Scaffolding

They don't talk a lot about scaffolding when you build a church.
But they should.
It's all about foundation, and infrastructure, and walls and decor.

But you can't build anything of magnitude without scaffolding.
It simply can't happen.
In fact, next to the foundation and blueprint, the scaffolding is the most important part.
You have to start with the blueprint. You don't start slapping materials together, hoping they will somehow end up as a beautiful, working, safe structure that's up to code.
Then of course you need that foundation. You need to know the rock you're building on. In fact, I'm told by my contractor buddy that guys in the biz can look at a foundation and can tell down to some remarkable detail what the final product is going to look like. It's not like one foundation fits all buildings- they are VERY specific.
If someone were to look at Connections foundation already, I think they could discern with remarkable detail, what our church is going to look and function like.

But still, they never tell you about the scaffolding.
There is certain "scaffolding" we put in place because we have to in order to build to the next phase- we don't have our office yet, but office work is being done. We don't have an intricate follow up process, but follow-up is being done. (I'll just stop there because it can be overwhelming to think about all the things we haven't built yet.) All of this is scaffolding as we build a bigger and better structure.

But what is most important is the human scaffolding. Some people, in fact a number of people, are there to help you build to the next phase. But they are not part of the structure itself. They help you build the building.
They are absolutely essential.
The work could not be done with out them.
But the time comes when their work is done.
They've served their purpose.
And the scaffolding must come down.

If the scaffolding doesn't come down, it continues to take the focus.
It remains the visible exterior of the building.
It obscures the real beauty and functionality of the building.
People don't know how to get in.
People start to think the scaffolding is the building itself.

I am eternally grateful for our scaffolding.
Our systems that are holding us together while we build.
But more so for the people that have held us together.
I'm grateful for the work they've done.
For the friendship we've built.

And especially that they see themselves as scaffolding.
That they willingly have let themselves be "torn down."
That they are now allowing others to see the building and learn how to get involved.
So far we've had only one really ugly "exit" from Connections.
Luckily that venom was spewed at me and not anyone else.
Everyone else has stepped aside on really good terms.

Don't let anybody tell you a building just comes together.
It takes scaffolding to get the job done.

A Culture of Connection

Transformers was the movie of the summer, but they didn’t even come close to Voltron. Most people have forgotten about Voltron- there’s no movie coming out celebrate their return. And it’s a shame because they were way better. There were five young men and women who came to planet Arus, searching the universe for habitable planets. Arus was held captive by the evil king Zarkon and his forces (evil always has a name friends). While they did not seek to be drawn into the fight, they simply couldn’t help it- they had to fight for the greater good for normal men and women. But even these young heroes were no match for Zarkon- until they discovered the five lions of Voltron.

To read the rest of this sermon go here.

Our First Babies!

That isn't me and Robin, and those aren't our kids.
It's Rick and Cheri Harbarenko and their kids, Colten and Mikayla.
And they gave me permission to share the news they they are now the first official CCC babies.
Actually, we've had two couples have babies since we started this journey a few months ago. But Rick and Cheri's kids were the first to be dedicated in a worship service.

They were invited to CCC by Nathan and Paula (Nathan is one of our worship leaders and Paula one of our Family Ministry Team leaders). After Rick and Cheri started coming out to our services they approached me to ask about dedicating their children.

There has to be a first for everything I told them!

I actually said it would be great- they became my main sermon illustration as we were talking about being interconnected as the body of Christ. This was the perfect way to picture it- a living example of connection: Rick and Cheri coming together, finding love, finding each other in this world. From their love sprung up new life. Then as a family of young and old, male and female, connecting with the church.

Throughout the bible, from the prophet Samuel all the way to Jesus, we find parents dedicating their children to God. We see this great history in which God honors parents who dedicate their children to Him, and He honors these children as they grow up in the family of faith.

In fact, we have this wonderful story from the life of Jesus:

“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16

This was the affirmation of faith and dedication we used in th service:

To the Parents:

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and do you confess Jesus Christ, his only Son, as your savior and Lord, and affirm the truth of the Christian faith as revealed in the bible and professed in this church?

Do you promise, in reliance on the Holy Spirit, and with the help of this church, to love Colten and Makayla, pray for them, instruct them in the way of Jesus and involve them with the community of faith in the hope that they will each confess Christ as his and her own savior and Lord, and be baptized into the body of Christ?

Do you freely and wholeheartedly now dedicate Colten and Makayla that they belong, in body and soul, in life and in death, to Jesus Christ?

Then the blessing of the children:

“_________, you are part of the body of Christ- a child of God, marked by Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit. May the Lord bless you and keep you.“

After the service I was approached about baptism by a young woman...maybe there really is something to planting churches that changes lives!

Happy Thanksgiving

In one way everything in the world seems wrong today- it's thanksgiving, but it's not.
My circadian rhythm tells me I should be eating deep fried turkey, and watching football. I was supposed to wake up early, run the Turkey Trot and go to the annual Turkey Bowl. I'm supposed to be going to the movies tonight and NOT going shopping tomorrow.
Yes, this is my first Thanksgiving in Canada.
Moved here over a year ago, but last year at this time we ran south of the border, following the scent of pumpkin pie (and apple, cherry, peach, blueberry, boston, and a few others. My family REALLY likes pie.)

But still, I am thankful.
Thankful for new traditions.
Thankful for new friends.
Thankful for new opportunities.
Thankful for a new beginning.
Thankful for a new warm home.
Thankful for the same wonderful foods.
Thankful for the same great God leading us in this new place in life.

And I'm thankful for my family that never ceases to crack me up, especially as I try to work from home today...



In a few years he'd kill me for this- but in a few years he wouldn't dress like this (or will he?)

Lessons from the Geese

I've been getting some things ready for our service this Sunday and thought of this illustration from nature that I've used many time before. I'm not sure if it will make it into the sermon, as I now have way too much material, but it's too good not to share...

When you see geese flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone - and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally - and this is important - when a goose gets sick or is wounded, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.

If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

I'm finding the wisdom of this lesson each day in this adventure of launching a church.
I love being in the front, leading the way, directing the team.
Right behind me are my team leaders- themselves leading the way in their areas of passion: worship, music, administration, organization, family ministry, etc.
Behind them are the many volunteers who are helping us make this journey. Each inline, each supporting the team, each playing their part.

Watching a large flock of geese in formation is always a sight to behold.
But it's nothing when I step out and look back on what our team is doing- truly a sight to behold- aimed at God, following Him, pursuing the vision He's given to us.

The World at our Door

Monday morning I jumped a car with a Rob, a friend who has planted a church here in London that has grown to about 1400 people in worship on Sunday's in 15 years. We headed up to Ottawa to meet with other church planters in Canada (most of them are staying for the week, but Rob and I, as self proclaimed home-bodies, slipped out late last night).

I could write several blogs on the past two days, and probably will. It was amazing to see and hear what God is doing. He's growing a "holy discontent" in many pastor's lives, and pushing them to into new endeavors. He's stretching men and women, and opening new doors. He's planting churches and changing lives. And He's changing Canada.

No really, Canada is changing. We talked a lot about the changing face of this nation. Between '96 and '01 the growth of minorities was astounding. The stats are not all in yet, but the changes between '01 and '07 are even more dramatic. Basically, minorities are not minorities anymore. We're moving to a nation of co-existing multiplicities. Many groups with enough critical mass to constitute very viable and lively communities within our cities.

A lot of folks shared about what they are doing to reach out to these communities, and to bring them together. There was a great push to establish multi- racial, cultural, economic, educational and ethnic congregations.

So what will that look like for Connections? Well if we are true to our name, we'll find our community starting to diversify. If we are true to our values, we'll celebrate our "diversity in unity." I suppose what I'm saying is that I'd love to see Connections reflect the final image we have in the bible, where we see in the city of God,

people "from every tribe and language and people and nation" worshiping Jesus (Revelation 5:9).

I also don't believe it will "just happen." We need to work to make it happen- by taking a risk, talking to somebody that looks different, walking across the street, stumbling through an awkward introduction.

For 2000+ years the church has grown by taking seriously Jesus' command to go out to all the world. So what will we do when the world comes to Canada, to London, to our neighborhood?

By the way, I'm actually a minority immigrant. Who'd have guessed?

A Culture of Healing

Margaret* immigrated here from Uganda 8 years ago. She has two beautiful children, Sharon and Wilson. She wasn't far along in her pregnancy, but hadn’t been feeling well. She tried to go to work at St. Joe’s hospital, but found herself unable to manage. With the help of a friend she eventually got to an emergency room. She ended up delivering at just before midnight. Orion lived nearly five hours before passing away. 23 weeks old, and he still fought to live...

To read the rest of Margaret's story and this sermon, check out
cccsermons.blogspot.com or just use the link on the sidebar.

A Good Tip

I think I've stumbled upon a genius idea- inviting waiters, waitresses, baristas, etc to church. No really, this just dawned on me the other day.

I have a couple of regular haunts to meet folks for coffee or a meal. I've also tried to be very intentional about remembering names, being nice, giving tips, and looking for opportunities to GENUINELY invite them to Connections. And I kept getting a great response every time I gave an invitation card. I was really feeling my oats at all the "connections" I've made when it dawned on me,

"Oh yeah, the customer is always right- they are PAID to be glad that I invited them to church."

Then I felt like an idiot.

Then I felt really good about myself again (I'm an emotional roller coaster in the span of 3 seconds). Because...

1. I don't know if they are sincerely grateful, but I know I'm sincerely inviting.
2. It's in their hands now, and I don't have to worry about it.
3. It wasn't a bad experience, it was actually quite fun and encouraging.

So, here's my advice to you who want to invite folks to church, because it means the world to you, but you're nervous about doing it because you hate rejection, and you hate the thought of people thinking you're insincere, and you think the whole experience will be traumatizing...

Invite the lady or the guy serving you coffee to church this weekend. They won't laugh at you, they won't kick you out. And who knows, they may actually appreciate it, they may actually show up, they may even become your friend.

Partnerships

This past Sunday, Nov. 4, Connections Community Church celebrated it's partnership with another church here in town- First Christian Reformed Church. 14 people were commissioned to go and work with 3C. It was inspirational, and emotional. Some of these folks have literally grown up at FCRC. They raised children there. They have grandchildren that are now members there. Hearing, and responding, to the call to leave was not an easy or flippant decision. It was prayed about, talked about, knocked about for months. But ultimately these folks came to know God has a unique role for them at 3C.

Partnerships can be scary, can create difficulty, can open doors for misunderstanding, can be threatening, and can generally make life more difficult. But they are absolutely essential.

I can't imagine my life without my #1 partner (and I'm not going to hyper-spiritualize this and say Jesus, even though that is true)- my wife Robin. Our partnership is awesome. Together we run a household, we entertain, we are launching a church. Hey, we even created new life- three to be exact! But the partnership takes work. We have to work on our communication, our schedules, our individual needs- and the list could go on. It's not always glamorous- making meals, cleaning up after meals, laundry, cleaning, yard work- and that's just what I do (Ha). But suffice to say, at the end of the day, the partnership is worth it.

The church, as a living organism functions in much the same way. We can try to go it alone, but we will never go as far, soar as high, touch as many lives. We simply do better, do more, in partnership. It takes some thought and work, but the pay off is enormous, and the blessings are multiplied. It's certainly not always glamorous, and it may take years to see the fruits of labour- but it's so worth it.

We have awesome partnerships- Christian Reformed Home Missions has made an enormous financial and spiritual commitment to make this church work. FCRC gives us office space and a place to rehearse, practice, and do our administrative work. Other churches in town have commissioned members to join us- they actually send God loving, hard working, gift-giving people their blessing to partner with 3C!

We want more partnerships! We look forward to associating with other groups and other ministries. This will be embraced thoughtfully, strategically, and prayerfully. They will take work to create and sustain. But at the end of the day it will be worth it- for

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body...Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1Corinthians 12:12, 13, 27

Series Development Strategy

Tonight we have our next strategy meeting. We will focus on how we do series development- the creative process from an idea to the actual service. How do we get people in the process, how do we prioritize, how do we take into consideration the different "seasons" of the year and "seasons" in people's lives, how do we streamline our graphics, promotion, printed literature, website, etc? It will be great to discuss these and many more questions.

But what might be even more exciting for me will be just seeing who comes out to join the discussion. I'm amazed so often at the talents that are hiding out there. Skills people have and are willing to share- if only they have the opportunity. I have been pleasantly surprised many times over to find that when I ask, the right person is found. It's confirmation that we are moving in the right direction. It's also confirmation that God is leading our efforts.

Daily I still try to maintain the balance of following God's lead and doing the work of launching a church. I've written before ho there's a difference between making your plans and asking God to bless them, and looking for God's blessing and going with the plan. Sometimes the distinction is clear. Most days it's a fine line. Gathering like tonight's meeting help me to discern. When God puts some talent right before you it pretty clear- instruct, empower, and release the person to do what they do.