Race and Death in America. A Response

The names, are too many….  Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Dontre Hamilton…..

The emotions, run too deep….  Outrage.  Unbearable sadness.  Despair.  Shame.  Hope….

The Images, are too graphic….   Grieving parents.  A community in flames.  An unarmed man being choked to death…

The Left and Right Media covered these events in predictable fashion, further ingratiating themselves to their echo-chamber audiences.

I’ve learned that writing about Race is a fool’s errand.  We live in a hyper-political and racial atmosphere, where instant reactions rule the day. The Politicians, Pundits and Talking-Heads push their personal agendas, which only served to re-affirm our own stereotypes. 

Let me just ask this…. What type of country is it, where an armed white man can threaten federal officers and be turned into a Conservative folk hero -Cliven Bundy- while unarmed black men are killed and then blamed for their own deaths….?

I’ll leave it up to others to wrestle with the legal, moral and ethical implications of these events.  

The question I want to answer is this: How should Christians -of all political stripes- respond to these events?  As a pastor of a multi-ethnic, economically diverse congregation, let me offer a few suggestions…

Identify with the brokenhearted

The Bible commands us to do relate to those who are suffering.  We see this clearly in paces like Romans 12.15, ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.’  We do this because God identifies with those who struggle in life.  Psalm 34.18 tells us, ‘The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.’  Christ-followers need to identify with those who are suffering, grieved, and hurting.

When faced with a choice to side with the powerful or the oppressed - side with the oppressed

God draws near to people who are oppressed.  The commands to care for the poor, the widowed and orphaned are found throughout the Bible.  Jesus declared that he came to bring, ‘liberty to those who are oppressed,’ Luke 4.18-19.  The prophet Isaiah in Chapter 1.17 declared, ‘Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.’

Realize that we all have our own internal biases

White Privilege is the term used to describe the reality of those who are born into systems that deliver access to power and resources -to the neglect of others.  White Privilege doesn’t mean that someone is racist; rather it implicates the corrupt nature of our social systems.  Conservative Pastor Matt Chandler affirmed the reality of White Privilege by declaring that his, ‘Blond hair and blue eyed sons will never be seen as suspicious by the Police.’  Acknowledging that White Privilege exists is helpful in deeply divisive times like this.

Listen to other narratives

Take time to listen -not just hear but truly listen- to the stories of others from different racial backgrounds.  Invite a friend over for dinner and seek to understand their experiences and opinions is critical in bridging perceptions. Christianity affirms that all people are created in the image of God and therefore have equal worth and value.  Learning the life stories of fellow imager-bearers draws us closer to our Creator.

Christians are required to address reconciliation

We are commanded to love one another, with the same love that God has for us.  Jesus tells us in John 13.35 that, ‘All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.’  At one point Jesus is asked, ‘Who is my neighbor?’  He responds with a story that crosses racial and ethnic divisions -setting the Good Samaritan as the ultimate example of reconciliation.  

We can argue the merits of rioting, we can shake our head in anger at those grabbing the spotlight for self-promotion, we can debate the conflicting eye-witness accounts of each incident, and we can take sides in the predictable ‘us vs. them’ narrative that plays out in our Country…

Or

We can chart a new course, one where Christians join in the suffering, where Christians embrace the sorrow, side with the oppressed, assess our own personal biases, listen -sincerely listen- and take the lead on racial reconciliation.

12 Questions: Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Southbrook Church's summer series is called '12 Questions.'  We are engaging 12 difficult questions about our faith and following Jesus.

One of the most challenging questions is this, 'Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People.' All of us have asked this at one point or another.  All of us have some pain in our lives, some tragedy that has caused us to wonder why this is happening to us.

I am not sure that there is one answer that totally satisfies our struggles.  But let me offer six truths that can help us as we deal with this heart wrenching question...

1. Evil is not from God -Genesis 1.31 reminds us that God created the world perfect.  God's perfection allowed us the freedom to chose to love him.  We took that freedom and turned our back on God, allowing chaos and sin to enter.  If God were to eliminate evil today, then there would be none of us left!

2. God is good -Matthew 7.9-11 tells us that God is like a parent who only wants the best for their children.  An inescapable fact of life is that God is good.  We are surrounded by God's goodness so much, that at times it is easy to overlook God's goodness.

3. God can redeem evil -Romans 8.28 speaks to the fact that God can make beauty out of chaos. Story after story in the Bible points to this truth; that out of darkness God can bring light. The Bible's central story: of Jesus defeating sin on the Cross, is the supreme example of God redeeming evil.

4. God wins in the end -Revelation 21.4 gives us great hope, as it points towards the truth that God will win in the end. Contrary to the song 'Circle of Life' from the Lion King movie, our life is not trapped in an unending circle.  Rather the world had a specific beginning and will end in a similar fashion. God does indeed win in the end!

5. How does rejecting God make life any easier? Time and time again, in the midst of tragedy I hear this sentiment.  Tragedy naturally shakes up our lives, makes us question what is important in life. Life is tough enough with God in our lives. I can't imagine going through life without the presence and relationship that Jesus offers!

6. What is your God doing about evil?  At times and in the right context I will ask this question.  It is a simple one, and one that can truly alter a conversation. To the skeptic who blasts Christianity, I will ask, 'What is your God doing about evil?' What is the Universe doing to personally comfort me?  What is your nature God doing to provide me with answers in life.  What are your crystals or your church doing to provide me peace?

The God of the Bible is moving heaven and earth to rescue us.  The God of the Bible sent his son into this world. He absorbed our pain, our sin, our suffering.  He took our brokenness and carried it to the cross. He rose from the dead, loved us enough to leave us, but did not leave us alone. He left us His Word and the Church to guide and love us.  He promised to return again to defeat sin and death once and for all.

70 years ago a young woman survived the horrors of a Nazi Prison Camp. After being set free Corrie Ten Boom wrote these words: 'No matter how deep our darkness, He is deeper still.'

Truly our only hope is to align ourselves with Jesus, to commit and trust in Him.  He is the only one who has done something and is still working to change our lives.

Forgetting your Father on Father's Day

I admit, I would rather forget my father on Father’s Day.

He was a seminary student when I was born, a pastor when I was a child, a President of a Christian Ministry when I was in High School, and a Trustee of a Christian University when I was an undergraduate.

But most of his life he was living a lie.

Domestic abuse, substance abuse, absentee father, vindictive boss, self-aggrandizer, and master manipulator.  

The Family Court Judge granted restraining orders against him, which we carried around for years. He died a few years ago, separated from his own family, never having seen his grandkids... 

You can see why I would rather forget my father on Father’s Day.  

The good news is that God is at work and apparently, loves tragic irony -as now I am a Husband, and Father and a Pastor.  Looking back I have learned a few lessons regarding my father’s life.

There is hope - Life change can occur.  It is laborious and taxing, but with God all things are possible.  God can alter the path of our life...!

His trajectory of life does not have to be yours - God's plan for your life is unique and you will not follow the same pattern of anyone else.

Admit there are pockets of good - There are good times to be remembered for sure, but it is far easier to ignore them.  Being forced to remember something positive humanizes the person who caused so much pain.

It is easier to run from, then to embrace the hardship - Even though running from hardship is a normal response, it tends to isolate ourselves from the reality in which we too can hurt others. I've learned to lean in to the pain, embrace it, and use it to help others.

Give yourself grace when you personally fail - My failures do not mean that I am replicating my father's life. Everyone will fail and extra grace is needed to those who have had such poor role models in life.

Some of us do wish to forget our father's of Father's Day.

12 Questions Needs Your Help

Southbrook Church's 2014 Summer Series is called 12 Questions. 

I don't know about you, but I often struggle with doubt and questions about my faith in Christ.

Rather than run from these questions, this summer we are going to embrace them and learn together from God's Word.

Here is the lineup of topics that we will be talking about this summer at Southbrook Church.

• Why Pray?
• Why do bad things happen to good people?
• Why did Jesus have to die?
• Is following Jesus worth all the struggles that I am going through?
• Is Satan real?
• Why read the Bible?
• How can I share God at Work?
• Can I really know God's will for my life?
• Why isn't being good, good enough?

We intentionally made room to address a few more of your questions.  So what are some other topics that we should address in our 12 Questions series?

Churches Respond to Crime and Racism...

Sadly the local news never seems to change.

A 10 year old girl shot in the head while at her local playground. The 18 year old man charged with this shooting had been previously arrested 15 times.

Three people killed in a 10 hour span in the city of Milwaukee.

A Beloit woman killed, her boyfriend arrested by Police.

Arrests made in local sex trafficking scheme.

An April 2014 study by Annie E. Casey Foundation identified 12 indicators of adulthood success, ranking each State by race.  Wisconsin ranked 10th best in the nation for white children and 50th for black children.  The report also noted that the economic disparity continues to widen, thereby putting even more children at risk.

The news both overwhelms and paralyzes us...


How should the Church respond to these issues?  

• Openly talk about them.  God's Truth provides the lens for us to address every issue, no matter how volatile. 
• Repent of our negligence.  God charges the Church with the task of reflecting Him everywhere.
• Humanize the struggle.  We are not dealing with statistics and reports, but with people created in the image of God.
• Start working together.  In Milwaukee, a group called 'Pastors United' is working together to address the issues affecting their congregations. 
• Start somewhere, anywhere.  We may not be able to change the systemic issues of crime and racism, but we can at least try.  Churches can act locally and incrementally.
• Viewing others through God's perspective.  A Christ-focused world view affirms that our worth and value comes from being created in God's Image.

Until that time, Churches can hold to the words from Isaiah 60.18 

Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end. Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there. 

Holy Week 2014 -Good Friday

Join us each day as we focus on the final week of Jesus' crucifixion.


Good Friday. What a contradiction in terms. How can there be anything good about the beating, torture and crucifixion of of the Son of God?

Christians originally called Jesus' crucifixion day 'God's Friday' but over time the phrase was transformed into 'Good Friday.'

From 9am till 3pm, Jesus hung on the Cross. Mocked by the crowds, ridiculed by the religious leaders, and abandoned by his closest friends; Jesus felt the weight of our sins and the distance of being separated from God's love.

The suffering and agony caused by crucifixion was so intense that a whole new word was created: 'excruciating,' Latin 'of the cross.'

Our sins drove the nails, but it was love that held Him to the cross.

Holy Week 2014 -Maundy Thursday

Join us each day as we focus on the final week of Jesus' crucifixion.


Thursday of Holy Week is called 'Maundy Thursday.' The term 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin mandatum. While eating the Passover Meal with his disciples, Jesus said, 'I give you a new command (mandate), that you love one another as I have loved you.'

The central focus of Maundy Thursday is Jesus washing his disciples' feet. During the Passover meal, Jesus gets up from the table, takes off his robe, grabs the basin and begins to scrub the dust and dirt from their feet.

Jesus offers two reasons as to why he is doing this demeaning task. In John 13v15 he reminds his followers to follow his example. 'I have set an example for you that you should do as I have done for you.' Jesus wants his followers to be marked by service, humble self-sacrificial service. What strikes me about Jesus' actions is that he is also taking time to wash Judas' feet. A few days earlier Judas went to the Chief Priests in order to set the trap to betray Jesus. Jesus' example compels us humbly serve, even those who are actively working against Christians!

The other reason Jesus gives for this shocking act of service, is found in John 13v7. 'Later you will understand what I am doing.' Jesus' cryptic comment actually points towards the Cross -as the foot washing foreshadows his crucifixion. Notice the parallels...

Foot washing                                               Cross
Humbling - slave work                                  Crucifixion - a slave's death
Water poured out                                           Blood poured out
Wipes dirt from feet                                       Wipes sin from our lives
Dirt transferred from feet to his towel            Our sin is transferred to Jesus
Jesus was in his underwear                            Clothes divided while on the cross
Done to both friends and Judas                     Died for the sins of us all

Maundy Thursday points us towards Jesus... His life and his sacrifice for our sins.

Holy Week 2014 - Plotting Wednesday

Join us each day as we focus on the final week of Jesus' crucifixion.


Wednesday of Holy Week finds the plot to kill Jesus picking up steam. From the very beginning, the Jewish religious leaders set out to get Jesus.

Jesus claimed to be the Messiah -the Chosen One and he also claimed to be the Son of God. This caused great concern to the religious leaders, as Jesus was young, not formally trained, and came outside of their established religious traditions. Inside Jerusalem the Sanhedrin met. The Sanhedrin was a religious court, where the spiritual leaders gathered to make their decisions.

Fear drove this group. Because it was Passover, the city was jammed with pilgrims and the political tension was at an all time high. The Jewish religious leaders feared that Jesus would spark a political rebellion -which would incite the Roman Army to enter the City.

In order to avoid the greater potential threat of an invading Roman Army, the Sanhedrin decided it was more expedient to get rid of Jesus.

Holy Week 2014 -Confrontation Tuesday

Join us each day as we focus on the final week before Jesus' crucifixion.


The plot to arrest Jesus picks up steam as Judas agrees to betray Jesus. Luke 22.1-6 records Judas' trip to the Chief Priests and his agreement to betray his friend. For a while now, the religious leaders were looking for ways to trap and arrest Jesus. Judas' betrayal adds more fuel to the fire.

As Jesus was leaving the Temple on his way out of town he predicted that the Temple would be destroyed. He took this opportunity to also speak about the end times and that even he doesn't know the specifics of how it will all end.

The conspiracy against Jesus is well underway. From the perspective of the Pharisees, Jesus was just a young man: unschooled and uneducated. 'Who is the 33 year old kid, who makes these claims about being sent from God?'

Tuesday is marked by confrontation, as both sides are looking for ways to discredit the other. The tension is high, the city on edge, and the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering is in full force.

Holy Week 2014 -Fig Monday

Join us each day as we focus on the final week before Jesus' crucifixion.


Christians call the day after Palm Sunday, 'Fig Monday.'  On this day Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree and chases the corrupt people out of the Temple.

At first these two events seem unrelated and frankly, quite odd.  But viewed together, we see that they are what is known as, 'an acted parable.'

In Mark 11, these event appear in this order:
     Jesus curses the Fig Tree
     Jesus cleanses the Temple
     Jesus revisits the cursed Fig Tree

In this final week of Jesus' life, he comes to both the Fig Tree and the Temple -seeking fruit, seeking life, seeking nourishment.  His physical hunger drove him to the Fig Tree, but since it was barren he cursed it. His spiritual hunger drove him to the Temple, but when he arrived it had been transformed into a commercial enterprise -and so he blasted it as well.

In this way we can see a link between these two events. What Jesus does to the Fig Tree he will do to the Temple. This story challenges us to ask the question, what would Jesus find if he came to our Churches, or into our homes? Would he find fruit? Would he find life? 

Palm Sunday

Join us each day as we focus on the final week before Jesus' crucifixion


Christians celebrate Palm Sunday one week before Easter. The crowds waved palm branches as Jesus and his followers enter the city of Jerusalem.

To fully understand Palm Sunday we need to view it through the lens of three themes: Passover, City vs. Country, and Triumph.

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem for the Passover festival -the annual celebration commemorating God rescuing His people from Egypt. During Jesus' time, Passover became a nationalistic holiday as well as a religious festival. The people were longing once again for a new Moses, a new leader who would bring them out from the oppression of the Romans.

Jesus and his followers primarily came from the country. They were viewed with disdain by the educated elite who mocked the uneducated country folk. The tension between the City religious leaders and the country followers of Jesus was at an all time high on Palm Sunday.

Jesus entered the city on a donkey to the cheers of his followers. By entering the city in this manner, Jesus is deliberately mocking and imitating the formal military processions of others who have come before him. 160 years earlier, Judah Maccabees led a revolt against the Greek rulers of Israel. He entered Jerusalem while riding a war horse, followed by his fellow Jewish rebels. At the time of Jesus, Roman generals and officials would enter a city riding a war horse, followed by their soldiers. Even Pilate, the Roman Governor entered the city before Jesus, with all of his soldiers. The name given to this specific method of entering a city- 'Triumph.' Jesus triggers Israel's cultural memory -by imitating Judah Maccabees' manner of entering the city.  Jesus also triggers Israel's anger towards their oppressors, by imitating Pilate's triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Jesus wants the world to know that he is a ruler unlike any that have come before him.
Instead of choosing Power, he chooses Humility. Instead of riding a war horse, he rides a donkey. Instead of carrying a sword, he carries the cross.

He will act in power and in glory and will do so in a way that no one ever saw coming....

Bubba for the Win

Bubba Watson does not have the coolest hair. After winning his first Masters in 2012 Bubba cried like a baby. He made an advertisement for a first-of-its-kind Golf-Cart Hovercraft. Let's be honest, he is a golfing nerd.

But on Sunday April 13th, 2014 Bubba Watson, the golfing nerd, won his second Masters, landing himself a $1.6M payout for Golf's most prestigious tournament.

Yet for all of his accolades, fame and fortune, Bubba knows that what is most important in his life is not winning at golf. What is most important is winning at life.

From his prolific twitter account, Bubba recently tweeted this about his priorities: 'Most important things in my life- 1. God, 2. Wife, 3. Family, 4. Helping Others, 5. Golf.'

He knows that this faith in Christ at times bring scorn and mockery. To those who sneer at his Christian faith, Bubba realizes that, 'For me it's just showing the Light.  There's people who want to put down Christians. I try to tell them Jesus loves you. It's just a way to be strong in my faith.'

After his 2012 Masters win, Bubba Watson gave an interview with CNN, in which he talked about his faith.  Watch at the 1:25 mark and hear his own story of how he came to faith in Christ.

Being a Good Samaritan is Impossible

James Janknegt painting, 'Portrait of You as the Good Samaritan.'

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one Jesus' most well known and well loved stories. Even those with little-to-no Church experience know this story. The phrase, 'be a Good Samaritan' has entered our cultural lexicon. Parents encourage their children to be 'Good Samaritans' and help others in need.

At Church, this story usually ends up with an application like this: 'Anyone in need is your neighbor. Be sure and help them.' And we leave Church reminded that we are to care for everyone.

I love what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about this familiar story...
'The first question which the Priest and the Levite asked was, 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?'  But the Good Samaritan reversed the question, 'If I do not stop and help this man, what will happen to him?'

Jesus ends this story -found in Luke 10- with a challenge to 'go and do likewise.' Did you catch it? Jesus wants us to follow the Good Samaritan's example of radical selfless compassion.

The truth of the matter is that sometimes the most familiar stories are also the most difficult to understand.

It is impossible to be a Good Samaritan to everyone who is in need.  And that is exactly the point of this story.

Jesus wants us to realize that our standard is impossible to achieve....

...to be continued...

Police Matters

The International Conference of Police Chaplains holds regional training seminars throughout the country each year.  I am thankful to the City of Franklin Police Department for providing the funds to attend this training.

This is my fifth year as the Chaplain for the Franklin Police Department. It truly is an honor to give back to the City through serving as their Chaplain. The chance to positively influence the officers and their families is truly rewarding.


A few takeaways of the conference:

• Law Enforcement Officers have higher rates of alcoholism and divorce than the general population.
• While every school holds Fire Drills (even though the last student to die in a fire was 50 years ago) -schools rarely hold Active Shooter Drills even with the higher rates of school shootings in the news.
• Every School, Business or Church should have an Active Shooter Response Plan.
• Police Families need extra love and attention.
• The prevalence of Domestic Violence is as tragic as it is overwhelming.
• Dispatchers are often overlooked when it comes to caring for those who work in Law Enforcement.
• More Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers died by suicide in the past 10 years, than died in the line of duty.
• 'Every Saint has a past, and every Sinner has a future.' -Police Chaplain Instructor

Sunday Morning LeftOvers: Sunday March 9th, 2014

This is a modern day icon painted by Athanasios Clark. He depicts Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave and it serves as a great reminder of Jesus' love and his care for his followers.

Sunday at Southbrook Church we dealt with the challenging topic of death. Honestly I would rather talk about the Book of Revelation or even ancient Jewish circumcision rituals, than talk about this subject.

Death is woven into the fabric of our culture. I think of Pixar's 'Up' and that opening four minute scene which depicts the life and love of the main characters Carl and Ellie. It truly is a powerful montage of their life, culminating in Ellie's death.

The story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life is recounted in the book of John, chapter 11. This lengthy account is filled with intrigue, a plot to kill Jesus, and the overwhelming grief of Lazarus' sisters.  Lazarus' death not only brought the city to tears, but literally drove Jesus to his knees as he wept and sobbed.

Looking into the story we find great hope and compassion displayed by Jesus.  Twice in this story (in v33 and v38) we are told that Jesus was 'deeply moved in spirit and troubled.' In the original language this phrase is just one word: embrimaomai. This word is used to describe the snort of an angry animal. The image that comes to mind is of a Saturday morning Cartoon bull that is about to charge. Can you see the steam and rage that emanates out of the bulls' nose? That is the image used to describe Jesus in this chapter.

Jesus being filled with anger is an unusual perspective on someone who is assumed to be meek and mild. We know that Jesus is not mad at the crowd for their crying -as he too starts to weep.  We also know that Jesus is not angry that his friend Lazarus has died -as he knows that Lazarus will soon be alive.

Jesus anger flows from his love for us.  Jesus feels our pain, weeps along with us, and personally felt the same hurt that we too experience. If there is any comfort that we can find when facing death it is this: we have a God who understands our hurt and who understands our deepest pain. And Jesus goes beyond identifying with our pain.  His anger over death and his love for us drove Jesus to die for us.

The good news with Jesus is that he not only identifies with us in our suffering; but he has the ability to replace our sorrow with peace and comfort.  The good news with Jesus is that when we face death, we approach it with the God of the universe walking alongside of us...

Gay Weddings? Let Them Eat Cake - A different perspective

A recent post on Jonathan’s “Coffee Shop Pastor” blog asked the question, “Should Christians make Gay Wedding Cakes?” and kicked off an email discussion between the author and myself. The answer Jonathan gave was “yes” and his reasons can be found in his February 26th blog by clicking here.

To summarize- Jonathan believes as Christians we should serve others, including those we don’t agree with. I absolutely agree. He also questions whether as Christians we want to live in a society where we can refuse business transactions based on religious beliefs. Here’s where I must respectfully disagree. I believe any business owner should have the right to follow his conscience when deciding whom he will do business with if it violates a deeply held conviction.

Answering the question of whether we want to live in a society where we can refuse to do business with those with whom we disagree, I emphatically say, “It depends.” Do we wish to force those contractors who are morally opposed to abortion to bid on a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic? I think there is a discernible difference between refusing to do business with those we don’t like and refusing to engage in business that goes against our core beliefs.

I also believe we are to follow Christ’s example in standing up for what is right. Examples of this are the times he exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of the day and his throwing the “moneychangers” out of the temple. When we stand up for righteousness in a loving way, we show the world our principles are something we really believe in. Turning down business (especially in today’s economy) is something most people would view as odd if not downright crazy and could illustrate there are things more important than profit- like principles.

Some may refer to the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman to show how he was unwilling to condemn her sinful behavior. While I agree, Jesus defended the woman the most important part of the story is at the end. John 8:11 (NIV)- “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (Italics mine) Jesus made sure to tell the woman she needed to change the direction of her sinful life. I believe making a cake for a Gay Wedding implicitly implies acceptance of the wedding and by extension the behavior.

In closing, I’d like to share a couple of thoughts:

First- I tried to stay away from the political arguments since I am uncomfortable with the way Arizona approached this issue. My belief is that government should stay out of the way unless compelled to act and Arizona wasn’t facing any imminent danger of religious persecution.

Second- I do believe there are certain factions in our society whose objective is to force their belief system down the throats of any and all who may not agree with them- and they’re not Christians. I think it’s more important for these factions to be “oppressed” than it is for them to celebrate a wedding. I know this- if I had someone tell me they didn’t want to bake a cake for my son or daughter’s baptism (because they felt Christianity was silly, oppressive to women, neanderthal or… well pick one) I would simply find a baker who would.

Now that’s a radical idea.

-DJ Haugh

Death's Checkmate

This scene comes from one of my all-time favorite movies, Ingmar Bergman's, The Seventh Seal.
Antonius Block -a Knight who recently returns from fighting the Crusades- finds his native Sweden ravaged by the Plague.  Block challenges Death to a game of chess, hoping to forestall the inevitable.  He manages to reunite with his wife, before Death checkmates Block.

Movies have long held great power in helping us deal with death. Bergman's dramatic range helps us to see Death from an existential perspective.

I am constantly surprised at how many children's movies deal with Death.  Matricide is central to both Bambi and Finding Nemo, patricide is key to The Lion King.  For my money, Pixar's Up, showed us all why it won the Oscar for the Best Animated Feature Film.

Who could resist the powerful montage of Ellie and Carl's relationship? Grab some Kleenex and spend the next 4:20 in awe of the emotional range that culminates in Ellie's death.

The movie Up reminds us that Death destroys our closest relationships and that all of us must be ready to respond when Death calls.

These movies remind us of something that we would rather forget: Death is inevitable.  Even when embrace the escapism of children's movies, we are still confronted with the reality of our own mortality.

Did a movie that dealt with death have a profound influence on you? I want to what movie and why. Discuss in the comment section below.

Should Christians Make Gay Wedding Cakes?

Yes.






The debate rages across America. Religious Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are working overtime- rallying their sides to both defend and attack Arizona's SB 1062.

What the bill accomplishes depends on who you ask.

Proponents of the bill claim it would protect business owners from violating their personal religious beliefs. Supporters point to a Colorado baker named Jack Phillips, who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. Phillips refused to create the cake claiming it would infringe on his personal religious views towards homosexuality. This past December a Federal Judge ruled that Phillips broke Colorado's Anti-Discrimination law. Arizona SB 1062 is intended to protect those like Phillips who believe that their religious freedoms are being threatened by activists courts and laws.

Critics of Arizona's bill claim it will increase oppression and discrimination towards those who have long felt marginalized by society and the courts.  The ACLU of Arizona released a statement urging the Governor to veto the bill- fearing that the bill, "Allow[s] private individuals and businesses to use religion to discriminate, sending a message that Arizona is intolerant and unwelcoming." Many businesses like the NFL, Apple, American Airlines and AT&T have threatened to leave Arizona if Governor Brewer signs SB 1062 into law.

I think Christians should make gay wedding cakes.  Here's why....

• Serving our neighbors does not mean agreeing with their personal beliefs.  Just hours before Jesus was arrested, he was in the upper room where he washed his disciples feet. He served every disciple, not just those he liked.  Jesus even aided Judas who had already aligned himself with the corrupt religious leaders to betray Him. 
• Do Christians want a society where we can refuse a business interaction with another person on the sole basis of our personal religious beliefs.  What if an Atheist restaurant owner refused to serve a Christian family because she thought Christianity was foolish? How would Christians respond to a Muslim store owner denying Christians access to their goods because they were buying items for a Youth Group activity?  Would Christians tolerate being denied access to a doctor's office because the doctor disagreed with the patient's personal religious views on the sanctity of life?
• Christians support Anti-Discrimination laws because they reflect the Biblical truth that everyone has value by being created in God's Image. The Biblical view that every person is created in God's Image extends to everyone -even those who may be opposed to the cause of Christ.
• A democratic society protects the rights of minority from the oppression of the majority. Freedom of Religion exists as ways of ensuring that even non-traditional religions have equal protection. Our Bill of Rights must extend to everyone, even those whose lifestyle may exist outside of Biblical parameters.
• Serving those with whom we disagree seems to be a core message of the Cross.  Jesus willingly died for  everyone, even those who were in defiant opposition to Him.  Serving those outside of our religious and moral spheres is at the heart of Christianity.
• Jesus calls us to Love God and to Love Others.  It is rewarding to Love God, and its easy to Love Others (who think, look, act and believe like me in every way).  However, true Christian love is meant to extend to everyone, not just those who believe just like me.
• In January of 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized a 'ministerial exception' from employment discrimination laws.  This ruling allows religious institutions to hire and fire employees without government interference. In a 9-0 unanimous vote, Chief Justice Roberts affirmed, “The Establishment Clause prevents the government from appointing ministers, and the Free Exercise Clause prevents it from interfering with the freedom of religious groups to select their own.”

Jesus parting words before his death are instructive for us today...

'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.'

Jesus Walks on the Water

The story of Jesus walking on the water is as widely mocked as it is well loved.

Grab a bible or read it online at www.Biblegateway.com.  The story is found in Mark 6.45-52.

This story is mocked for representing an antiquated view of reality -people can't walk on water.  Scholars sneer at modern, intelligent people for believing something that is so clearly in opposition to reality.

Others have found great comfort in this story, as it demonstrates the personal love that Jesus shows for his followers.  The image of Jesus calming the storm has brought peace to so many caught up in the grip of suffering.


There is more to this story than the simple account of Jesus demonstrating his power over nature. Imbedded within this story are some powerful truths.  Here are a few:

-Obedience to Jesus can mean disaster
-Miracles can draw us away from God
-We can be face to face with Jesus and still miss him
-Jesus may send us into danger so that he can reveal himself to us

When you read this story, what stands out to you?

Christ on the Field at the Super Bowl

I love football. No surprise there. I remember meeting my hero -Packers Fullback William Henderson and being speechless as he shook my hand.

For me the best part of the game is rarely displayed on television.  It is the post-game prayer, where the opposing teams come together and offer their thanks to the Lord.

A powerful image relaying the importance of Christ in their lives. 



Here are some links to Christian players and coaches who are playing in this Super Bowl.

In this Great video Clip Russell Wilson, along with fellow players, Chris Maragos, Clint Gresham, and Russell Okung share their story of why following Christ is the most important part of their lives. Seahawks Coaches Rocky Seto and Sherman Smith are also featured in this solid 14 minute video.

Seattle Pastor Mark Driscoll also interviewed these same players.  You can watch the 3 minute clip here.

Jacob Tamme, the Denver Bronco's Tight End gave an interview to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Read the full interview here....  When asked what is the greatest piece of spiritual advice you could give to students he replied,  'Get to know Jesus, our Savior. The Bible says Jesus is so great He “upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3,) He loves us so much He died for us and now desires to have a relationship with us.'

Peyton Manning, the celebrated Quarterback of the Denver Bronco's wrote about his Faith in Christ in his book, Manning.

For me generally it had always been the big four: faith, family, friends, and football. . . . as important as football is to me, it can never be higher than fourth. My faith has been number one since I was thirteen years old . . .

Some players get more vocal about it . . . and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don’t do it, and don’t think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don’t want to be more of a target for criticism . . .

My faith doesn’t make me perfect, it makes me forgiven, and provides me the assurance I looked for half my life ago. . .

I’ve been blessed—having so little go wrong in my life, and being given so much. I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don’t talk about it or brag about it because that’s between God and me, and I’m no better than anybody else in God’s sight.

But I consider myself fortunate to be able to go to Him for guidance, and I hope (and pray) I don’t do too many things that displease Him. . . . I believe, too, that life is much better and freer when you’re committed to God in that way.

30,000 - Humbled and Thankful

The Coffee Shop Pastor blog recently surpassed 30,000 hits... and I am amazed.

The ability to engineer conversations with people all over the globe is astounding.

Thank you all following along, reading, commenting and entering into dialogue about Christ, his Church, and living out this Faith...

Follow me into the Deep

Deep waters are unsafe.  Have you ever had that moment of swimming in the ocean and suddenly realizing that you are far from shore -and all you can think of is a scene from Jaws?

Deep waters lead to uncertainty.  Once when swimming in a lake Up North, I saw a silvery oval shape pass deep below me. It freaked me out until a few hours later when I realized it was a turtle swimming deeper than I.

Deep waters require courage.  A few years ago, I navigated a canoe along the inland water passageways in upstate NY. I felt safer when we were nearer the shore -as you could see the bottom and quickly swim to the land.  However, traversing the open waterway brought fear and dread.

In Luke 5.1-11, we find a simple story where Jesus calls some local fisherman out to deep waters. Experienced fisherman knew that going into the deep waters -during the day- is pointless.  No net would be long enough to descend to where the fish were hiding.  The fishermen relent, follow Jesus to the deep and experience a once-in-a-lifetime catch of fish.


It seems to me, that Jesus often calls us to the Deep Waters of our lives.  He wants us to follow him in ways that may seem unsafe, uncertain and that might require courage. Maybe it is showing up at Church for the first time in some years, or joining a study, or taking a meal to the neighbor across the street. Two other pastors that I serve with at Southbrook Church, both were active at Church -as regular normal people -before leaving their jobs and coming on staff. They followed Jesus into the uncertainty of becoming a Pastor.

It may be that God is calling you into the deep, to an area that seems out of your comfort zone. Instead of fighting this call, embrace it as this may be exactly where God wants you to be.

Macklemore's 'Same Love' - Tragedy and Truth

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis won big during Sunday's 59th annual Grammy Awards.  They won for Best New Artist, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Album.  Their performance of 'Same Love' -an anthem for marriage equality- featured Queen Latifah officiating the wedding vows of 33 couples - during the show.

OK, so a middle aged white guy likes rap. Please just stop.  But its true. I've always had a thing for rappers who are considered socially conscience artists, like KRS-One and Lupe Fiasco.  Of course we all know that The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy's 1992 album: Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury -stands in a class all by itself!  I have the cassette tape some place...

Macklemore's fame is a result of his pro marriage-equality song, 'Same Love.'  It received tremendous airplay, precisely striking the American cultural zeitgeist with regards to gay rights.

'Same Love' contains both tragedy and truth.

Macklemore sings of truth....

'Gay is synonymous with the lesser

It's the same hate that caused wars from religion

Gender to skin color, the complexion of your pigment

The same fight that led people to walk outs and sit ins

It's human rights for everybody, there is no difference!'

Violence and discrimination for people because of their sexual orientation should have no place in any society. All are created in God's Image and therefore possess the same dignity, rights and worth. 'Human rights for everybody' should extend from the not-yet-born -to the rapper feted at the Grammys.

Yet the tragic element of the song is what struck me...

'And I can't change

Even if I tried

Even if I wanted to'

This chorus is repeated throughout the song, and is sung as a justification of same-sex attraction.  At its heart is a tragic world-and-life view.  This view affirms that we are pre-determined along a set course in life and lack the ability to change.  This fatalistic view states, 'this is how I am and I can't be anything else.'  In my opinion this is a tragic and depressing way to experience life.  There is no hope, no possibility of change, no opportunity for course-correction.

The Christian world view claims that change is possible, that decisions that we make here-and-now can actually lead to a new and different life. The Bible relays the stories of women and men who experienced true and radical life-change.  Our churches are filled with those whose faith in Christ allowed them to start again in life - to experience life as it was meant to be.

For me this is personal.  For years I battled anger with a short-temper fuse.  I disliked how I was; but am certainly glad that true-life does occur.  The hope that is found through submitting to Jesus is one that can produce an authentic change...

In this way, Macklemore's song, 'Same Love' contains Tragedy wrapped in Truth.

Sunday Morning Leftovers - The Baptism and Temptation of Christ

Southbrook Church's focus on Sunday January 26th, 2014 was on the Baptism and Temptation of Jesus. 

At first I thought that these two events were somewhat isolated from each other. But as we continued to study and learn, we were able to see that these events are not only inextricably linked, but that they reflect back to other temptation accounts in the Bible.

We had time in the service to show that the three temptations that Jesus encountered in Matthew 4 were actually echoes of earlier temptations regarding God's people and Moses.  Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy Chapters 6 and 8 -while resisting Satan's temptations.  In Deuteronomy Chapters 6-8 Moses is about to lead the people into the Promised Land.  They had just spent the previous 40 years in the Wilderness and Moses wanted to remind the people that they failed when tested. Jesus, by quoting Deuteronomy Chapter 6-8 is declaring that he is unlike all those who came before him.  He is unlike the nation of Israel, unlike any of the Prophets or Kings that preceded him.  He is a king unlike any the world has seen before; because he was able to resist the temptations that came his way.

But there is more...  Think of the first temptations that were given to the first people.

In Genesis Chapter 3v1, Satan tempts Eve to eat of the tree.  By appealing to her physical appetite, we see a link to the first temptation that Jesus experienced, 'turn the stones into bread.'

In Genesis Chapter 3v4, Satan's second temptation is to tell Eve that 'you will certainly not die.' Satan appeals to Eve's personal gain, which links us directly to the second temptation of Jesus, 'you will not hurt your foot.'

In Genesis Chapter 3v5, Satan's final temptation is to tell Eve that she can be like God.  By appealing to her personal power and glory, we can see the final link to the last temptation that Christ experienced, which was for him to have all the world's kingdoms.

The first humans had a perfect environment possessing everything they wanted.  Yet they lost it all, plunging the world into chaos and death.  

Jesus is called the 'second Adam.' Instead of the perfect environment, he had the isolation of the wilderness.  He was hungry and alone.  Adam and Eve lost it all in the garden, but Jesus won it all on the Cross.  Destruction came because of Adam, but Salvation comes from Jesus.

The depth and beauty of God's Word...!

The Temptations -

Temptation seems to easily come my way. Pride, lust, control, even superiority -appear at my door, at my step, and in my life.  Sometimes I will commit myself to a new plan of overcoming them, other times I will confess to a friend and seek his help.  But more often than not, they continue to try and trap me.

Maybe you can identify, may be not.  It seems like each of us is tempted -but in different ways. One friend can't have a glass of wine, while another brews his own beer.

Is there a pattern that we can follow to help us overcome the temptations that we face?

We read in Matthew 4 that Jesus was tempted. But when we read the story it seems bizarre and with little relevance to us today...

We find the Spirit leading Jesus out to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Satan tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, to jump from the Temple and finally to bow to Satan in exchange for authority over the world.

Two extremes should be avoided when studying this passage...

• We must be careful to blame God for causing temptation.  James 1.13 makes it clear that God is never directly responsible for temptation.

• We want to avoid ascribing to Satan the power to act independently of God.  Satan can only act within God's sovereign will.

The First Temptation is for Jesus to turn the stones into bread.  This temptation is all about Jesus using his power for his personal gain versus using his power to advance God's mission.

The Second Temptation is for Jesus to throw himself off the temple and have God catch him.  Satan is wanting Jesus to test God, pushing Jesus to see if God will serve his personal needs.

The Third Temptation is for Jesus to bow to Satan in exchange for the kingdoms of this world.  This final temptation involves immediate success- instant gratification.  Satan tempts Jesus to skip his suffering and to become popular right now.

The temptation story reminds us that Jesus was unlike previous Kings, that he was unlike Israel. They succumbed to temptation, while he placed his obedience to God before his personal desires.

Now we can see the link to us today...
The triple-threat of Relevance, Popularity and Power are some of the greatest temptations we face. Jesus shows us the antidote, which is obedience to God.

6 Ways to Make Your Church the Worst!

If you are looking to ensure that your church experience is the worst it can be, then here are six sure-fire tips that anyone can do!

1. Sit in the same spot each week
Most of us are creatures of habit.  This can work for our benefit (creating regular times of prayer and study), but it can also be a detriment (we avoid meeting new people).  By sitting in the same spot each week we only connect with the same people and deprive ourselves of meeting others.

2. Avoid Serving at Church
Something powerful happens within us when we serve. Serving others at Church is not only a great time to meet others, but it also helps us put our faith into practice.  If you want your church experience to be the worst, then please, don't serve....!

3. Skip the Studies
Most churches have at Small Groups or classes that you can attend.  These are great opportunities to grow in your faith and to meet other people on a similar spiritual journey. Skipping the studies will help you get the least possible out of your church experience.

4. Hold onto Past Hurts
So many of us have been hurt by past church experiences. I have realized that at times I've held onto to hurts too long, thereby keeping others at a distance and preventing others from getting close enough to speak into my life. Holding onto past hurts too long can prevent us from being vulnerable with others. Great relationships at Church flourish on transparency and authenticity...

5. Judge the Motives of Others
Do this and you will be sure to have a miserable time at Church. Question the song selection, the pastor's attire, and the ill-advised tattoo on the person right in front of you... and while you are at it, know that someone is judging you as well!

6. Don't Prepare for Sunday...
My wife and I attended our church for 18 months before I came on as the associate Pastor.  Four years later I became the lead Pastor.  There were plenty of Sunday's that I came to church and thought that the sermon and the music- had nothing to say to me.  Then there were times when I knew that the pastor was speaking directly to me. When I rushed to church and when the last thing on my mind was what the message was about, then I received little from my time at Church. But when I came to church prepared, in the right mind, and excited to be there- then I received so much more out of everything. A wise woman once told me, 'Sunday Morning starts on Saturday Night.' If you want your church experience to be terrible, then don't prepare for Sunday.

How about you, what are some other ways that you can be sure and have a bad church experience?

Sunday LeftOvers: Getting into Church - January 19th, 2014

Johnny Carson's life is both tragic and instructive.  A few months ago our family watched a Netflix biography about the former Tonight Show host.  We had thought it would be a collection of his funniest bits and jokes, but instead it told the story of his personal life.  He longed to be loved and truly known.  Deprived of his mother's approval, his four marriages and numerous affairs testify to his search for acceptance.

Johnny's quest to be truly known and personally loved is one that Christians will affirm- is ultimately found in Christ.  The Christian world view states that we are created in the image of God, and therefore we are created with a desire to belong to something greater than ourselves.  Everything that we are to do as followers of Christ, we are to do in community with one another.

Connecting with a local church can be a trying experience.  We've either been hurt by church, felt the sting of an icy glare, or even betrayed by a friend...  But for as much as we may have been hurt in the past, we need to belong, we need to connect, we were created to be a part of the Church.

If you do not have a church home, then let me encourage to start the process of landing in a church that will help you grow in your relationship with Christ.... it is the most rewarding thing you can do!

Hurt by Church

My role as Pastor has me meeting many people. On one level this is quite humorous, at least to my wife.  While dating in College, I was not a people person, and had to be coaxed into talking to others. She reminds me how I told her mother, that all I wanted in life was to be left to myself in a room full of books...!

Now I find myself continually with others, but honestly, most of my meetings are spent listening. For whatever reason most of the stories that I have recently heard involve people being hurt by Church.

A profound sadness comes over me after hearing these stories.  Seeing the heartbreak and the pain of others -at the hands of those who should know better- is both difficult to hear and to process. Following Christ is difficult enough, but to feel sabotaged by fellow Christ-followers - often leaves us broken.

Why is this?  Does your past church experience involve heartache and difficulty?

I'm closing in on 20 years in full-time vocational ministry and have observed a few sources of pain and heartache:
-Leaders whose insecurities guide their actions
-Followers who project too much authority to their pastors
-Leadership Teams who fail to ask the tough questions
-Pastors who use their power for personal gain
-Pastors who fail to serve in ways that humble themselves
-Members who view others through the lens of their past hurts

So my plea to you is this, if you have been hurt by Church...
-Please give it another try
-Realize that your pastor and those around you often carry wounds
-Understand that the joy of a solid community can negate the pain of past hurts
-Affirm that at some point you too may have hurt another person

Another View on the Duck Dynasty Controversy

We don't have cable, so my first foray into Duck Dynasty occurred during my Summer 2013 Sabbatical. Friends loaned us their condo, and one night Lynn and I binge-watched about 10 episodes.  Duck Dynasty is tremendously funny, obviously scripted, fairly mechanistic and possessing one of the most unique personalities in reality television: Uncle Si.

We know the story of what happened next.  Phil Robertson, the patriarch and founder of the Duck Commander company, gave an interview with GQ, in which he expressed his opinions on homosexuality and race-relations.  A&E, the network which holds the rights to Duck Dynasty, suspended Phil Robertson.  Critics were quick to condemn Robertson's beliefs; causing many Christians to come to his defense.  The Christian reaction was immediate, intense and effective.  After nine days, Robertson was reinstated by A&E.

Maybe now that the dust has settled it is time to offer some counter-points to the status-quo reactions offered by many Christians.

1. It is wise to avoid the Celebrity-Christian-Who-Speaks-For-Me mentality.  

Christians love to attach ourselves to culturally-hip representatives because it not only validates our beliefs but allows us to feel hip and cool.  It could be a band (U2/Switchfoot), politicians (Huckabee/Obama), celebrity pastors (Olsteen, Stanley), or reality-television show families (Robertsons/Duggars). When we do this though we are captive to the ebb and flow of their fame.  I'll attach my identity to Jesus and to His Word, but to no one else.

2. What does our response to A&E actually say about us?

Immediately after the Robertson suspension, many Christians leaders were calling for boycotts, pickets, and petitions.  The blogosphere and Facebook were inundated with Christians urging the faithful to use their economic and monetary power to 'bring back Phil.'  But do we ever stop and ask what is the cost of using this power?  A consistent pattern in scripture is to avoid using earthly means to accomplish spiritual goals. Earthly power is seductive and tempting; but it is contrary to Jesus' actions.  At his arrest Jesus told Peter to return his sword to its scabbard; and Paul reminds us that our battle is not against, 'flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers...'

3. Why are Christians shocked and surprised to be mocked by our culture?
Christianity is a counter-cultural.  The cause of Christ stands in direct opposition to the patterns of our world. Following Christ means that surrender brings victory, service brings exaltation, and suffering brings redemption.  Jesus continually told his followers to expect to be mocked and persecuted.  Why are we surprised then when this happens to us?

4. Jesus tells us how to act when offended and hurt.
Read the Beatitudes from Matthew Chapter 5: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are the meek, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the peacemakers.'  Christians are instructed to respond to persecution with prayer, to respond to mockery with love, to hardship with service.


Now that the dust has settled, it would be wise for Christians to evaluate our initial responses so that we can not only be better prepared to respond -the next time; but so that we can more effectively model Christ to a world that desperately needs Him.

Sunday Morning Left-Overs - Finding My Purpose in Life

Finding our Purpose in Life can be complex and confusing, right?  There are so many competing answers and conflicting ideas that shape our perception of our Life's Purpose.

Over the past few weeks I've had the chance to ask many people about their life's purpose.  The answers varied from, 'I have no idea,' to 'leaving the world a better place.'

To this end, there is an entire industry devoted to helping people identify their purpose in life; yet at the same time so many of us are unable to identify our Life's Purpose.
Jesus was once asked, 'What is the greatest commandment?'  The question was a trap, a bomb thrown at him hoping it would explode.  Jesus' reply is found in Matthew 22, "Love God and Love Others.'

Love God and Love Others seems so simple, and in some ways it is.  But to do so brings radical change to our life.   Loving God means surrendering to Jesus, obeying His commands and placing him first in our lives.  Loving Others means putting their needs first, and celebrating the value that comes from a result of being created in God's image.

Why do you think that there are so many competing answers to the question, 'What is your Life's Purpose?'

Have you found Loving God and Loving Others to be easy or difficult?