who's your sherpa?

Over the past few years, I've been fascinated by the stories of those who've climbed the world's tallest mountains. From those who've reached the top of Everest or K2, to those who've completed the so-called 7 summits, the narratives of their challenges and accomplishments are riveting.

Last week on the radio, I was listening to a guy who is planning to climb Everest next year. He was joined by his Sherpa, Ang Dawa. This was notable because traditionally, climbers in the Himalayas don't meet their guides until they arrive at the base of the climb, and as instrumental as the Sherpas are to success, they usually don't receive the acclaim or publicity of those whom they guide.

I think this is ironic, because it has become universally accepted that climbing the Himalayas without a Sherpa is close to impossible. They are experienced mountaineers with an extensive knowledge of the area, and whose very physiology is adapted to the region. First time climbers don't have the strength, experience, knowledge or lungs to accomplish this feat by themselves.

My mountaineering experience is pretty close to zero. I have climbed the highest mountain in So Cal (see inset of me on Mt. San Gorgonio) at a lofty 14,499', which means that I stood a mere 17,000 vertical feet shy of the summit of Everest. Not so exciting. But I do see the value of the Sherpa. And I realize that in my walk with God, I've had a number of people act as my spiritual Sherpas at various times.

These are people who had a little more time with God, a little more knowledge of His Word, more ministry, more time in prayer and a willingness to help me get a little higher and a bit farther than I'd been before. Dennis, Rick, Craig, Drew and (of course) my Mom and many others have played that role at one time or another, and I owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

Unlike Everest or Denali, however, this climb of christianity doesn't have a summit. At every stage, with each new challenge, we need people who will help us, guide us and shoulder some of our burden. I'm not sure who my next guide will be, but I am actively looking. And I think it's a question that needs to be asked of all of us: Who's your Sherpa?

called or driven?

I'm currently reading Gordon MacDonald's devotional classic "Ordering Your Private World." The book has a tremendous premise: to their detriment, Christians (and especially pastors) tend to focus on the seen life, when their private lives are much more fundamental in their ultimate success or failure.

His message really hit home for me on many occasions, but the chapter which dealt with our motivation for Christian leadership hit me like a punch in the gut. MacDonald believes that some lead in response to God's calling, and some lead because they are internally driven. Some unfortunate symptoms he identified of those who are driven:

1. A driven person is most often gratified only by accomplishment.
(success is found only in a goal achieved, never in the journey or in lessons learned)

2. A driven person is preoccupied with the symbols of accomplishment.
(it only feels like success if others know and celebrate it)

3. A driven person is usually caught in the uncontrolled pursuit of expansion.
(there can never be enough success/accomplishment to satisfy)

4. Driven people tend to have a limited regard for integrity.
(ends justify means)

5. Driven people are not likely to bother themselves with the honing of people skills.
(there is usually a "trail of bodies" in the wake of the driven leader. "He's really hard to work with, but he sure gets things done" should never characterize the Christian leader)

6. Driven people tend to be highly competitive.
(self worth comes from besting others)

7. A driven person often possesses a volcanic force of anger.
(because his identity is in his accomplishment, anyone that might make him look bad can be the recipient of his sarcasm, biting remarks or unrestrained anger)

8. Driven people are usually abnormally busy, are averse to play, and usually avoid spiritual worship.

These are characteristics that I've often recognized in my own life. I think most driven leaders were called at one time, and at various points, they get off track (think of King Saul, I Samuel 10-31). What we need is to reacquaint ourselves with the voice of God and its primacy in our lives. We need to ask again some foundational questions: What's important to God? Who am I in Him? What are His metrics of success? And finally, what is God asking me to do? When we choose to move in response to His voice, instead of the urging of our ego, we'll find peace, confidence and true success.


"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had: Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross." Philippians 2:5-8.

pound it

Last week, amid all the last minute scrambling and politicking by Clinton and Obama, one moment caught my eye as being noteworthy. Just as Obama was getting ready for his coronation speech as the presumptive Democratic nominee, there was an exchange between Barack and his wife, Michelle. It was subtle, and appeared to be impromptu. They hugged, and then, warmly smiling at each other, bumped fists. Obama then proceeded to give his speech to thousands of worshiping supporters.

The moment with his wife was significant because it stood apart from much of what we've seen this year. For many candidates (especially the Republicans -- with Janet Huckabee as a clear exception), it seems like the year of the trophy wife. For the Democrats, the massively dysfunctional Clintons have claimed center stage. The Obama's relationship, however, has consistently appeared to be relatively normal and caring. Far from appearing staged, the fist pound was a snapshot of what appears to be a healthy marriage.

I can't help placing this moment alongside Al and Tipper Gore's very awkward mutual "face plant" kiss during the 2000 presidential election. In stark contrast to that unnatural and clearly staged moment, somehow it's reassuring to see a couple that can be comfortably affectionate in public. I think it's the same feeling a child has when he sees his parents holding hands. Knowing that the Obamas may very well be residing in the White House for the next four years, I'm glad to know that: 1. they're young enough to pull off the fist pound, and 2. that they still like each other. Even if I'm not in love with all of their political views, the Obamas represent levels of health and normalcy that have been far too often absent from the White House.

a great cloud of witnesses

This last weekend, for the first time since I can remember, I didn't attend church. Joy was raising money for Team Darfur by running in San Diego's Rock 'n Roll Marathon, so I decided to support her. Some might ask why I didn't join her in this overtly masochistic endeavor. I would remind those inquiring of the history of the sport. The man who originated the marathon, upon completing the 26.2 mile run, promptly fell over dead. I much prefer the role of supportive and pain-free boyfriend.

As I was waiting at mile 20 for her, I was impressed by a number of things. There were some great bands, awesome supporters, and the "running Elvi" were there in full force. But my immediate reaction to the spectacle was the one that has lasted longest. I couldn't believe how many enthusiastic fans and supporters there were. They waved hand lettered signs, rang cowbells, and shouted themselves hoarse. They weren't just standing at the finish line; they were stretched out over twenty six miles. And I could clearly see the effects of their cheers on each runner's expression and posture. When others are watching us, especially if they're encouraging us, we run better and farther. Joy said that she never would have made it without support and encouragement. I'm sure that was true of most of the participants.

As I watched these great fans yell and applaud for people they didn't even know, I was reminded of Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

I can think of a number of applications for this verse for me, for Christians and for the local church, but from my current life-perspective, one thought elbows the others out: can the local church look more like a rock 'n roll marathon? Can we be a little uninhibited and undignified in our encouragement of one another? If so, maybe our support will result in someone finding release from sin, or strength to continue when things are hard, or the guts to cast off something that's slowing them down. I think those are things I'd be willing to lose my voice for.

church leadership conference

I had the opportunity to attend a conference last week where I was going to meet with a number of church planters. I've always enjoyed hanging out with these guys; they are people who tend to be very creative risk-takers who aren't afraid to try new things. They have literally risked everything on the dream that they believe God has given them. The daunting task of starting a church from scratch also tends to make them great people of faith and prayer.

I went to this conference hoping to glean some practical advice about launching a church, and maybe to help me to decide if it's something I should pursue. Not surprisingly, God had something for me that wasn't on the conference schedule.

The first night, an Australian named Jossy Chacko (yes, that's really his name) spoke briefly. He felt that God had given him a vision to plant 100,000 churches in India by the year 2030. Honestly, I was blown away by the audacity of his vision. And, impressively, he's on track to fulfill it. I couldn't wait to hear more about his organizational structure, training and promotion.

The next morning, I caught him in the hallway. As we spoke, there were a couple of things that became obvious: 1.He did his homework. He had spent a lot of time and thought in creating a sound organization with Biblical discipleship at its core. And 2. His greatest concern with regards to church planting had nothing to do with a leadership model, promotion or organization. Instead, he talked about prayer, fasting, reading the Bible and seeking wise counsel.

I've had a lot of conversations lately regarding the topic of launching a church. Invariably, they cover the gamut of relevant issues, from demographics to ministry paradigms, through funding and promotion and back again. But when I talked to Jossy about my desire to start a church, he talked only about seeking God. He told me "If it is God's will, He will build His church" (Matthew 16:18). It would be easy to dismiss his advice as being oversimplified or culturally irrelevant. But Jossy is an educated, first world Christian with business experience and cultural savvy. He is also heading an organization that has successfully planted hundreds of churches in a part of the world thought to be completely inhospitable to the Gospel.

I would be an idiot to try to start a church without adequate research or organization. But I've committed to seek God's face and His will before anything else in this process. If you're a believer, I appreciate your prayers as well.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" Matthew 6:33

(more) tolerance for truth

For a statistically based look at this cultural phenomenon (see below), check out this article from the Wall Street Journal.

tolerance for truth

"God created man in his own image. And man, being a gentleman, returned the favor."
-- Rousseau

Historians tell us that in the second century, there were certain hot-button issues that were particularly difficult for new Christ-followers to believe. They could handle a guy walking on water or waking up dead people, but they couldn't deal with the idea that Christ was physically crucified (or that God could inhabit a physical body at all). In fact, throughout the history of the church, it seems that every generation picks up its white-out and decides which parts of the Bible it will collectively ignore. It's important to note that these omissions aren't related to scholarship. They don't come as a result of a more complete understanding of the original languages or by new archeological findings that give us better historical context. They're driven by cultural sensibilities. Simply put, there are parts of the Bible which make us uncomfortable. I had the same attitude towards my Mom and Dad in 1983: I thought they were good parents, but I would have felt a lot better about introducing them to my friends if I could have made them more cool.

In this generation, we face a similar challenge. Tolerance has become the ultimate value. When I was a Youth Pastor, I saw hundreds of students make commitments to Christ. Many showed devotion to God, a desire to learn the Bible and a hunger to serve others. But there was a disconnect when it came to the idea of absolute truth. Students could easily affirm the truth of the Bible and Christ's Lordship, but became very uncomfortable if that truth had to apply to others. This becomes especially clear in conversations about homosexuality and the uniqueness of Jesus as Savior.

We don't have to look very far to find the source of this tension. Our media and educational system in America have very openly and aggressively promoted acceptance of every lifestyle and belief system. Today's 20 year old has heard these messages consistently in the classroom, from TV, the radio and internet his or her entire life.

Unfortunately, this influence has begun to affect some influential voices among young evangelicals (Jay Bakker -- "one punk under God" and Spencer Burke -- TheOoze.com). These guys would never claim to be scholars; like many of us, they're just uncomfortable with certain parts of the Bible. But instead of trusting God's Word, they change it.

This reaction is as old as the Bible. Thankfully, the Apostle Paul gave us a warning and some good advice regarding this tendency. 2 Timothy 4:2-5

qualifying events

I've been spending a lot of time filling out forms to aid in my ministry transition (health care, 403b, unemployment insurance). They refer to "qualifying events" that allow me to make changes or receive benefits. Basically, they need to make sure I really did get laid off.

Interesting. My girlfriend Joy spent the last five years training for the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. Her entire life revolved around her training schedule and the aptly named trials. Though she's an amazing athlete with great discipline (check out this video of her rigorous training schedule), unfortunately, Joy didn't make it this time.

Getting laid off sucks. But as much as I wish I didn't experience passing the test of a "qualifying event," I wish that she had even more.

redefining christianity by bob dewaay

At any church, it's important that certain beliefs and practices are accepted as non-negotiables. Prayer, Biblical authority and communion certainly fit in that category. But over time, methods and preferences can easily slip into that same compartment in our minds. Even time-tested, fruitful processes and philosophies need to be questioned once in a while.

Which is where Bob DeWaay comes in. Redefining Christianity is a scathing attack on the Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren and by extension, any church that identifies itself with the Purpose Driven movement. Though I agree with some of his complaints, philosophically I don't know if I could have disagreed with him more.

Some of his accusations regarding Purpose Driven churches:

• they don't do discipleship
• they let unchurched people, not the Bible define their weekend services
• they misuse Scripture
• their teaching is more about man's wisdom than God's truth

There certainly are tendencies within the movement (though not necessarily in every Purpose Driven church) that cause concern, but there are just as many problems with a more traditional church model (lack of growth, few conversions, insensitivity to and disregard for the unchurched). The bottom line is, which approach is more Biblical and more fruitful? And which paradigm is better suited to deal with a quickly approaching post-Christian America?

I'm thankful to Pastor DeWaay. His book provided me with the opportunity to re-question many of my long held philosophies and practices. I found the book to be dismissive, poorly researched and the perfect addition to my normal diet of homogeneous ministry and leadership books.

"Conflict is the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory. It instigates to invention. It shocks us out of sheeplike passivity..."

--John Dewey

church shopping

As a staff pastor, it's usually very difficult to visit churches that aren't currently giving you a paycheck. So now that I have some freedom, I have a little bit of what you might call visitation constipation. Last weekend, I wanted to visit every church in the city. In fact, I went to three services, and heard four different sermons.

But I realize how difficult it is to check the consumer mentality at the door. I was taking copious notes, critically assessing everything from greeters to music to the pastor's choice of clothing (pretty interesting in a couple of churches). One church even had carne asada and mariachis. It wasn't until sermon number three that I caught myself, and just listened and tried to receive from God.

Two things I'm thinking about with regards to this experience. The first is pretty obvious: I've always been critical of the "church shoppers" that come through our doors. They tend to be demanding and overtly religious. I need to not be that.
The second, however, is something into which I haven't put a lot of thought. When I was a staff pastor, what was I doing to encourage this shopping mentality? When we put out glossy mailers, offer free food and jumpies and try to do all the church things better than our "competition," what right do I have to expect anything other than blatant consumerism? Something I need to think about.

quiet strength by tony dungy

I'm not usually a huge fan of sports books -- I tend to read a lot more ministry stuff and history -- but my girlfriend reads pretty much every athletic biography that hits the shelves. She recently handed me her copy of Tony Dungee's Quiet Strength. I felt like a little bit of a traitor reading it (the Colts do have a longstanding rivalry with my Chargers), but I read it nonetheless.

Part devotional, part inspirational sports story, Quiet Strength is a fantastic book with a lot to offer the believer, seeker or sports fan. While chronicling his coaching career culminating with his Superbowl win, he never misses an opportunity to offer self-deprecating insights or spiritual lessons learned. I wouldn't hesitate to offer this book to a sports fan with questions about the Lord, or for study in a men's small group. It even has a very Christian foreward written by Denzel Washington (who, by the way, is a fine looking black man).