Pastor's Blog

The Top CCM Albums of 2012

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:13:00 GMT

Although I don’t listen to all of the new releases of Contemporary Christian Music, it would be safe to say that I’ve heard a large majority of them.

Without further adieu… the Best CCM Albums of 2012:

10. Starfield- The Kingdom

Best Song- Heart and Flesh

9. Brandon Heath- Blue Mountain

Best Song- Love Will Be Enough for Us

8. for King and Country- Crave

Best Song- The Proof of Your Love

7. Newworldson- Rebel Transmission

Best Song- Learning to Be the Light

6. Sidewalk Prophets- Live Like That

Best Song- Live Like That

5. All Sons and Daughters- Season One

Best Song- Reason to Sing

4. Andrew Peterson- Light for the Lost Boy

Best Song- The Voice of Jesus

3. Tenth Avenue North- The Struggle

Best Song- Lamb of God

2. Christy Nockels- Into the Glorious

Best Song- Healing is in Your Hands

1. Passion- White Flag

Best Song- 10,000 Reasons

Honorable Mention-

Chris August- The Upside of Down

Bluetree- Kingdom

Third Day- Miracle

Sixteen Cities- Believer

Shaking Things Up...

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:13:00 GMT

From the Dept. of Waaaaay Too Much Information, comes Pastor A's blog on the congregational handshake...

My thoughts on "extending the hand of peace" are multifaceted. My position is neither etched in stone nor unmoving. It is simply an informed pastoral preference and practice.

Preface: I am all for building relationships among God's people. I call it "incarnational ministry"... being there for one another. However we can foster a more caring, loving, and relational congregation is what we need to be about.

Clearly, I personally believe in greeting folks both entering and exiting worship. I've always made it a practice to welcome people to worship. And the congregation should too.

One of my fears in the practice of handshaking is that some folks think that this act is the extent of our fellowship: A forced nicety. How many churches have I visited where the forced hand-shake is the only extension of friendliness and welcoming I received? Dozens. This is the only time you're going to be nice to me, a guest, when the pastor says you have to? To the visitor, this is a genuine turn-off.

Shaking hands in the middle of the worship service can certainly be viewed as a small fraction of promoting relationship building, but it cannot and must not be the end all of our relational priorities. We've got to be about so much more than the obligatory "Good Mornings".

Scriptural: There is no basis in Scripture for hand shaking. If anything, Scripture calls us to greet each other with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26). This was a regular part of the worship service of the early church. Perhaps hand-shaking was the kiss' replacement in a contemporary code of ethics. That code, I believe, is ever-changing. Sadly enough, I might argue that handshaking as a matter of greeting is disappearing from our cultural landscape.

Liturgical: In its purest sense, the purpose of the inclusion of the extension of peace in the worship setting was to be a godly exchange, an individualized sharing of the Lord’s blessings. “The peace of the Lord be with you”. “And also with you”. “Hi, how are you?” Or “Good Morning, good to see you”, is a nicety but is not the purpose of that moment in worship. “Let’s pause our worship to be nice to each other” is not the intent.

Relational: I spend a great deal of time trying to understand what works and what doesn't within the framework of the worshipper. There are certain traditional practices that I will absolutely refuse to perpetuate. For example, I will never ask visitors to stand up and introduce themselves, as was done in many a church "back in the day".

INTROVERTS: To every true extrovert who loves the interaction of the moment of peace, there is an introvert who hates it. And I mean absolutely HATES this practice. True extroverts generally don't account for the innermost feelings of others and can't fathom why we would be concerned about the seeming few, when- in fact- many people of God despise this practice, but because they are by nature introverts, don't publicly share their disdain. I have been privately applauded by many of the true introverts of Guardian for discontinuing this regular practice. But they are not going to have their voice heard, because it is not in their nature.

GEN X-ERS: A driving force in the Gen X (ages 30-45) and Y Generations (Ages 15-30) is relational transparency. They typically find the answer to life's challenges through relationships and experience. This is having a profound impact on the church. Baby Boomers (45-70) tend to be program-based, and typically find the answer to life's challenges through programs and education. To Gen X and Y, the handshake comes across as a programmed response. You are greeted in a friendly manner because it is the time and place to do it... not because you necessarily want to, but because you “have to”. It is required. Whether or not it is heartfelt on the giver's end is not the point. The challenge is how it is received. Is it part of a programmed response, or do we genuinely care about each other, relationally speaking?

If we were to commit to the hand-shake on a regular basis, we would need to relearn the point and purpose. We would also need to develop intentionality to a more thorough welcoming that extends far beyond the handshake.

Psychosomatics: Right or wrong, we need to be sensitive to those people who are not big fans of handshaking. Personally, I think this is just culturally driven misinformation. I shake hundreds of hands every Sunday, and have never missed a Sunday due to illness in 20 years of leading worship… and maybe only a total of 2-3 sick days in those 20 years (praise God!). There are a significant portion of GL members who never come through the receiving line… and I have been told point blank it is- for some- the potential germs (although I’m told not to be offended… “nothing personal”). Again, I think it’s just plain wrong, but we need to allow people that option. Forcing a mid-service handshake puts those members in a very awkward position.

Apples to Apples? As I’ve mentioned in other contexts, the common cup is medically safer than the individual cup. The alcohol in communion wine kills germs either way, but the plastic in individual cups that you press your lips against will retain more germs than the sterling silver you place your lips against. Although this may make perfect sense for some, the idea of using the common cup for some members will never be appealing. Offering only the common cup (which some pastors insist) without the option of the individual is- in my informed pastoral practice- bad form. Give people the option. We shouldn’t “force” our members to drink only from the common cup. How do we do that with the handshake? Can people comfortably pass on the handshake for another more agreeable greeting? In this comparison, aren’t we forcing the introvert to be an extrovert?

Conclusion: I could probably spend more time developing my thoughts on this matter (including real life examples of how these greetings have gone awry), but when all is said and done, these are my thoughts. I struggle with fitting into someone else’s box of expectations. I desire to conform to the image of Christ, and work at bending to the desires of the whole, but ultimately I have a hard time bending far enough to perpetuate a pastoral practice that makes me uncomfortable for the whole.

Alpha Male Tales: Featuring Bobby Petrino

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:24:00 GMT

University of Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino has been fired for his role in lying and covering up his inappropriate relationship with a co-ed.

Petrino, a married man with four children, crashed his motorcycle last week, then reported to the police that he was alone in the crash. He also reported to the University, the AD, and the media that he was riding solo.

However, 25-year-old Jessica Dorrell was along for the ride. Jessica is a former Arkansas volleyball player who began “an inappropriate relationship” with the 51-year-old Petrino for a “significant amount of time”. Records indicate Petrino gave her over $20,000, and a University position in the Athletic Dept (among 159 applicants). Jessica is (strike that, was) engaged to be married to Josh Morgan, a former student at Arkansas.

Needless to say, this story is receiving significant national attention. From the cowardly way he left his position with the Atlanta Falcons, to his motorcycle crash, to his lying to the police and University, to his wife and children, to his text messages and phone calls. But one area of the sordid story seems to be escaping the media. But not me… the chronicler of Alpha Male Tales…

When God told Adam not to eat of the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, Eve hadn’t been created (Gen 2:16-18). Yet, when Eve fell into temptation and ate of the fruit, Adam cowardly stood by and watched all hell break loose (Gen 3:6), just so he could get what he so gutlessly desired. In the process, he willing threw his woman under the bus of biblical proportions. This would be the first ever Alpha Male Tale.

The Alpha Male is the man who treats women as if they are disposable objects, using them only for his own selfish desires, genuinely believing that the sexual conquest of a woman is a strength. However, much like the first Alpha Male, this is a powerful manifestation of man’s greatest weakness: The inability to be dedicated and sacrificial in his relationship with his wife (see Ephesians 5:25).

Not to be outdone, many women are genuinely confused in thinking that the only way to experience a man’s dedicated and sacrificial love is to offer him whatever he wants. It’s the perfect storm of distortion.

Meanwhile, men are masking these weaknesses as strengths, turning the truth into a lie (Rom 1:25), while the real victims in this BIG LIE are the women left behind. They are the ones staggering, deeply desiring the intimate connection as God desired in a sacrificial and dedicated, lifelong, monogamous commitment, but now- not only feeling the effects of loveless lovemaking- are actually buying into and accepting a man’s weakness as his strength.

It doesn’t work that way!

Sex is God’s idea. “Being fruitful and multiplying” is God’s instruction. And the further we drift from His one-flesh design, the more twisted the end result. What is supposed to be a beautifully fulfilling, climactically rewarding oneness becomes a warped and distorted replica of God’s intended masterpiece.

Nobody in the media seems to be covering this story from perspective of Bobby Petrino’s wife. They are- almost admirably- leaving it alone from the standpoint of “a family matter”, and I understand it for her sake.

However, here’s the sordid detail that nobody seems to be addressing: When Bobby Petrino dragged his motorcycle across the concrete with Jessica Dorrell aboard, he broke four ribs, cracked his neck vertebra, and sustained scrapes, bruises, and lacerations. Because he didn’t want people to find out he was riding with his “inappropriate relationship”, he accepted a ride to a nearby parking lot, put Jessica in a car… and sent her home, while he went to the Emergency Room.

What a scumbag!

Although we have since learned that Jessica was not seriously injured, there was no way that Petrino could have known Jessica wasn’t suffering from some kind of injury (internal bleeding, perhaps?). He broke his neck and four ribs, he must have been in severe pain, but he put her in a car and sent her home?!

Another classic story in the ongoing saga of Alpha Male Tales.

Join us next time, when our guest will be…

No Christians in Dearborn?

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:41:00 GMT

In my opening devotion at our Voters Meeting on Monday, I read part of a letter addressed to me from a fellow Christian in Traverse City. In it, he (a total stranger) asked questions about our Christian life and faith in Dearborn. His bible study group has been studying Islam and Shariah law, and wondered how much of an impact the large Muslim population in Dearborn has had upon the practice of our Christian faith: "Our understanding is that Islam has effectively taken over your city and that there are no Christians there", and upon our cultural life: "Are Muslims treated according to Shariah law or are they subject to US and Michigan law?".

Transparent and open questions from a brother in Christ, handled in a godly and direct manner. I applaud this man of God for taking the initative to approach the source more closely.

I have responded to his inquiries, and would like to share my response:

Dear Thomas,

I pray this note finds you rejoicing in the Lord...

I read with interest your note. Thank you for your candid comments and questions. I will endeavor to answer you with equal candor.

I'm pleased to report that (1200 member) Guardian Lutheran Church and School has been serving Jesus and our community since 1947. We have averaged 500+ people per week worshipping the Lord, every week for the past 50+ years. We have a Christian Day School that opened in 1959, and has ministered to roughly 200-300 students per year 8+ hours a day, five days a week, in this our school's 52nd academic year.

As a church in Dearborn, Michigan, we worship freely, witness regularly, and are uninhibited in our proclamation that Jesus is Lord of all!

As a congregation, we have been active in an organization called People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO), a ministry designed to share the gospel with Muslims. Although these efforts have not produced much fruit, the attempts to share our faith have been friendly, non-political, and non-threatening.

Within just the past few months...

On November 19, we hosted a Thanksgiving dinner to welcome our middle-eastern neighbors. Over 250 middle-eastern visitors attended and broke bread with us in our building. More importantly, they heard wonderful testimonies as to why we- as Christians- are so very thankful, above all else, for the gift of a Savior!

On December 10, we welcomed brothers and sisters from neighboring Christian congregations to gather at Guardian, then head out to sing Christmas carols to our Muslim neighbors door to door and street by street. We met at Guardian, prayed, went, sang, then returned for food, fellowship, and afterglow. Imagine over 200 Christians from a multitude of denominations singing "Joy to the World, the Lord has come!" This is an annual tradition at Guardian. Although there are those who won't come to their doors to hear the caroling (reluctant Muslims or shy Germans... we don't know!), we have not had any issues in our freedoms to share our faith.

Additionally, if you hadn't heard the news story this week, four Dearborn Heights Arab American football players at Star International Academy were charged with felony assault for their role in an end-of-the-game fight that left our quarterback at Lutheran High Westland (our affiliate high school) with a grade three concussion and bruised spleen. Although the attorney for the Muslim players is claiming racism against Arabs, the charges are sticking.

http://www.pressandguide.com/articles/2012/01/14/news/doc4f10672d3e47d004412938.txt

So, even in the area legal system, we have fair, free, and equal treatment according to US law.

As Senior Pastor in Dearborn (with 19 years of pastoral ministry), I have not had any experience with Shariah law, local or otherwise.

Hopefully, this answers your questions and assuages your concerns.

God's blessings to you and your ongoing ministries in Traverse City- such a beautiful part of the state!- and at (your congregation).

Sincerely Yours, Completely HIS,

Rev. Darryl L. Andrzejewski, Senior Pastor
Guardian Lutheran Church and School
24544 Cherry Hill
Dearborn, Michigan 48124

The Top CCM Albums of 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:25:00 GMT

Although I don’t listen to all of the new releases of Contemporary Christmas Music, it would be safe to say that I’ve heard a large majority of them.

Without further adieu… the Best CCM Albums of 2011:

10. Switchfoot: Vice Verses

Best Song- Restless

9. The Afters: Light Up the Sky

Best Song- For the First Time

8. Josh Wilson: See You

Best Song- Behind the Beauty

7. Various Artists: Songs Inspired by Jesus Calling

Best Song- Jesus Will Meet You There

6. Building 429: Listen to the Sound

Best Song- Where I Belong

5. Casting Crowns: Come to the Well

Best Song- Jesus, Friend of Sinners

4. Laura Story: Blessings

Best Song- Blessings

3. Brandon Heath: Leaving Eden

Best Song- Only Water

2. Matt Hammit: Every Falling Tear

Best Song- Little Light

1. Various Artists: Music Inspired By the Story

Best Song- Be Born in Me

Honorable Mention-

The City Harmonic: Introducing The City Harmonic

Blessid Union of Souls: The Mission Field

Know Hope Collective: Know Hope Collective

Red: Until We Have Faces

Better Off Dead?

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:06:00 GMT

I am outraged. And I am disgusted. Understand that as you read. It will not be my intention to pull any punches. As a pastor, it has always been my practice to err on the side of grace. I will not do that here. If I err, I will purposely err on the side of the law. If you can’t handle that, stop reading.

I made the mistake the other night of reading the Grand Jury Report on the child molestation charges against former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. He has been charged with 40 counts of child molestation. It has left me unsettled for days. According to witnesses and the victims themselves, Sandusky molested eight boys on multiple occasions over 15 years.

More disheartening and disgusting is that these boys were part of a foundation started by Sandusky called “The Second Mile”, which was created to encourage and support boys from abusive homes. Many of the boys were molested in the Penn State shower rooms. For ten years or more, multiple PSU leaders and coaches, including legendary coach Joe Paterno, knew of- or even witnessed- the allegations, yet did nothing about it. Arguably, turning a blind eye and covering up the abuse, enabling Sandusky to prey upon young boys- and perhaps even worse!- for 15 years.

As I write, there are more than a dozen other boys who have come forward, as well as a horrific investigation into even more sinister and sickening allegations.

You go right ahead and sit high on your horse and tell me that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Although seemingly noble, it’s a load of manure. First of all, we’re all guilty (Romans 3:23). Nobody’s innocent. Secondly, 12 sinful jurors can consider all the evidence they want, and can make decisions based on a strong “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard, but the bottom line is this: You are not innocent until proven guilty. If you are guilty, you are guilty. Period.

And don’t pull out Matthew 7:1 and stick it in my face. “Judge not, lest ye be judged” is one of the most misquoted verses in the bible. Simply put, you and I are not to judge the soul. That’s God’s job. But you better believe that the Lord gives us not only the right, but the responsibility, to judge actions. In fact, the Lord condemns us if we do not judge the wrong deeds of others: “If I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 3:18)

Make no mistake, Jesus loved the world (John 3:16)… and even begged His Father to forgive those who were killing Him (Luke 23:34), but… don’t think for a moment that the actions of Jerry Sandusky don’t make Jesus sick to His stomach. Jesus pulls no punches: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

Strong words, eh? Don’t miss what Jesus is saying here: Jerry Sandusky would have been better off dead than to do what he did. (Reminds me of what Jesus said about another man: “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."- Matthew 26:24.)

One commentator writes on Matthew 18:6- “The sin is so heinous, and the ruin proportionally so great, that he had better undergo the sorest punishments inflicted on the worst of malefactors, which can only kill the body. Hell is worse than the depth of the sea; for it is a bottomless pit, and it is a burning lake. The depth of the sea is only death, but hell is tormenting.”

As much as my sinful nature wants to judge Jerry Sandusky’s soul to the deepest levels of hell, that’s not my job. But for me to suggest that Sandusky would have been better off dead? Well… quite frankly… that’s what Jesus would do.

My gut feeling is that Jerry Sandusky will soon meet his Maker, most likely by his own hand. It would fit that he lived life as a coward, so it would not surprise me that he die as one.

At the end of this sad story, the truth is simply that Jerry Sandusky deserves hell. But then again, so do I.

Here’s the naked truth: I am a much better man than Jerry Sandusky, but both he and I have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It’s just plain stupid for me to feel good about getting closer to the mark than Sandusky, while we’re both falling to our deaths, neither capable of crossing the gap on our own.

Sandusky may ultimately come to see his deplorable sins for what they are. Depraved. Insidious. Sickening. And if he is cut to whatever heart remains in his soul, he may find himself broken before the Lord, begging for forgiveness.

And Jesus… well... He will happily give it.

If this is the case, then Jesus will welcome Jerry into heaven.

But pardon me, Lord, if I don’t look for him when- by Your grace alone- I get there.

Pastor A's Mock Draft of Disciples

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:09:00 GMT

The over-hype of the NFL draft has me reminiscing of my days at the seminary call service. 100 pastors, one-by-one “drafted” into churches, waiting for our names to be called, and anxious about where we will end up. Kristen- as did many other wives- came to the call service with a map of every state in the U.S. Churches were assigned candidates to places like Immanuel Lutheran in Zap, North Dakota, and my other buddy Darryl assigned to the Lutheran Church of Nassau… in the Bahamas.

I almost wonder what the present day hype would be surrounding the leaders of the early church, drafted into ministry…

Mock Draft:

1. St. John the Apostle. Perhaps a bit of a reach at #1, this “son of thunder” (Mark 3:17) earns his nickname. His measurables are unquestioned. His faithfulness as the only disciple present at the crucifixion reveals a boldness not found in his pre-Pentecost counterparts. Yet, there are no character issues with John, largely evidenced by his humility. There is only one apostle of Jesus not mentioned by John in the gospel, and that is John himself. Endurance, wisdom, creativity, introversion, and speed (John 20:3-4) define the #1 pick on the board. Lutherans will take note of John’s impressive reps, specifically his sacramental focus on Word (John 1), water and wine (John 2), water and spirit (John 3), living water (John 4), body and bread (John 6), and water and blood (John 19).

2. St. Paul of Tarsus. Paul drops on the Big Board largely due to his run-on sentences, and run-ins as a youth. A pre-draft consensus #1, Paul’s strengths are clearly demonstrated in his heart for missions, his relentless pursuit of pure doctrine and theology, and his no-holes-barred approach toward teamwork (Galatians 2). However, Paul is a natural leader, not a follower, which created friction among teammates (Acts 15). Although Paul’s integrity is strong, some are concerned about his off-the-field issues dating back to his pre-Damascus days (Acts 7-8). Yet Paul is gym rat… there are no concerns about Paul’s tireless work ethic (2 Corinthians 11).

3. King David. Certainly #1 on many draft boards, Bethlehem’s David is a veritable giant-slayer. Wise, strong, courageous, and rugged, David has all the intangibles of greatness, but has a penchant to lose focus. Some are concerned that following his early victories in Philistine, success came too easily for David, culminating in a very public moral scandal (2 Samuel 11). However, his contributions in literature, music, architecture, and government are epic. Well-rounded and versatile, David could easily be the #1 pick.

4. Moses. Talent is clearly evident in this pick, but his ability to lead is debated among scouts. Although significant victories earned early success, Moses ability to follow through to the end has lead to some to label him a high risk/ high reward project. Highly volatile (Exodus 2:12, Exodus 32:19, Numbers 20:11) and stubborn, Moses also demonstrates a competitive perseverance not easily found.

5. St. Peter, Cephas. Peter plays on raw emotion. This is both his great strength (Luke 22:33) and weakness (Luke 22:62). His competitiveness is remarkable, and his combine numbers as evangelist are off the charts (Acts 2:41, Acts 4:4). Peter, given the nickname “Rock” is best known for his iron-clad confession of faith by which even the gates of hell could not prevail (Matthew 16:18). Whereas St. Paul is more of an all-purpose defender, St. Peter is a specialist.

6. Abraham. Possibly one of the great steals of the draft, Abraham could find himself dropping due to questions of consistency, heart, and impatience (see Moriah, Egypt, and Hagar). Yet Abraham’s track record is one of leadership, dedication, and persistence. If Abraham is still on the board at six, take him.

7. Noah. A man of unparalleled faith. Noah sails into the top ten due to his innovation. Noah’s vision was groundbreaking, and his capacity to think big has the Lions, Bears, Panthers, and Jaguars seriously looking at him. A notable DUI has scared away some, but character issues are not concern for this captain.

8. King Solomon. This would be a smart pick. Solomon has demonstrated a wisdom beyond his peers, yet even his intelligence is unable to keep him from questions of promiscuous behavior. An exceptional team-builder, you can build a franchise around this selection, but Solomon finds himself falling for good reason (1 Kings 11:4).

9. St. Matthew. A crafty veteran, Levi’s greatest strength is in ability to change directions (Matthew 9). Only one of the three in the top ten (John, Peter) from the Joshua Tree of leadership, Matthew’s focus is as a defensive specialist. My money is on Matthew to be a great commissioner, with this not-to-taxing pick.

10. St. Mary. Large groups of draft-beatniks have Mary ranked #1 on their boards, but the feeling here is that it is far too much of a reach. The blessed Virgin certainly has insight, devotion, and a better handle on the playbook than most, but her lack of playing time (as evidenced by the fact that Mary is mentioned on only 5 occasions, and never mentioned after Acts 1) has many concerned.

Behind the Scenes: A Sunday in the Life of Guardian Lutheran

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 01:56:00 GMT

The Sunday service at Guardian lasts all of 60 minutes (give or take). It is filled with Scripture, music, confession, communion, and a lot of thoughtful preparation and dedicated service. I recently processed through the man hours that are involved in bringing you one 60-minute worship experience, and- believe it or not- each worship service at Guardian involves as many as 200 hours of prep work in God’s people bringing God’s Word to your heart. So… I thought I’d take a few moments to give you a sneak peek at the goings-on behind the scenes.

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Guardian subscribes to “Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish”, a Concordia Publishing House contribution that focuses worship services upon weekly gospel themes. Although it would certainly be easier to use the same 3-4 liturgical formats found in the front of the hymnal each week, Creative Worship capitalizes on the rich theology of the lectionary series of the church year; i.e., we follow a universal three-year cycle of readings that walk us through 1) the life of Jesus, and 2) our life in Jesus, focusing on each of the gospels one year at a time.

Great care and thought are given in editing the services to bring a creative, yet consistent approach to worship. As senior pastor, I take it upon myself to prepare the order of worship for virtually all worship services at Guardian.

THE SELECTION OF HYMNS

Hymn choices are arrived through a variety of criteria. Traditionally, Guardian has not confined herself to only Lutheran hymnbooks, but certainly finds the large majority of singing from the time-tested hymns of the faith in Lutheran hymnody. The simple test of hymn selection is 1) it is biblically based and Christ-centered? 2) it is sing-able? 3) it is thematic… because hymns draw our focus to the overall theme of the day?

Additionally, as pastor, I operate under a set of pastoral guidelines that help me process through the placement of congregational singing.

1) We will generally not sing more than one unfamiliar hymn on a given Sunday. It is quite frustrating to try to sing song after song that is unfamiliar. Guardian loves to sing out, we are much less inclined to sing out if we are not confident in how we should be singing.

2) I usually try to break up long (6-7+ verses) hymns throughout the service, or cut back altogether. There is a tediousness to singing 10 verses of a hymn in one sitting.

3) Trick of the trade: I try to keep the closing hymn upbeat and short. It’s a good thing if you’re still whistling the closing hymn two hours later!

4) Tempo and meter are factors in the seasons of the church year. Reflective and troubling tempos are natural fits for Lent, not Easter.

THE INSTRUMENTATION OF THE HYMN

Much thought and preparation is given to the way in which a hymn is musically offered to the congregation. From the instrumentation (organ, digital keyboard, grand piano, brass or percussion support, etc) to the delivery (the musical interpretation of each verse), there is a careful thoughtfulness to communicating God’s Word set to music. In my years of ministry, I have not found an interpreter of verse more poignant than our very own music director.

THE MUSICAL VARIATIONS ON GOD’S WORD

Choir and bell anthems are strategized based on the themes of the season. Each five minute choir anthem, for example, delivered on a Sunday morning requires roughly 60 man/woman hours (30 choir members practicing for two hours) to pull it off. Imagine the prep time for every bell choir anthem, children’s choir, soloist, instrumentalist, etc. The “service time” in glory to God adds up very quickly for every musical offering.

AUDIO VISUAL MINISTRY

Trivia question: What individual attends the most worship services at Guardian in a given year. Pastor A, right? Wrong. The correct answer is Don and Donna Ryktarsyk. Although every item that appears on the screen is processed through Pastor A, the Ryktarsyks- with the help of a team of dedicated volunteers- lead, load, and launch it all. Sunday after Sunday, service after service, both visual and audio ministry finds itself in the sure hands of Don and Donna who spent an enormous amount of weekly time prepping for a flawless delivery of sight and sound.

Currently, the senior pastor generates all visual presentations (weekly readings, communion hymns, sermon powerpoints, etc).

THE RUBRICS

Rubrics are the rituals or ceremonies surrounding the worship service, such as altar preparation, ushering, acolyting, communion set up, etc. Each worship service has a team assigned to prepare the added elements of worship as necessary, be it the addition of a baptism, or the changing of the paraments (altar décor). For many years, faithful men and women have spent hours upon hours humbly, yet joyfully taking great pride in the beauty of the settings of our worship life. A simple walk through the sacristy following a communion service will find a room of half-a-dozen men, sleeves rolled up, soap and water running, cleaning the communion vessels. Or the changing of the altar color from white to green takes six women to accomplish (not to mention the cleaning and scrubbing of the altar following the splashing, spraying, or the downright spilling of communion wine upon the altar linen). The list of those who contribute to the behind the scenes preparations of worship is seemingly endless. More time and effort are spent preparing the settings of worship than most would possibly imagine.

FACTOIDS THAT MAY INTEREST ONLY ME

-I’ve adopted a procedure (that may or may not have pre-dated my time here) of kneeling during the confession of sins during communion Sundays, and standing during non-communion Sundays.

-The practice of chanting the liturgy in worship was largely instituted due to the simple science of acoustics. The sung word carried more effectively and with more clarity than the spoken word in many large sanctuaries. Logic would dictate that upon the advent of electronic amplification, the need for chanting would cease, but it became such a beloved staple in worship to some that chanting continues in many churches. I do not prefer to chant, but certainly am very comfortable doing so from time to time for the sake of traditional pleasure.

-The baptism of a child is found in Jesus’ words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”, and that is all. Everything else that surrounds the order of baptism in a worship service is adiaphora (neither commanded nor forbidden). I find the four pages of single-spaced baptismal liturgy in LSB (p.268) to be wonderfully thorough in theology, but rather taxing in practice. This is why I skip large portions during our baptisms at Guardian.

-The traditional “extending the hand of peace” is not seen much at Guardian lately. I realize that this has been a practice that has been enjoyed by many, and I realize that it is, indeed, missed by some. My thoughts on the subject are multifaceted and quite thorough. Look for next month’s edition of The Messenger to further examine this topic.

-The distribution of communion is found in Jesus’ words “Take and eat…”. How communion is distributed is adiaphora. I appreciate the opportunity Guardian traditionally offers to take one’s time to contemplate, reflect, come, kneel, receive, return, and rejoice, but I also find a celebratory tone in the continuous line method. Guardian is further exploring the chance to offer more opportunities to receive in this manner.

-The communion servers prepare themselves not only spiritually in prayer, but also practically, as they wash their before serving. The pastor also sanitizes his hands at the altar immediately before communion.

-There are primarily two reasons I don’t like to use the pulpit to preach. One is that I have never been comfortable being far away and isolated from people as I speak (to me it feels a bit cold and impersonal). In my first church, St. Thomas, Eastpointe, the pulpit was located behind the altar, a veritable triple-barrier between God’s Word and His people (the communion rail, altar, and pulpit). Secondly, I feel constrained in a pulpit. I like to move as the Spirit moves me… literally!

-I have spent years of Sunday mornings in robes and chanting, and years of no robes and guitars, but if given a choice, I prefer the vestments (robe/stole) along with the variety of worship (organ or piano, new or old, just not the same over and over again).

-“This is the Feast”, the traditional Hymn of Praise (est. 1982) is just that… a hymn. I love “This is the Feast”, but I also love “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “Thy Strong Word”, and “Shout to the Lord”… and I don’t want to sing them every Sunday. It is my pastoral practice to sing “This is the Feast” as often as we sing our other favorite hymns throughout the course of the year. Most of the favs will be sung 3-4 times every year.

-Although I am very much in favor of creative worship, there are some things I won’t mess with, such as the Lord’s Prayer (“Thys” and “trespasses” will stay) and the Creeds (although we use confession of faith from the Lutheran Confessions, the creeds should not be altered).

Ok, for those of you still reading, I need to end this article at some point, because as I sit here writing, I’m realizing that there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. So consider it finished… for now.

The Top Ten CCM Albums of 2010

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:32:00 GMT

Again this year, I unveil the Top Ten New Contemporary Christian Albums... this time of 2010.

10. The Museum- Let Love Win

Best Song- My Help Comes from the Lord

9. NewWorldSon- Newworldson

Best Song- There is a Way

8. Revive- Blink

Best Song- Blink

7. Chris Tomlin- And If God is For Us

Best Song- Faithful

6. Tenth Avenue North- The Light Meets the Dark

Best Song- Any Other Way

5. Audrey Assad- The House You’re Building

Best Song- Restless

4. Starfield- The Saving One

Best Song- I’ve Something to Say

3. Pocket Full of Rocks- More Than Noise

Best Song- Wonderful

2. Michael W. Smith- Wonder

Best Song- Welcome Home

1. 33 Miles- Today

Best Song- Where I Wanna Go

Honorable Mention-

Third Day- Move

MercyMe- The Generous Mr. Lovewell

The Bobby Seay Band- Miracle

Josh Wilson- Josh Wilson

Andrew Peterson- Counting Stars

Newsboys- Born Again

The Year of the Bible Survey

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:15:00 GMT

In 2011, Guardian will be celebrating "The Year of the Bible", a year-long emphasis on the Word of the Lord in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the bible.

Your help in gathering your bible favorites will help us shape and mold the activities, emphases, and study options for the year to come.

Log into the following survey, and help us shape 2011:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GCTTX8X

Thank you for taking the time to participate.

Pastor Andrzejewski

Jesus, Friend of Fantasy Football?

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:34:00 GMT

I have played Fantasy Football for quite a few years, but never was I more captivated by it than in the 4th quarter of Monday Night Football this week (Oct 4).

I came home from an elder's meeting at church in the middle of the third quarter, with only my defensive player left on the weekly Fantasy board, Yeremiah Bell from the Miami Dolphins. When I checked in on the Fantasy score, I found that I was trailing my brother David in our family’s league by 4/100ths of a point, 129.78 to 129.74.

You've got to be kidding me!

All I needed was one more assist or tackle from Bell. No problem, right?! Well… between seven minutes to go in the third quarter and three minutes to go in the game, the New England Patriots had only a one three-play series. Miami's offense kept giving the ball away for scores (interceptions and blocked field goal attempts returned for touchdowns), then immediately getting the ball back. Consequently, Miami's defense, and Yeremiah Bell, didn't have a chance to make it back out to the field to earn my last point to put me over the top.

The clock kept ticking. In this life-long sibling rivalry with my older brother, was I going to lose to him by 4/100ths of a point?! COOOMMMEEEE ON!

At 11:15pm, in the silence of our darkened house, I was yelling at the TV over a game featuring two teams that I could care less about, at a player I had never heard of, to make one stinking tackle! I really needed to get to sleep, but the suspense and drama were killin’ me! Finally, with three minutes left in the game, and only one minute away from the start of New England QB Tom Brady “taking a knee” to run out the clock, Yeremiah Bell made a tackle… and my previously undefeated Pollock brother goes down!

YEEESSSSS! I win!

Surely, there has to be something more productive that a “man of the cloth” could be doing with his time than playing Fantasy Football! Perhaps… but I tend to think that Jesus would be a fan of Fantasy Football, if nothing else than the social networking of friends, family, and strangers. After all, Jesus was a first-century trailblazer of meeting people where they were at: A foreign woman at a well. A demon-possessed man in a cemetery. Dining with sinners. Touching the untouchable.

Jesus didn’t hole Himself up in the sanitary ivory towers of the church, He roamed the streets with tax collectors and prostitutes. Because of the company He kept and that He enjoyed eating and drinking, He was even accused of being a “glutton and a drunkard” (Matthew 11:19), when in fact, Jesus cursed those who pretended to be who they weren’t (Matthew 23:27-28).

Shame on Jesus for enjoying the company of the souls He created!

So, if Jesus meets His people where they are at, why wouldn’t He find His people enjoying the togetherness of something as seemingly simple as football. Would He thumb His nose at the foolishness of our gatherings in the same way the Pharisees wished He’d curse the parties of sinners, rather than join them?

Nope… I’m guessing He’d pull up the chair next to me on Monday night, and root for Yeremiah Bell to make the stinking tackle, because that’s where I am… and that’s where He would choose to be.

Guardian Goes to the Movies

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:56:00 GMT

I am a movie buff. In so many way, movies are the parables of our day, earthly stories set to deeper meanings, sometimes heavenly meanings… even if not intended by the writer or producer. In prepping a Top Ten list for my favorite movies of all time, I had to narrow down from a list of roughly 50… 50 movies that I would count as favorites. The following is not written in stone, but will suffice for now.

I now unveil the Top Ten movies of All Time:

1- Jaws

2- Christmas Vacation

3- The Princess Bride

4- Titanic

5- Saving Private Ryan

6- Back to the Future

7- The Wizard of Oz

8- The Silence of the Lambs

9- Field of Dreams

10- Jurassic Park

In looking at my top ten list, I couldn’t help but notice the wide variety of themes: Suspense, intrigue, comedy, fantasy, love, war, hope, longing, adventure, horror, and wonder… just to name a few.

Sounds a lot like life.

To that end, Guardian will “Go to the Movies” this fall. On Sunday mornings, during the bible study hour, we will explore biblical themes- set against the backdrop of movie clips-

- The longing for heaven (“Somewhere over the Rainbow”/Wizard of Oz),

- The supernatural (“I see dead people…”/ The Sixth Sense),

- Sacrifice (“we do that, we all earn the right to go home”/ Saving Private Ryan),

- Mystery (“If you build it, he will come”/ Field of Dreams),

- Spiritual warfare (“We’re gonna need a bigger boat”/ Jaws),

- The purpose driven life (“When I get big, I'm going where he's going”/ Up),

- True love (“As you wish”/ The Princess Bride).

- Redemption (“Titanic was called the Ship of Dreams, and it was. It really was.”/ Titanic)

My Dog... the Christian

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:03:00 GMT

One of the most oft quoted contemporary commentaries on Christianity comes from the early twentieth century evangelist, Billy Sunday. Perhaps you’ve heard it… (a million times?!): “Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.”

In principle, I agree with this. However, it is usually delivered in defense of not going to church while remaining a Christian, in the same way that a vegetarian would defend his aversion to meat while at the same time eating a juicy filet mignon with some fava beans and a nice chianti.

It’s incongruent.

You can quote nutritional philosophers, dieticians, or the Grand Poobah of PETA… if you eat meat, you can’t call yourself a vegetarian with a straight face.

Can you be a Christian and not go to church? Absolutely! But the Lord doesn’t call us to be Christians! Nowhere in the bible will you find a call toward Christianity. In fact, the word “Christian” only appears three times in Scripture (Acts 11:26, 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16), but only as a group designation, without any individual responsibilities such as going to church, or for confessing the triune God for that matter.

The bible calls us to be disciples, not Christians. “Disciple” is found 273 times in the New Testament, along with the definition that a disciple 1) deny himself, 2) take up his cross and 3) follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24).

Quick question: As a disciple, would you deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus to theater to worship? Or the fishing pond? Ballgame? Pillow?

The English word “disciple” is kith and kin to the word “discipline”- “the rigor or training effect of experience, adversity, etc “ (Webster). The Greek word “disciple” is “mathetai”, which is where we get our root word “mathematics”. The discipline of mathematics is gained by repetition, rigor, and training… much like the life of a disciple.

Yes, you can be a Christian and not go to church, but can you be a disciple without the rigors of a disciplined life and the repetition of worship (Remember the Sabbath day…)?

To that end, I would submit that my dog Skeeter is more of a Christian than many Christians who would submit their garage logic. How? Simply in the fact that my dog recognizes Sunday mornings more distinctly than many of his human counterparts.

Skeeter sleeps right outside of our bedroom door. He’s done this for years. He’ll sleep all night long expectantly waiting for Kristen or I to open the door. Nothing else moves him. When the door finally opens, Skeeter does one of three things, he will either 1) excitedly greet the door opener, 2) run inside our room and lie down, or 3) run down the stairs to be let outside. For 10 years, this has been our routine. Every morning, every year.

Except for Sundays.

On Sunday mornings, Skeeter doesn’t move when I open the door. At best, he will wag his tail when I say hello, without as much as lifting his head. But he doesn’t greet me, doesn’t follow me down the stairs, and doesn’t try to move into the bedroom. It’s Sunday, and it’s just me leaving the house very early in the morning, while the rest of the family sleeps for a few more hours.

This past Sunday, July 4, this weekly rhythm was most unusually interrupted. With only one service at 10am, I didn’t open the bedroom door until 7:15am. It was already bright in the house. It could have been any day of any week… and when I opened the door, I was almost startled to see Skeeter rise to his feet (uhm… paws). He never does that. It must have been the light? "He doesn't know what day it is?", I said to myself. But before I could even close the door, he was squatting back into his sleeping position, curling up into a big ball of Sunday morning fur.

Somehow, some way, Skeeter the dog recognized that it was- indeed- Sunday morning.

As I pulled out of the driveway with the family and dog still sound asleep, it dawned on me that I wish we were as intuitive and disciplined!

Skeeter doesn’t go to church, makes no excuses for his behavior, quotes no 130-year-old evangelists to support his sleep habits, but one thing he does.... he clearly recognizes Sunday mornings.

Perhaps this makes Skeeter the dog more of a Christian than him who was given much more (Lk 12:48).

A Tennis Racket? (How Sports has Ruined Me)

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:09:00 GMT

It’s no secret, I am a sport’s junkie. But in my world where football, hockey, World Cup, and basketball are all the rage… baseball is king. I have been a baseball fan for as long as I can remember.

So here’s what I’ve learned through the stain that was the Steroid Era in baseball: Records are, indeed, meant to be broken. But they are not meant to be shattered.

It took 34 years for Babe Ruth’s homerun record to be broken in 1961. So, when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa had at it 37 years after that, it felt right. It made sense. It was time for that record to be broken. However, when it was broken six times by three different players over the same five year period, something was amiss. I couldn’t be right. It didn’t make sense.

Well… it was wrong. They cheated. The record wasn’t broken, it was shattered… with steroids.

So here’s what the stain of the steroid era has done to me: On Thursday, June 24, 2010, John Isner beat Nicolas Mahut in the fifth set of a Wimbledon match, 70-68. The previous record of any major tennis match was set in 1969 when the score in the fifth set was 25-23. This three day, 11-hour match was 70-68 nearly tripling the previous scoring record, while doubling the time record of 6 ½ hours set in 2004.

Records are meant to be broken, not shattered…

Everybody is celebrating this Isner/Mahut tennis match with the verve and vigor that is eerily reminiscent of the panache of Sosa/ McGwire. So, to that end, I am cynically thinking (and apparently the first to suggest) that Isner and Mahut cheated. Not with performance enhancing drugs… just with a performance.

Yes, I am popping the international bubble and suggesting that Isner and Mahut were in cahoots.

How else can you explain it?

Yes, the Steroid Era has tainted me. Turned me into a cynical sap.

If you don’t like it… don’t blame me… blame Barry Bonds.

A Perfect Solution to a Perfect Game?

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:08:00 GMT

It was a perfect setting: A warm late spring evening. Tigers on the tube. My son Jakob’s 17^th birthday. The boys and I are watching history unfold. Armando Galarraga is one out away from becoming the 21^st pitcher to pitch a perfect game (no hits, walks, hit batters, errors). A moment that fathers and sons, Tigers fans, and a city would share forever.

If you haven’t seen the play, a ground ball in the hole at first was fielded by Tiger’s first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who threw it to Galarraga covering first. Replays show the batter was out by half a step. A typically large margin in this “game of inches”. It was- indeed- a perfect game. But it wasn’t. Umpire Jim Joyce called the Cleveland batter safe.

He blew the call, and I was irate. How does a 23-year Major League vet miss that call? It’s one thing for the Minnesota Twins to steal a division title from the Tigers on the 163^rd game of the season. They earned it. It still hurt… but they earned it. This was worse. It was just plain wrong. Galarraga earned the perfect game, and it was ripped from him.

This morning, it is a national story. Every major network, website, and radio station is covering every angle. My e-mail and Facebook account was slammed with comments (and condolences) from friends and family.

This morning, the world is talking about one man’s mistake. Even though it’s just a baseball game, and there are far worse acts of malevolence around us unfolding with ignorant bliss, everybody is weighing in on Jim Joyce’s blown call at first base.

This morning, I too want to be angry with Jim Joyce. I want to blame him, blast him, and berate him. But I can’t. Not anymore.

Jim Joyce blew the call, and he knew it: "I'm sorry”, he said, “I had a great angle and I missed the call… I took a perfect game from that kid who pitched a perfect game. It was the biggest call of my career and I (missed it).”

Reports from the umpires’ locker room said that Jim Joyce was inconsolable. He has apologized to Tiger’s manager Jim Leyland, understood why the Tiger players were upset with him, and when he took the time to tell Armando Galarraga how sorry he was, Galarraga hugged him, then said “I give a lot of credit to that guy, to say he's sorry… nobody’s perfect.”

How do we not see a parable here? A living parable. About forgiveness, grace, kindness, and gentleness. It begs to be unpacked, even down to the irony-dripping proclamation “Nobody’s perfect”. Perhaps for another day…

This morning, however, I will be content to settle my silly emotions, to gain perspective, and to see in a simple hug how much brighter the world could be if I, for one, practiced what I preached.

Dear Dearborn

Sun, 23 May 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Dear Dearborn,

So nice to see you!

My time at Guardian began at the onset of our nation's recession. We arrived in Dearborn in August of 2008, and sold our West Michigan house seven months later for $25,000 less than what we bought it (not too bad by 2010 standards). In coming back to metro-Detroit, it has been difficult to see so many empty parking lots, to hear of so many empty homes, and to feel the pain of an economy crumbling.

This past Thursday (May 20), on my way to make a visit at Oakwood Hospital, I drove through downtown Dearborn on Michigan Ave. before turning onto Oakwood Blvd... and I have to say that this was my favorite drive in my entire time at Guardian.

It was a beautiful spring early afternoon. The sun was shining. The air was warm. But mostly I smiled at what I witnessed. I saw people. Lots of them. On Michigan Ave., groups of people walking outside shops. Friends eating at outdoor tables. Thick traffic. Dearborn was alive... and I was loving it.

On Oakwood Blvd., rows of school buses filling the Henry Ford Museum, cars lined up to turn into the Automotive Hall of Fame, and masses of working people enjoying the weather, eating their lunches under the sun and shade.

I have long admired the visionary leadership of the Ford family, and have come to know and love many people who have spent their lives "thinking Ford first". Let's face it... Dearborn lives and breathes Ford Motor Company. Without sinking to far into a political blog, may I suffice to say, I am overjoyed that Ford is weathering the storm without government aid.

As a pastor who is beginning to sink his roots into Dearborn, I loved Thursday afternoon because it was vivid reminder to me of not only why I am here... but why Guardian is still here. There is still work to be done, souls still longing to see Jesus, and a place where the heart of Dearborn can gather to worship the Maker of all good things.

Dear Dearborn... it was nice to see you!

Pastor Andrzejewski

Safe at Home: RIP Ernie Harwell

Wed, 05 May 2010 12:30:00 GMT

Every spring, his smooth Georgian voice would fill the air from Monroe to Manistee, from Holland to Huron.

There I would sit, in my office in late February, watching snow blow sideways out of the window, listening to Ernie's magical voice bring color and breath to a baseball game in sunny Lakeland, Florida.

Somehow… someway… Ernie brought us there.

It was his last spring behind the microphone. The newest Detroit Tiger, Dmitri Young, dug in at the plate. Nobody on. Nobody out.

Ernie said, "There's a long fly ball..." and I could see it. "It could be...", and I believed him. "It's long gone!", Ernie exclaimed, and I lifted my arms in the air, alone in my office, as if I was there with him.

Thanks to Ernie, for as long as I could remember, I was there… even if I was 1500 miles away, sitting at a desk.

Since 1960, we Michiganders have visited every ballpark, with Ernie providing the tour. I felt as if I knew every detail of the Green Monster in Boston, the water fountains in Kansas City, and the walk of fame at Yankee Stadium.

What a ride it has been!

But sadly, this chapter in our lives has closed.

So I'm left to wonder: Who else in this world will know that a man from Ortonville caught Alan Trammell's foul ball? Will another strike-out victim ever "stand there like the house on the side of the road?" And who will tell me about obscure moments in baseball history, and players like Nick Altrock pinch hitting for the Washington Senators in 1933 at the age of 57?

On Wednesday morning, May 5, in my 15 minute commute to church, I listed to a parade of grown men weeping on the radio, all of them sharing stories of the man that few ever met, but all of whom mourned as if they were lifelong friends.

In a very powerful way, though, we all were.

RIP Ernie Harwell… man of faith… Rejoice In Paradise.

We’ll see you when we get home.

I've Got Something to Say

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:11:00 GMT

Has your soul ever felt raw? When I read the pleas of the Psalms, it’s an easy leap to feel the wounds of the soul:

Psalm 22:2-“O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.”

Psalm 42:3- “My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, ‘Where is your God?"

Psalm 88:3- “For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave.”

I spend my life thinking about Jesus. Pondering, praying, preaching. It’s truly an amazing way to spend a life. But I, too, cry out. I often come to the end of a long day and find no rest. My soul aches with more pains than most would imagine. I passionately know and believe that the Lord hears my cries, but I often wonder what in the world He’s doing about it. I’ve come to expect that this will be a lifelong struggle (“Lord, I believe. Help me in my unbelief”)… which makes me all the more anxious to lay down my cross when Jesus comes to show me around heaven.

Last week, I downloaded a new musical offering by the group Starfield called “The Saving One”. Worshipful, energetic, spirit-filled. However, I nearly dropped to my knees when I listened to the track “Something to Say”. It’s a painful song. Uncomfortable. Raw. Familiar. All too familiar.

It’s a deep and honest revealing of the soul’s ache, and a simple hope of faith. I share it with you in the days leading up to Good Friday, with the promise of Easter.

If you’d like to listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9nARZ7xIMc&NR=1

If you’d like to read along:

I've got something to say It's been one of those days
When I'm finding it hard to believe in You

I've got something to say I've forgotten how to pray
And I'm finding it hard to believe the truth

I've got something to say Right now it feels like You are slipping away
Like I am drowning in a crisis of faith Like I'm alone

I've got something to say What was black and white is gray
And I'm finding it hard to believe in You

I've got something to say Right now it feels like You are slipping away
Like I am drowning in a crisis of faith Like I'm alone

And faith might mean there won't be answers And hope might mean enduring through the night
But help me not forget in darkness The things that I believed in light

I've got something to say Right now it feels like You are slipping away
Like I am drowning in a crisis of faith Like I was found, but now I'm lost in the fray

I've got something to say It's been one of those days

When I'm finding it hard to believe in You

What Does a Pastor Daydream About in Church?

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:45:00 GMT

I used to daydream in church.

I grew up at a beautifully gothic-styled church in Detroit. Elaborate stained glass windows. More rooms than I could count. Hidden stairways and secret rooms. It was easy to get lost... but getting lost was an adventure.

I used to daydream that the church was my home. In my mind, I coverted classrooms into bedrooms, lounges into family rooms, and the sanctuary became- forgive me, Lord!- an indoor pool room. In fact, I still have reoccurring dreams of meandering around my boyhood church. Sometimes I'm worshipping. Sometimes I'm... well... swimming.

I used to feel guilty about drifting during church, but now that I'm the guy in church doing all the talking, I can't blame the wee ones for fading in and out. I only wonder which ones are picturing me more as a Guardian at the preacher pool than as a preacher at the Guardian pew!

I began to think differently about those guilty feelings when I considered John 14. In the moments before everything would forever change, Jesus used His closing moments with His disciples to give them a glimpse of home. He painted a picture of heaven with words like "house", and "many rooms", and leaving "to prepare a place" for us. Making the house ready. And suddenly those childish dreams of making the church my home didn't seem so silly. Maybe there is more to it. Maybe there wasn't a better place on earth to consider home... then the place were I knew I would always find Jesus.

So I was strangely, but pleasantly, surprised when I read an online story today about a church that was converted to a home. Nobody wants to think that a church would no longer be needed as a place of worship, but I found the story and pictures very joyful. Perhaps it goes back to my youth. Perhaps it goes back to John 14.

Whatever the case, how wonderful to think of church as home.

Changeaphobia: Not Just a Church Thing

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:10:00 GMT

Q: How many Lutherans does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: 4. 1 to change the lightbulb, and 3 to talk about how they missed the old one.

This is the classic joke on change in the church, which is often the place where folks bemoan the stubbornness of humanity. Although, we in the church do enjoy our traditions and familiarities, the church is- by no means- the end all of resistance to change.

Consider the case of Michigan State University's plan to change the Athletic Department's Spartan logo. Articles have been written, cases have been made, talk show hosts have fielded hundreds of calls, protests are in the works, and genuine anger is swirling around the change.

I have no vested interest in the Spartan logo, so none of this discussion means anything to me. But it's hard to miss the angst. The conversation has been brewing for weeks, and in an announcement this morning (Friday, Feb. 5), MSU AD Mark Hollis said, "The recent disclosure of an updated Spartan logo from a trademark registration process has resulted in a flurry of concern and discontentment among some of our students, alumni and fans", and as a result, they have halted the change... for now.

What radical change was in the works? Check out the change below. The current logo is on the left. The proposed logo is on the right:

Yes, the unmitigated gall! The scoundrels!

Really?

Indeed, change is not easy or comfortable, and not always necessary or appropriate. But clearly, the church is not the only institution that embraces tradition.

We can change carpet color, hymnals, bible translations, technology, and personnel... but usually not without a challenge.

But in the end, what the church has that other institutions do not, is the gold standard: Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). No matter the time, era, eon... no matter the place, circumstance, situation, one thing never changes: God's love for you, demonstrated in the person of His Son, Jesus. He loved you as deeply now as He did in the footsteps leading to Calvary.

This love... never changes.

The Confessions of a Pastor

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:16:00 GMT

I listened with interest when ESPN analyst Tom Jackson defended Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre's season ending interception by saying, "That's the thing about Brett Favre: He's not afraid to throw interceptions. You have to admire him for that."

That, I think, is what you would call "putting the best construction on everything". Oh, that I would love my embarrassing failures forgiven so graciously: "That's the thing about Pastor A: He's not afraid to be a lousy Christian witness when he yells at people who refuse to drive their cars up to his standards. You have to admire him for that."

I am grateful that my life is not played out to the analysis of ESPN co-hosts.

Sometimes, folks ask me what they can do to make my job more fruitful. "How can we help you, Pastor?" A great question! Matthew 7:12 says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them." With that in mind, here are five things we can accomplish together. I for you, and you for me:

1. PRAY FOR ME. Nothing you can do is more powerful and effective.

2. PARTNER WITH ME. Ministry is a shared vocation. I need your help to share Jesus. So many people, so little money, and so few hands. Be part of the solution. I need you.

3. PERSUADE ME. Encourage me to do the right thing even when second best seems so much easier. Encourage me to continuously "raise the bar" in my own life and in the lives of those in the congregation.

4. PROTECT ME. Some find pleasure in attacking a leader's integrity or character. As in all things, before passing judgment, discuss appropriate issues directly with those involved. If the pastor, speak directly with the pastor.

5. PARDON ME. I am a simple man. I fall short. I need rest. My memory slips sometimes. Please bless me with grace as I serve the Lord with you.

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Co 15:58)

Pat Robertson: Just Shut Up

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:01:00 GMT

I am not prone to warring with fellow foot soldiers in Jesus, but Pat Robertson really needs to shut up.

This is a world that is mourning the devastation and loss of tens of thousands of lives in Haiti. This is a world that seems genuinely heartbroken over the sadness and tragedy that has befallen our fellow human beings. And it doesn't take a PhD in human dynamics to understand that this is world where a window of opportunity has been opened to share a word of hope... of healing... of grace. This is a perfect time for the light of Christ to shine to a world darkened by a crushing disaster.

In the first four days after the earthquake, the little 2.5 million member Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod has raised $300,000. In four days (!) without the benefit of a single Sunday morning plea. Churches around the world are lining up supplies, food, rescue crews... but what message is the world hearing from the Christian Community? A message of our care and concern? No. The message making the most news comes from Televangelist Pat Robertson: "You deserve this!"

First of all, this is just poor theology. We all sin and fall short of God's glory. We ALL deserve nothing but earthly pain and everlasting torment, but the evangel ("good news") is that the Lord has freed us from the disaster we ALL deserve, by becoming the curse for us (Galatians 3:13). That's the gospel, Pat! That's why Jesus suffered and died, brother... for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD (John 1:29).

Secondly, in Luke 13, Jesus comments on an apparently fresh tragedy after a tower fell and crushed 18 people to death in Siloam. His question is this: "Do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?" His answer? "I tell you, no!" (v. 4-5). How is Haiti any different, Pat the Evangelist?

Third, does Pat the Evangelist have any idea how difficult he makes my job... or the selfless ministry of any other caring Christian trying to connect people to Jesus? We not only have to come face to face with the spiritual forces of darkness in heavenly realms (Galatians 6) while grappling with the prowling roars of the devil (1 Pet 5), we have to not only proclaim the message of sin and grace (not an easy task), but we have to backtrack the loudmouthed and misdirected "gospel" of the guy with the biggest blowhorn.

Abe Lincoln offered this advise: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt."

King Solomon put it this way: "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent." (Proverbs 17:28)

I'm not that bright. I would simply offer these words: Pat Robertson, just shut up.

My Top 10 CCM Albums of 2009

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:50:00 GMT

I am a big fan of Christian music. Aside from some old school crooners (Michael Buble, Harry Connick, Tony Bennett, etc.), I have a hard time being drawn to music that is devoid of meaning. I believe Louie Giglio’s quote on music: “All music is worship music. Worship is our response to what we value most. Whatever is worth most to you is what you worship. How do you know what you worship? It’s easy. You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your allegiance. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne; and whatever, or whomever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship.”

To that end, I offer you my Top Ten Favorite Contemporary Christian Albums released in 2009.

I am an avid CCM fan, but my tastes tend to fall on the side of classic rock (Boston, The Eagles) and singer/songwriter (James Taylor, Billy Joel). I haven’t listened to all CCM releases, but here are my favorites from 2009:

1. Kutless: It is Well.

Style: Worship Rock. Compare to Creed.

2. Seventh Day Slumber: Take Everything.

Style: Worship Rock. Compare to Bon Jovi

3. Unhindered: Be.

Style: American Rock. Compare to Dave Matthews Band.

4. Skillet: Awake.

Style: Hard Rock. Compare to Linkin Park

5. Steven Curtis Chapman: Beauty Will Rise.

Style: Adult Contemporary. Compare to John Mayer

6. Christy Nockels: Life Light Up.

Style: Adult Contemporary. Compare to Taylor Swift.

7. Decyfer Down: Crash.

Style: Hard Rock. Compare to Breaking Benjamin

8. Casting Crowns: Until the Whole World Hears.

Style: Pure American Rock. Compare to Nickelback

9. Switchfoot: Hello Hurricane.

Style: Alternative Rock. Compare to Kings of Leon.

10. Leeland: Love is on the Move.

Style: Singer/ Songwriter. Compare to Paul McCartney

34GB a Day?! (The iPod in My Head!)

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 GMT

The NY Times published a December 2009 report that suggests that the average American consumes 34GB of information daily.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/the-american-diet-34-gigabytes-a-day/

I take this to heart, because I am a bit of an information junkie. It seems to me (although I haven't fleshed this out yet), that there is a biblical distinction between "wisdom" and "information". Solomon, perhaps, discovered that godly wisdom is rooted in the Lord, but that the mere acquisition of information (34GB a day?!) is problematic when he said:

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18- "I said in my heart, 'I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.' And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow."

Your thoughts? (i.e., help me flesh this out...)

Tiger Woods, Sex, and the Alpha Male

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Blood is in the water, and the sharks are on the way. If you are Tiger Woods, the blood is yours, and it was only a matter of time…

Tiger was involved in a one car accident last week leaving his driveway at 2:30am. Police say that alcohol was not a factor, but discovered that his wife used a golf club to smash two windows on his luxury SUV. The Woods family is not talking, but ugly, blood-thirsty details are beginning to immerge in a feeding-frenzied fashion. Most seem to focus on Tiger’s fidelity… or lack thereof.

It would be ungodly for me to pile on Tiger with harmful gossip or slander, so I am left to only grieve over the all too predictable outcome. As I write, numerous women are coming out of the nooks and crannies of Tiger’s past, claiming lurid rendezvous with arguably the most recognizable athlete in the world.

I continue to grieve at our world’s deepening dive into soiling God’s beautiful gift of intimacy, set aside and blessed for husbands and wives.

Grieving over men who treat women as if they are disposable objects, using them only for their own selfish desires, genuinely believing that the sexual conquest of a woman is a strength (see the “Alpha Male”), when in reality it is a powerful manifestation of man’s greatest weakness: The inability to be dedicated and sacrificial in his relationship with his wife (see Genesis 3:6, Ephesians 5:25).

Grieving over women who are genuinely confused in thinking that the only way to experience a man’s dedicated and sacrificial love is to offer him whatever he wants. Adam was the first guy to get it wrong. King David wasn’t much of a stalwart either.

The point is… this isn’t a new problem. From the foundation of the earth, men have been abandoning the strength of their God-given responsibilities in exchange for their frail vulnerabilities.

Today, however, men are masking these weaknesses as strengths, turning the truth into a lie (Rom 1:25), while the real victims in this BIG LIE are the women left behind. They are the ones staggering dazed and confused, deeply desiring the intimate connection as God desired in a sacrificial and dedicated, lifelong, monogamous commitment, but now- not only feeling the effects of loveless lovemaking- are actually buying into and accepting a man’s weakness as his strength.

It doesn’t work that way! Sex is God’s idea. “Being fruitful and multiplying” is God’s instruction. And the further we drift from His one-flesh design, the more twisted the end result. What is supposed to be a beautifully fulfilling, climactically rewarding oneness becomes a warped and distorted replica of God’s intended masterpiece.

Empty. Hollow. Meaningless.

Men of God… be faithful. Be strong.

Women of God… recognize the difference. Accept nothing less.

Twilight: The Sissyfication of the Vampire

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:51:00 GMT

Walking through the mall today, it finally dawned on me.

I was disappointed in the first Twilight movie. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the reason I didn’t like it was simply because I am a guy. It wasn’t a traditional vampire thriller. It was- for lack of a better term- a chick flick.

I have always been a big fan of the vampire/werewolf/mummy genre. With a wee degree of shame, I must admit that Anne Rice’s “Interview with a Vampire” is one of my favorites. Although it delved more intriguingly into the moral struggles of a vampire than your traditional Bela Lugosi or Bram Stoker fare, it was ripe with fear, suspense, blood, and the macabre to satisfy my testosterone.

The Twilight series has turned the classic guy movie into a modern day chick flick. And today, while Christmas shopping in the mall, it finally hit me… I feel robbed.

I heart vampires t-shirts are everywhere!

Why?!

Because they are frightening creatures of the night that horrifically feed on the blood of unsuspecting saps? No! It’s because they are bare-chested and buff creatures of the night that are in touch with their feminine side and are more interested in romance than pillaging.

Ok, I’ll admit it: The Notebook made me cry (but then again, so did Forrest Gump). Chick flicks are supposed to do that. I rather enjoyed Father of the Bride, Pretty Woman, and Sleepless in Seattle, but I knew what I was in for… a movie that- as advertised- played on the heartstrings. But Twilight is a strange, unholy mixture of Titanic meets The Lost Boys.

We’re not supposed to leave a vampire movie lustily admiring the integrity and character of the undead! A good vampire film has us all fearfully going home stringing together garlic necklaces and whittling wooden stakes from broomsticks.

Twilight has successfully stolen the lore, turning our youthful monsters into dreamy heroes.

Once upon a time, a young man would lose himself for a few theatric hours engaged in an epic battle vicariously struggling for the life and love of the damsel in distress. Good was good. Evil was evil. Today, we love the vampires. They are the lovers and the protectors… and suddenly we vampire slayers? We’re the bad guys!

So, I’m left to wonder- as Paula Cole once sang- “Where is my John Wayne? Where is my prairie song? Where is my happy ending? Where have all the cowboys gone?”

Or vampires…

For All the Saints: Famous Lutherans

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:05:00 GMT

Below is a partial list of Famous Lutherans. Saints and sinners... just like the rest of us. But known by more people than we "average Lutherans":

Tom Brady, Super Bowl MVP, and NFL record holder. Quarterback, New England Patriots.

Flip Saunders, head coach, Washington Wizards, former head coach of the Detroit Pistons.

Kirsten Dunst, actress. Spiderman trilogy.

Loni Anderson (b.1946), actress. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in the Lutheran Church, Loni was for a time a Sunday School teacher. She is perhaps best known for her role as Jennifer Marlowe, in the popular sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-1982).

Lloyd, Beau and Jeff Bridges, actors.

David Hasselhoff (b.1952) actor, "talent" judge. Perhaps best known for his role as Mitch in "Baywatch".

William Hurt (b.1950), actor. whose many film credits include The Big Chill (1983), Broadcast News (1987), Children of a Lesser God (1986), Lost In Space (1998), and The Village (2004).

William H. Macy (b. 1950) Oscar award winning actor who starred in, among over 100 films, Fargo, Jurassic Park, Seabiscuit, and Wild Hogs. Married to Desperate Housewive’s Felicity Huffman. Once was quoted as saying "I am Lutheran down to my socks."

Ann-Margret (b.1941) actress, singer. Born in Valsjobyn, Sweden. Her many film credits include Grumpy Old Men (1993) and its sequel, Viva Las Vegas (1964) and Bye Bye Birdie (1963). She is also one of the very few Lutherans ever to have dated Elvis.

David Soul (b. 1943) actor. Best known for playing Detective Hutchinson in the television police drama "Starsky and Hutch" (1975-1979), and singer of the hit song “Don’t Give Up on Us Baby”. His father, Dr. Richard Solberg, served as a Religious Affairs Advisor to the U.S. High Commission in Berlin and as Senior Representative for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

Sally Struthers - Perhaps best known for her portrayal of Gloria on the popular sitcom "All in the Family".

Bruce Willis (b.1955) actor. Confirmed at Trinity LCMS, Carney’s Point, NJ and star of The Sixth Sense (1999), Armageddon (1998), and the Die Hard Series.

Dana Carvey (b.1952) comedian and actor known especially for his gift of mimicry. Former member of Saturday Night Live (1986-93), where he created many numerous characters, including "The Church Lady". His film credits include Wayne's World and its sequel.

Gary Cole comedic actor. Best known for playing boss Bill Lumberg in the cult classic, "Office Space".

Gary Larsen (b.1950) cartoonist and creator of the classic comic The Far Side.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Church musician. One of the greatest composers of all time, known especially for his organ compositions, chorales, and the Brandenburg Concertos.

Mary Hart, "Entertainment Tonight" host. Bears the distinction not only of outlasting all her male co-hosts on ET, but is- quite possibly the only Lutheran ever to have her legs insured by Lloyd's of London for a million dollars.

Pat O'Brien, Former "Access Hollywood" and "The Insider" host. Quite possibly the only Irish-Lutheran in his field.

Steve Jobs - Co-founder of Apple Computer. Confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Palo Alto, CA.

John Woo - Hollywood director. Directed such films as Face Off (John Travolta, Nicolas Cage), Mission Impossible II (Tom Cruise), Paycheck (Ben Affleck).

Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army general; leader of the famed "Operation Desert Shield/Storm."

Jeff Williams, NASA Astronaut. currently serving as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 21 aboard the International Space Station. Member of Gloria Dei LCMS, Houston.

Edwin Meese III, lawyer; U.S. Attorney General (1985-1988)

William Rehnquist (b.1924) lawyer; appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by Richard Nixon in 1972.

Lyle Lovett (b.1957) singer-songwriter; actor. His great-great maternal grandfather was one of the founding members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Klein, Texas (established 1873). Former husband to actress Julia Roberts.

Lou Gehrig, famed baseball player whose life was cut short by the disease that now bears his name. According to his biography, he was raised in a very devout Lutheran household and in another book ("Giants of the Polo Ground") an encounter is reported where he is asked by a NYC reporter if he is Jewish - he proudly replied that he was Lutheran !

John Mellancamp (b.1951) musician, singer, recording artist, songwriter, painter. His many hits include "Jack and Diane," and "Small Town."

Michelle TaFoya, Vern Lunquist, CBS sports.

Garrison Keillor (b.1942) humorist; host and creator, A Prairie Home Companion (1974-present); inductee Radio Hall of Fame (1994); author of Lake Wobegon Days (1985) and nine other titles; icon of National Public Radio.

Theodore Geisel, better known to the world as "Dr. Seuss"; well-loved children's author.

Robert Cade, sainted University of Florida scientist, inventor of Gatorade.

Athletes: Troy Aikman, NFL Super Bowl winning quarterback, Shane Battier, Houston Rockets NBA, Dale Earnhardt (1951-2001) NASCAR driver, Darin Erstad, Houston Astros, Dale Jarrett, NASCAR driver, Bennie Joppru, former UM and Houston Texans tight end, Al Kaline, Detroit Tigers, active in Lutheran churches in the Detroit area, and elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980, Tom Landry, legendary former coach of the Dallas Cowboys (1960-1988), Paul Molitor, Minnesota Twins; elected to the Hall of Fame in January 2004, Lute Olson, former University of Arizona basketball coach, John Schuerholz, general manager, Atlanta Braves, Duffy Waldorf - PGA Tour, Dave Winfield, Hall of Fame New York Yankee, Minnesota Twin, Danny Wuerffel, Heisman Trophy winner.

Doomed: The Agonizing Union Between a Beleaguered Ball Club and a Faithful Fanatic

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:09:00 GMT

In the waning days of September 2003, I sat down at my computer, contemplating the drizzle dripping past my window, I could not help but mourn the passing of my beloved Detroit Tigers.

I remember my beloved in the days of her youth. Larry Herndon’s running catch in leftfield to end a season of magic. Darrell Evans storming the field. Sparky tossing his bubble gum aside to scream a song of celebration.

I remember pitchers with promise, rookies who played as if it were a privilege, and sluggers that would hit in the clutch.

That was long ago…

Until the magic returned in 2006, the last time the Tigers had tasted the playoffs I was a sophomore in college. Ronald Reagan was president, Lucille Ball and Betty Davis were still alive, and the Berlin wall was still standing.

That was a long time ago…

In 2003, the boys of summer were putting the finishing touches on what was to be one of the worst season in the history of Major League baseball, after closing out the previous decade with the worst combined record in all of baseball (580-811).

But there I was checking the box scores. Every day. Every game. Every season for as long as I can remember. There I was tuning in the game on my car radio. There I was catching the action on the tube. There I was wearing the Olde English “D”.

These last two years have been a tease. Good enough to give me hope. Bad enough to dash them without mercy...

Here I am returning to the scene of the crime...

And here I am shaking my head. Still faithful. Still hopeful. Still a fanatic.

I cannot help but turn to the word of the Lord as written through the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations: “This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit…See, O Lord, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed… People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me… My groans are many and my heart is faint.” (1:16-22)

Woe is me!

Woe to the Tigers for engaging me in this disturbing love affair. Woe to the Tigers for receiving me into this agonizing union. Woe to the Tigers for trampling my faithfulness.

“May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is born’!” (Job 3:3)

… get a grip, Rev… take a deep breath…

I have the tendency in my spiritual journey to examine everything in life as if God were speaking, even through the most mundane events. So I can only wonder if my lifelong relationship with Tiger baseball and their ongoing tease can or should relate to the Lord’s eternal relationship with me- perhaps in the form of a modern parable.

God once instructed the prophet Hosea to marry an adulterous woman to painfully illustrate the enduring betrayal between the lover (God) and His beloved (His people). Peter had to look Jesus straight in the eyes and behold His pain after he betrayed Jesus three times (Luke 22:61). Scripture is filled with stories of grief and pain that flowed from the throne of heaven on account of our collapse as a people of God.

The Lord’s love is abiding, but ours is fleeting. His faithfulness is unconditional, but ours is limited… even through the best of intentions.

But Jesus is still here…

I have fallen so frequently and so far since my love affair with Jesus began that I wonder why He still is still with me.

And it’s not as if He’s merely checking my box scores at the end of each day, simply observing from afar the number of my errors. Jesus is intimately involved in my life. He rejoices in my faithfulness (John 15:9-11). He takes pleasure in my childlike faith (Luke 10:21). He feels my pain (Acts 9:4). But He can also become angry at my shallow religiosity (John 2:16-17), and tearful at my ongoing betrayal (Luke 19:41).

Through it all… amazingly… He rejoices! Jesus deeply examined the cost of becoming our biggest fan- His death on the cross- and He found joy (Hebrews 12:2) in this blessed union between the lover and His beloved (Ephesians 5:25).

It’s an extraordinary gift to be on the receiving end of that kind of admiration. That, despite my ongoing failure, Jesus is still here with me.

So as I sit down at my computer in the final days of this most unusual season, contemplating the drizzle again dripping past my window, I cannot help but celebrate a life-long love for my Detroit Tigers... once again.

I am- indeed- always a Tiger.

"You Are Going to Hell" (My conversation with a Jehovah's Witness)

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:59:00 GMT

For the first time in many years, I decided to take the time to spiritually haggle with a pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW), knocking on my door. I’ve done this enough over the years to recognize their game plan, know what’s coming, and respond appropriately. It’s just so time consuming! Especially if you happen to be polite. I can honestly say, nothing has changed in the past twenty years. The script is the same. The technique is the same. Here is a summary of my thoughts:

(As a preface: JWs are not a Christian Church. They do not believe in the Trinity or- most notably- that Jesus is God).

1. JWs are intentionally vague. Their technique is to create a feeling that we are so very much alike. They purposefully try to find common ground to make you feel at ease. They- admittedly- do not quickly or easily identify themselves as JWs.

2. JWs rarely give direct answers. Knowing their identity, but without asking the question “Are you a JW?”, I asked a series of innocent questions that would reveal their identity- and they steadfastly refused to answer. When, for example, they asked what bible translation I use, I immediately responded “ESV”. I asked them five times- in five different ways- what specific translation they prefer before they finally admitted the New World Translation (the JW bible). On many occasions, I asked direct questions that they refused to answer with a simple yes or no, including “Is Jesus God?”. Their three-peat response to that particular question was “He is a chip off the old block”. When I demanded a simple yes or no, the response was, of course, “no”.

3. JWs will not yield the floor. They are very well-trained at directing the flow of a conversation. They don’t like the subject to be changed, and they are not easily swayed from the checklist of items they must cover. Ultimately, they are at your front door to teach, not to be taught. Whenever a difference of opinion reared its ugly head, they responded, "Well, I'm not here to argue". That was their verbal cue shot that they wanted the floor back. These particular JWs even asked me to reference my English bible concordance to “teach” me the meaning of the Greek word for “hell”. The knowledge that I had six years of training in Greek did not sway or impress them one bit.

4. JWs speak a different language. They will use the same language as Christians, but they are inconsistent in their use of biblical language. Their basic definitions of the words God, righteousness, hell, justification, salvation, etc are completely different than ours.

5. JWs are contradictory. They claim their purpose is to focus on our similarities, but they spend a majority of their focus trying to show us how wrong we are. When I tried to take the floor by revealing to them the content of their errors, they said that their purpose was not to focus on our differences. They then returned to trying to teach me how wrong I am.

6. JWs are reverse evangelists. Because JW teaching is not faith-based (although they claim it is), and because they are wholly and admittedly uncertain of their salvation, the purpose of their door-to-door visits are not to save us, but to save themselves.

Two other observations, one serious, one not so serious.

First a matter of seriousness: In our conversation about the reality of hell, the JWs were insisting that hell was a metaphor. As gently as possible, I responded, "It's not going to feel like a metaphor when you are burning in it." The younger JW was clearly rattled by this statement. Picking up on her angst, I said, "You haven't always been a JW. What religion were you before?" It made sense to me that the only way someone who didn't believe in hell would be bothered by this statement was that at some point in life they did believe. She said, "Catholic". I pointed out that must still have her doubts, because if she truly didn't believe in hell, she wouldn't have let my comment rattle her. "Keep doubting", I implored. Interestingly, this young lady had a hard time looking me in the eye for the rest of their visit.

Secondly, I saw these two JWs coming a mile away. The younger woman was 20-something. The older woman was from Africa, and had difficulty with the language. As they walked up our driveway, I decided that I was indeed in the mood to take them on. But when I saw them, and sized them up, I repeated a line delivered by Sean Connery in the movie "The Untouchables", although with a bit of a twist. I -rather smugly- said, "Leave it to the JWs to bring a knife to a gun fight."

In short, the bottom line is quite simple: No amount of conversation, or common ground probing, or time investment, or evangelizing matters. The only question of any importance is this: “Is Jesus God”?

In conversations with JWs, nothing else matters!

Hubble Demonstrates God's Handiwork

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:36:00 GMT

Psalm 19:1- "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

On September 9, 2009, NASA released this beautiful set of photos taken from the Hubble Telescope ranging throughout the universe. If the skies truly proclaim God's handiwork, then we should stand in awe of the beauty of the Lord's mastery!