Last Sunday's message weighed so heavily on my heart, that I decided to summarize it in IBC's newsletter for October. Since I no longer use a typed manuscript for my sermons (I'm still not sure which way is best!), the text of my sermons on Ephesians have not appeared here on the blog. Some of you have asked for them, and I simply don't have the time to transcribe them after the fact. Who knows? Maybe in the future I will return to typed manuscripts again? Or perhaps one of my blog readers (either of the two of you) will volunteer to transcribe my sermons for the blog? (How do you spell "uh"?). But anyway, I digress. I summarized the main points of last Sunday's sermon in this brief article for our newsletter, and thought I'd share it here ...
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On a recent Sunday, I spoke about "God's Church Growth Strategy" from Ephesians 4:7-16. There are many opinions about how to grow a church but God has only one way, and I believe it is contained in this passage. The first thing we notice in this passage is that God has graciously given gifts to His people. Every Christian has been indwelt by the Holy Spirit (if that person is truly born-again), and the Spirit manifests Himself through us in ways that help one another grow in spiritual maturity (see 1 Cor. 12:7). These various gifts I call "blood-bought," for Jesus has provided them to His people as a result of His incarnation, death, and resurrection. We also notice in the passage that God has given spiritual leaders to the church to equip His people for service in the church through their gifts. Specifically, in the time in which we live, the passage speaks of the Pastor-Teacher (or teaching-pastor). Though many of us have ideas about the role of the pastor, this is the clearest statement in the New Testament about his role. According to Hebrews 13:17, the pastor will give account to Jesus for the spiritual condition of those to whom he ministers, therefore his primary task is to labor in word and doctrine so that the people are fed by the Word of God and equipped to exercise their gifts in the service of Christ and His church (see also 2 Tim. 5:17). Finally, this passage teaches us that when pastors shepherd the saints with the Word, and the people exercise their gifts, the body (or church) is built up from the inside out. So, how does one discover and develop his or her spiritual gifts? It happens in a context of relationships and service. As meaningful relationships are developed within the church and we begin to serve wherever there is opportunity, our brothers and sisters will "speak the truth in love" to us about how God is at work through us for the benefit of one another. As we hear the Word preached in worship and study the Scriptures for ourselves daily, we are not just encountering "empty words." These words are like a whetstone sharpening us for service. We should be reading and listening intently to discover how we may better use the gifts Christ has given us for the good of all. If we think we have nothing to offer one another in the congregation, then we take for granted what Christ has done for us, we ignore the Spirit's power at work in us, and we deny the truth of God's Word. So, I pray that each of us will begin to prayerfully seek areas that we may serve the Lord and His people in the church, and that as a result we will see God work mightily through our church for His glory. If I may serve you by helping you discover or develop your spiritual gifts, please contact me.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
On Attending Conferences ...
I am probably not unusual, at least not in this sense; I like attending conferences. Some enjoy conferences where the material they will hear is all brand new and they will be exposed to ideas they have never heard or thought about before. I am not like that. I like attending conferences where I already know, believe, and agree with the information being presented. Such is the case each Spring when I attend the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (PCRT), each Summer when I attend the Southern Baptist Convention, and other occasional conferences. This year, I have been blessed to attend the "Kingdom Perspective" conference on multicultural churches and the "God Exposed" conference on expository preaching. Next year I will attend the "Together for the Gospel" conference (instead of PCRT). I do not expect to hear anything at these events that is totally new, unfamiliar, or disagreeable to me. Some may wonder, "Why bother?" During a break at the God Exposed conference last weekend, I made a list of reasons why I attend conferences like this, where I am not likely to be challenged about any existing belief or practice or change my mind about anything as a result.
1) To be a steward of the deposit already placed within me.
I am deeply grateful for the education and experiences I have had in the last fifteen years of my life and ministry. I have been well-trained in expository preaching, systematic theology, pastoral ministry, church administration, and other subjects by some of the sharpest minds on those subjects alive today (and some who are not alive today sadly). While I know that none of us are perfect, and all of us have room to gain new insights and perspectives, I attend "agreeable conferences" as a steward of the information I believe others have deposited into my life. I do not despise the information, the time, and the godly examples others have imparted to me, so I attend these conferences.
2) To be reminded.
All of us are forgetful. All of us are inclined to move into the direction of bad habits and ideas. Christianity is not "new" and does not depend on "newness." A conference wherein I hear "old ideas" that are already familiar and agreeable to me does much to remind me of things I have forgotten, become dull to because of overfamiliarity, or relegated to places of lesser importance because of the tyranny of the new and the urgent.
3) To be reinforced.
The truths I hold sacred are truths that are under relentless and perpetual attack by forces all around me, inside and outside of the church. In a moment of weakness, I may willingly or ignorantly shift perspective or practice if I am not careful of who and what I am being influenced by. A conference where old and agreeable truths are imparted reinforces conviction and stabilizes us against cultural forces that would separate us from foundational moorings.
4) To be broadened.
I may exaggerate when I say I expect to learn nothing new. In fact, I hope I will! But not something "brand-new." Rather, I hope to encounter a new nuance, a new perspective, a new skill, or a new angle on the old truths that will enhance my grasp or dexterity with the information or practice. This broadening, I believe, occurs most effectively in a context of familiarity. In a context where the bulk of the information presented is unfamiliar or disagreeable, defensiveness and arrogance may prevent the absorption of new information. In a context of familiarity, one is able to see the logical connection between what one already believes and does and the new information imparted.
5) To be encouraged and/or comforted.
In the faithful task of preaching and pastoral ministry, one encounters much discouragement. Often there is a strong temptation to abandon the older ways for new and more creative ways. Perhaps more often, there is a strong pull toward depression, disillusionment, and despair. Surrounding oneself with likeminded people who are older, wiser, more well-seasoned and successful with the old principles and practices is refreshing, encouraging, and comforting. Following a conference of "familiarity", I am always revived, refreshed, and reignited with passion.
6) To develop relationships.
It is easy to think, in a context of discouragement, that one is all alone. Elijah was the most powerful man of God in his generation, but in the midst of dark days, he felt isolated and alone. God met his need by reminding him of a multitude that had not bowed to Baal. When I attend conferences where my principles, practices and priorities are championed, I am always greatly encouraged to know that I am not alone. Often I travel with likeminded brothers to these events, and the time spent together is a rich opportunity for fellowship and sharing of joys and sorrows. My closest friends in ministry (both pastors and laypeople) are those I have traveled with and spent countless hours with before and after sessions, over meals, and in late night conversation about struggles and successes. In addition, I have been greatly helped in my spiritual journey by meeting new people in these conferences, or reconnecting with acquaintances over a mutual interest in the conference subject. I recall my first trip to PCRT when I ran into an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in years in the men's room. I had shared many conversations with this brother in the past, but never about our mutual interest in the subject of that conference. The reconnection with one another, I think, was a great spark to renewed and strengthened fellowship between us.
So, when I go to a conference, I go not because I am convinced I am doing everything wrong and need a new handle or a new gadget to overhaul my spiritual life or ministry. I go to be reminded, reinforced, refreshed by ideas and practices I already hold dear. And these are the reasons why.
1) To be a steward of the deposit already placed within me.
I am deeply grateful for the education and experiences I have had in the last fifteen years of my life and ministry. I have been well-trained in expository preaching, systematic theology, pastoral ministry, church administration, and other subjects by some of the sharpest minds on those subjects alive today (and some who are not alive today sadly). While I know that none of us are perfect, and all of us have room to gain new insights and perspectives, I attend "agreeable conferences" as a steward of the information I believe others have deposited into my life. I do not despise the information, the time, and the godly examples others have imparted to me, so I attend these conferences.
2) To be reminded.
All of us are forgetful. All of us are inclined to move into the direction of bad habits and ideas. Christianity is not "new" and does not depend on "newness." A conference wherein I hear "old ideas" that are already familiar and agreeable to me does much to remind me of things I have forgotten, become dull to because of overfamiliarity, or relegated to places of lesser importance because of the tyranny of the new and the urgent.
3) To be reinforced.
The truths I hold sacred are truths that are under relentless and perpetual attack by forces all around me, inside and outside of the church. In a moment of weakness, I may willingly or ignorantly shift perspective or practice if I am not careful of who and what I am being influenced by. A conference where old and agreeable truths are imparted reinforces conviction and stabilizes us against cultural forces that would separate us from foundational moorings.
4) To be broadened.
I may exaggerate when I say I expect to learn nothing new. In fact, I hope I will! But not something "brand-new." Rather, I hope to encounter a new nuance, a new perspective, a new skill, or a new angle on the old truths that will enhance my grasp or dexterity with the information or practice. This broadening, I believe, occurs most effectively in a context of familiarity. In a context where the bulk of the information presented is unfamiliar or disagreeable, defensiveness and arrogance may prevent the absorption of new information. In a context of familiarity, one is able to see the logical connection between what one already believes and does and the new information imparted.
5) To be encouraged and/or comforted.
In the faithful task of preaching and pastoral ministry, one encounters much discouragement. Often there is a strong temptation to abandon the older ways for new and more creative ways. Perhaps more often, there is a strong pull toward depression, disillusionment, and despair. Surrounding oneself with likeminded people who are older, wiser, more well-seasoned and successful with the old principles and practices is refreshing, encouraging, and comforting. Following a conference of "familiarity", I am always revived, refreshed, and reignited with passion.
6) To develop relationships.
It is easy to think, in a context of discouragement, that one is all alone. Elijah was the most powerful man of God in his generation, but in the midst of dark days, he felt isolated and alone. God met his need by reminding him of a multitude that had not bowed to Baal. When I attend conferences where my principles, practices and priorities are championed, I am always greatly encouraged to know that I am not alone. Often I travel with likeminded brothers to these events, and the time spent together is a rich opportunity for fellowship and sharing of joys and sorrows. My closest friends in ministry (both pastors and laypeople) are those I have traveled with and spent countless hours with before and after sessions, over meals, and in late night conversation about struggles and successes. In addition, I have been greatly helped in my spiritual journey by meeting new people in these conferences, or reconnecting with acquaintances over a mutual interest in the conference subject. I recall my first trip to PCRT when I ran into an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in years in the men's room. I had shared many conversations with this brother in the past, but never about our mutual interest in the subject of that conference. The reconnection with one another, I think, was a great spark to renewed and strengthened fellowship between us.
So, when I go to a conference, I go not because I am convinced I am doing everything wrong and need a new handle or a new gadget to overhaul my spiritual life or ministry. I go to be reminded, reinforced, refreshed by ideas and practices I already hold dear. And these are the reasons why.
God Exposed Conference: Notes on Session 6
Mark Dever
"Expositional Preaching: A Defense and Charge"
Preaching symbolizes that we are created by the hearing and believing of God's Word.
Egalitarian views of preachers often are part of a rejection of authority at all levels. In the Bible, there is a good, right, and proper notion of authority. Submission to that kind of authority is good. It all points us back to God's authority. To say that submission is inherently demeaning is a lie of Satan. Consider the Son's submission to the Father.
Preaching has always typified Christians. It was a scandal in the early church. Christians were considered atheists because they had no physical statue to worship. They only had words.
Preaching should be central in the service and shape the rest of the service.
The Bible is silent concerning the length of a sermon. Therefore we are free in this regard. We should not judge others in this regard. On the whole, evangelical preaching used to be longer than it is today.
In expository preaching, people will not be amazed at our insight, but at God's Word.
The "visual age" is not new. Humans have always been visually oriented. This is not the age of the eye but of the ear. Jesus didn't teach the disciples how to draw. He gave them the Spirit to write books. We desire to see with the eye, but in this world we cannot. We must hear and believe until the day when we will see.
9 Marks of Expository Preaching
1) Preach consecutively through books
2) Preach the whole Bible (Don't hide anything or hold back on anything addressed in Scripture)
3) Preaching should be "connected." Show how the text fits within the message of the whole Bible.
4) Preaching should be centered on the gospel. The whole gospel should be presented in every sermon.
5) Exposition is theological.
6) Exposition is critical of idols and false worldviews.
7) Exposition should be evangelistic, calling people to faith and modeling for the congregation how to speak to non-Christians.
8) Preaching must be applied. Not JUST the work of the Holy Spirit. We can't do it for them, but we can help them.
9) Preaching must be integrated, worked out in my own heart and life.
Audio: http://apps.sebts.edu/chmessages/resource_2551/God_Exposed_Session_6.mp3
"Expositional Preaching: A Defense and Charge"
Preaching symbolizes that we are created by the hearing and believing of God's Word.
Egalitarian views of preachers often are part of a rejection of authority at all levels. In the Bible, there is a good, right, and proper notion of authority. Submission to that kind of authority is good. It all points us back to God's authority. To say that submission is inherently demeaning is a lie of Satan. Consider the Son's submission to the Father.
Preaching has always typified Christians. It was a scandal in the early church. Christians were considered atheists because they had no physical statue to worship. They only had words.
Preaching should be central in the service and shape the rest of the service.
The Bible is silent concerning the length of a sermon. Therefore we are free in this regard. We should not judge others in this regard. On the whole, evangelical preaching used to be longer than it is today.
In expository preaching, people will not be amazed at our insight, but at God's Word.
The "visual age" is not new. Humans have always been visually oriented. This is not the age of the eye but of the ear. Jesus didn't teach the disciples how to draw. He gave them the Spirit to write books. We desire to see with the eye, but in this world we cannot. We must hear and believe until the day when we will see.
9 Marks of Expository Preaching
1) Preach consecutively through books
2) Preach the whole Bible (Don't hide anything or hold back on anything addressed in Scripture)
3) Preaching should be "connected." Show how the text fits within the message of the whole Bible.
4) Preaching should be centered on the gospel. The whole gospel should be presented in every sermon.
5) Exposition is theological.
6) Exposition is critical of idols and false worldviews.
7) Exposition should be evangelistic, calling people to faith and modeling for the congregation how to speak to non-Christians.
8) Preaching must be applied. Not JUST the work of the Holy Spirit. We can't do it for them, but we can help them.
9) Preaching must be integrated, worked out in my own heart and life.
Audio: http://apps.sebts.edu/chmessages/resource_2551/God_Exposed_Session_6.mp3
God Exposed Conference: Notes on Session 5
Thabiti Anyabwile
"Will it Preach? Exposition in Non-White Contexts" (Nehemiah 8)
African American expositors are criticized from within their cultural context with statements like, "You preach like a white man," or "that was teaching, not preaching."
Objections to exposition in some cultural contexts include:
1) Exposition is culturally inappropriate
----- One African American preaching scholar said that exposition in an African American context may lead Christians to become pathologically disoriented requiring institutional care. In other words, exposition will make you crazy. (Source?)
2) Cultural styles
----- Hooping, Howling, and Whining. In those contexts, exposition is considered irrelevant.
3) Exposition is too intellectual
In Neh 8:1-8, the people responded to the activity of God by holding an expository preaching conference.
When God needed to awaken His people, He sent preachers. When preaching awakened, it was expository.
Weeping and celebration are seen in vv9-12 as results of exposition. If there is weeping and celebrating without exposition, what's creating that effect?
The people of Nehemiah 8 were not upper-class white scholars. They were poor Jewish exiles.
Exposition is trans-cultural. Are you or are you not part of a new humanity and new culture? What part does THAT culture play? We are a Word-people.
Exposition frees us stylistically. Clarity is trans-cultural and diminishes the importance of style.
Exposition is relevant because it is God's Word.
Your intellect as a preacher has a benefit for your hearers as you make the word clear so their intellect as hearers can be developed.
Your fundamental task is to stand in the gap and expose this God by expounding the Word. Don't be reduced to a slave holding a fan and feeding people the grapes they want. Their itching ears may desire politics, moralism, therapy, prosperity, etc., but we make them happy by showing them God.
Audio: http://apps.sebts.edu/chmessages/resource_2549/God_Exposed_Session_5.mp3
"Will it Preach? Exposition in Non-White Contexts" (Nehemiah 8)
African American expositors are criticized from within their cultural context with statements like, "You preach like a white man," or "that was teaching, not preaching."
Objections to exposition in some cultural contexts include:
1) Exposition is culturally inappropriate
----- One African American preaching scholar said that exposition in an African American context may lead Christians to become pathologically disoriented requiring institutional care. In other words, exposition will make you crazy. (Source?)
2) Cultural styles
----- Hooping, Howling, and Whining. In those contexts, exposition is considered irrelevant.
3) Exposition is too intellectual
In Neh 8:1-8, the people responded to the activity of God by holding an expository preaching conference.
When God needed to awaken His people, He sent preachers. When preaching awakened, it was expository.
Weeping and celebration are seen in vv9-12 as results of exposition. If there is weeping and celebrating without exposition, what's creating that effect?
The people of Nehemiah 8 were not upper-class white scholars. They were poor Jewish exiles.
Exposition is trans-cultural. Are you or are you not part of a new humanity and new culture? What part does THAT culture play? We are a Word-people.
Exposition frees us stylistically. Clarity is trans-cultural and diminishes the importance of style.
Exposition is relevant because it is God's Word.
Your intellect as a preacher has a benefit for your hearers as you make the word clear so their intellect as hearers can be developed.
Your fundamental task is to stand in the gap and expose this God by expounding the Word. Don't be reduced to a slave holding a fan and feeding people the grapes they want. Their itching ears may desire politics, moralism, therapy, prosperity, etc., but we make them happy by showing them God.
Audio: http://apps.sebts.edu/chmessages/resource_2549/God_Exposed_Session_5.mp3
God Exposed Conference: Notes on Session 3
Michael McKinley
"The Centrality of the Word" (Luke 10:38-42)
The story of Mary/Martha launched 1000 mediocre books for women.
One thing necessary - listening to Him. The listening, not the feet, is key.
Sitting at his feet is not leisure and rest but listening.
This story means, for preachers, that we must devote ouselves to teaching & preaching Gods Word.
Luther - if I had a chance to hear God speak in person, I'd run my feet bloody to get there. But you have Him speaking in the church.
Our highest calling - faithfully study, prepare, deliver
Before you preach you must spend time listening to Him.
M Henry - those who teach by their doctrine must also teach by their life. Otherwise they pull down w/ one hand what they build up w/ the other.
Our task is not particularly glamorous; there's not much applause.
Church's #1 need is for pastors to teach them the word so they can hear God speak. Do they understand this? We have to teach them that they need us to teach them.
Tell your people they can sit at His feet and listen. They don't have to run around trying to earn God's love.
There is a danger that Quiet Times and note taking can become Martha tasks
Audio here: http://apps.sebts.edu/chmessages/resource_2546/God_Exposed_Session_3.mp3
"The Centrality of the Word" (Luke 10:38-42)
The story of Mary/Martha launched 1000 mediocre books for women.
One thing necessary - listening to Him. The listening, not the feet, is key.
Sitting at his feet is not leisure and rest but listening.
This story means, for preachers, that we must devote ouselves to teaching & preaching Gods Word.
Luther - if I had a chance to hear God speak in person, I'd run my feet bloody to get there. But you have Him speaking in the church.
Our highest calling - faithfully study, prepare, deliver
Before you preach you must spend time listening to Him.
M Henry - those who teach by their doctrine must also teach by their life. Otherwise they pull down w/ one hand what they build up w/ the other.
Our task is not particularly glamorous; there's not much applause.
Church's #1 need is for pastors to teach them the word so they can hear God speak. Do they understand this? We have to teach them that they need us to teach them.
Tell your people they can sit at His feet and listen. They don't have to run around trying to earn God's love.
There is a danger that Quiet Times and note taking can become Martha tasks
Audio here: http://apps.sebts.edu/chmessages/resource_2546/God_Exposed_Session_3.mp3
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