Looking back at the year’s top posts

Hey – everyone else is doing it, so shouldn’t I? No, but I was curious anyway.

Since today is the first day of the New Year, I decided to take a look back at posts from this past year. In all, there were over 9,600 clicks on specific posts on this blog. (When you add in 2008 numbers, we topped 10,000 individual clicks!)

The number one post? Marie Osmond’s “Christian” CD! To be honest, I was pretty surprised. Not only did it receive the most hits, it was more controversial than I expected. A number of people chimed in who were quite angry with me for doubting her faith. (To be clear, it wasn’t her faith I doubted, it was the “Christian” part that made me wonder. And, by the way, I am still waiting for answers to my questions…)

The second highest clicked post was Who is Lay Renewal Ministries? Of course, that made me very happy. It’s the reason we started the blog in the first place! Keep clicking on that one and let us know how we can serve!

The third and fifth posts were both related to VBS in 2009: Vacation Bible School in 2009 and VBS 2009. If you add together the various VBS posts, VBS was tops. We look forward to seeing what VBS 2010 receives and – more importantly – how we can serve you with these DISCOUNTED resources in the New Year!

The number four post was Tourette’s Syndrome – My Testimony as the Dad. In fact, that post was also slightly rewritten as an “Opinion Shaper” column in the St. Louis Post Dispatch West County Journal. It was an incredible blessing to see it reach an even greater audience and to hear back from so many people. Other TS postings were very popular – including a few about Tim Howard (a soccer – or “football” player) with TS. Many people were searching for information about him.

Anyway – that’s the Top Five. We’ll see what the New Year brings!

Thanks for reading. Thanks for commenting. Thanks for emailing.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

What is ministry after all?

I taped a couple of radio interviewsyesterday: Patrick Morley (Pastoring Men) and David Timms (Sacred Waiting). I always enjoy reading / hearing from Pat Morley. His roots with LRM go back a few decades. This was my first introduction to David.

Although they won’t post in our archives until after they air (October 2nd), I found one of the comments by David Timms especially interesting.

“Ministry is the overflow of our walk with Christ.“

There are many dictionary definitions of the word “ministry,” but that certainly isn’t among them. Maybe it should be?

The word ministry is noun. However, it is a noun that is the by-product of verbs. In other words, for ministry to be real ministry, we have to do something. If not, then what is the point?

And, to expand on Timm’s quote, the word “overflow” presents a visual picture. I imagine a cup – full to the brim and then pouring over beyond the limits.

Put the two together now. Walking with Christ so closely, so intimately that we are filled with His Presence. His Presence then literally pours out of our life in ministry.

What do you think?

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Visual Guide to Bible Events

I’m very excited to hold in my hands the newly released Visual Guide to Bible Events by James Martin, John Beck and David Hansen.

Visual Guide to Bible Events

David has been an LRM Board member, team member and coordinator for a number of years. Having been blessed to spend a bit of time with him over that span, I’m always amazed at his passion for Scripture and interpretation in light of culture and context.

(I don’t know the other two gentlemen, but James Martin is the lead teacher on LRM’s trip to Israel / Egypt in 2010. Since he and David have been friends coworkers for so many years, I’m excited about this opportunity too!)

Having officially received my copy and thumbed through several pages, I have to say that it is everything I’d hoped to see. There are stunning pictures, excellent maps, Scriptural references and solid connections to help in understanding God’s Word.

FANTASTIC RESOURCE!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

And, for those who think a review isn’t complete w/o a criticism, the book is too short. Iwant to see another 250 pages!

In, of and in-between – The Christian “world”

Perhaps I should add a touch more clarification to last week’s post – Death of a Christian magazine.

If “Christian-only” resources are OK, does that mean Christian resources don’t belong with the general mix? No, of course not. In the same sense that secular box stores can carry Christian materials they can stock material from people who are Muslim, Jewish, agnostic or atheist. After all, it is their business. I don’t determine their inventory.

In that same sense, a Christian artist doesn’t have to remain exclusively in the Christian realm. If artists like “Sixpence None the Richer” or “The Fray” wish to seek a greater audience with their music and testimony, PRAISE GOD if they are successful!

Isaac Slade (The Fray) shared that his “job” is to make the best music he possibly can. If it makes someone ask Why? then he can share his testimony.

All that said, the original issue of whether or not there should be “Christian-only” material still strikes me as rather strange. Why not?

God’s Word is for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2nd Timothy 3:16). Christian resource material is (or should be) also intended to help the believer grow towards maturity. Sometimes it is heavy, deep material; sometimes it is light and encouraging.

I used to shudder at Barbara Johnson’s (“The Geranium Lady”) material until someone told me how much it had helped them at a particular point in their life. LRM‘s founder and my mentor, Bob Fenn, told me simply “There is a right book at the right time for the right person.”

If you, whether a believer in Jesus Christ OR as a spiritual seeker, want to find something that will help you in your walk, you should be able to find such a resource. To break it down to the simplest level, if you want to learn to be a better plumber, read plumbing books. If you want to learn to be a better math student, read math books. If you want to learn to be a better Christian, read Christian books.

Don’t live on an island, but don’t refuse to visit one now and again!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Yes, I’ve been slacking!

Thanks for the emails but yes, I’ve been slacking on posts. It hasn’t been intentional, it’s just been really busy.

A few quick praises:

• Our number of scheduled Celebration lay renewal events now exceeds the amount held last year!
• VBS inquiries in the Resource Center have been growing!
• Drew’s doctors agreed to a few other tests on his Tourette’s. Hopefully their cooperative efforts will lead to some greater help for him.

Lots to do today! Keep praying – God is moving!!!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Mysteries of Moses

I’ve been getting ready for a Celebration of Faith (Lay Witness Mission) renewal this weekend and I keep coming back to Moses. (See also the blog post on March 23rd.) There is so much we know and don’t know about this ancient man of faith…

It’s important to study Moses from both an Old and New Testament perspective. There isn’t sufficient time to go extremely deep here, but the references to Moses throughout Scripture are numerous. A quick concordance checked lists his name specifically used over 840 times – 75+ of those in the New Testament – including the Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith.”

I do have a question and maybe someone else can help me out here. In Acts 7:22, Moses is described as “powerful in word and action.” But in Exodus 4:10, Moses describes himself as “slow of speech and tongue.”

This has been translated in the Living Bible as a “speech impediment,” but I don’t think the Hebrew really reflects that as much as the “slow” aspect.

Moses didn’t think of himself very highly. Remember – when he fled Egypt, he had just killed someone and expected the Hebrews to follow him. When they didn’t, it was probably a blow to his ego and a serious reality check of his “power.”

Could this simply be a flashing neon sign for us to recognize the need to rely on God’s strength and not our own? God sent Aaron to help Moses. Aaron did so and had a key role in speaking to Pharaoh and in the first three plagues.

However, after the third plague, God had Moses doing the speaking.  Was Moses beginning to see a bit more of God’s Power and Strength? Was he beginning to see what God could do if he was obedient and listened?

Does this make you want to see what God can do through you if you but let Him?

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Debating or Discussing your faith?

I was somewhat surprised to receive a comment from an atheist to the post yesterday. This blog is obviously open for anyone to read and I’m glad so many have taken an interest in reading it.

To be honest, I didn’t know the person was an atheist. However, I was curious about the phrasing of the response to my post about my son and his Tourette’s. I wondered about the responder. I found his blog on wordpress and read a few of his postings. While I don’t agree with him, I can understand a bit more of the person behind the response and why he might have asked the question he did. Unlike some atheists with whom I’ve attempted to dialogue, I will say to his credit that it does appear that sisyphus is NOT one who typically chooses to reply with vile and anger.  

[His blog “name” is sisyphus fragment. For those of you who may not be familiar with Sisyphus, he was the character in Greek mythology who was condemned to roll a rock up a hill. Of course, the catch was that the rock would roll right back down to the bottom of the hill so he had to repeat the process for eternity. ] 

So – I suppose here is the question – Should a Christian “debate” an atheist? In the strictest definition of the word, I’m going to respond no. (The word originally meant “to beat.”) That may surprise some people, but I don’t think that is a good use of anyone’s time. An atheist and a Christian have two completely different worldviews.

The biggest example is when a Christian will want to quote from Scripture while the atheist denies its validity. It is an arguement that is circular. [That being said, if this is your calling, go for it. I simply don’t think most are called or equipped in that direction.]

So – Let’s ask another question: Can a Christ follower have a discussion with an atheist? I think the answer to that should be yes. The reason I say “should be” is that there can be a very fine line between discussion and debate.

In debate, I think people want to see a “winner.” In a discussion, there is an exchange of ideas and information. I consider it to be a blessing to discuss things with other people. I know I grow when I have to take things to a deeper level or I am exposed to thoughts that I hadn’t considered before.

That’s why I am a part of Lay Renewal and why I love to discuss faith issues.

The crux of LRM’s ministry for 55 years has been to tell faith stories about the reality of Jesus Christ in the lives of people who follow His path. There isn’t anything “magical” or mysterious. It’s simply the stories of individuals who have changed lives as a result of following Christ.

If I’m discussing faith with another Christ follower and we share a passage of Scripture, I may grow from that person’s insight or experience. If we talk about something that has happened in our lives and how our faith made a difference, we may both be blessed and encouraged to persevere.  

It does NOT mean we are perfect. It does NOT mean we know the answer to every question.

It DOES mean that we believe God does know the answer. It DOES mean that if we persevere in seeking that answer, we will come to a point of understanding. It may not be the way we anticipated (or even like), but we will find an answer.

What’s the bottom line?

Keep discussing your faith. Don’t be afraid to answer questions but don’t argue in circles either. If a Christian OR an atheist asks a question about faith, answer from the Word. That is our foundation for faith and practice. If someone does not share that same foundation, talk to them as best you can. Share why it is your foundation and how it makes a difference.

Just remember to pray and speak in love.

God changed your heart. It is up to Him to change another’s.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Churches and the “I’m fine” Syndrome

I’m often asked what exactly LRM (Lay Renewal Ministries) is and does. Depending on the person to whom I’m speaking, the answer can be more or less involved. Since I know there are many degrees of reader familiarity, I’ll start with a broad brush in addressing how we serve leadership. Next week, I hope to address how we serve individuals. 

Of course, I’ll start with a story…

I was visiting a church one Sunday morning and mingling about during the fellowship time. While I was doing this, I overheard a woman speaking to a friend. She was relating how she had asked someone “How are you?” and the person actually told her! The woman sharing the story was befuddled and angry while I was confused. Wasn’t that the point of her asking? I guess not…

The response I’m assuming the woman wanted was “I’m fine.” It’s a safe response. It doesn’t require any effort or real reaction on our part.

When I talk to pastors or church leaders and ask them how things are going, the typical first answer is “Fine.” If I press the issue, the response can go a bit deeper – but usually towards the positive. I’ll hear the statistics on the “ABC’s” – Attendance, Building and Cash.

That’s not what I want to hear.

The real issue we need to discuss is two-fold:

• Are people coming to faith?
• Are people growing spiritually?

If the responses to those questions are negative or not what is desired, then we begin to delve deeper. As a ministry, we’ve developed a couple of tools that we have seen help churches identify some key benchmarks and set goals for helping believers grow in their walks.

The concept of benchmarks can be uncomfortable for some. Does this mean we are becoming “like the world?”

No. Paul was very clear in his letter to the church in Corinth that we need to grow. The progression of growth in a believer’s walk should be noticeable. In what ways? Here are three simple areas to set benchmarks and goals:

• Prayer – We move from a laundry list of our ‘wants’ to a seeking of God’s Will.
• The Word – We move from opening it on Sunday mornings to a regular reading and study.
• Application – We move from trying to ‘be nice’ to an active life of being the hands and feet of Christ.

So, how does LRM help in this process?

First of all, we approach each church as a unique church. (There are no formulas that will work for every church, so we shouldn’t pretend that there are!) Therefore, we speak with the pastor and leadership in an effort to determine exactly where they believe God is leading them and the church family.

We have a unique diagnostic tool we can use to assess and measure various levels of activity. (We do work with other tools also, but this is the primary one we suggest.) From this tool, we begin to prayerfully discuss and seek how they might move forward for God’s glory.

We meet with the leadership to begin to build or strengthen unity and focus. Depending on the situation, we may work through specific principles we find in our Biblically based leadership material (Basic Leader Training or Leadership Effectiveness Training). These principles are then applied specifically to the church in its unique setting and location. If these are not appropriate, then we take principles found in the Word and work to build a special program that will address where they are and where they hope to go as God leads.

I hope that gives you an introduction of the initial approach to discussing how LRM serves leaders in the church. Over the next few days, I plan to expand on the specific principles found in leadership development and training and how LRM partners with you.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

**See also the post on “A Story – SGCIS”

And THANK YOU too!

I can’t forget to say my thanks too!

Your prayers, encouragement and support this past year have been truly wonderful. We’ve seen tremendous signs of growth while also struggling through some difficulties. Throughout it all, you’ve been there!

We’ve served in churches from California to Pennsylvania and New Jersey to North Carolina. We’ve seen snow in Minnesota and sun in Georgia. God continues to use Lay Renewal to serve the Church.

I’d love to list out the name of everyone here, but I know that is not the right thing to do. However, I will thank our Board, the team in St. Louis (in alphabetical order: Diane, Jenny, Kathy, Lauana, Lisa, Megan, Nita, Ruth, Tom and Tommy), our faithful coastal Area Directors (Larry and Norris) and all of the coordinators, team members, prayer warriors and volunteers who so faithfully serve God through His ministry at LRM. 

You are wonderful servants of the Lord!

As we look to the New Year, please know that we are excited about the opportunities God is presenting. Please also know that we need your support to continue moving forward. If you want to be on our prayer team, let us know. If you are interested in volunteering your time or helping out with a project, let me know. If you can support the ministry through a gift, that would be a blessing too! We operate on a shoestring, so every little bit helps!

If you can’t give financially, PLEASE PRAY! God provides and we praise Him for it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

And here is the reason…

For our radio program, I taped a segment to air the day after Thanksgiving (11/28). We played some Christmas music and I read some passages of the birth of Jesus. It wasn’t fancy, but it was a blessing to read through the passages out loud and hear some of the variations.

I thought of that again as I looked at Luke 2:1-7. There are some different aspects that Matthew and Luke share. Being a bit more “Type A,” the historicity and details that Luke provides connect with me a bit more. However, the ‘personal’ side of Matthew (Joseph’s honor and courage) is also such a blessing.

Because I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, I find it wonderful that God allowed these men (writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) to ‘tell the story’ from their own perspective.

And, this morning as I think over the past year, I feel so blessed that God has allowed LRM to serve Him for more than five decades. For those of you not familiar with a Celebration (also called: lay renewal, lay witness mission, covenant faith mission, etc…), a team of people from different churches and even states will come to a church and share their faith stories. The bottom line message is always the same – a life changed by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

It’s the telling of the story that is always so different. One person may have heard of Christ through a friend. Another may have been raised in a church and made a profession that way. Sometimes it is a big event – sometimes a one-on-one encounter. Each person then shares what that difference has made in their lives and how they are trying to live out their faith today.

I love that God allows each of us to have our own story. I think it is awesome that He calls us to Him in so many ways.

But then I think about the end of verse seven and, in particular, the words “there was no room.” I’ve met many people who hear the knock, but resolutely refuse to listen or open their hearts. I’ve prayed for those who reject the Message. I’ve wept for those who, like Herod, are so caught up in the trappings of this world, that they fight and scorn those who choose to walk with Him.

But Jesus still came.

Jesus still loves.

Jesus still calls.

This Christmas season, I pray that you will hear the angels singing:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth

peace to men on whom His favor rests.

I pray that you will hear the knock and open to let Him in.

Yours in Christ,
Marty