by Jason Joyner | Jul 9, 2012 | Blog, blogging, evangelism, Frank Viola, Mission Monday, organic church
Today I’m participating in a challenge from Frank Viola:
The following exercise is from the synchroblog from Frank Viola’s post Gospel for the Middle.
Fielding Melish and his wife Felicia have two children, ages 10 and 6. They live in a very remote part of Maine, USA. They are surrounded by extended family, none of whom are Christians. The nearest churches are one hour away, and by all evangelical standards, none of them are good. These churches are either highly legalistic, highly libertine, or just flat-out flaky.
One of Fielding’s cousins is a practicing Christian. They see each other once a year. Fielding’s cousin has shared Christ with Fielding many times over the years. Whenever they’ve talked about spiritual things, Fielding shows interest.
Felicia grew up in a Christian home. She’s received Christ, but she isn’t evangelistic and is overwhelmed with working long hours and raising two small children. She would love to find a church nearby for the spiritual support and instruction, but none exist.
Fielding has no college education. While he is capable of reading, he is not a reader. He doesn’t use the Web either. He’s a man who works with his hands, both for his career and for recreation. He’s an “outdoorsman.” He hunts, he builds, he does manual labor, etc. In his spare time, he helps his elderly parents with various building projects.
Fielding is not an atheist. Neither is he an agnostic. He believes in God. He believes Jesus is the Savior of the world who died for our sins and rose again from the dead. He hasn’t fully surrendered his life to Christ, but he is not sure what that looks like exactly. His children know a little about the Lord, mostly because of what their mother has taught them.
Recently Fielding asked this question:
When I’m with my cousin once a year, I want to learn more about God. But when I come back home, and I’m around everyone else, my mind is off of God, and I am back to working, raising my kids, and helping my parents. Someone needs to come up with a solution for people like me . . . people who are in the middle. (By “in the middle,” Fielding means someone who believes in Jesus, but who isn’t fully absorbed in the faith yet either. They simply don’t know enough nor do they have any spiritual support system around them.)
Relocating is not an option for Fielding and his wife. Even if they wanted to relocate, they don’t see a way they could do it financially.
Remember: Fielding and his wife don’t personally know any Christians. None of their extended family or coworkers are believers either. And the nearest churches (which are an hour away) aren’t recommended.
Question: If you were Fielding’s cousin, how would you instruct him and his wife the next time you saw them?
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Jason:
This is a tricky one. By American standards, we would have trouble reaching Fielding and Felicia. We can’t easily pawn them off on someone else, and we can’t just hand them a book.
If I were the cousin I would suggest to Fielding that if he is going to read anything, he spend time in the Bible. He doesn’t have to read a lot at once, but he should read it with Felicia every day. They can talk about what they read and pray about it. I would encourage Fielding to look at God’s glory in creation. I would tell him that we are God’s building, and that He wants to build us together as His temple, not as a physical building, but a house made of people.
As the cousin I would need to take a more active role in reaching out in between visits, making sure I prayed for them and helped with questions and discipleship as much as possible.
I would explain to Fielding that God speaks to His people, and that every believer has the Holy Spirit. I would explain from John that the Spirit leads us into all truth and reveals the Son, and that they can grow in this way.
I recently read The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch, and he talks about how the church expanded in the first couple of centuries after Christ, and how the Chinese church grew exponentially after all foreigners were expelled and Christian leaders jailed or killed under Mao. Despite the lack all the things Americans consider essential to church growth, these churches thrived. I think if the cousin takes the time to offer support and helps Fielding and Felicia recognize that they have the basics – the Bible and the Spirit, that they can grow and thrive in their environment.
That’s my thoughts on this problem. What would you say in this situation? How would you help Fielding and Felicia in their walk?
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by Jason Joyner | Jul 2, 2012 | Blog, Greatest hits, Mission Monday, spoiled for the ordinary
Day 1 of My Greatest Hits
I’ve been waiting for a while to discuss the name of my blog: Spoiled for the Ordinary. What on earth does that mean? I can imagine that it sounds fairly strange. Sounds like a little kid who is terribly picky, doesn’t it?
“Spoiled for the ordinary” was a phrase I first heard and experienced when I was with Youth With a Mission (YWAM). I went to their Discipleship Training School at their base in Lakeside, Montana when I was 18. I spent 3 months in Montana learning about who God is and what He is all about. I learned about His character and ways. I was with a group of 30+ people: men, women, singles, families, kids, and couples. Then we split into two teams and went on a 2 month outreach. My group went to Thailand, and the other group went to Taiwan.
These 5 months changed my life. I went there as an insecure boy, and left a renewed man. More than ever, my focus was on God’s will for my life and being a disciple every day, with a special interest in reaching people for Him. I experienced a world greater than my own little niche, and saw the great need of people outside of America, and how blessed and over-indulged we are here.
YWAM was an awesome opportunity, and I would never trade it for anything else. However, to be spoiled for the ordinary, one does not specifically attend one of their numerous schools and outreachs (although it would be incredible if you could). Any program or time where you can spend devoted to God’s purposes for an extended period of time ought to give a similar result.
The reason I was spoiled for the ordinary was that I walked with God every day. He wasn’t someone I thought about only in a 15 minute devotion in the morning, or on a Sunday at church. He was real and alive to me. More than that, I depended on Him, along with my teammates, in making it through the day. We had a plan when we got to Thailand, but we quickly learned to follow His plan.
We depended on Him for guidance and provision. Half of my team did not have the funds 2 weeks before we left. All but one received the necessary funds and were able to make the trip. The one left behind? He joined us in 3 days, having his own particular journey with God that touched him where he needed it. We realized that life is an adventure in faith that Jesus calls us too. He says that He only does what He sees the Father doing (John 5:19). We can do the same thing: listen to God each day and go where He directs us.
After living like this, “ordinary” life won’t do. Sure, I have to go to work, pay bills, and have dental work done. But I know that there is so much more to this life. We can live this adventure. Once you’ve tasted God, REALLY walked with Him and see Him move on your behalf to provide, open doors, keep you safe, and make you victorious, then you won’t want to live any other life. You walk in the same physical realm as everyone else, but you see another world as well. Your desire is to make that your reality.
You’ve been spoiled. Ruined for the ordinary.
—
by Jason Joyner | Jun 25, 2012 | Blog, Jesus, Mission Monday, missional, organic church, Outreach Saga
Another Mission Monday. Another series in our Outreach Saga.
The link there will catch you up if you’re so inclined. The basics so far – I’m in a home group/church that has decided to meet out in a local park for the summer. We’re meeting next to a set of low-income apartments on Sundays, inviting the people to a “BBQ for Jesus” and hanging out with them.
My last two Monday posts have talked about our first two experiences relating to what we have done with the people there. Yesterday was another good day where we were able to bless people relationally, financially, and spiritually. I had a great conversation with some guys discussing our souls, forgiveness, and cremation(!).
The outside manifestation of what Jesus is leading us to do is cool enough. However, I am seeing an equally important side-effect.
I am being transformed.
I have been a faithful church attender since high school. I went to church when my mom had given up on it long ago. I’ve been through church splits, highs, lows, and anywhere in between. The Lord has been walking with me all along, through the trials and blessings. However, over the last several years I have struggled at church. I knew that I was not going to get milk. I wasn’t a new Christian, and I felt that I needed to reach out and be a blessing to others. I taught Bible studies and Sunday school classes. I filled in for the pastor if he was gone. Why, I even acted as a “lay pastor” when we were 5 months in between ministers.
Still, it was more of a duty going on Sunday mornings. I felt it was my fault. I needed to pray more prior to church. I had to get my “heart” right. It was on me.
Now that we aren’t doing church as usual, I think I’m seeing something.
Since we don’t have a strict format, since we’re going week by week trying to listen to God and do whatever is set before us, there is a difference in my heart.
There’s an excitement. There’s a renewal of a passion that had cooled.
There’s a new dependence on Jesus.
We don’t know what is going to happen each time! We have done a variety of things so far. I can’t plan – I can’t use my prior knowledge of the Bible or church to guide me. (Certainly I’m leaning on the Word, but it isn’t where I plan a three-point sermon or lesson).
It is staying sensitive to the Spirit each time we’re out there. It is crying out to Jesus through the week, recognizing that I am in over my head! I need Him to walk with me through this.
I am being changed again.
I have had the privilege of many different experiences that have strengthened my relationship with Jesus. A mission trip, nine months of Bible school, and my long history in church walking with some dear people.
It reminds me of my physician assistant program. The first year was almost all classroom. We took in so much information it was like drinking from a fire hose. The second year was our clinical year. We worked with doctors, PA’s, or nurse practitioners to take care of patients. I was part of a team that helped people, and it made the classroom learning real, because it was applied learning.
I feel like our little group is in clinicals right now. We’ve had many years of going to church, learning and building up our knowledge base and our spiritual lives. Now we are in the practical stage. It is time to go out and do.
It is a challenge. It is frightening at times. It is also exhilirating. I know Jesus is helping us as we try to obey as best we can. I’m learning more and more the truth behind this verse:
“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
—
by Jason Joyner | Jun 25, 2012 | Blog, Jesus, Mission Monday, missional, organic church, Outreach Saga
Another Mission Monday. Another series in our Outreach Saga.
The link there will catch you up if you’re so inclined. The basics so far – I’m in a home group/church that has decided to meet out in a local park for the summer. We’re meeting next to a set of low-income apartments on Sundays, inviting the people to a “BBQ for Jesus” and hanging out with them.
My last two Monday posts have talked about our first two experiences relating to what we have done with the people there. Yesterday was another good day where we were able to bless people relationally, financially, and spiritually. I had a great conversation with some guys discussing our souls, forgiveness, and cremation(!).
The outside manifestation of what Jesus is leading us to do is cool enough. However, I am seeing an equally important side-effect.
I am being transformed.
I have been a faithful church attender since high school. I went to church when my mom had given up on it long ago. I’ve been through church splits, highs, lows, and anywhere in between. The Lord has been walking with me all along, through the trials and blessings. However, over the last several years I have struggled at church. I knew that I was not going to get milk. I wasn’t a new Christian, and I felt that I needed to reach out and be a blessing to others. I taught Bible studies and Sunday school classes. I filled in for the pastor if he was gone. Why, I even acted as a “lay pastor” when we were 5 months in between ministers.
Still, it was more of a duty going on Sunday mornings. I felt it was my fault. I needed to pray more prior to church. I had to get my “heart” right. It was on me.
Now that we aren’t doing church as usual, I think I’m seeing something.
Since we don’t have a strict format, since we’re going week by week trying to listen to God and do whatever is set before us, there is a difference in my heart.
There’s an excitement. There’s a renewal of a passion that had cooled.
There’s a new dependence on Jesus.
We don’t know what is going to happen each time! We have done a variety of things so far. I can’t plan – I can’t use my prior knowledge of the Bible or church to guide me. (Certainly I’m leaning on the Word, but it isn’t where I plan a three-point sermon or lesson).
It is staying sensitive to the Spirit each time we’re out there. It is crying out to Jesus through the week, recognizing that I am in over my head! I need Him to walk with me through this.
I am being changed again.
I have had the privilege of many different experiences that have strengthened my relationship with Jesus. A mission trip, nine months of Bible school, and my long history in church walking with some dear people.
It reminds me of my physician assistant program. The first year was almost all classroom. We took in so much information it was like drinking from a fire hose. The second year was our clinical year. We worked with doctors, PA’s, or nurse practitioners to take care of patients. I was part of a team that helped people, and it made the classroom learning real, because it was applied learning.
I feel like our little group is in clinicals right now. We’ve had many years of going to church, learning and building up our knowledge base and our spiritual lives. Now we are in the practical stage. It is time to go out and do.
It is a challenge. It is frightening at times. It is also exhilirating. I know Jesus is helping us as we try to obey as best we can. I’m learning more and more the truth behind this verse:
“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
—
by Jason Joyner | Jun 18, 2012 | Blog, Jesus, Mission Monday, missional, organic church, Outreach Saga, parks are cool
Two down. Not sure how many more to go.
So far this is a three week series. In the first post I explained how a group of friends in Christ decided to do church a little differently. Last Monday I told the story how we didn’t even get the right date on our invitations, but God showed up anyway. Also some people.
We decided last week to meet again at this local park. It is in the midst of a low-income housing area, with over one hundred apartment complexes. In our city it is known as a rougher area of town. The thing we found last week is that people were receptive to us coming and spending time with them.
After some preparation and more invitations (with the right date, thank you very much) we showed up again on Sunday morning. The first gentleman I talked to asked what denomination we were with.
“Well, we’re just a home church trying to do something a little different.”
We had another good day. People came back from last week. New people showed up. We prayed for people, made arrangements to help one person move, and ran out of hamburgers.
The takeaway point for me was one woman saying, “Our complex needs this. Thank you for making a little community time together.”
There are many people out there who are proponents of home church who say it is the only way to do things. I’m not in that camp, but I think our modern American lifestyle does not allow for true coming together as neighbors. We don’t sit on the front porch anymore – we huddle in our backyards behind privacy fencing. We don’t go to the local church – we drive 30 miles to the one that “makes us feel good” and “meets our needs.”
I know we’ve only done this twice, and I can’t make too many generalizations from just a couple of events. However, it seems that people are hungry to find some grace out there, and I would suggest that the followers of Jesus are the ones to bring it.
A minister friend of mine, Tom Brock, says something to this effect: “Belong, Believe, Behave.” We need to make people feel that they belong, that they are welcome and that they are worthy. If we help them belong, then they will come to believe. Out of that, they will learn to behave. So many of these folks have gone to church, sought after God, and have been rejected.
It grieves my heart.
We’re on a little adventure right now. I know we’re going to that park again on Sunday, and after that we don’t know. I’m not sharing this because I have some secret or that we’re doing things “the right way.”
We’re doing things one way, and God is showing up. It is refreshing. It brings life. I hope to share a little of what we’re learning here is all.
And if you’re bored on Sunday, drop me a line. I know a cool place to hang out.
—
by Jason Joyner | Jun 18, 2012 | Blog, Jesus, Mission Monday, missional, organic church, Outreach Saga, parks are cool
Two down. Not sure how many more to go.
So far this is a three week series. In the first post I explained how a group of friends in Christ decided to do church a little differently. Last Monday I told the story how we didn’t even get the right date on our invitations, but God showed up anyway. Also some people.
We decided last week to meet again at this local park. It is in the midst of a low-income housing area, with over one hundred apartment complexes. In our city it is known as a rougher area of town. The thing we found last week is that people were receptive to us coming and spending time with them.
After some preparation and more invitations (with the right date, thank you very much) we showed up again on Sunday morning. The first gentleman I talked to asked what denomination we were with.
“Well, we’re just a home church trying to do something a little different.”
We had another good day. People came back from last week. New people showed up. We prayed for people, made arrangements to help one person move, and ran out of hamburgers.
The takeaway point for me was one woman saying, “Our complex needs this. Thank you for making a little community time together.”
There are many people out there who are proponents of home church who say it is the only way to do things. I’m not in that camp, but I think our modern American lifestyle does not allow for true coming together as neighbors. We don’t sit on the front porch anymore – we huddle in our backyards behind privacy fencing. We don’t go to the local church – we drive 30 miles to the one that “makes us feel good” and “meets our needs.”
I know we’ve only done this twice, and I can’t make too many generalizations from just a couple of events. However, it seems that people are hungry to find some grace out there, and I would suggest that the followers of Jesus are the ones to bring it.
A minister friend of mine, Tom Brock, says something to this effect: “Belong, Believe, Behave.” We need to make people feel that they belong, that they are welcome and that they are worthy. If we help them belong, then they will come to believe. Out of that, they will learn to behave. So many of these folks have gone to church, sought after God, and have been rejected.
It grieves my heart.
We’re on a little adventure right now. I know we’re going to that park again on Sunday, and after that we don’t know. I’m not sharing this because I have some secret or that we’re doing things “the right way.”
We’re doing things one way, and God is showing up. It is refreshing. It brings life. I hope to share a little of what we’re learning here is all.
And if you’re bored on Sunday, drop me a line. I know a cool place to hang out.
—
