The widening gap between the old and the young. I’ve been thinking about the difference between today’s paid ministry staff compared to the voluntary workers in the early church. Specifically, I was asking the question, “Who was in their twenties and thirties during Paul’s day, and what were they doing?”
Back in the day, MySpace was some strange time-waster for teens and college students. Then Facebook came along, almost single-handedly pushing MySpace out of existence. As well, as picking up a tonne of first-time social media users. All of a sudden, we started to think very differently about this social networking thing.
Though the social media wave has been gaining speed and volume, many still oppose its use. Many believe this social phenomena is just some band-wagon craze that will eventually die off. I’m not so sure.
I didn’t simply decide to read through the Mosaic Law. I actually picked up a Chronological Bible and decided that it would be a fresh way to read through Scripture. Needless to say, it has definitely given me a better understanding of how things took place and why they happened when they did.
The teens before us (in the 80s) had broken through a lot of the legalism regarding playing cards, pool halls, going to movies and best of all, listening to rock music! By the 90s, Christian rock options were coming out of every major city faster than we could memorize lyrics. Christian artists were coming out of the woodwork, creating sounds that drove teen culture; yet carried positive or at least neutral messages with every note.
Our first residence in Alaska was supposed to be a ground level, a two-bedroom apartment within a couple of miles of the church. We soon found out that we’d be temporarily staying in a traditional Alaskan log cabin!
In August of 2012, I wrote an article for The PODIUM titled “Should Your Pastor Embrace Social Media?” This topic has continued to enter into numerous ministry conversations.
Take a moment to meditate on the deeper level of this Scripture. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21) It’s next level, isn’t it? One of those reflections of time and space. I often find myself getting lost in Scriptures like this one. I’m consumed by thoughts of how God is guiding my life, and my eternal life for those willing to accept that statement. God’s sovereignty always seems to be on my mind and always has been.
Consistency may be fairly easy to obtain for our first-string players who are passionate about the ministry. However, what’s the level of consistency within their personal relationships with Christ? This type of consistency leads to a question of integrity.
What makes a first string the best? Is it natural talent, or well-practice ability? Sure, these are important traits. However, in the ministry game, consistency, and integrity prove to be far more valuable. Today, we’re going to focus on consistency.
Being a Christian can be rough. One of the challenges is journeying through seasons of doubt. Not so much doubting whether or not Jesus exists. It’s more like doubting whether or not following Jesus’ example is really worth it. (Yup, I really said that.)
Yesterday, I left you with my vacation dilemma. I had lost a contact lens after my first dive into the pool on vacation. If you have no idea what I’m referring to, click here: What I Learned About Leadership From Losing a Contact Lens. Now back to my story.