#001: hearing AND doing

PLAYING TO YOUR STRENGTHS

Almost four years ago, Amanda and I made the decision to leave my staff position in a church in the suburbs to start a church in our West Cleveland neighborhood.  The name of that church ended up being Gateway West.  

One of the requirements to be church planters was a extensive assessment process.  We had a ton of surveys, inventories, interviews, projects, tests, and applications to complete to determine if we had what it took to start a church.  Somehow we passed.  I did not particularly enjoy the overall process but I'm a big believer that it is an essential part of church planting.

One of the biggest benefits for me personally was to learn about my personality, strengths, growth areas, tendencies, etc. in a bit more formal way.  One of the tools they used to determine this was the Strengths Finder 2.0.

Many of you in business will recognize this tool but for the rest of you, Tom Rath, the author, suggests that we often spend too much time trying to change our "weaknesses" instead of building on our "strengths."  He says that we are actually doing a disservice when we teach kids that they can be anything they want to be.  This simply isn't true.  We are gifted to succeed in specific areas.  

I'm not writing to promote the tool but you are welcome to check it out.  Instead, I'm using this long introduction to explain a change I'm making based upon MY strengths.  Upon completing the inventory, Strengths Finder 2.0 gives you your top five (out of 34) strengths and then provides detailed information on how to build on those particular strengths.

I recently reviewed the results of my inventory and had a bit of an aha moment.  Honestly, I hadn't even thought about the results since I did my assessment back in the fall of 2008.  I know.  Kind of sad.  So, my aha moment was that my number one strength was activator.  

I know.  Kind of weird word.  It simply means that I like action.  I'm the kind of person that makes things happen.  I can't stand inaction.  I get bored sitting around.  I have the ability to plan out action steps to accomplish a task.  I don't like just talking about something.  I'm like, "Let's go get something done."  Sure that has its downsides to it but I can see how this strength plays into my role as a missionary and as a pastor.  In my teaching and counseling, I always try to give people practical steps to apply Scripture to their lives.  I can take a project and break it down into manageable steps.  I can take our vision to our people and say, "This is where we are going."

I know you aren't suppose to have favorites per se but my favorite book of the Bible is James.  And the reason is because it is such a practical book.  It's not just theory.  It deals with everyday life of people who have trials.  That's me and most of the people I know.  And I love James 1:22.  He tells us that we aren't just supposed to hear the word of God.  We are supposed to do it.  We've got to put it into action.  If we don't then we are just deceiving ourselves.  And in chapter 2, James tells that our faith has to be worked out in action.  Being a follower of Jesus means

So, I've decided to play to my strengths and change my "catchphrase" from Ghramm Cracker Crumbs to hearing AND doing.  I was chided recently that I've only been giving my leftovers when I send out the "crumbs."  My goal is to consistently share God's Word in practical ways both on Sundays but also via my blog and weekly email to the folks at Gateway West.  I don't want the people I care about just to hear and know God's Word but to live it out in their everyday lives.

So, are you playing to your strengths?  Are you putting your faith into action?  What has God been telling you?  What are you doing about it?

Father, my desire and prayer is that You will use my strengths for Your glory and for the good of those around me.  Amen!

Prayer Walking Journal Entry #2

Two weeks ago, I posted that I was undertaking a fairly good-sized task of prayer walking the 16.7 square miles of West Cleveland.  We did this about 3.5 years ago as a Launch Team but God recently laid it on my heart to do it again.  I have made a commitment to go out for an hour or so on most Tuesdays.  Last week I couldn't go because I was out of town but I was able to go this morning for a bit.

When I go, I'm asking God to give me a challenge or an encouragement during my walking - sort of a theme for the day to remember those streets.

As I began walking today, I had to get some things off my chest to God.  Something is weighing on me pretty heavy right now, sort of a cloud.  Then I got to thinking about the weather.  It was a somewhat overcast morning but the sun was trying to break through.  That became my theme.  I was reminded that God wanted to push through the cloudiness over Cleveland with the power of HIS Son.

Ok, it sounds really Christianese, but it's true.  I prayed that God's will would be done in West Cleveland just like it's done in Heaven.  I certainly need a daily breakthrough of the Gospel of Jesus in my life but so does Cleveland.  I prayed for provision for my neighbors but that they would give him the glory.  I prayed for protection but that they would be grateful to God.  I prayed against worship of people, houses, cars, jobs, etc.  I prayed that Jesus would be glorified.  One life at a time.  One family at a time.

God, I continue to place my community in your hands.  Please give me and my family and our missional community great opportunities to boldly proclaim the truth and the love of Jesus Christ!  In Jesus' name, Amen!

I'll keep putting an invite out there.  If you want to go with me some Tuesday, just let me know.

By the way, thanks to Lottie Krabill and her missional community for doing some prayer walking over by RG Jones a couple of weeks ago.  Tilling up the soil for God to do something special in that neighborhood.

One more thing.  Say a pray for tomorrow's See You At The Pole!

Sep 22 Ghramm Cracker Crumbs

The Author

This last week, several staff members and I attended our second session of a missional communities learning community called SynergyEDGE at Rivertree Christian Church in Canton, OH.  I'm still trying to digest all that we learned and discussed during our 48 hours there.

Our church made a significant shift to missional communities this past May.  I won't take the time here to go into all the reasoning why we did this but I'd encourage you to check out this wiki article that describes missional communities.

Probably the most helpful book in our transition has been Launching Missional Communities: a field guide by Mike Breen and Alex Absalom.  Really, really helpful stuff.  However, one of the coolest things is that Alex Absalom lives just down the road from us and is the one leading the learning community we just attended.

While we were there, a church planter in Canton made a very good point.  He commented to the group that while he appreciated the book that Alex helped write, he appreciates even more that he has developed a close friendship with the author of the book and can meet with him regularly to get advice and encouragement.  This struck home with me because while I found great value in Alex's book, I have also really enjoyed getting to know Alex through the learning community.  I have especially been challenged by being a part of his leadership huddle.  He has answered lots of my questions and has gone out of his way to encourage me in ministry.

This church planter also pointed out that this is a great illustration of our relationship with God.  We must never forget that while we have the Bible, a book full of great advice and encouragement, we also have complete access to the author.  We can spend as much time with him as we would like.  He's always there to listen to us.  He will be our biggest encourager and closest friend.  He will guide us in our journey of life.

It's no an either/or kind of situation.  It's a both/and.  We have God's Holy Word but we also have access to God, our Heavenly Father.  We must spend time with God through prayer, confession, worship, thanksgiving, and requests but we must also spend time reading God's Word and listening to God through his Word.

My simple question - are you?  Are you connected to the author?  Are you reading, studying, and meditating on his book?

I'd love to know what you are learning in both!  Shoot me an email and tell me what God has been saying to you as well as what you are doing about it.

If you don't have a home church, come join us tomorrow morning at 10:30 am at Gateway Church West.

Sep 12 Ghramm Cracker Crumbs

Dear Gateway West,

For a moment there I gave in to temptation and desire.  On Sunday, I actually thought that the Browns were going to pull off a win against the Eagles.  But no, it didn't happen.  Surprise.  Surprise.  They lost by 1 point in the fourth quarter.  Our hearts were once again ripped out and stomped on.

As a somewhat self-proclaimed fair weather fan, I quickly thought, "There's always next year."  I know.  A bit cynical but it's true.  If I think this way, then I won't get hurt.  I'll be pleasantly surprised if they have a good season.

But let me point you to a spiritual truth in all of this.  As Cleveland sports fans, we truly believe, "There's always next year."  We forgive our teams unconditionally.  We show them mercy and keep supporting them no matter what they do.  We get over our anger again and again from week to week, game to game, and year to year.

Did you know that God is one of your biggest fans?  I know.  I'm a little uncomfortable saying it that way but here's my point.  Lamentations 3:23 tells us that God's mercies are new every morning.  I am very, very grateful for God's mercy, grace, and forgiveness.  My sin offends him but the blood of Jesus Christ has paid the complete penalty for that sin.  When we sin, it keeps us from having the fellowship with God that we were meant to have.

The good news is that God is a God of second, third, fourth and even more chances.  Certainly, we can cheapen God's grace with an attitude that doesn't care but the truth is - God is a Father who welcomes us, his prodigal children, with open arms even when we have run from him.

I have met a lot of people, even at Gateway West, who feel that they've used up all of God's grace.  Do you believe that?  It's not true.  You can start over today.  Do it.  Confess your sin.  Come running back to God.  He wants to fellowship with you - his child.  Don't give up because you think you are unforgivable.  It's simply not true.  God loves you very much and is full of mercy and grace.

I give God glory for the grace he has shown me time and time again.  Will you do the same?

Love you guys!

Pastor Dan

PS.  We'd love to have you worship with us on Sunday.  We've got several people proclaiming loudly that they are followers of Jesus by getting baptized.  It's going to be a fun celebration!  Hope you can make it!

Prayer Walking Journal Entry #1

On more than one occasion since we launched Gateway West, God has reminded me and convicted me that he is the one who changes lives, not me.  He has said, "Sure, you get to be involved in the process of sharing the good news about Jesus and helping people grow in their faith, but I'm the one who does the actual work."

I fully admit that it's easy for me to trust God with the folks who are a part of Gateway.  I care for them deeply but I don't lose sleep over their problems and issues because I've realized that I'm not their Savior.  I'm only a little s - shepherd.  They have a big S - Shepherd who does a much better job than I do.

However, for some reason (probably, no obviously, my pride), I don't seem to trust God as much with seeing people come to faith.  I tend to rely on good marketing, attractive events, fun activities, meeting needs, etc. to bring people to Jesus.  I'm not meaning to communicate that these are bad things to do.  They are actually good things but I'm strongly convicted that we can't rely on them.  We must rely on God to push back against the enemy in our neighborhoods and on the Holy Spirit to be softening their hearts for the good news of Jesus.  

One way that I believe God wants me to trust him more is to pray for my community more.  I've made a commitment to prayer walk the 16.7 square miles of west Cleveland (117th to the east, 90 to the north, metro parks to the west, and Brookpark to the south).  We did this as a launch team the spring/summer before our fall launch in 2009.  I got a big map of the neighborhood and used a pink highlighter to track our prayer progress.  Recently, I heard God say, "The pink has gotten a little faded."  

So, on most Tuesdays, I'm going to go walking for a bit (30-60 minutes).  I had wanted to start a few weeks ago but it didn't happen for a variety of reasons.  I finally got started today.

I also decided to do a little blogging of my prayer walking experiences.  It will help me track what God is doing through the prayer walking both in our community but also in my heart.

I started today somewhat in a bad mood.  To be honest (I am most of the time), Amanda and I were having a bit of tension just before I went out.  However, God quickly got my attention.  I started by sharing my frustrations - at home, on my street, in Cleveland.  I was focusing on all of the negatives.  I was asking God to meet this need and that need.  I was praying about all of the problems around me but I didn't feel like God was hearing me.  It took about half the route before I realized what God was saying.  He made it clear.  

"Dan, I see all the same needs you do.  I see all problems.  But shut up and trust me with those negatives.  Instead, today, I want you to see the beauty around you.  Look at the good in your neighborhood.  There are a bunch of believers on your street alone.  There are people who care about Cleveland.  They care about their homes.  I'm providing for them.  Most of these people have jobs.  There are lots and lots of families.  It's a safe neighborhood.  Look at my creation around you - the trees, flowers, lawns, birds, squirrels, dogs, and even the cats.  It's an absolutely beautiful day today.  Enjoy it.  The snow will be here before you know it.  You have emergency services just around the corner.  Your neighborhood has good schools.  You have community leaders who care and want to partner with you.  I want to do something special with your neighborhood and I might even use you to do some of that but you are going to have to trust me.  As you trust me, just keep praying that my will be done here on 136th Street as it is in Heaven."

So, that's my prayer.  God reminded me today that my attention and focus needs to be on him first and foremost and then I can trust him with the needs around me.

By the way, I'm looking for prayer walking partners.  If you ever have any time on Tuesdays, give me a holler.  Morning, afternoon, or evening - I'm flexible.   

Sep 5 Ghramm Cracker Crumbs

Dear Gateway West (or anyone who sometimes has conflict with another person),

Remember what I said a few weeks ago during my teaching on "Priorities?"  We asked, "What is most important to God?"  Based on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, we are to love God, love our neighbor, and make disciples.  Part of loving our neighbors is to love our fellow believers.  Jesus said that the world will know that we are followers of Jesus by how much we love each other.

I believe strongly that one of Satan's most effective tools to keep Kingdom work from happening is to get us to fight and bicker with one another.  He wants us be petty and gossipy (is that a word?).  He wants us to have interpersonal conflict.

Frankly, I think that Satan is succeeding to do some of that to degree at Gateway West.  There are times when I want to scream, "Why can't we all just get along?" or "Why can't we all just grow up?"

Notice that I used the word, "we."  That's because I can be a part of the problem sometimes as well.  I'm not putting this on anyone specific but I am saying that I think that the attendees and ministry partners of Gateway West have some "getting along" and "growing up" to do.

I beg of you to not give into some of these temptations.  Please, please.  I beg of you.  Do not Satan interfere in what God is trying to do.

Here's what I'm asking each of us to do.  Do some introspection.  Ask yourself some hard questions about your relationships with other people in our church.  Humbly ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal some these answers to you.  Here are a few to get you started.

Have I been making a bigger deal out of something than it needs to be?
Have I been gossiping?
Have I been talking about people behind their backs?
Have I been lying?
Have I been finding my identity in what others think about me?
Have I been overly protective of my thing (whatever that thing might be)?
Have I been afraid to confront sin in a brother or sister?
Have I been holding a grudge because of something someone said or did that hurt me?

Have I been putting the interest of others before mine?
Have I been giving others the benefit of the doubt?
Have I been putting God's kingdom first instead of my own agenda?
Have I been willing to submit to the leaders in my life?
Have I been willing to go to someone that I have a conflict with and work out your issues?
Have I been willing to apologize when I am wrong?

I'm sure there are more questions to ask but that'll take some time.

Let me say one more thing.  If you are offended by this email, then you are the one who needs to do the most introspection.  We all have growing up to do.  If you are not willing to take a close look at how you are treating others, then that says something about your relationship with God first.

Gateway West, I love you and I want what is best for God's glory and for our church.  Let's love each other and deal with any kind of conflict by speaking the truth with one another but doing it in love.

Please let me know how I can help.

Pastor Dan