GLUE

The Third Transition

On my nightstand at the moment is David T. Olson's new book, The American Church in Crisis (Zondervan, 2008). Olson is the director of the American Research Project and director of church planting for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Loaded with charts, graphs and sidebars, his research is based (as are his conclusions) on his study of a national database of some 200,000 churches.

And there is cause for concern.

For instance, despite some optimistic polls that otherwise suggest the American church is thriving, Olson writes, "On any given Sunday, the vast majority of Americans are absent from church and if trends continue, by 2050, the percentage of Americans attending church will be half (of what it was in 1990)."

To avoid this dismal future, "the American church must engage with...three critical transitions...which have altered the relationship between American culture and the church." Namely, Olsen defines these as:

1. The transition from a Christian to a post-Christian society;
2. The transition from a modern to a post-modern society;
3. The transition from a mono-ethnic to a multi-ethnic society.

Of course, transitions 1. and 2. have long been foreseen and understood. It's transition 3. - the new kid on the block - that's getting increased attention from researchers, writers, theologians and practitioners, etc., alike. Indeed, we are making the case for the multi-ethnic church as a Biblical response to address the changing times!

According to Olson, it's not only what's needed; it's the future.

He writes, "In the mono-ethnic world, Christians, pastors and churches only had to understand their own culture. Ministering in a homogeneous culture is easier, but mono-ethnic Christianity can gradually become culture-bound....In the multi-ethnic world, pastors, churches and Christians need to operate under the rules of the early church's mission to the Gentiles."

And I really loved this: "As the power center of (global) Christianity moves south and east, the multi-ethnic church is becoming the normal and natural picture of the new face of Christianity."

It's what we've been saying; it's what increasing numbers of churches are now striving to become.

There are many more insights that make the book well-worth its cover price. But listen, don't read it simply for more stats and info. I recommend you read it with a desire to make personal and corporate changes that will be necessary for the American church - and, ultimately, the Gospel of Jesus Christ - to truly thrive in a changing world.

Assimilation vs. Accommodation

Often, I am asked to explain the difference between assimilation and accommodation as an attitude that drives the multi-ethnic church. This is dealt with at greater length in my book, but here's the short answer ...

Assimilation says, “I will help you change to fit in.” Accommodation says, “I will change to help you fit in.” Assimilation suggests, “You need to check your minority culture at the door to become a part of the majority culture of this church.” With accommodation, the onus is on the majority culture of a particular church to change and/or adapt itself so that others will feel welcomed and included, a significant part of the whole.

This is a crucial point to understand if you hope to build a healthy multi-ethnic church.

Many well-meaning people will say, “Our church welcomes anyone to come and join us.” But, frankly, they haven’t thought it through. In most instances, what such a statement really means is that we’re open to anyone attending, as long as they like the way we do things.

However, I am not suggesting that we should accommodate theological differences. Only that we should openly accommodate everything else: forms, food, the color of dolls in our nurseries, the language on our signs, anything that comes with people’s culture. You cannot nor should you seek to divorce culture from the diverse people coming in to your church.

A Visit from Leadership Journal

Recently, Brandon O’Brien, a staff writer from Leadership Journal, was in Arkansas speaking at his Alma Mater, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. One hour from Little Rock, he arranged to stay through the Easter weekend and to worship with us at Mosaic. Check out his reflections on the visit (dated April 4, 2008).

On Race, Church and the American Future

The following is an excerpt from the book, Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church (Jossey-Bass/Leadership Network, 2007, pp. 183, 184). It is worth considering in light of U.S. Senator Barak Obama's recent speech on race and the subsequent conversation it has generated. Please forward a link to this post for others you know who may be interested.

"Although government and educational programs, together with the efforts of countless individuals, groups, and agencies, have long sought to eliminate prejudice and the disparaging consequences of institutional racism still deeply embedded within society, it is time to recognize that such a dream cannot be realized apart from the establishment of multi-ethnic churches that intentionally and joyfully reflect the passion of Christ for all people of the world. For it is not the institutions of government or of education that have been ordained by God to this task; rather, it is the local church, the bride of Christ—we who are his people (John 17:1–3, 20–23; Acts 11:19–26, 13:1, 16ff.; Galatians 3:26–28; Ephesians 4:1–6; Revelation 5:9–10).

Concerning the movement of American Christianity toward racial reconciliation in the 1990s, author Chris Rice wrote the following profound words in his book, More Than Equals:

'Yes, deep reconciliation will produce justice, and new relationships between the races. Yes this will lead Christians to become a bright light in the public square. But I have become convinced that God is not very interested in the church healing the race problem. I believe it is more true that God is using race to heal the church.'

Through the biblical transformation of our minds and wills, we will be able to emotionally engage the concept of a multi-ethnic and economically diverse local church. Indeed, we will not only come to understand the passion of Christ for local church unity, as I have described throughout this book, but we will desire to pursue it for the sake of the Gospel. Yes, it is Christ’s will that we become one with believers different from ourselves so that the world would know God’s love and believe. As a by-product, society will be affected, 'racial-reconciliation' will occur, and the church will be restored to a place of prominence in the minds and hearts of those outside its walls.

Indeed, this is the power of unity.

This is the Gospel of Christ."

A Sad Goodbye

On Saturday, March 8, I received a call from my brother-in-law, Bob Foot, in Australia. Just more than three weeks after returning home from Australia, my sister, Jean, finally succumbed to cancer. Her untimely passing was sadly inevitable, but according to Bob, the end came peaceably with him at her side.

The following note was my last communication with jean, an email that "... sure did pick Jean up," according to Bob. "I had to read it to her twice," he later told me. For those of you who have followed this story and prayed for her, here's what I wrote ...

Hello Sis,

I heard you're not feeling too well and thought I would write to cheer you up! I had a wonderful time with you and Bob recently and I will never forget my time with you all in Holloway's Beach! I truly I felt like the two days we spent together made up for the circumstances of our childhood which kept us apart and, more recently, the distance between US and Australian shores that has done the same. Indeed, I think you would agree; it sure felt good and right when I was with you all; it felt like family, and that we are! I will forever treasure the memories.

Since as a pastor, I see many marriages up close and personal - some good and some not so good - I thought you should know how blessed you are to have had such a wonderful husband like Bob; and I thank God for his unconditional love and support of you in sickness and in health. In fact, I told some here in the states that Bob treats you more like Christ than I think many so-called Christian husbands might treat their wives in similar circumstances! So I want you to know that I admire him greatly and thank God you have had such a good and caring man to love you the past twenty years. I know, Bob will always carry you close to his heart; and I look forward to he and I remaining good mates through the years!

Mostly, however, I am writing tonight to let you know that I love you and thank God he gave me a sister like you. And I pray that in these days of your suffering, you will be comforted by the Spirit of God, whom I pray to be with you even now. For God loves us so much, Jean, that He sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world so that we who believe in Him should not fear death, but trust Him for eternal life. And in fact, this is what the thief on the cross did in his last moments on earth by saying, "Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom." And simple as that, Jesus promised in response, "Today, you will be with Me in paradise." I pray these words give you hope and faith for the future.

So sleep well, tonight, sis, and know that you are loved. Linda and all the kids send their love (especially Kate:-)

Your brother with love,

Mark

Book Awards and Finalists Announced

Recently, I learned that Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church has been selected as a finalist for annual awards sponsored by two of North America's leading Christian magazines.

First, the book has been selected as one of four finalists for a 2008 Christianity Today Book Award in the Church/Pastoral Leadership category. According to CT's website featuring award winners in 2007, these awards are given to "titles that bring understanding to people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission."

In addition, the book has been selected as one of five finalists for a 2007 Outreach Resource of the Year Award in the Leadership Training category. These awards reflect "a reader-chosen survey of the best products that change the way churches and individuals build relationships with the unchurched." Past winners of these awards can be found on their website.

Fresh Encounters

Here’s a little word association. Are you ready?

Prayer.

Now, be honest. Does the word evoke a feeling of boredom within you, i.e., like the feeling you get on a rainy day when shades are drawn and all you want to do is sleep? Or perhaps, you feel a sense of guilt over the lack of enthusiasm you have for prayer, the lack of time you spend actually praying or in any other way, like a failure in this otherwise expected discipline of the Christian life so critical to discipleship, church development and leadership, etc.

If so, you are not alone. And that's why I recommend Daniel Henderson's work, Fresh Encounters: Experiencing Transformation Through United Worship-based Prayer (NavPress, 2004). This book deals personally, honestly and practically with the elephant in the room, i.e., a wide-spread, pastoral lack of experiential understanding when it comes to authentic, vibrant prayer. Henderson says, most people and pastors feel such things (as described above) because they have not been taught or exposed to anything other than "request-based prayer." In contrast, he recommends and describes the concept of "worship-based prayer," suggesting that a shift in focus will lead to a shift in attitude and, ultimately, a shift in practice that will benefit not only pastoral leadership, but entire congregations.

Most helpful for me was his analogy comparing a sailboat to a powerboat with reference to prayer. With this as a backdrop, he shares his own moment of awakening: "Lord, for so many years I've wanted to be a powerboat for you. As a pastor, I've kept my hand on the throttle of a man-made machine, enjoying the exhilaration of impressive speed. I've sliced through the choppy waters of church life impressing people with my dynamic ability to navigate and steer. Please give me the grace to learn to be a simple sailboat. Let this be the attitude of my heart. Let me set my sails everyday through prayer ... and wait for the wind of Your Spirit to blow."

Concluding this thought, he writes, "A powerboat advances on a predictable journey at the hands of the driver, propelled by man-made fuel. A sailboat is at the mercy of an unpredictable force and magnifies the beauty and energy of the wind. This example represents two different approaches to life and ministry," i.e., to prayer.

In the end, the book answers the question, "How can private and corporate prayer be transformed from an obligation to an oasis?" And if you're, like me, ready and needing to unfurl the sails, you'll benefit from this most helpful read!

Trip Summary

By the Numbers

5 - Times I preached in churches (Pentecostal, Baptist, Assemblies of God and Non-Denominational);
4 - Sessions I conducted with local church leadership on Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church;
3 - Times I was interviewed by national media (once in Australia, twice in New Zealand);
2 - Chinese New Year celebrations I attended, even eating the jellyfish ... and,
1 - Mosaix Global Network Seminars I conducted (at the Bible College of New Zealand, the first of its kind outside the United States).

From the Heart

But the most memorable part of it all was spending two days with my sister, Jean, and her husband, Bob. To all who read this, I ask for prayer on their behalf: that they would find strength, comfort, peace, joy and love in their remaining time together here on earth, that the Word of God will not return void.

From Christchurch to Little Rock in Only a Day!

Monday, February 11

Just before 10:00 a.m., I am packed and ready to begin the long return to Little Rock. Pastor Jack Stuart and I enjoy a light breakfast together before Andrew and Mandy Wilson arrive. As I say goodbye, Jack hands me a gift - a rugby jersey from the local team, the Canterbury Crusaders. It is a fitting end to my time in Christchurch and something I'll wear with fond memories of all the wonderful people I've met in New Zealand. However, there is still one more thing to do.

The Wilson's drive me to a nearby beach where I am interviewed by John McNeil of Challenge Weekly, New Zealand's Christian Newspaper. Not long after we sit down in a local cafe,' however, I give John much more than he bargained for on his otherwise routine task.

Tea in New Zealand (and in Australia, too) is served rather fancifully. You get a cup, a carafe of milk, a small spoon with a piece of candy or lump of sugar and, of course, a small pot of tea. In many cases, the pot has a plunger which you are to press down on the tea bag inside to squeeze the flavor into the water. On this day, however, and not ever having "plunged" before, I am pressing down; but the plunger is going nowhere. John invites me to press a little harder and I do, to no avail. "Harder," he says, "perhaps it's a bit stuck." Just as these words leave his lips, though, the plunger gives way and we are both splattered with very hot water! Not the best of impressions, i suppose, but John takes it all in stride. Five minutes later, having cleaned ourselves up, the interview begins in earnest.

One hour later, I say goodbye to John and together with the Wilson's, enjoy a final meal in Christchurch at The Cup, a quaint cafe' established in an old house overlooking the city. Throughout the trip, Andrew has been a very gracious host and we discuss the future; hopefully, sometime again to meet and minister together in New Zealand. Following our meal, I snap a few, final pictures as we drive to the airport. And just like that, I am heading home.

After checking in, I learn there's a small mechanical malfunction with the plane which delays our flight one hour. So here's the deal ...

It's Monday afternoon, right? Well, it's only Monday afternoon in Christchurch. It's actually 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night, February 10, in Little Rock, Arkansas. It takes one hour to fly to Auckland and after a two-hour layover, I depart for Los Angeles on an 11-hour flight, arriving there at 10:45 a.m. Monday morning, local time ... so, I guess, I've traveled backwards in time:-) In LA, then, I have just enough time (two hours) to get my bags, clear customs, walk from terminal four to terminal one and check-in with Southwest Airlines. But getting through security takes longer than it should and I arrive at my gate just as the plane is about to board. This flight departs at 12:45 p.m. and makes two stops (Albuquerque, New Mexico and Dallas, Texas) before landing in Little Rock at 8:00 p.m.

And there, Linda and the kids are waiting to warmly welcome home this weary traveler, exactly 24-hours after leaving New Zealand. Yes, I am home.

Sunday Night @ Mosaic Christian Community

Sunday, February 10

In many ways, my trip culminates in this moment; the opportunity to share with the people of Mosaic Christian Community, the intentionally multi-ethnic congregation meeting on Sunday evenings at Christchurch Community Church (CCC). Andrew Wilson, who is largely responsible for my time and itinerary in New Zealand, is the enthusiastic pastor who has brought the church to life. His passion for all people, faithfulness to the vision of CCC and loyalty to Pastor Jack Stuart is a combination of humility and wisdom rarely found in emerging leaders. He’s been a most gracious host and I hope tonight to both strengthen and encourage his people.

Mosaic begins with a free dinner at 5:00 p.m. prepared by Chinese congregants from the morning service. Attendees eat and interact, valuing the development of cross-cultural relationships as foundational to building a healthy multi-ethnic church. Following the meal, the church gathers in the lobby of CCC, which has been prepared for the service. Pastor Jack Stuart and his wife, Becky, are there as well. Indeed, they have attended all the services today as they do each Sunday, demonstrating their support of Andrew, as well as their heart for unity and diversity within the one local body. Following Andrew’s greeting, a young woman from South Africa leads a diverse team of worshippers just prior to my talk. And just like that, it’s over.

More food and fellowship is available following the service and many pitch in to tear down the chairs, etc., resetting the lobby for the rest of the week. And after taking a few pictures of the Stuart’s and the Wilson’s, I say goodbye to the people of Mosaic.