Zach Zehnder's Blog, page 14
November 20, 2022
What is Happening to Family Togetherness?
A significant obstacle to families today is space. There’s too much of it. The National Association of Homebuilders reported that the average size of homes is now over 2500 sq. ft.
Not only is our physical space widening but so is our mental and emotional space. We don’t want anyone too close. For example, each family member has a tablet, device, or screen. Every child has a sport or activity. For many kids, their closest community is their friends. Sadly, the same is true of many adults. Undistracted family time feels like an impossibility.
Christmas is a time to reclaim togetherness.
Before we can emotionally get close, we need to get close physically.
Snuggle in. Get comfortable with sharing personal space. This may look like turning off all the lights and lighting an Advent wreath at the dining room table. It might be piling into mom and dad’s bed for devotionals or turning on the fireplace and wrapping up with blankets to listen to the Christmas story. Perhaps togetherness happens in carline when everyone is physically the closest they will be that day.
All that togetherness is complicated too. The closer you get, the clearer you see cracks in others. But what if we didn’t just see the cracks, but we had a way to heal them? Togetherness through Advent devotionals can heal the cracks in your family.
Jesus never talked about Advent. It became a practice over 1500 years after He died. It may not be mentioned in the Bible specifically, but many verses address Christian practices in our homes and families:
Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
1 Peter 5:2-3 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Deuteronomy 6: 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
2 Timothy 3:14-16 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Psalm 78:1-4 My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old— things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.
What is Advent?
Advent is a man-made tradition dating back to the 16th century.It comes from the Latin word adventus, which means ‘coming.’Advent is a season of waiting or anticipation before Christmas.Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas.Advent dates change yearly, but it always starts on a Sunday.Advent is often celebrated with the Advent wreath.In the 19th century, a German pastor took a wagon wheel and put 20 little white candles and four big red candles around it to use as a countdown to Christmas.Most Advent wreaths today consist of four candles. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, with one candle lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy.
How can we practice Advent?
1) Use an Advent wreath. Put it in the center of your dinner table or common area. Take turns lighting and blowing out candles.
2) Use an Advent devotional book for daily readings.
3) Pick a time in your day that you can stick with: bedtime, carline, or even mealtimes all work as good times to create a habit with your child.
What do Advent Devotions Do For My Family?
1) Advent devotionals are a routine part of your Christmas celebrations.
2) It creates a simple countdown and incorporates faith in the excitement of the holidays.
3) Advent devotionals promote focus by igniting the senses: the smell of the candle after it’s blown out, the sight of the fire in a dim or dark room, and hearing stories and questions about faith.
4) Advent creates a time of quiet reflection in a busy and chaotic stream of activities.
5) It encourages discussion and establishes a ritual vital for healthy kids growing in their relationship with Jesus.
6) Advent devotionals create togetherness.
No one was more serious about togetherness than Jesus. He came down into the womb of Mary, which is as close as we can get to another human. He grew up with an imperfect family and spent time with them for 30 of his 33 years. He invited twelve disciples to live life with Him. Even when everyone abandoned Him on the cross, the first thing he did after rising again was to find his hiding disciples. He stopped at nothing to be together with them.
This is why Red Letter Kids is offering our brand-new twenty-five-day devotional, The Great Advent-ure. Each day consists of a reading with two discussion questions. We want to foster family togetherness. The Jesus that died for you loves you. That same Jesus longs for togetherness with you and your family. He brings peace, love, and kindness. Jesus will stop at nothing to see your family gather together with Him at the center. I pray blessings over your Christmas season and your time of gathering.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6
– Allison Zehnder
Kiersz, A. (2015, June 3). America’s houses are getting bigger. Retrieved from Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/house...
The Great Advent-ure
A FREE 25-Day Christmas Devotional!
The Great Advent-ure is a 25-Day Christmas Countdown with the Red Letter Kids.
If there is one word that can describe the holiday season, it’s busy! So when the three Perez children get locked in an attic until they complete a Names of God challenge, they are forced to slow down and work together to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
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November 17, 2022
The 305 Questions Jesus Asked with One Shocking Discovery
I’m not the best listener. A couple of years ago, my extended family, for some odd reason, voted on who the worst listener in our family was. Somehow, I won the crown. Jokingly, when they told me this, I said, “What did you say? I wasn’t really listening.” And while it was done in an informal, casual, funny way, I haven’t forgotten that moment. And, even if it’s just a little bit true (which I’m sure it is), I don’t like that about me.
As we are at the forefront of a new year, I’m on a journey to see if I can become a better listener. Unlike some other goals or resolutions, it feels harder to measure. But one thing I’ve learned on this new journey is that a good listener asks good questions. So, if I want to be a better listener, I need to learn to ask better questions.
How do we grow in the art of asking better questions?
As a disciple of Jesus, there is no one I try to pattern after more than Jesus. So, I did what I knew was best: I literally found and recorded all the questions Jesus ever asked. There were 305 of them, and for your sake, you can find them all listed at the bottom of this blog. As I reviewed all 305 questions, I discovered 4 fascinating truths about Jesus’s questions. The fourth one truly shocked me.
As you read through my quick insights, feel free to comment below on what insights you would add about Jesus’s questions. After all, I’m listening! And your insight might just help me on my journey to be a better listener, which I’m sure my family would love!
1. Jesus asked curiosity questions.
Carey Nieuwhof has interviewed more than 500 people on his podcast. From my estimation, he has crafted the art behind asking great questions. He says, “Curiosity is your best friend as a leader. So when you’re interviewing, act more like a 6-year-old than a 36-year-old.”
The two best questions to ask if you are curious:
“How…”
“Why…”
Altogether, about 80 of the questions that Jesus asked are “how” and “why” questions. He asked questions like “Why do you doubt?” and “Why are you thinking these things?”
Great leaders remain curious. They want to know how and why things work, understand how and why people are the way they are, etc. What stands out to me even more, though, is that Jesus was not only fully man but also fully God. Jesus was omniscient, all-knowing. So, in one sense, Jesus didn’t have to ask curiosity questions. He already knew everything! And yet, He still did!
Why did he do this?
To help us grow in our faith. Some would argue that questions are opposed to faith, but I think it’s fairer to say that our faith and questions together form a powerful pair. Our faith grows more in uncertainty, doubt, and trying times than it does when everything is in perfect order. Jesus asking questions of curiosity allowed His listeners to wrestle with their faith.
2. Jesus asked open-ended questions.
As you scroll through the questions that Jesus asked, there aren’t many that could have a “Yes” or “No” answer. They go beyond the superficial “How are you doing” and “What do you do” questions that we typically start with.
On numerous occasions, Jesus would ask questions like “What do you want?” and “Why do you call me good?” These are questions that require the person to honestly think before responding. They likely can’t be answered quickly.
One of the things that prevent so many of us from asking good questions is that it feels like we are too hurried. If we ask open-ended questions and are genuinely interested in their answers, this means we need to have time for people.
Jesus, who had the most critical responsibility and task of anyone to ever walk this planet, was able to spend time going deep with family, friends, and sometimes even strangers. Do you have the time to do this?
3. Jesus asked challenging questions.
The heart of the Gospel is an invitation to be in a life-giving real relationship with God. This relationship includes the opportunity to follow Him daily, right here and now. As Jesus was announcing the Good News through preaching, teaching, and healing, He was unafraid to issue challenging questions to His followers and those listening.
Questions like “Will you really lay down your life for me?” and “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world but forfeit his soul?”
The invitation to follow after Jesus is the most incredible opportunity any of us will ever have. It is a life filled with significance, meaning, and purpose. But, to truly live out the faith that Jesus is inviting us into will require a substantial cost. To do anything of significance comes with significant challenges, and following Jesus is no exception.
As a pastor, I often wonder how much growth the church loses out on simply because we don’t ask or challenge our people enough. I think most pastors are skilled at proclaiming the justification of Jesus, but far fewer are skilled at challenging their people towards a life of holiness. It’s good to ask someone to believe in Jesus, but it’s deeper and more challenging to ask someone to follow Jesus.
Amazingly, only once in Matthew, Mark, and Luke does Jesus ask a question with the word “believe” in it. Of course, we should never abandon the invitation to believe in Jesus, but we certainly should frequently be challenging our people to truly follow Jesus.
4. Jesus didn’t ask when questions…ever.
We ask a lot of “when” questions.
“When will I find a spouse?”
“When will we have a child?”
“When will I get my dream job?”
“When will the pandemic be over?”
“When will the Cleveland Browns win a Super Bowl?”
“When will Jesus come back?”
I think that Jesus will be back before the Browns ever win!
Amazingly, not once, in all the 305 questions that Jesus asked, does Jesus ask a “when” question. So think about that, in everything we know that Jesus said, He never asks “when.”
While you will find the word “when” in 11 of His questions, never was “when” the question’s emphasis. For instance, Mark 22:35 says, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” Though the word “when” is in the question, the question’s emphasis is “did you lack anything?”
What could all of this mean?
Maybe “when” you live with an eternal framework as Jesus did, the “when” questions just aren’t as important. The more you have certainty and confidence in who Jesus is and the promises He declared, the less critical our “when” questions are. All of the “when” questions we ask may feel important at the time, and I don’t mean to trivialize what we go through in this life, but “when” you already know the outcome, you don’t need to live with worry. God is in control. More important to Jesus than when things happen is who we are following and how we are growing.
I hope that helps. Without further ado, here are the 305 questions that Jesus asks. Which one sticks out to you, and why?
Matthew:
1. 5:13 But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
2. 5:46: If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?
3. 5:46: Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
4. 5:47: And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?
5. 5:47: Do not even pagans do that?
6. 6:25: Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
7. 6:26: Are you not much more valuable than they?
8. 6:27: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
9. 6:28: Why do you worry about clothes?
10. 6:30: If this is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
11. 7:3: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
12. 7:4: How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
13. 7:9: Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
14. 7:10: Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
15. 7:16: Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
16. 8:26: You of little faith, why are you so afraid?
17. 9:4: Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?
18. 9:5: Which is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”?
19. 9:15: How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
20. 9:28: Do you believe that I am able to do this?
21. 10:29: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
22. 11:7: What did you go out into the desert to see?
23. 11:7: A reed swayed by the wind?
24. 11:8: If not, what did you go out to see?
25. 11:8: A man dressed in fine clothes?
26. 11:9: Then what did you go out to see?
27. 11:10: A prophet?
28. 11:16: To what can I compare this generation?
29. 11:23: And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies?
30. 12:3: Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
31. 12:5: Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent?
32. 12:11: If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?
33. 12:26: If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?
34. 12:27: And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out?
35. 12:29: Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man?
36. 12:34: You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?
37. 12:48: Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?
38. 13:51: Have you understood all these things?
39. 14:31: You of little faith, why did you doubt?
40. 15:3: And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?
41. 15:16: Are you still so dull?
42. 15:17: Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body?
43. 15:34: How many loaves do you have?
44. 16:8: You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?
45. 16:9: Do you still not understand?
46. 16:9: Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
47. 16:10: Of the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
48. 16:11: How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread?
49. 16:13: Who do people say the Son of Man is?
50. 16:15: But what about you?
51. 16:15: Who do you say I am?
52. 16:26: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?
53. 16:26: Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
54. 17;17: O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you?
55. 17:17: How long shall I put up with you?
56. 17:25: What do you think, Simon?
57. 17:25: From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?
58. 18:12: What do you think?
59. 18:13: If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go look for the one that wandered off?
60. 19:4: Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh”?
61. 19:17: Why do you ask me about what is good?
62. 20:21: What is it you want?
63. 20:22: Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?
64. 20:32: What do you want me to do for you?
65. 21:16: Have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise”?
66. 21:25: John’s baptism—where did it come from?
67. 21:25: Was it from heaven, or from men?
68. 21:28: What do you think?
69. 21:31: Which of the two did what his father wanted?
70. 21:40: When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?
71. 21:42: Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes”?
72. 22:18: You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?
73. 22:20: Whose portrait is this?
74. 22:20: And whose inscription?
75. 22:31-32: Have you not read what God said to you, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”?
76. 22:42: What do you think about the Christ?
77. 22:42: Whose son is he?
78. 22:43: How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him “Lord”?
79. 22:45: If then David calls him, “Lord,” how can he be his son?
80. 23:17: Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?
81. 23:19: Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
82. 23:33: How will you escape being condemned to hell?
83. 24:2: Do you see all these things?
84. 24:45: Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
85. 26:10: Why are you bothering this woman?
86. 26:40: Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?
87. 26:45: Are you still sleeping and resting?
88. 26:53: Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
89. 26:54: But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?
90. 26:55: Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?
91. 27:46: Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Mark
92. 2:8: Why are you thinking these things?
93. 2:9: Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up, take your mat and walk?”
94. 2:19: How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?
95. 2:25: Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?
96. 3:4: Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?
97. 3:23: How can Satan drive out Satan?
98. 4:13: Don’t you understand this parable?
99. 4:13: How then will you understand any parable?
100. 4:21: Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed?
101. 4:21: Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?
102. 4:30: What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?
103. 4:40: Why are you so afraid?
104. 4:40: Do you still have no faith?
105. 5:9: What is your name?
106. 5:30: Who touched my clothes?
107. 5:39: Why all this commotion and wailing?
108. 6:38: How many loaves do you have?
109. 7:18: Are you so dull?
110. 7:18: Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?
111. 8:5: How many loaves do you have?
112. 8:12: Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign?
113. 8:17: Why are you talking about having no bread?
114. 8:17: Do you still not see or understand?
115. 8:17: Are your hearts hardened?
116. 8:18: Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?
117. 8:18: And don’t you remember?
118. 8:19: When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?
119. 8:20: And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?
120. 8:21: Do you still not understand?
121. 8:23: Do you see anything?
122. 8:27: Who do people say I am?
123. 8:29: But what about you?
124. 8:29: Who do you say I am?
125. 8:36: What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
126. 8:37: Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
127. 9:12: Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?
128: 9:16: What are you arguing with them about?
129: 9:19: How long shall I stay with you?
130: 9:19: How long shall I put up with you?
131: 9:21: How long has he been like this?
132. 9:23: If you can?
133. 9:33: What were you arguing about on the road?
134. 9:50: Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again?
135. 10:3: What did Moses command you?
136. 10:18: Why do you call me good?
137: 10:36: What do you want me to do for you?
138: 10:38: Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?
139: 10:51: What do you want me to do for you?
140. 11:17: Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?”
141. 11:30: John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?
142. 12:9: What then will the owner of the vineyard do?
143. 12:10-11: Haven’t you read this scripture: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes?”
144. 12:15: Why are you trying to trap me?
145. 12:16: Whose portrait is this?
146. 12:16: And whose inscription?
147. 12:24: Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures of the power of God?
148. 12:26: Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?”
149. 12:35: How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David?
150. 12:37: How then can be his son?
151. 13:2: Do you see all these great buildings?
152. 14:6: Why are you bothering her?
153. 14:14: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?
154. 14:37: Simon, are you asleep?
155. 14:37: Could you not keep watch for one hour?
156. 14:41: Are you still sleeping and resting?
157. 14:48: Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?
158. 15:35: Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Luke
159. 2:49: Why were you searching for me?
160. 2:49: Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?
161. 5:22: Why are you thinking these things in your heart?
162. 5:23: Which is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk?”
163. 5:34: Can you make the bridegroom fast while he is with them?
164. 6:3: Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
165. 6:9: I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?
166. 6:32: If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
167. 6:33: And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you?
168. 6:34: And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?
169. 6:39: Can a blind man lead a blind man?
170. 6:39: Will they not both fall into a pit?
171. 6:41: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
172. 6:42: How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye?
173. 6:46: Why do you call me “Lord, Lord,” and not do what I say?
174. 7:24: What did you go out into the desert to see?
175. 7:24: A reed swayed by the wind?
176. 7:25: If not, what did you go out to see?
177. 7:25: A man dressed in fine clothes?
178. 7:26: But what did you go out to see?
179. 7:26: A prophet?
180. 7:31: To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation?
181. 7:31: What are they like?
182. 7:42: Now, which of them will love him more?
183. 7:44: Do you see this woman?
184. 8:25: Where is your faith?
185. 8:30: What is your name?
186. 8:45: Who touched me?
187. 9:18: Who do the crowds say I am?
188. 9:20: But what about you?
189. 9:20: Who do you say I am?
190. 9:25: What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
191. 9:41: How long shall I stay with you and put up with you?
192. 10:15: And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies?
193. 10:26: What is written in the Law?
194. 10:26: How do you read it?
195. 10:36: Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?
196. 11:11: Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
197. 11:12: Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
198. 11:18: If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand?
199. 11:19: Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out?
200. 11:40: Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?
201. 12:6: Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
202. 12:14: Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?
203. 12:20: Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?
204. 12:25: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
205. 12:26: Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
206. 12:42: Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?
207. 12:51: Do you think I came to bring peace on earth?
208. 12:56: How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?
209. 12:57: Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?
210. 13:2: Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?
211. 13:4: Do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?
212. 13:7: Why should it use up the soil?
213. 13:15: Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?
214. 13:16: Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?
215. 13:18: What is the kingdom of God like?
216. 13:18: What shall I compare it to?
217. 13:20: What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?
218. 14:3: Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?
219. 14:5: If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?
220. 14:28: Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?
221. 14:31: Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
222. 14:34: Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
223. 15:4: Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
224. 15:8: Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
225. 16:11: If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
226. 16:12: If you have not been trustworthy in with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
227. 17:7: Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, “Come along now and sit down to eat?”
228. 17:8: Would he not rather say, “Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me, while I eat and drink?
229. 17:9: Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?
230. 17:17: Were not all ten cleansed?
231. 17:17: Where are the other nine?
232. 17:18: Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?
233. 18:7: And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?
234: 18:7: Will he keep putting them off?
235: 18:8: Will he find faith on the earth?
236: 18:19: Why do you call me good?
237: 18:41: What do you want me to do for you?
238: 20:4: John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?
239: 20:15: What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
240. 20:17: Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?”
241. 20:24: Whose portrait and inscription are on it?
242. 20:41: How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David?
243. 20:44: How then can he be his son?
244. 22:11: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?
245. 22:27: For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves?
246. 22:27: Is it not the one who is at the table?
247. 22:35: When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?
248. 22:46: Why are you sleeping?
249. 22:48: Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?
250. 22:52: Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs?
251. 23:31: For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?
252. 24:17: What are you discussing together as you walk along?
253. 24:19: What things?
254. 24:38: Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your minds?
255. 24:41: Do you have anything here to eat?
John
256. 1:38: What do you want?
257. 2:4: Dear woman, why do you involve me?
258. 3:10: Do you not understand these things?
259. 3:12: How then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
260. 4:7: Will you give me a drink?
261. 4:35: Do you not say, “Four months more and then the harvest?”
262. 5:6: Do you want to get well?
263. 5:44: How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
264. 5:47: How are you going to believe what I say?
265. 6:5: Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?
266. 6:61: Does this offend you?
267. 6:67: You do not want to leave too, do you?
268. 6:70: Have I not chosen you, the Twelve?
269. 7:19: Has not Moses given you the law?
270. 7:19: Why are you trying to kill me?
271. 7:23: Why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath?
272. 8:10: Women, where are they?
273. 8:43: Why is my language not clear to you?
274. 8:46: Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?
275. 8:46: If I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me?
276. 9:35: Do you believe in the Son of Man?
277. 10:32: For which of these do you stone me?
278. 10:34: Is it not written in your Law, “I have said you are gods?”
279. 10:36: What about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?
280. 10:36: Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, “I am God’s Son?”
281. 11:9: Are there not twelve hours of daylight?
282. 11:26: Do you believe this?
283. 11:34: Where have you laid him?
284. 11:40: Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?
285. 12:27: Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say?
286. 12:27: Father, save me from this hour?
287. 13:12: Do you understand what I have done for you?
288. 13:38: Will you really lay down your life for me?
289. 14:9: Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?
290. 14:10: Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?
291. 16:5: Where are you going?
292. 16:19: Are you asking another what I meant when I said, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me?”
293. 18:4: Who is it you want?
294. 18:7: Who is it you want?
295. 18:11: Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?
296. 18:21: Why question me?
297. 18:23: But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?
298. 18:34: Is that your own idea or did others talk to you about me?
299. 20:15: Woman, why are you crying?
300: 20:15: Who is it you are looking for?
301. 21:5: Friends, haven’t you any fish?
302. 21:15: Do you truly love me more than these?
303: 21:16: Do you truly love me?
304. 21:17: Do you love me?
305. 21:22: If I want him to remain alive until l return, what is that to you?
The following are questions that Jesus speaks, but He quotes from others. Therefore, I have not included them in His original questions.
Matthew 6:30, 7:22, 13:27, 18:33, 20:6, 20:13, 20:15, 22:12, 25;26, 25:37, 25:38, 25:39, 25;44
Mark 11:3
Luke 12:17, 16:2, 16:3, 16:5, 16:7, 19:22, 19:23, 19:31, 20:13,
Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
The post The 305 Questions Jesus Asked with One Shocking Discovery appeared first on Red Letter Living.
November 7, 2022
025: Pastor Zach Zehnder on Habits, Spiritual Targets to Shoot For
Pastor Zach Zehnder provides a clear picture of habits that anyone can shoot in their journey of discipleship. In this podcast, he dives into his Being Challenge book. The five keystone habits will give anyone simple and clear Bible-based habits to incorporate into their life.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. At its core, Red Letter Living creates resources to challenge all people to be greater disciples of Jesus. If you are a pastor, consider a 40-day challenge to start the New Year or Lenten season. These 40-day challenges will help your church grow their small groups, bring unity in divided times, and give a much-needed break to your staff by providing turnkey resources. Let’s partner up.
Jon Acuff’s Finish book: 92% of resolutions fail
Being Challenge: 40-day book to be like Jesus
The Bible Study by Zach Windahl
Key insights from the episode:
The systems you have to finish the goals are even more important than the goals themselves. – Zach Zehnder
A keystone habit is a habit that unintentionally carries over into other aspects of life. – Zach Zehnder
My discipleship flows out of my relationship with God. – Zach Zehnder
Keystone habits are important, but spiritual keystone habits are the best. – Zach Zehnder
We don’t have to guess how to be in relationship with God, we can look to Jesus. – Zach Zehnder
Jesus talked about or practiced being alone over forty times in the Bible. – Zach Zehnder
Studying Scripture is vital to our lives today because that is where we discover who God is. – Zach Zehnder
Prayer gives us direction. – Zach Zehnder
Church interrupts the negative message of the world. – Zach Zehnder
Zach Zehnder’s Challenge: Take one small step on one of the Five Keystone Habits from Being Challenge.
How do you grow in your relationship with God? There was only one person who has ever existed in a perfect relationship with God, and His name was Jesus. Being Challenge introduces you to the habits that Jesus practiced, which are habits we are called to practice. The more we “Be” like Jesus, the more we will see our true identity. What are you waiting for? If you want to go deeper into leading yourself (and your church) to building the habits of Jesus, we’d love to introduce you to the 40-Day Being Challenge.
Many Christians today aren’t great at maintaining the habits of Jesus.
Even the most “mature” Christians struggle with opening up in community, prioritizing prayer, and seeking regular solitude. But that doesn’t have to be your story.
The Being Challenge guides you through 40 days of practical, simple-to-understand challenges to help you learn, develop, and grow in the five keystone habits of Jesus.
You can learn more about the challenge here!
Zach Zehnder has written or co-written 10 books and doesn’t have a single ghostwriter.
Michael Phelps has gills. – Chris Johnson
Many life coaches will start with people flossing their teeth to get them on the right track.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of season two of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here!
The post 025: Pastor Zach Zehnder on Habits, Spiritual Targets to Shoot For appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 31, 2022
024: Chestly Lunday on Virtual Reality Church, How We Can be a Presence on Metaverse
Chestly Lunday isn’t intimidated by virtual reality, atheist youth, Metaverse, or the new digital age. He embraces the challenge of finding a way to share the gospel of Jesus using new tools and strategies. Rather than feeling like you need to choose, Chestly encourages churches to get real about who they are called to reach so that discipleship can happen on a day-to-day basis.
From personal productivity, to team leadership, to leading change, and almost any other leadership challenge you’ll face, The Art of Leadership Academy has the answers to your questions—all for the fraction of what a typical conference or consultant would cost.
To learn more and to get instant access to every single course, call, and training the Academy has to offer, go to www.theartofleadershipacademy.com.
As a member of the Academy, I’d love to see and connect with you there. If you join, just search for my name on the App and send me a message!
REVEAL Study from Willow Creek
Key insights from the episode:
The two paradigms are 1) You have to be in a building to connect, and 2) you can connect no matter where you are. – Chestly Lunday
Everybody having the “church on internet” conversation is over 25. – Chestly Lunday
Our churches reach who they are perfectly designed to reach. – Chestly Lunday
Nobody is for everybody because everybody doesn’t show up to your church. – Chestly Lunday
If you are not clear about who you are, then you’ll get lost. – Chestly Lunday
Culture has been making disciples for decades, and it’s better at it than the church is. – Chestly Lunday
Information, experience, and relationship are the three pieces to transformation. – Chestly Lunday
In the digital age, what you are going to see is the primary product of the church is not Sunday morning any more, it’s discipleship. – Chestly Lunday
Chestly Lunday’s Weekly Challenge: For the disciple: What is God saying to you, and what are you going to do about it?
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We did an extensive study of everything that Jesus commanded of us and located 5 key targets into which Jesus invites His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! Not only will you get results back immediately, but you will also be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Some not-so-key insights:Chestly wants Chris J’s wardrobe consultant.
Is Chestly trying to bring back four-hour sermons?
Zach never got the Taco Bell Mexican pizza.
Chestly has been waiting for Rosie, the house robot from the Jetsons, for a long time!
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of season two of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here!
The post 024: Chestly Lunday on Virtual Reality Church, How We Can be a Presence on Metaverse appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 27, 2022
10 Practical Things that Churches Should Stop Doing
It takes a lot of hard work to get new people to come to church. But, once we get someone new to attend our church, it requires even more intentionality and hard work to get someone new to return.
How do we create an environment where God is greatly glorified and visitors incredibly welcome? How do we strike a balance between not taking ourselves too seriously and relying on the Holy Spirit but also doing our best to eliminate any distractions that may get in the way of an attendee having a great experience?
While we will continue to wrestle with these questions, there are some things churches are doing that I think are no-brainers to stop. While some of these are subjective and indeed my own opinion, I don’t think I’m alone on most of these. So here’s my list…what would you add?
1. Eliminate the Pastor’s parking spot.
Unless it’s for handicapped reasons, we should reserve the best spots for our visitors.
2. Not allowing coffee in the sanctuary/worship center.
It’s time to treat our church members like they should be treated. The worst thing that could happen would be someone would spill their coffee, and then we would have to clean it later. That’s not too bad of a worst-case scenario.
3. Misspell words on screens.
I don’t care how engaged I am in service; if I notice an error, I’m always distracted. If I’m distracted, others are too.
4. Conclude your message 5 times.
The pastor should say “In conclusion” only once in a message. It’s disingenuous and feels unprepared if there are multiple endings to the same message.
5. Keep the “Free Gift” to visitors a secret.
In exchange for new visitor information, many churches will offer a free gift to the visitor. Rather than saying the generic “free gift,” I personally would like to know what I would be getting in advance. Side note, if you aren’t saying what the gift is because you don’t think it’s enticing or valuable enough, it’s probably time to rethink what you are giving away.
6. Force guests to “stand out” publicly.
While we should provide an opportunity for those who are new and want to begin making connections, forcing someone new to stand up during announcements, wear a name tag, or identify themselves in some other way will make many feel awkward.
7. Shame your visitors.
This especially happens to the CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only Crowd). Rather than shaming them for not coming, extend a heartfelt welcome to come back. Focus your services and church around being friendly, welcoming, and encouraging of your guests. If you try hard all year to get new visitors, and then they actually come, why would you shame them for coming?
8. Make visitors guess where to go.
It’s a big step for someone new to come to your church. Some of the visitors that come to your church have never been to a church before, or maybe even were prayed over for years before they stepped foot in your church. Therefore, your signage should be evident on where restrooms are located, where the children’s ministry is, where to go if it is your first time, where to get questions answered, etc.
9. Pray in the “King James Version.”
There is incredible beauty in the words of the most popular version of the Bible. While it is perfectly acceptable to read and translate this version of the Bible, our speech should resemble the language we would use today, not the one that was used 400+ years ago. Unless your day-to-day dialogue is filled with King James Version, your prayers shouldn’t be either. Switching from one conversation mode to this “old” style feels inauthentic.
10. Run out of time in your message.
When a preacher regularly plans a multi-point sermon but only gets through one point and then rushes through the other points, it smacks of being unprepared. If preaching is your craft, work on it, practice, and don’t let Sunday morning be the first time you’ve spoken the sermon aloud.
Trust me. I understand how hard it is to be in ministry. Pastors and church leaders do so many things right that I would hate for one of these small things to turn into a reason for someone not wanting to come back to your church.
So what can you do to help your church grow? If you’d like an assist, I’ve created an ebook called “10 Ways to Grow Your Church for Little to No Money.” You can find it here, and as my gift to you, enter the code “pastorgift” at checkout, and it’s yours for FREE. Thanks, pastors, for what you do!
The post 10 Practical Things that Churches Should Stop Doing appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 24, 2022
023: Eric Bramlett on Comedy from the Pulpit
The world’s greatest parody writer Eric Bramlett discusses the rift between the church and the theater community. He breaks down comedy, it’s place in the church, and why artists are our modern-day prophets.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Forgiving Challenge.
Lead yourself (and your church) to find freedom in forgiveness.
As Eric was talking in this interview, it showed me the power of God’s freedom that comes through forgiveness.
We’d love to help you and your church discover what freedom in forgiveness feels like by exploring the powerful forgiveness that Jesus offers to each and every one of us.
We’d love to introduce you to the 40-Day Forgiving Challenge.
The Forgiving Challenge takes you on a life-changing journey to experience the gift of God’s grace so that you can share it with others. It also helps you identify and walk through the five phases leading to freedom.
You can learn more about the challenge here!
Resources mentioned in the episode:Community Christian Church Naperville, IL
Key insights from the episode:
If you can make fun of yourself, it makes you relatable. – Eric Bramlett
Theater artists are actively participating in creation every day. They are so close to the creative work of God; they are just missing the source. – Eric Bramlett
Any churches that align themselves with a political party put walls around themselves. – Eric Bramlett
Historically the church has been pro-art, but in America, we just don’t see that anymore. – Eric Bramlett
The artists are our modern-day prophets if they are allowed the chance to speak. – Eric Bramlett
Eric Bramlett’s challenge: in the small stuff, extend and receive forgiveness.
Lead yourself (and your church) to find freedom in forgiveness.
As Eric was talking in this interview, it showed me the power of God’s freedom that comes through forgiveness.
We’d love to help you and your church discover what freedom in forgiveness feels like by exploring the powerful forgiveness that Jesus offers to each and every one of us.
We’d love to introduce you to the 40-Day Forgiving Challenge.
The Forgiving Challenge takes you on a life-changing journey to experience the gift of God’s grace so that you can share it with others. It also helps you identify and walk through the five phases leading to freedom.
You can learn more about the challenge here!
Some not-so-key insights:Eric measured all his parodies to Weird AL Yankovich, the king of parody.
Red Letter Living is #29 on the Christianity charts in Kenya.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of season two of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here!
The post 023: Eric Bramlett on Comedy from the Pulpit appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 18, 2022
022: Grief Counselor Sharon Zehnder on the Two Best Ways to Respond to Grief
Pastor’s wives wear many hats. Sharon Zehnder’s hats are wife, mother, grief counselor, speaker, and author. Going back for her master’s degree after becoming empty nesters, Sharon proves that no matter what stage in life you are in, God’s always got more for you to do.
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Identifying your dream audienceLearning how to get them to notice you and connect with you; and Figuring out which platforms are worth your time and effort and which aren’tTo register for free, visit influencekickstarter.com. Building online influence doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. And it also doesn’t have to be gimmicky or ruin your integrity.
Crosswords for Grief by Sharon Zehnder
Key insights from the episode:
Pastors’ wives often feel overlooked. – Sharon Zehnder
Grief is the unexpected loss of a dream. – Sharon Zehnder
All of that loss is stacking up, and we are left unable to grieve. – Zach Zehnder
‘Companion-ing,’ or walking alongside someone, is how you help someone grieve. – Sharon Zehnder
Sometimes the less said is better. – Sharon Zehnder
You’ve got to be real, to feel, to heal. – Sharon Zehnder
The grief waits for you to deal with it. – Sharon Zehnder
Sharon Zehnder’s Challenge: Make someone feel important today.
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We did an extensive study of everything that Jesus commanded of us and located 5 key targets into which Jesus invites His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! Not only will you get results back immediately, but you will also be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Some not-so-key insights:Chris’s jacket screams, “Make me feel important!”
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of season two of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here!
The post 022: Grief Counselor Sharon Zehnder on the Two Best Ways to Respond to Grief appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 10, 2022
021: David Douglas on How He Went From Mailman to Addiction Recovery Director
David Douglas has had more than one radical 180 degree change in his life. From living as a mailman and choosing to be an addiction recovery director to DNA testing revealing an entire family and seven siblings to this adopted child. Through all of the changes, Jesus has been faithful.
Every pastor knows small groups are important, yet a lot aren’t too happy with where their small groups are right now. You can grow your small groups right now. That’s right. We have helped more than 800 churches grow their small groups, and it’s not as hard as you think. Our super-simple, easily-doable 5-step guide to grow your small group strategy is found by clicking on this link.
Hand in Hand, Lake Country, FL
GRIT 4 LIFE: God, Relationships, Integrity, and Truth by David Douglas
Key insights from the episode:
Most people look at the symptoms, but they are just symptoms of an underlying problem. – David Douglas
What the devil meant to destroy, God is using for good in your life. – Zach Zehnder
Each addiction has an underlying problem. – David Douglas
There is a high amount of addition is found in postal workers, firefighters, policemen, and EMTs. – Dave Douglas
Let’s not be so worried about all the things an addict did. Let’s talk about what they are going to do. –David Douglas
When you start your search into your past [as an adopted child], make sure you know who you are. – David Douglas
David Douglas’s Challenge: Tackle an issue you don’t like in your life by self-reflecting instead of self-condemnation. (Bonus challenge: treat your postal worker!)
Lead yourself (and your church) to find freedom in forgiveness.
As David was talking in this interview, it showed me the power of God’s freedom that comes through forgiveness.
We’d love to help you and your church discover what freedom in forgiveness feels like by exploring the powerful forgiveness that Jesus offers to each and every one of us.
We’d love to introduce you to the 40-Day Forgiving Challenge.
The Forgiving Challenge takes you on a life-changing journey to experience the gift of God’s grace so that you can share it with others. It also helps you identify and walk through the five phases leading to freedom.
You can learn more about the challenge here!
Not-so-key insights:Dave absolutely did not deliver someone’s mail because of a dog.
The greatest gift David ever received as a mailman was chocolate chip cookies.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of season two of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here!
The post 021: David Douglas on How He Went From Mailman to Addiction Recovery Director appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 6, 2022
3 Things Pastors Should Stop Apologizing For
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. And pastors, I want you to know that I genuinely appreciate you. What brings me the most fulfillment in my career as a pastor is when I can help other pastors. So, pastors, I’ve got three FREE gifts for you at the bottom of this blog.
There is no career quite like being a pastor. It is both a very rewarding and challenging career. Knowing that you are making such a tangible difference in the Kingdom of God is a great blessing. It’s a blessing to be on the front lines. Seeing God move powerfully despite our weaknesses will never get old.
But it’s also difficult. Pastoring a group of Christians that are largely fickle in their faith and dealing with the reality and consequence of sin all around is no simple task. Barna’s latest study shows that 38% of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year. 46% of those are under the age of 45. 51% of mainline denomination pastors have considered leaving in the last year. Additionally, their research shows that only 35% of America’s pastors rated themselves healthy in their overall well-being.
One of the saddest things I’ve found in ministry is when we fire at one another. It’s already a difficult enough job fighting off the evil supernatural powers and those who don’t believe in Jesus. But, when the harsh words, criticisms, and hurtful musings of those in the church come at pastors, it’s even more difficult.
Even worse is when pastors fire at one another.
I know firsthand from my own experience that way too many pastors have to spend way too much time defending how they lead the church that God called them to and entrusted them with. Some conversations about how to lead God’s church are helpful and fruitful, but not all are. Sadly, I’ve seen way too many pastors, including myself, that can waste time in pointless conversations that deter them from the true mission of Jesus.
In this blog, I want to share 3 things pastors should stop apologizing for. In doing so, I hope this frees up a little bit more time for you to do the work God has called you to do.
But before I give you the three, here’s the assumption I’m going to make about you:
You love Jesus.You believe in the Bible.You pray.You are educated and trained to become a pastor.You are doing your best to bring heaven to earth.You care about the people you serve.You have been called to pastor a church.You have been gifted by the Holy Spirit.You deeply care about the collective church.You teach sound doctrine.You have sought God for the vision of your church.You trust that Jesus is in control and that the gates of Hell will not prevail against His church.You are living above reproach.
That’s a lot of assumptions, but if those things are true, stop wasting time apologizing for these things:
The Size of Your Church
There is no one-size-fits-all regarding the size of a particular church. Therefore, I struggle when I read authors or hear pastors say that a church is supposed to look like this, be like this, or act like this. The goal of the church is to glorify God.
God has created both pastors and every person in our church uniquely. He’s also called each pastor and church to a particular community. The community in which a pastor serves often has a direct impact on the size that the church will become.
We glorify God when the Church becomes the fullest and greatest representation of Jesus that we can be in this world. We need churches of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Every size has advantages and disadvantages.
We need megachurches. We need large churches. We need medium churches. We need small churches. We need house churches. We need coffeehouse churches. We need micro-sites. We need new churches.
We. Need. Them. All.
More importantly, the world in which we serve needs them all.
Nowhere in the Bible will you see the size that the church should be. Shy away from discussions that seek to compare church size or tell you what size you should try to attain. Simply be the expression of Jesus God has called you to be in the community you serve. Focus more on being faithful to your unique calling and gifting to your unique context, and let everyone else waste their time discussing the proper size that a church should be.
The Style of Your Church
For decades the church, especially along denominational lines, has argued about how to appropriately worship. We have called these arguments “worship wars.” Traditional vs. Contemporary? Maybe we combine them and create a Blended service?
Which style is right for you and your church? Is one better than the other?
One of the best things I did when I planted theCross in 2011 was I gave my core group a survey asking them about the future church we would start. I asked them to tell me what style of church they would prefer. But then I flipped the questions and asked them what style would be best to reach our target of young, unchurched families. Many times, the answers were different. Looking back, having them process this was very helpful in creating buy-in for creating a style of church that was likely outside of their comfort zone.
I’ll repeat it: God has uniquely made you and wired you. And God has put you in a unique context. Ask these two questions.
How has God gifted me? What gifts are unique to our church?What is the style of church that would best serve the community we have been called to?
Processing these two questions will create many different answers as to what style of church is best.
We need traditional. We need liturgical. We need hymnals. We need organs. We need modern. We need contemporary. We need blended. We need guitars. We need drums. We need skinny jeans. We need robes.
We. Need. Them. All.
For the church to be the greatest and fullest expression of Jesus, there is no one-style-fits-all.
My plea is simple, no matter your church style: do it to the best of your ability.
The Strategy of Your Church
Sadly, I foresee many arguments and debates over the coming years between pastors about the strategy of their churches. When coronavirus forced a global shutdown in our world, it gave us an excellent opportunity to look at the strategy we employed at our churches. For many of us, to be a church moving forward would require a new strategy. If I mentioned worship wars in the style of your church earlier, the more extensive debate right now is the strategy of an online church. Many pastors are still asking if online church really is church?
In the last several years, we’ve debated what to make of the church online. Is it really a church, or does it not count as church? We’ve seen some churches go all-in digitally while others completely ignore that the Internet is real.
I have some convictions about online church, namely these two:
The old “normal” way wasn’t working nearly as well as many wanted to think it was.As you look at the trajectory of our world, I’m very convinced the answer for the church moving forward is “more online, not less.”
Smartphones, Amazon, and social media aren’t going away. Not having any online answer will make you more like Blockbuster in a Netflix world. I’d rather be putting more energy, time, staff, and budget into being on the innovative side of this than playing defense and hoping that things go back to the broken way that they were. If you are married to your methods, you could soon be divorced from having a church. The strategy of your church can and likely, should change over time.
Having said that, I still genuinely believe in the in-person gathering. I think it is vital to the health of the future church. I don’t have all the answers, and no one does, about the long-term effects of online church and how to appropriately steward it best. But to reject it, or even worse, to call out others seeking to glorify God by using this avenue, is not helpful.
We need churches that thrive in worship. We need churches that thrive in outreach. We need churches that thrive in preaching. We need churches that thrive in women’s ministry. We need churches that thrive in men’s ministry. We need churches that thrive in student ministry. We need churches that thrive in children’s ministry. We need online church. We need online worship. We need in-person church. We need in-person worship.
We. Need. Them. All.
Here’s something I’m convinced of: our nation, and likely our world, has never needed more church strategies employed than now. The mission field in our backyards has dramatically increased over the past couple of years. Unfortunately, many self-identifying “practicing Christians’ have run for the hills and are nowhere to be found.
Estimates are anywhere between 30-50%. I have personally seen the most affected generation are the families with young children. Not only does this mean that the amount of “unchurched” has never been as high as it is right now, but the future of the church (youth and children) is also in great jeopardy.
My one plea to you regarding strategy is to play offense, not defense. The churches that will “win” in the end are not the ones who are playing prevent defense, but rather, they are pulling the goalie and living with a sense of urgency. For more on this, check out this blog centered around the question: Pastor, Is Your Church Playing Offense or Defense.
I know enough pastors to know that, based on the above assumptions, it’s not our goal to “steal sheep” from another church. Yet, this is the narrative often said of those whose churches are growing. Pastors, if you are playing offense, reject that label and keep chasing the lost sheep and employing the unique strategy that God has given to your church.
The Answer: Continue to Be Faithful Stewards
In a recent blog post, I wrote about 4 uncelebrated traits of highly effective pastors. My final trait was the word “stewardship.” This is not a word that gets tossed around too much outside of the annual “stewardship series” at churches. But stewardship is much more than giving. It’s bigger than a yearly sermon series.
Pastors, all God asks of us is simply to steward what He puts in front of us.
I love the way Peter says in 1 Peter 4:10: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Being a pastor is about stewarding your unique skills and talents, the gifts and resources of those in your church, and also the needs of those in your community.
Because of these things, no church will look the same. Stop apologizing for the size, style, and strategy of your church. When God looks down on you, He says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Being a pastor is hard enough. I know, and you know, that we stumble, fall, and sin.
Rather than casting stones and doubts, let’s work towards healthy conversations with one another. Let’s have grace for one another. Let’s trust one another. Let’s pray for one another. And finally, let’s be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger and remember the promise of Jesus in Matthew 16:18b: I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Okay, time for some FREE gifts! I’ve got three for you today.
1) A FREE 40-day challenge of your choice. Check it out here.
2) A FREE 5-Step Simple Guide to Grow Your Small Groups.
3) A FREE ebook, “10 Ways to Grow Your Church for Little to No Money.” Enter code “pastorgift” at checkout to receive.
If I can be helpful to you, please email me at hello@redletterchallenge.com.
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October 4, 2022
020: Bill Woolsey on the #1 Reason Why Ventures Fail
Bill Woolsey is excited about seeing other people’s creative ideas come to life. After serving as a pastor, Bill started Five Two, an organization which helps entrepreneurs start things! Their proven approach clarifies, equips, and activates the unique callings of others.
Creating content is one thing. Distributing it is another. Carey Nieuwhof, through the Influence Kickstarter, helped my organization clarify who its target is, and this has been a game-changer for our business. Carey Nieuwhof and The Art of Leadership Academy are offering this free mastermind that will help you amplify your reach and impact online by:
Identifying your dream audienceLearning how to get them to notice you and connect with you; and Figuring out which platforms are worth your time and effort and which aren’tTo register for free, visit influencekickstarter.com. Building online influence doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. And it also doesn’t have to be gimmicky or ruin your integrity.
Faith at Work Devotional from Five Two
Key insights from the episode:
Billions of people don’t think the way you do, and many of them live right next door to you. – Bill Woolsey
87% of the people in our churches don’t know their spiritual gifting. – Zach Zehnder
Five Two wants to help you clarify, equip, and activate your calling. –Bill Woolsey
The number one reason the young people from my church didn’t come back was that there were no other young people there. – Chris Johnson
The number one reason ventures fail is that they have something nobody wants. – Bill Woolsey
If you can get “Who is this for?” right…you’re there. – Bill Woolsey
Encourage means to literally “pour in courage.” – Bill Woolsey
Five Two: 111 new ventures since 2015 99,505 introductions to Jesus
What’s the platter you are going to serve Jesus on? – Bill Woolsey
Bill Woolsey’s Challenge: If God only allowed me to minister to just one type of person, who would that person be, and what would they be like?
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. So we did an extensive study on everything that Jesus commanded of us and located key targets. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. You will get results back immediately and be presented with practical steps and challenges to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Not-so-key insights from the episode:Mother Theresa and a friendly Mark Cuban would definitely not have dated. – Chris Johnson
Zach is starting a competitor ministry to Five Two called Seven and a Few.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of season two of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here!
The post 020: Bill Woolsey on the #1 Reason Why Ventures Fail appeared first on Red Letter Living.
