June 26, 2013

Ahh, the coffee is delicious, the couch is comfortable, and at 5:30 am I am ready for my early morning reading, prayer, and planning. My routine has been so irregular during June that I have found it difficult to write, and also to practice the saxophone. (I will play in the orchestra this Sunday for the Patriotic Pageant.) Yesterday I had new tires installed on the Kawasaki Concours which completes the final step to preparing it for the longest ride yet attempted, to Yellowstone, including Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota.  We leave a week from Friday. I still need to get my camping gear and all my supplies sorted out and figure out how to pack them.  I am rereading Zen and Now which retraces the route of Robert Pirsig’s 1968 motorcycle trip which was the basis for his famous book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. We will cover a small part of his route.

Numbers 33-34

Moses was instructed to record the travels of Israel, and chapter 33 is his record of their travels from Egypt for the 40+ years until they arrived at the Promised Land. It is very concise, recording every place where they camped. I enjoy reading travel logs, and have kept a log of my longer motorcycle trips. The fact that God instructed Moses to keep this record reminds me that community history is important for a people to remember, and important to God.

Chapter 34 describes the boundaries of the Promised Land, which would become the nation of Israel. God commanded his people to drive out all the inhabitants, and if any were left they would be like splinters and thorns for the Israelites. Reading this historical record I am again awed by the plans of God, his care for his people, and the harsh treatment to the enemies who worshiped false gods, bowed to idols and were involved in hideous practices such as human sacrifice and ritual prostitution. God is still involved in the human race, has revealed his will and purposes, has provided his son for our salvation, and made possible a daily walk in his presence.

Guide me today Lord as I serve you with joy. May my conversations, planning, praying, and interactions honor you and further your kingdom in this generation.

June 19, 2013

My blogs have decreased in frequency this month. I am not sure the reason, but imagine that it is mainly related to my schedule. As Springfield hosted the 4 days of Annual Conference, the gathering of all United Methodist pastors and an equal number of lay members from all the churches in Missouri, I was busy hosting meals and leading the Board of Ordained Ministry in several events. Today I am heading to Dallas for a conversation about leadership in the United Methodist Church, especially concerning how we attract and empower younger clergy leaders. Following is the article I wrote for the "Pastor's Pen" of this week's church newsletter:

In August we will launch a worship service in the downtown area as part of our college-age ministries. Pastor Matt Kerner will lead the service, Brian Mattson will lead the music. As we lean into our third year of intentional ministry among college students, we will bring a Wesley worship service as a second campus of our Republic Road main campus. I have noticed that members of Wesley have an affinity for the downtown area – shopping, dining, attending sporting events and concerts. After much prayerful discernment, the time is right to offer a worship service in the downtown area.

The service will launch on August 18 as the college students return to classes. We have made arrangements with the St. Paul UMC to use their sanctuary for this 11:30 am service. The music will incorporate the rich tradition of hymns and high quality modern worship music. The message will be delivered by Pastor Matt Kerner on most Sundays, and often will follow the themes used at our main campus. There will be nursery care and children’s worship for kids through 5^th grade.

This new worship experience is designed to reach new people. There are approximately 40,000 residents under the age of 30 within 2 miles of downtown. More than 50% of this population considers itself spiritual but does not participate in any faith community. Even as the goal is to reach more college students, people of all ages are encouraged to attend this service, as research indicates most college students prefer to worship in a multi-generational context.

I look forward to the ways God will use this endeavor to expand His Kingdom through Wesley United Methodist Church whose mission is to develop more disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.

June 14, 2013

It is John Wesley time (4:30 am)! Whenever I am out of bed during the 4 o’clock hour in the morning I remember John Wesley, who arose very early every morning. I am able to do this naturally (without an alarm) every now and then. This morning from 3:30 on I was awake, thinking about pastoral ministry through Wesley, sermons to preach this summer, the expanded ministry footprint, etc. I also am aware that I have not worked out since Monday a week ago in O’Fallon. I plan to go to the gym this morning by 5:30, given my schedule the rest of the day. I have been trying to strike a balance with this bronchitis, giving it enough rest to recover, but not succumbing to its debilitation. Yesterday I felt a little better, and that improvement continues this morning.

Numbers 22-23:26 (At this painfully slow rate of a chapter a day, I will not see the conquest of the Promised Land completed for a long time!)

As the Israelites camp opposite Jericho on the plains of Moab, the Moabite king sends for Balaam who lives near the Euphrates River to come and curse the encroaching horde. Balaam seeks God’s direction, who tells him not to go, and after some give and take, sets out intending only to say what God tells him. God is angry that he has even set out, and blocks his way with the invisible angel of the Lord. Balaam’s ass (donkey) sees and avoids this angel, but gets beaten each time by Balaam. Then the Lord gives the donkey the ability to speak, and he asks Balaam why he is beating him. God opens Balaam’s eyes to the spiritual reality, and he is humbled. God tells him to proceed, but only speak what he is told by God.

This is a most interesting account, and my take-away is to be ever more sensitive to the leading of the spirit, to go when prompted, and to stay put when not prompted to go, and to always be discerning what the will of the Lord is.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as I live, move and breathe every moment in your presence. 

June 13, 2013

The Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church concluded its 2013 session in Springfield on Monday of this week. Led by Bishop Schnase, the theme of the Conference was “Praying Hands, Dirty Fingernails.” On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of delegates fanned out across Springfield in a mini mission blitz. Our church coordinated the work at Rare Breed, a center for homeless teens. A Habitat for Humanity house was constructed during the 4 day conference. I had the privilege of delivering the report of the Board of Ordained Ministry which I chair. The conference celebrated the retirements of both Jerry and Bev Boehmer, and on Saturday night we ordained 9 new Elders, having elected them into full connection with the annual conference. On Sunday morning, Mildred Hillme’s name was read in a service of remembrance, as she is the widow of Dr. Herbert Hillme, a United Methodist pastor.

The final act of the conference was the fixing of appointments, during which it was confirmed that I will be returning to Wesley for my 7^th year, as will Pastor Mi Hyeon Lee, and Pastor Matt Kerner will be returning for his 3^rd year under appointment to Wesley. His role will be shifting this year as he leads us in establishing a Sunday Morning worshipping community in the downtown area near the campuses. Wesley has received a larger grant from the Annual Conference for the coming year ($70,000, up from $40,000 this year) specifically to cover the additional costs of launching a new worship service. Matt is developing a launch team for this service, and would welcome the participation of all who feel called to be a part of this exciting new work.

Words are not adequate for me to express the appreciation I have for the work and witness of Wesley United Methodist Church. From the daily presence of our hospitality team wearing their red vests under the direction of Larry and Anis Gunner, to the mission work coordinated by Ted Madden, to the youth leaders including Tanner Kirksey and Bev Boehmer, Wesley is one of the strongest churches in the conference. It is a privilege to be appointed as lead pastor of this healthy church which is developing more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve!

June 5, 2013

I have arisen at 4:15, rested and ready for the day. The coconut coffee is extra tasty this morning. I have been reading an article in the Sunday News Leader which is a follow up to the February 23 murder of two young children and the suicide of their mother in Springfield. The gist of the article is about the restrictions placed upon DFS which requires a “preponderance of evidence” in order to remove a child from the home. Though this mother had episodic outbursts, there was not sufficient evidence to remove the children. This reminds me of the role that the church and Christ-followers can play in the everyday lives of children and families – a role of encouragement, partnership, and awareness.

Yesterday I attended the funeral service for Jim Combs, whose obituary is also in the Sunday News Leader. He was a man of great accomplishment as a Bible teacher, pastor, editor and innovative leader. I only knew him in the last few years, as a man of great encouragement. Daily I desire to live my life before God that is obedient and fruitful for the kingdom.

Numbers 13

God instructs Moses to send 12 spies into the Promised Land, which he does. They bring back a report of luscious crops and strong, large people living in walled cities. Caleb encourages the people to go at once to take the land. The other spies (except Joshua) argue against taking the land, pointing out the problems.

This is a classic episode in the history of God’s people. The trust placed in these 12 men is huge. As they experienced the weight of their influence, they eventually came down on the side of caution. This chapter simply tells the story of their spy mission. Later chapters will interpret their conclusions. This morning I am conscious of their lack of trust in God, and the manner in which they allowed obstacles to overwhelm their progress.

I am in a completely different time and place from these twelve. And where I am living, there is opportunity for great faith, obedience and courage. I must daily identify what this is, and how I can be part of God’s working among us. I must be careful to avoid attitude of the 10 spies, caution, doubt, lack of vision, and daily adopt the attitude of Caleb and Joshua – let’s move forward, God is with us.

Areas in my realm of influence –

                          Children’s ministry space and Auditorium for Wesley

                          Downtown ministry footprint – college age worship service

                          Recruiting and training younger pastors

                          Spiritual formation of pastors and kingdom builders

                          Family development of assets and opportunities

Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I scout and live the life of faith to which you have called me. Guard me against being timid or reticent about moving forward at Your direction. Help me to live faithfully, even among naysayers and those who cannot see what You are up to.