friends in the choir once were in that situation and indeed still are very much in need. Now, however, they are sponsored by people in America. As they ministered joyfully, I was convicted deeply. As they thanked God without shame, I was challenged to stop wasting time and to become what God desires of me. For the least of these. For love and for joy. For obedience to Christ. Without shame, despite my tears of joy.
when a man of action is forced to pray
Learned of some troubling news this evening near the end of my commute home. A family member possibly in danger again. My immediate thought was to turn my car around and start driving. That thought was nixed. Rush hour. Multiple vehicle accident on a major highway, placing a strain on all the alternate routes. But the news demanded action. My action, specifically. Frustrating.
Pray. Cry out to God. Trust him to act. Exchange my weakness for his power.
Within the hour, the fear of immediate danger was past. Hopeful news. Yet deep concern persists.
So, prayer continues. Into the deep watches of the night.
Filed under Life
class starts when the first child arrives
I showed up to church early last Sunday. I was called late Saturday night to fill in for the scheduled Kids Church teacher. I had not been in front of a group of kids for over one year. I was thrilled to receive the call. Of course, I said yes.
I met with the children’s directors. They trained me on how to use the curriculum, and instructed me concerning the normal procedures for the morning. While they set up the laptop in order to play the video curriculum, a brother (10 yrs) and sister (9 yrs) arrived early for their Sunday school class which occurs in the same room. The two kids quietly sat down. I looked away from the computer to observe the children. With their teacher not yet present, my reponsibilities were clear.
I grabbed a balloon from my right front pocket, invited them to stand up to play a game with me, and then made a big show out of inflating the balloon. Yes, they laughed. And then we spent the next ten minutes bouncing the balloon to each other. Our rules were simple. We each could only hit it once at a time and we could not let it fall to the ground. The key is communication and teamwork. They loved the game, having played similar ones in the past. Indeed, they invited other children to play when they began to arrive.
It was a prelude to their kids church lesson later in the morning concerning the Israelites who needed to trust God and each other as they marched around Jericho. Although I intended to use the game later for that purpose, my plans were adjusted according to the needs of two children at risk of becoming bored.
After all, class starts when the first child arrives.
Filed under Church
so you want to develop missionaries in your church
Talk of home missions and becoming missionaries to our local culture has taken root in domestic church leadership discourse. It is an encouraging development, but it falls far short of having any far-reaching impact on the average Christ follower. Quite simply, the jargon usually passes them by. Terms like missional, lost person, social justice, and social compassion imply meaning, but do not necessarily convey the fullness of what leaders mean when communicating with their parishioners. The same could be said of traditionally evangelical vocabulary such as saved, sinner’s prayer, intercession, and the particularly obscure phrases, Roman Road or holistic. Even the word missionary is loaded with shades of meaning which will communicate one set of ideas to a conservative evangelical, another set to a liberal mainline church goer, and still another to a self-conscious convert to post-modernism who is heavily influenced by emergent thinking.
What is a pastor to do when all of these groups (plus the many possible variations) fill the church’s pews? We call people to follow Jesus with us as missionaries to the culture, but the terminology travels through the filters of their specific experiences. Hence, they hear many different things. For example, some may hear that we want them to give up their jobs and devote themselves full-time to some form of service, likely oversees, because that is what missionaries do, right? A few might be inspired at such a prospect. Most will recoil at any thought of raising support. That may not be what we mean, but it is what they assume because of their filters which help interpret the vocabulary we use to present ideas.
The best way to bypass the shortcomings of verbally expressed ideas is to demonstrate them in real life, and likewise to show snapshots and vignettes of the journeys in progress. When I was a Children’s Pastor working with at-risk kids in the neighborhood I used photography to aid the telling of my stories. Many of those photos are posted on this blog under the tag missional. I also invited others to join me in the work. They got to observe and directly participate, experiencing the challenges and blessings for themselves. I frequently told stories of my experiences among the lost and in the community, whether at work, via online Internet Relay Chat ministry, or in my daily routines. I wasn’t the only one doing these kinds of things, to be sure. But I shared some of my story to encourage others to do likewise.
In short, if you want to develop missionaries in your church, then be one. Find ways to encourage and support others who are doing the same. Share their stories. Use video, photography, live interviews, and reports from the field. Missionaries in foreign lands understand the importance of telling their stories consistently. It inspires people to continue giving. Our stories have the transformative power to inspire people to be more intentional as stewards of their time and resources so that they may show the life and character of Jesus in all they say and do.
Mission is multi-dimensional. It is not limited to acts of social compassion, such as feeding the hungry or providing shelter. Nor is it strictly limited to sharing your faith story and leading a person to a decision to follow the way of Christ, trusting him for eternal salvation. Both are important, to be sure. But consider this. Jesus healed and fed people, even when they chose not to believe. Are we willing to love people tangibly in the face of continued rejection of Christ and (gasp) us? Are we willing to love the difficult person, whether poor or wealthy?
Think on these things as you consider your circles of influence. Ask God how you might take your first steps toward tangible mission living. As you step out, be sure to share your stories with your people.
adventures of a reluctant protagonist
Last January I wrote a post on this blog entitled “the plot thickens in my life story.” According to the self-described WordPress stats helper monkeys, it is the most popular post of the year. I am under no illusions as to the reason. People like to search google for the term ”statue of liberty”, which was featured prominently in the post. By mentioning it again, I am hoping this post will also generate some longevity in its readership. Calculating, I know. :)
This post is a follow-up, nearly one year later. Much has changed since I last wrote of these matters in depth. I have learned some things about myself. By reading the previous post you may discover some of my backstory related to becoming a children’s pastor and later setting that role aside. Here, I reflect on my journey since that time and the obscure way forward.
For seven months after my resignation as Children’s Pastor and setting aside my ordination credentials I attended a great church near my home. I am grateful for their hospitality in allowing me to attend, even for a brief time. But I missed my tribe, my people with whom I have prayed, ministered, and laughed for so many years. With their permission and blessing, I returned a few months ago.
Slowly, I am re-engaging. I look forward to deeper connection and ministry partnership with the local church in the new year. I admit to a slow realization: I am a reluctant protagonist in the larger story which unfolds around me. I prefer to fly low under the radar. I am reluctant, but mindful of my responsibility. I am still not sure how it will all play out. Much remains obscure, which is likely for the best. But I do know I miss working with children. I especially miss working with at-risk children who have little or no godly influence in their lives. I miss the theological conversations with their grown-up neighbors and relatives. I miss sharing laughs with their parents and families. Although I haven’t got the time or desire to return to a pastoral role in a local church, I am liberated to engage ministry creatively and strategically as opportunities arise.
My challenge is to do this in a way that respects the leadership, particularly given my history with the church. This is why I have kept my distance from the children’s ministry in-house, and why I do not initiate contact outside the church sanctuary with families without the blessing of leadership. I don’t want to generate confusion, yet I am here and available as the church allows. Just yesterday I rode along with one of the church’s leaders to visit a four year-old girl and her foster mom in the hospital. During our Christmas Church service, I had the privilege of sharing communion and praying with three young sibling from the neighborhood, and doing so on a level they could understand. Both opportunities were a blessing personally to me.
Beyond that, most of my ministry focus lies outside the church walls in the marketplace and workplace. I do life with people, asking God to form in me Christ’s character so that through my words, actions and attitudes I may influence them toward repentance and faith in Jesus. Whether on loading docks, the gas station, the hair salon for my regular grooming, or in one of my employer’s several warehouses, opportunities always arise, challenging me to demonstrate the life of Christ. I do best in those environments, far from the glare commonly reserved for a protagonist. It is then, outside the fast pace of the larger story, that human pain comes to the surface. It is my privilege to be there as simply another human being who happens to love Jesus, the real protagonist of my story.
2011 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 19,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 7 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
Filed under Uncategorized
it was the best of times, it was the worst of times
You know that season. Heightened expectations. Consumer madness. Stampedes of shoppers assaulting and killing each other to score the latest pair of Air Jordans. Profound loneliness in the midst of manufactured jollyness intended to boost retail sales. Yet still, poignant moments of gratefulness. Family togetherness for those fortunate enough to be with their loved ones. Joy and gladness for Immanuel, God with us in the person of his Son, Jesus Christ. The best of times and the worst of times in dissonant conflict.
It explains why so many of my acquaintances and friends have discarded any thought of celebrating Christmas at all. Some even resent the words “Merry Christmas” being spoken to them. They have been jaded by years of seasonal disappointments and frustration. Some are angry about impossible mall parking. Others take issue with the concept of celebrating Jesus birth in conjunction with pagan concepts. They point out that we do not know precisely the year or day when Jesus was born, but we can be reasonably sure it was NOT on December 25, and that God never intended to have Santa Claus usurp attention from the Christ Child. And then there are those who simply hurt during the season because of grief from the loss of loved ones. For all of these and others, Christmas is the worst of times.
Ironic isn’t it? In the days of Jesus’ birth and following, it also was the worst of times, made better only by his Advent. Herod was on a rampage. He decreed genocide on all male first-born infants two years old and younger. Joseph protected his young family by fleeing with them to Egypt. An outcry of horror rang out in Bethlehem and beyond for a lost generation of boys. But God providentially protected the newborn King. In that day, the announcement that Messiah was born was anathema to the prevailing, ruling culture. It threatened Herod’s throne. Herod lashed out with vicious disregard for human life.
Today, the celebration of Christ’s birth is at risk of becoming anathema again, this time due to guilt by association. But what can be done?
I harbor no resentment toward retailers. Many are honest, hard-working people struggling to make a living. The holiday season from Halloween to New Years is crucial to their yearly revenue hopes. I do take issue with some of their tactics which lend themselves toward riot situations and spending frenzies. It is why I choose to opt out of participating in typical holiday shopping, choosing instead other avenues for gift giving to friends and family. Bottom line, while I give gifts which I hope are helpful or meaningful, I prefer to focus most of my attention on Advent itself, on Christ the child, the man, our Savior.
And so begins the best of times, the best of what the Christmas season can and should offer. It sparks in me life change. It exposes the dark places in my heart and introduces again the attitude and character of Jesus Christ. It prompts me to follow the beloved disciple’s example to lean into Christ so that I may sense his heartbeat, his sacrificial love, his ongoing conversation with the Father with whom he evermore has an immediate audience.
Has the holiday season burned you out? Are you ready to throw in the towel on Christianity and faith in Christ because of the seasonal excesses and confusion? I invite you to join me in forgetting all the mixed messages and to focus on your relationship with Jesus. Talk to him. Listen as well. May the Holy Spirit wash away all hurt and anger and sin, replacing them with a reconciled relationship to God through Jesus Christ.
With this attitude in mind which was modelled by Christ according to Philippians chapter two, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a truly Happy New Year.
Blessings,
Glen Woods
Concerning Scrooge and a Life Well-Lived
This afternoon I attended Scrooge the Musical, performed by the people of Portland Open Bible Church. My church; my people. I delighted in their beautiful singing, the hilarious moments, and the poignant dramatic interludes. I remembered why I returned to this faith community after a prolonged absence following my resignation a year ago last October.
As the actors portrayed their roles wonderfully on the stage, I thought about the personal relationships I enjoy with so many of them. The laughter we have shared. The tears. The worship and prayers together. The mutually challenging conversations. The respect and love. I remembered, feeling encouraged by that rich history even as they brought to life their distinct characters.
Yet, I also recognized that there are many individuals in the cast whom I do not know. Where do they come from? What are their stories? I hope to learn more in the coming days.
Scrooge had a series of epiphanies thanks to the visiting angels late Christmas Eve. It changed his attitude and the course of his life. It taught him the value of love and friendship. It birthed in him a generosity of kindness, giving, and charity. It caused him to trust Jesus Christ.
There is no greater poverty than to isolate one’s heart from others, except to abuse them with the wicked machinations conceived in the dark places of the soul. Scrooge learned this late in life, but not too late.
For my part, I desire a life of generosity, giving of myself and my resources where the needs are greatest and where God leads me in the margins of the culture.
Selfishness is easily justified through all manner of rationale. It soothes our conscience through self-justification and intentional ignorance of authentic needs. But, it is brought up short by reality. Scrooge encountered such a moment when he learned of Tiny Tim, and the struggles of Bob and Sarah Cratchett in providing for their family. Such poverty, yet such joy in their family. Such wealth, yet such misery in Scrooge’s life.
As the Advent season continues, I ask myself how I might give all that I am so that Christ Jesus will be glorified. It is no small or flippant matter to consider. Lives hang in the balance, including my own. For while I have intentionally walked away from any thought of professional ministry, I cry out to God to make me a vessel which honors him in the dark places of the world, where professionals deem it strategically unsatisfactory to tread.
