De-sen-si-tize

Hollywood's film makers transport us to a false reality and mesmerize our senses in such a way that the normalcy of everyday life becomes boring and mundane. 

Q: What happens when people are too hyper exposed to Sci-Fi and false reality? 

A: They seek escapism to find relief from the pressures of everyday life by stimulating their senses with another movie or experience that will transport them to a place where they can forget about their problems and pressures, at least for a little while. 

This type of "stimulating escapism" even creeps into the church. People, believers and non-believers alike, come to our services with unfair comparisons to what they're bering offered mentally, emotionally and visually by the world and then expect the church to deliver a mesmerizing experience that will appeal to their flesh driven appetite so that their senses are satisfied and utopia is achieved...even if only for an hour. 

Therefore, the church finds itself competing with the world's marketing gurus to develop gimmicks, teasers and full blown campaigns just to appeal to people who should already have a settled sense of biblical contentment in their soul. 

It's a sad day when the church has to "sell the saints" through marketing and events just to get them to show up to church and be who they confessed at the cross they'd voluntarily be. 

Perhaps a desensitizing spirit has gripped the church to the point that we are no longer content with just the basics. 

I remember growing up in a church that lacked the sounds, sights, lights, technology and efficiency that we have  available to us today.  Yet, because of the hearty desire we possessed for an authentic moment in Jesus' presence, we were undeterred or hindered by the lack of polish, performance or professionalism in our organic environment. A hymnal, piano, window air conditioner and radio shack microphone was more than sufficient to aid us in our quest for God's presence. 

I am an advocate for excellence, technology and forward thinking. However, let us never become desensitized to the authentic, raw, simplicity of simply standing in serene silence...without the aid of anything electronic to usher us into God's presence. 

Let us never forget the power of the CROSS, the BLOOD that was shed or the magnitude of GRACE and MERCY. Let it be enough to satisfy our senses without the aid of haze, lights, timed intros, outros or seamless transitions. Let our craving for more of His presence captivate our senses with utter satisfaction "till the things of this world grow strangely dim in the light of His glory & grace."

Longing for the less is more,

@RussellHylton

www.bfwc.net

Coffee Isn't Enough

There are many factors that attribute to church growth.  I believe RELATIONSHIPS are probably one of the most foundational reasons we've experienced growth.  

There must be intentionality to what we do as a church each week, if we hope to see people coming back each week.  Relationships have to start in the parking lot, lead to the lobby, connections café and the Worship Center. Our members should be shaking hands, hugging and just talking with people.

Coffee and doughnuts aren't enough to retain new members.  Churches are constantly looking for ways to “close the backdoor” and create an atmosphere where families, singles, etc., will want to come back! 

We use connection cards to gather pertinent information of each person.  Our goal is to do intentional follow-up with each person/family by Monday of each week.  We’re bombarding people will emails, text messages, phone calls, etc.  But honestly…when it really comes down to it, the top reason people come and stay is because of FRIENDSHIPS!

Friends Invite Friends

Regardless of what happens at the church with staff changes or whatever, people keep coming back because of the relationships they have with each other.

This is where we are constantly being challenged!  With growth, it remains an increased challenge to make sure people get CONNECTED to other people, whether that’s through small groups, volunteerism, Bible studies or whatever.

Starting Point Lunch

Every quarter, we have a starting point luncheon immediately after our morning service for new or unconnected people.  We have a catered meal, and Beverly and I are able to share for a few minutes about the church’s history and future.  We give people an opportunity to tell what brought them to BFWC and what made them stay. 

It’s very INSPIRING to watch people declare what makes them want to belong to BFWC.  We hear words like “friendly” and “real” and “I feel like family here.”

Approachable

It’s important for us to be available in the lobby after each service.  It does make us vulnerable – because you never know what someone will say to you or if they might cling to you.  But it’s POWERFUL to be there to make that CONNECTION!  

Jesus was approachable!  At the end of the day…we’re all doing what we’re doing because we’re trying to CONNECT people to CHRIST!

C.L.I.M.B.

Our sincere desire is to bring people into the LIFE of our covenant family as fast as possible.  We invite everyone to “take the climb” with us!  CONNECT, LEARN, INVEST, MINISTER, BEGIN!  We are always pushing people to get PLUGGED IN as soon as possible.

Our Climb Classes are designed to answer questions about WHO we are as a congregation, WHERE we’re going and WHY we do WHAT we do.  We believe that if we will sustain the right CLIMATE long enough, we’ll produce a CULTURE of believers, servant leaders, disciplemakers, etc., who are excited about JESUS and His mission!

Belong and Believe

When you love people, you have to love them where they are and allow the Holy Spirit to do the drawing, cleaning and shaping.  If we will provide a place of LOVE – people will fall into that love! And guess what?  They’ll be “Red, Yellow, Black & White…Precious in His sight!”

In the culture of LOVE - racial boundaries are destroyed, rich and poor get a long...simply because they see themselves working for the same goal - LOVING PEOPLE!  

We've witnessed incredible diversity within our covenant family...it's pretty unique!  Honestly, you don't see this everywhere.  However...that's what LOVE does!  It DRAWS people. It's INCLUSIVE not EXCLUSIVE!

In the culture of BELONGING before BELIEVING, I've discovered that sometimes people will want to belong to what we're doing before they ever believe in Christ.  We have learned to make room for those who are newly discovering a relationship with Jesus and are skeptical of churches and Christians.  Over time, they'll eventually place their faith in Christ and discover a NEW LIFE in Christ for themselves.  When that happens...all you can do is SMILE!

The future is BRIGHTER because of the LOVE of Jesus in our lives!  Share Him with someone today and allow the Holy Spirit to position you in the RIGHT PLACE with the RIGHT PEOPLE at the RIGHT TIME!

The Jesus Tribe

Jesus never wrote a book or taught in a university and yet His "MOVEMENT" continues to grow over 2000 years after His earthly departure.  

What is it that makes people want to BELONG to the Jesus Culture?  I'm not referring to the worship band from California...I'm referring to a particular CULTURE of people.  

A CULTURE of people that, through a shared philosophy, form a TRIBE.

In 2009, I read a book that clarified what happens when cultures of people come together under a collective umbrella of thinking.  Seth Godin, a marketing expert, in his book, "Tribes" defines a TRIBE as a group of people who are...

• Connected to one another, 
• Connected to a leader, and 
• Connected to an idea.  

For millions of years, human beings have been part of one tribe or another.  

A group needs only two things to be a tribe:

1. A shared interest &
2. A way to communicate.

In Mark chapter eight, Jesus taught His disciples and the multitude that gathered to Him, that whoever wants to join His tribe must: 

• Let Him do the leading
• Embrace suffering
• Be self-sacrificing

It's this kind of thinking that birthed a CLIMATE that Jesus sustained in His inner circle.  In fact, He sustained it long enough until it produced a CULTURE of thinking that revolutionized LAW THINKERS into GRACE THINKERS.

Jesus' Culture is layered with SUB-CULTURES...

• Servant-Leadership
• Father-Son Relationship 
• Covenant Partnership
• Charitable Stewardship
• Apostolic Apostleship
• Successive Discipleship
• Mutual Fellowship
• Accountable Mentorship

No one has influenced people more than Jesus has.  

• Are you part of His TRIBE?  
• Do you THINK like He does?
• Are your VALUES the same as His?

Click here to join The Jesus Tribe!

More to come....

So...I Joined a Church (Part 3)

When Beverly and I exchanged VOWS to one another on our wedding day, we did so in front of God and a room full of witnesses.  They were present that day to REMIND us of the COVENANT relationship we were entering into, lest we would forget when difficult times inevitably would come. 

VOWS are actually a COVENANT. It is a promise, a contract, a profession of commitment between the husband and wife.  What is really going on at a wedding is the making of a Marriage COVENANT and not an issue of "vows" at all.

Vows are exchanged to announce the terms of the COVENANT.  When we enter into relationship with Jesus and His Church...we also make vows.

I believe that the Lord is calling His people within our nation to REMEMBER from where we have fallen, REPENT, and RENEW our vows, or should I say, renew our COVENANT with Him. His judgment over this land draws near. We have turned our back on the One who gave us birth. The protective covering of his “King-dome” over you is gained through REPENTANCE.

Since its conception, America has been under a COVENANTAL relationship with the Lord.  Even since the time of the Mayflower our purpose was clearly stated "For the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel."

God is once again revealing His plan for America, in spite of Satan's plan to erase God's purpose from our history.  It is OUR responsibility to STIR UP our children by way of remembrance.  In this dark hour we live in, we must help our children see and understand the Christian history of our nation.

There is a great conflict before us.  The troops of darkness are aligning themselves opposite us with lies and deception.  We must put on the armor of light that comes through application of the TRUTH, cheerfully bearing the message of Jesus as we march forward to VICTORY!

Who among us today will deny himself, take up his cross and follow Jesus?  

The power of God will be released through His sanctified vessels of honor, establishing His kingdom on the face of this earth forever. We must answer the call. As Paul told the church in Rome; “be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Amen.

The church of Jesus must truly examine the conditions of the Lord's COVENANT.  When we study the word of God and open our heart to the revelation of the Holy Spirit - the revealed will of God springs forth within us.

A vow should never be taken lightly.  Otherwise, it's just another useless ritual of man.  Any COVENANT we enter into...even a church MEMBERSHIP COVENANT...should be entered into with REVERENCE for the Lord, understanding the price He paid on the cross for our sin.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus...He is soon to return.

So...I Joined a Church (Part 2)

If we can KEEP a covenant then we can also BREAK a covenant.  The Scriptures teach us in Malachi 2:10 "Do we not all have one father?  Has not one God created us?  Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?"

To be in COVENANT with God also means that you are in COVENANT with every other believer.  In essence, it's a DUAL COVENANT... vertical with God and horizontal with one another.  We cannot separate the two.  We cannot separate the BODY (believers) from the HEAD (Jesus).

How we treat ONE ANOTHER, we treat CHRIST.

In Malachi 2, God has a serious issue with the priests because of the ungodly way they were treating one another.  The priests were disregarding the COVENANT that the Lord had started with their forefathers. 

Remember all the "One Another's" in Scripture?  Those aren't suggestions...they're commands.  Anyone who has entered into the NEW COVENANT in Christ are required to behave in certain ways toward one another.  Basically, believers are mutually obligated to one another in RELATIONAL CONDUCT on the basis of LOVE through the empowerment of the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Wash one another's feet; a servant's attitude (John 13:14)
• Love one another (John 13:34, 1 John 3:16-18)
• Be devoted to one another in brotherly love (Romans 12:10)
• Build up one another (Romans 14:19)
• Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
• Admonish one another (Romans 15:14)
• Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
• Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Show forbearance to one another (Ephesians 4:2) 
• Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)
• Be subject to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
• Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)
• Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
• Encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13)
• Stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)
• Confess our faults to one another (James 5:16)
• Pray for one another (James 5:16)
• Be hospitable to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
• Be clothed with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)

Look at Malachi 2:10 again..."Do we not all have one father?  Has not one God created us?  Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?"

The Hebrew word interpreted “profane” means, “to defile, to pollute, to desecrate, to break one’s word, to dissolve”. 

The BLESSINGS or CURSINGS that flow to others around us are all dependent on our OBEDIENCE or DISOBEDIENCE to the COVENANT.  That's why it's essential for us to remain faithful to the COVENANT we have entered into with God.  Because, as the church goes...so goes the world.

Another definition for the word "profane" is "to bore through, to wound, to pierce”. To profane the covenant of God is to wound or pierce His Son, Jesus Christ. 

When we mistreat another brother or sister with whom we are in COVENANT, we wound the Lord. This is the original BODY-PIERCING that is taking place today within the body of Christ. Remember...what we do to one another...we are doing to Jesus.  We are ONE BODY.  Every time we mistreat one another...we are profaning His COVENANT.

The way we walk out, or manifest the HORIZONTAL aspect of the covenant, reveals to everyone, including ourselves, the true commitment of our VERTICAL commitment to the Lord.  A half-hearted commitment to one another is due to a half-hearted commitment to the Lord.

Jesus addressed the VERTICAL and HORIZONTAL aspects of COVENANT between God and man in Matthew 22:36-40...

• A Pharisee asked Jesus, “’Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ 
• And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (the “vertical” covenant). 
• This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself (the “horizontal” covenant). 
• On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”

More to come...

So...I Joined a Church (Part 1)

Should I JOIN a church?  What does that even mean?  I'm asked frequently by returning guests "how do I join the church?"  I point them towards the CLIMB - the journey we ask every person take with us to become a practical member of our local church.  

Honestly, anyone who is born-again is already a spiritual member of the body of Christ.  Joining a local church is simply ALIGNING ones self with the vision, mission, values and purpose of that church...and then entering into what I believe is a COVENANT RELATIONSHIP.

For some,  joining a local church seems to be something you do out of tradition...for example..."my grandparents have always attended here."  Some even seem to join a church for the assumed "BENEFITS"...i.e., weddings, funerals and even financial assistance. 

To me, joining a local church should ultimately boil down to the SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE of  believing in the vision, mission, values and purpose of that church and then willingly entering into COVENANT with that local body to achieve it's goals.  

Joining a church should be something you feel deeply passionate about.  It should be more than just a "membership" to another group, club or agency.  In fact, if you're merely joining a church just so you can have a card in your pocket, bragging rights or even the churches name listed in your obituary...then that's the wrong reason to join a church.

Back to my question..."what does it mean to join a church?"

Perhaps we can best describe what COVENANT MEMBERSHIP looks like in the language used in wedding vows.  Jesus (our heavenly bridegroom) is asking us to enter into His marriage covenant per His terms.

Marriage is not a CONTRACT...it's a COVENANT.  Basically, a contract is a LIMITED commitment.  A covenant on the other hand is an UNLIMITED commitment.  God intended for marriage to be a permanent relationships between one man and one woman, freely and totally committed to each other as companions for life.

Marriage is merely a model of God's covenant relationship with His people.  However, due to our western culture and our lack of understanding the meaning of the word COVENANT - we treat it like a contract that is self-serving and comes with limited liability.

When's the last time you heard the word COVENANT?  Not too often in America.  This word carries great significance to believers.  Christians recognize it to reflect our commitment to Christ and to one another.  This relationship is supposed to be sacred, serious, final and irrevocable...which is deeper and more demanding than most of us understand or may be WILLING to make.

It boils down to COMMITMENT.  All you have to do is look at marriage statistics today and you'll see that broken marriages even within the church are a reflection of our half-hearted commitment to Jesus Christ.

When we enter into COVENANT RELATIONSHIP with Jesus, we do so willingly...through repentance.  The blood of Jesus establishes our new relationship and secures our EVERLASTING COVENANT in His Body...THE CHURCH.

Inside of us we enjoy an INTERNAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus that is expressed through our EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS within His Body...THE CHURCH.

Our public treatment of one another is visible evidence of our private life with Christ. 

More to come...

First Time Guest?

All of us have been a church visitor from one time or another.  A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit a church out of state.  Overall, it was a GREAT experience. 

Since I’m a melancholic personality, my wheels were turning the entire time.  I was being observant of everything that was taking place…from the parking lot, the hallways, the signage, the atmosphere, the lighting, the sound, the congregation, the volunteers, the order of service, the videos, the printed material…you name it…I was checking it out! 

Here’s some of the things I jotted down…

• Pulled in the parking lot and it was clean and had good directional signage.
• There was a welcome banner near the entrance that seemed inviting.
• The sidewalk had several damaged places in it.
•  People were mingling outside near some benches.  (No one said hello)
• A gentlemen opened the door and greeted me with a smile.
• A few steps further I was greeted by the official “Bulletin Distributor.” Again…a big smile.
• I navigated my way to the Sanctuary…a little uncertain of where I was going…since the Sanctuary was adjacent to another hallway.
• I loved the décor of this church!  Very modern and inviting!
• As I entered the Sanctuary, no one was there to greet me and make me feel comfortable.  So, I found the back row and made myself comfortable.  (After all, I’m a professional church attendee!)
• A young man, who I later discovered was an usher, walked by and welcomed me with a big smile and a handshake.  He also introduced himself to me…which made me feel welcome.
• I then met a few more of the members, who also introduced themselves and made me feel welcome.  (Terry, Debra, Rose & Connie) – they appeared to be full of joy and happy to be at church that morning.  (I appreciated the smiles, the handshakes and the friendliness…it made me feel comfortable in my new environment.)
• Connie proceeded to say, “you have to come back to hear our Pastor…he’s not here today…but when he preaches, God JUMPS out of him!  You’re going to love our Youth Pastor, he’s a good preacher too!” (She spoke highly of her leaders and I appreciated hearing someone speak positive…she represented the heartbeat of her leaders and her church!)
• The countdown video came to an end and the worship team took off!
• The worship was upbeat and passionate.  The congregation entered in and there were some real “God” moments where I had to reach for a tissue as the tears came rolling.  (Of course, there weren't any tissues in sight…so I did what anyone else would do.) 
• As I scanned the crowd, I observed that the congregation appeared to be about 95% Caucasian. (Just an observation from someone who is used to seeing diversity)
• At one point during the worship time, it was announced for the “healing team” to come forward.  As a Pastor, I knew they were getting ready to pray for the sick and anyone in need.  However, as a first time guest, It felt a little awkward because we weren't given clear instructions on what to do from the person who was leading the service.  Eventually, people started walking forward and receiving prayer on their own.
• It caused me to think about how we expect everyone who attends our services to somehow FIGURE OUT on their own what our church practices and procedures are.  (We need to do better in communicating.)
• The Youth Pastor preached a great message!  He spoke very well of the Senior Pastor and was very honoring.  I jotted down…GOOD WORD! GOOD SPIRIT!  GOOD DELIVERY!
• As honoring as he was to his Pastor, the only thing I wish he would have said is WHERE the Pastor was.  As a first time guest, it would have been informational for me to hear from the pulpit that the Pastor was simply preaching at another church that morning and would be back the following Sunday.  I think first time guests appreciate knowing when things are different and what they can expect when or if they return.

I made a few more notes…

• If you ask me to fill out a guest card…then please give me something to write with too. 
• If you shake my hand…please introduce yourself. 
• Please don’t save seats with Bibles and purses.  It’s embarrassing to get to a row only to find out it’s already saved.  Can you imagine the embarrassment a guest feels when they are half way down the aisle because every row has saved seats?...they have to turn around and walk back with their head down, knowing that everyone in the church is looking at them. 
• Please limit your intake of Gatorade and Pepsi while sitting in the Sanctuary.  At one point during my visit, I noticed there was a whole lot of Gatorade guzzling going on.  In fact, in my row, the two students who sat to my right, they were using their empty bottles as drum sticks. The worst part was that they were doing that while the Youth Pastor was preaching.  I kept thinking, “imagine if I was a person off the street who had no church understanding…what a hindrance that would be.”  (I’m all for wetting your whistle…but come on…all that slurping, chugging and cap twisting…was a bit much for even a professional church attendee…like myself!) 
• Also, if you have to get up and go to the restroom…surely the whole row don’t have to go with you???  Perhaps, a gentle statement like “THANK YOU FOR BEING COURTEOUS TO THOSE AROUND YOU” would be a nice way of encouraging etiquette.  (This would apply to parents who also insist on sitting in the front with screaming babies that they have to keep getting up to go to the nursery with.) 

Although I did observe the good and the “could be better”…overall it was a great service and I was glad I was there!  I was helped and I felt God in the house!

Can we all do better?  Sure we can.  It just takes preparation and being intentional on our part.

I read something the other day that I wanted to pass on…

9  Statements Church Visitors Never Want to Hear

1. Our pastor isn't normally this_________.

• Insert whatever you want in this blank: loud, obnoxious, offensive, long-winded. If you have to explain part of your pastor’s style because you know that outsiders won’t like it or understand, you've got a problem. Talk to God about it…but most definitely don’t talk to other people about it.  Here’s a good idea…talk to your pastor.

2. We’re full. Sorry. 

• Always have a backup plan. Always. If someone sees that your service is full once, they’ll deal with it. But they probably won’t come back if they don’t see a plan you have in place.

3. What are YOU doing here?

• Never say this. Never. Your shocked, open mouth reveals your judgmental spirit…at least in the eyes of visitors. When you say this, all they can think is, “God couldn't really love someone like you.”

4. You can’t serve now… you've got to be a member first.

• Why would someone want to become a member if they've never had the chance to serve?

5. What’s your address? I didn't catch it on the first 6 forms I had you fill out.

• Try to streamline the “first time visitors check-in process.” Nobody likes to feel like they’re visiting HR on their first church visit.

6. You want to join a new class or small group? You’ll have to wait until next Fall.

• If you ask people to wait more than a month to join community, they’ll often look elsewhere.

7. Here we just care about the Truth. If you don’t like it, you can leave.

• I get it. You love the Bible. You love preaching the Truth. But don’t love that more than you love people.

8. Here are the 38 things we do each week as a church.

• Simplifying is the key, otherwise you’ll give people decision paralysis.

9. Next time, could you make sure to wear _____.

• Fill that in with “something nicer,” “something more relaxed,” or “something that’s clean,” and you've offended someone unnecessarily. Creating a “come as you are” culture should be our aim, not creating a “come as I am” culture.  Everything in balance.