Two Things, One Goal

I deeply desire to do two things for Jesus Christ in this world: 1) Make disciples -- people who commit their lives and learning to the way of Jesus Christ; 2) Make a difference -- feeding the hungry, clothing the naked....  Do you share this goal?

Making disciples and making a difference are things Jesus told me (and you) to do.  The Great Commission (Mt. 28:19-20) says make disciples.  The Great Commandment (Mt.22:36-40) instructs disciples to Live Love for God and neighbor.  The Great Choice (Mt.25:35-40) reminds us that as we choose to care for the least of these we are choosing how we treat Jesus himself.

You and I know how to do this much of the time.  Making disciples is about modeling Jesus' love in our relationships, and being ready to invite others to "come and see" more about this life with Christ.  As a church we know being ready with a few tools and steps can make disciples and make a difference, such as:  1) loving welcome, 2) early connections to new friends, 3) opportunities to grow deeper in faith, 4) service opportunities for all, 5) leadership development plans, and 6) Being positive and grateful.

I know I am always learning how to effectively do all these things in a rapidly changing world.  So I'm working with SPRC in building a June, July, August Study and Renewal Plan for the Church to address Making Disciples and Making a Difference.  (Sometimes you'll hear me say it, Wesleyan Social Justice and Holiness/Piety--that's how we've stated it historically.)  This plan will involve some intentional preachers and conversations here at home.  It will involve me visiting many other places who are good examples of making a difference and making disciples (not just one or the other, but both).  It will call us to reflection and some rest time.

I already know there are many of you on board with the idea and the passion for disciple and difference making.  I'm excited by the prospect of renewing our work together for Jesus' love in this world.  I'm open to questions and conversations about details.

How do you bring disciple making and difference making together in this world?  How can we, as a church, learn from your experience?  What will help us better do both making disciples and making a difference for Jesus Christ?

            10,000 Joys on this Learning Adventure with Jesus, Pastor Dave

PS.  Here's the Personnel Committee (SPRC) announcement of a related Summer 2016 Study/Renewal leave plan. 

Is Poverty a Non-Issue?

"Love God & Neighbor" -- Jesus

    I continue to be puzzled by poverty.  If we'd all do what we were taught as kids poverty would be a non-issue.  If we each were honest with ourselves and each other we would be far less likely to blame the poor for being poor.  If those of us who say we follow Jesus, took our imitation of Jesus seriously we wouldn't rest until those on the margins were treated with justice.  If....
     But I get stopped when I try to understand the complexities of economics, politics, and relationships.  I can see easily the inequities and problematic patterns of poverty , yet it's easy to justify my own inaction with relationships like family needs, politics that tap my self-interest, or fearing doing more harm than good in challenging economic realities.
    So the question is this, "Is poverty a non-issue?"  Because... it's not my fault...it's not my job...it's too big... or  we've loved one-another so well that it's gone.
    I would like to be able to give the "it's gone" answer, but that's not possible yet.   I'd like to say I never answer in any of the other ways, but that wouldn't be completely truthful.  Yet I would still like to work toward solving the poverty puzzle.  That's why I jump start my action with faith and  Circles, a cool national poverty initiative, supported by my church, that works to help people move from poverty to self-sustaining life;  it makes aims to give everyone enough money, friends, and meaning in their lives.
    That's why my wife and I work at living generously.  Like the strangers who have received lunch from my spouse.  Like, the tenth of our income that we plan to give away every year, as a minimum. So even when I fall short, I'm aware, growing, and, I hope, making a difference in my soul and for others.
    How do you deal with poverty?

Make A Difference, Speak Up on Health Care

Health Care.  Why is it so hard to care for everyone?  I get the political tangle, but it does honestly seem like petulant pre-nap kids in a sandbox.  I get that it costs money, but healthy happy people are far better defense than more bombs and deployments.  I get that people with money and power have always felt threatened or felt entitled in relationship to the poor and the powerless, but that has seldom helped the world be a better place for all...just a better place for the wealthy and powerful.

I still think that "love your neighbor thing" is important. I still think that whatever you do to the poor, the other, the least of these determines your destiny and your character.  I still think justice is important, caring for those who are less able to care for themselves.  And I believe that God loves us all.

I'd  challenge you to get on board and make a difference in the world in a way that will help you, but indeed is far bigger than you.  Check out the John 10 10 Challenge, sign the letter, get involved.  Make a difference.