I knew early this week I wanted to make some comments about the Elephant Room the day after the event took place. So here I sit, trying to figure out how to recap wisdom accumulated over lifetimes... and do it in a couple paragraphs.
It wasn't just food for thought, it was a buffet. I was surprised, however, that the conversations never got really heated. At first, I was a little disappointed, but then I was convicted for being disappointed that there wasn't a degree of discord.
But taking one giant step back and looking at the whole event, here is the real lesson: we need to talk with people, get to know people, before we judge people.
Most of what I knew about TD Jakes came from what I heard about him. But to actually hear him speak... honestly, he probably dished out the most heavy-hitting wisdom of anyone at the Elephant Room 2! He affirmed belief in Scripture as the inerrant, inspired Word of God, the Deity of Jesus Christ, and the atonement that comes only through Christ's finished work on the cross. My opinion radically changed about him. All because I got to actually hear from him. Shame on me that I formed an opinion beforehand.
Real lesson #2: let's think well of people serving the Lord in the first place and not assume anything until we have heard from them. Why is it so easy to disregard those whose methods, scope, and delivery are a little different than ours?
I am not talking about doctrine. We need to be as serious about the truth as the Lord is. But what I am talking about is throwing every ministry under the bus unless it isn't exactly like ours. Which is perfect. Because I never make any mistakes. Everyone should be just like me. Give me a break.
Real lesson #3 - someone at the ER said "People tend to act like their leader." I hope, for my sake, that is true. James MacDonald took some heat for holding this event. That blows my mind. The whole premise of the event is to sit down and have honest conversation with those who differ in theology and methodology. Why in the world is that a bad thing?! I don't get it. But despite the heat, James went ahead with the event. For that I applaud him and stand behind him.
If you missed it, DVDs will be available for sale at Walk in the Word in the not-too-distant future. Get them. And get on board with seeing the body of Christ as a bigger place than my little part of it.
p.s. - "It is easier to be a critic than a pastor." God help me!
Why I am Excited About the Elephant Room
I am soooo excited for the Elephant Room!!! I know, I know: some of you are asking, "What is the Elephant Room?"
The Elephant Room is a forum where noted pastors ,with radically different views on theology and methodology in the church can sit down and have bold and open (but in the spirit of love!) conversations. It’s not ecumenical, nor is it a debate, but it is frank discussions on hot topics coming from people on opposite sides of the ministry spectrum!
Round 1 was in March. This is Round 2, and the discussions begin on January 25 from 10:00am - 5:00pm at Pathway Church (239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, www.lifeatpathway.com).
The participants include (to date): TD Jakes, Jack Graham, Steven Furtick, and Crawford Loritts. There are no canned messages. These are the conversations you never thought you would hear! All conversations are moderated byJames MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel and Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church.
There will be 6 discussions at this all day event. Have a topic you want to see brought to the table? Go to the website (it‘s in the last paragraph of this blog) and submit your idea!
So why am I excited? Like you need another reason! But what really pumps me up about this is having these discussions face-to-face. How easy it is to criticize another person’s ministry and beliefs in a blog or from the pulpit! Why not sit down, in person, and not only get clarity, but also stimulate the thinking of everyone listening? Why do we do what we do? Why do we believe what we believe? Am I willing to have these things challenged? The end result is going to be strengthening my own beliefs, thinking outside of my own box, and have greater understanding for those who believe differently, even if I do not agree with them.
For details and to register, go to www.theelephantroom.com . The earlier you sign up, the more inexpensive it is! And lunch is provided on site! So register today. I know I am not going to miss this!
p.s. - There’s not really going to be an actual elephant there, it is only an expression.
Plowers Wanted, Full-Time, Every Need Provided, Retirement Plan Is Out of This World
We are in need of plowers. To apply, please respond to this questionnaire by commenting below.
Please select the statement that best describes you:
A - I am going to try plowing for a while. If I don’t like plowing, I’ll quit.
B - I am going to plow for a while. I’ll probably get bored with plowing or tired from plowing, so I don’t mind sticking around watching other people plow.
C - I plow my way. Nobody tells me how to plow, when to plow, or even where to plow. If you don’t plow my way, you’re lame.
D - I already plowed. I put in my time plowing. Let someone else plow for a while. Why do I always have to plow?
E - I think people who plow are stupid. There are much more fun things to do out there than plow.
F - Plowing needs done. I will plow. I will never stop plowing. Plowing is what I am supposed to do, and I find the harder I plow, the more joy I have in plowing.
What determines your answer? The issue ultimately is commitment to the work. Where did we lose our sense of commitment? We are quicker to sign a multi-year deal with a cell phone company or a satellite TV provider than we are to sign on to do eternal work with the King of Kings in His church.
Following Jesus Christ, serving Him with our very lives is not a part time job, a temporary job, a self-centered job, a progressive job, or a self-serving job.
It is a full-time, permanent, Christ-centered partnership to serve Christ.
Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
Are you fit for the Kingdom of God? Have you made a “no looking back” commitment?
Then let’s get plowing.
p.s. - no looking back
We Launched! … So Now What?
It’s in the record books! Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North launched October 2, 2011! The Lord showed up in a mighty way to prepare us for that day, and we are all so grateful to Him and this new work He has begun!
Despite all the hard work, the prayer, the giving… we did not reach a finish line. All of that was to get us to the starting blocks! The best days are ahead of us, as we make disciples of Jesus Christ!
The message launch Sunday was: Jesus’ Last Command is My First Priority. Jesus, Who has all authority, told us to go and make disciples. Look at your life right this minute and ask: “How am I making disciples right now?” If you aren’t making disciples right now, then you need to jump on board with us, right now. I mean right now. No need to wait. Call me, e-mail me, see me at worship service. Let’s get on it. Jesus calls us to this, it is a work that impacts eternity, and there is no greater joy than God at work through us. Do you really need another reason?!
So what is ahead for us? Here are a few things we want YOU to be praying about. How has the Lord equipped you to be a part of His work with Harvest Bible Chapel?
- Our Website - I have been updating it with news events, blogs, etc, but now that we have gone from Launch Team to Launched Church phase, we need to make an overhaul on our website. This is out of my area of expertise, so I am praying for someone to come and help get it updated. My e-mail is jmiller@harvestpittsburghnorth.org
- Our Worship Team - Sami and Laura Yacoub, our worship leaders, are working on assembling more musicians to be a part of our worship team. Has God blessed you with musical ability?
- Small Groups - November 6, we will be kicking off Small Groups. Harvest isn’t a church with small groups, it is a church of small groups. We want to see everyone involved in a small group. We want you to be pouring into others and allowing others to pour into you.
- Children’s Ministry - We want to assist all parents in the discipleship of their own children. While I am preaching, children can go to Higher Ground. That’s the name of the children’s ministry. I guess if you didn’t know that, that statement 2 sentences ago is pretty funny. While children receive age-appropriate Bible teaching, their parents can listen to the Word from me and not have to worry about distractions from kids (theirs or otherwise). We are calling on those of who have a gift to teach and a love for children to apply.
- Hospitality - Every service at Harvest ends with “You are loved!” We want to do everything we can to make sure people leave feeling that statement is true. Are you a “people person”?
We are anxious to hear from you as to how you are going to be a part of the work of the Lord!
What is coming up, sermon-wise? The next 4 weeks, we will be looking at the 4 Pillars of Harvest Bible Chapel: Proclaiming the Authority of God’s Word Without Apology, Lifting High the Name of Jesus Through Worship, Believing Firmly in the Power of Prayer, and Sharing the Good News of the Gospel with Boldness. Then we will dive into the book of Colossians in a verse by verse study.
Our theme this year: Jesus is First! With Jesus First in your life, come and be a part of a church where Jesus is First!
This is only the beginning!
p.s. - In all things, Jesus must have the preeminence! (Colossians 1:18)