The Journey

I recently attended the Methodist Congress on Evangelism. It was a great time of inspiration and challenge. The challenge was truly Missional. How can we continue to grow as a Missional People? Let me share a thought with you .

The Journey

What is it?
A four week short term study designed to introduce people to the faith of the people called Methodists.
Who is it for?
It is specifically aimed at persons NOT attending church at this time.
How can I help?
Agree to host a group at your home for four weeks. Groups should be no more than 10 nor less than 6 with only the host and co host if necessary being people who attend St. Luke’s at this time.
Where to go from here?
You can email me or call me and I will come to your home to discuss the particulars of this

God has poured out his grace on St. Luke’s in ways that only he could have done these past few weeks. I believe with all my heart that he wants us to be a Missional church that keeps its focus on the mission of God. Please prayfully consider your participation as a host for The Journey.

A Word from Mr. Wesley

'The Methodists must take heed to their doctrine, their experience, their practice, and their discipline. If they attend to their doctrines only, they will make the people antinomians; if to the experimental part of religion only, they will make them enthusiasts; if to the practical part only, they will make them Pharisees; and if they do not attend to their discipline, they will be like persons who bestow much pains in cultivating their garden, and put no fence round it, to save it from the wild boar of the forest."

John Wesley

John Wesley expressed the importance of us becoming fully developed believers of Christ. The fully devoted believers does not become a one dimensional Christian.

What Can I Do?

We ask ourselves that question every time there is a great tragedy in the world. The tragic event that took place in Haiti on January 11th will cause long lasting suffering. Our first reaction is to want to do something. We can give money, (an urgent need right now) we can pray and we can even weep with those who are weeping. There are many of us want to put our hands on something that makes us part of the solution but that is not possible for the great majority of us.

Missional people are committed to applying the teachings of Christ to all situations, no matter how tragic. I watch the news each day and am saddened more by the seemingly hopeless plight of so many of the injured. I watch and gather hope from the courage of the rescue crews that have come from all over the world. They risk ther lives to help others. They are truly Missional people. As Missional people we are a people of prayer.

I offer this prayer:

Lord you created the earth with all it dynamics. We sometimes question the reasons for suffering and pain. We even blame you and call you a harsh and vengeful God but when we see your power manifested in natural disasters we are reminded of your greatness. Lord allow us to learn to treasure our days as we watch the unfolding of this horror. Let us learn from the spirit of the first responders who risk their lives to save others. In all this help us to count our days and offer them to the service of the world. Amen

The Shack

This is a fasinating book. I Highly recomend it.

Click for information

Just a Thought

Thanksgiving and Advent are just around the corner. It’s time for all of us to begin to look inside of ourselves and ask some questions.

• What am I really thankful for this year?
• What will I do to prepare for the coming of Jesus?
• What will MY Christmas celebration look like?

Let us begin this inward journey towards Christmas.

Enthusiasm

John Wesley said: “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”




That’s my word for the week. If the church needs anything, it needs enthusiasm. This past Sunday a number of people came forward to pray during our altar call. Such actions stir the soul to go forth with the message of Christ to the world. There are so many people in our world who are searching for something that gives them reason to soar. Mr. Wesley knew long ago that people are drawn to enthusiasm. Our challenge is to be enthusiastic people who just naturally lead people to want to know about the Christian journey.

Enthusiasm is a state of mind that cannot be hidden. It defines who we are and how we act. It brings a smile to our face and kind words to our lips. Practice enthusiasm and it will be as infectious as the flu. We are followers of the “MOST HIGH GOD” – what could be more exciting?

Missional Suggestion #14

Forgiveness: The Church's Business

The church is not in the morals business. The world is in the morals business, quite rightfully; and it has done a fine job of it, all things considered. The history of the world's moral codes is a monument to the labors of many philosophers, and it is a monument of striking unity and beauty. As C. S. Lewis said, anyone who thinks the moral codes of mankind are all different should be locked up in a library and be made to read three days' worth of them. He would be bored silly by the sheer sameness.

Is the word forgiveness the priority word in you Christian life or perhaps its another word. A young lady told me not long ago--"I come to church to get guidance and answers and the church gives me questions." Today I have n answer.The most important business of the church is forgiveness. It is what the church exists to do and out of forgiveness the wok o the church will flow. Your Missional task this week is to forgive.

• Forgive without getting it straight.
• Forgive before you know the whole story.
• Forgive before the other says I'm sorry(I was wrong)
• Forgive because it defines you.
• Forgive because its what Christians do !

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18:21-22 (NRSV)

Practice Forgiveness