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Did We Trade Jesus for Tradition?

October 2, 2024 / / 3 Comments

In far too many churches today, comfort and tradition have become king. We’ve polished the pews, crafted predictable schedules, and formed tight-knit circles where everyone knows the routine. Even our creative expressions have become a routine of their own. We cherish our sacred rituals, passed down through generations, but somewhere along the way, we have to ask: have we traded Jesus for tradition?

When Did Tradition Take Over

The gospel of Jesus was never about comfort. It was a disruptive, earth-shattering call to lay down our lives, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus. Yet, somewhere along the way, churches began to confuse following Jesus with following routines and rituals. We set up structures, established a rhythm, and suddenly, what was meant to serve the mission became the mission.

How often do churches prioritize the way things have always been done? We cling to old worship styles, familiar liturgies, and routines that make us feel safe. But here’s the hard truth: Jesus never promised safety. He promised a mission that would shake us to our core. The church is meant to be alive, messy, and constantly adapting to reach the world with the gospel.

The Comfort Lie

Comfort is seductive. It feels good to know what’s coming next, to be surrounded by familiar faces, and to have everything mostly predictable. But the danger of comfort is that it can lull us into complacency. It makes us risk-averse, content with keeping things as they are rather than stepping into the unknown for the sake of the gospel.

Too often, we hold on to traditions that have long lost their purpose. We assume people are being changed simply because they show up on Sundays. Meanwhile, the world outside our stained-glass windows is crying out for hope, and we sit in our comfortable sanctuaries, unwilling to adjust our methods to reach them.

And if we’re honest, it’s not just the methods. Sometimes it’s the message. We soften the law, making it palatable, trying not to ruffle feathers, all in the name of keeping people in their comfort zones. But the law was never meant to make us comfortable. Likewise the gospel is often confused with something that is anything but gospel. We make it the gospel plus some attitudinal shift or lifestyle change. But the gospel is God’s welcoming us in spite of our shortcomings.

Rediscovering the Gospel’s Power

So, how do we reclaim the power of the gospel over tradition?

We start by asking hard questions: Are our traditions helping or hindering the mission of Jesus? Are we holding on to practices because they bring life, or just because they’re familiar? Jesus didn’t come to establish a static institution but to call a movement of believers willing to turn the world upside down for His name.

Take a hard look at the local church. Are people being transformed? Are lives being radically changed? If not, then maybe it’s time to reconsider whether the Jesus we proclaim is truly the one who walked the streets with tax collectors and prostitutes, who challenged the religious elite, who loved the unlovable, and who tore down barriers.

The early church didn’t have fancy buildings or rigid schedules, but they had the gospel, and it changed everything. What would happen if we were willing to let go of our comfort zones and embrace the unpredictable, radical call of Christ again?

The Thrill of Following Jesus

When a church chooses Jesus over tradition, everything changes. The mission comes alive, and so do the people. You start seeing new faces, hearing testimonies of transformation, and feeling the Spirit at work in ways you never imagined.

This isn’t about throwing tradition out the window. Some traditions carry deep meaning and connect us to the larger story of God’s people. But when tradition becomes a substitute for mission, when it stifles rather than serves, it’s time for a change.

Imagine a church that isn’t defined by what’s comfortable, but by its passion for the lost. A church that isn’t held back by routines but propelled forward by the relentless love of Jesus. That’s the church Jesus is building, and it’s far more exciting than maintaining the status quo.

It’s Time to Make the Shift

What is the most important thing we have as the church? The choice seems clear to me: Jesus or tradition as the most important principle of the church. One brings life, power, and purpose; the other can bring stagnation and safety. If we truly believe in the gospel, we can’t settle for comfort. We must be willing to break out of the mold, challenge the status quo, and be the hands and feet of Jesus to a world desperately in need of Him.

It’s time to ask ourselves: Have we traded Jesus for tradition? And if we have, are we ready to make the shift back to the life-changing gospel that started it all? Because the moment we choose Jesus over comfort, we step into a mission far greater than anything tradition could ever provide. And that’s where the real adventure begins.

Don’t Hate People Just Because They Sin Differently Than You

September 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Let’s get something straight right out the gate. You’re not better than the person who sins differently than you. That might sound harsh, but it’s something the church desperately needs to hear. Too often, we Christians act like we’ve mastered righteousness, but in reality, we’re just expert finger-pointers. We throw around phrases like “hate the sin, love the sinner,” yet the way we treat people says something entirely different.

Instead of love, we dish out judgment. Instead of grace, we serve up condemnation. We look at people whose struggles don’t align with our own and think, “At least I’m not as bad as them.” It’s not only hypocritical, it’s unchristlike.

Let me make this as plain as possible. Jesus didn’t come to give you a hierarchy of sin so you could rank yourself against others. He came to save sinners, period. And guess what? You’re one of them. So am I. So is everyone! The gospel levels the playing field, and it’s time we stop acting like our sins are cute little mistakes while the sins of others are grotesque and unforgivable.

Christian Condescension?

The church has created a culture where some sins are deemed more acceptable than others. We don’t bat an eye at gossip, greed, or pride, but if someone is struggling with sexual identity or addiction, we act like they’re public enemy number one. We throw around words like “abomination” while conveniently ignoring that God detests all sin. Yes, including that prideful spirit we carry when we sit in the pews and shake our heads at “those people.”

This culture of condescension has pushed so many people away from the church—and not just the ones who don’t believe in Jesus. I’m talking about people who do believe but feel like they can’t bring their whole selves to the church because they’ll be judged, labeled, or even rejected. You know what that means? It means we’ve lost Jesus’ purpose for the church!

Jesus Loved the Outcast—Do You?

Take a look at Jesus. Who did He hang out with? The perfect? The pure? The religious elites? Nope. Jesus was drawn to the outcasts. He spent time with prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, and those society deemed “unclean.” He didn’t just preach to them from a safe distance—He sat with them, ate with them, and loved them where they were.

Let that sink in for a minute. Jesus didn’t demand they clean up their lives before He could love them. He didn’t qualify His love with “as long as you get your act together.” His love was unconditional. And in the presence of that love, people’s lives were transformed. In the words of a group I’m part of, Jesus let people belong before they even believed everything he taught. I think we could learn from Jesus’ example!

Where is that love in the church today?

Let’s be honest. We’re more concerned with correcting people than we are with loving them. We want them to know they’re wrong before we show them they’re loved. That’s not how Jesus operated, and it’s no wonder it’s not working for us.

We All Need Grace

Here’s something we forget far too often: your sin might look different, but it’s still sin. Maybe you don’t struggle with the same things as someone else, but that doesn’t make you any less in need of God’s grace. You might not be battling addiction, but do you struggle with greed, anger, or pride? Have you ever lied, harbored bitterness, or been self-righteous? Welcome to the human condition.

Romans 3:23 doesn’t say “for some have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It says all have sinned. Yes, that means you, me and everyone! So, why are we so quick to act like our own sins are no big deal while we crucify others for theirs?

Let me make this crystal clear: you are not the Holy Spirit. It’s not your job to convict people of their sin. That’s God’s work. Your job is to love people like Jesus did, without strings attached. You’re not called to change people’s hearts—that’s a burden only God can carry. You’re called to show the kind of love that leads people to want to know more about Jesus, not to judge them into hiding their struggles. We do need to call explain the right and wrong of the Bible but not to through judgement around like it’s candy at a parade.

Radical love looks like listening without lecturing. It looks like accepting people as they are. It looks like walking with people in the messiness of life, even if their mess makes you feel uncomfortable.

If we, as the church, want to see transformation, we need to create spaces where people can be honest about their struggles without fear of rejection. We need to be the kind of people who are known for love, not judgment. The kind of people who see past the surface and recognize the image of God in every human being, no matter what they’re going through.

Jesus didn’t shy away from the broken, and neither should we. In fact, He ran toward them, arms wide open. He loved people so deeply that they couldn’t help but be drawn to Him. That’s the model we need to follow. It’s time to stop acting like loving people means excusing their sin—it doesn’t. It means trusting God to do the convicting while we do the loving. When we rightly explain the law and the gospel of God, it opens a world of possibilities for the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. If we do the speaking, they’ll do the hearing and the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

Let’s start loving like Jesus did—radically, without reservation, and with the understanding that none of us are perfect. You can love Jesus without hating people who sin differently than you. That’s the gospel, and that should be the mission of the church.

The Mighty Will Fall

September 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

I recently read a book titled How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins. It looks at some of the nations significant corporations, past and present, and evaluates the rise and fall of many of them. He overlays five stages of this falling process. I believe there is something in this book for us as individuals but also for the church. What follows is how I see the principles in this book being applied to the church.

It’s no secret, the church in North America is in decline. Attendance is down, people (young and old) are walking away, and once-thriving congregations are closing their doors. If this isn’t alarming to you, it should be. And no, this isn’t just another cultural shift we can sit back and ignore, hoping it will fix itself. In fact, Jim Collins’ analysis in How the Mighty Fall provides a sobering look at what happens when organizations—churches included—refuse to address the warning signs of decline.

In his book, Collins traces the downfall of successful companies through five distinct stages: hubris (pride) born of success, undisciplined pursuit of more, denial of risk and peril, grasping for salvation, and finally, capitulation to irrelevance or death. Sound familiar? It should. These stages aren’t just reserved for businesses; they apply directly to a variety of scenarios in life including the local church.

1. Detriment of Pride

The first stage of decline, according to Collins, is the arrogance that comes from past success. For decades, the church in North America sat comfortably in the driver’s seat of culture. We built massive buildings, programs, and ministries, and we thought we had it all figured out. The problem? We became arrogant. We assumed that because we were successful in the past, we would always be successful. We took on a build it and they will come mentality. We acted as though all we had to do was hold to what we believe and the rest would work itself out.

Collins warns that this kind of pride is dangerous: “Great enterprises can become insulated by their success, becoming bloated and slow in their decision-making processes” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 26). The church’s historical position in society made us complacent. We assumed that people would keep coming, that we would remain relevant just because we always had been. Guess what? We were wrong. And that arrogance has set us on a dangerous path.

2. I Want MORE!

The second stage of decline is what Collins calls the “undisciplined pursuit of more.” We’ve seen this play out in the church in numerous ways. As numbers started to dwindle, many churches responded by starting more programs, events, and ministries hoping something would solve the problem. Remember build it and they will show up right? More opportunities means more people will be here. Bigger worship experiences, more events, more complexity. But this lack of focus is killing us. Trying to be all things to all people in all circumstances isn’t working out well.

Collins states, “When an organization grows beyond its ability to fill its key seats with the right people, it has set itself up for a fall” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 39). The church, in its attempt to stay relevant, has often stretched itself too thin, offering everything to everyone while failing to keep its focus on its core mission: making disciples. We’ve traded depth for breadth, and now we’re paying the price. We traded discipleship and evangelism for programs and teaching styles.

3. Denial

Stage three is where things get really dangerous: denial. Collins says that organizations in this phase ignore the warning signs that their success is crumbling. The church in North America has been in this stage for decades, refusing to admit that we are, in fact, in decline. We point to outliers, large megachurches, or the strength of our teaching as proof that everything’s fine. But it’s not fine. We’re bleeding members, and our cultural influence is fading fast.

Here’s a hot take for you – the church does NOT exist without people!

Collins puts it bluntly: “In this stage, internal warning signs begin to mount, yet external results remain strong enough that leaders explain away disturbing data or attribute it to external factors” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 52). Sound familiar? We’ve been explaining away the decline of the church for too long—blaming secularism, technology, or changing moral values. But the real problem is our refusal to adapt and change.

Now don’t get your undies in a bunch! We need to know what can’t be change and hold fast. The truth of the Gospel. The purity of our doctrines are key! But the forms they take on? The way they’re expressed…those are the things that we need to be constantly evaluating.

4. Grasping for Salvation

In the fourth stage, Collins describes organizations in panic mode. They start grasping for quick fixes and salvation strategies. In the church, this often looks like chasing the latest trend: new worship styles, celebrity guest speakers, or flashy marketing campaigns. Or they move to the flip side and double down on tradition. We circle the wagons and cling tightly to what’s always worked so why not force everyone to look the same? But these are just Band-Aids on a gaping wound. “Leaders desperately search for a silver bullet,” Collins writes, “but most attempts fail to produce sustained improvements” (How the Mighty Fall, p. 78).

We’ve been trying to “fix” the church without addressing the root issues. These quick-fix strategies may work temporarily, but they aren’t sustainable.

5. Tapping Out

Finally, if we continue down this road, we’ll reach the fifth stage: irrelevance or death. This is where churches close their doors for good. And yes, it’s happening. All across North America, congregations are shutting down because they refused to acknowledge and act on the early stages of decline. “Capitulation is the final collapse,” Collins warns (How the Mighty Fall, p. 94). Will that be our fate too?

It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way

If we don’t wake up, we will continue down this path of decline. The church isn’t immune to the forces that cause other organizations to fall. We must acknowledge the warning signs, face reality, and take action before it’s too late. The good news is that Collins also emphasizes recovery is possible. But it requires humility, focus, and a willingness to change.

The time for complacency is over. Let’s stop denying the truth and start making the bold, hard decisions necessary to save the church before it’s too late. And it starts with an honest assessment of our current reality. If we can be brutally honest of our position on the lifecycle curve, we can properly address some next steps.

Stop Judging!

September 24, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Ok so hard truth we may not like to hear. Christians are really good at judging each other. I’m not talking about some polite “maybe you should rethink that” kind of critique. No, I’m talking about the deep-seated, “I’m holier than you” attitude that seeps into Christian relationships. That’s exactly what Paul was tackling in Romans 14:13-23, and let’s be real—it’s something we still wrestle with today.

The Judgement Trap

Paul opens this section with what some would call a mic drop: “Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another.” Bam! Paul doesn’t sugarcoat things at all does he. He knows that, left unchecked, we love to size up other people’s faith—what they eat, drink, or how they worship—and use that as a measuring stick for righteousness. Or perhaps a bludgeoning tool to beat our brother down. It’s like we’re always looking for an excuse to prove that we’re somehow “better” than the next believer.

But this attitude poisons our relationships. Paul tells us to knock it off. He flips the script and says, “Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” (v. 13). In other words, stop acting like your version of Christianity is the only one, and focus on helping each other grow in Christ. Jesus is the only way to the Father, but you and I are not the only way to Jesus!

When Freedom Hurts

I love the idea of freedom. It just feels good when my freedom lines up with my lifestyle and passion. Who doesn’t love the idea of being free in Christ? But here’s the kicker—Paul says that sometimes your freedom can hurt someone else. In verse 15, he writes, “If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.” What? So my personal freedom can be a stumbling block for someone else’s faith?

Yup. And that stings because we hate the idea of limiting ourselves for someone else. But Paul isn’t just talking about food either—he’s using it as a metaphor for any area of Christian freedom. Maybe you feel free to have a drink, but you’ve got a friend who’s been sober for years. Your freedom to crack open a cold one could cause them to stumble. Is your personal liberty worth the damage to someone else’s faith? Paul says no, and I sure hope we all feel the same way!

Unity

So, what’s the big idea here? Unity. Romans 14:19 lays it out: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Translation? Quit fighting over the small stuff and start building each other up.

Paul isn’t saying that we should all agree on everything. There’s space for disagreement and diversity in the body of Christ. But he is saying that we should stop letting minor differences tear us apart. When you prioritize peace and edification—building each other up—you create healthy, strong relationships that actually reflect the love of Jesus. That’s what people outside the church need to see.

Look at 1 Corinthians 8:9 for another way of hearing this: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” It’s the same idea—your rights, while important, are secondary to the emotional and spiritual health of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Love Not Legalism

Here’s where it gets fun. When you start living with this “building up” mentality, you’ll find that relationships within the church get a whole lot healthier. Instead of being caught up in judgment, you’re caught up in love. You’re not trying to out-Christian your neighbor; you’re trying to encourage them.

Paul encourages us in Romans 14:17 to focus on the important stuff: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The Christian life isn’t about following a rigid set of rules; it’s about living in joy, peace, and righteousness—and helping others do the same. When we embrace that, our relationships thrive.

Major in the Majors

At the end of the day, Paul’s message in Romans 14 is clear: stop nitpicking and start loving. Focus on what matters—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Keep the main thing the main thing. It’s ok to let the little differences slide. You’ll find that when you do, you’ll build deeper, healthier relationships.

So, next time you’re tempted to judge someone else for how they practice their faith, ask yourself this: Is my goal to help them grow closer to Jesus? If it’s not my goal, it’s time to take a step back, check our pride, and focus on what really matters—love, peace, and mutual growth.

And remember: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7). That’s the heart of healthy Christian relationships.

Vegetables and Bacon

September 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Let’s talk veggies and bacon—two foods that couldn’t be more different. On one side, you’ve got your veggie lovers. They stick to the kale, spinach, and broccoli, probably starting their day with the one of those green smoothies, and wouldn’t dare put bacon anywhere near their salad. On the other hand, there are the bacon enthusiasts—crispy, salty, sizzling—who think bacon belongs on everything. And if there’s a vegetable involved, it’s only there to hold the bacon in place.

Now, believe it or not, this division isn’t just reserved for the dinner table—it’s a perfect setup for a conversation about living out our faith. And Paul, in Romans 14:1-12, does exactly that. He uses the example of food, specifically the tension between those who eat only vegetables and those who enjoy all foods, to make a larger point about the strength and weakness of faith. But before you think this is some kind of ancient argument between vegans and carnivores, let’s dive deeper into what Paul is really saying and how it can apply to our lives and the way we worship today.

The Backdrop

In Romans 14:2, Paul says, “One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.” There it is—Paul calls out the veggie eaters as “weaker.” But why? Is he picking on those with healthier diets? Not at all. This isn’t about what’s on the plate; it’s about what’s in the heart.

In the early church, especially among Jewish believers, food laws from the Old Testament were a big deal. Certain foods were clean, others unclean, and eating the wrong thing could make you unclean. Some early Christians, still tied to these food laws, stuck to vegetables to avoid breaking any rules. Others, like the Gentiles who had no such dietary restrictions, enjoyed a bacon-wrapped feast without a second thought. Paul is saying that those still bound by the old rules—those who can’t let go of the law’s limitations—are “weaker” in faith. Their faith is restricted by old regulations. But those who understand the freedom found in Christ, the freedom to enjoy all that God has made, are “stronger” in their faith.

We need to hit pause for a second when we talk about stronger and weaker. It’s not about duration in the church or how many Sundays a year one attends worship. This stronger and weaker imagery is about having a deficiency in our understanding of the gospel. Paul is saying that those who still think the rules and regs of the old covenant will save them or make them more acceptable have a deficiency in their understanding of what Jesus actually did. They’re missing the freedom that is found in the completed work of Christ.

From Food Laws to Worship Wars

Let’s move this conversation from the dinner table to the sanctuary. Just as there were food laws in the Old Testament that governed what was acceptable to eat, there are unwritten “worship laws” today that dictate what is considered “acceptable” worship.

Some people believe that worship has to look a certain way—maybe it’s only hymns sung from a hymnal, or perhaps it’s the opposite, with only contemporary praise songs led by a guitar. There’s often a feeling that if worship doesn’t follow these specific styles, then it’s somehow less spiritual or less God honoring. These preferences can be strong, but they’re preferences not prescriptions found in the Bible. In some churches, clapping during worship might feel like breaking the bacon rule, while in others, not raising your hands could feel like opting out of the vegetable aisle entirely.

But here’s the thing—just as Paul says that faith isn’t about sticking to old food laws, our relationship with Jesus isn’t dependent on one specific style of worship. Those who find themselves trapped in only one mode of worship, thinking it’s the only way to please God, might be what Paul would call “weaker.” Their faith is bound up in limitations and rules, much like the vegetable eaters of Romans 14.

But those who find freedom in Christ—the ones who understand that it’s not the style but the substance, or better yet the object of worship that matters— these are the ones Paul describes as stronger. They can worship through hymns, contemporary songs, or even in silence, knowing that the point is not about how worship looks but about whom it glorifies.

Paul’s message is clear: don’t judge those who differ in how they express their faith. “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” he asks in Romans 14:4. Whether you’re a veggie eater or a bacon lover, whether you prefer organ music or electric guitars, we all answer to the same Lord. And He is the master making us each His servant, not the servant of one another. The beautiful part about this passage is the reminder that God has accepted us, not because of what we eat, how we sing, or what rules we follow, but because of His grace.

In Romans 14:12, Paul brings it all home: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” In other words, worry about your own faith journey, not someone else’s. Focus on your relationship with Christ, and let others do the same. If someone worships differently than you, that’s between them and God. There are multiple expressions of faith. The key is that these expressions need to be God-honoring, focus on the work of Father-Son-Holy Spirit in our lives, recognize the death and resurrection of Jesus as the only way to heaven.

Just like there’s room in the kingdom for both veggie lovers and bacon enthusiasts, there’s room for all kinds of worship styles. The strength of our faith isn’t measured by how rigidly we follow traditions or how modern we make things. It’s about understanding the freedom we have in Christ—a freedom that allows us to worship in a way that’s authentic to our hearts while extending grace to others who do it differently.

So next Sunday, whether your worship involves an old hymn or a new chorus, remember that it’s not the style that matters. What matters is that we’re worshiping Jesus—the only One who gives us the freedom to celebrate in a multitude of ways. And if you happen to enjoy a post-church brunch, feel free to add some bacon. Paul would approve.

One Of My Favorite Days

September 12, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Historically this was one of my favorite days. It was still a bit eerie but stands out as quite the amazing day nonetheless.

The skies were still empty. Life still was standing still for the most part.

Businesses were closed in some sectors of the country. Schools weren’t sure if they should open or close. Churches opened their doors wide up to welcome any and all who just needed some form of comfort and hope.

The dust was still covering most of Manhattan. The military mights from across the spectrum of our allied nations were jockeying for prime position to have the greatest impact of retaliation.

But more notable for me was the way we all bled the same color that day.

Today I hear a lot about blues and reds and even the blended purple of states across this nation. But that day our blood flowed the same. Our hearts beat as one.

It was cool to hear God Bless America playing in random places. People were flying the American Flag that had never flown one before. While I have no real stats on this, I’d imagine flag sales went through the roof as the entire nation became one mass of patriotism.

The day before we suffered a catastrophic blow but it wasn’t fatal. Sure thousands would lose their lives that day but the nation as a whole wasn’t crushed. We stumbled. We even fell on our face for a moment. But on 9.12 we could be seen in a kneeling posture regaining composure. We were gathering our whits and evaluating our surroundings.

Together we cared for loved ones. Together we looked out for neighbors. Together we stood to sing our national anthem. Together we paused when we saw a flag flying. Together we lifted the wounded and grieved with those who mourned.

We were stronger because we did it together.

It was truly one of my favorite days. I look around and long for that feeling again. I see how we handle election season and see how weak we’ve become. We’re not weak because we are a weak nation. We’re weak because we’re so divided. I think back to the great fall through the years of the pandemic. We suffered greatly because we didn’t do it together.

You’d think we’d learn, but I fear we’re too self absorbed to learn from one another. The best we can do is lay down our differences and put aside our agendas and focus on those around us.

It truly was one of my favorite days because we lived up to our name. Divided we will fall. But that day united we stood, stronger than ever.

If only we remembered

September 11, 2024 / / 3 Comments

The pictures are everywhere today. Photoshopped images with super imposed phrases. 

Never forget. 

We will always remember. 

If only we remembered.

In the moment it was devastating. I will certainly remember forever where I was. I’ll remember as I heard the first airplanes go overhead. Fighter jets scrambled from the local airport. It’s not something I heard every day. 

The images that filled our television screens were horrific at best. Smoke and dust filled the air. People were crying, others gasping for air. 

Police and firefighters were transformed before our very eyes into the every day heroes they had always been. Politicians linked hands across the aisle. We no longer saw those who disagree with us over trivial matters as enemies. We had a real enemy. And we were more united than ever. If only we remembered. 

For several weeks, people across the country would gather, linking arms vowing to never stop until justice was served. Our resolve as a nation had never been stronger. They woke a sleeping giant we thought. We will make them pay was another phrase echoed from sea to shining sea. If only we remembered. 

But those weeks would turn to months, and months would turn to years. With every passing anniversary we would vow yet again to “never forget.” Perhaps I’m a pessimist but it sure looks like we don’t have as good a memory as we claim.

But what would happen if we actually remembered?

How would life be different if we remembered on October 1 or February 12 or May 7 or any day for that matter? What would be different if we actually remembered the gut punch we felt on September 11, 2001? What would be different if we as a people stood together the way we did on September 12, 2001?

The answer is simple.

We would be strong. We would be fearless. We would be a beacon of hope. We would be a refuge to the weary. We would be united. And there would be no doubt in anyone’s mind exactly who we were. If only we remembered. 

It’s ok to post your tower pic. It’s ok to reflect on where we’ve been. It’s ok to shed a tear but perhaps instead of any of these things we could actually remember. We could stand next to someone who doesn’t see eye to eye with us and realize that’s what made this nation great. A common ground for uncommon thoughts. A safe haven for the oppressed. A powerhouse renowned around the world.

Perhaps instead of saying we remember, we could actually remember. We could live the September 12th life again. Perhaps we can be the people our pictures reflect.

If only we remembered.

Small Churches Aren’t Bad Churches

August 30, 2024 / / 2 Comments

In today’s church landscape, there’s a tendency to equate a church’s health with its size. Bigger is better, right? More people in the pews, a larger budget, and a grandiose building are often seen as signs of a thriving church. But is this really the case? Can a small church be just as healthy, impactful, and spiritually vibrant as a mega-church? Absolutely!

In fact, the size of a church doesn’t necessarily reflect its spiritual health or the depth of its impact on its community. A small church, which I know is fairly ambiguous term these days, can be a powerhouse of faith, love, and service. Likewise, a large church can be a hollow shell, bursting at the seams with people but lacking the transformative influence that truly matters.

Note this is not a post about large versus small churches and which is better! The point is that the size of a church is not the key metric in a church’s health. Both large and small churches can be equally healthy or equally unhealthy.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that a church’s size determines its effectiveness. But this is a dangerous and misguided assumption. Jesus never said, “Go, and make your church big.” or “Go and keep your church small.” Instead, He commissioned us to make disciples, love one another, and be the light of the world. These commands can be fulfilled by churches of any size.

A small church with a few dozen members can have a profound impact on its community if it is focused on fulfilling Christ’s mission. This kind of church doesn’t need to be big to be healthy. In fact, some small churches are thriving, filled with passionate believers who are deeply committed to living out the gospel in their daily lives.

On the flip side, a large church can be unhealthy if it loses sight of its true purpose. Just because a church has thousands of members doesn’t mean it’s fulfilling its mission effectively. A mega-church might have a massive budget, a polished worship team, and state-of-the-art facilities, but these things alone don’t define its health for the good or bad. If it’s not fostering genuine discipleship, building authentic community, or making a lasting difference in the lives of its members and neighbors, a church of any size is missing the mark.

True Metrics of a Healthy Church

In his book Small Church Essentials, Karl Vaters challenges the assumption that bigger is always better and offers insight into how small churches can thrive. Vaters emphasizes that church health should be measured by more than just numbers. He provides practical guidance for small churches and highlights key metrics that define a healthy congregation, regardless of size.

Here are four alternate essential metrics for measuring the health of a congregation based on Vaters’ work:

1. Authentic Relationships:
One of the strengths of a small church is its ability to foster deep, authentic relationships among its members. In a small congregation, people can know each other personally, pray for one another by name, and offer support in times of need. Healthy churches prioritize building a loving, caring community where people feel known and valued. This relational closeness is often difficult (although not impossible) to achieve in larger congregations, where it’s easier for people to slip through the cracks. A healthy church—regardless of size—focuses on cultivating genuine relationships that reflect Jesus’ love for all.

2. Spiritual Growth:
A healthy church is one that prioritizes the spiritual growth of its members. Discipleship isn’t just about attending church services; it’s about growing deeper in faith, knowledge, and obedience to Christ. A small church can be a fertile ground for spiritual growth, offering opportunities for mentoring, Bible study, and personal accountability. Healthy congregations are intentional about helping their members grow in their relationship with God, regardless of the size of their Sunday attendance.

3. Community Engagement:
A truly healthy church is outwardly focused, actively serving and engaging with the community around it. We often call that evangelism in church world. Small churches often have the advantage of being deeply embedded in their local context. They may not have the resources to run massive outreach programs, but they can have a big impact by meeting specific needs, building relationships, and being a faithful presence in their neighborhoods. A church’s health is not just measured by what happens within its walls but frequently by how effectively it extends Christ’s love beyond them.

4. Shared Leadership:
Healthy churches empower their members to step into leadership roles. In a small church, there’s often more opportunity for individuals to contribute their gifts and take on responsibilities. This can be a powerful catalyst for growth, both for the individuals involved and for the church as a whole. A healthy congregation actively invests in raising up leaders who will continue to serve, lead, and expand Jesus’ mission for His church. It’s not about having a superstar pastor or a large staff; it’s about equipping every member to live out their individual calling.

The health of a church is not measured by how many people show up on a Sunday morning. It’s about the depth of relationships, the spiritual growth of disciples, the impact on the community, and the development of leaders. Whether your church has 50 or 5,000 members, these are some things that we can’t ignore.

It’s time we reject the assumption that small churches are less effective or less important. And equally we need to reject the notion that large churches are shallow and water down the Bible. A large or small church can be a powerful force for good, bringing transformation to its members and community. Instead of focusing on numbers, let’s focus on what really counts: faithfulness to Christ’s mission. When we do that, size becomes secondary, and true health and impact emerge.

People Movers

August 29, 2024 / / 0 Comments

My plane arrived in Baltimore on a Saturday evening. I had a small enough window of time to make my connection for my flight home that I was a little concerned about the distance I had to travel to my new gate.

As soon as I deplaned, I made my way into the concourse and saw my new gate number. A10. Not bad if I was in the A concourse I thought. Considering I was the farthest gate in C concourse and I had about 25 minutes to get to my gate, I decided to make every opportunity possible to use those cool people movers.

You know what I’m talking about right? The floor moves in the same direction you’re already going so that you can maximize your travel speed and efficiency getting to your gate closer to on time than not. Well it helped my moving with purpose to become even more speedy than I normally am. You guessed it. I’m the guy who walks my normal speed on these suckers. Why not double my speed!?!

Well the other day I got to thinking about those people movers. What a great idea. They take me where I’m already going. They just do it more efficiently and with less friction than if I were to walk there myself.

The reason I was in the airport was because I was spending time with some new and old friends who all work for the same network to which I’m connected. We’re called the FiveTwo Network and we are a group of Jesus-loving people who help churches move toward a thriving future.

It’s like being people movers but for churches.

We’re not taking you somewhere that you’re not already going. The church has pretty clear directives. We don’t bring the teachings of the church, you should have that locked in already. We don’t tell you how to do church either. That’s based on your context, congregation and church affiliation. We are simple people movers, moving you in the direction you’re already going.

Through a series of questions and onsite visits along with an immense amount of time digging through information we receive from you, we find out where you’re headed. Then we fire up that cool people mover and off we go. Together. In the same direction.

It’s super rewarding to see a church move from acting like they’re stuck in airport traffic in a busy concourse to watching it start to thrive. New programs. New ministries. Sometimes new staff. New people. New budgets. More people engaged in the same mission. Same church. Same teachings. Same Jesus. Just everyone moving in the same direction together.

The idea is simple. You don’t have to do it alone. And frankly you don’t have to come up with it by yourself either. There’s a people mover (for churches) that’s already been created that is able to help more efficiently and effectively move the local church in the direction it’s already going.

Ok so full disclosure here. If your church is moving in a direction that’s not biblical or just unhealthy, we’ll certainly let you know and can offer some help with that as well.

But more often than not, we’re already going in the same direction you are because our values are Jesus’ values. Our goal is all about growing Jesus’ kingdom by helping churches find hope and health and letting them thrive in an ever changing culture.

Well, I got to my gate with time to spare. Mostly thanks to the people mover (and a little help from a flight delay- just in case you’re curious planes need pilots or they don’t go anywhere).

If you’re in need of a people mover for your local church, let me know. We’re all about helping churches move more efficiently and effectively toward a thriving future.

Dream Big or Die Trying

August 28, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Never let your memories be bigger than your dreams. This quote, often attributed to American businessman and author Doug Ivester, strikes at the core of what it means to live a life of faith. If you’re clinging to the past, reliving your glory days in church or in life, you’re missing the point of the Gospel. Your memories, no matter how blessed, should never outshine your dreams.

God didn’t save you so you could sit comfortably reminiscing about what He’s done in the past. No! He saved you to be a vessel for His ongoing work, to dream bigger and aim higher. If your best spiritual days are behind you, it’s time to confront a harsh truth: you’re spiritually stagnant. And that’s not just disappointing—it’s a betrayal of the calling God has placed on your life. We’ve been saved from our sin, for an eternal future. There has to be a past, present, and future to our faith lives.

The Coffin of the Past

We love to get cozy with our memories, don’t we? Remembering those mountaintop experiences, the powerful moments when God moved in undeniable ways. But comfort can quickly become a coffin. When you prioritize your memories over your dreams, you’re choosing to live in a tomb of your own making, ignoring the fact that God is the God of the living, not the dead.

This isn’t about dismissing what God has done; it’s about recognizing that He’s not done yet! Your past should inspire you to press forward, not hold you back. If you’re stuck in yesterday, you’ll never be ready for what God wants to do in your life today, much less tomorrow. The past should ignite your faith, not extinguish it. If you’re not pushing forward with the dreams God has placed in your heart, you’re sliding backward.

We must be careful of small dreams—those tiny, comfortable aspirations that sound safe. They don’t stretch you, they don’t require much faith, and they don’t really demand that you rely on God. But that’s exactly what makes them dangerous. Small dreams breed complacency. They lull you into a false sense of security that has nothing to do with the bold, radical faith that Jesus calls us to live.

And even worse, small dreams are contagious. They spread through congregations like a virus, turning vibrant communities of faith into museums of past glory. But God didn’t call us to play it safe. He called us to step out of the boat, to walk on water, to move mountains. A life of small dreams isn’t really living by faith—it’s merely existing.

The Fear of Failure

Let’s face it: most of us are afraid of dreaming big dreams because we’re terrified of failure. We’d rather play it safe than risk the possibility of falling short. But playing it safe is the surest way to guarantee that you’ll never see the fullness of what God has in store for you. If you’re not willing to risk failure, you’re not really living by faith. If you can accomplish it without God’s intervention, then you’re not living in the wildness of a Jesus filled life.

Failure is not the enemy; it’s often the very thing God uses to shape us, to refine our character, and to draw us closer to Him. Every time you fail, God’s grace is there to pick you up, to teach you, to propel you closer to the dreams He’s given you. But if you’re too scared to dream big, you’ll never know the joy of seeing God move in ways that only He can move. Think of Peter walking on the water. If Peter did what Peter could do, he never would have gotten out of the boat. But seeing the bigger dream Jesus had for him, Peter was able to get out and stroll across the sea (until he stopped looking at Jesus and looked to comfort again instead).

If your dreams don’t require God’s intervention, they’re not big enough. If your goals don’t make you fall to your knees in prayer, begging God for guidance and strength, you’re not aiming high enough. We need to set goals that make people question our sanity, that force us to rely on God like never before. That’s where the miracles happen. That’s where faith comes alive.

Dream big, or don’t bother dreaming at all. Dream big, or resign yourself to a life of spiritual mediocrity, where your memories are your only source of comfort. Dream big, because God has promised to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

So, what’s it going to be? Will you let your memories dictate your future, or will you dare to dream bigger than you ever have before? The choice is yours, but be warned: choosing to live a life where your memories outshine your dreams is choosing to settle for less than what God has planned for you.

We need to wake up. Dream big. Step out in faith. And don’t stop until our memories are nothing but stepping stones to something far greater that God is doing in our lives.

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