No Strings Attached?

Most of us are leery of anything that says it's free.  We are suspicious and expect there to be a catch.  We expect that the ad from Unitrends above means we had better search the fine print.  No such thing as free, huh?

In one of my earlier appointments, there was a man (we'll call him Earl) who approached me about money!  The church was hurting for money--hardly making budget.  Yet we also deeply wanted to hire a youth pastor, feeling it was essential.

And so, Earl came into my office with what seemed to be a generous offer: "I want to pay for the youth pastor's salary for two years."  I had two conflicting thoughts immediately.  First--WOW, that's fantastic!  What an offer, we really need this gift.  Second--Hmm, we need that money in the budget, Earl knows it and apparently has the ability and desire to offer it...why hasn't he simply given the money to the church?
But before I could formulate and identify exactly what my response should be, Earl added a condition.  "But preacher, I expect to be the one who gets the final say on who we hire."

Jesus and Earl have nothing in common in my opinion, but too often in our theological discussions things are said about Jesus, and about Grace, that lend themselves to portraying Jesus as a master negotiator with a not-quite-so-free offer of salvation, so you have to read the small print--there are strings attached.

Here's how it generally goes.  Discussion about what is required of me (or you) to have salvation.  I contend that beyond faith--beyond accepting the free gift offered through the atonement offered by Jesus, there is nothing for us to do.  Salvation is a gift to be accepted or rejected or simply ignored.  To offer conditions in order to receive the gift or even to have conditions that must be met after receipt of said gift means that the gift is not free, it is conditional.

The counter to this (as I witnessed in an online discussion recently) goes like this: "No preacher.  You are suggesting people can do whatever they want and still get into heaven.  Grace is not free and it certainly isn't cheap!"

Agreed!  It isn't free or cheap, but I am not the one paying for it.

This simply analogy boils down to motives.  What are the motives of the giver and the receiver of this gift of Grace?  I remember taking Evangelism Explosion years ago--one of the essential parts of the outline for offering the Gospel went like this: We can't earn our way into heaven, it is a gift.  Our actions of good works are in response to the gift--a way of saying thank you to Jesus.

Another oft quoted thought about this topic:  One need not change anything in order to be saved.  God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much to leave you the way he found you.  In other words, God wants you to clean up your act because to stay as you are is unworthy of the gift.

I don't really disagree with either of those statements, but I disagree with the logic that too often follows.  There seems to be a thought that Jesus is offering a contract.  I'll die for you and extend eternal life.  (Hint, be sure you read the fine print before accepting?)  ®.  We don't act that way."  There is an insinuation--an implication, that Jesus is watching and revokes his offer the moment you stray from the path (or the list) as you have not lived up to his expectations.

In return, you will cease doing some things and start doing others.  And if we don't live up to our end?  Then a back-sided works theology ensues.  "Well, if you've seen the way she's acting, you would know she isn't a Real Christian

No, I just don't buy it.  There is no catch.  Free means free.  If we must fear the fine print when accepting a free gift from Jesus, it flies in the face of who I believe Jesus is.  Jesus' death on the cross--Jesus' motives--are more altruistic than that.  Jesus isn't simply here to use a giant eraser on our previous sins, only to have future sins count against us as if he never offered us Grace.  The "contract period" of the Older Testament Laws is null and void.  Instead the new covenant is written on our hearts.  Jesus' motives are based on love, not power.  He wants us to receive eternal life.  There are no strings attached.

Similarly, our own motives must be called into question.  Many, with or without salvation, simply want to do the right thing because it is the right thing. Helping others and living by a moral compass are not copyrighted by Christians.  So, one may have the same motives before and after salvation--we do the right thing because it is the right thing.

Some may simply see the world differently and thus change their life entirely.  Others may indeed feel a sense of gratitude that pushes us to do things differently, but that is still our choice and must not be confused with trying to offer restitution to Jesus for the free gift of salvation; if it cannot be earned, it cannot be a debt we settle--not possible.

If we are trying to settle the debt, earn a part of our way into heaven, we are suggesting that Jesus' death was not enough, that we have the obligation and even the ability to settle such a debt--and that, my friends, is blasphemy.

So, no.  Grace is not free, nor is it cheap.  But it is not something I have any means of paying for in whole or in part...so it is free for me.  Jesus is not a master manipulator or some shrewd negotiator buying followers to serve him and follow some interpretation of a Biblical list of rules in order to attempt to settle our debt for his grand investment.  He is not seeking power--he already has it, given by above, not below.

In short, there simply are no strings attached to his gift of salvation--freely given and freely accepted.  It is a selfless act of love.

So...go and serve Christ.  Go and serve others. But...follow the example of Christ and do it out of love with no strings attached, expecting nothing in return from others or from Christ--just do it because it is the right thing to do.

I Caught a Bitter, But I'm Better Now

Summer Colds are THE WORST (well, not quite)

You know those times when a cold is going around and no matter how hard you try, you still get it?  You still catch a cold as if it is passed to you.  At times, nothing we do will prevent it, but we can still to shorten its duration and work to not infect others.

Last week, I didn't catch a cold, I caught a bitter, which is far worse than a summer cold.  Bitterness was in the air.  Bitterness is like a cold.  It's contagious.  It wears you out, has outward side effects, and seeks a way to spread outward to those you love.  I tried hard to prevent it from contaminating me, but it was no use.  I caught it.  And despite thinking I was stronger than it was, it affected me and unfortunately I let it show.  Shame on me.

I saw a quote on Facebook the other day: Bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping someone else dies.

The Devil is in The Details

Maybe you've been there...I don't mind sharing the details to an extent.  Heck, too many of my friends already know the details.  Someone decided to go viral with her bitterness.  I knew her in a previous life, a different city, a different time.  But here I was naively believing that this was all in my past.  It's like the end of a horror movie when everyone is relaxing because the terror is defeated, but then suddenly, it makes a last ditch resurrection bid to scare everyone and leave everyone feeling they will never be safe as they walk out of the theater.  Last week, I found myself once again in her targets in some public comments (some opinion, some bald face lies) about me.

Now, in my line of work, one would think I'd be used to such nonsense and immune to its effects.  I sometimes think that to be the case, which is why I believe I caught the Bitter in the first place.  I thought myself above such things--and, in fact, I'm just not.  It bothered me that I was not in a position to defend myself.  (Now understand the issues over which I was once again attacked were mostly silly, minimal, nonsense stuff--I mean really nonsense little itty bitty issues...but those are the ones that find a way past your defenses.) She hurt my feelings is what it really boiled down to--silly me!  My friends, some of my family had to endure this as direct recipients of this public rant and I felt I had to remain silent.  It hurt, I sulked, pondered, read and re-read the silly comments directed at me, and well, in the absence of any clear way to respond, I fumed. And that's when the Bitter got in.

Bad Reaction

Before I realized it and dealt with it, a separate issue came up and really upset me.  I received a message apparently not intended for me that got under my skin in a big way.  Now is when I realized I was out of control and had not built up my defenses and had instead, become infected myself.  I took to an old form of therapy for myself.  I typed a response to this new issue that was exactly how I felt.  At that point, I had no intent of sending it.  However, I got distracted, walked away to deal with something else.  When I came back, I went to move my cursor to another line, I hit enter.  Well, silly me, I wasn't using Microsoft Word, I had penned this response in the GMAIL--and it SENT when I hit Enter.  OOPS.

While I cannot take back the feelings behind the message I sent, I would like to think with some reflection, I would have handled it better and used more gracious wording, more likely just stayed out of it.  I've tried to sincerely apologize for the tone of my message, but I think the damage is done.  I let the Bitter get the better of me and it hurt others.  For that I am sorry and repentant.

You Might Feed a Cold, But Please, Starve a Bitter

So...welll...what to do, what to do.  What's the point of this silly intrusion? A warning, be on guard.

Friends beware the Bitters.  It's in the air.  Love each other, forgive each other, but be prepared!  Keep your noses and your hands clean--best defense.  Be as aware as possible of your own susceptibility so you can protect others should you be infected, and eventually you will.  And what of those who are spreading a Bitter around?  Well, for the most part, be patient and loving with those who have caught a Bitter--you've been there too so don't be quick to judge.  For most, it passes quickly and with love, health is restored.  But, there are those who are chronic carriers and simply cause harm.  What of them?

Sometimes patience and love and forgiveness simply do not work.  Sometimes, for the good of the community, you must isolate the one spreading sickness among the people.  It's just common sense. If you stop feeding Bitterness, it will eventually die.  This means at times you must isolate yourself and I believe at times, you must isolate others.  I believe that forced isolation should be the last defense but there are certainly times that such a move is completely justified for the protection of all.  Still, even in this case, love should be paramount.

Achoo!  Be careful out there!  Bitterness is in the air.

The Gospel in 15 seconds...?

As the unofficial chaplain of the first shift Waffle House crew in Lincolnton, NC, I listen a lot, learn a lot, and think a lot.  I noted that not only does this crew work nearly every Sunday morning, but they also ALL must work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day--many of them working double shifts.  Some time back, I offered to bring in and offer Communion for those who wished to receive it.  I re-checked with the manager and he eagerly said, YES!  BRING IT!

Carol and Ashley

Today was the day.  During a packed pre-lunch rush, I sat at the "high bar" at the end.  I prepared the elements, noting the Christmas themed outfits and hats worn by the staff.  I sipped my coffee and watched and waited for small opportunities to share not only the elements of bread and juice, but also to share the story--THE story, the Gospel of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection and the meaning of that for us today.

Jason and Zach on the grill, small glimpse of Pam to the left

Busy?  Yes.  They rushed back and forth, orders being called out, "MARK ONE PLATE, SCATTERED WELL, COVERED, SMOTHERED, AND CAPPED!"  Cooks (usually 3 on the grill at once) scrambled to work in tandem as they called back orders, cooked, put the meals together and called for PICK UP!.

Management moved back and forth and tempers were flaring after a customer decided not only was she going to be unreasonably demanding, but that she was going to stay a while, too--apparently just to be grinchy.

There was a constant hum of customers, those seated and those waiting to be seated.  The guy next to me, blissfully oblivious to what I was doing (and that was cool with me) even after I explained it when he said "nice cup" to my chalice, talked and talked to me about the woman who was complaining about her food.  His language was peppered with "colorful metaphors" to help draw me a mental picture of the way he felt about the woman attacking our friends on the grill.

In other words, LIFE WAS HAPPENING ALL AROUND!  Far too chaotic to fit into what I had learned in seminary about the sacred need for a sacred setting for the sacred meal at a sacred table.  Yet here I was, grace in hand, feeling more and more inadequate by the minute.  It was hardly the setting I'm used to for communion.  We learn about the altar table during worship (called the Lord's Table with the elements on it), home communion, hospital and communion, even communion on retreats, etc...But this was not familiar territory.  I must admit, I was nervous.  So was the staff.  Had I misjudged our still budding relationship?  Were they not really eager to have this brought to them like I had thought?  Was I making a mistake?

Soon, one of the servers came over and said, "ok, I'm ready!"  I knew with the crowd and with their responsibilities, I had precious little time.  I could only say, this is to remind us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.  He died for our sins and so we could be saved." I offered a piece of sweet Hawaiian Bread and the chalice, quickly explaining the means of receiving through the intincion method.  The Body and Blood of Christ was offered for you...She took the bread, dipped it in the juice and consumed the elements.   I smiled and she realized that was it!  "Wow!" she said, "That was cool.  I've never done that before!"  There was a server that didn't know me, watching.  I offered, she refused politely.  Oops, maybe this was a bad idea.  No one else was coming--like for a long time.

But then, one by one, they approached until most of them had received the elements.  No pressure, not all were interested and that was surely OK.  I was amazed that almost every one of them remarked that this was the first time they had ever received communion--like in ever!  With each, I had only seconds to tell the story, to offer the elements and instructions, and then let them go back to work.  And then I would wait until the next one found a few seconds.

much more proper and liturgical

As I reflected on the experience, I had to ask myself some questions...Was it liturgical?  Of course not.  Was it proper?  Was the dignity of the service maintained?  Probably not according to many.  Did it adequately demonstrate the sacred meaning of the sacrament and purpose of Communion?  hmmm.  I hope so.  But you know, we Methodists see the Sacred Meal as being a means of grace and practice an open table in celebrating the Eucharist.  And so, it was....simply and yet amazingly that--a means of Grace.

The gratitude of those who chose to receive was evident... "That's the first time I've done that!  Thank you so much for thinking of us!"

My, how we've failed as pastors--as the Church.  We offer communion to those who come--we practice an open table, yes; but the tables are locked up in our sanctuaries behind closed doors and liturgical restrictions.  When there is an entire world out there who have never experienced the grace that is offered in the simple offering of bread and juice (wine).  We forget that when Jesus initiated this simple service, it was after a sacred meal but it was ordinary elements of bread and wine--common meal for common people and his instruction was that as often as we partake of this common experience, we should tell the story, share the food, spread the love (and experience the GRACE).

Simple...yet Grace abounds

I've experienced many times the first time someone has received the Holy Meal.  But this was different.  Here, amidst and amongst the hustle and bustle of ordinary life, folks experienced communion, most for the first time, in their life setting.  Communion, like Jesus, comes to them as they are, where they are, to meet their needs.  Grace Upon Grace.  Grace abounds.  The Body of Christ broken for you.  The Blood of Christ spilled out for you.  Simple yet extraordinary.

I'm still learning...We still have a lot to learn.  But only if we get out past the walls and quit trying to force others into our church mold.  It's time we found a way to mold the church to the world's need, while maintaining the simple yet extraordinary gospel of Jesus.

May the Grace of God be with you as you take the opportunity today and all your tomorrows to see Jesus in the simple and the extraordinary...





Blessings.

Newsletter Jan Feb 2013

Dear McKendree Church

Greetings in the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, The Son of God

I am struggling with the newsletter article this month.

First, it’s supposed to be for Jan and Feb of 2013, but the events of Dec 2012 are so fresh in our minds.  We have members facing major illness and for some, death.  We have those fighting a long term battle against Cancer.  We have those who are experiencing either the first or another, still heart wrenching, Christmas without a loved one.  And of course, like others around the world, we are still reeling from the senseless murder of 20 6 and 7 year old children in CT, along with their teachers.  So, what do I say in a few short lines?

Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany—the Christmas “cycle” in the Christian Calendar.  A time of preparation and expectation, a time of celebration, and a time of growth.  Yes, that fits.  We all have these times in our lives.  Even in dire circumstances, as a Christian people, we still have hope and anticipation of the things that God is creating, yet already creating.  We journey together through the difficult times of anticipating His return, when all shall be made right with the world and sorry and pain and death shall all pass away!  We celebrate that which God has done and is doing in and through—and FOR us, His Children.  And as the New Year comes upon us, we are called to a time of growth—growth in our understanding and knowledge of Him, growth in our relationships with one another, and in our ministries to the world beyond our walls.

And so, as 2013 opens, we do…what we’ve always done as a people of faith.  We question and mourn, cry and struggle for understanding through the painful events that simply exist in this imperfect world.  We celebrate the presence of God in our world, in our lives, in the midst of tragedy, and in our hearts as we join in the mission that is ours—to Go and Make Disciples.  And too, we commit ourselves in the new year to grow—intentionally grow through the process of Sanctification as we, through study, mission, worship, devotion, and prayer, become more like JESUS.

I look forward to serving with you in 2013—and beyond.

First Church of the Waffle House, Lincolnton, NC

Ok, I admit it...I'm a Waffle House Junkie.  I eat there most every morning.  I just have grits and bacon, a cup of coffee, and my morning paper.  I sit at the bar, eat, read....and I watch and listen, interacting with both customers and employees.  And I learn about church...Yup, I sure do.  Everything I need to know about what a church should look like, I could learn at Waffle House--at least the one in Lincolnton, NC.  It's pretty amazing, too.

I see a couple of the cooks who are always willing to step up when someone needs something.  Somebody needs something fixed... "I'll stop by and look at it after work."  This doesn't just apply to employees, but to regulars as well.  There is a microcosm of the larger community there.  There are a core group of regulars, all with nicknames...Preacher (that's me), Cowboy, Santa Claus, and Uncle Eddie (plus the one they just call the Pecan Waffle Lady).  They all seem to know were the others live, crossing both ways over the counter--employees and customers.

I think it was this atmosphere that lead me to feel so compelled when one of the cooks had a fire at his house and everything in the house needed to be replaced due to smoke damage.  I rallied my church and a couple other churches to DO something and we did...but it wasn't just us. Don't get the impression that they NEEDED the church.  They already have that type of community within the walls of the ole Waffle House.

While we were supplying mostly money and gift cards, others (again, customers and employees) were offering rides, paint, furniture, TIME, and other items of need for the cook, his wife, and three teenage daughters.  And my God, they are soo appreciative.  And these are not "church folk" doing all of this stuff we consider to be "church work."  In fact, most of them are right there at the Waffle House while we are in church on Sundays...

What too many of us church folk don't realize is that we don't own the patent on helping others.  In fact, they seemed to do it more naturally than the church in most cases.

I watched this morning as they celebrated when one of them won $1000 in a scratch off.  I realized as I listened that Uncle Eddie and his wife had cooked a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and brought it to the Waffle House for those having to work.  Yup, he brought the servers Thanksgiving meals.  Today, he brought Red Velvet Cake (recipe's been in the family for 150 years).  The young employees all have his number so they can call for a ride if they find themselves in ANY situation where they feel they shouldn't drive, or they need a ride, or they need someone to bail them out of whatever trouble they might find themselves in.  Uncle Eddie's a Vietnam Vet with a big heart and a short temper ("I've got my issues, Preacher!"...Don't we all) but he protects those kids up there like they are his own.

Santa Claus is struggling with his own issues with aging and a wife that took a tumble and had a break.  Employees know right where he lives and go visit.  They take care of their own.  And, too, while they aren't perfect by any means, they genuinely try to share the love with all who enter their doors, whether they know them or not.  Today, there was a couple there and well, based on their accents, they "weren't from aroun' chere."

That sat at the bar with me and Uncle Eddie on a crowded morning and soon, they were laughing, and asking questions about the town.  Then she began to share.

We came down last weekend, me and my sisters and our families to visit our mom.  She got tangled up in her walker the first day we were here...she fell...she broke her hip...she just couldn't muster the strength to survive the surgery...we're taking her body to Florida...keep questioning if we did the right thing...tears, laughter, sadness, hope, fear, feelings of guilt...waffle house sharing...

Soon, the regulars and employees (no preacher needed) were offering comforting words of support and encouragement to these strangers passing through on a tragic journey.  They left as if they, too, were regulars--laughing, hollering above the noise--"Thanks everybody.  Really, thank you so much!  You guys have a great day!  We will be back!"

Yup, there's a lot to learn about church from Waffle House.  And if we could take those lessons back to church with us--there just might be hope for us yet...

Newsletter Nov Dec 2012 article

From the Pastor’s desk:

THE END IS NEAR!  REPENT!

It has been suggested that the Mayans predicted the world would come to an end in just a few weeks. 

The passage from James that I’m about to preach from (James 4: 13-17--last Sunday of October) seems to take on the same urgency.  In fact, most of the New Testament is written with an eye on the soon and sudden return of Christ.  Behold the End is Near!

Today I want to talk about the impending end of the year 2012.  The end, IS in fact, near.  Yes, we have lots of stuff still to do with November, Advent and Christmas.  (By the way, Christmas at McKendree will be a “drop in” communion.  We know how busy so many families are so here is a way that you can not only work around what you are doing with family, but you can bring them too.  Silent time of prayer and receive the elements—that’s all—then back to the festivities.  More to come on that).  But in reality, as we put Charge Conference forms and planning meetings behind us, the year is winding down.  Soon it will be 2013 and we will have new officers, new members, (you already have a new pastor), and hopefully the beginning of a new vision.

Today I challenge each of you to be in prayer.  Specifically, I want you to seek out God’s will for your involvement at McKendree AND for McKendree’s involvement in the community.  How are we (as individuals and as the church) going to make a difference for the Kingdom of God in 2013.  Then I want you to spend time doing something we almost never do.  Listen!  Meditate, be quiet, hum, sing, read scripture, whatever it takes for you to listen for that still small voice of God...Where is He leading us?  Where is He leading Me?

Blessings…

In His Service,

Pastor Tommy

WAFFLE HOUSE PORN! Life in the south.

Life in south often takes us places we didn't expect to be.  I like southern life.  I love that my kids have those southern accents, much thicker than either their momma or daddy do.  Trey sometimes reminds me of one of the Dewberry brothers from that cute little move, Because of Winn Dixie.  He has the ability to add syllables to just any ole word and I must admit, it's cute and he wears it well.  His sister, too--can turn on the southern charm and her accent kicks it up a notch when she does.

Then there's southern dining at it's finest.  And today, we decided together that we were going to have one of those southern cuisine experiences in a fine dining establishment.  We went to Waffle House.  Yeah, I know, but we went anyway.  If it means nothing to you to say that I like mine covered, not smothered, sometimes chunked, NEVER diced--then you won't understand.  It's a part of the southern charm to watch your server walk away from the cook and YELL your order to her in code.

The kids were good, the food was good (I had the grilled chicken--WOW--wonderful) and the service was surprisingly good (there were only 3 other people in there the whole time we ate)...The server talked me into splitting a piece of chocolate pie between us, which again, was excellent!  All in all a good time out to eat...

On the way home from supper, my kids were rambling about something while I phased out for a bit--thinking of how much I enjoyed our little trip--it's the little things in life that count.  Being together, sharing, laughing, talking about our day...that's what life is all about.  But suddenly I was interrupted mid-thought by my daughter, almost yelling, "PORN, PORN, PORN, PORN!"

Cautiously I said, "Emma what are you saying and why are you saying it?"

"I said, 'It's Porn!  Because-- it is!"

  

I waited a while before I just HAD to ask again, "What do you mean."

"It's raining very hard Daddy!  Why, it's PORN down out there!"

She was right, it was raining hard--PORN cats and dogs, in fact.

Bless her heart!

Dinner at Waffle House, $24.00.  Gas to get there and home, probably the same.  Talkin' Southern...Priceless...

Blessings

Pastor Tommy