Besides the dating/relationship issue, the ingrown clique issue is also a major concern in any young adult ministry. Over time the love and unity of the whole group diminishes. We gradually become less concerned with reaching out or welcoming new-comers, and more concerned with socializing with our elected group of friends that we're already comfortable with. We have our own inside jokes, encoded gestures, and sometimes our own language. We become ingrown and don't want to bother ourselves with loving those outside of our tight fellowship circle. Sure, we might politely greet someone new and say, "Hi, I'm so and so, nice to meet you," but how easily do we invite them into our established friendship circles? Beyond being polite at a Church event, how often do you really try to invite others outside of your comfort group to fellowship with you at non-church activities?
Sometimes cliques develop very subtly as everyone naturally gravitates towards those they have things in common with. They become "comfort" cliques in which there is no evil motive for the division, simply a desire to stay comfortable. In these cliques the members aren't really focused on loving others or dying to themselves. They don't want to go through the uncomfortableness of having to acclimate someone else into their group or extending hospitality to a stranger. So they continue on saying, "I just want to have fun with my friends that I trust and am comfortable with."
Other cliques can become slightly more unloving in that they begin to alienate or judge others unlike them. They become "cool" cliques in which the cohesiveness derives from how attractive or trendy the members are. People in cool cliques are noticeably more hospitable and friendly towards others that look attractive or dress nice. They might not speak evil of unattractive or un-trendy people, but they still alienate them by their demeanor and level of friendliness. Those in "not-so-cool" cliques are just as guilty as they begin to meanly judge the "cool" clique. They talk amongst themselves of the vanity and shallowness of those belonging to the "cool" clique. Yet, both are just as wrong.
May we fight against this and endeavor to be warm and loving to all, and enjoy the unity in Christ.
"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the lord of glory, with partiality...If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you do well." (James 2:1, 8)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Jehovah Jireh
Genesis 22:14, "And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen."
The name Jehovah Jireh means that the Lord will provide, and more literally to make Himself known. This particular name for the Lord only appears in this verse as the Lord met Abraham's need in a special and unique way. God tested Abraham's faith even when he was unaware, and provided in a way probably never intended by Abraham. God continually makes Himself known in different ways and amidst various trials, but it is up to you and I to acknowledge when he does. We can be obsessed with the present circumstance and not look for what God is presently doing, or what he may want to do in the future. Trust me, God does want to work in any situation that we are in. God does love us and wants to show things exceedingly and abundantly more than we could have ever thought or imagined. He will provide, He is our sustenance.
The name Jehovah Jireh means that the Lord will provide, and more literally to make Himself known. This particular name for the Lord only appears in this verse as the Lord met Abraham's need in a special and unique way. God tested Abraham's faith even when he was unaware, and provided in a way probably never intended by Abraham. God continually makes Himself known in different ways and amidst various trials, but it is up to you and I to acknowledge when he does. We can be obsessed with the present circumstance and not look for what God is presently doing, or what he may want to do in the future. Trust me, God does want to work in any situation that we are in. God does love us and wants to show things exceedingly and abundantly more than we could have ever thought or imagined. He will provide, He is our sustenance.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Methods in Ministry
"...We must remember that methods work because of the principles behind them." Wiersbe
Some would argue that there is no bad method to "doing church," there are only "different" methods. I would suggest this is only partially true. Yes, there are varying methods of ministry from church to church and there is more than one way to achieve the same goal. But it remains that some methods are bad methods because of the principles behind them.
Some ministries place an emphasis on "staying relevent" and therefore adopt a method or style of ministry that fits in with current trends. This can be good, but great care and self examination should be taken when going this route because it can be a subtle shift from a sound principle. The principle at the forefront should be on ministering to eternal souls. We keep in mind the times and culture those souls live in so that they are reached in their own context. However, "staying relevent" isn't the principle; its a secondary thing; its a means to an end - a method. Thus, you have ministries who work hard at "staying relevent" and miss the principle. You'll see them look really "cool," trendy, and youthful, but no real ministry takes place. They've drifted from the principle and adopted a carnal motive. They are not focussed on saving souls or bringing people into maturity. They are simply cool ministries for cool people to congregate in. Their method is bad because it isn't properly attached to a principle and is motivated by the flesh.
Any method not birthed from principle or any method birthed from an unsound principle will prove itself unhealthy, even though it might yeild temporary results. The emphasis of a ministry shouldn' t be on a method but rather on the principle. Methods will vary but if you stay anchored to sound principles you will avoid bad methods (which do exist) and might breed carnality and shallowness in a church. Cultural context is helpful to consider in ministry, but we cannot drift from the solid biblical principles that we see in scripture. Today's church might look different outwardly, but inwardly it should not cease from being exactly the same as the early church we read about in Acts. "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers...praising God...and the Lord added to the church..." (Acts 2:42, 47). The principles must be the same or we'll employ unhealthy methods. Its all about Jesus, the salvation He offers, and His profitable Word. We must use good methods to get people to know & glorify Him, receive salvation, and be submitted to His Word.
Some would argue that there is no bad method to "doing church," there are only "different" methods. I would suggest this is only partially true. Yes, there are varying methods of ministry from church to church and there is more than one way to achieve the same goal. But it remains that some methods are bad methods because of the principles behind them.
Some ministries place an emphasis on "staying relevent" and therefore adopt a method or style of ministry that fits in with current trends. This can be good, but great care and self examination should be taken when going this route because it can be a subtle shift from a sound principle. The principle at the forefront should be on ministering to eternal souls. We keep in mind the times and culture those souls live in so that they are reached in their own context. However, "staying relevent" isn't the principle; its a secondary thing; its a means to an end - a method. Thus, you have ministries who work hard at "staying relevent" and miss the principle. You'll see them look really "cool," trendy, and youthful, but no real ministry takes place. They've drifted from the principle and adopted a carnal motive. They are not focussed on saving souls or bringing people into maturity. They are simply cool ministries for cool people to congregate in. Their method is bad because it isn't properly attached to a principle and is motivated by the flesh.
Any method not birthed from principle or any method birthed from an unsound principle will prove itself unhealthy, even though it might yeild temporary results. The emphasis of a ministry shouldn' t be on a method but rather on the principle. Methods will vary but if you stay anchored to sound principles you will avoid bad methods (which do exist) and might breed carnality and shallowness in a church. Cultural context is helpful to consider in ministry, but we cannot drift from the solid biblical principles that we see in scripture. Today's church might look different outwardly, but inwardly it should not cease from being exactly the same as the early church we read about in Acts. "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers...praising God...and the Lord added to the church..." (Acts 2:42, 47). The principles must be the same or we'll employ unhealthy methods. Its all about Jesus, the salvation He offers, and His profitable Word. We must use good methods to get people to know & glorify Him, receive salvation, and be submitted to His Word.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Proverbial Nugget on Liberty
Someone unwilling to sacrifice liberties for the greater good is not truly liberated. This person's motive seems to be the same as those who would use liberty as a license to sin. "Self" is on the throne of their heart, not Christ. Reaching souls is no real concern for this person.
"...Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ...For though I am free of all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more...just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 9:12b, 19, 10:33)
"...Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ...For though I am free of all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more...just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 9:12b, 19, 10:33)
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