Tuesdays with Morris

Recently, at a leadership team meeting, our senior pastor presented our leaders with the mission, vision, and values of our church. Basically, it was a time where he shared with us what God has placed on his heart for Center Chapel…a “where we’re at, where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there” time of sharing. In making this presentation, he continually pointed to the need for an outward focus for the church…a need for the church to take seriously our call to evangelism.

Then, in an interesting time of conversation, we heard many great and wonderful ideas of things people would like to see the church do in the coming year. However, as I listened, I was struck by how every single idea shared focused on the church in an inward fashion…it was all about how to take care of ourselves. The ideas all centered on making sure everyone in the congregation knows everyone else, that we take time to recognize each and every person/family, and so on. Now, let me make myself clear, there’s nothing wrong with that stuff. But, we had just heard the outward vision for the church and how it’s not about us…it’s about reaching those that don’t know Christ. I was thankful when our pastor stopped everyone and said, “Look, this is what I’m talking about. These are some good thoughts…But, they all focus on what we can do for ourselves.”

Yesterday, I started thinking about all of this again. Emily and I had just spent Sunday worshipping in a forward, outward thinking church. We enjoyed it thoroughly! Their vision is huge…reaching every person in their county for Jesus! Wow! And, they are taking the necessary steps to make that happen. It’s a church that gives you free coffee and even lets you take it in their sanctuary…And, they have carpet every where!!!

I was reminded of the inward focus of many churches…not just Center Chapel (as every other church I’ve served at has been the same way). Our church people get more consumed in what the church is doing for them, rather than figuring out what they can do for those that aren’t in the church. People are worried about whether or not we scratch up some paint on the walls or get a stain on some carpet rather than celebrating the fact that the building is being used. Don’t get me wrong; having a presentable building is important. But, we want people to feel comfortable…like they’re at home. We can’t have people being afraid to use the building or to be in the building. So, we need to take steps towards making those that have never been to church before feel comfortable. Not freaking out about the small stuff truly helps.

I’m just struck by home much importance we place on our buildings, when in reality the buildings just don’t matter!

Jesus called us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

See, it doesn’t say anything about having a nice building and sitting and waiting for the people to come. We’re called to go! We need to start putting more focus on doing things to make disciples of those that don’t know Him and less things trying to make sure they building is absolutely spotless. We need to turn from our inward focus and start showing some outward signs of our faith.

This past weekend, Emily and I were able to get away. We headed north to Amish country and had a wonderful weekend.

On Sunday morning, we went to church at Warsaw Community Church with our friends Scott and Deanna Greene and their son Aaron.

It was extremely refreshing to just go to church and not have any responsibilities…to just be able to worship and not worry about anything else! The praise team was great. The message was very good…focused, direct, to the point, filled with Scripture. It was one of those moments where we left and I felt like I’d been to church.

The time of worship reminded me of the work I need to help get done at Center Chapel. We’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to make a difference in this community. I’ll probably share more on this later.

On Wednesday, Emily had an ultrasound! The technician gave us an 80% answer that we’re having a girl. She said 80% is the highest percentage she gives! So, it seems like that’s what we’re having! Our baby girl looks healthy and all of her measurements are where they should be!!! No, we don’t have a name picked out yet…so don’t ask!

If the picture above works…it’s our little girl! If you look for her eye, you can make out the face!

This morning, I was reading through Luke 5. I was struck by the 16th verse that talks about Jesus retreating to the wilderness alone to pray. It reminded me that just yesterday, in the 4th chapter of Luke, I had read that “Jesus went out to a solitary place” (4:42). This was in the midst of his ministry on earth. He was busy teaching and healing the people. And yet, Jesus…the Son of Man…God in the flesh, took time to be alone to pray. He did what he could to get some alone time with His heavenly Father.

This struck me! It reminded me of the importance of getting away to pray. It’s vitally important for Christians to get away from the noise, the busy-ness of our daily routines to pray. The Message paraphrase tells us that Jesus did this “as often as possible.” Wow! As I’m sitting here typing, I’m hard pressed to recall the last time I found a solitary place, a time to wander out into the wilderness to pray. And, yet, I’m struck by a strong desire, a strong need to do this.

Where is your solitary place? Where is your spot in the wilderness that you can retreat to in order to be alone with God and pray? For some it may be a bedroom, a car, an empty sanctuary, an office with a closed door, a big rock on the shore of a lake…the location isn’t the most important part. The crucial part is that we are finding time to focus our hearts and our minds in prayer.

I like the following translations of the verse from Luke 5:

Luke 5:16:
“As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out–of-the-way places for prayer.” (The Message)

Luke 5:16:
“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” (NASB)

I was reminded of this verse earlier this morning. I think it serves as a reminder of how I need to live out my daily life…my life of love.

“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what GOD is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously–
take God seriously.” (Micah 6:8, The Message)

Lord, today, help me to “do what is fair and just”, to “be compassionate and loyal” in my love, and above all, to not take myself too seriously, but to take you seriously!