If you do not address the issue.

Everyone has issues. We all encounter setbacks, struggles, unexpected challenges, disappointments, detours, disagreements, derailments, and problems. These things throw all of us out of our usual patterns of thought and behavior.

These things happen in our jobs, with our children, while dealing with our parents, and even in our marriages. They come at us out of the blue and changed our outlook.

The key to a happy life is learning to address the issues. When something happens, we cannot sweep it under the rug and ignore it. We must face it head-on and handle it. Talk it out, even if the conversation is hard. Make the necessary changes. Find a different road and move forward in confidence.

Right now, I can bet you have one issue in your life that is driving you crazy. It keeps you up and night while you toss and turn. You dread the thought of the confrontation it brings. With every day you leave it alone, it gets bigger and more frightening.

I know you do not want to deal with it because you are scared, tired, and worry about the outcome. The harsh reality is that the only way to conquer it is to address it. Maybe today is the time to get the monkey off your back and get things headed the right direction again.

It is only a problem if you do not address it.

So why not today?

There is a difference between attending a Church and being a part of a community of faith called the Church.   

In one, a person sits to watch other people worship, and in the other, the person worships with people of like faith. 

In one, a person allows others to use their gifts to serve them, and in the other, the person uses their gifts to bless others. 

In one, a person wants other people to give of their resources so that they can have the programs to meet their needs, and in the other, the person gives their resources so that other people might be blessed through them.  

In one, a person expects people to be friendly to them, and in the other, they are a friend to other people.

In one, a person expects other people to make decisions that make them happy, and in the other, they take a risk by becoming a leader of other people. 

The list of comparisons is long and often subtle.  The difference between going to Church and being the Church is usually a change that cannot be seen without careful examination.  For a community of believers to become “your” Church, there are adjustments that need to be made.  It is not just a change in language but a difference in attitude and actions. 

I was recently asked, “What is the best sermon you have ever heard?” It is definitely an interesting question to ponder. My favorite preacher was Fred Craddock, before he went home to Jesus a few years ago. His sermons entitled, “Who Cares?” and “When the Roll is Called Down Here” are ones that I have heard so many times I have them almost memorized. The late Calvin Miller has a sermon on Habakkuk called “I Wanna Get Washed,” and it is the single most creative and engaging sermon I have ever heard. My professor Mark Scott’s sermon on the cross called, “Catch the Spirit of Calvary” is a classic and deserves consideration.

The more I thought about the question though, the more it perplexed me. I have listened to thousands of sermons in my life, and all of them have blessed me in their unique way. God has spoken to me at times in unexpected ways. He has used different preachers to say something into my life, usually at just the right time. While many of their sermons would not have been considered the best, they contributed to my spiritual growth.

My main problem with this question is it makes the sermon a speech, and we are to sit in judgment of its content and style. Maybe a better question to ask is, “Which sermon has had the greatest impact on your life?” Which one of them helped you to grow spiritually in a new and exciting way? Was there ever a sermon that helped you come closer to God in knowledge and action? The best sermon is the one that makes you live like Jesus.

This past week has been stressful as the Church leadership was evaluating our future at Adrian Christian Church. After dozens of emails and a few in-person conversations, we made the difficult decision to stay closed through May. We know other Churches in our area will be opening, and yet we made this choice. Here are some of the reasons we will remain closed.

1. The leadership has prayed about this and sought the Lord’s wisdom and leading. This appears to be his answer to us as we have examined the data. We are in agreement with this decision.
2. Businesses are supposed to allow so many people in their buildings according to square footage. If we adhered to that rule, our square footage would only allow us to have 100 in the building and 22 in the auditorium. That number is based on people having enough space for a 6-foot distance.
3. We are supposed to adhere to the 6-foot rule for social distancing. That would require two chairs between people in the auditorium and only using every other row to be compliant.
4. With social distancing, there is no way for us to have an infant nursery. We currently have several during both our programs. Those kids would then be brought into the auditorium. They could be a distraction, are exposed to more people, and add more people to the room.
5. We were not able to figure out a way to keep our children’s worship space compliant. These young kids are often all over each other. It would be difficult to keep them apart. We could not provide a snack unless it was sealed, which could drive up expenses. That means all our children would have to be in worship. There is the possibility of them being a distraction, plus it changes the face of our congregation. We value our children’s education on Sunday morning.
6. We have several Senior Citizens who are at risk and should not attend yet. Also, we have a group from the Willow Creek Group Home who should not be attending. This will reduce the number of participants at best. It potentially puts people at risk at worst.
7. We have two programs, and we could not figure out and easy way to clean and disinfect areas between programs. That includes bathrooms. It would require numerous volunteers committed every week for this project.
8. We poled the congregation on Facebook. 48% of the people said they would not attend in the immediate future. We know that if we meet now, there will only be a handful of people.
9. Because of low attendance, we feel like we would still need to continue producing the program on video as we are currently doing.
10. Our Church building has a small lobby and entryway with a narrow hall leading toward the children’s ministry area. These tight spaces would violate social distancing. They would also require frequent cleaning from people potentially touching the walls.
11. There is a suggestion that we should have separate doors for entrance and exit. This would work fine in the auditorium, but it would be difficult to enforce.
12. Our videos seem to be working well. We feel no need to rush back and offer a small program that is nothing like our ordinary worship for attendees, especially parents and guests.

These are most of the reasons we decided to stay closed. We will keep monitoring the situation and adjust if anything changes. Otherwise, we will reevaluate in a month and determine how we will move forward then. Please keep the leadership in prayer as we seek the best for our congregation.

In the past few weeks, my mind has been working almost non-stop. I have been thinking about the past, the present, and the future of the Church. I have been trying to figure out every move forward with precision. There have also been several random ideas that are not connected. I wanted to drop a few of those here today, and you might find them interesting while I take this time to clear my head.

1. I have been praying for marriages during this time very specifically. This much time together will either make or break most couples.
2. One of my biggest concerns in ministry is for marriages. So many couples are unhappy and just endure it or end in divorce. It breaks my heart.
3. Is anyone practicing social distancing? I know when I go to the store, no one stays six feet away from me, except my family.
4. My desire to be a movie star is gone. I hope to never work before a camera again after this experience.
5. Never thought I would thank the Lord for technology, but I am happy we have still been able to share sermons and materials together as a Church. (Is it okay to go back to hating it after all this is over?)
6. I could not have imagined how much extra work it would take to not meeting weekly. Making plans and decisions can be emotionally draining and time-consuming.
7. Beyond thankful for the people who have sacrificed time and energy to make our weekly programs. There is never enough praise for them.
8. I have developed some new ideas and skills through this time that I hope to use in the future.
9. Excited about my new marriage series that kicks off on Mother’s Day. I think it could help several couples if they will listen and act.
10. Super sad I have not seen my mother in a year. I hope to visit her as soon as all of this is over.
11. Watching myself preach on Sunday is a weird experience. Seeing your mannerisms and quirks on the big screen is unnerving. How do you people put up with it? (oh yeah, sleeping through it makes sense now)
12. I miss seeing everyone. I hate not having worship on Sunday. I know this is not true for everyone.
13. My biggest concern is people coming back to worship when we open again. I fear some people will be lost from the Church and possibly from the Lord forever. Once you quit being active, it is so easy to stay that way.
14. Grateful for the Church I lead. Their patience, tolerance, kindness, generosity, and love have been apparent through this time. May the Lord bless all of you this coming weekend.

Yesterday made me mad. I had planned on how I was going to do things for the Church. The picture in my mind was clear, and I spent the morning getting inspired to do the work. Then the wheels came off my vision. One email arrived that changed my initial plan, then another and then another. Finally, my intentions were shattered all around my mind, and my leadership was heading in a different direction.

I wish I could say this was the only time in life I have experienced such things, but that would be far from the truth. This happens monthly, if not weekly. There are great plans developed by me, and God goes and changes everything. Following his leadership is the roller coaster ride of emotions as he does mighty things in ways I would never expect.

One time I was describing one of the hills and valleys of the Christian life to a person, and he said a line I have heard a thousand times before, “God works in mysterious ways.” For some reason, it struck me, unlike previous times. Yeah, that is correct. God is unpredictable in his methods. He uses people I would not have expected to do things that are mysterious at the time they are occurring. His ways never take the most direct path, and there are surprises around every corner. Following the leadership of God is more like an adventure than a cakewalk.

There are times when I hate this about faith. I long for the predictable patterns of an ordinary day. Then there are moments when I am so thankful for his mysterious ways. It keeps me praying, reading, searching, and looking for his will in every new day and venture.

Maybe you feel the same way that I do. I love and hate the unpredictable nature of God. Each day is full of surprises and unexpected joys if you will take the time to look. God works in mysterious ways, but that is part of the fun. He will accomplish things you never imagined in your life and mine. Our call is to follow and not to plan the journey.

Lately, I have spoken with several people who are struggling with their anger.  Some of it is part of ongoing issues, and some of it is the result of the shutdown.  Whatever the reason, numerous people are noticing their anger and that of people they love increasing in destructive ways.  Here are a few things to think about when anger starts to grow.

1. Evaluate your background. I deal with people who are living out the behaviors they learned from a parent growing up.  Dad always yelled and was mad when he came home.  Mom and dad both were filled with hatred and a mean spirit, and you think that is how communication takes place.  Examine your models for relationships and communication.    
2. Look for the root cause. This one is the trickiest. Many people are carrying baggage from experiences that happened years and even decades before this event.  It could be from a friend who betrayed you to a parent who mistreated you.  It can come from significant life events like a parent’s divorce or the death of someone you love.  Dig deep and see the pain you feel inside and make a strong attempt to reconcile your past. 
3. Choose to see the positive.  Everyone has issues to deal with in their life.  These are magnified when you put people together.  Each one of us has a choice as to whether we will focus on the negative things that anger us or the positive things that inspire us.  The choice is totally up to you. 
4. Practice distancing techniques.  Find what works for you.  Counting to 10 works for some people, while other people need to take a long walk.  There is something in your life that will calm your nerves and move you away from anger.  Find it and use it liberally.   
5. Seek God and Godly people.  The obvious answer for a believer is to pray.  That is always the best place to start with any problem.  But I would also suggest that occasionally the answer to that prayer is found in other people.  When anger grows, find someone who can help you walk through the issue and see the positive.  This is not about venting, as that often validates your feelings and keeps you focused on the pain.  You need someone to point you away from anger and toward the work of God in your life.

It is bound to happen.  Somewhere in the coming month, anger is going to raise its ugly black head and try to destroy you and your relationships.  Be alert and take the offensive when it happens.  Anger is never a constructive force, so your resistance is critical.  Maybe something I wrote here will help, if not, find the help you need.   

Our children’s minister Jaime recently interviewed me for her “Thursday Update” on Facebook. One of her questions was something I have been asked several times in ministry. She inquired, “Other than Jesus, who is your favorite Biblical character?” There is this standard idea that everyone who reads the Bible is inspired or identifies with one person, and they become a sort of hero of the faith.

Through the years, my answer has varied a little. In the early years, I would have responded with Paul. A man who knew no limits in his service of the Lord. He preached and planted new Churches with an unwavering devotion to Jesus. Yes, Paul was my favorite.

In the middle years of my life, I would have told you, Peter. Peter was one of Jesus’ closest followers and spent three years learning from him. He also is known for his misstatements and cowardly maneuvers. He needed grace in abundance as he walked the way of his master.

Nowadays, my response is Joshua. If I could have two, it would be Caleb and Joshua. As young men, these two were joined by ten other spies as they went to explore the promised land. Both were full of faith and believed that God would deliver the people into their hands. They had witnessed the plagues in Egypt and the miracles in the wilderness and knew God would come through. Soon after that story, Caleb slips out of focus. He comes back a couple of times in the scripture but never in a significant way. Joshua becomes a central figure in the Old Testament.

Joshua is Moses’ successor, and it is a role with pressure I cannot imagine. How do you follow one of the greatest men of faith in the entire Bible? Well, you ask God for courage. Then you lead forward in faith to the best of your ability. He never waivers in his commitment to God. He was full of faith as they approached the land and equally convinced as they move in and take over. He is a one of a kind leader in the Bible. One person pointed out to me that there is never a negative word written about him in the entire scriptures. Maybe that is why the name was given to the man we call Jesus is a form of the name Joshua. He is the Jesus of the Old Testament. He is a great person of faith through every phase of his life and a model believer to every generation that follows.

One day I hope to meet him in heaven, and I have a few questions I would love to ask. Was Moses the same in front of people as he was in private? Would you tell me a funny Moses story? How many times did you pray for courage when you followed him? What did you feel when you went to cross the Jordan river? Was there ever a moment of doubt? And on and on it goes.

This is an excellent question for every believer. Not only is it a good practice to have a favorite Bible passage but also a beloved character. You need someone to inspire you to the life of faith God desires from you. Joshua inspires me, and I hope he can do the same for you.

Communities of people come in numerous forms. Some are brought together as a unified body by their location. Others are linked together by a common history, personal interests, and similar hobbies. Still, others have shared goals or political allies that make them a connected group.

The followers of Jesus have the Church. We are joined together by our like faith in the one who came to save us from our sins. The problem is that for the last six weeks, I have not been able to meet with my fellow believers. These circumstances have forced me to look elsewhere for the community of faith that I so desperately need.

Over the past few weeks, I have lived with a virtual Church to support me. At first, it seemed overly demanding. Every Christian and leader on the web were producing articles, podcasts, video Bible studies, and sermons. There was so much new material that it was overwhelming. I tried to read, hear, and see it all. Thankfully, after Easter, the amount of new content has reduced, and I have been enjoying the ability to absorb information at a reasonable pace.

Today I realized how thankful I am for my new online community. This is not a long-term replacement for the Church, but it is functioning in the gap while I wait for us to rejoin one another. For all you believers in Jesus out there, let me say this to you.

Thanks for using social media in all its forms for the glory of God.
Thanks for sharing that piece of scripture that touched your heart.
Thanks for sharing that link to a great Christian article.
Thanks for telling us about what God is doing in your life.
Thanks for watching our worship program with my sermon.
Thanks for sharing the stories of how God is using you to bless others.
Thanks for keeping me updated on your family. I miss you ALL.
Thanks for keeping things positive during a negative time.
Thanks for sharing that Christian inspiration quote.
Thanks for the texts and emails, no matter what they say.
Thanks for writing blogs, making podcasts, and videos.
Thanks for sharing your faith with the world.

Right now, my faith has gone online, and it is not hurting too much. I miss the connection with real live people in a face to face manner, but the ability to have a group to share faith with has helped to ease the pain – for that, I am grateful. Keep sharing with the world your life and your faith. It makes the distance between us seem so much less.

I have a meme with a picture of Forrest Gump, and it says, “And just like that, we are all televangelist.”  What makes it funny is that it is also true.  Within one week after the COVID-19 shutdown, every Church in my area started shooting videos and putting them online.  For our Church, the transition was not as challenging as it was for some.  We had already purchased some equipment a year ago and were beginning to make our own videos for announcements and special activities.  For other Churches, they had to start from scratch and figure it out quickly. 

With all of that said, within days after the shutdown, we were recording a sermon for Sunday and experimenting with different ways to present our material.  At first, it was just me and Jaime, our children’s minister here, getting recorded.  We have expanded with each passing week, and now eight people will be involved in this week’s program.  And just like that, I became a televangelist.  Suddenly our worship was being broadcast globally, and I was the center of the program with my sermon. 

People have asked me what it takes to put together a robust worship program online.  I tell them about getting closer to the camera, caring about the background, and making sound your number one priority.  Then I tell them the most significant thing I know.  You need high-quality volunteers.  A successful video ministry needs a person willing to learn and lead production.  The person on the other side of the camera is the most critical in the worship program.

Often, we forget about who is holding the camera or running the computer.  These are the people who make me look good.  At our Church, Rory has been an asset that has made our Church successful.  He has received help from Jacob and Traci, along with a few other people occasionally.  These people have made everything a success during this time of shutdown. 

I know many of you do not attend the Church I lead, so let me tell you a bit of advice.  Find out who helps with the camera and runs the sound.  Who put things on the computer and uploaded files during this time?  Find out who these people were and bless their life.   That may mean a kind word or a warm meal.  It is up to you.  These faceless warriors have helped the Church navigate one of its toughest times in 100 years.  I want to say a hearty “Thank You,” and I hope you will too.