An appeal to America’s Fighting Christians

An appeal to America’s Fighting Christians 

A few days ago I had a startling epiphany: America’s Christians are playing right into the enemy’s hand.  We’re taking sides and drawing battle-lines as if the Kingdom of God were at stake.  I don’t mean to minimize the complexity and gravity of the current coronavirus crisis, racial issues, and political season we’re all dealing with; but the accusatory, divisive posture of both ends of the Church spectrum is tearing the fabric of Jesus within all of us!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

 

“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15)

I realized this while I was talking with some friends the other night about the furor that has erupted here in Portland among God’s people about a recent concert that took place at the waterfront where thousands of Christians defied coronavirus-protocols for a night of worship.  The inflammatory condemnation that erupted from many mask-wearing/social-distancing brothers and sisters was quick and blistering.  The contempt that answered from brothers and sisters who supported the event fired back with equal devastation.  This has continued since then, and lines in the ground are appearing.  Indignance and hatred are flowing freely from this fallen world into the Body of Christ, and we need to stop it and find a way to stand together in the midst of our differences of opinion.

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” (Romans 14:1)

 

”All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble….Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:5-9)

I would expect division in the world - the kingdoms of men & women - but I’m heartbroken to see the vicious attacks between believers in Jesus Christ…accusing, condemning, and dismissing, and sometimes even going to law against each other....and becoming a laughing-stock to the watching world.

 

I realized that I needed stop trying to decide which side was right or wrong, and start focusing on what’s more important.  How can each of us, with our myriad perspectives and convictions, value and learn from each other so that we can remain unified in our common purpose?  It’s fine to have opinions, and to be strong in them….but if we break fellowship with each other due to secondary or tertiary issues, then we’re tearing-apart the Body of Christ right in front of the world’s eyes!  

“…One brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?...On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 6:6-7, 9:12)

WE MUST REMAIN ONE IN CHRIST…

…Whether Democrat or Republican

…Whether Mask-Wearing or Non-Mask-Wearing

…Whether CNN or Fox

…Whether Black Lives Matter or Blue/All Lives Matter

…Even when we disagree about things that are IMPORTANT

…Because only one thing is ESSENTIAL

 

JESUS IS LORD, AND HE HAS ONE CHURCH

“[I ask] on behalf of those who will believe in Me through [my disciples’] message, that all of them may be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21)

Let’s put down our weapons, remember who the real enemy is, and show the world what ”LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU” looks like….Starting with me and you.

Staying Grounded

HOW TO STAY GROUNDED DURING THE CRAZIEST YEAR EVER

 

Well, that might be somewhat of an overstatement to those who have been around long enough to remember World War 2 or Vietnam/The Civil Rights Movement …but for many of us, 2020 takes the cake. We’re all continuing to deal with the global COVID-19 pandemic, race protests have sparked civil unrest across the world (with Portland being the current focal point), and America seems more divided and polarized than ever as we race toward November elections. 

 

America is in crisis right now, and it’s time for God’s people to step up; but not in the way you might think.  This is not a political commentary promoting solutions to the current economic or social challenges we are facing.  This is about what it means to be a follower of Jesus in the midst of it.  There are selected people who are appointed to get involved in various levels of government and society; but all of Jesus’ people are called to exemplify His values, attitudes, and behaviors in our daily lives.  

God is calling His people - His Church - to know Him intimately, and reflect Him in ways that give Living Hope to all kinds of different people whose ideals and dreams and allegiances are being knocked-around. What I see right now is people posturing and fighting against each other to promote polarized agendas that blame the other side for all of life’s problems; and in many cases the people of Jesus are getting caught up in the fear-frenzy right along with everyone else.

 

……Let’s pause here for a gut-check…

 

Go with me, if you will, to 1^st Century Jerusalem.  Harassed and accused by an angry mob of detractors who wanted Him dead, Jesus stands before Pontus Pilate and says, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). 

 

Jesus wasn’t/isn’t merely another soothsayer or commentator on current events.  He was/is the Lord of another Kingdom… a spiritual reality that transcends the world as we know it.  As citizens of that Kingdom living in the current world, we need to check our loyalties!  We can learn a lot by looking at how Jesus and His earliest followers acted in the New Testament.  You don’t see Him/them getting wrapped-up in social/political issues, but always focused on carrying-out God’s work with the people around them.  THE KINGDOM IS ALWAYS ABOUT THE INDIVIDUAL.

 

Our meaning & hope & joy do not come from the circumstances of our lives, the fulfillment of our social / political ideologies, or even the state of the world we live in. These are not unimportant, but they are not ultimate. We must remain focused on Him, growing in allegiance to His Ways and His Mission so that our hearts don’t get swept away in the currents of the world’s fears and concerns and solutions. God has called us citizens of a different Kingdom, and His desire is that we be one in spirit & purpose as His ambassadors here.

 

So let me ask you…

• Is it possible to experience God’s peace in spite of COVID-19 and all of its ramifications
• Is it possible to have strong opinions while maintaining relationship with those you disagree with?
• Is it possible to carry/embody God’s love for both Protesters & Police?
• Is it possible to champion God’s purposes in a way that transcends socio-political differences?
• Is it possible to be responsible and fruitful in this world without acting like it’s our home?

YES…by offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God; not conforming to the pattern of this world, but allowing Him to transform us so that we can know and carry-out His desires moment by moment. (see Rom. 12)

 

Personally, I try to avoid getting caught-up in either side of political or social issues generally...not because I don’t care about health or economics or politics, but because when individual followers of Jesus commit to His redemptive purposed in all of our day-to-day endeavors with people, we re-present His Presence in ways that create ripples of true healing, hope, and joy that will last into the next Kingdom. 

 

Let’s keep our heads during this wacky time…. and remember the real enemy, the real Master, and the real Kingdom. Let's be about His business.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing." (1Peter 3:8-9…and you should keep reading to v.18!) 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) 

“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God on the day He visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)

 

hope and HOPE

I hope that things will get better for me and my family, that we’ll have everything we need and much of what we want….but my HOPE is much more firm than what results from full stomachs, comforting possessions, or our socio-economic standing.  We could lose all that and still possess HOPE.

I hope that the terrors of COVID-19 are behind us, and that no one in my relational sphere will somehow contract the disease and die….but my HOPE is not the result of everyone I know being ok.  HOPE is bigger than that.

I hope that the protests happening everywhere for racial equality will be taken to heart by those in authority, to make real changes in America’s justice and enforcement systems…but my HOPE doesn’t have its footings in the soil of any worldly nation, even my own.

I hope that the world we live in and raise children in will become more civilized and loving and Godly as time goes by…but my HOPE doesn’t depend upon the uncertain future, or the empty utopian promises of mankind.

There are two hopes….hope and HOPE:  

• hope is preferential, HOPE is providential.
• hope is what people would like to see happen, HOPE is what God is doing in spite of what we see.
• hope is like wishing on a falling star for our dreams to come true, HOPE results from trusting in the solid bedrock of God’s goodness and His plans.

Like many others, I often struggle with hope.  I gave my life to Jesus when I was 16 and have been following Him ever since….very imperfectly.  My hope has faltered greatly at different times of my life, and this current season has definitely been one of them.  I’ve lost my sense of hope several times since mid-March, but I keep coming back to the HOPE that is alive and well right beside me, around me, underneath and carrying me in spite of myself.  

I am hoping for a lot of things right now.  Many of my hopes arise out of desire for what is good, and frustration against disease and evil.  But there is a greater and deeper HOPE that is consistently available to pour comfort and peace and trust into my soul whenever I open its floodgates.  The HOPE that only God can bring is available even when this crazy world seems to be pulling apart at the seams….and nothing in the world can touch it.  

If you, like me, have struggled to maintain hope during this time; you won’t find it by looking around you or inside of you.  Real, life-giving HOPE is found only by looking above you. Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  If you would like learn more about how to tap into the LIVING HOPE offered freely to you by Jesus, please email me at shawn@catalystnw.org and I’ll help you find how to drink.

Here are some of the scriptures I’ve been meditating on lately, which bring me back to the HOPE I have in Jesus, I hope they help you as well:

”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9)

 ”We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this HOPE we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we HOPE for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:22-25) 

”Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the HOPE of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, HOPE. And HOPE does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:1-8)

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no HOPE.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
 

Crisis Church

Once upon a time, something terrible happened that scattered all the Christians in a society.  Public worship services were outlawed, and even small gatherings were discouraged.  All the normal operations of church were overturned, and people no longer had access to the leaders and programs they were accustomed to depending on.  This was a very trying time for the Church, which tested their commitment and resolve to continue being the people of God; even though everything they were used to was stripped away.  Some fell away from faith during this time, discouraged and unable to adjust to a lifestyle devoid of religious structures; but others flourished in their faith, embracing the rhythms that emphasize personal-worship and fellowship-of-the-few as the most basic unit of Church.

Times of crisis always bring us back to our foundations.  What’s really important to me?  Who are my people?  What’s worth sacrificing for?  

You might be thinking that I’m talking about today, March 2020, with all of the unprecedented closures and precautions we’re experiencing due to the Coronavirus.  Indeed I am, but I’m also referring to another time in history when something similar happened in the life of the Church….and I think that we should learn from their example.

During the period of time in the First Century that followed the day of Pentecost – 50-days after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – The Church began in Jerusalem.  It was a massive megachurch of thousands of people instantly, probably tens of thousands within a few months.  We don’t have many details about how they organized themselves, took care of money, or trained leadership; but we do know that they met continually in small home groups, congregated somehow in the open courts of the temple, and had a system for using donations to supply aid and food to those who had need.  It was as organized as it needed to be, but was essentially a network of small communities who functioned as individual churches. The impetus for knowing God, living in community, and doing His mission was always being pushed-out and exported like “spiritual DNA” to the individuals and small groups of the Church….which is why they not only survived, but thrived, when catastrophe hit:

“A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria [an area about the size of Connecticut]…  But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.” (Acts 8:1-4)

The circumstances which caused that massive disturbance were obviously very different than what we’re experiencing today, but the lasting impact on the heart of America’s Christians will be tested in a similar way.  

• How are you responding to the news that you can’t go to church for the next month…or possibly longer?  Will you just put your spiritual life on-hold, or use this opportunity to grow in a new way?  
• What will you do with all this time in societal quarantine?  Will you just resign yourself to two weeks in your jammies on the couch with Netflix & beer, or will you include activities that stimulate healthy gains in body, mind, and spirit? 
• How will this impact your intimacy with your Heavenly Father?  How will this challenge your identity as part of the Body of Christ?  How will you continue to take initiative with the Holy Spirit in the world?  

When we take responsibility for our own spiritual lives…even if we get confined to our homes, we realize that we always have everything we need to experience God through WORSHIP, COMMUNITY, and MISSION.  Individuals in the early Church understood that God was always with them; and they lived like they were always with Him and for Him no matter what happened.  So what can you do during this crazy time to stay engaged with God, His people, and His mission?  This is where our experience of Jesus’ promised “abundant life” is tested…It’s up to us.  Here are some ideas:

WORSHIP: 

• Read your Bible – at least a few chapters a day
• Pray a lot – for yourself, for others
• Watch/listen to online services from your church, or sermons/podcasts
• Read a book that will stimulate your relationship with God

COMMUNITY:

• Call/text/video with people about what you’re learning or struggling with
• Pray together on the phone or computer
• Get together with 1-2 people for prayer, even if you don’t touch
• Start a virtual group to discuss a Christian book or movie 

MISSION:

• Post encouragements on social media about trusting God
• Look for ways to show Jesus’ compassion to others
• Look for ways to share Jesus’ truth with others
• Continue giving to your churches/non-profits

There’s a wonderful little book I would recommend with highest praise, which is all about these simple principles for experiencing Church the way they did in the First Century.  It’s called “Microchurches” by Brian Sanders.  Brian and a bunch of other leaders started the Underground Network in Tampa, Florida, in around 2004 with these basic principles in mind.  I really enjoyed reading the book, and have been learning a lot from the Underground team in recent years. 

Blessings to you and yours, stay safe, and keep looking up!

Shawn

“Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”(Jesus, in Matthew 18:20)

“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home….“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”(John 16:32-33)

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Romans 8:35-39

Intimacy

I was listening this morning to Episode 16 of the Living Wholehearted Podcast, entitled “Why Emotions Matter” with guests Jon & Tristen Collins.  It’s a really great discussion about the importance of paying attention to what’s going on inside us emotionally, in order to make sense of the responses and behaviors we project on the surface.  You can check it out HERE.

I really identified with Jon Collins, co-founder of the The Bible Project.  He talked about being raised in a spiritual culture that valued knowledge & obedience to God; but put a lid put on top of emotions, which were seen as “unwanted & dangerous”.  He talked about growing up with a subconscious paradigm that he was like a “brain on a stick.”  I totally laughed out loud at that picture, as did moderators Jeff & Terra Mattson; but as they continued to talk about it I found myself within their descriptions of knowing “about” God without really “knowing Him.”  

People sometimes refer to having a “personal relationship with God.”  This attempts to break down the barriers of perceived distance between the mortal and the Divine, but it can seem like kind of a weird thing to say about a Being we can’t even see.  It’s one of the great paradoxes of life: We are spiritual beings, caught temporarily in a mortal experience in which we yearn for intimate connection with the eternal nature we were built for.   Not only that, the very Creator Himself beckons to the heirs of the Creation individually; drawing us into a type of union with Him that is pervasive and conforming to His Image, while maintaining and enhancing our unique spiritual identities in the process.  I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to understand and experience this, and am still learning to walk.

I think what we’re trying to convey by using relational terms about God is that we’re intended to experience Him emotionally as well as intellectually.  Our physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual natures all interact to make us who we are; and we were created by Him and for Him.  I like to use the word INTIMACY to describe the relationship we’re meant to have with God.  It’s a very personal, unbroken, and vulnerable word.  I reserve this word for those closest to me, who have my true heart: My wife, children, mom & dad, a few very close friends. 

Scripture paints the love story of a Father seeking out lost children, a Groom wooing His bride, a King subjecting Himself to the punishment of His people in order to save them.  Our intended relationship with God is about reconciliation, redemption.  “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 Jn. 4:10).  This is a type of love & commitment that we cannot fabricate, only imitate and perpetuate in connection with its source; and THAT is the birthplace of INTIMACY WITH GOD.  Unfettered, emotional appreciation that gives-up everything in return for His precious gift; because obligatory words and behaviors will always dry up.  Religion does not save us, only our Heavenly Father saves us.

In this emerging network we call “Catalyst,” we value INTIMACY with God – Surrendering whatever sources of security we think we have in favor of the forgiveness, acceptance, value, and unceasing connection we have with the Father.  We affirm that every believer is meant to know God personally, intimately, transformationally.  This type of relationship with God is cultivated both alone and with others.  Intimacy with God grows through personal spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, fasting, and meditation; as well as lifestyle choices that align us with His purposes for us.  It also grows by fellowship with other believers in worship singing, sharing concerns and testimonies, group prayer, caring for one another, and being on-mission together.  These expressions all work together to cultivate intimacy with God.

One of my favorite words in the Bible is the word “worship.”  It’s most often translated from the Greek word: “proskuneo” – “to kiss towards.”   It doesn’t have anything to do with singing, yet singing is definitely a wonderful medium for worship!  When it comes to developing intimacy with God, it can be difficult to wrap our minds around because it’s a value, or a function.  So what’s the form?  What do we DO in order to cultivate intimacy with God?  We worship.  I mean we live our lives as if we are blowing kisses to the Father all day long.  Like when my little girl was playing soccer when she was 7-years-old and she looked over at me on the sideline every 3-minutes to make sure I was watching because she and I were so delighted with each other.  She blew me kisses with her eyes fixed on me…and I blew them back.

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

QUESTIONS FOR PRAYER/JOURNALING:

1. How are you blowing kisses to your Heavenly Father?
2. Would you say that you’re experiencing intimacy with God? Why/why not?
3. How would you describe your worship in terms of lifestyle?
4. In what ways do you sense the Father trying to draw you deeper into Him?
5. What will you do today to align yourself  / develop intimacy with Him?

SCRIPTURES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

1. John 14:15-26
2. Luke 15:11-32
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Engkratia

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Like many of you, New Years is a time when I reflect on the past and set goals for the next year. My primary resolution for 2020 is to grow in my walk with God in the area of Self-Control. This is restorative in nature, cuz I kind of lost it around the waistline...but it's more than just the mirror or the scale. I want to regain what scripture calls "self mastery" over my mind and body.

I gain a little bit of weight every year around the holidays.  For most of the year, I’m fairly conscious of what I eat and drink, maintaining a high level of physical activity.  I even count calories to ensure that I keep things balanced.  But during the holidays, it seems right to let my guard down and enjoy the qualities and quantities I’ve been avoiding. Relaxing the militant resolve brings laughter and is good for the soul, and I always end up a little bloated & plump afterward.  I’m totally fine with this, I think it’s a good & healthy rhythm…as long as I keep it under control.  I pretty much blew it this year; and today as I begin Day #4 of the Whole30 eating plan, I’m becoming more keenly aware of the effects.

There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with enjoying rich/sugary foods and drinks, or alcohol for that matter.  We know this through God’s Word.  I won’t take any time to lay that out in detail right now, but the counsel of scripture is that all things are to be enjoyed within the boundaries of self-control.  The Greek word used in scripture is “engkratia”, which means “self-dominion” or “mastery from within.”  When we’re living in Christ, and He holds the reins of our lives, He enables us to maintain mastery over anything that would disrupt our union with Him.  But as we all know, moments of indulgence are a slippery slope.  Indulgence is an interesting word, it speaks of satisfying an inner desire.  So for example, during the holidays I indulge in food & drink in a way that I avoid all year long; satisfying that desire in the process.  Only it doesn’t always satisfy, and what then?  Those are the times when healthy indulgence opens the door for temptation, and when I step through the door of temptation – seeking to satisfy cravings all day every day for weeks (or months) at a time – then I find myself a far distance from contentment in Him, and under the control of something else…caught up in a current that I’m not strong enough to swim against.  

When my kids were little, we had an 18-foot round pop-up pool in the backyard.  It was one of the best purchases we ever made during those years!  My kids would swim almost every day, creating all kinds of games and having friends over to join in the fun.  The pool was about 4-feet deep, and the kids were just tall enough to frolic safely.  My wife & I swam with them all the time on hot Summer days & evenings, and one of our favorite activities was making whirlpools.  I was the best whirlpool maker because I was biggest.  I’d start by yelling “whirlpool!” and then start walking as fast as I could in one direction against the outer-wall of the pool.  The kids would line-up behind me and we would keep charging ahead, ever faster, until all the water in the pool was moving with us in a strong circular current. Then we would float on balls & pool noodles in circles.  Eventually we’d get tired of that, and then it was time to stop the whirlpool.  The kids were never tall or strong enough to do that, so I had to walk against the current alone until the whirlpool stopped…which always required significant effort and several minutes while the kids were virtually helpless.  Have you ever tried to walk against a whirlpool, river current, or ocean rip-tide?  Have you ever found yourself caught-up in a type of self-indulgence that created a spiritual current in your soul that you seemed virtually helpless to withstand?

We all struggle with giving-up self-control in times of temptation – and there are thousands of covert tactics used by the enemy of our souls that lure us away from trusting in the Father’s ways…that what He provides will truly fulfill and satisfy us.  At the moment when we begin to doubt that remaining in God’s ways will truly satisfy us, and that the alternative is actually what we really want…THAT is the moment when the strong current begins churning; and the longer we stay in it, the more difficult and futile our efforts become to free ourselves from its force.  Thankfully, we have a Big Strong Daddy who can come to the rescue and walk against it, restoring control and freedom from the disorder and chaos.  Sometimes this repentance process takes longer, and is more difficult, than others.  It depends upon how strong we allowed the current to become before giving up, and how willing we are to allow the Father complete control to make it right.  He alone is strong enough to restore the balance, self-control, and purpose that He created us for; and He waits in eager expectation to do so.

1 Peter 5:6-10

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Galatians 5:22-23
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and SELF-CONTROL."

A New Kind Of Church

What would it look like if a church organization and its leaders believed that their primary responsibility was to get behind the unique callings of every single believer in their fellowship…helping each one develop intimacy with the Father, understand his/her unique identity as part of the Body Christ, and equipping teams of servants eager to join the Holy Spirit’s initiative to reach out to every sector of society?  

I think that most church leaders want to see this happen, but the centralized traditions and structures that we’ve inherited tend to work against it.  I believe that the traditional congregational church expression, while important, exists to serve the smaller micro-expressions of individuals and groups; and not the other way around.  This is the vision I’ve been chasing now for 13-years since starting Catalyst, with various groups and ministries along the way; and some new things are taking shape that I’m very excited about for the coming year!

As you may know, I’ve been in a course of study and coaching for the past 2 years with Underground Network in Tampa to re-ignite greater Kingdom effectiveness in our work.  This year our Board of Directors, Sean Thome’ from NW Christian Evangelistic Assoc., and Renee Boucher from 24/7 Prayer have been working on creating new descriptions & pathways for ministry based upon the successes of the Catalyst model.  This includes the creation of an “onramp” for individuals and groups to launch new “Micro-Expressions” of Church according to their own callings.  We acquired the name “Catalyst Network” to refer to the new network of Mircro-Initiatives and Micro-Churches that we envision.  

I'm not sure if you'll be interested in reading all this, but I've been working hard on it and am super-stoked for what God is doing!  Here's a sneak peak at our restated FOUNDATIONS for moving forward with the "re-launch" of the Church Side of Catalyst in 2020.  

If you have any comments, I'd love to hear them....but if the "comments" function doesn't work for you, as I've been told by some, feel free to email me at shawn@catalystnw.org. 

PURPOSE

Catalyst is a different kind of Church; an experimental community pursuing change in the church and its mission, designed to re-contextualize the Gospel of Jesus Christ to reach people in the Post-Christian Pacific Northwest.  Rather than adopting traditional models that emphasize professional leaders, costly resources and centralized programs; our passion lies in equipping ordinary individuals and small groups to incarnate the Church’s mission in the world – impacting every sphere of influence, confronting every form of evil and injustice, reaching every kind of person, in a way that unlocks the genius of the Body of Christ to effectively reach the world with the Good News.

VISION

We envision a reality where followers of Jesus are valued for their kindness and generosity toward people in their communities; demonstrating God’s presence in ways that transform neighborhoods, equip ordinary people to become His heroes, and draw new people into His family.

MISSION

Catalyze God’s people to serve together as the Body of Christ in their communities.

VALUES

1. INTIMACY WITH THE FATHER – We pursue unceasing connection with the Father.  
We affirm that every believer is meant to know God personally, intimately, transformationally.  This type of relationship with God is cultivated both alone and with others.  Intimacy with God grows through personal spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, fasting, and meditation; as well as lifestyle choices that align us with His purposes for us.  It also grows by fellowship with other believers in worship singing, sharing concerns and testimonies, group prayer, caring for one another, and being on-mission together. 

2. IDENTITY WITH JESUS – The way of Jesus is our way. 
Before and in all things we value Jesus as the image of the invisible God. We long to worship Jesus by imitating his life, ministry, and connection with others. Both our theology and praxis are relentlessly Christological. He is our model, mentor, hero, mediator, savior, judge, king and ruler of all. All of our values flow from what we understand about his character, concerns, and the practices of his ministry. We recognize that we, His followers, are His Body in the world today, and commit to partnering together to manifest His character and mission.

3. INITIATIVE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT – The Holy Spirit empowers us to serve and save the lost.
God’s personal favor, calling and revelation is available to every follower of Jesus by His Spirit; according to his/her specific gifts and measure of faith. We encourage use of all of the gifts shown in scripture, with appropriate order and purpose.  By walking in the Spirit – individually and corporately – we are enabled to experience His desires and plans for us, and to join Him in His work all around us.  He grants each of us supernatural abilities and relationships to carry-out His initiatives in the Church and world.  The Holy Spirit empowers us to carry Jesus’ mission into the world; including Social Justice, Evangelism, and Discipleship.

4. THE BIBLE – The Bible alone is our source of faith and practice.  
We implicitly believe in, trust, and endeavor to obey, the teachings and practices set forth in the Holy Bible. We believe that it contains the written Word of God.  It records the “salvation history” of God’s work with humankind, and details His intentions for our beliefs & practices.  We understand that there are misperceptions of the Bible, but we affirm that it is meant to be understood and championed by every follower of Jesus.  It is imperative to us that every believer be well-read in scripture, and trained in Gospel-fluency.

5. THE MISSION – The Church is a “sent people” to carry-out Jesus’ mission.  
The Church’s mission is not to perpetuate or serve itself, nor to promote comfort and prosperity for her people; but to reconcile every person in the world to the Father.  We follow Jesus’ example by seeking, sacrificing for, and saving what is lost.  Jesus’ purpose is to bring about justice for the poor, hope for the marginalized, and regeneration for the lost.  This worldwide mission is advancing, and we are part of His story – to impact every sphere of influence, confront every form of evil/injustice, to reach every person with the Gospel of Jesus.  This includes both service and salvation, works and words, all of which lead to Jesus.

6. ONE CHURCH – We work toward unity with all followers of Christ. 
We affirm that the Church is the method of God’s mission.  There is one universal Church (with a Big “C”), comprised of all followers of Jesus everywhere.  Jesus is the Head of His Church, His people who manifest His presence in the world today.  There are countless denominations, congregations, and groups who gather together for worship, discipleship, and service; but we are all members of Jesus’ diverse, worldwide Body.  We recognize that disagreements of theology and practice will arise between brothers and sisters in Christ, and that this is unavoidable; but we pledge to avoid division and work toward unity, that we may truly be “one” in heart and purpose.

7. MISSIONARIES – Every believer is an agent of God’s mission. 
All followers of Jesus have a unique calling to walk with Him in this life and to serve as His representatives in their spheres of influence. Therefore, we work towards empowering people to understand and contextualize God’s mission through them.  While we appreciate the role of clergy in the Church, we emphasize the ministry of laypeople in relation to God’s mission.  Leadership in the Church exists to equip the “priesthood of all believers” for the work of ministry. 

8. MICRO – The small, missional group is the essential unit of Church.  
We believe that the traditional congregational church expression exists to serve the smaller, micro-expression…and not the other way around.  Our ecclesiology is simple: When a group of people band together to build Intimacy with the Father, Identity as the Body of Christ, to accomplish the Initiative of the Holy Spirit in the world, they are the Church.  Intimacy, Identity and Initiative then are the ecclesial minimum.  God calls us into his mission together, in small missional groups. These groups, no matter their name or size, are the basic unit of Church; and every follower of Jesus needs to be part of at least one. Our model of Church is to affirm, empower, and release a network of Micro-Initiatives and Micro-Churches.  

9. COMPASSIONATE – We serve others in need with no strings attached.  
We affirm that compassion is the posture of God’s mission in a hurting world.  Compassion literally means to “suffer together,” and no character trait exemplifies Jesus’ interactions with people better. We’re called to constantly give ourselves away, individually and corporately caring for the needs of others.  The Work of the Gospel is to serve to the poor, marginalized, and lost; the Words of the Gospel follow.  In this way, evangelism is secondary to service.  This applies to miraculous works of the Spirit, as well as seemingly mundane acts of kindness.  

10. RELATIONAL – We prioritize healthy and caring relationships.  
We recognize that although we live in a fragmented culture characterized by broken relationships, all people need and deserve to belong - to know and be known, to care and be cared for, to love and be loved. Our goals, strategies, and endeavors are fashioned to nurture healthy and caring relationships. This begins with marriage and family, moves outward to friends and associates, and extends to society. In this way, we extend Jesus’ love to a world in need of Godly models of relationship.

11. HUMBLE – We seek humility in relation to God and others.  
We voluntarily surrender control of our decisions, aspirations, and affections to God; believing that He can be trusted with our destinies.  We also submit to one another, understanding that none of us is an island unto ourselves but that we need each other.  By pursuing humility we are able to experience God’s contentment, rest and peace in the midst of a complex, corrupt, and competitive world.  Individually and corporately, we pledge to remain open and flexible to concerns from others, new learning, and discipline from the Lord; ever seeking to refine our commitments and expand our understanding and revelation of God and His call upon us. 

12. BELONGING AND BELIEVING – We both accept and admonish each other.
We understand that every person is journeying through life, and that discovering/following Jesus is a lifelong learning process.  Therefore, we welcome all people to explore God and community with us, without excluding them based upon areas of their lives that are not yet consistent with the way of Jesus.  That being said, it is also essential that we carefully and lovingly hold each other accountable to His character and teachings.  So we live within the tension between grace and truth, acceptance and conviction; in our pursuit of loving God and loving others as Jesus modeled.

13. DIVERSE – We embrace diversity and uniqueness in the Church.  

We affirm that every ethnicity culture, and individual - while imperfect - reflects the mosaic of God’s own image and together we better glorify and serve the God of creation.  The Church is made-up of individuals and groups from countless backgrounds, beliefs, and callings.  As we all journey toward maturity in Christ together, we will naturally experience and express this in a variety of ways.  Therefore we do not reject people we disagree with, and avoid division over debatable matters.  We minimize conformity, but emphasize freedom of preference and creativity within the boundaries of God’s mission.