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It’s the Monday after the Annual Meeting of the NWBC (the 64th or 65th annual meeting if I’ve counted correctly). Several observations: 1. it appears that the number of registered messengers grows a little smaller every year; 2. It seems that the average age of the attenders increases slightly every year; 3. the business sessions are over very quickly and without any significant questions. The past two years I have presented the budget on behalf of the Executive Board- the 2012 budget required a significant reduction in personnel – and there were no questions from the floor.Do people read the budget? Do they understand the budget? I was prepared for a healthy exchange of questions and answers… and was a little disappointed that there were no questions from the floor. The line up of speakers was one of the best we’ve had in the past few years. I did miss allowing the president an opportunity to speak on Tuesday evening as we’ve done in the past couple of years. But then having the opportunity to hear Wayne Cordeiro was worth the change. Having served on the Order of Business Committee in the past I must commend the current group for doing a superb job of planning. Having been on the Executive Board the past couple of years has given me a deeper understanding of all the details that must fall into place for a successful annual meeting. However (and you sort of knew that was coming…) let me share a couple of additional observations: First, I wonder if we have done an adequate job of helping our church folk truly understand the role of a regional convention? Since we have adopted a strategy that has moved NWBC and NAMB workers closer to the churches I am not sure we have truly communicated just how important a regional connection is for the advancement of the kingdom of God in the Northwest. The Pastor Cluster groups and VBS training are the most visible signs of how regional networking can advance our agenda, but there is more to our work as a regional convention than just these two vital areas. While I have no specific agenda or solutions I hope to discover ways to make the work of our regional network more significant to the people I serve as pastor. Second, are we using the time that we gather to our best advantage? Certainly networking and reconnecting with friends is a significant part of the meeting. I was unable to attend the Q/A session with Ed Stetzer, but I would hope we can build more of these kind of opportunities into the planning. I know Ronnie Floyd had to catch a plane, but an Q/A time with him would have been interesting, as well as a time with Wayne Cordeiro. Well, it was a great meeting. I was humbled by the confidence expressed in me as the convention chose me as the President. I will prayerfully consider the challenges ahead and seek to serve in such a way to honor the purposes and presence of God as He works among and in us.

I have been working with some very bright people in our community on thinking about developing an integrated educational system for all children ages 1-20 (the Gov of Oregon has developed several initiatives to this end…we are trying to stay in step with the Gov and legislative decisions regarding these issues). A couple of key issues: what information do we need to have in order to provide access to available resources (remember, in the US public education model all students (i.e. even those with any type of physical and/or mental and/or emotional disabilities must achieve the same educational measurements as other children). Children who live in disintegrating families; children who live in serious and significant poverty; children who are homeless; children whose biological parents were struggling with addictions when the child was conceived all need an education, Various social service agencies (some state funded, some federal funded, some privately funded through non-profit organizations) have been developed to assist in meeting these challenges.
The problem is simply this: is it possible to pull all the providers to the same table and have a meaningful discussion about providing the right resources to the children and families currently being served in our educational system.
THis is a huge challenge, and an undertaking for which none of my education prepared me for…but we are plunging ahead with the assistance of some very very capable and bright people currently working in a variety of social service agencies.
It is an interesting challenge to say the least…and one which is forcing me to think differently about the assumptions that have directed my thinking.
Appreciate your prayers and any knowledge or insight you might have!

Early this morning- or late last night—I haven’t been sleeping very soundly- I was struck by this thought: I plan ministry activities/preaching/teaching/worship/discipleship and the like based on the people we have reached. What would need to change for us to plan these things for those God has given us responsibility to reach? Am I ready for the challenge of changing our entire church system so that we are geared to those to whom we are trying to reach?
Do I know who we are trying to reach? What kind of relationships must we build in order to reach these who live in our community?

I was part of a team of faculty presenting some information on the 40 Assets to several youth service organizations (YMCA; Douglas County Juvenile Services; Southwest Area Health Education Center/Mercy Medical Center; several schools; and other assorted interested individuals). The 40 Assets area strategy for helping communities and individuals think in terms of helping young people build on their strengths and the strengths of their community. The Search Institute (go ahead, google them…) has developed a list of 40 Assets that can help young people succeed. Half of them are internal assets and the other half are external assets. I have been involved in helping move the various non-profit youth serving agencies in our county towards using the 40 Asset framework for talking about and strategizing ways of helping children and young people succeed.
It was an amazing day of networking and connecting with people from these county groups that are all primarily interested in helping kids succeed – not just in school, but in life.
There are numerous places for churches to connect with these 40 Assets. But the primary way I have used this framework is to secure a place at the table with other agencies for faith groups.
Helping students succeed is a huge undertaking. Making a difference in even one young person’s life can and will make an impact for the Kingdom of God.

Earlier this week Thom Rainer posted a column about church and state (you can find it here:http://www.thomrainer.com/2011/10/church-versus-state.php. As I thought about his post I decided to try to explain why I am involved as deeply as I am (perhaps too deeply) in government. First, although Oregon is a fairly liberal state (voting Democratic in the last several presidential elections; being the first state to legalize physician assisted suicide just to name a couple of issues) and not very evangelical (which goes against our founding as a state…Jason Lee, a Methodist missionary was crucial in developing Willamette University (est. in 1842) and in the initial steps of statehood), there are strong evangelical undercurrents in the state (I know this is anecdotal, but I was privileged to open the Oregon State House of Representatives in prayer on a couple of occasions and was surprised by how many legislators thanked me for praying ‘in the name of Jesus Christ.’). Douglas County, my home for over 20 years, is solidly Republican and well represented with a wide variety of evangelical churches. More importantly there are evangelical Christians in county leadership positions both elected and appointed. Our Governor has embarked upon a radical reform of education and health care. While many of the elements carry hints of social engineering there are some interesting pieces to his attempts to prioritize budget resources, and to break down barriers between state agencies.
Second, as a result of pastoring the same church for over 20 years and raising our two children here, my wife and I are accorded a level of respect -even from non-believers. The past 10 or 11 years I have been drawn more and more into city, county, and even state issues. Part of the reason is what I call the ministry of just showing up. My wife and I showed up at Parent Club meetings, at Booster Club meetings. A little over 10 years ago two 13yr old boys died (one died as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the other death was ruled accidental though it is believed the young man was playing ‘Russian roulette’ ) I was asked to show up at the Middle School and assist in the grief counseling after these tragic events. I was asked to show up at more and more meetings till now I jokingly call myself the token community representative for the local school district. I can honestly say that numbers of others have now become involved, hopefully because I was willing to set an example.
Another reason I am involved has to do with what I see happening in our state, and to some degree in our nation. Christians have been marginalized, too often because we have withdrawn instead of getting engaged in the issues. While I may not always choose my battles wisely, I refuse to be sidelined. As a taxpayer, as a citizen, as a pastor who has stood besides numerous families in various states of crisis I see a social service system that is rapidly failing. As a pastor to many families over these 20 years and as a parent who sent his kids to public schools (yes, there was a Christian School nearby, but my wife and I wanted our kids to attend public school) I see the dissolution of our school system’s funding mechanism coming sooner than later. Simply put, I want to be there when the system collapses so I can help rebuild a better system.While I cannot agree with every article in our Governor’s platform to reshape education and health care, I agree that the current system is broken. My tiny efforts may not and probably won’t draw statewide attention our county’s systems will be more consumer friendly and more user accessible and more directly accountable for the resources that are used.

Finally, I am involved because too many of the people I serve as pastor have been intimidated by unwieldy state systems and confused by the constant insistence of government agencies to use acronyms for everything (of course I can’t help but think of BYPU; TU; SS; CT; DT; WMU; RA’s; GA’s LMCO; and AAEO for example). If I can disentangle some of the layers of red tape, if I can help explain what the acronyms mean, perhaps others will take courage from my example.

Well, there are some of the reasons I am engaged. I have met some wonderful and marvelous believers along the way. I have learned a great deal about myself and my capacity as well. I have become intrigued by the potential for development even in a rural community that is suffering with an unemployment rate that is staggering. I am encouraged because nothing is impossible with God- not even state social service and education systems!

Recently our church called an associate pastor (our first paid position outside of pastor; part time secretary and part time custodian). I have repeatedly said this will change the culture of our church and have repeatedly stressed, we must change the culture of our church in order to effectively penetrate the community to which we are called. The challenge: After serving as the pastor for 20 years, am I the hindrance to changing the culture or am I the catalyst for changing the culture? It usually takes less than three years for a church to reflect the personality of the pastor (at least that is what Dr. Lawless stressed to me when I was doing my DMin work at Southern Seminary). So, after 20 years, is it possible to change?

Added to this is the occasional visitor in my life: depression. It comes at the most inopportune times, like last week when I had lots of uncommitted time (that is to say, blocks of time I had set aside for prayer and study). Perhaps it was the rain that invited this visitor in, perhaps the general change in the weather. Whatever the cause, I certainly don’t enjoy the visit.

Putting that aside the challenge still remains, how do we go about creating a culture that enables us to effectively engage the world in which we live?

This week I have met with county elected officials, I will meet with city officials today, and then spend an hour or so at the local high school helping host a community volunteer fair (all high school students at our school) are required to serve 25 hours a year in community service. Then, tonight I facilitate a monthly finance team meeting, and lead in prayer and Bible study.

Am I perpetuating a certain culture? Of course I am. Can I more effectively use these meetings and events to strategically make the gospel a reality? Of course I can. The real question: Will I? To change the culture is more than merely wishing change. It requires a clear and compelling vision of the kind of culture we need to be. So, part of my prayer life includes asking God for a clear and compelling vision of how the gospel through my life can change the culture of our church and our community.

It’s labor day and Cindy and I are in Salem. Our daughter is moving to Washington DC around the first of October for a yet to be found job. She has a number of contacts in the DC area and is confident of finding a meaningful job between now and her move-in date. She has a friend in the DC area that will share an apartment with her. So Cindy and Meg are listing all Meg’s possessions and deciding which ones we move back to our home, which ones she sells to her roommates, and which pieces of furniture we just discard. Then, there are the shoes…but that is another post entirely!

This indeed is a season of change. School began last Monday in our district. Cindy’s job is structured differently than last year. Our church is considering calling an associate pastor. I may be doing some consulting work for the Douglas County Commission on Children and Families (primarily writing issue briefs and doing some research). Things change.

One constant in the midst of this change is the challenge to trust God. Growing in faith means learning to trust even when things change. I am not a fan of change. I like stability. I like things to go on in a pattern that rarely changes. But if everything stayed the same I would never be stretched in  my ability to trust and depend on God.

So, Labor Day means change. The seasons change. Mornings are a bit more chilly though afternoons are still in the 90’s. The days are getting shorter, although the government continues to mess with when we officially change our clocks (fall back…spring forward).

How is your life changing? Where is God testing your faith? How will you respond?

Let’s grow together in our understanding of the nature of God as He continues to reveal Himself in our midst.

I had great plans to post every Monday. Then Monday happened! This past Monday I was in Salem for a task force meeting regarding the future of local Commissions on Children and Families in Oregon.  It was an interesting meeting and the process of formulating options for the future of this system is ongoing.

After Monday then came Tuesday. And then, well, all my best laid plans sort of fell through as other demands piled on my desk. Now its Thursday and I’m looking at a long several weeks ahead. A wedding this weekend and a visit from a young couple that may be interested in serving as an associate pastor; then next weekend a memorial service for a church family whose father passed away recently, then the next weekend is our town’s annual festival plus a leadership training event sponsored by our regional network of churches…and then…well, I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

In the midst of this never-ending stream of events and projects Sunday and Wednesday messages still need to get finished; Sunday worship powerpoints need to get done; the bulletin needs to be readied; people need to be visited; the administrative stuff of ministry goes on and on and on….

Then out of the blue I was asked again to consider going overseas next year to do some teaching with a program called Masters Bible School. So, whatever happened to Monday? I think I got lost in the week! That tends to happen among the demands of ministry.

So, maybe next Monday…wait a minute…I’m supposed to volunteer for a couple of hours at the middle school helping in 7th grade orientation…Hmm….

Twas the Monday after Camp and … well … I am still trying to catch up on feeling rested! We had a great week with 50+ campers from Salem, Florence, Roseburg, Winston, Myrtle Creek, Glendale and points in between. Several young people made public their declaration to live as followers of Jesus Christ. Many young people were touched by the presence of God in many different ways.

But, it’s back to the real world for us today. Some of those young people are going to camp this week to serve as kitchen workers for our Association’s Children’s Camp. For most of us it is back to the normal patterns and places of our lives.

The challenge for campers and staffer’s alike is to capture the sense of God’s presence and power away from the emotionally charged atmosphere of camp. Spending a few days away from the normal patterns of our lives helps open our hearts and minds to the reality of God’s presence. Now we need to learn how to carry that sense of God’s presence and power into the routines of family, school, jobs, and the daily routine.

One strategy I have used is to try and keep the same pattern of spending time alone with God. It is different at camp when everyone affirms your need to be alone with God. At home the phone rings, parents need us to help with chores and caring for brothers and sisters, school demands an ever increasing amount of time…and getting alone can be hard. Then to try and get alone with God can almost be impossible. Yet, it is critical that we find ways to do just that. Ask for permission to close the bedroom door and read God’s Word and pray. Find a place in the home that is as quiet as possible and make that your place to meet with God. Whatever it takes, find time to meet with God.

When you find the time, choose a pattern by which to read God’s Word. http://www.blueletterbible.com; http://www.youversion.com are just two websites among thousands that can give direction.

When you find that time and place, keep a prayer journal. Write down your concerns, write what is on your mind, record those passages from God’s Word that are meaningful in your day to day reading.

Finally, find other believers that can help you grow. In Acts 2 when three thousand people responded to the call of Christ, the disciples organized them into groups that could meet from house to house- small enough to get to know one another and do life together. Find others in your own church…and  keep your eyes open for those outside your fellowship who can stand with you in the midst of the demands on your time.

Don’t let what you experienced at camp be relegated to your past. Keep in step with God…and we’ll come together next year, Aug. 13-17 at Fir Point Bible Camp!

I rarely post two consecutive days in a row but a thought is stirring in my mind and I need to express it.

A fellow pastor and I were having breakfast together this morning (great fellowship). We commiserated with each other about how busy we are. But here’s the question we both struggle with. What exactly does a pastor do? How are we to invest our time every day? Oh there are plenty of things to do…visits to make, phone calls to return, mail to sort, odd jobs around the church (fixing that running toilet, putting paper towels in the restrooms and so on), and an always increasing number of people with needs- rent money, grocery money, gas money, lonely people needing someone to listen, hurting people who need encouragement…and the list grows daily.

I know the answers I’ve been trained to hear: The seminary training: prepare to proclaim the Word and do the work of an evangelist and catch a vision of God and His purpose for His kingdom. The denomination suggests we invest in reaching younger adults and finding new ways to reach people and new places to start churches. The church member expects the pastor to always be present whenever there is a need.

As I’ve been reading the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah I came across the passage in Jer. 27 where God told Jeremiah to fashion for himself a yoke and chains and wear them publicly. Simply to live as a visible reminder of God’s purpose and plan.

Makes one wonder what a pastor really ought to do…