September 2, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Half of all the churches in America failed to add one person through conversion last year. Every week, 43,000 Americans are leaving the church for good. And on average, churches 20 years old and older are shrinking every year, as the chart here shows.
It’s because of statistics like these that I invested three days last week in San Francisco looking for answers with a bunch of innovative pastors. It’s the fourth quarter, and it’s time we rally.
It has become clear that we must discern and launch new expressions of the gospel that engage and transform the heart. It’s not about being relevant and mimicking culture. But it is about creating a fresh God-centered culture that others are drawn to mimic.
Here are several ideas that may help provoke people to mimic you:
- Ensure that everything you do is centered around the power and hope of Christ. Social justice causes alone don’t get you there.
- Create a “Go” versus “Come” spirit in the congregation that inspires groups of families to go plant a church with a fresh expression.
- Challenge your small groups to commit to transforming your community outside the church walls. It can’t just be about safe relationships.
- Challenge everyone with the truth that they are to be a sent people. It is no longer acceptable to selfishly consume Christian services every Sunday morning.
- We must celebrate and encourage those with the gifts of creativity and innovation.
How are you and your church doing with this?
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, Relevant Ministry | Tagged alignment, clarity, Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, Hope, Leadership, vision | 2 Comments »
August 28, 2010 by Ed Bahler
This week our 12-year-old adopted daughter asked, “Mommy, why did you come for me?” Then she softly shared how her orphan friends, the beautiful ones, were chosen by adopting families. For ten years she wondered if anyone would come for her.
My wife explained how she had prayed for an adopted daughter and sensed God leading her to Mia. She told her how our whole family had prayed and felt that God had brought her to our home.
Mia then asked, “Will you teach me to pray?”
This week I spent three days in San Francisco with some of the most innovative pastors in the US. Together we pondered questions like:
- How do we inspire true sanctification?
- How can we nurture sustaining relationships?
- How do we best develop causes that galvanize small groups?
- How do we stimulate the next generation to engage and find their voice?
The conversations were deep and challenging. But Mia’s question has helped me see that inspiring others to desire God and a connection with Him through prayer seems to be a prerequisite to each of our questions.
It left me wondering…
- Can we inspire others to live sanctified lives without a sacrificial example from us?
- Can the next generation be expected to find their voice if we haven’t fully found ours?
- What must they see in us to provoke a passionate desire for prayer?
But make sure in your hearts that Christ is Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. ! Peter 3:15
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August 22, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Would you believe that nearly 60% of the US population will never be reached by the current models of the church?
Even with a combined annual budget of nearly $107 billion (mint.com), the existing 300,000 churches in the US have failed to connect with over 180 million Americans. Americans who will probably never attend what we know of as church.
That’s why twelve innovative mega-church pastors from across the US have committed to a two-year journey of prayer and discovery to reach this 60%. The Cornerstone Knowledge Network (CKN) has been asked to be a part of this effort, known as “Future Travelers.”
The next three days we’re meeting here in San Francisco to forge new paradigms and craft new models of missional and incarnational ministry that will equip the church of the future.
I’ll be sharing thoughts and insights as we go.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, Relevant Ministry | Tagged clarity, Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture, Hope, Leadership, Missional Ministry | 2 Comments »
August 18, 2010 by Ed Bahler
We consume over 3 million gallons of oil a day in North America. We have no choice but to drill a mile below the Gulf Of Mexico. Consumption typifies most areas of our life. Even our life at church.
But Jesus had a different vision for us when he said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” He has called us to be witnesses, his apprentices, givers…wherever we are.
In his book, Exponential, my friend Dave Ferguson explains that the word “witness” in the original language of the New Testament is marturious. If you say it slowly you can hear the word martyr. When Jesus tells his followers that they will be His witnesses, he is not saying that they will simply talk about Him to others. Witnesses were frequently tortured and killed. Jesus was saying that we must be ready to trade our lives. That’s quite different than consuming church services for an hour each Sunday.
The important question to ask is, “when was the last time we took a risk and trusted God?”
When was the last time we courageously followed Jesus and did something that was clearly beyond our ability?
When was the last time we followed Jesus so closely that it was uncomfortable…maybe even scary?
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August 13, 2010 by Ed Bahler
We can commit to years of preparation for a great cause or challenge. Even so, things beyond our control can cause deep disappointment.
Those are moments of great truth. Those are moments that define us.
400 meter British Olympian Derek Redmond had a defining moment on the back stretch of the 1992 Olympics. Despite 13 surgeries on his Achilles tendon and knees he was in the best shape of his career. He had recently set the British 400 meter record and was a world champion in the 4X400 relay. He was heavily favored to medal. This was his race!
But 150 meters in he pulled a hamstring and was finished. Despite overwhelming disappointment, great pain, and though it seemed there was nothing to be gained, Derek chose to finish. A decision that has defined the rest of his life. Today he is a motivational speaker helping others overcome setbacks.
At some point in life most of us will feel a similar anguish as that expressed on Derek’s face in the following video.We ask how years of effort, learning, and preparation could result in such disappointment. Life has a way of delivering the unexpected.
And, our response in those moments define us. (click the photo here, the video is exceptional)
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Evolving Culture | Tagged building momentum, Empowering Leadership, Faith, Hope, Leadership, love, trust, vision | Leave a Comment »
August 7, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Protestant pastors nation-wide were asked to identify the top three living Christian preachers and leaders that most influence them. The top 10, based on the number of times they were mentioned, are:
Preachers
- Billy Graham
- Charles Swindoll
- Charles Stanley
- Rick Warren
- Barbara Brown Taylor
- David Jeremiah
- Max Lucado
- John Piper
- Andy Stanley
Leaders
- Billy Graham
- James Dobson
- Rick Warren
- Charles Stanley
- Desmond Tutu
- Charles Swindoll
- Jim Wallis
- Bill Hybels
- John MacArthur
- Chuck Colson
Who influences you?
(Content from Outreach magazine)
Posted in Empowering Leadership, Relevant Ministry | Tagged communication, Empowering Leadership, Faith, Hope, Leadership, Relevant Ministry | Leave a Comment »
August 4, 2010 by Ed Bahler
When you get to my age, you’ll measure your success in life by how many of the people you want to have love you actually do love you. That’s the ultimate test of how you’ve lived your life.
That’s a quote by Warren Buffett, a man worth an estimated $47 billion.
Despite his wealth, he has apparently learned that success isn’t measured in dollars. In fact, in 2006 he pledged to give away nearly his entire fortune to charities, and he refuses to fund showy monuments to himself–no Warren Buffett libraries or halls for this guy.
What have you learned to be the true measure of success?
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July 31, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Ten days ago Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said, “We also recognize that the economic outlook remains unusually uncertain.”
Unusually uncertain…that’s not an assessment that leaves me feeling overly safe.
How about you?
After all the recent uncertainty and church budget challenges, it’s easy to imagine a monster around every corner.
That’s why Seth Godin’s recent advice was so appreciated. There’s a lot of wisdom here:
Every monster has a big shadow…That’s what makes it a monster.
In fact, when you look the monster in the eye, when you calmly and carefully inspect the actual monster, you discover that he’s not so bad after all. It’s just the shadow that’s scary.
When in doubt, ignore the shadow.
Have you been imagining monsters recently?
Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Posted in Empowering Leadership | Tagged Empowering Leadership, Faith, Hope | 1 Comment »
July 23, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Li Mei is a 16-year-old orphan here in Guangzhou that nobody ever came for. She’s now too old to be adopted and is no longer eligible for government support. An Indiana couple we’ve gotten to know met her on one of their previous adoption trips and have introduced her to an American missionary here. The missionary has taken her in and is helping her become self-sufficient.
Li Mei was at our hotel this week and when asked if she’s happy with the missionary she responded with broken English, “Happy….no. She go away…DANGER LOVE!”
Danger love, the kind of love that swoops in and then
moves on. Experience had taught Li Mei that danger love was too painful to trust.
Li Mei helped us dad’s here understand our own newly adopted daughters. No matter how hard we’ve tried to express affection this week, our new daughters push us away. It’s been painful to realize that we’re perceived as just more danger love. Unwinding their fear will take years of consistent affection.
This has left me wondering if this is the way our communities back in the states see the church. Oh yes, we’re learning this missional ministry stuff and are reaching out beyond our walls. But do those that hurt perceive our efforts as shallow danger love?
Are we committed to do what it takes to overcome their doubt?
Posted in Bahler Family Doing Life, Empowering Leadership, Relevant Ministry | Tagged Connecting, Evolving Culture, connection, love, Empowering Leadership, missional, Faith, legitimacy, trust, Hope, Bahler Family Doing Life, Missional Ministry | Leave a Comment »
July 20, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Beyond all the discouraging reports of oil spills, unemployment, deficits, and Afghanistan, there’s also good stuff happening in America. I’m seeing it here in the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, China.
All adopting couples must come to Guangzhou to check their child through the U.S. consulate before leaving for home. I’d guess there are are 100 couples staying here.
We’ve hooked up with two from Indy who are also adopting older girls. For one couple it’s their third adoption and for the other it’s their 9th and 10th. These three girls will be resettling within an hour of each other in Indiana. What a sweet story!
But there are even more compelling stories here. Other U.S. couples are adopting the truly abandoned…mentally handicapped kids, kids with cleft palettes, and kids with deeply troubled backgrounds. For them it’s a life mission, not some “feel good” adoption story. It’s humbling and inspiring to watch.
If what I’m seeing here reflects the deeper back story of the U.S. then forget about the discouraging news. We have much to be thankful for and hopeful about!
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July 19, 2010 by Ed Bahler
We’re all struggling with the widening generation gap in America. The digital age has left the World War II generation grasping for any sense of relevance. And us boomers aren’t doing much better. Our kids have no choice but to acclimate to a very different world.
But here in China that gap seems even wider. The World War II generation still clings to old communist dogma and dress. But the younger crowd could care less about dogma. Survival in a marketplace dominated by the West is what it’s about for them.
Even though China will overtake the U.S. in manufacturing next year, the young people face daunting challenges here. For example, it takes 25 years of annual income for a college grad to purchase a small condo (One of the reasons that a Chinese orphan without family support can’t survive here). That compares to just 5 years of annual income in America for a typical starter home.
Globally, we’re all being stretched to move past old dogma and embrace fresh ideas. But as Christians, how do we do so and still maintain those core values that ground us?
What should the church’s role be in helping us do so?
Posted in Bahler Family Doing Life, Relevant Ministry | Tagged Evolving Culture | Leave a Comment »
July 16, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Pastor and sociologist Tony Campolo explains the concept of “The Looking Glass Self” like this:
We see ourselves as we believe the most important person in our life sees us.
Tony tells us that if we make Christ the most important person in our life and recognize that he loved us enough to die a horrible death for us, then we will see ourselves in a radically different way. A way that frees us to utilize our talent to be more fruitful and to more freely love others.
I’m watching “The looking Glass Self” concept play out here this week in China. It was evident that Mia, our newly adopted daughter, had endless talent (as we all do being created in His image). But years of orphanages and foster care had left her unsure of how to see herself.
We picked her up on Monday, along with everything she owned in a small backpack. Tuesday, when we tried to buy her some decent shoes her eyes got big and she said, “No.” She then quickly pulled out the Chinese/English dictionary and pointed to the words “precious” and “valuable.” We told her, “You Mia, are also precious and valuable.” She again said, “No” as she stepped back and looked away.
So we’ve put on a full-court press the past four days, trying to express God’s love and consistent affirmation. Her spirit is opening up and its a lesson to us how quickly she’s feeling free to accept and give love. Here’s a picture of Mia taken Thursday.
Of course the only sustainable worth is in being a child of the King. But Mia’s perceptions are helping me realize the responsibility that I have to treat my relationships with the worth they deserve as well. I’m humbled by how nonchalantly I often treat them instead.
How about you? Do you grasp your impact on others as a conduit for His love?
Posted in Bahler Family Doing Life | Tagged Leadership, Connecting, love, Faith, legitimacy, trust, vision, Hope, Bahler Family Doing Life, Purpose, Valuable life goal, communication, Consumerism | 4 Comments »
July 14, 2010 by Ed Bahler
King David was a man after God’s own heart, yet even he often felt alone. There are times when blind trust and obedience are all we have. That was where Annette and I found ourselves Monday.
We were exhausted upon arriving in Kunming after 35 hours of travel. We found ourselves in a strange land, disconnected from all our support systems. Our adoption guide sternly warned us to have zero expectations since these older adoptions are risky.
Still, those are feeble excuses for my lack of trust. I was imagining every risk and failure possible. What if institutional care makes it impossible for her to assimilate in the U.S. or bond with us? What am I doing on the other side of the globe anyway? What were we thinking?
God seemed far away.
However, meeting our newest daughter Mia was an unexplainable experience. We walked into a nondescript room filled with orphanage and government employees, a Chinese flag, and our daughter. It was scary and awkward. Even though we couldn’t verbally communicate with this girl, our body language must have said enough. There was a buzz in the room as everyone noticed the healthy connection. There wasn’t a sign of institutional care in Mia except maybe a hesitation to accept our hugs.
In the end, God was there and has blessed us more than we deserve. As we all know, life doesn’t always happen that way and joy alternates with woe. But for whatever reason, God gave Mia, Annette, and I joy on Monday. I’m sure there will be challenges to come, but we have hope that with God’s grace they will be manageable.
Here is King David’s answer for fearful moments…“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Posted in Bahler Family Doing Life, Culture, Relevant Ministry | 5 Comments »
July 10, 2010 by Ed Bahler
We’ve finally arrived in Hong Kong 21 hours after leaving Chicago Friday night. The 12-hour time difference affirms that we truly are halfway around the globe. After a five-hour layover and a short flight, we’ll reach Kunming.
The airport here is as big and modern as any in the states. Everything is spotless! Wifi is readily available allowing me to crank out this quick post, even though they block social networking sites (like Facebook) to control public discourse.
But most important, in less than 24 hours we’ll finally meet our new daughter. We have no clue how to act or what to say. What do you say to your almost teenage daughter when you meet for the first time?
However, we were encouraged by the gracious spirit of the Chinese stewardesses last night. They had the kind of spirit that makes a 14-hour flight almost seem enjoyable. Annette and I kept searching their eyes for resemblances to our Mia.
As you can see, our curiosity is in hyper drive.
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July 8, 2010 by Ed Bahler
Do you relate with these comments from Phil Cooke?
For most of my life, Christians were laughed at or ridiculed for the wrong things. The non-believing culture made fun of boycotts, our protests over irrelevant issues, or crazy promotional stunts in the name of the gospel.
Far too often, some Christians took the “peculiar people” scripture way out of context and actually prided themselves on how wacky they could be perceived. Sadly on Christian TV, it was our big hair, cheap suits, or tacky furniture. But what really should separate us from the world are the things that only kingdom minded people should understand.
But what are those kingdom minded things that should separate us? Here are ten that come to mind:
- Faith in something bigger than us
- Love towards others
- Our self control
- A ready forgiveness when wronged
- Genuine selflessness
- Gentleness and humility
- Spontaneous joy
- Pure motives
- Peace with others
- Boundless hope
What am I missing? Which ones would you replace and with what?
After creating the list, I stopped to ponder it a bit. It made me sad to think how far from Kingdom minded I can get.
But wait, God’s grace should bring hope and joy!
Aren’t we thankful for His love and grace…and a fresh start each morning?
Posted in Empowering Leadership | Tagged Authentic, clarity, Relevant Ministry, vision | 6 Comments »
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