Lead Pastor

Most of you may remember the old Carol King song,
“Anticipation.”

A couple of decades ago it became popular as the Heinz Ketchup commercial jingle that played while you watched in anticipation for the thick, tomatoey sauce to slowly make its way through the bottle neck and drop onto the burger. It was quite dramatic and worked perfectly while Carol King sang:

“Anticipation,
Anticipation,
Is makin’ me late,
Is keeping me waitin’.”

It was a great commercial for a slower time in our culture. Today, it would drive most people nuts because it would be too slow and the need for fast, time-sensative ketchup would seem to be preferred.

But, anticipation describes this moment for me right now. Without any need for this moment to pass quickly, I’m treasuring each precious minute, patiently waiting for what’s about to happen. I really like that Heinz commercial!

You see, I’m about to have another “first” in my life. I’m sitting here in a hospital anticipating being grandpa to a little girl named Addison. I’m currently a grandpa of her cousin, Jayden, who was born just 13 weeks ago (and that was a great first for me also)…but this moment of anticipation is for the first little girl in the Ishmael clan for close to 5 generations (from what I can gather). Yes, she’s a little late, and she is keeping us waitin’, but I’m not bothered by that…I’m just enjoying the anticipation (However, I’m not the one who is doing the work to get her into the world, so please understand my perspective on this may not be quite the same as her mom and dad).

I don’t know what Addison is going to be like or look like, but I’ve been talking to her off and on for the last 41 weeks, so I’m anticipating that she’s probably going to recognize me in some small way as soon as she’s here (OK, maybe not, but for my sake, just go with me on this).

I’m anticipating that the God who formed the universe, also “fearfully and wonderfully” made this little sweetheart that I’ll be holding soon; and she’ll be perfect in every way, without exception!

I’m anticipating times of reading to her!
I’m anticipating times of talking with her!
I’m anticipating long walks together,
I’m anticipating having tea parties with her,
I’m anticipating giving horsey rides around the room with her,
I’m anticipating playing alongside her,
I’m anticipating taking her on outings,
I’m anticipating giving her hugs and kisses;
I’m anticipating holding her and her cousin, one in each arm,
I’m anticipating encouraging her in life and letting her know she can be all God created her to be!

Wow…ok, that Heinz commercial isn’t as great as I thought it was! I don’t seem to be enjoying this anticipation journey anymore! Addison, hurry up! I don’t think I can wait…I’m too excited! See you soon!

A Humble Grandpa To Be (not soon enough)
Greg

In Atlanta, right now, a conference called Catalyst is taking place. It’s purpose is “To ignite passion for Christ and develop the leadership potential of the next generation equipping them to engage and impact their world.”

It fulfills it’s mission! I know because a couple of years ago I took our staff, and I believe it ignited our passion for the One we serve, for each other and for those we lead! It developed our thinking outside the lines people had drawn around God’s Church. It bonded us together under a new flag of engaging and impacting this world for the Kingdom of God!

This year’s conference is based upon the theme: Be Present! Here’s how they state it:
Distraction has become the new norm. We get caught up with what happened yesterday and are preoccupied with what may happen tomorrow. Our attention is too often focused on what is happening “out there.” In the same moment, we are talking on the phone, replying to an email, updating our status and checking the latest headline. We commit to be in too many places at once. And those right in our midst are hurting. Brokenness exists all around you. Right now.

As leaders, we must be present. It’s our responsibility to embrace what God has put squarely in front of us, and take action where we are.

Being present requires time, space, and place. Eye to eye focus. Undivided attention. Messy moments of inconvenience. A willingness to lay down everything else to pay attention to who is in front of you. Listening, caring, and loving. Putting down roots in a specific place. Leading where you are.

We need more presence. With our Savior, our families, our friends, our neighbors, our city, our teams, our circle of influence.We must show up and be in the moment.
I have to confess…I’ve not been present lately. I’ve not been present with God in the way that I passionately desire; I’ve not been present with my wife in the way that she needs me to be; I’ve not been present with those I shepherd and lead–I’ve just not be present! I thought I was just having trouble focusing and concentrating, but now I realize I’ve been distracted by everything the enemy uses to pull us away from a “presence” with God.

Maybe you’re experiencing the same thing (I think most of us do in different ways)! But have you noticed, like I have, that when you attempt to focus on being present (especially with God), even more distractions seem to come up? And then you end up giving “presence” to them, instead of the things of God. It’s frustrating!

I was listening to Francis Chan’s Catalyst presentation today, and one question he asked hit me for the first time…again (isn’t it amazing how hard-headed we can be in learning something?): Does anything else matter than being completely present with God?

Of course, the answer is “no!” As I think about it (again), when that relationship takes precedence in my life, my presence with all the other relationships naturally fall in place behind. Why? Because God cares about those he has placed in my life…all their joys, hurts, idiosyncrasies, etc. Being in His Presence bring me to the place where my heart breaks for the things that break His heart…for the people HE cares about!

My prayer for you, and for myself, is that we would first Be Present with our Lord, and that the distractions of this world (whether in the form of material things or people or whatever) would be lessened. And as a result, each of us would be given the supernatural time, space, attention and place to BE PRESENT with God in deeper ways; resulting in a deeper presence with those God has placed in our lives!

Sometimes A Hard-Headed Servant!
Greg

Have you ever heard the expression that Church is a WHO not a WHAT? That saying has been around for quite a while. But in the last few years, you’re hearing it more and more. I think that’s because of a couple of things…

First, people in the western church are, for the most part, becoming dissatisfied and disgruntled with The Church having very little impact in changing the world in which we live. Yet, when we read the Scriptures, we see that God’s church rocked the world!

We’re hearing testimony after testimony coming out of majority nations about God’s work and the amazing things that the Holy Spirit is doing among his people to share the Good News. But not so much here in the Western world.

We’re reading more about being Radical Together (David Platt), being a Church of Irresistible Influence (Robert Lewis), the Missional Renaissance (Reggie McNeal) and being On the Verge (Alan Hirsch and Dave Ferguson); and all of this is stirring within us a sense of urgency and creativity that is shaking the church as we know it.

Put all of these things together and it creates one of two things: An urgency to do something and be THE Church, or a sense of “You can’t do that!” pessimism, and thus remain A church.

Second, I believe God is up to something by creating a “shaking of the tree” (so to speak) of his people. I believe that He’s saying, “Look, if you’re not going to do what I asked you to do, then I’ll put you in a position where you have to get rid of all this “fluff” and get back to the basics of prayer, disciple-making and reaching out; being my hands and feet to the things that break my heart!”

It’s happening where I serve! I’m watching disgruntled people who have had their feelings hurt for various reasons walk away, and I’ve watched people who are hungry and tired of being part of a church that acts like a club and hunkers down inside it’s walls, begin to pour in with new attitudes and vigor for the cause of Christ. It’s sad and exciting at the same time (More exciting than sad, I have to say. Now, some will read this and be offended because of a perceived insensitivity on my part…but it’s true, trimming the bush IS both painful and exciting.)

So, seeing the church as a WHAT is seeing it as something we go to; the place where programs takes place and religious services are provided. It becomes something that’s supported and we try to invite people to to join! It’s our paradigm understanding of Church.

But I think God intends for us to see His Church as a WHO. Which basically means that wherever you have the people of Christ, you have The Church. It becomes a verb and a way of serving and living in the world. It’s where everyone is a missionary, not just those to whom we send money, and life itself is a continuous mission trip. It’s where you and I are Kingdom agents in every part of our life.

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! I think people are beginning to understand! It’s hard…yet so worth it! Just ask those who are being THE church instead of being A church! They are beginning to gather and make a joyful noise!

A Humble, but Passionate, Servant of Christ!
Greg

Bothered Enough?
Have you been as bothered by the images from Northern Kenya that have been all over the news the past few weeks as much as I have?

I have to tell you that I haven’t been able to get them out of my mind! I see the sorrow and grief in the mother’s eyes as they hold the bones of what use to be their healthy baby. I see the blank stares of the hungry, lifeless children as they wait in line, hopeful for something that might fill their hunger, just for a moment. I hear the haunting answer to the question asked of a woman: “When did you children last have a meal that filled them; and she answered: “Two months!” Heart wrenching!

Scripture tells us that the poor always be with us, I know; but I wonder if we a Followers of Christ use that verse as an excuse to do nothing?

I know that many people believe the solution to poverty and injustice is to be more generous in our giving to those who spend their time reaching out to the poor. But I wonder if that is really the long-term answer? Probably not, since trillions of dollars haven’t made any long-term differences so far.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there is anything wrong in helping people get through hard situations in life! My wife and I do that all the time with our involvement with Christian Ministries In Africa and Two Feet Project.  I see long term commitments with Medical Teams International and Convoy of Hope; as well as with individuals and ministries in our local area.

I believe all would agree that the solution lies in helping get people out of poverty instead of being dependent on outsiders for their survival. That’s what I like most about working with and giving a shout out to the above organizations, and others like them…they do this!

Local initiatives by the people, local people creating jobs and starting businesses and local people taking responsibility for their lives is a great start. Then, God’s global community partnering with them to give the initial boost (in whatever way that is necessary) along with the necessary spiritual tools, life skills and freedom which will give them the power to overcome their poverty.

But I think our hearts would come together in the understanding that poverty ultimately comes from man’s fallen nature—let’s just call it what it is—SIN! It stems from broken relationships among people, and with God!

What will counter that and bring a defeat to poverty? The truth about God’s love for all mankind and the power that is found through Jesus Christ…the call to GO and Make Disciples!

A Humble Servant!
Greg

A young lady by the name of Sally relates an experience she had in a seminary class. It seems this particular professor was known for his elaborate object lessons.

On this one day of class, she walked into the classroom and knew they were in for a fun day. On the was was a huge target, and on a nearby table were a lot of darts.

The professor told the students to draw a picture of someone they disliked a lot, or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture!

One girl drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend!

Another friend drew a picture of his little brother!

Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. She was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved!

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some threw so hard and with such passion that their pictures were ripping apart! Sally looked forward to her turn, and was extremely disappointed when the professor asked the students to return to their seats as they were running out of time.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn’t have a chance to throw any darts at her image, the professor began to remove the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus!

A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered his face, and his eyes were pierced.

The professor said only these words…
“In as much as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.”

No words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

I don’t think any other words are necessary. I think I’ll just let this speak for itself!
A Humble Servant,

Greg

I was recently listening to a message by Charles Stanley, pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, and something he said caught my attention. Maybe you’ve heard something similar:

“When God speaks, often times His voice will call for an act of courage on our part.”

I began thinking of the calls that God has placed on me throughout my life…Follower of Christ, husband, father, pastor, missionary, friend, mentor, leader, and most recently the calling of grandfather (sorry, I couldn’t resist bragging).

 Then I went back and listed the courage that was needed at specific times under each one of those callings.

Frankly, I was amazed! I found that I was much more brave than I thought! At least in some things. But I also was just as surprised to see how cowardly I was in others! Regardless, I now understand that in each calling there have been necessary acts of courage required.

I don’t think there has been as much courage required of me in my life as there has been in the last couple of years. You see, my life is experiencing a deeper burden for this world, for people who don’t take their walk with Christ seriously, for those who are displaced and hurting because of other men’s misdeeds and self-centered decision-making. But with that burden, I’m realizing that it takes an unbelievable amount of courage to face those realities and do something about them. Courage from me and courage from us as followers of Christ!

I’m not talking about riding out on a white horse and solving all of these issues; I’m talking about sacrificially doing SOMETHING in the name of Christ!

 In Psalm 72:12-14 it says:
“He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will redeem the from     oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.”

How does God do these things? You guessed it…he called YOU! He called ME! He called US to be Bridges of Life and Hope!

 God cares for the needy, the afflicted, and the weak because they are precious to him. If God feels so strongly about these needy ones, and loves them so  deeply, how can you and I ignore their plight, or the call? If God has called us to be used as the “rescue” and “help” and those who “redeem” the lives that  are precious to Him, then undoubtedly, many acts of courage are going to be necessary.

I guess it’s time to evaluate…
How well are we doing with our calling?

How courageous are we?

Give us the courage necessary Lord to do your calling!
A Humble (Yet willing to be courageous) Servant!
Greg

On his blog site, Todd Rhoades showed this cartoon under the title The Instructions of Jesus. It got me thinking in terms of building Life Bridges through the instructions Jesus gives us as his followers.

Every Wednesday night a group of about 15-20 people gather with me and my wife in our home. We recently began this group, not for the reason of fellowship (although that takes place); not for the reason of Bible study (although much scripture is read); and not for the reason of planting a church.

No, the reason we meet came out of a common desire to pray about being completely sold out to the instructions of God; about being THE Church in our world rather than just A church on a corner. We agreed to come together without any predetermined mindsets, and simply look to God for how that played out in our personal lives, and our corporate lives as The Church!

To be quite honest, it’s been refreshing! Because, as the cartoon by Mr. Hayward suggests, those of us in the western world, who call ourselves disciples (The Church), haven’t exactly been the greatest witness to the instructions and teachings of Christ. If you don’t believe that, then just ask those who carefully watch us on a daily basis! (Or read UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters by Kinnaman and Lyons. They did)!

With that said…this prayer group gets it! They know when man works, man works. But when man prays, God works. And God is working! In fact, here at Central, I would say the vast majority of those who worship and serve along side each other, get it! They are understanding that God instructs and equips them to be his witness to a world that is dying of hunger, disease, poverty, injustice, and ignorance of Christ. I think they would do anything necessary to bring Christ to others in tangible and affective ways. I think most would sacrifice and give of themselves so God is glorified in the world!

So how would I answer the question: How Are We Doing? Well, at Central, I would give us an 7 on a scale of 10. How is this new prayer team doing? I would give them an 8. We’re doing some great things for the glory of God, beginning with prayer and praise! However, we can’t rest on that! We need to continuously check ourselves with the How Are We Doing question, and the question David Platt asks in his book Radical:

“How can we in the church best unleash
the People of God
in the Spirit of God
with the Word of God
for the Glory of God in the world?”

So, tell me: How are you doing? How do you think our fellowship of followers is doing? How is the Western Church doing? Maybe it’s time that we all get on our knees without any agenda except to completely (and without reservations) obey the instructions of God! It could be refreshing!

A Humble Servant!
Greg

Tomorrow something is going to take place in my life that has never happened to me before. It’s happened to millions of others, but not me. It’s brought joy to countless other men, but not to me. Not yet. But tomorrow it will.

In fact, that which is going to take place in my life TOMORROW is leaking a little bit of joy into my life TODAY; as I sit TODAY in anticipation of TOMORROW!

To be honest, it’s not a leak, it’s a flat out “Joy Flood” pouring into my life TODAY, in anticipation of TOMORROW!

OK, enough of the sappiness and mystery. What is this event that has never happened to me before? I’m going to be a grandpa for the first time. (Sheesh–I have a hard time even writing that without getting something in my eye! And yes, I AM too young to have a grandson!).

That’s right, tomorrow, my son and my daughter-in-law are having a son (naturally, it’s a first time for them too!) and I’m so excited for them, for both extended families, for our church family (although they’re probably going to get tired hearing about it) and for our adopted families around the world.

The First-To-Be-Grandma, my wife, sent me an email today with an excerpt from a book that I’m going out to buy soon. It was written in 2008 by Billy Crystal and beautifully illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles. It’s entitled I Already Know I Love You. Here’s just a portion:

I’m going to be your grandpa!
I have the biggest smile.
I’ve been waiting to meet you
For such a long, long while.

I have so much to tell you
Before you slide into home plate.
I already know I love you
As I sit right here and wait.

I’m waiting to show you everything,
Hear your giggles and your sighs,
See butterflies and monkeys
And clowns who cross their eyes.

I want to hear your heart beat
As you lay up on my chest.
Bait you hook, fly your kite,
help you study for a test.

I’m waiting to play peek-a-boo
and sing you to a nap…

Then the story ends with this:

Get ready little sweet one,
Your life will be just great.
I’m going to be your grandpa, and
I can hardly wait!

I’m sorry…I need to stop…there’s something in my eye!

A Humble Servant To My Family!
Greg

Richard Bach…If you’re old enough, you may recognize that name. It belongs to the author of the popular, 1970 book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

A story about a seagull who simply flew for the love of flying rather than flying to scavenge for food! It was also the book that inspired the movie of the same title; which made Neil Diamond’s song BE, a hit.

I’m not writing this blog about Richard Bach or his famous book (which I really liked, by the way). Rather, I’m writing about a quote from Mr. Bach that recently caught my attention:

“Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: If you’re still alive, it isn’t.”

Now, call me crazy, but if you’re reading this, then my guess is that you are alive (some may argue that assumption, but let’s just go with it for now). That would mean, according to Richard Bach, that you, and I, still have a purpose (or mission) here on earth. The question then, of course, is: For what?

I don’t know if Mr. Bach was coming from a follower of Christ perspective or not, but allow me to reflect on it from my perspective, which is as a follower of Jesus.

In Genesis 18:18-19 God says this about Abraham (look closely and see if you can see the “mission” that you and I are to carry on–I’ve provided some hints):

“…Abraham is going to become a large and strong nation; all the nations of the the world are going to find themselves blessed through him. Yes, I’ve settled on him as the one to train his children and future family to observe God’s way of life, live kindly and generously and fairly, so that God can complete in Abraham what he promised him.”

Did you see it? Our mission (as long as we are still alive) is to be a blessing to the world; to train our children and future family to live out God’s love and kindness (that means with words and actions); and, to give generously to those who are in need for health and the basics of life! Especially those who are ravaged by poverty, war and disaster. Why? So God can complete what he promised Abraham-that all nations will be blessed! We are an extension of God’s blessing to Abraham!!! It’s the original Great Commission!

The Test: Are you alive? If so, then you now know The Mission and you know that your part isn’t finished! Are you carrying out your mission of blessing the nations, or are your blessings only for yourself? God and the nations are waiting to hear how you answer that question!

A Humble Servant,
Greg

This morning I was browsing through some notes that I had taken while reading Mark Batterson’s book PRIMAL.

I do that often with things that have particularly challenged me so that I can keep my passion fresh and in line with God’s work in my life.

Anyway, I came across a paragraph that I think is significant to share with you.  It was one of those that caused me to reflect and answer some vital questions in my life.  Here is what Mark wrote on Page 28:

“What makes you glad or sad or mad?  What puts a holy smile on your face?  What causes your spirit to sob uncontrollably?  What make you pound your fist on the table out of righteous indignation? Somewhere in the mixture of that gladness, sadness, and madness is your God-ordained passion.”

These were not hard questions for me to answer!  I know what God has given to me as a passion.  The problem lies with the answers…there are too many.  Let me share just a few:

SAD…to name a few:

*Families and children who suffer and feel alone; without hope.

*People who need a little help to get back on their feet, but nobody will give it to them without a ton of paperwork.

*A world that has the ability to meet needs, but appears too selfish to work on them.

*People who suffer and need assistance because of things that are outside their control.

FIST POUNDING MAD…to name a few:

*People dying of diseases for which there are cures and simple answers!

*Refugees, orphans, widows who are displaced because of the selfishness and madness of war!

*Hunger in a world that has food enough for everyone, but we pay farmers not to plant crops because of price fixing!

*People in need because of events (disasters, death, war, etc) that have affected their ability to have the basics of life and people with plenty who hoard!

*Followers of Jesus who are too busy to serve others, give generously and sacrificially so that people can see the hope that lies in Him.

HOLY SMILES…to name a few:

*Smiles from orphans, widows and families who have been given hope and encouragement by a meal, or water, or a helping hand of some kind.

*Hugs given for the same reasons!

*Giving sacrificially of yourself and your resources; and the unbelievable joy that comes from that.

*Organizations like Convoy of Hope, Medical Teams International, Christian Missions in Africa, Two Feet Project, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Food for the Hungry, International Teams, The Galileo School…and many, many others who are serving faithfully the poor, the disenfranchised, the needy, the hurting and the hungry.

*Followers of Christ who are obedient to GO and DO, and the resulting Life Change that takes place.

Mark finishes his statement with this:

“Somewhere in the mixture…is your God-ordained passion.  Or maybe I should say COMPASSION, because you are feeling what God feels.  And once you identify it, doing something about it isn’t optional.  You can’t not do something about it.”

I sincerely hope you take time to answer the questions Mark asks.  Because, like me, once you do, you won’t rest because you have to do something about it.

Wishing you an unrestful period of life until you discover the passion/compassion God has given you!

A Humble Servant!

Greg