An Impromptu Prayer Walk

I know this is last minute, but I got an e-mail from a friend who pastors a church in the area. They are preparing for revival in their town, but haven't had a great turn out for their prayer gatherings. I have a sense of God's leading to go prayer walk the town on Thursday, March 30. I'll probably go in the morning. If you are reading this, and have a desire or a leading to go, call me at The Journey's phone number as soon as you decide, no matter what time it is: 806-549-6221. If you can't go, at least pray for the community around 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Peace

The Journey's Conversation Board

Well, due to a "problem" (really, I think it got hacked, but I'm not sure...) with The Conversation board on The Journey's web site, I've had to re-do the whole thing. The good news is that the new one is working. The bad news is that everyone who had registered on it will have to re-register, and the discussion threads are gone. So, if you were a member of The Conversation, please forgive me, and let's get it cranked up again. If you were not a part of The Conversation, now's your chance to get in at the "beginning." Check it out at http://www.journeylubbock.org/conversations

Witticism

I found this brochure called, "If at first you don't succeed, Don't try skydiving." It has 101 funny one-liners. They aren't all funny, but some of them make me laugh, so I thought I'd share the goodness:
Never Answer an anonymous letter.
It's lonely at the top, but you do eat better.
If we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made with meat?
He who laughs last thinks slowest.
We have enough youth. How about a fountain of "smart"?

More to follow!

My New Friend "Dylan"

I've had the opportunity to speak to several different groups in the last few weeks, and all have been a blessing to me. Last night I spoke to the students at the Wayland Baptist University extension here in Lubbock. It was a last minute thing, and I had no idea what I should speak on. I got the call at 4:30 asking if I could fill in, and the gig started at 7:15. I was really nervous, which is unusual for me, but God did His thing, and 8 people accepted my invitation to shift their trust from themselves to Christ for their eternity. It was sweet!

One of the things I touched on last night is something I've touched on in our faith community and the other places I've gotten to speak lately: our love for Christ being expressed through our love for people. That's where "Dylan" comes in. As most of you who read this know, I office at a coffee shop. I'm here every day from about 9 - 3. As a regular, I've gotten to know tons of people who come through here on a regular basis, and some folks who stop by once. One of the regulars is my new friend, "Dylan." Retired Air-force, he keeps a rigid schedule, and does not like change. I would guess that Dylan has experienced more than 75 years of life, although I've never asked. Loud, opinionated, and brash; he doesn't get received well by the other regulars here. But one day, a couple weeks ago, I engaged him in conversation. Now, he comes in and sits with me. We talk about all kinds of things. Actually, he talks about all kinds of things and I listen. Our first real conversation was about the trouble he got into at the V.A. clinic here. The trouble centered around a stool sample, which he described in graphic detail for about 2 hours! The girl behind the counter tried to rescue me that day, but it was okay. Yesterday, we talked about grace killers, military filing systems, and American culture. Today, as I sat and listened to Dylan talk about the self-centered nature of American culture, his daughter's car trouble, and the military filing system (again), God drove home a point to me in the midst of my busy schedule: My love for Christ is expressed by turning my full attention to Dylan and just listening. Today, he came and sat down on what is a very crazy day for me. But because of what Christ is doing in me, I was able to close my computer and listen, interact, and just let this new friend feel that someone cares. He spoke for a couple of hours and I just sat and listened. When my mind began to think of what I could be doing, Christ reminded me that there is nothing more important than worshipping by giving my full attention to Dylan. I smiled and nodded a lot, spoke a little, but looked my new friend in the eyes and embraced him as an expression of my love for Christ. How can I preach to hundreds of people in the last several weeks about doing this and not do it myself? Now for the fun part: as Dylan went and sweetened the tea that he always gets, I slipped off, got him a gift-card for the coffee shop, and had the girl at the counter deliver it to him without an explanation. He's set for his tea for weeks to come. My hope is that he will come in more often, and sit with me so I can love on him in a place where no one else does. In spite of how others feel or receive him, I have a new friend that I will always make time for because Jesus would.

The Greatest Sport On Earth!

Oh, how I love snowboarding! We just got back from Telluride, CO. It's the bomb-diggity, yo! I haven't seen the video stuff yet, but some of the pictures are great. One of the greatest things about this trip is that God is bringing to pass one of my dreams: a hobby to share with my son. This was Jeremiah's second year to ski. I can't describe the feeling of pride and joy that I felt as I watched my little boy come trekking over the hill from his Ski class. As he and I rode the bunny slope together, he passed me and giggled the whole way! After I caught him, we stopped, and I shared with him what a blessing he is, and how glad I am to have this common interest with him. Next year, my little girl will start skiing, and then the whole family will have this great sport in common. I am beginning to pray now that she will love it as much as I do, so that one day, we can all shred Telluride together!

This one is of most of the kids from my youth group.

An Interesting Verse

As I was looking through the Book of Mark during my study times this week, I came upon something interesting. In Mark 8, Jesus feeds the multitudes, and there is food left over. It's a story that most of us are familiar with. Then, the Pharisees come to him and ask him for a sign from heaven. He says to them, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." I've done some reading on what exactly that means, and have found some info, and wanted to see if any of you wanted to weigh in on the meaning of this passage. Here's what I've got:

Draper (1993) argues that the "sign" is not a miracle, but a banner, totem, or token of the Davidic messiah, associated in various ancient Jewish texts and the Old Testament with a holy war. "This study suggests that in an earlier stage of the tradition the 'sign from heaven' which Jesus consistently refused to give, despite repeated requests, was indeed the raising of the Messianic totem to signal the beginning of a holy war against the Romans."(p21)

G. Mark writes: "Some exegetes see 8:12 as evidence of later interpolation as it appears to contradict the miracle tradition in the Gospel, although its source seems to be Paul, and thus, in accord with the normal practices of the writer of Mark. There is no support for historicity anywhere in this pericope."

Christ cautions against the Pharisees and Herodians. Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we should chide ourselves severely, as Christ here reproves his disciples. How is it that we so often mistake his meaning, disregard his warnings, and distrust his providence? (Mk 8:22-26)

Thoughts?

Mark Driscoll's MMA

Check out Mark Driscoll's new MMA (Manly Missionary Award). It's a fun read!

Free Indeed

My good friend, Billy V. has a great post on his blog about freedom, with this being Ash Wednesday and all. It got me thinking, which is usually dangerous.

As Americans, we have a strong sense of independence and freedom. Our country, compared to others, is not very far removed from the bonds of slavery and oppression. I think this, coupled with some other factors like cash flow, technology, etc. can lend itself to creating a world view that sees no limits to what one can do; i.e. The American Dream. I know I've spent plenty of time chasing the American Dream. My big question is: has the church in USAmerica been chasing the American Dream? More money, bigger "houses," more influence, you get the idea. I'm not knocking the wealthy. I've put a great deal of effort into this very thing (and those of you who know me would never use the word "wealthy" to describe me!). And, if I work hard to get everything I dream of having, shouldn't I be looking out for number 1? It's my stuff, it's my life, it's my dreams. After all, it's my right to have these things. I am free to chase whatever dreams and stuff I want. John said that "If the son has set you free, then you are free indeed!" But did he mean that we are free to have the American Dream? Paul penned, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is profitable." The truth is that we have been freed so that we can become bond servants of The Most High. I love Paul's reminder to the Corinthian Church: "For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave." We react badly to the idea of being a slave, but that's what we've been called to. We are no longer slaves to sin, our flesh, or the world. However, we are called to be slaves to Christ. And that means sacrificing things that may very well be permissible to you in Christ, but would not be benficial to the Kingdom, or to the body. What does this look like for you? What do you cling as you chant, "It's not a sin."? With today marking the beginning of the Lenten season, I would challenge you to begin thinking like a slave to Christ, and not necessarily as an American citizen. What do you hold on to? What keeps you from true freedom? What would the Master ask of you that you might balk at because of the sacrifice involved? Whatever it may be, it's time to give it up.

Don't be that guy...

I've heard this phrase before, but seem to be hearing it more these days. "Don't be that guy." Maybe it's something that I've heard all the time, but have just started paying attention to it. Anyway, Don't be that guy.

Mind The Gap

Sorry for the gap since my last post. I just got home from Houston, and a Disciple Now with one of my former students, Trey Fleming. He was one of my kids in Smithville, TX. It’s been great to watch him grow into a godly world changer!

Our faith community made me proud Thursday night. For those of you who have served a faith community in a full time vocational position, you’ll relate when I say it’s tough to leave town. It’s tough for two reasons:
1) It’s always hard to be away from home when exciting things are going on. In my ministry, I’ve traveled a lot, and always look forward to being home.
2) You never know what will go wrong while you’re gone. Over the course of 17 years of vocational ministry, I can tell you that things always seem to wait until you are gone to explode. It has always been that way, and I’ve somewhat assumed they always will be.

So, trepadation always sets in when I am leaving town for anthing more than an over night trip. And last weekend was no exception. I left Thursday morning for Houston, and our faith community, The Journey, was going to do our community worship experience outside the walls of our gathering place. Nathan mentions it in his latest blog. Great things are happening here, and nothing went wrong while I was gone. It’s like a Festivus miracle! The Journey has been a blessing to me and my family, and continues to be a great community of friends chasing after God. Thanks, gang, for your faithfulness!

Labor Day In February

In a recent post, Parke mentions celebrating Labor Day in February as a time of talking about the work we do, and why it is important. Great idea! I think many folks use their blog to tell us about themselves, but also as an escape from the rigors of work. For many, we know who you are, but not what you do. Here's what I do:

I am a cultural missionary to West Texas, specifically Lubbock. Under that ministry calling, I do several things and have two careers. This calling as a cultural missionary is a calling to discover the pockets on non-Christ followers in our community and discover the relveant metaphors that will accurately communicate Christ's love for them. I feel that the church in general has lost the art of metaphoric communication that was a significant part of Christ's disciple-making style. Theological accuracey embodied in cultural relevance is what we are striving for. Christ was the master of building relationships that allowed Him to travel in circles that needed to hear His message. In the context of those relationships (i.e. the woman at the well, the rich young ruler, Nicodemus, Zaccheus, etc...), Christ shared the truth of the kingdom in a way that enlightened people to THE Truth, and brought them to faith. That's the passion that drives me! I want to be that man who loves on people like Christ did, communicating THE Truth with them in a way that connects them to Christ forever. In the "terms of the trade," we are committed to living missional, incarnational lives. God's desire is that the 200,000+ unreached and post-Christian people of Lubbock County hear the good news of Jesus Christ. The bigger picture is that God desires to change the world, and that starts here.

As a cultural missionary, my typical day consists of conversations with people. For instance, today, by 11:00 a.m. (CST) I have talked with a young lady who has been around the fringe of The Journey. She has become a great friend. I also spent an hour talking with a good friend and his Jewish best friend. We talked life and faith. Then, I got to talk with the girl behind the counter about the word "religion," and some of the philosophy behind Christian thought and doctrine. Later today, I'll be meeting with a young man who just got out of rehab and wants to get his life back together. Tonight I will be leading a philosophy discussion at a local coffee house just off the Texas Tech Campus. Then, at 11:00 tonight I will be playing an indoor soccer game, and getting to hang with some great guys (some of which don't know Jesus). Then, tomorrow, I'll go about my day seeing who God brings into my path, and do it all over again. I love on all of these people like Jesus did, and in the process I hope to get to share why. And that is pretty much what my day consists of.

In the context of this calling, God has opened two doors for me. My first career is as the Lead Pastor for an emerging church called The Journey. The Journey is a church plant that my wife and I have started from scratch, with nothing more than the afore mentioned calling, the help of a some great faith communities (Mosaic Arlington, FBC Littlefield, and the SBTC), and God's assurance of His care for us. We left full-time student ministry to pursue this calling. I have posted several posts about The Journey that you can read back in my August posts. The Journey serves as the faith community that we believe God will use to reach Lubbock County. I really hope you'll track back to those posts and check it out. My "work" schedule for The Journey consists of preparing for and leading the philosophy discussion group I mentioned above, leading a Thursday night worship gathering, a monthly meal, and hanging at The World Wide Headquarters of The Journey (Aroma's Coffee House on 82nd). I borrowed the nick name from my friends at iWitness ministries! The bottom line is to take the message of Christ to our culture, and for The Journey to be a place where Christ-followers join Him in that mission.

My other career is that of part-time Associate Pastor of Youth and Small Groups at The Heights Fellowship. Most church planters have to raise much of their own support and work another job while they plant, at least at first. This was a bit of a dilema for me, since I am not a great fund raiser, and I have no vocational skills outside equipping the saints. With a bachelor of arts in Christian counseling, and a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Biblical languages, there aren't a lot of career choices outside vocational ministry. I could just see the manager at McDonald's, "Well, Mr. Bishop, we don't really need anything translated from Hebrew of Greek here. We don't have much use for exegetical preaching or exegesis. And, since you have no real experience flipping burgers, I'm afraid we have nothing for you..." When God called us to reach our culture and plant a church, He also drove home the need to raise funds that would allow me to do that. During a discovery retreat where I was praying through the details of my new calling, God spoke to me about this issue. I've mentioned that before, but the short story is that I have the skills, training, and background of 17 years of student ministry to be a blessing to a church that can't afford a full-time guy. So, I have plugged in with a long time friend, Mike Martindale, to help build their small group ministry structure and get their student ministry up and running. They have really been a blessing to me. For my Sundays and Wednesdays (and some Fridays/Saturdays), I am helping to build the Student Ministry for The Heights Fellowship. During the week, I manage to squeeze in enough time to tweak the Small Group Ministry, read up on Small Group Ministry, and care for our SGM Leaders.

If your heart beats with a similar vision or passion, I'd love to hear about it. I'd love even more to help you. If you live near us, come join us! If you live far from us, join us anyway! Thanks, Parke, for suggesting Labor Day in February!

Sorry for the delete

Well, I tried. Some of you won't know what I'm talking about; but most of you read my ranting yesterday about the lame way that some leaders dismiss their staff. It made it for about 5 hours before I decided to remove it. I really tried to leave it up, but it's not my style. One of my rules for blogging is that the author should never "throw up" on his/her readers, and the more I thought about it, the more that felt like me throwing up on you. So, a couple clicks of the button and POOF, no more. Thanks Michael and John for your comments.

I did mention in that post an idea for a refuge ministry for dismissed staff/elders from churches. As it seems to be a growing trend, I think it would be a timely ministry. If you have thoughts or ideas on elements to include in a ministry like that, I welcome your input.

Peace - Jase

For My Beloved

For all of you who faithfully read this, it's really for my wife. Those of you who know her will resonate with my testimony of her life. For those of you who don't, you can read about her here: http://thebishopsjiggymusings.blogspot.com/2005/11/amazing-woman.html

Caryn,
The last 10 years have been amazing. As you are fond of saying, "It seems so much longer!" In many ways, it seems that we've known each other forever. But there's also a newness to every day with you. God has blessed me through you; your encouraging words, your support, and your "never die, never surrender" zeal for life. Much has changed over these 10 years, but I see in your eyes what I've seen all along, what your dad told me about the day that I asked if we could date: you are a godly woman who makes wise choices and brings honor to those you love. I remeber that day in your front yard when I asked your dad if I could pursue a relationship with you. As he laid down the rail road tie he was carrying by himself, he said, "She's always been a good judge of character. If you're good enough for her, I've got no problem with it." I could not have imagined a greater life together. I know that we will never be rich, or have the things that make life easy, but you have made life good. The life of a pastor's wife is seldom easy, but you've handled it with grace and strength. In spite of some of the hardships we've faced, you've been a constant example of faithfulness and encouragement. There aren't words to express what you've grown to mean to me, and I'm grateful for that. If words could describe it, it wouldn't be what it is. So, on this, our 12th Valentine's Day, I want you to know that I love you from the depths of my being, and look forward to the rest of our lives together.
All my love,
J

Sometimes a shirts says it all.

My friend, The Padawan Pastor, mentions this shirt on his blog. I loved it, and thought it needed to be out there where everyone can enjoy it!

Movies, Olive Garden, and Kids

Today was going to be a cocoon day. I haven't been "home" where I could just sit and read, watch TV, or just zone out in a long time. And today was that day. My plans were to do nothing. But, you know what happens when you don't make plans for yourself: someone else does.

The kids came in at 7:00 a.m., we watched cartoons for a couple of hours. Then, since MeeMaw is still in town, we went to see "Curious George." It was a very family friendly flick, and my kids loved it! Kid films are always funny because it's acceptable to laugh really loudly, and to answer questions all the time.

From there, it was off to the Olive Garden where we were seated quickly enough. Seated quickly and served quickly turn out to be two different things. We were informed that the kitchen was slammed, and we proceeded to wait for an hour for our food. We were seated by a large family with a screaming kid. That was joyous. And, by the time dinner, oh, wait...by the time lunch was over, it was 3:30.

Next stop, the old-fashioned ice-cream shop, where Jeremiah and I put down a bananna split in record time, and Cayla got her signature cotton-candy sundae. The folks at this ice-cream shop know us, and always treat us well.

Then, to the house...but it was 5:30 by then, and our kids missed their naps. So did I. This evening, I have invited a few folks to pop in and talk The Journey with me. I was hoping to be prepared for this evening by getting a good day of rest today. Instead, God was busy doing something else. I don't know about you, but I tend to get cranky when I spend time doing something I hadn't planned on doing, and today was no exception. But, it was super important to spend the day with the family. And, it turned out to be one of those days that Christ used to work on my patience. At the movies, at lunch, and even at the ice-cream shop, God really spoke to me about how I focus on events. I could choose to see it as a wasted day of nagging annoyances (screaming kid at lunch, tired kids at home, no rest for me, and an hour wait for our food to come out), or I could see it as God developing my character. I chose the latter. There are a lot of things to get worked up about in our world, but none of these make God's list, so why should they make mine? I heard an evangelist say once, "If something bothers you, make sure it bothers God before you do something about it. If it doesn't bother God, keep your mouth shut." And honestly, none of the things in my day would bother God even a little. So, I chose to roll instead. And, as it turns out, this was a great way to spend my day; allowing God to shape my character and to do it with people I love. That's a pretty good Saturday.

Reflections from one tired puppy.

Well, I mentioned earlier that my head was about to explode. But, now that I have had a moment to step back and process what I have heard over the last couple of days, I'm starting to dream a little, and it's a kind of scary thing. Some questions that I've never really thought through are starting to make sense, even though I didn't know they existed. Questions like, "Why did God lead me to plant a church?" or "What is God doing in Lubbock that He decided to bring The Journey into the mix?" I've always assumed it is about kingdom expansion. But why me? Why now? I've never really thought that thru. But today, I got it. Today He answered the question I had never asked. He wants to be famous in Lubbock. God desires that every person in Lubbock, TX. know His name. Now, that seems like a "duh" kinda thing, and in some ways it is. I've known that, but been coming at it from the wrong angle. I've been coming at it from the human need to know Him, and not His mission to send me for His glory. Jesus said it this way, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20:21) What was it that Jesus was sent to do? He was sent to go to the cross and redeem humanity. He was sent to die. In the completion of this event, God was glorified, which is the ultimate goal. In John 17, Jesus said, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." My mission, our mission as His people is to bring Him glory by completing the mission He has given us. Like Jesus, we have been sent to take the Good News of God's redemptive work in Christ to a world that needs to hear at the cost of our very lives. And, ultimately, He will be glorified by our completion of the mission. Have I lost you yet? I know this may be hard to follow. It's still rolling around in my head. I'm trying to put my hands on it and process it, but the long and short of it seems to be that Lubbock is ready for the mission to be carried out, and God will be ultimately glorified by me completing the mission. The Journey is about the mission. I am about the mission, and I will die on that hill if need be. It is a non-negotiable. God will be glorified, and people will see, hear, and sense the presence/love of Christ through me. Ready to save the universe one planet at a time? I am, and the revolution is starting in Lubbock, TX. Are you in or out?

Boot Camp, First 24 hours

The Boot Camp started at 1:00 PST yesterday. We're taking a 15 minute break before jumping into teaching session #6. Caryn and I have had a great time. Sometimes you come to a conference like this, and it's a bunch of guys selling you on their methods, their products, and very little learning happens. This has not been one of those events. So far, we've not talked methods at all. We've had some of the most successful church planters in our generation come and share the theology that drives them to do what they do in their culture, leaving me plenty of room for reflection on how that theology would look in my context. It's been great. Mars Hill has been a very gracious host-church for this event. Their staff very friendly and service-oriented. I've already gotten a bunch of useful info, to the point that my head may explode trying to process it all. But more than the info, God has continued to shape my heart for reaching Lubbock with His presence. There really hasn't been anything new to me here, but you can't go wrong getting back into the Word and having God reaffirm and shape what He has already started.
Well, break is over. Stay tuned, more to come.
Peace,
Jase

Update #1 from Seattle - Starting off right!

Those of you who know me know that I've been talking for almost 8 years about getting to Seattle to visit the first ever Starbucks, kinda like my Mecca. Well, we started the day off right with a trip to the Pike's Place Starbucks, founded in 1971. I'll post as I have time about the trip.

Happy Birthday!

The best news in a long time: FREEBIRDS IS COMING TO LUBBOCK! Yeah, Baby! Yeah!

Prayer Request

Be praying for my wife, Caryn, and I as we fly to Seattle Sunday. We’ll be meeting with the Acts 29 network/Mars Hill folks for the final step in joining their Church planting network. Pray for wisdom on our part, and pray for our kids as we leave them here in Lubbock with MeeMaw for the week!