As I continue with TheBaltimoreProject.com tour I wanted to take some time and help get you familiar with some of the great people I get to work with here in Baltimore. Embrace Baltimore is an effort within our denomination (SBC) called a "Strategic Focus City". The idea is basically to adopt a city for a catalytic period of approximately two years with the purpose being to saturate an area with resources, training and awareness. Past cities included in this endeavor included areas like New York, Chicago and Cleveland. Currently along with Baltimore the SBC is doing something similar in San Diego.
I'm jumping into the Embrace Baltimore effort about half-way through their time here so we have a year to get it done together before the team spreads out and goes about whatever God has next for each of them. It's this catalytic effort that keeps the office buzzing and full of energy. From the beginning of the video you will notice that the Embrace Baltimore offices are shared/overlapped right now with the staff of the BBA (Baltimore Baptist Association).
During my drop-in I happened to bump into the Director of the Embrace Baltimore effort- Dr. Bob Mackey. Dr. Mackey is a humble guy with an amazing heart to get things done. I don't blow smoke when it comes to talking positively about people... Bob Mackey is a stand up guy and it's been an honor to work with him. Check out the video below as you get a tour from the top dog himself.
Embrace Baltimore Tour from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
12.04.2008
12.02.2008
My Block
Here is the google street view of my home church- 2nd and 4th Baptist Church. I accepted Christ in this ministry when I was 13 years old. The church owned a row house across the street (on the right) and our Sunday School was in the basement. So much of the reason I came back to Baltimore happens on these streets.
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Leftovers vs. Legacy
Over the last few years I've been consumed with the idea of redemption. With a heart for the city it is easy to understand how my passions for redemption would run deep. When we think of redemption we often drift toward images of abandoned buildings or poor broken people. My mind's default brings about images of cleaning, painting, sweeping or drug rehab, new clothing and job creation.
Redemption however casts a much larger net than that 'default' concept. I have been thinking a lot about redemption when it comes to generational redemption. It appears to me that we have a generational gap that is unfortunately very clear and -to some- very deep. The older generation has invested years into ministries that were once thriving but are now barely surviving. The younger generation seems to find it difficult to cast a compelling vision for the future so we end up talking about what we dislike from the past. Frankly it's a mess and I believe it's dishonoring to our father and presents a poor picture of the Church of the Living God.
When a Christlike attitude does not prevail we can cause one another much harm. My generation can be jaded and come across as rude while our parents and grandparents generation can come off as condescending and arrogant. This impasse ultimately has little to do with theological problems. It does however have to do with how we perceive and receive one another.
As leaders in the American Church we all have to put our big boy pants on and push our differences aside. Western Christianity is at an impasse where we have to work on the passing of the baton.
With all of this in mind I want to ask my peer group a question:
How do you view the ministry of our senior saints who have paved the way for us? Do you consider their contribution to be leftovers from a bygone era or a legacy upon which you could build? I believe how we answer this question will define our ability to see a smooth generational transition.
In my current efforts with TheBaltimoreProject.com and my return home to Baltimore City I have had the opportunity to work with mature minds from every generation. What I hope my peer group will see is that many of these men who have labored for the gospel their entire lives truly want what's best for those coming behind them. I've been in some discussions recently where I've heard straight from their mouths the passion to see our generation step up and take the baton. It won't happen however so long as we remain disengaged from the process or jaded with our cynicism. It's on my shoulders as a young leader to concern myself with how I show honor to those who have come before. It is your responsibility as well. We set the example.
Two men I met along the way recently are Dr. James Merritt and a gentleman from First Baptist Church of Woodstock named Ken. Ken spends his days in and out of 'closed' countries so we're not using his last name.
I want you to know that these men are men of integrity who have expressed to me a desire to move beyond any generational divide and work together for the sake of the gospel around the world. They are representative of a larger group of Evangelical Christian leaders who have the will to bridge the gap with us if we're also willing to extend our hand in return.
Do we view their era and work as 'leftovers' or an opportunity for them to leave and us to build a 'legacy'?
I'll get into the difference in a future post. For now I want you to meet Dr. Merrit and my new friend Ken.
Dr. James Merritt from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Ken from First Baptist Church of Woodstock from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Redemption however casts a much larger net than that 'default' concept. I have been thinking a lot about redemption when it comes to generational redemption. It appears to me that we have a generational gap that is unfortunately very clear and -to some- very deep. The older generation has invested years into ministries that were once thriving but are now barely surviving. The younger generation seems to find it difficult to cast a compelling vision for the future so we end up talking about what we dislike from the past. Frankly it's a mess and I believe it's dishonoring to our father and presents a poor picture of the Church of the Living God.
When a Christlike attitude does not prevail we can cause one another much harm. My generation can be jaded and come across as rude while our parents and grandparents generation can come off as condescending and arrogant. This impasse ultimately has little to do with theological problems. It does however have to do with how we perceive and receive one another.
As leaders in the American Church we all have to put our big boy pants on and push our differences aside. Western Christianity is at an impasse where we have to work on the passing of the baton.
With all of this in mind I want to ask my peer group a question:
How do you view the ministry of our senior saints who have paved the way for us? Do you consider their contribution to be leftovers from a bygone era or a legacy upon which you could build? I believe how we answer this question will define our ability to see a smooth generational transition.
In my current efforts with TheBaltimoreProject.com and my return home to Baltimore City I have had the opportunity to work with mature minds from every generation. What I hope my peer group will see is that many of these men who have labored for the gospel their entire lives truly want what's best for those coming behind them. I've been in some discussions recently where I've heard straight from their mouths the passion to see our generation step up and take the baton. It won't happen however so long as we remain disengaged from the process or jaded with our cynicism. It's on my shoulders as a young leader to concern myself with how I show honor to those who have come before. It is your responsibility as well. We set the example.
Two men I met along the way recently are Dr. James Merritt and a gentleman from First Baptist Church of Woodstock named Ken. Ken spends his days in and out of 'closed' countries so we're not using his last name.
I want you to know that these men are men of integrity who have expressed to me a desire to move beyond any generational divide and work together for the sake of the gospel around the world. They are representative of a larger group of Evangelical Christian leaders who have the will to bridge the gap with us if we're also willing to extend our hand in return.
Do we view their era and work as 'leftovers' or an opportunity for them to leave and us to build a 'legacy'?
I'll get into the difference in a future post. For now I want you to meet Dr. Merrit and my new friend Ken.
Dr. James Merritt from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Ken from First Baptist Church of Woodstock from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
11.27.2008
Giving Thanks to Him
1 Chronicles 16:8
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Today is a day when our faith has an opportunity to shine. Lets use the time to point our thanks to its rightful place. We all have so much to be thankful for and it's to the God of Heaven to whom that thanks is due.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Today is a day when our faith has an opportunity to shine. Lets use the time to point our thanks to its rightful place. We all have so much to be thankful for and it's to the God of Heaven to whom that thanks is due.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
11.22.2008
A need seen is an assignment given
When I was in college I learned the expression "A need seen is an assignment given."
Read that again: "A need seen is an assignment given."
I really believe that God opens up our spiritual eyes to specific needs at specific times. While we live in a world of need not every single cause is our cause.
Not everyone we CAN help is the one we MUST help. If that were the case we would all end up in major need. There is a selectivity that must take place. This principle applies to those whom YOU feel compelled (called even) to help.
All of us are called be a PART OF SOMETHING and to help SOMEONE.
Typically there are two ways people offer their partnership.
1. Passive Partnership- "If we can help let us know."
2. Aggressive Partnership- "We can help and here's what we're doing up front... what else can we do?"
One of these groups feels that for whatever reason they believe in us and they went to God (who knows their resources and abilities). God confirmed a particular means and measure by which to bless our efforts: finances, relational, groups, all-of-the-above, etc. Several people called WITH THE END IN MIND! I remain humbled by these men of God.
That's the Aggressive Partner. They view their role as "A need seen is an assignment given." God revealed to them how THEY can help and THEY initiate the action and support. Solid leaders don't have to wait for a proposal.
Even great leaders who genuinely do not know how to help, phrase their offer of assistance in a different way. I had one lady in Georgia say "Hey, I'm a judge. I am President of the Board of Directors for XYZ and I have experience in XYZ and ABC. I have a passion for XYZ. Do you see a specific way that you can utilize everything I have at my disposal?"
That is a high capacity leader. She knows what she can do and she lays it out like a buffet. For whatever reason after talking to me and hearing her Pastor speak well of me and after praying to God she said: "I'm going to pour out blessing on that ministry and give them access to me. I don't know what they can use but I'm going to reveal what's at my disposal and see what God does."
In that case I was able to talk to her about coming to Baltimore and helping me speak with a crowd of people who may have never sat to listen to me. Now however, if I announce I have a judge and President of XYZ... I'm certain to have some interest from some young attorneys in the area.
We're going to work to get that set up in the next few months. Now imagine if she came up to me and said "Hey, if you need my help, let me know." I would not have been in a position to give her an opportunity that completely lines up with her passion and drive.
Church Planter: Let me speak into your life. I pray with all that is in me that your vision is big enough and clearly defined enough that you'd know what to do if a judge offered her assistance. I also pray that your vision is big enough and clear enough that you'd be comfortable talking to a man with a million dollar check in his hand. That is your job.
Okay... back to the point...
The Take-Away:
These days when a potential partner asks me to "Get back to me if we can help" I say "I would love for you to ask God what He wants you to do and I'll be thankful for your obedience in whatever He tells you. He owns it all and He knows you better than I do."
I want to encourage you today. If you're blessed... be a blessing. God doesn't point you to every project or person. But when you do see a need through your spiritual eyes, you should accept that as an assignment given. When we accept our ability to help as an assignment for God we follow through and are assertive to see that our help is provided in the method and measure our God reveals.
A need seen is an assignment given.
If we all did this, I believe we'd bless others in a greater capacity than we've ever done before and I believe those whom God calls us to bless would be in a greater position to bless others.
Read that again: "A need seen is an assignment given."
I really believe that God opens up our spiritual eyes to specific needs at specific times. While we live in a world of need not every single cause is our cause.
Not everyone we CAN help is the one we MUST help. If that were the case we would all end up in major need. There is a selectivity that must take place. This principle applies to those whom YOU feel compelled (called even) to help.
All of us are called be a PART OF SOMETHING and to help SOMEONE.
Typically there are two ways people offer their partnership.
1. Passive Partnership- "If we can help let us know."
2. Aggressive Partnership- "We can help and here's what we're doing up front... what else can we do?"
One of these groups feels that for whatever reason they believe in us and they went to God (who knows their resources and abilities). God confirmed a particular means and measure by which to bless our efforts: finances, relational, groups, all-of-the-above, etc. Several people called WITH THE END IN MIND! I remain humbled by these men of God.
That's the Aggressive Partner. They view their role as "A need seen is an assignment given." God revealed to them how THEY can help and THEY initiate the action and support. Solid leaders don't have to wait for a proposal.
Even great leaders who genuinely do not know how to help, phrase their offer of assistance in a different way. I had one lady in Georgia say "Hey, I'm a judge. I am President of the Board of Directors for XYZ and I have experience in XYZ and ABC. I have a passion for XYZ. Do you see a specific way that you can utilize everything I have at my disposal?"
That is a high capacity leader. She knows what she can do and she lays it out like a buffet. For whatever reason after talking to me and hearing her Pastor speak well of me and after praying to God she said: "I'm going to pour out blessing on that ministry and give them access to me. I don't know what they can use but I'm going to reveal what's at my disposal and see what God does."
In that case I was able to talk to her about coming to Baltimore and helping me speak with a crowd of people who may have never sat to listen to me. Now however, if I announce I have a judge and President of XYZ... I'm certain to have some interest from some young attorneys in the area.
We're going to work to get that set up in the next few months. Now imagine if she came up to me and said "Hey, if you need my help, let me know." I would not have been in a position to give her an opportunity that completely lines up with her passion and drive.
Church Planter: Let me speak into your life. I pray with all that is in me that your vision is big enough and clearly defined enough that you'd know what to do if a judge offered her assistance. I also pray that your vision is big enough and clear enough that you'd be comfortable talking to a man with a million dollar check in his hand. That is your job.
Okay... back to the point...
The Take-Away:
These days when a potential partner asks me to "Get back to me if we can help" I say "I would love for you to ask God what He wants you to do and I'll be thankful for your obedience in whatever He tells you. He owns it all and He knows you better than I do."
I want to encourage you today. If you're blessed... be a blessing. God doesn't point you to every project or person. But when you do see a need through your spiritual eyes, you should accept that as an assignment given. When we accept our ability to help as an assignment for God we follow through and are assertive to see that our help is provided in the method and measure our God reveals.
A need seen is an assignment given.
If we all did this, I believe we'd bless others in a greater capacity than we've ever done before and I believe those whom God calls us to bless would be in a greater position to bless others.
11.21.2008
Pack It Like You Stole It!!!!
A few friends are over helping us load our truck. You get to meet a few of them. The stories they share are indicative of their ability to understand people far from God. We all were :)
I love my friends.
I love my friends.
11.20.2008
Tadd Grandstaff and Pine Ridge Church
Here are a few more videos from the day at Pine Ridge Church. The first three will give you a feel for the day and then the last one is an interview with the man behind the mission... Pastor Tadd Grandstaff.
Secret to Success at Pine Ridge from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Pine Ridge from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Pine Ridge Blend
Pine Ridge Church Tour from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Tadd Grandstaff- Pastor, Pine Ridge Church from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Secret to Success at Pine Ridge from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Pine Ridge from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Pine Ridge Blend
Pine Ridge Church Tour from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Tadd Grandstaff- Pastor, Pine Ridge Church from CaptivateChurch on Vimeo.
Pine Ridge Church - Tadd Grandstaff
I had the great honor of hanging out with Tadd Grandstaff today. He and Pine Ridge Church hosted a gathering of church planters from around North Carolina. My schedule worked to be able to join this group. I've never been to Pine Ridge before so check out this video of my first look at Pine Ridge. Also you'll meet a few of the planters who were in the lobby early.Tadd and his team did it right! I really enjoyed how they ran the planters meeting. As you registered you were able to write a question. Tadd's team simply took the questions and listed them out according to relevance to this group of planters. If that wasn't enough at the end Tadd opened it up to pressing questions. Then he asked "What is your biggest struggle or frustration you're working through right now?" The spirit in the room was of humility and growth. No show boats here.
Also, Tadd did a great job of hosting without coming across as the only wisdom in the room. He said "This is more for us to help each other and ultimately plant churches together." That's the kind of attitude we need to have among networks.
I've seen far too many church planter meetings where someone behind the desk plans out 4 hours of a planters day to tell him what he needs to know. Not everyone is on the same level or stage of growth. That format makes some people feel stupid and others feel arrogant. This format allowed more flexibility than what most organizations do. Well done Tadd.
11.18.2008
Embracing Insecurity
The other day as I spoke at Compass Pointe Church , one comment I made in the midst of a lesson on Luke 5 was that I really believe we have to learn to embrace our insecurities. It wasn't until Peter did this in Luke 5 did he realize just how much he needed Jesus and ultimately dropped his life to follow Him.
The reality is that I know people in all walks of life at all salary levels and all ages. All of the great ones have some insecurities. In my eyes it is a sign of strength when a person is able to speak about their insecurities. Not that we put on a video for the world to see but that we're aware and our closest friends are also aware.
I was reading this morning in Luke 7:
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
The reality is that I know people in all walks of life at all salary levels and all ages. All of the great ones have some insecurities. In my eyes it is a sign of strength when a person is able to speak about their insecurities. Not that we put on a video for the world to see but that we're aware and our closest friends are also aware.
I was reading this morning in Luke 7:
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
As we read this passage a few things stick out to me. While Jesus used money as the example of debt, money itself is simply an object that man places value upon. Our paper money is worthless in and of itself apart from the value applied when someone else looks at it.
The person who owed 500 and the person who owed 50 were actually in the same exact boat. Neither could pay it back. When you're broke it doesn't matter how large the debt is. You're broke. From a measurement perspective however we as people like to measure our broke-ness.
The reality of life is that we're all severely in need of grace and mercy. Not one of us no matter how "pure" we claim to be are holy. Every single one of us are spiritually bankrupt. Sure, if you apply human value to it the person who came from a life of drugs may appreciate salvation more than the person who grew up in a Christian home.
Here's the key however... The issue isn't your circumstance. It's how you view your circumstance.
For me, if the measure of my love is in proportion to realizing just how broke I am as a person... I want to EMBRACE INSECURITY!
Security is comfort, rest, peace. If I have those things ON MY OWN... I'm in big trouble. I'm an ignorant person if that's the case.
Its in recognizing my insecurity (read: inadequacy, failed state, struggles) that I see my need for Jesus all the more increasing. I want to love Jesus more today. More than yesterday. So I'm going to embrace my insecurity, my weakness and my failures. Not to champion them... but to recognize just how much I need Jesus Christ as my Savior.
If you're reading this right now and you have some insecurities but do not have Jesus Christ... please seek Him out. (You can email me and I'll talk with you.) He provides the answer to your insecurity question. Also, as you do... trust me, we're all broken. We've all fallen short and we're all equal in failure before God. That's the joy of this whole thing is that it's He who does the saving.
If He can embrace your insecurities and accept you, You should give it a try and begin to accept yourself. The goal for life is not to rid myself of insecurities... it's to find the one who can make me secure. Once you know who you are in Christ your insecurities fade behind the power of the One who made and sustains you.
The Baltimore Project Tour UPDATE
So it's Monday evening and I'm exhausted but I want to give you a few updates. At the end of this I'm going to go back and pull together some common themes but I can already see a few key truths coming through. Some confirmation, some brand new for me.Today I spent time with Russ Bennett from Anderson University. Russ is bringing a team of about 30 students up to Baltimore in the spring. Russ has a great heart for missions work and he's got some experience in inner city environments so I'm looking forward to working with him for about a week in March. Russ was around when New Spring was just getting going so he was able to share some of his perspective of the beginnings. He obviously loves his church and respects its leaders.
After spending time with Russ I went and visited New Spring. Their campus is a construction site on the back side as they prepare for brand new kids and teen facilities. Perry's heart is all about reaching people and he's passionate about giving the best to children. It's obvious with the types of facilities they are putting together for their kids.
At around noon I met up with Tony Morgan. Tony and I had met a few times before but hadn't really talked at length. I really enjoyed our time together. Tony is a sharp guy who loves God-sized vision and wants to use his talents for the Kingdom. We talked a ton about life and some about ministry stuff. Tony and I got to talking to our waitress and it was cool to see Tony go out of his way to see to it that she was able to get a ride to church. I've been around plenty of "church leaders" who treat the general public like garbage. I always lose respect for them. Tony however tuned in to this young woman as she shared that she had visited New Spring before but lost her ride and now felt like she was 'missing something'. Tony got some info from her and promised to work on setting her up with someone in the church to get her a ride regularly.
Melissa is over at TheBaltimoreProject.com. If you go to UNLEASH in March I want to encourage you to consider making a trip into 'town' to see Melissa at Matty's Downtown. They had great food and Melissa was wonderful. In March go eat there and give her a huge tip.
When we got back to the church building I asked Tony if he would be willing to do a quick shout out on TheBaltimoreProject.com. He graciously agreed but didn't want to pimp his upcoming book or the conference or blog or whatever... So I brought up a touchy topic we spoke about at lunch. Gary Lamb's town of Canton.
Here's the truth. Canton IS a small town. But Canton has the feel of a "big town coming soon". You can tell it's a town in transition. Apparently Tony had enough of Gary playing the John Cougar Melencamp theme music and decided to call out Gary for his small town with a big-town feel :)
If you go to summize.com and search @GaryLamb or @TonyMorganLive you will see their exchange from Monday night. Both of these guys are great men of God and I'm glad to have been able to visit with them this week.
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