Why We Need Jesus

Urgency is at the core of evangelism. We evangelize because we believe that, as the song says, people need the Lord! The deeper that our relationship is with our creator the more convince we become of this important fact. The more we minister to people and become attentive to their needs the more aware we become of their need for God.

Christianity in some circles has become so obsessed with belief that it hase painted itself in a corner. We have separated ourselves from "others" who are sinful, wrong, evil. We have become modern day pharisees. Many in contemporary society view Christians as out of touch, hypocritical, and prejudiced. In response to these concerns some churches have gone to the extreme of removing all semblance of church in their building and in their message hoping that this way people might reconnect with God (a Christianized "bait and switch" technique). Other churches have gone the other extreme, they have strengthened their "positions" and have declared themselves the faithful remnant, those that do not agree with their positions are just sinful, evil people, especially if they claimed to be Christian. No wonder so many unbelievers are so confused! We continue to fight amongst ourselves instead of reaching out to others.

In light of all of this why do we need Jesus? In the early chapters of Genesis we receive the answer: we need Jesus because left to our own devices we are not going to love others, creation, or really ourselves (that's what we call sin). Left to our own devices we are easily deceived into thinking that the fruit before us is better than the fruit of relationship to God and other people (here is sin again). Left to our own devices we are unable to satisfy the longing for something larger than ourselves (this longing is what Wesley called previnient grace).

Jesus is the one that bridges the gap between sinful (broken, sick) humanity and a holy God (creator, sustainer). Since God in Jesus took our form, remained sinless (while eating and drinking with sinners), and finally was able to conquer sin (through resurrection) then humanity is able to be restored to what God intended, restored to being God's image in the world.

Here is the urgent message: You too can be restored! You too can find life! You too can find community!

See you on Wednesday . . .

Peace, Juan+

The "E" Word

This week we begin an unusual Lenten study series. Normally during Lenten season the church studies and practices prayer, fasting, & alms giving. These are the basic practices of Christianity and because of that we give them closer attention during the Lenten season. Those that practice these important disciplines will grow in their faith and will want to share with others the reason for their transformed life. This conversation, the sharing, is evangelism.

I have had difficulties with evangelism. I've felt manipulated, harrased, and judged by people who claimed to be doing evangelism. I am sure that you could share similar stories of times when you had a difficult encounter with those doing evangelism. Because of this reason many mainline churches have not placed much emphasis on this important spiritual practice.

I grew up in a tradition where evangelism was pivotal. Part of the reason for its importance was a concern that if it was not done then people would go to hell. That explained the passion in this tradition for the practice of evangelism.

What drives our tradition? What is the place of evangelism in the UMC? What is the place of evangelism at Squyres UMC?

These are some of the questions that we will be asking as we study together. Join us in the journey!

Peace, Juan+

On the Election . . .

This has been a difficult election season. Many candidates, very different proposals for our future and, towards the end, a growing economic crisis. The tenor of the campaign took an unfortunate turn with much mud slinging, half truths, and racist undertones.

Right in the middle of all of this unfortunate political maneuvering were many Christian people. I received countless e-mail forwards about Barack Obama's "evil" characteristics - from him being a Muslim (Thanks dad & mom for teaching me to love everyone and that there are faithful people in other religions), to his support of killing children, to his connections with terrorism. All of these unfortunate claims passed on as "truths" by people who follow Jesus. Add to these a series of position disaggreements that included claims that poor people are poor because they are lazy, healthcare is a responsibility not a right, and leaving Iraq is "surrendering" and we have in our hands fuel for the fires of hatred and division.

In spite of all of the rhetoric we elected Barak Obama as president of the United States forty years after the assasination of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we have reasons to rejoice! Not because a democrat won the white house, or because it was our canditate who won. We rejoice because of the historic milestone that has been achived in a country with such an unfortunate history of race relations.

As a pastor I have refused to take partisan labels and to publicly support a candidate. That has been and will continue to be my practice. Now I join the chorus of other Americans (of all political persuasions) in celebrating this important moment in our history where we show the signs of healing from the wounds of our painful past.

I will continue to work diligently in leading the people of God into faithful engagement with the issues of our time. I will continue to teach that the kingdom of God is not brought about by any political party but by the people of God. I will also continue to be an agent of reconciliation and a bearer of the good news to all people, no matter who they are.

Now as God's people we have the duty to continue lifting up in prayer all our national leaders as they work towards peace, justice, fairness, and equality for all people here and around the world.

Peace, Juan+

A Dream Church

In a recent flight to Dayton, Ohio, friend and colleague Katie McKay asked me about what kind of community I dream about serving. After a few seconds I gave her what seemed to me later like a convoluted answer.

I continued thinking about the question as we both enjoyed our time with the Young Pastors Network and the Change the World Conference.

One of those mornings it came to me . . . I would love to lead a liturgical, sacramental, contemplative, progressive, missional congregation.

Wow!!! That seems like a lot to ask!

In the next few weeks I hope to tease these characteristics out in the hopes that others catch a vision for this kind of faith community.

Maybe is not a crazy dream at all . . .

Peace, Juan+

Don't Worry!

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God." Philippians 4:6

It's not easy for me not to worry. In some ways its part of my nature. There are so many needs around me and sometimes there is little I can do about those. Listening to the talking heads on television makes it worst . . . the needs of the world are even more overwhelming. But what if there are good reasons to worry, to be concerned?

For the last few weeks we have watched our economy go on a nosedive. Financial institutions have failed, markets have tumble, and people are anxious. The price for basic necessities continue to go up and our salaries remain the same. Many are losing their jobs and others are losing their pensions. These are worrisome times.

Our faith teaches us not to worry instead to bring our concerns to God. This is not a simple "just pray and it will get better." Instead is a re-prioritizing connection to the one who gives us what we need.

Worry does not help us in any way. Politicians, economist, and other "experts" just add to the anxiety. Their opinions and solutions are obviously not rooted in the ethics of Jesus. They are not rooted in the struggles of the least, of the needy, of the voiceless. They are not rooted in simplicity and in the sharing of resources. Instead the main concern is on saving big corporations, getting them back so that they make more money and somehow have that money trickle down to those who work very hard each day to make a living. If worry does not help neither does our reliance on these leaders.

I'm making my request to God. I am acknowledging my own greed and desire for more. I am relying on the one who has never left me. I am depending on the one who created the world.

As for the crisis . . . it will continue until we begin to deal with the source of the problem (an ethic incompatible with the Gospel) and we change our ways (repent) and begin to live in new ways (the way of Jesus). In the meantime we will continue to do "the things that [we] have learned and received and heard and seen." (Philippians 4:9) We will continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus in the midst of the storm.

Thanks be to God!

Peace, Juan+

After the Storm

We are blessed that all is well. No damage, no leaks, no rebuilding. Others were not so lucky. All our people are back and we are trying to settle into our lives and continue the work of ministry in this community.

After a storm there is normally a time of evaluation. Experts weigh in on the damage, they asses it and plan for reconstruction. Property owners try to determine if they will rebuild, those who do not own wonder if they will come back. Decisions have to be made after a storm.

Although we did not suffer damage I believe we can also take this opportunity for evaluation. I wonder what God is calling us to? What is God's invitation to us? What do we need to change and what do we need to continue doing?

In one of my current reads Leading Beyond the Walls, Adam Hamilton says that churches need to ask themselves three questions:

1. Why do people need Christ?
2. Why do people need the church?
3. Why do they need this particular church?

(Abingdon Press; 2002, p 21)

These are wonderful questions. We need to ask them, answer them and act on them. We need to be open to what God is leading us into as a community of faith. Vibrancy, mission, zeal are important to those who follow Jesus, the one who is with us in the midst of the storm and the one who calms it.

Others need to hear about it!

Peace, Juan+

On Storms

Again we are watching a storm . . . this time it is Ike. I am glad that they have names. You watch it so much that you get to know them.

Again we are wondering what to do . . . leaving, staying are difficult decisions to make. What is the best choice?

Again we are anxious about the future . . . what is the aftermath going to bring? Who will be affected? What are we going to do then?

Again we are relying on the God of a future with hope . . . the one who walks with us through the valley, calms the storms, and heals what is broken.

Again we know what is like to live in uncertainty . . . imagine those who live in it everyday!