Why I am Excited About the Future of the Church

I have just returned from three days in Phoenix.  Each February Christ Lutheran Church hosts the Best Practices in Ministry (BPM) conference.  I was one of the workshop presenters at the event.  One of my presentations was titled Generation Z: Why I am Excited about the Future of the Church.  If you would like to know more about my BPM sectional you can check out the next two issues of my Passing the Torch newsletter.  You can also wait a couple of weeks and then listen to the presentation in its entirety on the Christ Lutheran Church – Phoenix website.  All the presentations were recorded.

As I reflect on my three days in Phoenix I could easily change my workshop title to BPM: Why I am Excited about the Future of the Church.  I always come away from BPM overwhelmed by the entrepreneurial spirit of many of those in ministry.  The variety of ministries represented by both the presenter and vendors was impressive.  The Gospel is being offered in more varied forms to a more diverse audience than I could have ever imagined. 

The one common thread that seems to exist between all growing churches is an openness to change.  Our world today is vastly different than it was forty years to fifty ago.  The biggest difference is the post-Christian culture that exists today.  We have gone from an atmosphere that was open and accepting toward the church to one that at times is even hostile toward the Christian community.  That calls for not only unique ministries that are targeted to reach the lost, but a spirit of love and acceptance toward those who are outside the Christian community. 

Thanks again to the folks at Christ Lutheran Church in Phoenix for annually hosting this conference and continually make available at no cost.  I cannot wait for next year.  If you have never attend, I would encourage you to check it out next February.

Staying Healthy: Are Teens Missing the Point?

I’ve learned some hard lessons when it comes to taking care of myself.  A few years back the doctor informed me that I needed to make some changes.  I was a borderline diabetic.  Since then “diet and exercise” has been my mantra.  I have lost twenty-five pounds since that tough discussion.  An app on my phone helps me keep track of my steps.  I try to walk two miles a day.  I also try to keep a regular routine when it comes to sleep to insure I get at least eight hours each night.  I also try to surround myself with friends who support, encourage and keep me spiritually focused. 

Unfortunately, I am probably doing a better job than most American teenagers.  A recent study done by the University of Texas reveals that only 5% of teens are meeting federal guidelines when it comes to sleep and physical activity.  The study added screen time as a third criterion when it came to a healthy lifestyle.  The study was based on guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services.  The recommendation is for eight to ten hours of sleep per night, one hour of moderate exercise and two hours or less screen time each day.

I was not surprised at the news.  It has been over ten years since I was a high school counselor but even then I knew most of our students were sleep deprived.  Other than athletes, most of them led pretty sedimentary lifestyles.  Most students had cell phones back then but overuse of mobile devices was not the concern it is now.  Screen time is much more an issue today with all the phone apps and the access to tablets.

It is going to take a major effort to reverse the trend.  Perhaps the best thing that we can do as adults is to set a good example.  A word of support and encouragement to the teens and young adults in our lives might be a good place to start.

Lessons Learned in the Polar Vortex

I am in the tenth day of adventure in the frozen tundra that is Michigan in January.  I was supposed to fly back to Dallas on Monday, but Super Storm Jayden interrupted those plans.  The Polar Vortex arrived on Tuesday leading to a cancelled flight each day.  I was finally able to get a reservation on a return flight thru Atlanta today thru, but that flight was delayed meaning I would miss my connection.  Southwest rebooked me on another flight but I just got notice that flight is delayed.  Yes, I am frustrated and anxious to get home, but I am also grateful that I am safe and warm.  The bonus is more time with my family in Michigan.

I have always maintained the strongest testimony we can give as Christians is the way we react to the struggles, disruptions and tragedies of life.  Those could range from the inconvenience of being stuck in traffic for hours to the death of a loved one or close friend.  Amidst the ebbs and flows of life, the hope we have in Jesus remains the same.  We are safe and secure in Him no matter the life situation.  If those around us know of our faith, they are watching to see how we react.  If we are wearing a cross, or some other symbol of faith, how we respond to adversity will either affirm our testimony or repudiate it.. 

My family will tell you that I am not always the best when facing frustrating situation.  All too often I am told by my wife and kids to “chill.”  When pushed, I have been known to have a caustic tongue.  Perhaps that is why God is putting me through this ordeal.  I certainly have learned patience, and not to trust the plans of men, even Southwest Airlines.