Second Harvest Preaching
Second Harvest The art of preaching Sermons in a Can From websites to preaching guides, the market is littered with thousands of ways to “supplement” the pastor seeking to prepare his sermon. Not just illustrations, but scores and scores of fully outlined sermons awaiting the idle knees of those who preach the Scriptures. Preaching aids are not inherently wrong, but the problem surfaces as the supplement becomes the substitution. Visit churches very long and you are bound to hear the exact same sermon being dictated from another pulpit boasting of authenticity and uniqueness. With sites like sermoncentral.com boasting over 170,000 unique hits a week, it is no wonder why our culture is saturated with ministries void of the power of God. Men have flocked to websites, podcasts, and conferences only to record the words of other leaders so they might willfully play them back over their loud systems. It is the sin of second harvest preaching and it has infected our pulpits at an alarming rate. You might think this is exclusively common to our time period, when in reality second harvesting has plagued the church since its infancy. In Acts 19:13-20, the seven sons of Sceva attempt to imitate the power of God they had witnessed through the apostle Paul. It becomes obvious that the sons of Sceva were infatuated with what they had seen the Lord do through the apostle. So much to the point that they said, “In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches…” Unlike many today, they actually credited their original source. They were not outright plagiarizing; they were just seeking the same results as Paul void of a relationship with Christ. It is easy to focus on plagiarism as being sinful, but secular colleges can teach us that. Many sermonizers and peer exchange sites simply tell you to credit where you received your information, but this is an overshadowing of a greater problem. Second harvest preaching can take the place of an intimate relationship with the Divine Wonder. Whether cited or not, the supplement cannot become the substitution. It is to this end that many err in our society today. We want the results of Peter’s first sermon without the time spent in the Upper Room. We want the healing shadow of the apostles without an emphasis on the secret place. Anointing does not flow into us over the airwaves of podcasts, but rather through the breath of a Holy God. In the midst of the busyness of ministry, I found myself enticed by the same trap. Desperately wanting the results I had seen others achieve, I attempted to imitate those that were successful. Instead of praying, I was looking for something cute and easy to say – a sermon-in-a-can. Pretty soon my messages were nothing more than regurgitated speeches. I had been reduced to a public speaker more than a man who hears from God. I frequented websites for quick outlines (which I received at seminary), attended seminars of systematic approaches, and focused more on the presentation than the Presence of God. It is scary how fast you can slip into the trap, and unfortunately many never loose themselves from the grips of pulpit recitation. After going through my library, I came to a stark realization – not a single preaching book I received in three different seminaries says anything about prayer, and it absolutely never mentions Presence. Prayer and Presence always seemed to be the afterthought of preparation rather than the mode for preparation. From seven steps to fourteen steps, they all scream of systematic approaches to preparing your message, but they leave out the most important facet – God. Though we received paper after paper listing websites for illustrations, peer exchange of sermons, and PowerPoint files, we never started with, “Step One: Seek God.” It seems there is a bigger problem in our pulpits than our pews. So what causes this infestation and how can it be overcome? Why would someone choose the second harvest? There are a host of reasons why preachers turn to the Internet instead of intimacy. Personally, I realize and fully understand the pressures of serving on a church staff are many. Remember it is to this end that you were called – to preach the Gospel. Though administrative tasks have their place, they are not to be your primary focus. Furthermore, insecurity in your own life infects you with a desire for constant affirmation. Couple that with the sensational list of mega-preacher sermons we can download and you have a deadly combination. In desiring an outpouring of Holy Spirit in your ministry, make sure your infatuation is still on the Lord and not on the results that He brings. In other words, maintain your focus on His face rather than His hand. Though insecurity, church pressures, and misplaced infatuations play into the enticement of preaching sermons-in-a-can, the problem really seems to stem from an inadequate relationship with the Father. As we hear the voice of our Father, He gives us insight that cannot be grasped through the endless information found on the Internet. There is simply no substitution for the Voice of God in our lives. You can vicariously preach through the greatest preachers in history, but apart from an active, living relationship with God it simply will not bear any fruit. We can say all the right words, but unless Spirit empowers our words, they have “a form of godliness but deny the power therein…always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (2 Timothy 3:5,7). Unfortunately, many will choose recitation without the relationship. The ministry you have been called to deserves more than a mere “ditto” of the podcasts you have enjoyed. It deserves more than a man with plenty of resources and preaching guides. It deserves more than a well-polished speech, more than a business approach to church, and more than a catchy title and cute object lesson. More importantly – He deserves more. More than our laziness, more than our
Out of Order
Out of Order: False Start Secure housing – check! Secure latest and greatest small group material – check! Secure young relevant college-aged bible study leaders – check! Secure amazingly humorous yet doctrinally assertive speaker – check! Secure new and innovative recreational supplies – check! Secure graphics for promotional sweetness – check! Intercede for the lives of people in ministry, fast and pray for God to demolish strongholds in students’ lives, seek the Lord’s guidance concerning what to teach, repent, ask Holy Spirit to speak louder than words – job left undone. The old cliche “you save the best for last” certainly does not apply when it comes to ministry in the kingdom of God. I don’t know how it happens, but somehow ministry, especially when dealing with a media-crazed generation, can become so overwhelming we often neglect the necessities of a holy calling. None of us are immune to this alluring trap. On the brink of the greatest outpouring I had seen in ministry, I realized I had become overwhelmed and ill-focused on things that did not matter. Somehow ministry became strikingly complex. It use to be up to God – His power, His message, His work – but somehow after eighty different conferences, the increase in notoriety, the pressures of church expectations, and scores of people, I found myself more interested in the appearance of the our themes, logos, presentations, and personalities than the condition of students’ hearts. We had completely gotten “Out of Order”. This seems to be the constant resurfacing theme of God’s people. God’s elect desperately plead for a transition in their cultural climate…then as He begins to deliver and bless, His people slowly begin to prioritize trivial things. The nation of Israel, Saul, Samson, even Elijah fell as they slowly promoted circumstances in their life above God. The graphics glamor, and goods slowly supersede God. It is what some theologians have called “poor substitutions for God’s best.” It is the history of mankind, and unfortunately it seems to plague most youth ministers today. The tidal wave of increased professionalism in ministry has unfortunately left God out to a large degree. Not that we should act like rabid monkeys, but professionalism in the marketplace and in the ministry are almost completely unrelated. We are called not cultured. After sitting through 91 hours of graduate level theological classes (at three prestigious seminaries), attending the nation’s greatest ministry conferences, and talking to masses of “successful” youth ministers, I have found the mainstream of advice largely to be in want. The best tools, tactics, and teachers can often be poor substitutes for the presence and blessings of God in your ministry. In fact they can often distract you from the most prominent thing in ministry – the One who called you in the first place. We spent countless hours reading the latest books, debating pnuematology, previewing material, and listening to creative ideas for ministry, but rarely, if at all, did we stop to intercede for our nation, our students, our even ourselves. Perhaps the answer lies less on man’s advice and more on the supernatural work of the Father. In most ministries, creativity, professionalism, and expectations are exalted above holiness. Please notice – none but holiness are mandated by scripture. Sometimes our excellence at graphics, stage sets, and recreation overshadow the fact that there are more important elements that breed true, lasting success. Are these things important, certainly, but are they priority – absolutely not. And before all the perfectionists start to scream, rip the article out of the magazine, and neatly place it in the perfectly positioned garbage bag, we should most definitely do everything we do to the best of our ability, but not when it takes the place of holy devotion. Though graphics, promotion, materials, and good leaders are somewhat necessary they should follow our personal quest to understand the heart of God in the ministry He has placed us. ractical Tips for Maintaining Order 1. Maintain Your Private Prayer Life 2. Plan with Discipleship in Mind instead of Entertainment 3. Ask God First 4. Gauge your effectiveness upon obedience instead of numbers, popularity, or response 5. Don’t just do something because you think it is cool 6. Don’t just do something because you saw it work somewhere else 7. Beware of exalting yourself Practical Tips for Maintaining Order
I Have Ketchup Stains on My Couch
I Have Ketchup Stains on My Couch! It’s 9:00 a.m. on Sunday Morning. You overslept and are scrambling to get to church on time. The shirt you need is not ironed and your daughter just spilt fruit juice all over her white dress. She has to be changed and now you have to find something else for her to wear. You finally get it all together and get in the car. Oops! You forgot your Bible. Back in the house you go to grab it. Let’s try again. Finally you hop in the car and off you go. Then your husband says “Did I mention to you the Smith’s were supposed to come over after church today?” As if things were not already stressful enough!! This is not an uncommon scenario at our house. If you are like me, you start racking your brain trying to come up with something you can fix to eat and how you can get the house in order before anyone gets there. What about the dishes in the sink, the clothes in the laundry room, and the ketchup stains on the couch? What will they think? Don’t strangle your husband! The Scripture says in 1 Peter 4:9 to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. I know…it’s not that you mind people coming over, but if you just would have known, you could have been prepared. Relax Martha. The truth is people will be more impressed that you care enough to have them in your home than about how the meal tastes or how perfect and tidy the house seems to be kept. This is especially true about teenagers. Yes, we don’t want to portray ourselves as slobs, but it is ok for a house to appear that someone lives in it. It’s about fellowship and becoming involved in the lives of those God has placed in your path. Ministry and hospitality go hand in hand. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 lists out the qualities of an overseer or minister. A hospitable personality is included among the most important traits a minister is required to possess. In Titus, elders are required to be hospitable. This is a resounding qualification in the leadership of the church. Though it may seem your husband just enjoys having people over (which is a good thing), he is actually fulfilling a duty of his calling. As wives, there are many arenas in which it is hard for us to assist. However, the avenue of hospitality is one that we can pour into unreservedly. Did I mention the ketchup stains on the couch? Most likely, they got there from the teens that were over the night before! Don’t stress over that either. These are just material things that have no purpose in eternity. On the contrary, investing in the lives of your students has lasting effects. Teenagers long to hang out together. Why not give them a place where they can meet in a Christian environment? It is one thing to get to know your students at worship services, but there is something about having them in your home that forms an even greater connection. To know they are welcome speaks volumes of your love and concern for them. There doesn’t have to be planned activities or large varieties of food. Just pull out some chips and popcorn and make a pitcher of kool-aid and you are good to go! A benefit regarding teens is that you don’t necessarily have to get anything ready before they get there! They are perfectly satisfied hanging out while you make cookies. Many times, it can be a bonding time with the girls as you bake them together. I have learned to keep a few things in the pantry for these last minute occasions. A block of Velveeta cheese and a can of Rotel are always beneficial in making cheese dip on short notice. I always keep a box of brownie mix or frozen cookie dough on hand so that I can quickly make some goodies when we get a phone call saying some youth are coming by to see us. Bring out some cards or dominoes or even old games they played as a kid and everyone will have a great evening. Furthermore, just sit and visit with them. Your hospitality can also extend beyond your home. It may be displayed in the form of giving a ride to an out-of-town football game or taking a youth out to eat that normally wouldn’t be able to do so. Whatever the situation, don’t hesitate to extend your invitation or generosity. My husband and I have always enjoyed having our students with us. Countless times I have been told that we need to “tell those kids to go home”. I disagree! We have referred to them as “our kids” and that’s how we view them! There are instances when we’ve had to say it’s time to go home because we have to go to bed and other times when we are busy or we need to go do something with just us as a family. However, we have tried to convey that we welcome them into our lives, not just on Wednesday and Sunday, and thoroughly enjoy their company. While there needs to be boundaries established from the beginning, currently some of our closest friends are former students in our ministry. It has been such a privilege to form relationships that have been centered around the Lord and grown into lifetime friendships. Our Father is pleased when we find joy in what He has asked us to do. Choose to view it as an enjoyable time, not unanticipated stressful evening. Remember, you may never realize what kind of blessing your kindness is to a student. We don’t always know the struggles and environments in which our teenagers are forced to dwell. Your home or presence may be a place viewed as a refuge they can utilize for a short time. Beyond the scope of youth, sometimes
Dragon Slayer
Are we really out of diapers? How could I have forgotten to put that on my shopping list? These are questions I asked my husband late one evening. We had no choice but to head to Wal-Mart. What we didn’t know was that the Lord was directing our path so we would discover a secret meeting. He took us right by a deacon’s office where we observed a gathering of a few church members. What was this combination of people doing so late at night in a public building that had been closed for over 3 hours? It was later revealed that they were discussing my husband, and it cut to the heart. One of the vehicles belonged to a deacon whose family we had just taken a meal to the week before. Talk about surprised! I once read a statement from a minister’s wife who said “I didn’t even know we had any dragons in our church, and then I returned home from a conference to find them camped on our doorstep.” She was referring to a book entitled Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church by Marshall Shelley. I can relate! I would venture to make a guess that at some point in ministry, you have had to deal with some “dragons” as well, whether they snuck up on you or attacked with ferocity. Some of these people undoubtedly feel that they are doing the right thing, while others’ motives are questionable. Although it is not a topic that we like to focus on, unfortunately circumstances arise that wound us. Whether the situation involves people of the congregation, students, parents, or other staff members, the experience can be extremely painful. I believe the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through have dealt with conflict regarding our ministry. I am not sure if the intense hurt is a result of taking harsh criticism for something we have poured our whole life into, or maybe it is just so difficult to swallow the attacks from people you deemed godly brothers and sisters in Christ. Unfortunately, my husband and I have our share of scars. Some are big, some have faded, and some still seem like an open wound at times. I can remember feeling a whirlwind of emotions from these occasions. My initial reaction was often one of shock, as I did not realize anything was going on. People have gotten offended from things we have done or said and become bitter about it, and the whole time we have never known there was even a problem! Other times I can remember a feeling of pain and ultimate betrayal as we would discover some who we deemed our closest friends had become our biggest critic. We had a friend who was starting a Saturday night worship service in a vacant building on the square for anyone in the community who wanted to get together with other believers and worship. It was supposed to be especially refreshing for any ministers who wanted to come because ministers are always the ones who have to do the preaching. It was going to be on Saturday nights so that it would not interfere with any Sunday services. Our friend asked my husband to help with the music. In the early idea stages, a few deacons were informed of the potential service. Because it was not going to be held at our church or under our church’s leadership, my husband was banned from attending by the pastor. I really had to battle this in my heart. I thought we were about the Kingdom, not the church empire! One of the deacon’s who really pushed for my husband to be forbidden to attend was angry because he was not one of the “first” to know about the service idea. Out of bitterness and malice over something so small, he began to rally against him and spread false statements about what Mikey was teaching to other parents. Praise God some of those parents came to us so that we were aware of these attempts! This was the same man whose family we had poured abundant time, financial support, and prayer into the previous year because of hard, desperate times in their lives. Dishonesty, deceit, and conspiracy among Christians were actions I could not comprehend. I slowly began to realize the more work you begin to do for the Kingdom, the harder Satan attacks. It can come in any form, even church members or staff. Those feelings of hurt I harbored would later dissolve into anger and resentment. I am not saying that was the right attitude but I am just being honest. Even though my husband more often has been the direct target because he was the one on staff, I think sometimes it is harder to stand by and see the pain that he is experiencing. I believe that we are one in Christ, therefore, when Mikey hurts, I hurt. I saw the ministry as ours together, so if it was under scrutiny, I was affected as well. In the flesh, I always want to do something to get justice or set someone straight. This is especially true when I feel that the dragon is self-seeking or flat out deceitful. Don’t get me wrong. There are occasions when my husband and I have erred in ministry. We are human. Sometimes the complaints have been justified or even petty enough to make us laugh. In those cases, the best thing to do is take responsibility, apologize, and ask for forgiveness in KINDNESS. If they forgive you, then a relationship is restored. If they don’t, then pray diligently for them about the matter, but move on with the Lord’s work. However, the dragons that catch me blind-sided and stunned by false accusations and betrayals are the ones that wage war in my mind and spirit. So what are we supposed to do in these situations when we feel absolutely helpless and discouraged? I know
The Lure of the Stage
He sits in the crowd imagining the multi-colored lights hitting the stage as the glorious stares of thousands await his voice to travel miraculously through the air and into their hearts. With the weight of performance on his mind, he labors through seminars, school, training, and conferences awaiting his moment… his promotion… his time on stage. Condemned by an ever-wandering heart, he beats at the air wondering if he will ever make it. It isn’t just those waiting in the line of American Idol tryouts, it’s men of God lined up at our seminaries, churches, and recording studios hoping their picture gets placed on the next website, the next billboard, the next top ten chart. It’s the called and anointed of God obsessed with an influx of followers on twitter rather than imitations of a holy lifestyle. It may sound harsh, but in the period of flashy marketing we have made rockstars out of pretty smiles, nice clothes, and humored messages. After all, holiness is not as marketable as well polished sermons. It is kind of scary if you think about it. Those the Bible tends to exalt did not come in the same manner. It is perhaps the greatest oxymoron of our century, and it certainly doesn’t seek to imitate our Messiah – “Christian celebrities.” All dressed up in the latest fashions, shoes, or deliberately tilted hats. This may seem like a new trend in ministry, but the same condition seemed to plague those as Jesus came. Whose disciple are you? What degree of Jewish law have you entered? Who did you study under? By what authority do you operate? Though the warnings of the past seem to be great, the operation of many today seems to be in the same direction. Where did you go to seminary? What churches have you served at? How many students do you have? Have you downloaded my latest podcast? There are many victims who have been lured to a stage in an effort to make an impact. Like a golden calf, we bow down to those who finally get their promotion, their chance, their next best seller. And over time, and often at the hands of those considered spiritual, we have crafted ourselves into elaborate bronze statues worshipped by those who call themselves spiritual. In a culture saturated with religious idols, men beat their own breast not out of repentance, but out of pride. The world of Christianity is no stranger to glorious superstars. Think of all the conferences you have attended, camps you have gone to, and conversations you have had concerning conferences. Some of the first questions asked are: Who is speaking at the conference? Who is leading the music? What book did he write? Many weigh their attendance based on the Christian celebrities in attendance. We all have men of God we follow in order to learn from, but when did discipleship turn into a morbid obsession that leads us into forming idols? The stark reality of our condition stands in sharp contrast to the life of Jesus. The Messiah time and time again would heal people immediately followed by the words “don’t tell anyone” (Matt 8:4, Matt 9:30, Matt 16:20, Mark 5:43). He didn’t post it on a social network, he didn’t tweet “the blind just received sight at FBC Jerusalem”. In fact, He did not “consider equality with God something to be grasped”. Isn’t it funny how the ones who deserve to be exalted never like being exalted? The ones who do the best with the microphone never seek to grasp it. They sure don’t self promote themselves in an effort to gain more followers. The most penetrating words ever written flow from time spent privately, not corporately. Something tells me Jesus would have burned down any billboard broadcasting his talents or abilities, and John the Baptist certainly wouldn’t have made a good poster boy. In the midst of our own environment, the lure of the stage has infected many pastors. If I had a penny for the number of pastors that had approached me telling me they were called to be an “evangelist,” I would be unbelievably rich. Unfortunately many of them do not understand what they are saying (and many, for that matter, have no idea what an evangelist is). What they didn’t say screams louder than what they did. Their true heart’s cry is, “I like the lime light, I like the stage, tell me what I have to do in order to get a microphone and stand in front of thousands of people.” They are not seeking the Father; they are seeking exaltation. Like Diotrophes, they like to be first (3 John 9-10). They ask for a seat at the right hand of Jesus in heaven. Like Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24), they pay their money waiting for a double portion to be poured out for the sake of entertaining a crowd. I often wondered if there were any “Simons” sitting in the crowd as Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost. Someone sitting there going, “Man, I could have said the same thing. Why does Peter get to talk, I could have said that better?” In what was one of the greatest moments of my life, a brother of mine shared words that I will never forget. After preaching at a conference, I went to the back in order to pray over people as they left. While in the back of the room, people started hurling comments at me. Their forked tongues seemed to delight in tickling my ears with compliments as alluring as fruit. Sleek as the serpent, they came one after another. Suddenly my brother leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Be careful, you might just believe what they are saying.” It was a turning point in my life. That whisper, though softly spoken, has been deposited into my mind forever. It is so easy to embrace exaltation, even in ministry. Be careful that your approval comes from
Cut the Shirt Tail
Cut the Shirt Tail I grew up in the deep woods of East Texas, and deer hunting is just a natural thing for my family. When my husband and I first met, he was not familiar with this sport, but quickly became interested. When the first deer season came around, he was eager to get on a stand as often as he could. One day he came in and was so excited. He began to tell my dad about this awesome buck he had seen and tried to take as a trophy. Finally my dad asked, “Well, where is he?” Mikey explained how he had strategically fired a shot and just knew the deer would be lying right in the woods nearby. After hours of searching, there was still no deer. He had obviously missed. My dad made the comment, “we’re gonna have to cut your shirt tail”. I had always heard the expression used when someone attempts a shot but misses, but I remember thinking why on earth would you cut someone’s shirt tail? Aside from tradition, what’s the point? While I still see no point in cutting a shirt tail because of deer hunting, I am convinced there is another area where it might be appropriate. I know as a minister’s wife I get bombarded with the everyday routine of life. Early up in the morning, off to work, pick up the kid(s) at daycare, go to the store, come home and cook, go to baseball practice, wash the clothes, clean the messes created around the house, do homework, bath time, and then put the kids to bed. Total exhaustion. After I am done with all the daily chores, I just want to crash! Then, Sunday or Wednesday comes and we have our church activities. My husband has volunteered me to be on the Vacation Bible School committee, take a meal to a family who has had surgery, work in the nursery, and of course plan the back to school youth rally. BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! Every one of these things are great and to be commended. However, I often find myself caught up in the busy work of the ministry and neglect the intimate quiet aspect of the relationship with the Father. Yes, I will worship and hear from God during services among other believers, but maturity is not developed on that level. It seems that all is going well because I appear to be an excellent servant. Yet, when it comes to hearing from the Lord or spending time growing in the Word, I am “riding along on my husband’s shirt tail”. Because he is the labeled minister, Mikey usually has a chance to spend time alone at the office with the Lord. He is able to discover fresh things in the scriptures and sit until he hears from Holy Spirit. If I sit and listen very long at home, I usually hear “MOM!! I need to go potty!” or “I just spilled my Kool-Aid!” Soon these daily routines and events become weekly, and then monthly, and then so much time has gone by without me actually seeking the Lord until I am just a surface servant instead of faithful companion. Therefore, I often claim my husband’s relationship as my own. I feel if he is really growing in his walk, then WE are growing in our spiritual lives. I excuse myself from finding time because of other obligations and assume that Mikey’s walk will cover us both. After all, I can easily fool people into believing I am the most mature Christian because I am the minister’s wife and so involved in the work (or even programs) of the church…..right? This situation is comparable to kids who grow up relying on their parents’ faith and think they have it all together. The reality is we can and must have our own relationship with the Creator. This summer I was blessed to be able to visit with a friend of mine who is also a pastor’s wife. She expressed the same struggles of being a wife, a mother, and part of the ministry. It was refreshing to hear that I am not the only one who deals with this! Despite abundant involvement in the programs of the church, at times she too feels like instead of walking she is hanging on to her husband and letting him carry her. We began to discuss ways to overcome the pitfall of substituting service for solitude. I shared how I had recently been reminded of God’s desire for “firstfruits”. Proverbs 3:9 says “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” In Deuteronomy 18:4 the people were instructed “to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine and oil, and the first wool from the shearing of your sheep.” Romans 11:16 states “If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, the whole batch is holy”. Christ himself is even referred to in 1 Corinthians as the firstfruits of the dead. As I studied firstfruits, I was convicted in my own personal life that if God wanted the first of my money and possessions, why wouldn’t He want the firstfruits of my time? I realized that in order to spend quality time with the Lord, I needed to start my day with Him. This may involve the sacrifice of a little sleep by waking up early, but it will not be without reaping abundant blessings. Mark 1:35 tells us that even Jesus arose very early in the morning while it was still dark and withdrew to a solitary place to pray. I don’t claim that the Scripture commands us to engage in our quiet times in the morning, but for me it was a personal conviction regarding my firstfruits of time. The morning is a time that I can always count on without the kid, chores, or exhaustion distracting me. Another step for overcoming is requesting accountability. I had to