Guest Voices

Patrick Dodson: God Is Not In Control

Guest Voices — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:31:50 -0700

Patrick is a father first, then teacher/writer/cook/photographer and sometimes prophet. He lives and works with Heather in New Zealand and has four beautiful game designing (Josiah), film directing (Jordan), artistic (Jasmine), and acting (Levi) children. You can check them out at www.patrickdodson.net .

God Is Not In Control

Q: Why do the innocent suffer?

A: Because we don't take care of them.

Q: Why are there so many poor in the world?

A: We're selfish and don't share wealth or resources properly.

Q: Why did God take my sister from me?

A: He didn't, it was cancer.

Entrenched within Christian sub-culture is the idea that God is in control. It's our way of managing complexity. Like when we don't understand how things work or are too lazy to do our part. It's the simple answer we give so we can keep smiling like those distorted faces in Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden - 1994).

I'm not sure when "God is in control" entered our vernacular, but it makes sense that if you go through three huge scares in one century (WW1, WW2 and the possibility of WW3), you're gonna start losing it. And we have. The idea that God is managing your life, manipulating other people or just subtly making parking places appear so you can get to the mall on time is kinda insane given that there is no biblical, historical or realistic precedent. I guess you can take a few instances like the sun stopping (once in 5000 years of recorded history) as an opportunity pray for nice weather for your picnic, or some guys getting mail-order brides from God (a few times in 5000 years) as a reason to ask God to deliver "the one" for you... as how things work, but you're probably confusing the exception with the rule.

The rule is that God delegated the world to us. We're to take good care of the earth, manage our relationships and multiply resources in a generous way (Genesis 1, 2 and Matthew 25). God teaches us how to do that, and reminds us when we screw it up, but does not take the steering wheel back. There have been exceptions to this but they're pretty obvious examples of God saving us from ultimate annihilation. Which means you can't apply the same principle to you choosing a school or a girl. You're "dependence" on God in this regard is more like co-depence and you may have noticed by now that God doesn't play that game.

So why do we keep asking for God to deliver "the one" to us relationally? Or to "show me the way" in guidance? Or send us "the right President"? My sense is that we are confused and lazy. We're confused because we mistake the exception in the bible or history as the rule, and we're lazy because to apply the delegation God has given us is freak'n difficult. But here's the rub. We keep talking crazy and the world is listening. Which is why people come back to us with the questions above. If God is in control, why are 12-year-old girls in Thailand getting raped daily? Does God have international terrorism under control too? Are all the worlds ills "His will" and somehow all gonna come together as a way of God punishing and blessing the wrong and right people? Or is it that the ones who could really bring some Godly goodness to these issues are too busy playing games and waiting for Dad to come home with dinner?

Eugene Cho: we cannot fully grasp the infinitude of god…

Guest Voices — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:31:10 -0700

Eugene Cho, a second-generation Korean-American, is the founder and lead pastor of Quest Church in Seattle and the executive director of Q Cafe, an innovative non-profit neighborhood café and music venue. He and his wife are also the visioneers of a new organization to fight global poverty called, One Day's Wages.

in our human finitude, we cannot fully grasp the infinite of god...

We can try but we cannot fully understand the fullness, majesty, and glory of God.

But we try. It is our human nature – for better and for worse. We use words, metaphors, stories, images, songs, liturgy, and the kitchen sink to better understand the answer to the question: “Who is God?”

We try but

how can we possibly in our human finitude fully grasp the infinitude of God?

We can’t which is why it is so incomprehensible that God chose to descend, be consumed by flesh and bone, be born of a woman, and live amongst us.

While it is certainly good news that God died for us in Jesus Christ, don’t forget this amazing gospel: God walked amongst us!

Truly incomprehensible. Truly amazing.

Several weeks ago, my family took another spontaneous one night camping trip to Deception Pass State Park [Bowman Bay]. The weather was stunning [80s] and in the evening, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the skies so clear and the stars so bright in the Seattle/Puget Sound area. Eventually, the wife and kids went to bed in the tent but I couldn’t stop gazing at the stars. Just shaking my head, eyes swelled with tears, and simply amazed by the majesty and glory of God.

I recently saw this video and was once more stunned by the sheer beauty of all the creatures and fishes and subsequently, the majesty of God and His creation. I was also struck by the metaphor of the BOX [the big fish tank] that is created to “capture” creation. And yet, how we sometimes make the mistake of putting God in a box or in admiring the created order, miss the bigger picture of the ultimate Creator.

Sometimes, there are no words. You’re simply compelled to worship the Living God…

Do yourself a favor:

Crank up your speakers and watch this Video on FULL-SCREEN. [love the fact that the music is from Barcelona, a local band here in Seattle that's also played at our music venue]

Kuroshio Sea - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world - (song is Please don't go by Barcelona) from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.

After watching this video, I was reminded of Psalm 8:

1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise [b]
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Leadership is Character, Not Just Effectiveness

Guest Voices — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:46:44 -0700

John Saddington is a social computing strategist, a technologist, a web junkie and the Creative Web Director @ Northpoint Ministries. He thinks, "To reach people that no one is reaching we have to do things that no one is doing."

Follow John's Blog. Follow John on Twitter.

Leadership is Character, Not Just Effectiveness

Something I've been recently chewing on is how leadership plays out in the online space. For a few, it's already been "earned" or developed as they've had exciting careers and have a proven track record of leadership.

But the vast majority of those that engage in the online segment do not have this credibility as the first jump in, and developing it over time can be a challenge.

What I've found, though, is that true leadership is more character than one's effectiveness to gather those that are like-minded (or simply interested). And character, as we know, takes time.

Character, though, is a difficult thing to discern through online mediums. Just as wit, sarcasm, and humor are hard to interpret, it's even more difficult to ascertain character that is worthy to be followed. So what, then, are some of the filters that can be used to filter out the noise to find true leadership and character?

For myself I've used 3 points of reference:

1. Close biblical ties through their words and expression online. Honestly, the only thing we have to move on is what this person writes (blogs/tweets/etc). Is what they say (or have to say) tied somehow biblically? Typically it's easier to see if their content is "morally" fine-tuned (lifestyle) but I sometimes attempt to discern their love of scripture. Nebulous, I know, but worth an attempt.

2. Consistency of speech and content. You can learn a lot about someone over time. Unfortunately we judge people on a single tweet. I try to survey the expanse of their digital empire and see what I can find.

3. Google.com - It's amazing what you can find through Google's search engine. I'll just leave it at that.

The point, really, is that I want to follow people who have great character, not just people who are effective at what they are doing. Almost anyone can be effective at doing a lot of stuff, but only a few do it with a character that is worthy of emulating and copying.

Jason Jaggard: Clean Platers

Guest Voices — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Jason is a social innovator, writer, speaker, and activist for cultural change in Los Angeles. He serves with Mosaic, a global NGO passionate about bringing dignity to humanity's spiritual journey and creating communities that unleash human creativity and potential.

Find out more about Mosaic HERE.

Clean Platers

When I was a kid my grandma used to make me eat. A lot. I think it was because she was a product of the Great Depression and because she had enough canned goods in her basement to stockpile Poland. But she would always say the same thing when she gave me food: “I want you to be a clean plater.”

Even as an adult, I feel so proud of myself when I can be a clean plater. I’m a married man, and my wife still laughs at me when she senses my pride that I ate all of the chicken, rice, asparagus or whatever else we’re eating that night.

In 2002 the American Dietetic Association did a study that revealed most Americans think they need to eat more food than they actually do to be healthy, and that serving sizes have gone up dramatically in the past 75 years.

This means we eat too much. Big surprise.

But this also means that being a clean plater today isn’t the same as being a clean plater when my grandma was 15. In fact, being a clean plater can be very bad for you.

Yet I was taught to be a clean plater. And it feels…you know…wrong not to be.

A few months ago a group of college kids came to our Mosaic gathering in Beverly Hills and wanted to ask me some questions.

“We go to UCLA and we just want to know if there are any small groups we can be a part of so we can meet other Christians from other colleges at Mosaic.”

Now, these were bright kids. They were from one of the most prestigious public universities in the world. I’m sure I should have been excited for them to want to “be a part” of Mosaic.

So I don’t know if it was my mood (although I think I was having a good day) or what…but I was a little annoyed.

“Hm,” I said. “Are you lonely?”

They laughed, “No.”

“So you have friends?”

“Yeah,” they said.

“Friends who you talk about God with?”

“Yeah.”

“Isn’t that what most small groups are?”

“Yeah.”

“Then why would you want to be a part of another one?”

They blinked at me.

So I continued, “Hey, if you want grow in your capacity to risk, or you want to serve the homeless, or you want to be a part of the adventure of investing in people on your campus looking for God, then I would love to help you out.”

They blinked at me again.

So I sighed, “I’m sorry. I don’t have anything for you. But here’s my contact info—if you ever need anything, just let me know.”

And I watched them walk away.

These kids were taught to be clean platers.

What I mean is that these kids were taught to need small groups, church attendance, bible studies and a whole slew of things that are—like eating—good things, but only in the right proportion and only when in combination with other things.

These UCLA students were taught to eat. But nobody ever taught them to exercise. Their appetite for eating was humongous, but their appetite for life, it seemed, was atrophied.

What are we doing in our communities where we create a culture for food but not for health? Where we create environments to eat but not to enjoy the thrill of living an inspiring life?

I love my grandma. But she’s wrong: we don’t need to be clean platers.

Let’s eat what we need (it’s less than we think), stop asking for more, and give the rest away.

Paul Copan: “That’s Just Your Opinion”—Or Is It?

Guest Voices — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:40:30 -0700

Paul Copan is Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He has a Ph. D. in philosophy from Marquette University and is author of several books including “When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics” (Baker). Paul is the current president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Find out more about Paul and his books HERE.

“That’s Just Your Opinion”—Or Is It?

Have you ever tried to explain reasons for taking the Christian faith seriously, only to get shot down with the exasperating comeback, “Well, that’s just your opinion!”? You’re left scratching your head, wondering how someone could slam the door on such eloquence and brilliance!

Our TV and radio talk shows, internet websites and blogs, and Youtube reflect an increasingly democratized world that apparently levels all academic credentials and moral authority. Everyone’s an expert, yet no one’s an expert. It’s a true-for-you-but-not-for-me world out there: beliefs are reduced to opinion, and one perspective is just as legitimate as another. For us who try to communicate our Christian faith as knowable truth, this can be disheartening.

Perhaps we can keep some things in mind as we press on—despite the comments from our “opinionarian” friends and acquaintances. For one thing, the opinionarian isn’t really interested in truth, but in personal freedom; she’s likely to shrug her shoulders and say “Whatever” when challenged about matters of logical consistency. What do we do?

Our most pressing concerns should be: prayerfully cultivating a relationship with the relativist; being a good listener (James 1:19); and modeling a deeply authentic life that seeks greater connection with God and others. By God’s grace, such a life can expose the hollowness of the relativist’s existence and hopefully create a hunger for something deeper, real, and more human.

And what if we can carry the conversation further? Here are a few thoughts. (Keep in mind that the goal isn’t to “beat people up for Jesus.” I’m urging friendly, winsome conversation here.)

#1: Clarify the opinionarian’s position: We might want to ask some questions just to get our bearings:

Are you saying that there’s no truth for all people, only opinion? If so, how do you know there’s no truth? (Wouldn’t that be a truth-claim?)
Are you interested in truth if it exists?
Isn’t it possible that some opinions are true and others false?
Why do you take this position anyway?
Why should do you even differentiate between your opinion and mine? Why do you prefer one opinion over the other?
The view that there’s no truth, only opinion—is this true or just an opinion? If it’s an opinion like anyone else’s and there’s no truth, then why believe anything at all?

Usually when someone dismisses your view as mere opinion, the dismisser likely thinks his opinion is true while yours is false. “It’s all opinion” isn’t really just a matter of opinion. It’s a truth-claim!

#2: Raise questions about obviously wicked, false, or kooky ideas: What if some people are of the opinion that the Holocaust was okay—or that it never took place? Should the opposite view—one that matches up with reality—be accepted, or doesn’t it matter? Is the opinion that the earth is flat be rejected in favor of the earth’s being round? Perhaps the reason pro-Nazi opinions should be avoided is because they are really evil. And if all opinions are basically the same, there would be no difference between sane opinions and wacky ones.

#3: Point out that God’s ways aren’t oppressive, but freeing. Perhaps we can best challenge relativists not by putting down “bad things” or “sinful lifestyles” but instead, by emphasizing the effects of idolatry—making good things (like relationships, material resources, sex) into ultimate things, which leads to obsession, resentment, envy, and worry. Orienting our lives around Christ—who is the truth and the foundation of what’s really real (John 14:6; Colossians 1:17)—brings freedom from such bondage (John 8:32, 36).

In the end, to deny truth is to acknowledge truth—which is like saying, “It’s true that there is no truth.” Indeed, truth is inescapable. We’re designed to be truth-seekers, not truth-deniers. Our minds lose their way and our lives become dysfunctional and superficial when we fail to live by the truth. In our response to relativists, we should be prepared to defend our faith “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16); we must speak the truth, but do so in love (Ephesians 4:15).

(Adapted from the recently-released second edition of chapter 9, “True for You, But Not for Me” [Bethany House Publishers])

Ben Arment: A TRIBE OF STORYTELLERS

Guest Voices — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:22:14 -0700

Ben is the founder of The Whiteboard Sessions and now STORY Conference.

Read more blogs from Ben at benarment.com and follow on twitter.

A TRIBE OF STORYTELLERS

Pastors are facing a crisis of identity in the pulpit today. They don't know whether to be scholars, motivational speakers or talk show hosts. They feel pulled between using catchy sermon titles like "Desperate Households" and preaching verse-by-verse through Leviticus - all because their heroes are doing it.

Somehow the message has gotten lost in the method.

It's good to come back to the story we were all meant to tell. Pastors are, after all, a tribe of storytellers. It's the greatest story ever told - a story of rebellion, redemption and restoration. Every epic tale is a reflection of this grand meta-narrative of life. And Hollywood stole it right out from under our noses.

On Wednesday, October 28, hundreds of church leaders are coming to the Paramount Theater in Aurora, Illinois for a first-of-its-kind event called STORY. It's a conference designed for communicators of the Gospel - the greatest story ever told. Speakers include Donald Miller, Ed Young, Dave Gibbons, Nancy Beach, Chris Seay, Stacy Spencer and Mike Foster.

STORY will also feature a follow-up day of workshops on October 29 with some of the leading filmmakers, scholars, designers and thought leaders in ministry. These interactive sessions will address practical needs in ministry and highlight the latest breakthroughs in church communications.

For a limited time, you can enter to win a trip for two to the CS Lewis Foundation’s Seminars-in-Residence at the Kilns – CS Lewis’ home in Oxford, England – in the summer of 2010. Register anytime from now until September 30, 2009 on the STORY website for a chance to win.

For more information and to register for STORY, go to www.StoryChicago.com or e-mail info@StoryChicago.com.

Mike Foster: Why I Don't Believe In Accountability Part 2

Guest Voices — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:35:58 -0700

Mike Foster is the co-author of “Deadly Viper Character Assassins” and blogs at www.DeadlyViper.org You can follow his thoughts on life and leadership at Twitter.com/mikefoster

WHY I DON’T BELIEVE IN CHRISTIAN ACCOUNTABILITY! PART 2

I truly believe it is time to reinvent and rethink this very important component of our lives. Over the years, Christian accountability has deformed into a very ugly, uninspiring, and broken system.

First off, I want to change the word from “accountability” to “advocacy.” If we are going to redefine a process and introduce a new concept, I think it needs a new word. The word I use in this context with fellow friends and leaders is advocacy. The term can be described as active support, intercession, or pleading and arguing in favor of someone.

So let’s take a look at what advocacy means.

Radical Grace Is The Foundation:
Radical grace is the core engine for any healthy relationship. You can not have true transparency or confession without it. I encourage people to make verbal commitments to each other and clearly state that they will stand by one another through the best AND the worst.

Most people live with the fear of rejection and allow this fear to dictate how honest they will be with others. In advocacy, we are constantly demonstrating that this relationship is a safe place. Through our response to one another’s failures, our own deep confession, and reminding each other that we are in this for the long haul, we implement radical grace.

Focus on the Yes, not the No:
Advocacy focuses on the “yes,” not the “no.” Too often typical Christian accountability revolves around long lists of what NOT to do. We spend way too much time discussing and managing the sin. Often we lock onto the most minor unhealthy behaviors and think that’s going to prepare us for success in life. Unfortunately we operate on the faulty assumption that working on the symptoms will address the core problem. Bad idea!!!

Advocacy spurs us on to the “yes.” It revolves around the crazy good things that we should be engaging in. It pushes us to live a life of positive risks, creativity, adventure, and significance. We rally around each other in this and focus our relationships around this theme.

I truly believe a large amount of moral blowouts flow from boredom and dissatisfaction. We become depressed and unsatisfied with our life, career, and marriage and then we enter into dangerous territory. Why? Because we are not focusing on the “Yes!”

I know that in my own life I become vulnerable when I have lost a sense of mission and purpose. Having an advocate in our life is important in reminding us of our calling.

Priority on People, Not Organizations
When people fail or become involved in some scandal, too often we immediately consider the ramifications on the organization or company. I’ve talked to many Christians who are very concerned about when a pastor falls of how this impacts the cause of Christ.

Unfortunately, we place more concern on the damage to the brand of Christianity or the church instead of the fallen individual. I’ve seen horrific and hurtful things happen to people in the name of protecting the organization instead of the fallen person. Quite frankly, that sucks!!!

If you haven’t figured it out by now, Christianity’s brand is failures and wrecked lives. Churches are places with messy people who do stupid things. I’ve certainly made my contribution to this effort with my mistakes.
In advocacy the importance is placed on the individual. It is about people, especially those who are most broken. The organization, church or company should take a back seat.

Multi Group Approach
Christian accountability often is accomplished in small groups that are too general or with just one person that puts too much responsibility on one individual.

Advocacy embraces having multiple layers of transparency and connection. I have about 10 people who are involved in spurring me on to a life of integrity. They can actively speak into my life and I would listen and make the necessary tweaks.

However, I have about 4 people who I have a deeper connection with and discuss harder things. I also have more structure with this group. This is what I consider to be the core.
But even beyond the core, I have one friend that has full access. We take complete responsibility for each others integrity, purity, and sustainability. I refer to this person as my “first call.” When the crap hits the fan, I call him first.

Each layer moves into a greater level of commitment and advocacy and each layer has an important role.

Eugene Cho: If I Were Jon and Kate's Pastor

Guest Voices — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:15:09 -0700

You can stalk him at his blog or you can follow him on Twitter.

If I Were Jon and Kate's Pastor

I'd been intending to write some blog posts on marriage, dating, and other issues related to relationships. But in light of recent events I thought I'd share a few personal thoughts about Jon and Kate Gosselin's announcement <http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=415602> to proceed with divorce and end their marriage.

The Gosselins, of course, are the "stars" of the TLC reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8. The show <http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/jon-and-kate/jon-and-kate.html> follows the life of the Gosselin family, which includes Jon and Kate and their eight children -- fraternal twins and sextuplets. It is currently the most popular show on TLC. About 9.8 million viewers tuned in to watch the season premiere last month in the wake of constant tabloid rumors that the Jon and Kate's marriage was on the rocks. And, sure enough, on that show the couple revealed that they were experiencing a rough patch in their relationship.

So when TLC revealed last week that the couple would make a special announcement on Monday's episode, many people anticipated the worst -- and they tuned in <http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/06/jon-and-kate-ratings.html> to witness the tragedy. Last night's episode, which was the first full Jon & Kate that I've seen, topped the season premiere by 800,000 viewers.

Before last night, I'd only seen snippets of the show here and there. But, for whatever reason, I remember the episode where they were at church, sharing their story in front of their church community with their pastor, and recounting God's faithfulness in their lives.

And now, it's come to this ... Last night's announcement had no mention of God, covenant, church, community, or prayer. I wonder what kind of pastoral/spiritual care and counseling they are seeking and receiving. So, let me ask you this:

If you were in Jon & Kate's community group or were their pastor, how would you advise/counsel them?

I have no personal connection to the Gosselins, but it is indeed sad to see their troubled marriage exposed and exploited in the public arena of reality TV. Let me also say that I really have no idea about all the details and gossip. I just know stuff is going on because of the buzz and all the magazine and tabloid covers. But if I were Jon and Kate's pastor and were approached by them for counsel, I would share three simple things:

1. "The show must go on ..." // No, the show must not go on ... the Marriage must go on, but the show is absolutely unessential. This show needed to have ended a season ago. The show may have been a good idea at one point, but it's no longer a good idea. You're sharing their pain and drama in front of an audience of people who have no deep soul connection with you. Mercifully, TLC announced today that they were halting production <http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=415770&gt1=28103> of your show until August to allow your family to adjust to its new reality. But I believe it would be best for you, Jon and Kate, to end the show permanently and spend some quality time with your counselors, pastors, community, and family.

Ending the show should have been the announcement on Monday. Give reconciliation, counseling, and healing a chance without the cameras.

2. Remember your vows. Remember your covenant with God -- and with one another. When you're angry, upset, hurting, and bitter, the marital covenant doesn't often prevail. Rather, it's those feelings that dictate your actions. What you are feeling -- anger, bitterness, betrayal, etc. -- are all legitimate. You are experiencing every one of them.

But our feelings can also betray us, which is why we make and honor these vows and submit -- joyfully, respectfully, and, at times, painfully -- to our covenant.

Because of our covenant with one another and with God, we seek to live by Grace. We strive to listen to the other person, understand, seek counsel, ask for forgiveness and forgive, pray, communicate our feelings, pray some more... If you believe God brought you together, God can sustain your relationship if you confess, repent, and receive and extend grace to one another.

3. Repent ... for God loves you. It's as short, honest, and real as possible: Repent. Apologize. Forgive. And start the healing process. God has never stopped loving you both and your entire family.

Above all, despite their televised announcement last night, I'd tell Jon and Kate: Reconciliation is possible. Do you believe?

Mike Foster: Why I don't believe in Christian accountability, part 1

Guest Voices — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:33:55 -0700

Mike Foster is the co-author of "Deadly Viper Character Assassins" and blogs at DeadlyViper.org.

You can follow his nuggets on leadership, life and grace at Twitter.com/mikefoster.

Why I Don't Believe in Christian Accountability, Part 1

I am deeply committed to all of us living a life of radical integrity and grace. Through Deadly Viper I get the chance to work with leaders on personal sustainability and living a life with no regrets. And though I champion the ideas of transparency, authenticity, and brutal honesty, I don't believe in Christian accountability.

The whole concept makes me cringe and I don't think I'm alone in this assessment. It's horribly broken, ineffective, and doing a lot of people a disservice. In many ways Christian accountability is facilitating a pathway to our lives being chopped up by character assassins.

So here are a few reasons why I don't believe in Christian accountability and why a new discussion needs to happen around maintaining our integrity.

1. Lack of Grace:
The primary reason Christian accountability doesn't work is because we are more interested in justice and fixing a problem. I've seen too many times great men and women get chewed up by this process. When we fail, what we need most is grace and a second chance, not a lecture.

We have all probably experienced or seen a harsh response to our struggles or failures. But there is a big problem when we respond with justice and not grace. You see human beings are wired up for self protection and survival. When we others being hurt, rejected, or punished for their sin, we correctly conclude that it is better to hide, conceal, and fake it in the future. It basically comes down to this: I don't want to get hurt, so I'm not telling. When we lack grace, accountability breaks down.

2. Bad Environments:
Let me be frank. If I were having an illicit affair with a woman I'm not going to confess it to 4 guys at a Denny's breakfast. And yet, too often Christian accountability is carried out in these types of environments. We meet in small groups in a weekly environment with a few of our friends. Ultimately there is a lid on how transparent these conversations can be and too often we believe that if we are meeting weekly then we are "accountable."

My best conversations about my brokenness and struggles have come in non typical environments. Places where I am completely relaxed, at ease, and feel removed from my daily life.

I have seen leaders every year go away for a week and meet with a coach or therapist and have this time be very effective. They dump a ton of junk; begin working strategies in their life, and start dealing with significant character issues. To be frank, I would rather have us have one week of brutal honesty then 52 weeks of semi honesty at Dennys.

My point is simple. Find an environment that is going to allow you to open up and examine your current process.

3. The Results:
Unfortunately, the results speak for themselves. If Christian accountability was a company it would need a serious bailout. It simply inadequate and the results are sub par at best.

The breaking down of our marriages, financial impropriety, ego maniac and narcissistic behavior, sexual misconduct, and the bending of every rule we come across are simply signs of a failed system. Last week I read a post from a pastor who had received emails from 33 other pastors who confessed to him of being involved in an affair.

4. We Game The System:
If I wanted to I could spend the next decade of my life convincing you how wonderful I am and how I have it all together. (Luckily, I have no desire to do that) It bothers me that I'm clever enough to package Mike Foster in such a way that I could make you all believe what a swell guy I am and how I have it all together.

The problem with Christian accountability is that you and I can game the system. I know how to beat it and if you stick around the church long enough you will figure it out too. And that's a problem. We're the alcoholic that knows where the hidden key to the liquor cabinet is.

Gaming the system is not hard. We know the right words. We know the right things to talk about. We know how to frame things up to effectively keep everyone off course on who we truly are. I can do it and so can you. And that's a big problem.

So that's why I'm not a fan of Christian accountability and truly believe it is busted. But please don't lose hope. In part two, I have something I want to offer up as a replacement to this flawed system of maintaining our integrity.

Eugene Cho: My One Mega-Issue with Mega-Churches

Guest Voices — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:26:08 -0700

You can stalk him at his blog or you can follow him on Twitter.

My One Mega-Issue with Mega-Churches

I really don’t have an issue with megachurches themselves per se. In fact, there’s much to appreciate; it’s amazing how so many people are able to gather in one space – to hopefully – takes steps deeper in the larger mission of both that local church and the larger Missio Dei. If people are coming and growing in Christ, I’m encouraged and excited.

While people may have various issues with megachurches, I think it’s best to simply see them for what they are: another expression of the body of Christ. And we need different expressions that are faithful to the proclamation, declaration, and incarnation of the Gospel.

And while people have their opinions on them including the angle of ‘consumeristic,’ we should all acknowledge that each and every single person is a consumer on some level. Every one of us. And the folks that deny that apparently struggle with lying.

And so each church and ministry – no matter what size – have to wrestle with the balance between catering to the consumption of the flesh and the ministry to the soul.

Having been on staff of a church of 25,000 people for couple years, I grew a deeper appreciation for this church, its senior pastor, and its ministry (Seoul, Korea). Since my departure from this church in 1996, its since grown to nearly 70,000 people and still as missional minded as ever.

Several months ago, I was speaking and attending a conference and very much enjoyed the refreshing thoughts of a megachurch pastor who responded to the criticisms of megachurches. His [paraphrased] response to ‘insecurities’:

Stop investing so much energy into what you’re against. If you dislike the megachurch so much, then create something more beautiful that will compel people to participate in your church and vision.

I loved that because it speaks to what I’ve been trying to communicate to my church and others:

We often live as people who are defined by what we are against and not necessarily, what we are for. Imagine how our lives can be an agent of change when we live FOR truth, beauty, meaning, and causes. Deconstruction is clearly, more fun and draws larger crowds (or traffic to your blog!). Creating and constructing new culture is much more difficult but imagine the possibilities.

So, what’s my ONE issue with megachurches? It actually has nothing to do with the megachurches themselves per se. I’ve been told by numerous folks (including the aforementioned megachurch pastor above) that megachurches only comprise 1% of the churches in North America. This stat is often used by folks to share “the megachurch” isn’t a big issue or problem since there are so few of them.

I get it, understand, and agree with it.

But then why are that the majority of the conferences revolve around the megachurches and their pastors?

This is my issue and concern. I think megachurches and their leaders are doing phenomenal ministry. I really do. But we’ve elevated this 1% as the epitome and face of a successful ministry and created a machine of conferences, publishers, books, and networks based on this very limited expression.

Like others, I’m interested in hearing from Groeschel, Stanley, Jakes, Gibbons, Keller, Bell, Warren, Blah blah and other “big hitters.” But if we’ve limited the expressions of the church to this supposed 1%, what are we saying? What’s the message we’re conveying?

There are many wonderful and faithful pastors in our local neighborhood and cities – that you’ll likely never heard of – but they should be heard from. And if you happen to be of them reading this entry right now: Thank you for your ministry, faithfulness, and leadership.

One more story and I’ll end this entry: During my pastorate in Korea, I grew enamored by this particular megachurch and the senior pastor (who I still consider my pastor). But I was blown away when he shared with me one day that “this church really isn’t church.”

He knew my tenure in that church and in Korea was going to be short and he wanted to convey to me not to be too influenced by this megachurch. One week, he sent me away on a “vision trip” and arranged for me to visit small rural churches in various remote areas of South Korea. I still remember what he shared:

“Don’t pay too much attention to what we’re doing here. Go and visit these churches. Meet with these pastors. Serve at these churches. Learn what you can because those are the real churches.”

We all comprise the Body of Christ. I just want to make sure folks know that the Body is much more diverse that what we see on the Big Screen.