The Disaster of (typical) Youth "Ministry"

((I posted this on my OTHER BLOG and felt I need to put it here; please read it carefully and do not misunderstand...I am NOT against "invitations" as long as they are not manipulative and clearly explain that "going forward" does not save; and that adequate time for counseling is given etc...but I am against long drawn out emotional fourteen choruses of Just as I am stuff...and, since there is no biblical mandate for "invitations" it is possible to preach/teach without giving a formal invitation)...DISAGREE? Then get involved by commenting etc...))

The front page headline on yesterday's USA Today read, "Young Adults Less Devoted to Faith" with the subtitle, "Survey shows steady drift from church life." These statistics mirror countless surveys over the last couple years and should not come as a shock; but they diagnose the reality that something is drastically wrong with typical ministry (which can, at best, only produce typical "Christians")...

As a three-decade-plus veteran of youth ministry I say, "duh." Anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear is not shocked by this article, but yet it also is patent evidence that much of what the church and parachurch groups do is simply not working.

If insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results; maybe a lot of our programs and activities can be liked to insane asylum tactics?

Thom Rainer, president of Lifeway Christian Resources that conducted the survey, states that of those surveyed who called themselves Christians, "many are either mushy Christians or Christians in name only...most are just indifferent. The more precisely you try to measure their Christianity, the fewer you find committed to the faith."

Here's what we should find most disturbing in the study:

Even among those in the new survey who "believe they will go to heaven because they have accepted Jesus as savior":

• 65% did not mention faith, religion, or spirituality when asked what was "really important in life"
• 50% do not attend church at least weekly
• 36% rarely or never read the Bible. Only 17% read it daily.

Only 40% of professing Christians feel it is their duty to share their faith.

SO WHAT IS THE MAIN PROBLEM? 

Why are we losing youth? 

• In many (most?) cases because we never "had" them. They may have raised a hand, gone forward, prayed "the prayer" (that is not found anywhere in scripture), filled out a decision form...but the reality is Matthew 7.21-23
• Most of those who have genuinely been captured by the Spirit of God have been programmed to apathy, had their "felt" needs met without doctrine, been living from big event to big event, but have not been mentored, nurtured, challenged to live out their faith 24/7 rather than anticipating the next concert, missions trip, or camp.
• The Biblical illiteracy of the church as a whole is deepend (shallowed?) in them. (Amos 8.11)
• We have not lost most of this generation because we challenged them too little. We've lost them because we've not challenged (yes, even demanded) more!
• And we continue to produce baptized pagans because we wimp out and refuse to be fruit inspectors

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Do what Jesus did! When trying to reach people of all ages with the gospel make it easier to say "no" than to say "yes." Can anyone really imagine Jesus turning to the crowd and saying "Every head bowed, every eye closed"? Why do we who want to see disciples rather than decisions all too often start them out in secret, "No one looking around..."

Please do not misunderstand or misquote me, I am not (totally) against the (very new to church history) invitation "system," nor am I questioning the hearts of any who are proponents, but any "witnessing", any "invitation" that does not stress lostness, repentance, surrender, and faith is not biblical and typically produce "decisions" that don't stand the test of time. (yes, God can still use these to His glory in spite of ourselves...but rarely)

And never should anyone be told...even hinted at...that "now you are a Christian." Or, in my mind, "based on what I heard you pray (or what you've said) you are now a child of God." That is the job of the Holy Spirit. The book of FIRST JOHN has a MISSION STATEMENT, but this mission statement is not that isolated verse, but "these things" are everything in First John that comes before...Let the Spirit of God, through  the written Word, give "assurance" of salvation in the living Word - The Lord Jesus Christ.

This is already too long...I invite you yell at me, agree with me, call me a works-righteousness dude, or whatever. But, for God's sake (literally) and for their sake, at least think about this ongoing disaster...

Grace in Crisis

(I posted this on my PUBLIC BLOG, but wanted to share it with you in case you don't check that blog out:

Brian and Sandi Kluth have been friends for almost thirty years. At one time Brian was on the Board of Headwaters Christian Youth where we served in Rhinelander, Wi. He has been active in politics, the pastorate, and now is focused full time on helping churches and individual believers manage the finances with which God has entrusted them.

Sandi has battled cancer for 7 1/2 years...and they were recently told that, medically, the battle has been lost, and she has only a few months to live.

What follows is a message from them that is a demonstration of "peace that passes all understanding." I urge you to watch it, and then come back and CLICK HERE to read more - the information they supply concerning how people can help is invaluable and worth filing away in case you ever ask the question in a similar situation, "How can I help?"

Take Time to Observe

This isn't support-raising related...directly...but since most of us are involved in youth ministry, methinks it is worth posting...your call as to whether or not you read it...It's from The Campus Ministry Guy:

The margins in my life have been pretty thin this year. 

Our family moved into a new house back at the end of August - yes, just as the new school year was beginning - not the ideal time to move... but we were so thankful to have the chance in the economy that we're living in.


Between this big adjustment at home, and the crazy pace of life that seems to define most school years, my margins have been thin... and one of the things that has regularly been pushed off of my daily page has been exercise.  I hate that.  And I've missed it (another post for another time).


Well, this morning I was able to get out for a run.  It's not the first time since we've been in this new house, but it was the first time I took this particular route.  I've driven this direction numerous times - it's one of the two ways out of our neighborhood - so it's a route I'm very familiar with... or so I thought.

It's amazing what you notice when you slow down.  

On my run today I noticed houses that sit back off the road just enough that I've never seen them before.  I noticed, for the first time, a creek that cuts back and forth under this street in several different spots.  I noticed the hills... OH, how I noticed this hills - so beautiful to look at, but something totally different when you encounter them on an early morning run.


All of this got me to thinking about our routines on campus.


If you're anything like me, your days are probably pretty full of meetings - with students, colleagues, administrators, etc. - and those times in between meetings can often easily be consumed with checking email, returning email, planning and prepping for what is next on you calendar... even the walks between meetings can be filled with checking in on our 'smartphones'... and there's something that doesn't seem quite right about it all.


I wonder how different our days might be if we created more space in our schedules... If we chose to intentionally slow down, make ourselves more mentally, emotionally and physically available.  I wonder how different our walks through campus might be if we chose to leave our phones in our pockets and attempted to greet students as we passed them (I recognize that about 99% of them will be on their phones, but... that's a whole other post as well).


We need to challenge ourselves to slow down.  To take in all that makes up the unique place that God has called us to... if we don't, how will we ever see Him at work, or know how to come alongside what He's already doing in that place?


So what do you think?


How thin are the margins in your life?

Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc....Worth the time?

As I type it is early on Bible Quiz Fellowship National Tournament Day 2...got up, read, jogged, and now reading emails etc. Even here in Pittsburgh a few adults and teens have said, "How in the world do you find time to tweet/facebook/blog etc in the midst of Nationals?"

As in anything, I don't find time, I make time by praying, planning, and disciplining myself to do it.

Is it valuable? Yeah, it is; but the point is it ministers. Daily I get communications that something I've shared (either written by me or, more likely, others) has ministered grace and truth to someone. Because of my "social media" time I have connected with people I'd never meet otherwise...for instance, the home missionary in India who is trying to work it out for me to fly to his nation and spend a week or two ministering. There is also a guy in Hong Kong who wants me to come.

But you are already busy..and whether you are a director, in the process of raising support, or "just" a worker "on support," (and though you may not see yourself as an "executive director" or "ceo", you are the boss (under His Lordship) of your life and ministry)I urge you to read what follows from Michael Hyatt

How Do Busy Leaders Find Time for Social Media?

On Wednesday, I made a presentation at Catalyst West on the subject of “Platform: What It Is, Why You Need It, and How to Build It.” When I finished, I opened my presentation for Q&A. Finally, after about 20 minutes of lively discussion, I indicated that we had time for one more question. Someone asked, “How does a busy CEO—someone like you—find time for social media?”

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/tzara

Great question. Frankly, I get this a lot.
On Tuesday, I spoke to a group of CEOs at the Christian Leadership Alliance on “Social Media and Your Ministry.” Different audience, similar presentation. However, because it was an audience of CEOs, the question about finding time was the first question out of the gate.

It is an important question. Why? Because increasingly CEOs, pastors, and other leaders are being asked by their staff, constituents, and even boards about their “social media involvement.” Most leaders I have spoken with, still don’t see the value or, if they do, know how to work it into their workflow. They already feel overwhelmed with their current responsibilities; they aren’t looking for one more thing to do.

Here’s how I answered the question on both days.

First of all, if you see engaging in social media as simply one more thing you must add to an already overwhelming list of responsibilities, it won’t happen.

Blogging, Twitter, or Facebook, can’t simply be another add-on activity. You and I both know that you don’t have time for one more thing. (In fact, if you are honest, you are struggling to keep up with what you have on your plate now.)

Instead, you have to see the use of social media as an integral part of your job (emphasis added by Jack). It has to be a tool that enables you to accomplish your work—your real work—more effectively and more efficiently. But what is your real work as a leader?

It probably includes a dozen things. It will be a little different for everyone. But here are five that probably should be on every leader’s list:

1. Raise your organization’s visibility. You can do this the expensive way by employing traditional, interruption-based marketing. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer people are paying attention. They are very selective about who they give permission to speak into their lives. This is why the use of social media is so effective. The only people listening are people who choose to follow you and become part of your tribe.
2. Articulate your organization’s vision. As a leader, you can’t do this too much. Vision is to your organization what blood is to your body: it gives it life. The problem is that it is difficult to be constantly articulating the vision to everyone. Besides, it’s not just your own people that need to know it. Your constituents need to understand it as well. Social media, particularly blogging, provides a perfect delivery vehicle for this.
3. Network with people can help you. One of reasons you are probably in your position is that over the years you have acquired a network of invaluable contacts. This is one of the secrets of your success—you’ve been able to tap into this network when you need to accomplish more than you could do on your own. Social media take this to next level. I have dozens and dozens of people that I now know, work with, and count on that I first met via social media. My network is larger and richer than ever.
4. Be alert to what your constituents are saying. Again, you can do this the expensive way by employing traditional market research. I still think there is a place for that. But there is nothing like understanding first-hand what your customers and constituents are saying. HootSuite, Google Alerts, and other tools give you that opportunity for free—in real-time. Like it or not, there is a conversation happening right now about you, your brand, and our company online. Social media provide an opportunity for you to participate in that conversation, learn from it, and even influence it.
5. Mentor the next generation of leaders. This is why I originally started blogging. I found that I kept dispensing the same stories and advice over and over again. Blogging gives me the opportunity to curate my best ideas, archive them, and share them with those I am charged with leading. Twitter is similar. I use it to direct my followers to links and other resources I believe they will find helpful. Best of all, these tools have extended my leadership and my circle of influence.

So, how do you find time for social media in your already busy life? By beginning to see them as tools that help you achieve your objectives as a leader. If you grasp the potential and connect it with your vision, making time for social media will be much easier.

A Case in Point

You know I'm a huge believer in Thank You notes.

You know I'm a huge hater of excuses, "I don't have time," "I'm too busy," etc. Get it done. Excuses are like elbows, every body has a couple...just like your newsletter..you may have to plan ahead, you may have to get help, but if you are "on support" your newsletter is, horizontally, your life line and thank yous are just polite.

I also use email, facebook, twitter, blogs and more to stay connected. i sent out a request to my "Prayer Update" email list earlier, and got this response from a long time supporter. He was my high school journalism teacher while we were both children-of-the-devil. He is one of my biggest supporters financially, and stays in touch with me frequently.

He also is a man of few words. I share this with you to let you know your people probably are much more willing to hear from you than you are willing to put the effort into connecting with them:


"Happily responding ........no one makes better updates than you....   helps us to feel engaged..."

Three Fears?

The folks at PEOPLE RAISING are dogmatic that the "only" way to raise support is to make face-to-face appeals. I don't concur (I have never made a face-to-face...which is NOT to say that is "the" way; but it is how I've been directed)...but the points made in the following are worth considering:

1. The Fear Of Asking For An Appointment.

If we were to choose our fund raising strategies based purely on convenience, many of us would be very comfortable just sending letters asking for funds; however, the most effective way you can communicate your passion and vision is to be in front of people. It is easy to identify all the reasons why meeting people face to face is valuable, but let’s focus on why it is difficult for people to ask for the appointment. It’s the fear factor the fear of not knowing what to say or how to respond to peoples objections, the fear of getting a ”no”, or the fear of offending people. Part of the solution is practicing making those calls. Practice responding to objections that you will tend to hear. Keep in mind that confidence comes from experience and the more experience you have the easier it will be in dealing with this fear factor.  

2. The Fear Of Asking For A Gift.

Here again negative thinking really tends to promote fear back within our hearts and minds. We are fearful that by asking for a gift it will turn people off, they will feel offended, they will never talk to us again, and the mind can run wild. If you want to be fully funded in your ministry, it’s important that you engage with people, challenge people and ask for the gift. Here again your confidence can be built up through experience and the more you can do to practice your presentation and role play it will make a huge difference in overcoming the fear of asking for a gift. 

3. The Fear Of Placing A Follow Up Call.

Here again negative thinking comes into play. We think that if we follow people up it will turn them off. Negative thinking tells that us that the prospect certainly knows about our ministry and about our need and then we rationalize that there is no need to follow them up. In my over 35 plus years of fund raising experience follow up, follow up, follow up, is one of the keys if you are to be successful in raise funds. 

With each of these three fears the good news is that they can be overcome. On your part it’s going to call for preparation, prayer and the willingness to go for it.

Vital Reminder for All Who Work with Youth

Good Doctrine Makes Better (Teenage) Saints

Download:  

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By John PiperAugust 15, 2007

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Here it is again. More evidence from surveys what the Bible makes so plain: superficial, non-doctrinal, non-serious Christians sin pretty much like the world; but more serious, more doctrinally oriented Christians lead lives that are morally distinct. Two years ago Ron Sider flagged this in his book The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest of the World?
Now a new book by Mark Regnerus called Forbidden Fruit: Sex and Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers gives the same bleak picture of so-called “evangelical teenagers” who sleep around as much as unbelievers. But again the book points out that “the 16% of American teenagers who say that their faith is ‘extremely important to their lives’ are living chastely” (Gene Veith, “Sex and the Evangelical Teen,” World, August 11, 2007, p. 9).
Some of you may remember what Sider said two years ago. But here it is again. The point is that what he said then has now been confirmed again by a totally separate survey. May the Lord use both these studies to encourage us that even though growing a church by serious teaching of biblical truth may be harder and slower, it does bear more radical fruit than less doctrinally serious strategies of growth.
Here is what Sider says the more radically transformed Christians believe:

These people believe that “the Bible is the moral standard” and “absolute moral truths exist and are conveyed through the Bible.” In addition they agree with all six of the following additional beliefs: that God is the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator who still rules the universe; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life; Satan is a real, living entity; salvation is a free gift, not something we can earn; every Christian has a personal responsibility to evangelize; and the Bible is totally accurate in all it teaches. (Scandal, p. 127)

Then Sider lists the kinds of behaviors this more doctrinally rigorous group tend to show.

They are nine times more likely than all the others to avoid “adult-only” material on the Internet. They are four times more likely than other Christians to boycott objectionable companies and products and twice as likely to choose not to watch a movie specifically because of its bad content. They are three times more likely than other adults not to use tobacco products and twice as likely to volunteer time to help needy people. Forty-nine percent of all born-again Christians with a biblical worldview have volunteered more than an hour in the previous week to an organization serving the poor, whereas only 29 percent of born-again Christians without a biblical worldview and only 22 percent of non-born-again Christians had done so. (Scandal, p. 128)

Sider concludes with a word that pastors and youth leaders should hear with great seriousness—mainly because the Bible teaches it, but also because Regnerus’s new book points in the same direction. Here is Sider’s conclusion:

[The] findings on the different behavior of Christians with a biblical worldview underline the importance of theology. Biblical orthodoxy does matter. One important way to end the scandal of contemporary Christian behavior is to work and pray fervently for the growth of orthodox theological belief in our churches. (Scandal, pp. 129-130)

Yes. Pray for sure. And work our heinies off teaching and preaching and modeling the Truth. And resist an entertainment model for youth ministry. And cultivate a joyfully blood-earnest atmosphere for worship. And call for our youth and our retirees to go risk their lives somewhere for the risen King Jesus. This is where serious truth-driven ministry takes us.
Growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus with you,

Pastor John

Die on the Right Mountain(s)

Since many of those who drop by here minister in what some call "Parachurch" (how I detest that term!) ministries, and since many of us are, ah, rather opinionated (to include me), this from Bryan Chappel serves as a useful reminder...and, from my perspective, in these days when people are arguing the very essentials of the gospel; dare we separate ourselves from those who hold to the basics though we may disagree with far-secondary stuff?

"We are called out of our separateness not to do as we please, but to direct our faith and practice toward the truths given to us by the testimony of Scripture. This calling also causes us to honor brothers and sisters of other churches and denominations who unite their thoughts and actions to Scripture. In doing so we must affirm that there are differences that are honorable but not vital; there are believers with whom we differ on matters important, but not essential; and even as were are correcting ourselves by Scripture, we are called to seek ways to come together with those who are with us in their testimony of one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. What we are not permitted to do is unite ourselves with those who have abandoned these truths affirmed in Scripture."

A Great Whatever You Wanna Call It

April 9 I had the privilege of sharing my "support/deputation" journey with about a dozen folks at various stages of the support adventure. A few had almost as many years as I, and some were just in the launch window. Most were workers in a similar-style youth ministry (although one that doesn't (yet) have Bible quizzing as part of their strategy...pray for them :)...

A young couple isn't quite sure (yet) where the Lord is leading them, but they are reasonably confident support will be in their future. A couple other guys were getting launched into a ministry focusing on the campus of Fort Hays (Ks) State University...

It was neat to facilitate/guide the discussion, and a discussion it was; questions were voiced, several of us offered our insights. I hesitate to call it a "seminar" or a "workshop," but I'd rather call it an encouraging strategic planning meeting.

I did not teach "how" to raise support, as if there is only one way. We did discuss various scenarios, and it was, by appreciation voiced afterward, helpful.

All that to say this: I am passionate about a few things...Jesus and His gospel; my family; Bible quizzing; and support raising. If there is any way I can help you in this journey; shoot me an email, facebook, pigeon, whatever, and I commit to do all I can to help you get on and stay on the field to which the Lord has called you.

And if you are a ministry head, consider bringing me to your turf for a day or two of "consultation."

The Vital Thank You Note

This, from Marshall Jones is good stuff. My line is, "If someone came to you and handed you a twenty (or fifty, or five hundred) dollar bill, you'd probably say something in gratitude. Do the same if it comes in the mail!

10 steps to the Thank You note habit

Written by Marshall Jones Jr.

Topics: Relationships

Photo by halfmortimer

Thank You notes are a lost art – I don’t need to tell you that. The habit is even less common. But Thank You notes are simple to write, and a blessing to receive (and send). So why lost?
Yesterday, I came across a brief post about Thank You notes. I’d been meaning to write about this for a while, but her mention of it tipped me over the edge (thanks to Mrs. Donnelson). With this post, I’d like to encourage you to send one (or two or make it a habit). I’m by no means an expert Thank You note writer. Take what you can from my suggestions, but mostly, start Thank You-ing.

1. Decide to write a Thank You note

If you wait for circumstances to prompt you to send a Thank You note, you probably won’t send any. Just think how that approach has worked for you in the past.
Instead decide up front that you’re going to write a Thank You.

2. Choose someone to thank

Again, I suggest this step before you even have a “reason” to thank someone. Choose someone based on who needs to be thanked rather than who’s done something for you worthy of thankfulness. In other words, who will most benefit from receiving a Thank You note? Choose that person.

3. Find a reason to thank

Only now, after choosing who to write, do I suggest brainstorming the actual topic of the Thank You note. Starting with the person instead of the reason can be a challenge when it comes to this step, but I think it helps you dig deeper into thankfulness. Here are three tips to guide you with your topic choice:

1. Thank for (seemingly) small stuff. The smaller the detail, the more thankful you seem. If you’re willing to write a Thank You note because someone let you “borrow” some staples, your thankfulness will skyrocket, and your friend will realize that you notice and really care.

2. Thank off season. Pay particular attention to sending Thank You notes when it’s not right after your birthday or Christmas. While I still promote that, I think it can sometimes just look like you’re promoting gift giving for yourself. Also, it takes away some of the spontaneousness of the Thank You.

3. Thank for intangibles. Try to thank for who the person is instead of what the person’s done. What I mean is, try sending a note thanking a friend for being a patient listener instead of just when you receive a free meal.

4. Get the address

If you have it in an address book, fantastic. Often in my experience, though, I don’t have the person’s address. You can look it up sometimes, but a strategy I like better is simply to call and ask for the address.
I like this because it builds anticipation. Call and say, “Hi, I’m writing you a short Thank You note but realized I don’t have your address. Would you mind giving it to me?” Now your friend gets to look forward to your note. Sometimes anticipation is just as fun as actually receiving the note. Just be sure to say “short Thank You note” when you call so your friend doesn’t expect a long letter.

5. Pick or purchase a Thank You card

If you’ve not written much in the past, you might have to buy cards. That’s a good thing, though. Choose a pack so you’ll have extras to send to others in the future. Pick cards that are versatile, so you can send them to anyone any time of year, but also be sure to choose cards that are “you” (that match your personality).

6. Write a draft

Yes, I know it sounds lame, writing a draft for something as short as a Thank You note. But do it. You’ll be glad you did (at least I have been). By the way, the need to write a draft implies you’re not typing this up in a word processor. I didn’t think you would type it but just wanted to be sure.

Format suggestion:

• Date: I forget this one too often, but it’s a nice touch to include. Write it in the upper right corner.
• Salutation: I suggest, “Dear Mr. (or Mrs. or Miss) ______.” I like the more formal style even if you’re on a first name basis because it reminisces of the days when Thank You notes were more common. But use your own judgment.
• 1st sentence: “Thank you for…” I’ve heard that you’re not really supposed to begin that way, but I’m like, “Whatever with that.” I think it’s fine. Stay short and punchy with this line.
• 2nd sentence: Unpack that first sentence by telling what exactly you’re thankful for and, if applicable, how you realized you’re thankful for it (see example below).
• 3rd sentence: Explain why you’re thankful and why the reason you’re thankful matters.
• 4th sentence: Repeat your thanks. I’m not sure you can’t repeat this too often in a Thank You note.
• Closing: If it’s to a relative, “Love” works. You can sometimes get away with it to close friends as well. If it’s to a Christian, you could write, “Blessings in Christ,” or “Your brother [or sister] in Christ.” If you really can’t think of the right words, just set off the fourth sentence (the repeated thanks) from the rest of the note and use it as a closing.
• Signature: Finally, sign the note. I like a simple first name.

I try to go for a very informal tone (except for that “Mr.”). Use contractions (“you’re” instead of “you are,” etc.). Use small words and short sentences.

7. Write the note

After you’ve edited your draft (if it needs it), write the note in your best handwriting.

Here’s an example:

Dear Mr. _______,
Thank you for being such a patient listener. I particularly noticed this the other day as I watched you interact with the children in your Sunday School class. They seemed to really engage with you because of it. Again, thank you.
Blessings in Christ,
Marshall

8. Prepare the envelop and pack the card

Address the envelop and put a stamp on it. Include your return address. Make sure the a stamp is current.  Pack the card and seal it in.

9. Drop the note in a mail box

I know I’ve had cards sitting around for a couple days for no reason in particular. Don’t do that. Get out and mail the thing (including the date in step 6 helps motivate you). ‘Tis a wonderful feeling.

10. Plan to repeat steps 1-10

Once you’ve sent one, make a plan to send another within a certain time, say within a month. Jot it down on your calendar. Recruit friends to keep you accountable on your Thank You notes (and encourage them to build the habit too). It will bless others more than you think. And it will bless you more than you think. Try it.
This is a fairly (almost ridiculously) detailed guide. Remember, though: thanking for anything is better than nothing. Don’t sweat it if you don’t follow these suggestions. Just write something. Just thank.

Serving Suggestions:

(1) Send a Thank You note. (You saw that one coming, right?)
(2) How about spreading this around? Team up with others to commit to writing a note per month or more (and don’t just write to each other). Watch your thankfulness explode.

One of the Most Important Things I've Posted...or Read

Many of you may be following the John Piper sabbatical story. If not, you probably should, since the stuff is hitting the fan in many ways (don't freak, he hasn't committed gross sin or been exposed). Perhaps some who read this will smile as he is being hammered for inviting Rick Warren to speak. (for more info, CLICK HERE)

 It may well be that some who drop by here also don't care for Mark Driscoll. Oh well. I trust that if you hammer him (or anyone else) you've at least read or listened to him, and, of course, written him a letter to tell him why you think he is off base rather than spread stuff about him?

But he and his wife comment wisely on the entire issue. I don't only want to be "in ministry," I want to finish well, and that means, among other things, being a good husband and dad. I urge you to read this with an open heart and mind. The links are worth examining also, to ensure you are getting the facts.(the yellow highlight is what most whacked me in the side of the head)

Eight Godly Precedents Set By John Piper's Sabbatical:

Mark and Grace Driscoll

Pastor Mark's Introduction

Dr. John Piper recently announced that he will be taking an eight-month sabbatical from public ministry to invest his full energies in the private ministry of his family. My wife, Grace, and I have spent time reflecting on what we can learn from the Pipers’ example. In particular, we asked ourselves how we can better love and serve one another and our children. My prayer is that other ministry leaders would emulate the Pipers’ honesty by seeking out areas in their own lives and families where God would call them to focus energies and get their priorities in the right order. Many marriages and children will be affected, I believe very positively.

Indeed, this act could be the most important message Dr. Piper has ever proclaimed.

In praying for the Pipers, I felt the Holy Spirit burden me to give some public reflection—but not my own reflection.

Rather, I felt compelled to ask Grace to write a blog from her heart as to what Dr. Piper’s decision feels like from her perspective as both a pastor’s daughter and a pastor’s wife.

The question I asked Grace to answer was this:
“As the wife of a pastor and the daughter of a pastor, what are your thoughts and feelings about the precedent Dr. Piper’s announcement makes for his family and the families of other ministry leaders who look to him for leadership?”

Grace's Answer

I was brought to tears and was extremely humbled by the courageous letter that Dr. John Piper wrote to explain that he is taking a sabbatical “because of a growing sense that [his] soul, [his] marriage, [his] family, and [his] ministry-pattern need a reality check from the Holy Spirit.”

This is a hard thing for any of us to do, let alone someone whom God has raised up with a public ministry, allowing his life to be exposed before the world. I am so grateful for the example he has set by this action.

Growing up as a pastor’s daughter and now as a pastor’s wife, I can honestly say that pastors rarely do this. The pressure to be all things to all people, and the lies by which the Enemy tries to persuade leaders can cause them to believe that church ministry IS their life. The Bible is clear about what God’s priorities are, but sadly, I have seen so many examples of pastors’ wives who are no longer the first love (after Christ) of their husbands.

I am thankful for the precedent and example that Dr. Piper and Noël are setting because:

1. It frees up wives and children to be priorities (1 Tim. 3:4; Eph. 5:28).
2. It allows the church and ministry to not be idols (1 Tim. 3:5).
3. It can give wives a new freedom to have this honest discussion with their husbands (I have seen many wives silenced or unsure of how to have this conversation when they have genuine concern) (Prov. 19:14).
4. It can give children a new freedom to have this honest discussion with their dads (I have seen so many kids of pastors feeling last on the list with the church at the top) (Prov. 17:6).
5. It urges us all to examine our priorities and make sure our Jesus, our marriage, and our children are the top three, in that order (1 Tim. 3:1–5).
6. It challenges the church to give their pastor the freedom to examine his own life and take a break if needed (Mark 2:27–28).
7. It challenges us to not idolize pastors or think of them as sinless, but rather see them as gifted, called men (under immense pressure) who need to be free to repent and be redeemed like the rest of the church members (Heb. 13:18).
8. It challenges wives to examine if they have enabled their pastors-husbands to become islands unto themselves (Gen. 2:18; Prov. 31:12).

Thank you, John and Noël Piper, for the courageous and humble example of what it means to BOTH preach the gospel and live it out in your life!

Pastor Mark:

And thank you, sweetheart, for sharing your perspective with others and your life with me.

Five Drop outs

This is from the "Body Builders" people...take it for what it is worth. Since I, personally, have been "on support" for over thirty years and have never done anything but what the first guy did (except be an exceptional athlete!), this again falls into my three main points about support:

1. There is no "way" to raise support (you gotta find what works for you)

2. Support-raising/maintaining is not preparation for ministry, it is ministry

3. Money follows ministry.

With that caveat, here is the stuff:

Support Raising Dropouts:
Five Who Gave Up

Whether it’s a long distance race or the support raising journey, it’s exciting, fun, even glamorous to blast off at the sound of the starting gun, but incredibly challenging to stay focused and endure all the way to the finish line. The kind of grueling perseverance required to complete the task reminds me of Walt Henrichsen, an old Navigator and hero of mine, who would issue us a discipleship challenge: “Men, many aspire…but few attain!” Here are the short stories of five individuals who, though well intentioned, apparently did not truly count the cost:

1. Bart: Being a prominent athlete, he exempted himself from spending the hundreds of hours on the phone, traveling, and meeting face to face with supporters. Confident the money would come rolling in by just sending a signed letter (and enclosed envelope), he was shocked with the pitiful response. After financially limping along for three years, he and his disillusioned wife finally departed for a “real” job and paycheck. Issue: Taking shortcuts

2. Jake: After 14 years in ministry and support raising, this key leader was worn out by the constant “demands” of having to create and send out newsletters, calling and thanking supporters, and spending time and money to visit them. As they gradually dropped off his team, he too faded out of ministry and into a job that didn’t require an “attitude of gratitude.” Issue: Lack of thankfulness

3. Julie: She was so excited about going into ministry and visiting all of her family and friends, knowing for sure they would all rush to be on her team. But, after a series of “no’s” from people she was counting on, she gave up, spiritualizing the situation and sharing that God had now revealed to her a different path. Barely out of the gate, she let a few obstacles and rejections completely cloud her calling into ministry. Issue: Lack of conviction

4. Richard: Stepping into ministry as a 40-something was a risk, he thought, but his “ace in the hole” was that he was part of a huge and wealthy church that would surely get behind him. He survived for almost a decade on large and sporadic “one-time” gifts, but failed to take into account how his wife felt about living on support. As the years rolled by (with ongoing financial instability), her resentment increased, and he finally felt forced to drop out and go back to work—just to keep peace in the family. Issue: Oneness in marriage and ministry

5. Dylan: Having been a successful salesman, he felt the call into ministry and (for six years) was willing to live at the decreased “salary” he was required to raise and live on. As he got into his 30’s, though, and saw a lot of his peers entering their peak earning years (and enjoying the fruits of their labors!), he too began missing the perks of a comfortable income and lifestyle. Finally stating he felt “led” back into the secular work world, he quit the ministry and returned. Issue: Lure of the world