Entertaining Angels

We are a divided nation in these days.  The issue is immigration; specifically who should we refuse to allow into our country.  It seems that every presidential candidate has an opinion.  Some have even suggested that we need to build a wall to keep out those seeking to come in.  It is not just politicians who have weighed in.  Not a day goes by without someone expressing their opinion on Facebook.  I must admit being more than a little troubled by the stance of many.  It should especially not be the case with many of those seeking safety at this time.  Many of the Syrian refugees are Christians who are fleeing persecution. 

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sister.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,

for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:1-2

I get a sense that much of the current reaction is based on fear.  People are afraid that we might allow in individual, specifically a terrorist, who seek to do us harm.  I can understand why those who are outside the faith might feel threatened, but as Christians we have no reason to fear.  We have a Savior who has overcome the ultimate terrorist, Satan.  Jesus not only preached but modeled hospitality.  He did not shy away from those he knew had the intent to harm him.  He even welcomed Judas, who ultimately betrayed him, to the Passover table.  “Love your neighbor, as yourself,” he instructed his followers (Matthew 22:39). 

In some ways we could learn something here from the Millennials among us.  Today’s young adults have grown up in a culturally diverse world.  There is a pretty good chance they have attended school with students from other cultures, and even different religious traditions.  In some cases those individuals might even be friends or coworkers.  Their experience has moved them beyond tolerance to a spirit where they now embrace those who are different.  For that reason I sense that they are confused and troubled by the stance that many within the church have expressed.  How can those who claim to be people of faith express disdain and fear toward those who are different?   How can we turn our backs to those who seek refuge in our country? 

I am left to ask the same questions.

People of Faith, not Fear

"The wise man built his house upon a rock."  It is a simple children's song that I recall singing many times back when I would lead Sunday School and Vacation Bible School worship.  We sang it again last Sunday.  Our pastor taught it to a new generation of little ones during his children's message.  He also had us gather in a circle for prayer at the beginning of the worship service.  We prayed for the people of Paris and those who grieve after the tragic terrorist attack.  Both the prayer time and the simple song seemed appropriate for this time when our world could be rocked again.

Note I used the word "could" when I reflected on the current terrorist threat.  Seems to me we have been down this road before; Oklahoma City, 9/11 and various mass shootings. Like everyone else, I can recall where I was, and what I was doing when the news broke. In each case I had a choice when it came to how I responded.  Each Christian faces the same option.  Do we respond with faith and hope, or fear?

In a time when it seems like one tragedy follows another, I still find comfort and hope in knowing God is in charge and the victory has already been won.  Even this "not so wise" man has built his home on the rock of Jesus Christ.  That needs to be our message and testimony in these days.  Our prayers need to be for the survivors and those touched by the tragedies, but there should no need for panic or mass hysteria.  Remember Jesus words, "In this world you will have trouble.  Fear not I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  I truly believe the strongest testimony we can give as Christians is found in the way we respond to tragedy.

We need to live in the hope of the Risen Savior in these days.  It is especially vital that children and teens hear words of grace and hope in these days.  If we respond with anger, or fear we are in effect denying our faith.  That is not the message Jesus would want us to share.  When the First Century disciples faced terror, they responded even louder with the Good News of the Risen Savior.

Why the Big Deal Over a Red Cup?

One of the latest flap on social media seems to be the decision by Starbucks to offer a simple “Red” cup during the holiday season this year.  Past holiday cups from Starbucks had featured snowflakes and evergreen trees.  Some have taken offense because they feel that the coffee giant is downplaying Christmas by offering a cup with no decoration.  Some have even gone so far as accusing Starbucks of “taking Christ out of Christmas.”  I must admit being a little puzzled over that allegation.  Frankly, I struggle to see a connection between “Babe in a Manger” and snowflakes.  Why the sudden offense?  Mainstream America has been downplaying the Christian theme at Christmas for years.  When was the last time you saw a nativity scene in a public park or municipal building?

To be honest, I can understand and even accept the cultural shift away from the "true meaning of Christmas".  When it comes to grasping the reason behind the shift, I need to acknowledge that our country is less religious than in the past.  I also need to recognize that we have become more diverse.  A certain percentage of the population comes from religious traditions that do not recognize the birth of My Savior.  I would not think of celebrating the birth of Mohammed, so why would I expect them to share the joy over Jesus birth? 

Instead of focusing on a “red cup” I believe we need to shift the emphasis to ourselves and our personal celebrations.  How do you plan to prepare for Christmas this year?  We are coming up on the season of Advent.  The intent of Advent is that it be a season of repentance.  It is a time when we contemplate on why the Savior had to come in the first place.  We are sinners in need of a Savior.   That Savior came in the form of a Baby born in a manger.  That should be a reason for joyful celebration, not finger-pointing and blame.  

One of the faults that Millennials have with the church is that we tend to be known more for what we are against, than what we are for.  From a biblical perspective that is “focusing on the speck in our neighbors eye, instead of the plank in our own” (Matthew 7:3).  My prayer is that we might be more joyful during this Advent-Christmas Season.  Our joy should not be confined to worship services and even family celebrations. If we attempt to live the “Spirit of Christmas,” perhaps the world will begin to see and understand the significance of Jesus birth.  Instead of focusing on “red cups,” we need to make “Christ the Center” of our Christmas.  

For All the Saints

I am writing this blog on All Saints Day, 2015.  In many ways All Saints Day is one of my favorite days on the year.  I view it as a very personal sacred observance.  Festivals like Christmas and Pentecost that I long to celebrate corporately, but All Saints Day is a quiet day of personal reflection.  I consider those who have gone before me.  Through their words and actions they have left spiritual footprints that I continue to follow today.   As I think about it, one of those spiritual giants created my appreciation All Saints Day and the entire liturgical calendar.   William Huener was pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Illinois.  Bill was my teammate for the seven years.  Bill had a passion for the liturgical calendar and perhaps my zeal for the festivals like All Saints Day can be traced back to him. 

Some of those saints in my life impacted me professionally.  Into that group I would place my departed friends Larry Brandt and Jack Giles.  Mark Diefenthaler is another individual who left an impact on my.  Mark was a college classmate and later a good friend in the ministry.  Mark’s professional ministry was cut short by a tragic accident that left him a shadow of his former self.  In spite of his limited abilities, Mark continued to try to find ways to share the faith. 

Other saints are departed family members.  My aunt, Phyllis Ulbrich, in particular comes to mind.  Aunt Phyllis was my godmother.  Since she never married, it was almost like having a second mom only I never had to worry about her disciplining me.  Rather, she would like me know in a gentle way how she was disappointed in me.  She was also the one who sent me care packages when I was in college.  My maternal grandparents, Ed and Helen Ulbrich, both left an impact on me.  Grandpa was always a listening ear and grandma the ultimate example of dedication and compassion.  In many ways I have two departed fathers; my dad, and my father-in-law, Gilbert Brown.  My dad tried to be friends with everyone.  He was also a great model of unconditional love.  Gilbert Brown was someone who supported and encouraged me.  He took an interest in my ministry, but was also quick to offer insights and gentle advice. 

Not all the Saints in my past were my elders or peers.  One who comes to mind is Margy Heyse.  I only knew Margy for a short time, nine months to be exact.  Margy was a young lady with a dynamic faith, a glowing smile and boundless energy.  Her parents were members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dundee, Illinois.  Margy had graduated from Valparaiso University but was unable to find a job in her chosen field.  As a result she had been the part-time youth director at Bethlehem until I arrived to fill the position full-time.  She continued to work beside me as a volunteer, until one day she walked into my office to tell me she wanted to go into full-time youth ministry.  That led to a position as a youth staffer for the North Wisconsin District.  Her term was short.  She was the victim on a drunk-driving accident in November of 1980.  Margy was had a contagious faith and one of her favorite expressions was, “We are Easter people and hallelujah should always be our song.”  If she sensed you were having a down day, she would try to turn things around through that expression.

 

My list could go on and on, and I am sure you probably have a similar list.  I would hope that you would reflect on those individuals and the heritage of faith they have left behind.  Those recollections should not be limited to one day a year.  I would also encourage you to consider what imprints you are leaving behind.  That is what passing the torch of faith is about.   

Change or Die: That is the Question

One of the respected voices when it comes to the church and ministry in a changing world is Thom Rainer.  Thom Rainer is the current president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  He and his son, Jess Rainer, wrote one of the early books on the millennial generation.  One of his most recent books is Autopsy of a Deceased Church. Considering that title, I was not surprised by one of his recent quotes: “Unfortunately, when faced with a life or death choice, most churches end up choosing death over change and life.”  The comment was included in an article on how an aging church can begin to change. 

My experience tends to reinforce that statement.   As I drive around north Dallas I see a lot of large churches that now stand vacant, or almost empty.  I recall a visit with one young pastor who had been assigned out of seminary to a once vibrant church.  As you drive by the church the facilities still look impressive, and include a large education building.  When he informed me that he had responsibility for youth and children’s ministry I pictured an exciting program teeming with kids.  I was shocked at his comments, “I have been there six months and am exhausted from searching the closets looking for kids.  They do not need a youth pastor, but they have always had one so I occupy the office.”  He went on to inform me that worship attendance averaged less than one hundred.  It was only because some of the members had deep pockets that they managed to stay open.    The neighborhood around the church has changed, but obviously the ministry of the church had not.

Resistance to change is something I know too well.  I spent most of my adult life ministering to teenagers and their families.  In every case I was called to serve in churches that had lots of history and tradition.  Teenagers tend to be agents of change, willing to push the envelope.  I was often perceived as the “front person” for that change.  Early in my ministry I found myself in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  I was serving the “mother church” in a town of less than 40,000 with five Lutheran Churches.  Talk about traditions!  That congregation was only a few years from holding its last regular service in the German Language.  It was into that setting that we introduced guitars and contemporary worship.  It was a rocky road but today Trinity is still a thriving church that offers contemporary worship, in addition to traditional services.

Thom Rainer offered some ideas on how aging church can reverse the trend.  The first tip sounds pretty simple: successful ministry in a church begins with the power of prayer.  The second tip also sounds easy: churches who are reaching young adults have seniors who are intentionally making relationships with younger Christians.  Two simple steps: Set a goal to change and then commit that goal to the Lord, then go out a seek relationships.  Unfortunately it often can be more of a challenge.  How do we build relationships with young adults?  I believe it starts with a change in attitude.  Think about it, you probably have contact with young people.  Perhaps they are coworkers or neighbors.  Others might be those we intersect with casually; the clerk at the convenience store or the receptionist who greets us when we visit the doctor or dentist. 

I would add another hint; stop thinking of every young person you meet as a potential church member and see them rather as a lost soul.  We need to move from the traditional model of church membership to a missional lifestyle that allows us to be Jesus in the world.   When we live that lifestyle it permeates other aspects of our lives.  In the end, that is what the church is.  The church is not a building, or even a group of believers.  The church is individual disciples of Jesus Christ living out the mission that He initiated. 

Millennials Vote for Bernie

As I have shared in the past, that while Millennials are not always politically engaged they will make their voice heard when the issue concerns them.   Presidential elections are just such an issue.  For that reason we need to take their opinion on the presidential candidates seriously.  So, how do you feel about a president who admits to socialist leanings?  That’s right.  Bernie Sanders is the leading candidate among young voters.  I had read one survey done by the Millennials website, Ypulse, and I thought that make sense because they are a voice for the young generation.  Now United Press International (UPI) has published the results of a similar survey that confirms the results.  Bernie Sanders garnered 54% compared to second place Hillary Clinton (26%).  That is pretty decisive.

The realization that we might actually elect an individual who views themselves more as a socialist than and champion of capitalism sent me back to my government textbook.  Socialism can be defined as any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.  Capitalism is just the opposite, with corporate or private ownership.  The fact that our nation was built on the free-enterprise, capitalist philosophy leaves me troubled when I hear the word “Socialist.”

So what is behind this strong shift to the political left?  Let’s examine the way that Millennials think:

They are the generation that has endorsed the legality of drugs, same-sex marriage and have created a competitive world through social media.

They want jobs, affordable education and security for their future.

The typical millennial is well aware that most politicians are full of hollow words, broken promises and they all have a certain flair for public relations.

In the final analysis; Millennials want more for themselves.  I recently heard one of my peers refer to them as the “Me-lennials.”  They want political leaders who share their value system and are responsive to their needs.  Bernie Sanders is the closest to that.  In fact, you could make a case that he is the only candidate who speaks to those under the age of thirty. 

Fortunately we are still a full year away from the presidential election.  I would like to think that the next twelve months are an opportunity to make a difference.  If you are uncomfortable with a political trend, now is the time to make your voice heard.  It does not happen through rallies that proclaim a more conservative agenda.  It happens through relationship with those whose opinions differ from ours.  If we have two camps that are on opposite sides of the fence shouting at each other, nothing will change.  In the end the loudest voice will win.  When we venture into the enemy camp and engage them in conversation (note I did not say debate), we have an opportunity to influence.  Get to know the millennials in your network and listen to them.  In the process, they might actually listen and respect you and your opinion. 

Generation Gap

I am part of a volunteer program that provides hospitality service in the Dallas-Fort Worth community.  Because of the time commitment involved most of the volunteers are senior citizens who are retired.  As part of the program we are furnished with our uniforms. Since I joined the program we have worn a rather traditional jacket, with an optional vest.  The primary feature, however, is a cowboy hat.  I have always enjoyed wearing the uniform and often get comments, especially about the hat.

 

About a year ago we were informed that we would be getting new uniforms within two years.  Recently we were allowed to see images of what the new uniforms would look like.  Last week I attended a meeting where we were allowed to make comments.  One of my male colleagues actually modeled a prototype of the uniform.  In my mind the new apparel looks sharp.  If the changes come to fruition the men will be wearing light gray business suits, with a white shirt and a bright orange tie, but no hats.   In my mind the women have a lot of options, one of which is a dress in a similar shade of orange as the men’s ties.  Alternatives are similar gray slacks or skirts with a white blouse.   While I sincerely liked the new look, many of my colleagues were not happy.  Many in fact were angry and borderline irate.  They like the traditional look of the current apparel.  One gentleman commented that with the bright colors (orange tie and matching scarf for the women), we looked like clowns.  In the process of the discussion it was revealed that much of the decision was made by younger members of the organization.  The motive was to update our look to appeal to the clientele we are supposed to serve. 

Based on my experience in attempting to help older adults understand the shift in culture, I felt compelled to comment.  We might be volunteers but we are still in the service business.  It is important for us to project an image that appeals to those we desire to serve.  What we are wearing should not be what we like.  Rather, we should consider what others find appealing.  Their needs should come before ours. 

As I think about it, there are some parallels between my experience with my fellow volunteers and the church.  I often hear similar complaints from older church members, referencing change.   How can we worship using that style of music, or how can we have a church without having a Sunday school?  Uniforms: What is this with our pastors wearing an open-collar shirt, and people attending church in jeans? 

The reality is change is going to happen, so deal with it.  If we only think in terms of what we feel comfortable with, we are going to have a dwindling audience to appeal to.  In the case of the church, we can only anticipate even more empty pews in the future.