Book Review- Culture Shift:The Battle for the Moral Heart of America

Culture Shift: The Battle for  the Moral Heart of America by R. Albert Mohler Jr. . (Multnomah Books, Colorado Springs, 2008,2011).  185 pages reviewed.

Culture Shift is a thoughtful and challenging collection of essays written by the author that address numerous areas of cultural interest. Addressing “shifts” in the moral view of issues like the law, political correctness, terrorism, education, evolution and others, Mohler offers an informed perspective on the changes occurring in how Americans view these issues. The book, written from a Christian worldview, addresses culture “head-on” and gives insights worthy of consideration for thoughtful Christians. Mohler brings a historical perspective and writes as a “balanced advocate,” meaning he advocates a Christian worldview and response, but is careful to present culture accurately…and does not shy away from “weaknesses” in the traditional “Christian” position on issues.

This is not a minister’s “rant” on the demise of culture; rather, it is a thoughtful analysis of culture, influence, and the Christian’s responsibility. The tone is cordial. The assertions are gracious. The assumptions are limited and well documented.

As a pastor, I picked up the book as part of my research for an upcoming project. It has stimulated my thinking and inspired me to action in a couple of key areas of my work. I recommend the book to professional minister and lay person alike. It sounds a clarion call to action without taking an alarmist tone.

Thank you Dr. Mohler! An asset to my library.

You can purchase a copy from Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review as part of their blogger’s book review  program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: I am Second, by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett

I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2012). 238 Pages.

This book is an engaging compilation of personal stories of life change through faith in Christ. Stories of transformation are always endearing to the hearts of people, whether Christian or otherwise; however, these stories are especially so. Each of these stories is told from the first person of the actual individual. In each account, the person had a different type of “bottom” that they hit, but a similar type of redemptive encounter with God.

Perhaps most encouraging and useful to me as a pastor and a believer, is the fact that the stories do not embellish truth. Each person was in a difficult place prior to their bottoming out and experienced a different process of redemption. Their lives were messy. It was in the midst of the messiness that Christ appeared to bring peace.

Our culture is fraught with people seeking peace in different ways. The beauty of this book is that Christ was real in the midst of the “mess” and met each person at their point of need.

I recommend this as a supplemental read for the nightstand. I see it as a book that allows you to read a chapter or two a night in addition to some other preferred reading. If one tries to read straight through, the stories can run together and the reader can lose the “wonder” of God’s manifested grace. But, if you have ever wondered about God and how real people understand His redemptive plan (as opposed to an explanation from a professional pastor like myself), this book is certainly for you.

I would certainly recommend this book!

You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore or through Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow

Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow  (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005,  2011). 239 pages.

One of the indisputable facts about church leadership is the fact that (as a whole) the church is not as successful in reaching men as it is in reaching women. Murrow addresses this matter “head-on” in his book and looks for reasons WHY this is (and subsequently how to address the disparity…if one believes it should be changed).

There were a number of key observations that caught my attention…as a pastor, and as one who desires to see men grow to become all that God designed for them to be. First…he noted that there is a great deficit of African-American men in the Church, yet they comprise some 90% of converts from the United States to Islam…and the overwhelming number of them as adults (p.27). This demonstrates that these men are not less “spiritually minded; rather, that there must be some feature in Islam that is more “attractive” (or as Murrow seems to argue…a feature in Islam that is less unattractive than in the church).

Another observation that Murrow makes in many different ways…in the fact that within the church there is an overwhelming disparity between the genders when it comes to who serves/leads and how decisions are made. He notes that the men who excel in the church do so by exhibiting characteristics that are “softened masculinity.” [Now I write this as a man who leads in the church, so I promise you it is not self-serving.] Men (with a few exceptions) who excel do so by softening the rugged “edge” that men have as an innate characteristic and thus by appealing to the senses of the women. Concern for “feelings” and “unity” are placed above vision and mission. He cites as an outworking of this a perversion of the biblical image of Jesus…where He is transformed from a manly carpenter to an effeminate peace activist who simply values love and peace above all else.

Now before you conclude that Murrow is just on a rant (which I think he embraces at parts in the book)…he offers some suggestions and a plethora of indicators that one can use to examine an individual congregation. Further, he offers insights from churches that tend to focus on reaching MEN and are doing it well. (He notes that those who do so…also see increases in women and children.)

Critically speaking, I think that Murrow draws a few shaky conclusions from his observations. I certainly can see how he arrives at his conclusions, but some of them seem to be based in an a priori argument. Still, I found the book to be engaging, thought-provoking, and instructive. It will serve me well as I continue to seek to reach men and women with the Gospel. Overall, I agree with most everything that he says and would encourage church leaders, ministry leaders, and students of human psychology to read and consider his observations with an open mind. I found my time “well-spent” in reading this book.  

You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore or through Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Point of Clarity: LDS and Rhetoric

With the leading Republican nominee being a professing and active member of the LDS (Latter Day Saints/ Mormon) church, we are hearing significant interest by onlookers as to how evangelical Christians view the faith system. While I have personal reservations about the “motives” of the questions, the topic is important enough to speak to it…because discerning Christians should always be able to “give a defense” for what we believe (1 Peter 3:15).

The underlying question is whether we, as believers, should support a candidate who is not an evanglical Christian. It is a strange questions since no one asks if a person is faithful as an evanglical. Is it more “dangerous” or “unsavory” to have a candidate who is non-evangelical…or a “baptist” who can’t define what “is” is? Truthfully…we need to move the conversation beyond the labels and see what a person believes (worldview), how that affects his/her decision making, and then exercise STEWARDSHIP over what God has entrusted to us as Christian believers with a fundamental right to vote.

HERE is a helpful comparison page on some of the major differences between Historic Christianity and Mormonism. (NOTE: Just because something is historic doesn’t make it right or wrong. Be willing to examine the doctrines themselves and compare them to the Scriptures. If they are correct, then embrace them.)

HERE is a great article written by Dr. Ed Stetzer who is a “mentor at a distance” to me. [By that I mean that his work has been helpful and we have met a couple of times. I read his books and require them for reading in the classes I teach on subjects like church planting and missions. Ed and I do not exchange Christmas cards...but I would if he would send me an address   ].

One of the most helpful parts of Stetzer’s article is the call for clarity on the language we use. To use the term “cult” (which we are hearing and will be hearing more if in the days ahead) is to invite empassioned responses. (Images of Waco or Jim Jones come to mind). Since this is not the goal of well-intentioned commentators or even pastors like me, it is more useful to grab a term that communicates our goal.

MAKE NO MISTAKE, I do not believe that the teachings of the LDS Faith are consistent with the Bible. I do not believe that people who hold to the orthodox teachings of the LDS church are “believers” as the Bible speaks of believers and therefore I do not believe that the LDS faith teaches or experiences Salvation as it is described or promised in the Bible. So…I do not believe that members of the LDS faith are “Christian” as we use and understand the word (since it communicates by definition that one is a “follower of Christ”). You cannot rightfully claim to be a follower of Christ and not follow Christ in His life and teachings. Jesus spoke differently of Himself than the teachings of the Mormon church portray.

At the same time, I would argue that the teachings of Mormonism are moral, in the same way that Islam and Buddhism or even some others are moral. What we know though is that religion is not a utilitarian tool to foster morality. It is a system that teaches people how to relate to God in truth. I can legislate morality but I cannot legislate a relationship with God.

My charge to you who read along here…don’t fall into the trap of using incendiary words that do not further the conversation. Don’t get drawn into a soundbite that ultimately hurts the cause of Christ. Here is what Christ wants from you and me as an ultimate goal…that we would faithfully proclaim the gospel in a way that exalts God, reconciles men, and doesn’t erect artificial barriers to salvation.

At the same time…let’s not be so “flippant” in our use of words that we lose the meaning of what it is to be a “Christian.” The United States is not a Christian nation. 80% of Americans are not Christians (though they would claim to be even though they have no biblical connection to Jesus). Someone is not a Christian simply because he says so. One is a Christian if he follows after Christ.

Lest I be misquoted or misunderstood: Do not read this and think that I “hate” mormons. I love them. I have friends who are in the LDS church. We disagree about Jesus but our children have common interests and we relate to one another. I always desire for them to be changed/converted/saved and to follow Jesus as Lord. I do not apologize for that. I desire that because I love them. Further, I do not feel superior toward people in the LDS church or any other faith system. Were it not for the grace of God and the love and care of people in my life who told me the truth about Jesus, I would be just as separated from God as every non-Christian on the planet…and that is the majority. I do not see myself in an elitest way; rather, I see myself as a servant of Christ and therefore, an agent of the Kingdom and a friend to those whom Jesus loved and died for. As such, I serve others…even (and especially) those who have yet to experience the love of Christ in the same way I have.

The Meaning of Being MISSIONAL as a believer and as a Church

Missional is a buzz word in Christian circles and I am rather fond of its use. Like all words or concepts, its meaning can be watered down or even lost without periodic clarification. It is not enough to know what “missional” means, but also what it means when I use it.

One of the guys who has helped me shape my thinking is Dr. Ed Stetzer of Lifeway Research and also one of the teaching pastors at GraceLife Church (a church plant). I love Ed’s writing style and the content is “spot on.” (Perhaps it is that northern style in him that I love. He tells the truth, in love, and allows others to wrestle with its implications.)

Having served as a church planter and as pastor of two different established churches, I have a strong desire for churches to be “on mission” or “missional” in their approach to ministry. But…what does that mean?

To be missional means to think and act as a missionary in the culture we live in. It is to choose activities that further us toward the goal of accomplishing the Kingdom mission, while rejecting those activities that hinder such accomplishment. Above all…it means to actively and intentionally engage the culture with a contextual presentation of the truth of the gospel.

I don’t mean simply inform them of the presence of the gospel, or to argue for the necessity of the gospel. I mean to present the gospel in perfectly understandable terms so that they can make an informed decision to accept or reject the gift of God in Christ Jesus.

Here is a link to an article (one of many) that Stetzer has written on CONTEXTUALIZATION. It is a powerful and succinct definition of what it is to make the gospel accessible to others.

One observation about it that connects this to “missional,” Paul not only contextualized the gospel…but he did it on purpose. He intentionally engaged others, studied them, then presented the gospel to them in a way that was not easy or comfortable for him…but was essential for their understanding.

It sort of reminds me of the old Bill Hybel’s principle that I call the “barbecue first principle.” (You have not earned the right to inquire or share about eternal matters until you have at least shared a meal with someone. If you don’t know their children’s names, how will they ever believe that you care about their eternity?)

If we truly care about people in our community, doesn’t it make sense to get to know them well enough that we earn the right to share our story and HIS story? If that means changing our approach or our lifestyles to become more relatable…shouldn’t we do that IMMEDIATELY and INTENTIONALLY?

Who are you investing in? Who are you getting to know…on purpose…with the intent of sharing with them about your journey as a believer and the amazing love of God?

FAQs and Tips from a Pastor’s Perspective

I was recently asked a question that comes up regularly…so I thought I would answer it here…in case others were wondering the same thing. (By the way: It is a question we answer during the discussion on the Bible in my doctrinal teaching “What we believe…and why we believe it.”

Question: I have a difficult time understanding the King James Version of the Bible. What Bible do you recommend? (Other variations of the question include what’s the difference with all of the translations?)

Here is some background reading on translations from my teaching on the subject: Bible Translation Overview.

I personally preach from the NASB (New American Standard Bible, updated 1995) because I believe it to be the most accurate English translation available in the essentially literal category.

When I travel abroad, I usually carry the NIV (New International Version) or the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)…since I do not want to give the impression that my God is an American God…which is a purely missiological consideration.

As for personal reading, I usually recommend that teachers use an essentially literal translation (NASB, ESV, HCSB, NKJV). For those who think it is a bit “rigid”, I recommend the NIV…since it translates ideas or concepts, not just words. For those who prefer a more “narrative” form of the story, I give the New Living Translation a “thumbs up.”

How to select a bible? Go to a book store and read a passage in several translations. (You can also do this online if you google sources). I would choose a passage from John (say chapter 1 and 3). I would also look at key verses like 1 John 2:2…to see how they deal with the atonement/propitiation. Then…I would get what I liked the best.

Personally I avoid paraphrases like the Message. I won’t “fight you” over it, but I personally just don’t see the need for that.

For the new reader and the seasoned bible study person alike…I have always found a good “Study Bible” to be helpful. The “study notes” at the bottom of the page help explain concepts that are not very clear in the text. I even used a study bible when I first began to preach! John MacArthur has a good Study Bible, and so does Zondervan (as well as some others…maybe.)

The biggest key…get a Bible you understand and start reading it prayerfully…until you can grasp it. Underline, circle, and check references. Read the study notes and the background sections. Basically…just do it!

Perspectives of Financial Stewardship

As I am preaching on the “Guardrail” of Generosity this week, I have run across a number of good research items on the subject and wanted to make them available to you.

One of these is from Pastor JD Greear of the Summit Church in NC. He shares HERE in his blog post on the principles of the tithe and then interacts with different questions. For those developing or clarifying a theological position on the subject, I recommend the read.

HERE  is a good budgeting resource courtesy of D.R. McLaughlin, our chairman of deacons and resident financial coach extraordinaire. Budgets are invaluable and the percentages express a powerful and appropriate guide to our allocations of the financial resources God entrusts to us to manage on His behalf. If you prefer Excel, find it here: Budget Worksheet and Percentages.

Dave Ramsey offers some great advice, a proven system and some free resources for budgeting, investments, etc. HERE is a link to these.

For those looking for Calvary’s Online giving portal and are having trouble locating it…you can access it from our website (Menu at the top), or by clicking HERE directly, and going to the bottom of the page. (From there you can access the site securely).  [There are also several scriptures on this page which lay out the biblical case for tithing and generosity.]

Hope some of these resources and links help!

Book Review: Leaders Who Last, by Dave Kraft

Book Review. Leaders who Last, by Dave Kraft (pastoral team, Mars Hill Church). (Wheaton, IL, Crossway Publishers, 2010). 144 Pages.

Dave Kraft draws on decades of experience in ministry and organizational management as he delves into the subject of leadership. The book consists of two primary sections: The characteristics of leaders/leadership…and the practical approach of a leader. The first two thirds of the book relate to the characteristics of the leader. Explored are subjects like what is a leader “made of.” He speaks of foundation and calling. Each leader must clearly understand his calling…why he exists.

Kraft then dives into the development of the leader’s raw skills. How does a leader continue to learn, develop, and become. Each leader must move on and continue to mature. In a “thought-provoking” way, he suggests the question, “do you have “x” number of years of experience…or one year of experience repeated multiple times?” Unfortunately, too many “disciples” are in the latter category.

Finally, Kraft wraps up the book by speaking of the leader’s legacy. Will he be an organizational manager or a visionary leader? Will he add to his church, or multiply his church? Multiplication requires difficult and intentional choices to allocate time and resources for maximum impact.

I found the book to be well written and easy to read. Many points along the way made me stop, simply to consider my life in light of the truth offered. I grew in understanding and in application having read this book. I recommend it to those seeking to move forward in their development…and not simply repeat the previous year’s lessons.

You can get your copy from Amazon HERE!

Reflections on Giving: What motivates Generosity?

I just came across an article by Judy Keen of USA Today on the psychology of giving or generosity.

The writer notes that Notre Dame is undertaking a new study to determine the cause of generosity. The ARTICLE is an interesting read. A quick note from the article:

There are some well-established theories about generosity. More than two decades ago, economist James Andreoni theorized that people who give experience internal satisfaction that he calls the “warm glow.” Other researchers call it “helper’s high” — a physical sensation that increases feelings of self-worth and makes people want to give again.

Smith says some facts about generosity are known:

• There are different kinds of giving. People give for strategic, altruistic, sentimental, impulsive, habitual or ideological reasons.
• People who are religious tend to give more.
• People who have more money don’t necessarily donate more. The opposite is often true.
• Generosity is good for you: Senior citizens who volunteer live longer.
• Holiday giving often is strategic and motivated more by year-end tax deductions than the sentiments of the season.
• People who plan donations give more than those who don’t.
• Guilt isn’t a great motivator.

Those conclusions, based on studies that ask people why they do or don’t give, are the easy part. Understanding what’s going on in people’s brains or their environment that prompts them to act the way they do is more complex.

I have some thoughts on this as well, but would love to hear from you: Why do you give? Is it the tax advantage? The good feeling? Habit or duty? A response of thankfulness for what you have received? A perception of acceptance in the eyes of others?

A pastor friend said several years back…that he thought that removing the tax deductibility of charitable giving to churches…would cause giving to be reduced dramatically. (Obviously he thinks that giving is motivated by guilt or tax advantage…or something similar). Another pastor stated that he thought removing tax advantages would “purify” the gift and make it more of an expression of worship. (Apparently he agreed somewhat with the first guy on motives).

Your thoughts are important to me. I hope you’ll comment on this post and then I will share some more thoughts in a couple of days.

Book Review: Death by Meeting, by Patrick Lencioni

Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable about Solving the Most Painful Problems in Business, by Patrick Lencioni (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2004), 259 pages.

This is the first book of 2011 for me (though I actually started it in the last two days of 2010.) I LOVED it!

I should probably disclose that I am a big fan of this author and his series of “leadership fables.” I have learned a lot about business leadership from his writings, even though my current context is slightly removed from an Executive Leadership Team.

In this powerful and easy to read book, Lencioni addresses the subject of a leader’s responsibility to conduct effective meetings; further, he takes time to define what they are. With practical assistance and many examples drawn from the “fable,” Lencioni challenged me personally to examine my preconceptions and responsibilities about the place and purpose of meetings.

Due to wrapping the business principle in a “leadership fable,” the book is difficult to put down. One can almost anticipate the next turn and can certainly identify with some of the “drama” in the story. At the same time, the reader is certain to be surprised and challenged by the author’s observations about “context” and how that affects a meeting.

I walked away…a bit ashamed at my own lack of development in this area. Unfortunately, I don’t think I am alone…since many leaders I know struggle in the same area.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone desiring to become better in this critical area of business.

You can purchase a copy from Amazon HERE.