AUGUST 2004 ATTIC ARCHIVE
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Ø The Fruitful Life
Project…
Our staff at SLWC have
all felt compelled that our usual January-February 40 Days this year should
focus on Evangelism as a core issue we need church-wide teaching
on. Several problems have developed
since we felt that with such certainty:
1)
There are very few “40 Days” books in general out there – ones
that work well in a 40 Day study
2)
There are even less of those that focus on evangelism
3)
There are absolutely NONE that focus on evangelism in near 40
chapters that are basically “devotional in nature” (spiritual growth rather
than motivational/strategic – if you catch my drift)
4)
And FOR ALL TIME no book will really compare with Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, which we did
last year – and no matter what we do it’ll be overly compared to last
year. L
So last Spring we
started to brainstorm about creating our “own” 40 Days devotional book focused
on Evangelism that would borrow heavily from Rick Warren’s tried and true methods
as well as learning from our 7 year history doing 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting
at SLWC. In June I took on the role of
developing the concept and writing the bulk of that book, and have the basic
structure, direction, scripture focus and a few chapters under my belt. Feel free to peer over my shoulder here and
see where I’m heading with this idea: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. (By the way, I usually feel super-vulnerable
and icky about letting others see writing that’s not completed, since I’m a
perfectionist, so this is part of my writers-therapy J) [ ADDED
That link shows how far
I am on the idea as of last week. Basic concept: We’re all wondering what we’ll be remembered
for when we’re gone, and the thing that counts the most is Eternal Evangelistic Fruit… and Evangelistic Fruit is Expected for Christians… not optional. And there are things that cultivate a more
connected and fruitful life for the Kingdom – and they are focused on in the
book.
Anyway… I hope to move
into a “Discipleship causes Evangelism” type of paradigm for our church – or
perhaps even farther than that – meaning that evangelism and discipleship
aren’t two separate things in the first place (see the Great Commission for
evidence). Many of the chapters focus on
the things seen traditionally as “discipleship” categories (spiritual
disciplines, fruit of the spirit, biblical community values) but are actually THE
MOST important things when it comes to effective evangelism… i.e. “fruit.” So we’re teaching on “The Fruitful
Life.” I hope to see us do a companion
DVD and campaign for our church and some kid ministry and student-specific
materials that play off the same concepts.
A big mountain to climb, but as I recall when asked why he wanted to
climb Mount Everest Sir Edmund Hillary said, “Because it’s there.”
Well, it’s
there, and I’m climbing. Shoot
me feedback if you want to help me co-create some ideas for it. Cite the chapter you’re speaking towards
specifically. E-mail me at [email protected]
Ø iChurch Venue Launch Idea…
At our church we
have adopted a multi-venue model. We
have 4 services in 2 styles in 2 locations.
We hope to launch other venues in the future—so we’re always on the look
out for what’s next, in general in ministry and specifically for our
context. The latest brainstorm I’m
having is the idea of “iChurch.” It
would be a high-tech trendy type model very comfortable for those that go
on-line as much as they go out and want to experience church in a radically
different setting. So far I wonder if it
might be communicated like this:
iChurch at SLWC means even more…
interactive – our style is conversational and our method is
technical… we use a hand-held polling device each attendee is handed as they
walk in… they can “vote” on various conversations and issues raised during the
service.
internet – we
are highly connected through our www.slwc.org
website through the week… we use our own discussion boards, on-line polls and
internet communication as a part of our worship
images – we watch SLWC
teaching on video screens and communicate visually – iChurch is image-rich
interesting – shorter focused segments in our morning keep
your attention… each element is brief… and the teaching is sometimes broken up
to discuss the main points of the message around your table and in the larger
group.
investing – through relationships by sitting around tables
for discussion… sit with your friends or family or pick some new friends to sit
with.
informal – our worship is acoustic, our dress is
super-casual and our coffee is gourmet.
It “feels” like a coffee shop instead of a concert.
impacting – we have the same overall church focus and
direction as the rest of SLWC but with a high tech trendy feel…
We are developing people with a consuming devotion to Know Christ,
Reach the Lost, and Reproduce Disciples
So, do you want to
contribute an idea… or even an new or altered item for our “I” list? E-mail me at [email protected]
Ø Baptisimania…
Things are rocking at SLWC of late. We had a baptism service this Sunday and exactly
100 people signed up to be baptized and submitted their written
testimonies. WOW! Then Pastor Dennis gave a final appeal to
people to not let the moment pass if they felt like they should accept Christ
and be baptized too – and opened the door for those that had already accepted
Christ but had not yet experienced believer’s baptism. Another 60 people got up to be baptized
then! It was nuts. Crying.
Yelling. Everyone wet. Everyone praising. High fives.
A Jesus party for sure!
Best of all KATHY WAS BAPTIZED!
Kath had an infant baptism
and then profession of faith in the Reformed Church, but after the most
difficult time in her life she was invited to a small group with Dave Horne’s
ministry in Holland, MI. She recommitted
her life then but wasn’t baptized. And
then apparently all my appeals to baptism in our church plants weren’t as
compelling as Pastor Dennis’ this August! J Kathy was baptized first among that huge
crowd … I got to do it – and Dave Horne helped (perfect!) And all of her family and a few from our
small group were there to see it (perfect!)
Ø What Terry the
Custodian Said…
The custodian/groundskeeper/guywiththekeys that works for the
school system that let us use the Football field for the baptism service hung
around all morning. I was trying to get
to know him a bit before and after things.
After the 160 or so people were baptized he said, “Well, we could have
just turned on the sprinkling system and baptized the whole crowd.” We had a good laugh over that one! I mentioned some joke about free will in
return. I’m sure he thought I was a dork
pastor for that seminary joke.
Ø What Max said…
After the baptism service I talked briefly with Max and asked him about
“mommy’s baptism.” He was so excited to
tell me about seeing his mom Baptized.
(By the way, he really looks up to Dillon Horne--the previously
mentioned Dave’s jr. higher son). He
said, “When I’m big like Dillon I’m going to do that too!”
J
Praying that is so!
Ø Sacred Football Field…
One of the greatest parts about this baptism service was that we
did it at the Spring Lake Football Field right in the middle of our
community. It was great to do it there
for several reasons. First – it had way
more room than we have here – and there were a couple thousand in attendance, I
believe. Second – every time people that
were there Sunday go to a football game they will think of that day… a constant
reminder in an ordinary place. Third –
it will be a great way to pass on a testimony, saying “I was baptized right
there on the field, you know.” And
Finally – I also believe that we did a sacred thing in a secular place and that
took the battle to the Enemy! If there
is any spiritual “stronghold” in West Michigan it is the “religiosity” of this
place. Everyone is a “church person” or
connected with some church. But far
fewer people have a real relationship with God than attend churches. Of course, in reality 60% of the people don’t
attend church at all anyway (it’s true!) but every acts like they are a
churchperson. I think going out in
public like this and having 160 people being baptized of their own decision was
a real statement in our community. Those
people from all different family backgrounds and experiences were saying,
“regardless of how I grew up or what I’ve done in the past – I’m going public
with my faith right now in this bold step, and accepting the grace of Baptism
as an adult.” How cool is that!?!!?
Ø Busy Busy Busy…
Well, I’m definitely busy like a beaver. My schedule looks pretty insane of late –
back to back meetings like crazy. On
Wednesday I have back to back meetings starting at 6:15 AM and ending with a
meeting that BEGINS at 7pm – IN GRAND RAPIDS. I suppose that’s just church work
sometimes. I’m trying to cancel as many
meetings as possible but it’s been hard to since they are mostly one-on-one
meetings with PEOPLE—and that’s what I’m all about. If I can’t make time for people, then what am
I doing???
Here’s a picture of my
favorite niece, Princess Taylor -- Tom and Becky’s daughter (my wife’s
sister).
It was a Cinderella themed party and she loved posing for the
cameras. It’ll be fun to see Karina at
this age!
Ø Backpacking Weekend
Report…
Had a great weekend backpacking at Nordhouse Dunes—the only
designated National Wilderness in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Ian Swyers & Phil Shaw accompanied me on
the trip. It was sort of like a one last
“hurrah” for our summer – as these guys have slaved for me for 3 months as
ministry interns at SLWC. Our intern
program, directed by Dave Horne, is a really stellar program. Our intern crew from this summer took it over
the top. They’re all putting on a
service tonight at 6pm that I’m looking forward to.
FUNNY STORY = While I had nearly everything I could think
to bring for our backpacking trip I neglected to bring one key item = a
sleeping bag for myself. The one I
brought for Ian and mine look the same – so when I put his in the trunk I
thought it was mine. Luckily I had my
bivy – so I didn’t die. However, I got
close! Michigan nights are killer – even
in August at 150 feet above sea level.
Here’s some pics:
Ø When Everything is
“Sweet”…
The last week everything has been a succession of
misfires for me. Like an engine with a
few cylinders not firing—my timing is off, I think. You know the feeling. You show up for meetings on the wrong
day. People don’t show up for your
stuff. Every e-mail and voice-mail gets
mis-interpreted. No huge conflicts—but
the little rubs with nearly everybody on nearly everything start to add
up. I start thinking “Is there a conspiracy
against me this week?”
This was one of those weeks. Everything above and way more. I was really ready for it to end!!! One thing a few of us have picked up from
Phil Shaw is that he says “Sweet” to nearly anything you tell him. If you say, “Hey bud, here’s a free book” –
he’ll say, “Sweet.” But it’s a longer,
more surfer-dude style “Sweeeet” in a low voice. But if you say “Sorry, but you’ll have to get
me that report in the next hour,” he’ll still say “Sweeeeet.” We’ll, I know it’s 3 hours before you get up,
but we’re leaving at 6am – “Sweeeeet.”
Here’s 20 bucks – “Sweeeeet.” I
have a few pointers to improve that teaching you did, things I think you could
do a lot better – “Sweeeeet.” When
others might use a curse word, Phil uses – “Sweeeeet.”
But perhaps I could learn something from that. No mater what—no matter the
circumstance—perhaps my response should be the same. Whether verbally or not, my attitude
shouldn’t be dictated by circumstance and pressure alone, but by my longer term
context and position in Christ. So as I
finish this week where everything has misfired for me, I have only one word to
say…
Sweeeeet.
Ø What I’m learning about
Narrative Preaching…
Who doesn’t love a good
story? The Story Arts are all the rage
in the world today – films are the primary medium for people to communicate
their version of life, relationships, truth, politics, and anything and
everything else that strikes the fancy of communicators or audiences.
On July 18th I
gave a fully narrative message – all 1st person teaching from the perspective
of the Philippians Jailer (Acts 16).
I’ve never had such an overwhelming response to a message before. Now more than 200 people have said something
to me, written a note or e-mail, or called to express how much it impacted
them. What I’m learning from this
experience:
1. With
great risk comes great eternal reward. Too often I’m satisfied
to just do what I’m comfortable doing in my preaching. It’s no longer a big stretch for me to get up
there, talk about a passage, give some points and challenge people. To be honest – I rarely get nervous before
messages or about being in front of the crowd.
But this scarred the snot out of me.
I nearly wet my pants because I had to research, write then memorize so
much—and I really had to put it out there.
WAY out of my comfort zone! I
think God must reward that—regardless of HOW I take risks for Him, God rewards
THAT I take the risk.
2. That
coming alive to the text makes the text seem to “come alive.”
The Bible is not dead. Its
stories do not need a crafty preacher to wake them from the grave. WE ARE OFTEN THE DEAD ONES. Scripture is living and active. I found that once I myself came alive to the
inner world of what the Philippians Jailer must have felt – the passage just
smacked me around. I cried often during
my deep research times. Since that
Sunday many people have said, “You just made that story come alive.” I try to kindly correct the kind words
despite the sentiment.. the story was alive long before we were… I and you just
need to grasp it.
3. When
it comes to application… points are directive but stories are interactive.
There’s nothing wrong with a few points in a message, even a list – but
I’m learning that stories (Mine, yours, others, Scripture stories) allow the
interactive to be cultivated. People all
have different “Points” that the Holy Spirit brings out in a story. The Spirit tells them just what they need to
do or hear or see. This happens in all
good messages, I believe, but in a narrative message it’s automatic, because
you have no points in the first place.
The ownership of application lies in the hearers. Now go and do likewise.
4. That
truths need to be retold in story. There’s a Jewish Teaching
Story that goes like this: “Truth,
naked 
and cold, had been turned away from
every door in the village. Her nakedness
frightened the people. When Parable
found her, she was huddled in a corner, shivering and hungry. Taking pity on her, Parable gathered her up
and took her home. There, she dressed
Truth in story, warmed her and sent her out again. Clothed in story, Truth knocked again at the
villagers’ doors and was readily welcomed into the people’s houses. They invited her to eat at their table and
warm herself by their fire.”(Taken from Experiential
Storytelling: ReDiscovering Narrative to Communicate God’s Message)
5. That
people need a vacation from the ordinary. People just like
things to be changed up from time to time.
I think half of the impact of this thing for me this summer is that it
was: a) surprising—in that nobody knew how long I’d stay “in character”, b)
totally new—since no one had done that here, c) unanticipated—in that no one
told them it was coming in the first place.
6. That
I love researching a scripture story. I absolutely love prep
time for messages. Some people hate
prep. I could actually prepare messages
and then have someone else totally preach them.
And with stories I love it even more—because there’s always, “the rest of
the story” that God keeps revealing, through research into the culture of the
day, the language study, and the cross-reference work. And then there’s the “rest of the story” that
happens when my life intersects or in impacted by the story. Then it becomes MY STORY.
Those are a few of the things among countless others that I’m learning. Whew – it’s been touching my soul and
re-calibrating my communication philosophy.
You can check out the script to this message here: Stephanus
the Jailer
.
©2004 David Drury
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