shawnvandop.com

Be Careful

It is easy to compromise or settle when it comes to the choices we face.  We will justify our actions by thinking "we can get away with it this one time."  When we do that we chip away at our integrity and weaken our callings.  If you area a leader you risk losing your credibility and influence every time you settle for this approach.

The problem with believing that we can "get away with it" is that we can find ourselves later on in life trying to "get away from the things we thought we could get away with."  The little decisions and the small compromises are the very things that can lead us into a life of bondage.

I know far to many people who because of this attitude are now trying to break free from addictions, regrets, bitterness, and un-forgiveness.  I have lost count of the times that I have sat and talked with people who are desperately wanting to break free from the choices they thought would have no consequences.

If you are a leader - watch your choices.  Guard your life.  Do the wise thing and make sure you don't put yourself in the position where you are trying to get away from the things you thought you could get away with.

"So be careful how you live.  Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."  Ephesians 5:15-17

Don't Be Afraid of Me, Just Fear Me!

The other day during my devotions a verse jumped out at me.  Here it is:

"Don't be afraid... For God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning."  Exodus 20:2

Israel has just been given the 10 Commandments by God telling them what they could and could not do.  God sets some ground rules in order to help them live more productive and free lives.    While communicating the commandments God puts on quite a show. There's thunder, horns being blown, flashes of lightning and smoke billowing from Mount Sinai.  This freaks the Israelites out as they get a front row seat to the power of God.

That's when Moses tells them 'not to be afraid."  But then in the same breath he tells them that God is doing all this so that they will 'fear him.'

So what is it Moses?  Should we be afraid or not?  Sounds confusing doesn't it.  "Dont' be afraid of God but you should fear Him."  Uhhh, I'm not sure that makes sense Moses!

God's not confused or conflicted.  He's making a point and sending a message.  The Israelites are learning that God is on their side.  He is 'for them' and 'with them.' They don't have to be afraid because He has their best interests in mind.  But He also wants to show them and teach them that He is God. He is Holy.  He is perfect. He is BIG!

I think a lot of people forget that.

You see, to fear God is to understand who He is.  It's recognizing that He is way bigger than us.  It's understanding that although He is our friend, He is not our buddy.  It's recognizing that although He is all about love He is also all about justice.

I fear God not because I am afraid of Him but because
I recognize who He is and what He is capable of.

That was the lesson that God was teaching the Israelites.  It's why they had to wander in the dessert for 40 years.  That was God's discipleship plan for them to learn who He is.

Along with fearing God comes a blessing for our lives.  Fear of God keeps us from sin - "...your fear of him will keep you from sinning."  That is the fruit of fearing God.  Fearing God keeps ME in perspective.  It helps me to see myself clearly in comparison with God. 

That's what hit me when I read this verse.  I don't think I fear God the way I should.  I know and embrace His love but ignore His wrath and justice.  Yet wrath and justice are key ingredients to God's love.  They remind me that I fall short and knowing this truth is when I can fully embrace His love - which makes it that much more incredible.

It means that I can be holy just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:13-16 ) giving me perspective and keeping me from sin.

Lord, thank you that I need not be afraid of you.  Thank you for your love and your pursuit of me.  Thank you that you want me to know you more which means I need to learn to fear you more.  Move me beyond only respect and honor for you and take me to that place where I see your holiness, your power, your strength and your might.  Give me clear picture of who You are so that I can expereince the blessing of a life that fears God - one that does not sin against you.

Amen.

 

Church Math - Part 3 - Division

Division rarely gets talked about in a postive light within churches and organizations.  Yet it is probably one of the most common and positive functions all through out Scripture.  Division  is often the catalyst for peace making.  In order for peace to rule, dividing combatants and individuals are often nescessary.  What about dividing things in order to achieve greater goals?  Organizations are filled with different divisions each doing their part in order to accomplish their common purpose. Division plays a key role in moving a mission forward.

Although division can result in disunity it's not the norm.  In most cases division is the very thing needed in order to succeed (i.e., forwards and defense; management and labor; fire department and police department; etc.).  The common factor in all these cases is that each example is better equipped to reach a goal and be more efficient for and within an organization.

What about God?  Has He ever divided people or things?  Absolutely.  Right from the beginning He divided humans into male and female.  The human body is a unit divided into many different parts according to 1 Corinthians.  He took 12 tribes and formed the Nation of Israel by dividing them into specialized units.  He divides people to accomplish different tasks such as Peter (who was called to reach Jews) and Paul ( who was called to reach the Gentiles).   When he saves us it is a call to seperate ourselves from the world. In fact to be holy means to be 'set apart.'  Bottom line: you can't serve or follow God if you don't embrace the power of division.

Division is a very positive and effective strategy for having a greater impact.  Division can strengthen a church by increasing it's effectiveness and broadening it's diversity when people are aware of their unique role in the ultimate goal.  Division only turns negative when we put a focus on our own desires instead of our ultimate purpose.  When we become selfish instead if selfless.  When we become competitive instead of cooperative.

So what are you dividing?  Is division an intentional part of your leadership strategy?  I hope so as division may be the part of the equation that moves your church or organization forward.

When it comes to your church or organization where do you see the function of division working?  Are there areas where you need to implement the power of division?  Take some time and think through how division is working in a positive way in your church.  

Church Math - Part 1

I have to admit, math was my least favorite subject in school. I'll take a blank piece of paper with a bucket of crayons over a spreadsheet any day. Yet, the Bible is full of math. It even has book called Numbers. God adds, divides, subtracts and multiplies all throughout Scripture just like we do with our lives. We are constantly adding and subtracting things. We give away old clothes and then add new clothes to our wardrobe. We divide things like our finances by spending our money on different things and if we are prudent we do all we can to multiply our money so that we can keep adding things. Math is a huge part of our lives.

Let's begin with addition. If you read the Bible you will discover that God was constantly adding His vision through dynamic means and to diverse people. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that people perish without vision which means that we need God to add to our life His power, direction, provision, leading and the list goes on. Without addition from God, power runs out and people perish.

I think that is the state of a lot of churches and Christian's. They haven't experienced the addition of God's power and vision for years. They haven't added anything to their ministries, vision or environements.  Their relationship with God is exactly the same as the day they gave their heart to Him.  They know how to talk about God but they don't really know Him. Part of the reason is that if you are going to embrace addition, you have to embrace change. Addition always changes the outcome.  Addition entails risk which can create conflict and even failure.  Addition upsets the norms and can create a lot of work.  Maybe that's why so many people and so many churches fear addition. 

Failure to embrace addition will always result in stagnation and stagnant people always struggle in their relationship with God.  People who live in the past are people who never expereince the excitement of addition in their lives.  They believe that when God says "I never change" that they are supposed to do the same.  The problem though is that only perfect people have no need for change.  Last I looked - God is the only one who fits that description.

What is it that you need to let God add to your life today?  Do you need Him to add some of His power?  Do you need more grace?  Do you need to have Him add a greater understanding of His mercy and forgiveness?  Maybe you need him to lead you into a difficult decision or circumstance so that He can add more faith to your life?   The bottom line is this, you, your church or your organization will never grow if you ignore the principle of addition. 

What Defines Your Leadership?

When it comes to leading do you ever get scared? I think you're probably not leading if what is before you does not freak you out somewhat. I can't think of a time in the last 20 years where I have not been at least a little concerned about what was before me. Every week I have a certain level of fear because of what God has called me to do. Yet, surprisingly it has not been my calling that has defined or established my leadership. That does not mean calling isn't important, it is. Calling is what keeps you in the game when you feel like giving up - but it does not establish your leadership. Courage does!

Courage is what fuels initiative. If you never initiate anything you are not leading. It's the ability to initiate something that establishes whether or not you are a leader - and that takes courage. You will never lead without courage and for there to be courage means fear is lurking in the shadows.

Sadly a lot of 'leaders' try and establish their leadership by only holding on to their calling. They miss out on the adventure of watching God work through the process of courage by bringing them through to the other side of a faith filled initiative.

If you are a leader - what defines your leadership? Calling or courage? I pray it's courage.

LEVERAGING CONSUMERISM

There is a lot talk about consumers in the church.  That is, people coming with an attitude of what you can do for them rather than what they can do for God.  I agree that this is an issue and it can render a church useless if we allow people to stay there.  But the truth is, that is where most people begin.  There will always be those in church who consume, the question that we need to be asking is, "Will we let people continue to live with a consumer mindset?”

Here’s the deal.  When people come to your church whether you like it or not they are consumers.  They want to know what you have to offer.  They are watching to see if people are friendly.  Is the information they are given helpful?  Is the person speaking understandable?  Do their kids connect with your environments?  Should they come back?  These are the kinds of questions people are asking when they come to your church. 

I know, they sound like really selfish people but aren’t those the kind of people we have been called to reach?  If so, then why would a church not create environments that meet the expectations and desires of a consumer minded person?  After all it's by meeting those needs that create the opportunity for people to come back the following week.

Bottom line is that all churches seek to meet the needs of consumer minded people.  That is why they have a parking lot, a kids ministry and a sound system.  It just doesn't sound all that spiritual to say that a church  "creates environments every week that fulfill the desires of people who come through their doors."  But that is exactly what they do and they do it so that people will come back the next time they meet, which is really a very strategic move.  Why?

Because they know that if people come back then there is a better chance of  having them connect and if they continue to connect they will hear the dangerous message of Jesus.  And when they hear the dangerous message of Jesus they will be confronted by the Holy Spirit who will replace their selfish consuming heart with a servant focused heart.  And when that happens they will do all they can to make sure all their self-serving, consumer focused friends discover what they have discovered. 

So, next time you are tempted to criticize a church for being consumeristic remind yourself that it could be that very church that connects your family member, friend or neighbor with Jesus.

What do you think?  Can God can use consumerism to His advantage? 

 

AWESOME!

I can't believe that another year has come and gone and as I look back over 2010 I am overwhelmed by the love and faithfulness of God for my life and our church.  Reflecting on the past pumps me up for the future and I believe 2011 has the potential to be one of the most impacting years in the history of PCC.  Because of God's past faithfulness we can count on His future faithfulness.  With that truth in mind let me give you a few highlights for me in 2010:

• This past year we baptized 24 people who made the decision to go public with their faith.  Click here to listen to their stories.
• in 2010, 109 people went through our "Next Steps" night and chose to partner with PCC. 
• Over 20 Life Groups consisting of over 200 adults met weekly to study God's Word and encourage one another.
• Three mission teams were sent out to impact Mexico and Uganda.
• Our dream to expand our impact in our City took its first step with the purchase of a 57000 sqft building on the North Side of Chilliwack.  In 2011 we will become a multi-site church.  I've learned this past year that if you are going to make plans with God then make them BIG!  Check out our Everybody Vision by clicking here.
• One of the highlights for me was to watch hundreds of people sign the names of individuals on sticky notes that they are praying will come to know Jesus.  We placed those names on three sheets of plywood where over 1100 names were written out.  I'm praying for a harvest in 2011.
• We were able to minister to hundreds of people through our benevolence ministry,counselling referrals, meals ministry, marriage mentorship, Life groups, Student ministries, children's ministries, Awans, Young Adults, Divorce care, food drive, and the list goes on.  We have seen marriages restored, people healed of cancer, families encouraged, lives surrendered to Jesus, people provided for and faith built in the hearts of those who call PCC their home.
  

Let me give you a quick few soundbites demonstrating how God is working in people's lives:

"3 of 5 family members that I noted on a sticky note have come to church with us.  It's a  beginning, keep praying with us."

"I am so proud to be a part of PCC!!  I am excited about the new church in Chilliwack and I hope to take some time to pray about where I might be able to help next year.

"THANK YOU!!! My family has moved around often with my husbands job and I always fear putting my girls into a new childcare room during church. The thing I noticed right away at PCC was that my girls were welcomed and really enjoyed being there. They even ask to go to church during other times of the week now- thanks to YOU!"

"The service this Sunday was one of the most complete and relevant 60 minutes I have witnessed for an Easter Sunday service ever!... The wife of the couple that we invited, commented that it was as though you were speaking to her directly in your sermon and it was a message of hope for her and her family as they have been through a very difficult year. They would like to come back to another service! "

"I've been attending for the last few months...I just want to let you know how "at home" I feel at Promontory Church.  It was a tough decision to return to church after not going regularly for a few years.  It's been a long and hard few years in a tough marriage....My husband is coming to the church this Sunday... thank you for messages and prayers..."

"I first came to church after talking about it and voicing interest with my friend. I never  grew up in a environment with any type of religion what so ever. Of course the belief in  God  was always there but church wasn't.  After coming to church the very first time I was  hooked! I loved the energy, the people, the words you spoke and it made me almost feel like, a piece of my life puzzle that's been missing was finally filled."

I could go on and on... and I am sure you could as well.  God has been so good to us and I know that our best days are ahead.  I can't wait to see what God will do next through people like you and me in 2011.  Whatever it is - it is going to be awesome! Thank you JESUS!

Thoughts from a Lion Chaser

I have been reading a great book by Mark Batterson called "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy  Day."  It is based upon a passage of Scripture that you can read about in
2 Samuel 23:20-21.  Here a few thoughts/quotes I have gleaned so far from this book:

• God is awfully good at getting us where He wants us to go.  But here's the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seems like the wrong time.  (p.12)
• Spiritual maturity is seeing and seizing God-ordained opportunities (p.17).
• Sometimes God won't intervene until something is humanely impossible (p.23).
• Most of our problems are not circumstantial.  Most of our problems are perceptual... Our problems seem really big because our God seems really small (p.28).
• Nothing you do right will go unrewarded (p.36).
• Half of spiritual growth is learning what we don't know.  The other half is unlearning what we do know (p.45)
• Courage is putting yourself into defenseless positions (p.52)
• Maybe prayer is less about changing our circumstances than it is changing our perspective (p.65).
• Don't let what wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God (p.67).
• If you don't have any problems you don't have any potential (p.74).

I'll list some more thoughts once I finish the book.  In the mean time chew on these or better yet - read the book!

Leadership Quotes

Here are a few leadership insights I have been mulling over:

• “The size of the vision God will give me is directly related to the amount of pain and discomfort I’m willing to endure.”  - Perry Noble
• As a leader, it is okay to be uncertain but it’s not okay to be unclear.” – Andy Stanley
• “99% of the time, in my experience, the hard part about creativity isn’t coming up with something no one has ever thought of before. The hard part is actually executing the thing you’ve thought of.” Seth Godin
• “I have not yet witnessed a spontaneous recovery from incompetence.” – Susan Scott – Fierce Conversations

What about you?  What are you thinking about when it comes to your leadership?  What insights, quotes and thoughts are running through your mind?  What are you going to do with what you are learning?

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Stand Firm In Your Faith

This passage of Scripture is a great challenge for all Christ followers and a great guideline for all leaders.  Here is what it says:

Be on Guard.  Stand firm in your faith.  Be courageous. Be strong.  And do everything with love.  1 Corinthians 16:13

When it comes to your faith how firm would you say it is?  Do you find yourself on shaky ground or does your relationship with God produce firmness and strength?  Ask yourself, "What is my foundation?  God's Word or man's ways?  Do I really know what and why I believe what I do?  Do I live what I believe?  When you look at your life can you communicate what you produce?  What would others say about your faith?

How firm are you really in your walk with God?  I pray that it will continue to grow deeper and become richer.