Neoformation Manifesto: Act 5

I know there are thieves in the temple.

Theft is unconscionable. To steal anything from anyone is such a claim of personal pride and a statement of conceit.

And I know that pastors have stolen the ministry from their congregations.

And I know that at times, I’ve been guilty of this as well, and for this, I’m deeply sorry.

But now, I know that I long to share it.

I know that I long to raise up leaders. Leaders who are self-less servants whose goal it is to raise up other leaders, sometimes even abdicating their own leadership, in favor of others who can do what they do better.

I know that ministry isn’t…until it’s shared…until it’s given away…and until it’s laid upon the altar of pride as one’s Isaac.

I know that it is time to teach our members how to administer the sacraments. Oh yes, I did! I said that. There is not one place in the Bible which suggests that the administration of the sacraments is relegated to the “professionals.” So, “professionals,” get off your high horse willingly, before you’re brought low against your will. It’s not like you were given a bag of magic “pastor-dust” with which to sprinkle the bread and the juice, and babies and folks who get dipped.

Heck, while we’re at it, let’s teach our children to administer the sacraments as well. Oh, mom, can you imagine your child shooting you with their squirt gun saying, “I baptize you in the name of Jesus, mommy!” Or papa, how about your child breaking off a part of their peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, handing it to you saying, “This is Jesus’ body, daddy…I broke it for you...have a drink of my Kool-aid, daddy, it’s Jesus’ blood…because He loves you so much, and so do I.”

I know that I cannot wait to see parents having communion at home; mommies giving communion to their children; fathers baptizing their families and vice versa.

Yes, I know in my heart, that theft is unconscionable. I know that seminaries serve their purpose to a certain extent. But I also know that seminaries steal our passion and dignify it…tame it…tone it down and try to make it “appropriate.”

I know that passion can never be “appropriate,” the moment it is, it has ceased to be passion. And friends, the church of Jesus Christ…if it is His bride, cannot help but to be passionate. If it’s not, then it’s not being true to Him…it is being an unfaithful bride…dare I say, it is not being the Church.

I know that the local church should be the seminary. Local churches which meet in churchy buildings…coffee shops…malls…schools…living rooms…and even on the internet…should be seminaries. And not just paper writin’ book-learnin’ seminaries. No, seminaries which prepare pastors for the battle which will be waged for their souls and reputations, the safety of their families, and for the eternities of those to whom they’ll minister. Seminaries need to tell the truth, that pastors are sheep sent out amongst wolves…and that some will be devoured by the enemy. Seminaries need to gird pastors for this battle, and put them in touch with others who are warriors so they may stand together.

Yes, local churches must raise up leaders who are passionate in their faith.

Local churches should teach the Bible and explore it, asking deep questions. And admitting they don’t have all the answers.

Local churches should teach people how to care for one another and stop depending on one pastor to do it all.

Local churches should help people to realize the “desires of their hearts,” and then set folks free to pursue them.

Local churches should stop programmatizing everything…and learn to improvise more. Then maybe once again, the Holy Spirit would have room to work. Maybe God would look at His church and say, “Yes! I can work with this!”

And I know that pastors…true pastors…are the ones among them who are equally willing to push the broom as well preach the sermon.

Neoformation Manifesto: Act 4

I know we’ve turned worship into a spectator sport barely fit for arm-chair jockeys.

I know those same jockeys feel such privilege that they need but click the button on their remotes to order up a worship service to meet their perceived needs.

I know worship has become a very dignified, 2nd rate attempt to copy other shows.

And I know that David danced naked before the Lord in worship.

I know that people in the Bible fell on their faces in worship.

And they raised their hands. They shouted. They sang.

They crashed cymbals, played stringed instruments, and horns.

They knelt. They were silent. They were raucous.

They shared scripture. They spoke in tongues.

They prayed. They listened.

They moved about. They were still.

But they were anything but spectators…that is, until the Pharisees got a hold of them.

I know that old brood of vipers has somehow resurfaced in the church today.

What a joyous sound to hear the members of a group home singing in monotone and at the top of their lungs that they “once were lost, but now are found, were blind but now they see!”

What a sight to see, an adulterer on his knees at the altar rail getting prayed for and loved on as he repents.

Oh, the blessing to see a child crash through the crowds of dignified people to dance before Jesus!

What if spontaneous worship erupted in our gatherings?

What if when the organ or the piano, or the band stopped playing, the church just kept on singing?

What if one hour on Sunday became three or four?

What if what happened on Sunday happened all week long?

What if we taught our people how to worship freely and gave them permission to do so…and not just permission…but encouragement!?

What would happen if the preacher preached?

What would happen if that same preacher wasn’t afraid of what his congregation thought of him?

What would happen if the preacher only cared about what her Jesus thought of her?

What would happen if those who were mature in their faith took the worst seats?

What would happen if people prayed…really prayed in worship?

What would happen if spiritual warfare wasn’t relegated to a select few, but was expected from all?

What would happen if we truly believed we were “more than conquerors” and donned our armor and became worship warriors?

Oh, friend, I do believe the gates of Hell would tremble at that.

There, do you hear that? The sound of congregations breaking free from their religious shackles?

And now…now there is the sound of praise.

And there, if you listen closely, you’ll hear the cries of anguish of the enemy and his minions as they must once again face their loss, as those who are created in His image claim their rightful inheritance as princes and princesses in the Kingdom of the High King of Heaven!

Let the Worship Warriors step up, and in, to the fray…a raucous wild rumpus of worship which declares war against the enemy and his minions!

Act 3

I know that the church has the most relevant and most needed message to share:  love.

I know that the church has bastardized that message and made it neat, tidy, vanilla, beige, suburban, and safe for consumption.

I know that many people in many churches have either never heard that message, or have obviously misunderstood.

I know that the church has taken a very dangerous, wild, untamed God and put Him into a box available for three easy payments of $19.95.  And if you act now, we'll throw in this chrome-fish for your car along with some Jesus' mints.  But wait, there's more!  If you call within the next five minutes, we'll also include this free mp3 player pre-loaded with 50 popular Christian songs by your favorite Christian artists!  

I know that the safest place to be is not in God's will.

I also know that we've lied to people for years and told them it is.

I know there are a lot of surprised people walking around with wounds because of this lie.

And I know that some of them have lost their faith in Jesus because of it.

I know that a group of lions is called a pride, a bunch of geese, a gaggle, a herd of rhinos is called a crash, and buzzards gathered together are called a committee.

I know that most committees should immediately disband.

I know that once disbanded, they should get on their knees and not get back up again until they've repented and heard from the Lord.

I know that if they hear from the Lord, their committees will become obsolete.

What if our buzzard committees disbanded and reformed as rhino crashes--groups of people with such single-minded focus they crash head-long into following Jesus?

What if?  

I'll tell you what if, dear friend:  astounding ministry would happen.  

Miracles would be commonplace.  

Love would abound.

Churches would overflow and have parking problems.

Can you imagine a church with a "standing room only" section?

Dare not to dream of such a thing.

Rather, dare to suggest a revolution.

Neoformation Manifesto: Act 2

Act 2

I know that God uses broken people to reach broken people.

I know that broken people in ministry is messy.

I also know that broken people are often more effective than those who define themselves as "refined."

I know that the promiscuous woman at the well is one of my heroes…and so is Peter the hothead…along with David the murdering adulterer.

I know that I'm tired of the "rules" of church…both written and unwritten.

If the Lord moves someone to tears in worship, they should cry.

If someone has cause to dance before the Lord, let them dance.

Let there be shouts of praise, the clapping and the raising of hands.

Let loud instruments resound with praise.

Let the halls of worship actually be filled with worship.

Oh to walk into a sanctuary (why use this word?) and see the people of God dancing, singing, clapping, shouting, on their faces, loving their neighbors, cheering one another on, and not arriving alone, but with the least, the last, and the lost…who in God's eyes, are the most, the first, and the found.

Does there need to be organization to all of this worship and church madness? Of course. Let's not forget that the root word for organization is the same as organic…implying life. And where the organization begins to choke out life, then it must be changed or even put to death so a new organization can form.

Let those who call themselves Christians or followers of Christ not forget to talk with their God. Let those who are in control of churches surrender themselves fully in prayer. Let the meetings surrounding the organization of the church not just give a lip-service prayer at the beginning as if saying a cursory grace at the dinner table. No, let the broken-barbarian-warrior-worshipers cry out to their God for mercy, direction, and discernment! And let that happen repeatedly, throughout the meeting seeking to be led by the Spirit.

Let pastors be shepherds who fight off the wolves which prowl. Let them call the congregation by name. And let them lead those congregations in the wildernesses of this world and to find other sheep.

Let them be compassionate, and yet dangerous.

Let pastors not hoard the ministry unto themselves, but be strong encouragers for the church to be actively engaged in constant, extravagant love living out Matthew 25, feeding those who are hungry, visiting those who are sick or in prison, giving clothes to those in need…giving toasters to those who need a toaster, rides to the store, mowing lawns, doing car and home repairs, and also traveling to foreign and/or far-away places to love on people. Let pastors be lovers…lovers of God…lovers of people.

Let churches everywhere throw open their doors…or maybe even unlock their gated "Christian" communities.

Nothing is sacred. Nothing. Only someone, and His name is Jesus. Everything else from the building to the music to the programs to the staff…literally everything else is negotiable for the sake of loving on people so they may be restored to themselves and to God. And if a congregation doesn't get that…then maybe they are goats. (Hmmm…think Caesarea of Philippi, and the worship of the god, Pan and the horrendous acts committed with goats.)

Let the sinners come to church if they feel so inclined.

In fact, if a church isn't actively loving on sinners so much that they have a desire to come to church, then once again, maybe they're goats?

I long to see gay and lesbian people in churches getting loved on.

I can't wait to hear the "eff" word in church some morning.

I yearn to smell alcohol on someone's breath as they come forward to receive prayer or communion.

Oh, to have a hooker come into church, crushing out her cigarette in the entry way, and applying her lipstick as she comes into the worship service.

I'm anxious to hear confessions of sinners because that indicates brokenness and a desire to realize that they are new creations in Christ.

Oh yes, let the sinners come! Let the doors be thrown wide! Swing wide ye heavenly gates! Prepare the way of the risen Lord! For as you love the least, the last, and the lost, so you have loved Christ! And as you throw open the doors of your churches to broken people, so you have welcomed Christ into your midst. And the word will spread: there is Love in this place.

Neoformation Manifesto

For a while now, the Lord has been rather silent in my life. Partially, that's been my fault. I've grown apathetic, which honestly, is just pathetic.

Recently, the Still Small Voice has been moving mountains once again in my heart. I have to admit to a certain sense of Holy Disquiet which is percolating in my soul. I'm restless. I'm feeling a call to action...a call to arms, as it were.

What follows is going to be the first chapter in what I'm calling the Neoformation Manifesto. Yes, I understand the word "manifesto" comes to us quite loaded. Good. That's why I picked it. If that word immediately causes a bit of friction for you as you read, I'm honestly glad. If you read Matthew 23...the whole stinkin' chapter...Jesus goes off on a bit of a rant, to say the least. When John Wesley preached, he often said that if he hadn't offended someone, then he hadn't been faithful to the gospel.

Some of what follows will be quite personal to me. And some of it will apply to the church as a whole. And hopefully, some of it will affect you, my friend...the reader. Please enter into the conversation with me...and maybe write a chapter in the Manifesto...or help to edit mine.

So, here goes...

Act 1

Okay...what do I know?

I know I've been called.

I know I need accountability.

I know I need to repent of certain things.

I know that God's plan A is often thwarted by my disobedience and that of others.

I know that God has a plan B...and C...and D...and so on.

I know my calling has more to do with front lines sorts of ministries.

I know my calling has more to do with beginning new sorts of ministries.

I know my calling has more to do with the disenfranchised of this world...the least, last, and lost.

I know that I will not ever concede to "playing church" again.

I also know that at times one must work within an existing system to attain certain goals.

I know that you and I are called to more than simply friendship...there is a mission which exists beyond us.

I know that other friends of ours will respond to this call and join us.

I know that my marriage is a priority...and so is yours.

I know that my heart is on fire.

I know that I need to pay my bills.

I know that loving people is what we're called to do...and to do so radically.

I know that I will do all things and be all things to and for all people so that some might be loved and know Jesus' love and realize their inheritance which exists for them here and now.

I know that I need to write.

I know that we need to worship.

I know that Acts 2 is more than attainable...and shame on us for ever downplaying that possibility.

I know that I am not called to remain in the oil industry forever and ever, amen.

I know that the enemy will not prevail against Christ and his church.

I know that I am a part of that church and am on the winning team.

I know that I will take hits...and so will my family.

I know that my wife (especially) will need outside encouragement and support.

I know that as I write this, I am declaring war against the enemy.

This, therefore, is a call to arms. My battle-cry for the King. I fight for the King of High Heaven. Onward, oh brave-heart! (Do you know the story of Robert the Bruce's heart?)

I do not just want to do worship evangelism...or friendship evangelism...or servant evangelism...I want to worship, sold-out, forsaking all other gods.

I want to fight mercilessly against an enemy who has never shown anyone any mercy.

I want to help people to wake up from the matrix, realizing that they've been in slavery, and they no longer need to live that way...that they have the potential to do even greater things than Jesus...walking on water is no big deal...people who follow Jesus, they do that sort of thing. Healings will happen. Our limits are self-imposed via the deception of the matrix.

Let us, therefore cast off all condemnation and leap into the limitless nature of a God who braved the confines of a human womb and the spikes of torture on a cross of shame, the First made Last. He offers us Diamonds...let's give him our glass.

Onward, brave-heart...we are warriors, barbarians really, who make a civilized religion tremble.

For the time has come to rid ourselves of all of the thieves in the temple.

The time has come to take our worship into the streets, serving all those around us with a love which is extravagant. The time has come to cast off anything which hinders the battle against the enemy...anything which smacks of religion...anything which attempts to tame an untameable...dare I say, WILD, Jesus, and make him palatable.

I know that I'm done playing "nice," because our enemy has already come at me in ways which are far from nice...and I'm not going to take it.

I know that the God of the Angel Armies has been awaiting broken-barbarian-warrior-worshipers to leap into the fray.

I know that Jesus loves me...and you...and that trumps everything else.

I know.

This past week, I had a couple of profound experiences. Let me start by telling you a bit about my week speaking at a camp for junior and senior high aged youth.

I've been speaking at this camp for years. In many ways, it's a camp which builds Christian leaders. We always teach/preach the basics of the Christian faith. We have wild and crazy recreational activities every day (ask me some time about Messy Games and the giant, banana-split slip and slide...with cherries on top). We have daily Bible study in the morning, worship at night, and then time with small huddle groups to discuss the themes of the day at bed time.

It's intensity in ten cities.

In the evening worship, we had an altar call every night. I know. How old fashioned. It positively screams early 20th century tent-revival...complete with a pastor in a seer-sucker suit. Yeah. I know.

I don't get it...but it works.

And about the only thing I can come up with is this: people, of all ages, are looking for authentic opportunities to be known.

And I think these opportunities are rare.

Do we get "known" on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter or Youtube? Do we get known in school? How about at work? In fact, are we even truly known at home?

Sadly, I think the answer is often a whispered, yet strong "no."

All week long, the altar rail filled up with young people, counselors in training (18-21 year olds), and even the counselors themselves. It was tremendous.

And each night, God showed up. And He allowed us to be present with whomever came to the rail and blessed us with the gift of their trust as they allowed themselves to be known.

"I want to believe."

"I've done some horrible things and I'm sorry and I don't want to do them any more."

"I've made some bad mistakes."

"I'm just kneeling here praying for all those here who don't know Jesus."

"I want to have God in my life."

"I want to start over."

And on and on...all week long. In fact, there were even spontaneous Baptisms which occurred! I was dumbfounded...and amazed at the love of such a God that would allow us to be present for such rich treasures of moments.

Now...fast-forward to Sunday. Camp is all done. We're home...mostly un-packed. Still basking in the afterglow of so much God.

And we went to worship at the church we're attending. Now...the music was wonderful. The songs spoke of deep relationships with God. And the pastor spoke of real hurts in our lives. But it wasn't the same. I worshiped. Most certainly, I did...because I believe that worship is a choice.

But what I realize now is this: I was never known.

So...here's what I'm pondering? ("Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?") Is there a synthesis of the two? Can there be such a church...where worship is of excellent quality in terms of music and "production" and yet, where one can truly be known?

Is there such a church? Oh, Jesus, please tell me it's possible. Because I'd like to believe that Acts 2:42-47 isn't just a history lesson.

Or is that too quixotic of me?

Be WILD For Christ!