'Geraldo' Gives Away Church 'Battle Plan':
I just now had to write a self-introduction for an egroup I joined... summarizing who we are and our proposed change-strategies for the Church today. Decided to draw it all out here, 'in the sand', for anyone to see as well...
I wish internet evangelism sites could single-handedly save everyone everywhere. **wink** But believing the web alone is not (yet?) 'compelling enough', I'm very into integrating various strategies God has given us a vision for... such as fishing the net with a net and hauling 'em into local relationships where the community's 'Church' can best do its job... face to face.
So I'm a firm believer in evangelical Christian web/real portals per city, to help organize the tapestry of Christians more closely together for collaborative efforts as practical... in hopes of fishing our city together with a net when practical, rather than only fishing with poles. Let's lift up the ONE name of Christ together in our community. The networked strategy can conceivably bring a "web of services", neighborhood by neighborhood... whereas a myriad of 'silo' churches have been unable to so far. So we're trying to model the concept here via http://IndyChristian.com .
Very recently, we've actually touched down from cyberspace, creating a centralized "Urban Collaborative Center" here in the heart of the
city... a warm, welcoming, (NEUTRAL), tech-adept place from which to push the envelope faster. Partially as a result of such efforts (and no doubt a lot of prayer from all over the city & state), an initiative called "Transform Indiana" has taken off... hoping to network Christians around the many cities in our state, and to network the neighborhoods therein... to facilitate Christians wanting to reach their communities. You could test-click through our (obcured) network of counties/cities/neighborhoods at... http://IndyChristian.com/transform_index.htm . Its purpose is to start building the web of Christian leaders per neighborhood geo-zone (Did I say "precinct"?) [We'd welcome your comments.]
We work somewhat closely with CityReaching.com (Lighthouse Movement / Mission
America), and we'd gladly work with whatever evangelicals have a goal of making it 'hard to go to hell from Indy'.
We have a number of web-sites with integrated purposes...
http://DoYouKnowForSure.com - Gospel message and local testimonies
per city.
http://WhenYouNeedSomeone.com - Sticky-site to advertise & reel in to
the site above. Hope to someday soon offer a network of 24x7 prayer, care, and share from there. Imagine WhenYouNeedSomeone.com bumper stickers in your city! Billboards?
http://LiveChristian.com seeks to promote the more personal side to
the web. If you looked deep enough in it, you'd find we envision a well-organized 24x7 chat network (168 trained chat-guides sprinkled
among the 24 time slices around the globe), to serve as the Church's 'friendly greeter', with ready access to other Christians
available to help (either regionally, or topically).
Currently, LiveChristian.com functions as a meta-blog for now, toying with a "blog blurbs" concept, to 'personalize' the local web by
getting bloggers such as Rudy, Andrew & Rachel seen at these Christian city-portals (hopefully more & more local bloggers). RSS/XML syndication may well provide a better mousetrap -- I'd be interested in your
comments. [That reminds me, has anyone enlisted "Mean Dean" for this discussion?]
Imagine now a prayed-for city, with well-promoted 24x7 prayer, care, share available in your city... with well-trained phone workers &
chatters tied to the net index per city, and well connected Christians in every neighborhood therein. What's keeping us???
And last (and least)... "Got Change for a Blog"... my online journal
behind the scenes. http://NeilCox.com/gotchange.htm
Ok, so we gave away the strategy. Better an open 'offensive' strategy, than quietly deploying no unified strategy at all.
I say, "Let the devil play defense"! ["We are not unaware of the devil's schemes."]
YBIC
Neil
http://NeilCox.com
Saturday, April 05, 2003
Monday, March 24, 2003
It's March. And this is Indiana...
A "maddening" pace is going on here in Indy -- it's been a whirlwind March so far, going by too fast to even blog about it at the speed of light. And with the war going on, there's way too much to begin to cover everything here. So here's a 'quick lap' of recent people & events here in Indy of significance in my life this month. But first, let me say that I'm thankful we have a God who is not surprised by unsettling news re the war. [Btw, at IndyChristian.com we're encouraging folks to follow the link to a prayer-site for our soldiers, and to add the names of their loved ones who have put their lives at risk, for the sake of freedom.] God Almighty cares enough that He humbled himself to come and be crucified at the hands of sinful people like ourselves, that He might bring eternal peace to those who would but accept His sacrifice on their behalf and make Him Lord of their lives. So indeed, though we cannot understand it all, we at least know that He cares deeply about all this, and about all mankind.
Early in the month, Jan & I celebrated our 31st anniversary together. Anyone who knows me very well, knows there must be an awesome Creator who made a patient saint like her. To be sure, I do not deserve her... but love her more every passing day.
I met with the accountability group whom I've been with for several years now. What a collection of leaders (they are). I'm awed to even be associated with them... thanks to Eldon Kibbey, CBMC-Indiana director. Also was able to attend the "Transform Indiana" initiative planning group meeting again this month... this time at the Unleavened Bread Cafe. It's gathering steam, as some of the"driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World" are forcing themselves outside the box, and quizzing... "What can be better accomplished TOGETHER, than separately here in the Greater Indianapolis sector of the kingdom?" Also spent considerable time this month with the neat collection of God's people at Crossroads Bible College. Attended church at River Oaks Community Church, as always... but they're now getting their evangelism-focused people together... so now they're getting increasingly "dangerous". This reminds me... I met with my good friend Mike Wildey -- and now that we're encountering Spring temperatures here in Indianapolis, it's time for us to head back out on the Monon Trail, to again start gathering some "spiritual temperatures"... using EE questionaires. Anyone interesting in going along sometime, just let us know. Met with my mentor, Henry Date... a godly man in every respect (except who he hangs out with **LOL**). I've been fortunate enough to be around some godly peers as well, at the Urban Collaborative Center. Thanks to some great Christian techs in our area, we've now been able to open the doors on Saturday mornings, to help urban folks with computer/internet stuff... and more importantly, form multicultural friendships because of Jesus' model of reconciling love & justice. One of the 'co-conspirators' there -- Marvin Gainer -- also made it possible for me to tag along with him, to go hear Dr. John Perkins speak this past week in Indy. [Years ago, Marvin had spent a summer in Mississippi with Dr. Perkins. What a blessing to get to be around Marvin here in Indy on a weekly basis.] As always... Dr. Perkins was awesome. Thank you, Don Palmer, for all you're doing to build Christian leaders in our community.. and bringing us such men as Dr. Perkins. Met some neat Christians while there -- I can't begin to name them all... but stay tuned... undoubtedly we'll get to each of them in the coming weeks/months of this 'behind the scenes' log at IndyChristian.com . And thanks to Russ Pulliam, associate editor of the Indianapolis Star, the rest of Indianapolis was also able to read about Dr. Perkins' reconciling message. Btw, I bought another couple of Dr. Perkins' books... but also one from Dolphus Weary -- head of Mission Mississippi. I was struck by his last chapter, called... "A Vision of a Transformed Life" (you can now see why it caught my attention), in which he referred to his wholistic approach to ministry using the phrase "this WEB of services" [emphasis added]. Bear in mind, that was written in 1993, before any of us had heard of the WWW. But doesn't this WWW now offer an increased capability for significant potential impact together? We'll see. Speaking of the Indianapolis Star... its editorial cartoonist, Gary Varvel, gave his testimony this past month here in Carmel. Where did we get all these Christians? And how is it, that they all share the same core message? Btw, Marvin & I were asked to do a WISH-TV interview called "Religion in the News". While the message of the Christian Collaboration Network is well worth taking the risks on-camera of "hoof in mouth disease", we took some consolation in the fact that it aired at 5am on a Sunday morning. LOL. Actually it turned out just fine, thanks to Marvin, and the host... Dave White. Hope we can do some win-win ministry together with Dave someday; he's a talented media productions guy here, making a difference for Christ. Let's see... what else? Oh yeah, a group of Wheaton College kids came to Indy on their tour, making it possible for some of us Wheaties to get together. And as a result, perhaps we're better connected now. This could have its effect next month when Wheaton alumnus Jasper Bacon (interesting audio clip, btw) comes to Indy for a breakfast event. I had the pleasure of talking with Jasper on the phone this morning. What a great ministry he has, in Canton, MS. Some of our Indy kids are headed his way for a missions trip real soon. Now, last but not least, sports fans -- this is Indiana, so we didn't fail to take advantage of it being "March Madness" time. And I'm not just speaking of the 5 Indiana teams that made it to the NCAA playoffs -- btw, keep your eye on this year's Cinderella team, the Butler Bulldogs. I'm also thankful to Jon Ware, a young Christian friend who took me with him to a Pacers game (great seats, Jon!), and get to see Mark Jackson return to Conseco Fieldhouse, even if only to play against us. But he got quite an ovation when he came onto the floor... especially since it was Indy Youth Explosion night there, and Mark's a long-time Christian favorite from his playing days with the Pacers. But now, getting to play with Karl Malone and John Stockton -- who could blame him for making the switch? Summing it all up so far... here's a 'Mark quote' from Christianity Today, in reference to his assists... "the greatest pass I ever made was when I gave it all to Jesus Christ." This reminds me of another local favorite bball guy, now running Indiana Basketball Academy here in Carmel... Tom Abernethy... whose decorative t-shirt caught my eye. It said on the front... "LIFE is... Jesus Christ". And on the back side it concluded... "Everything else is just basketball." Now there's a 'tall Christian' in my eyes, who gently loves and solidly impacts every young life that comes through his training academy.
All this is right here in Indy... so again I find myself reiterating King David's words... "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." [...or perhaps the Apostle Paul's... "In whatsoever STATE I am, I have learned to be content." **smile**]. It's March. And this is Indiana. Praise God.
A "maddening" pace is going on here in Indy -- it's been a whirlwind March so far, going by too fast to even blog about it at the speed of light. And with the war going on, there's way too much to begin to cover everything here. So here's a 'quick lap' of recent people & events here in Indy of significance in my life this month. But first, let me say that I'm thankful we have a God who is not surprised by unsettling news re the war. [Btw, at IndyChristian.com we're encouraging folks to follow the link to a prayer-site for our soldiers, and to add the names of their loved ones who have put their lives at risk, for the sake of freedom.] God Almighty cares enough that He humbled himself to come and be crucified at the hands of sinful people like ourselves, that He might bring eternal peace to those who would but accept His sacrifice on their behalf and make Him Lord of their lives. So indeed, though we cannot understand it all, we at least know that He cares deeply about all this, and about all mankind.
Early in the month, Jan & I celebrated our 31st anniversary together. Anyone who knows me very well, knows there must be an awesome Creator who made a patient saint like her. To be sure, I do not deserve her... but love her more every passing day.
I met with the accountability group whom I've been with for several years now. What a collection of leaders (they are). I'm awed to even be associated with them... thanks to Eldon Kibbey, CBMC-Indiana director. Also was able to attend the "Transform Indiana" initiative planning group meeting again this month... this time at the Unleavened Bread Cafe. It's gathering steam, as some of the"driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World" are forcing themselves outside the box, and quizzing... "What can be better accomplished TOGETHER, than separately here in the Greater Indianapolis sector of the kingdom?" Also spent considerable time this month with the neat collection of God's people at Crossroads Bible College. Attended church at River Oaks Community Church, as always... but they're now getting their evangelism-focused people together... so now they're getting increasingly "dangerous". This reminds me... I met with my good friend Mike Wildey -- and now that we're encountering Spring temperatures here in Indianapolis, it's time for us to head back out on the Monon Trail, to again start gathering some "spiritual temperatures"... using EE questionaires. Anyone interesting in going along sometime, just let us know. Met with my mentor, Henry Date... a godly man in every respect (except who he hangs out with **LOL**). I've been fortunate enough to be around some godly peers as well, at the Urban Collaborative Center. Thanks to some great Christian techs in our area, we've now been able to open the doors on Saturday mornings, to help urban folks with computer/internet stuff... and more importantly, form multicultural friendships because of Jesus' model of reconciling love & justice. One of the 'co-conspirators' there -- Marvin Gainer -- also made it possible for me to tag along with him, to go hear Dr. John Perkins speak this past week in Indy. [Years ago, Marvin had spent a summer in Mississippi with Dr. Perkins. What a blessing to get to be around Marvin here in Indy on a weekly basis.] As always... Dr. Perkins was awesome. Thank you, Don Palmer, for all you're doing to build Christian leaders in our community.. and bringing us such men as Dr. Perkins. Met some neat Christians while there -- I can't begin to name them all... but stay tuned... undoubtedly we'll get to each of them in the coming weeks/months of this 'behind the scenes' log at IndyChristian.com . And thanks to Russ Pulliam, associate editor of the Indianapolis Star, the rest of Indianapolis was also able to read about Dr. Perkins' reconciling message. Btw, I bought another couple of Dr. Perkins' books... but also one from Dolphus Weary -- head of Mission Mississippi. I was struck by his last chapter, called... "A Vision of a Transformed Life" (you can now see why it caught my attention), in which he referred to his wholistic approach to ministry using the phrase "this WEB of services" [emphasis added]. Bear in mind, that was written in 1993, before any of us had heard of the WWW. But doesn't this WWW now offer an increased capability for significant potential impact together? We'll see. Speaking of the Indianapolis Star... its editorial cartoonist, Gary Varvel, gave his testimony this past month here in Carmel. Where did we get all these Christians? And how is it, that they all share the same core message? Btw, Marvin & I were asked to do a WISH-TV interview called "Religion in the News". While the message of the Christian Collaboration Network is well worth taking the risks on-camera of "hoof in mouth disease", we took some consolation in the fact that it aired at 5am on a Sunday morning. LOL. Actually it turned out just fine, thanks to Marvin, and the host... Dave White. Hope we can do some win-win ministry together with Dave someday; he's a talented media productions guy here, making a difference for Christ. Let's see... what else? Oh yeah, a group of Wheaton College kids came to Indy on their tour, making it possible for some of us Wheaties to get together. And as a result, perhaps we're better connected now. This could have its effect next month when Wheaton alumnus Jasper Bacon (interesting audio clip, btw) comes to Indy for a breakfast event. I had the pleasure of talking with Jasper on the phone this morning. What a great ministry he has, in Canton, MS. Some of our Indy kids are headed his way for a missions trip real soon. Now, last but not least, sports fans -- this is Indiana, so we didn't fail to take advantage of it being "March Madness" time. And I'm not just speaking of the 5 Indiana teams that made it to the NCAA playoffs -- btw, keep your eye on this year's Cinderella team, the Butler Bulldogs. I'm also thankful to Jon Ware, a young Christian friend who took me with him to a Pacers game (great seats, Jon!), and get to see Mark Jackson return to Conseco Fieldhouse, even if only to play against us. But he got quite an ovation when he came onto the floor... especially since it was Indy Youth Explosion night there, and Mark's a long-time Christian favorite from his playing days with the Pacers. But now, getting to play with Karl Malone and John Stockton -- who could blame him for making the switch? Summing it all up so far... here's a 'Mark quote' from Christianity Today, in reference to his assists... "the greatest pass I ever made was when I gave it all to Jesus Christ." This reminds me of another local favorite bball guy, now running Indiana Basketball Academy here in Carmel... Tom Abernethy... whose decorative t-shirt caught my eye. It said on the front... "LIFE is... Jesus Christ". And on the back side it concluded... "Everything else is just basketball." Now there's a 'tall Christian' in my eyes, who gently loves and solidly impacts every young life that comes through his training academy.
All this is right here in Indy... so again I find myself reiterating King David's words... "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." [...or perhaps the Apostle Paul's... "In whatsoever STATE I am, I have learned to be content." **smile**]. It's March. And this is Indiana. Praise God.
Thursday, March 06, 2003
Speaking Engagements Coming Up:
I would prefer to remain as "the man behind the curtain" and just stimulate & facilitate change through the cost-effective channel God has given to us in recent years -- the internet. But considering the importance of the mission at hand, a well-integrated life calls for us to frequently break out of our comfort zone and reach out to others in the way THEY wish to understand things. So we need to use every means in order to be effective and productive in the Kingdom of God. In this case... I need to be willing to talk in front of some groups occasionally.
So I've consented to give my testimony at an upcoming luncheon for businessmen here in downtown Indianapolis. And I may be doing a gig on (middle of the night -- thankfully **LOL**) tv soon. And then I'm looking forward to speaking with the statewide staff of Child Evangelism Fellowship next month. May God give me special graces to do these, in a way that would honor Him (in spite of ME).
In preparation for these, I've now built my bio (online of course).
I would prefer to remain as "the man behind the curtain" and just stimulate & facilitate change through the cost-effective channel God has given to us in recent years -- the internet. But considering the importance of the mission at hand, a well-integrated life calls for us to frequently break out of our comfort zone and reach out to others in the way THEY wish to understand things. So we need to use every means in order to be effective and productive in the Kingdom of God. In this case... I need to be willing to talk in front of some groups occasionally.
So I've consented to give my testimony at an upcoming luncheon for businessmen here in downtown Indianapolis. And I may be doing a gig on (middle of the night -- thankfully **LOL**) tv soon. And then I'm looking forward to speaking with the statewide staff of Child Evangelism Fellowship next month. May God give me special graces to do these, in a way that would honor Him (in spite of ME).
In preparation for these, I've now built my bio (online of course).
Sunday, March 02, 2003
Prayer Tomorrow:
An appeal is being made around the world to specially take advantage of the unique date, 03/03/03, to pray in concert with one another at 3:33pm (in whatever time zone).
The World Prayer Center certainly welcomes anyone to log-in there and submit your prayers. But a further idea occurs to me... What if some of us went to a common chatroom from 3:00pm -- 3:59pm and prayed online TOGETHER.... time-zone, to time-zone, to time-zone. And people could come join in at any time, even.
An appeal is being made around the world to specially take advantage of the unique date, 03/03/03, to pray in concert with one another at 3:33pm (in whatever time zone).
The World Prayer Center certainly welcomes anyone to log-in there and submit your prayers. But a further idea occurs to me... What if some of us went to a common chatroom from 3:00pm -- 3:59pm and prayed online TOGETHER.... time-zone, to time-zone, to time-zone. And people could come join in at any time, even.
Saturday, March 01, 2003
How we change -- often through adversity & diversity (Part II):
Ultimate adversity -- martyrdom... tends to validate one's purpose. Eg., dying for attesting to the truths they'd written about Christ, the martyred apostles added credibility to their message. Conversely, Chuck Colson speaks of the inability of Watergate conspirators to hold their lie together for even 2 weeks when under fire. Compared to the martydom of saints... it made the compelling argument, he said, for the TRUTH of God's word -- and thus the basis for his conversion in a jail cell.
At age 5, Steve Saint lost his father -- martyred jungle-pilot Nate Saint. Steve and other family members of the 5 missionaries killed in that attack, later went in to live among AND LOVE that tribe. Last week, Steve gave his testimony recently in front of our govenor and those gathered at the Indiana Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Further, a compelling new (secular) documentary film called "Beyond the Gates of Splendor" -- about the transformation of that tribe -- is now starting to make the rounds to the various film festivals. Jan & I were fortunate enough to have gone to see it at the Heartland Film Festival here in Indy. It was indeed moving. Adversity (Martyrdom, in this case) and Diversity (extremely different cultures being reconciled in the pattern of Christ's love).... makes a powerful case for the Gospel.
Many books & articles have been written, and stories told... to the ends of the earth... about this famous group of modern-day martyrs. In one such article, Christianity Today succinctly captured the question which plagued the murdering 'Aucas', and the answer which transformed their lives & community into what they are now, called 'Hourani':
"They had to know the answer: why would the cowodi [white men] let themselves be killed rather than kill, as any normal Huaorani would have done? This question dogged Gikita until he heard the full story of why the men wanted to make contact and about another man, Jesus, who freely allowed his own death to benefit all people."
Steve went further, imbedding a vivid picture indelibly in our minds & hearts.... Although the missionaries had guns with them (for protection against wild animals), yet one of the Americans simply bear-hugged an Auca in an effort to try to stop further killing... and was himself killed from behind.
The warriors later asked, "Why did he wrap his arms around the smaller warrior, when he could have killed him?"
We could only hope to be so obvious with our love for people NOT like ourselves.
[Btw, any other day, I'd make a pitch for the value of "technology" when combined with reconciling Christ-like love -- but Steve's pictures say it all.]
Application: In my life, how can I apply these lessons of adversity & intentional diversity? Hmmm. As we start-up our "Urban Tech Center" here in Indy, may we be able to apply the principles of faith, expressing itself through sacrificial love, and by being intentional about 'crossing great divides' among people not like ourselves.
Ultimate adversity -- martyrdom... tends to validate one's purpose. Eg., dying for attesting to the truths they'd written about Christ, the martyred apostles added credibility to their message. Conversely, Chuck Colson speaks of the inability of Watergate conspirators to hold their lie together for even 2 weeks when under fire. Compared to the martydom of saints... it made the compelling argument, he said, for the TRUTH of God's word -- and thus the basis for his conversion in a jail cell.
At age 5, Steve Saint lost his father -- martyred jungle-pilot Nate Saint. Steve and other family members of the 5 missionaries killed in that attack, later went in to live among AND LOVE that tribe. Last week, Steve gave his testimony recently in front of our govenor and those gathered at the Indiana Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Further, a compelling new (secular) documentary film called "Beyond the Gates of Splendor" -- about the transformation of that tribe -- is now starting to make the rounds to the various film festivals. Jan & I were fortunate enough to have gone to see it at the Heartland Film Festival here in Indy. It was indeed moving. Adversity (Martyrdom, in this case) and Diversity (extremely different cultures being reconciled in the pattern of Christ's love).... makes a powerful case for the Gospel.
Many books & articles have been written, and stories told... to the ends of the earth... about this famous group of modern-day martyrs. In one such article, Christianity Today succinctly captured the question which plagued the murdering 'Aucas', and the answer which transformed their lives & community into what they are now, called 'Hourani':
"They had to know the answer: why would the cowodi [white men] let themselves be killed rather than kill, as any normal Huaorani would have done? This question dogged Gikita until he heard the full story of why the men wanted to make contact and about another man, Jesus, who freely allowed his own death to benefit all people."
Steve went further, imbedding a vivid picture indelibly in our minds & hearts.... Although the missionaries had guns with them (for protection against wild animals), yet one of the Americans simply bear-hugged an Auca in an effort to try to stop further killing... and was himself killed from behind.
The warriors later asked, "Why did he wrap his arms around the smaller warrior, when he could have killed him?"
We could only hope to be so obvious with our love for people NOT like ourselves.
 |
 |
[Btw, any other day, I'd make a pitch for the value of "technology" when combined with reconciling Christ-like love -- but Steve's pictures say it all.]
Application: In my life, how can I apply these lessons of adversity & intentional diversity? Hmmm. As we start-up our "Urban Tech Center" here in Indy, may we be able to apply the principles of faith, expressing itself through sacrificial love, and by being intentional about 'crossing great divides' among people not like ourselves.
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
How we change -- often through adversity & diversity: (Part I):
As we recognize our way-shortness of the mark, and seek transformation of our minds & lives, ie., being "conformed to the image of Christ", surely we soon come to the question... "How can I change?". And quickly, the simplistic Christian response is... "through the power of the Holy Spirit"... with which we all agree; but let's not stop there, waiting by the tracks as if that train comes along without a means.
So I've asked myself, and sifted the answers, and still sift the answers (I'd welcome your comments)... "Boil it down... what are the primary ways in which Christians can bring about change, and bring it quickly and effectively?" My conclusions so far:
* Repentance and prayer.
* Self-discipline & Goal-setting
* Adversity & Diversity
* Read/Surf/Learn
* Sharpened by Others
* Extend Our Impact through Others
* Specific Training or Innovations
* Iterative Processing
Without going into each of these right now, let me just touch on one today -- "Adversity & Diversity".
On a monthly tape in Bill Hybel's Leadership series, a guest he was interviewing said (my summation), "There are two notable occasions in our lives when spiritual maturity seems to take a quantum leap.... pain, and cross-cultural experience."
I took that gem and have been polishing my understanding of it... especially as an available change-tool as I desire to grow more Christ-like over the course of my life. Bottom line, isn't he saying, we learn & grow through Adversity & Diversity? That is, we sometimes have to have something get us out of our comfort-zone... ie, "outside our box"? Now while all of us want to learn from our painful experiences, surely none of us desire adversity. So I'll leave that one alone for the moment... and concentrate my comments on the second part... Diversity.
We can be intentional about our diversity. In fact, did Christ in any way preach anything different? Did he ever command, "Go into all the world, but be homogenous. Group with others just like yourselves. Find groups who are the color you are; who enjoy the worship music you enjoy; who draw the same doctrinal conclusions you draw." Or did he effectively say, "They'll know you are Christ-followers by your love. Love one another, even as I have loved you."?
If Christ and the New Testament writers called for 'no divisions among you' -- and if diversity helps us sharpen one another and mature spiritually, and even MODEL Christ's reconciling love, then how do we quietly enjoy OUR church which looks like us, sings like us and thinks like us?
Stay tuned. Coming soon... Diversity & Adversity... A testimony at the Governor's Prayer Breakfast.
As we recognize our way-shortness of the mark, and seek transformation of our minds & lives, ie., being "conformed to the image of Christ", surely we soon come to the question... "How can I change?". And quickly, the simplistic Christian response is... "through the power of the Holy Spirit"... with which we all agree; but let's not stop there, waiting by the tracks as if that train comes along without a means.
So I've asked myself, and sifted the answers, and still sift the answers (I'd welcome your comments)... "Boil it down... what are the primary ways in which Christians can bring about change, and bring it quickly and effectively?" My conclusions so far:
* Repentance and prayer.
* Self-discipline & Goal-setting
* Adversity & Diversity
* Read/Surf/Learn
* Sharpened by Others
* Extend Our Impact through Others
* Specific Training or Innovations
* Iterative Processing
Without going into each of these right now, let me just touch on one today -- "Adversity & Diversity".
On a monthly tape in Bill Hybel's Leadership series, a guest he was interviewing said (my summation), "There are two notable occasions in our lives when spiritual maturity seems to take a quantum leap.... pain, and cross-cultural experience."
I took that gem and have been polishing my understanding of it... especially as an available change-tool as I desire to grow more Christ-like over the course of my life. Bottom line, isn't he saying, we learn & grow through Adversity & Diversity? That is, we sometimes have to have something get us out of our comfort-zone... ie, "outside our box"? Now while all of us want to learn from our painful experiences, surely none of us desire adversity. So I'll leave that one alone for the moment... and concentrate my comments on the second part... Diversity.
We can be intentional about our diversity. In fact, did Christ in any way preach anything different? Did he ever command, "Go into all the world, but be homogenous. Group with others just like yourselves. Find groups who are the color you are; who enjoy the worship music you enjoy; who draw the same doctrinal conclusions you draw." Or did he effectively say, "They'll know you are Christ-followers by your love. Love one another, even as I have loved you."?
If Christ and the New Testament writers called for 'no divisions among you' -- and if diversity helps us sharpen one another and mature spiritually, and even MODEL Christ's reconciling love, then how do we quietly enjoy OUR church which looks like us, sings like us and thinks like us?
Stay tuned. Coming soon... Diversity & Adversity... A testimony at the Governor's Prayer Breakfast.
Sunday, February 02, 2003
Friday, January 31, 2003
An Open Letter to Eric Miller (& Micah Clark)...
Thanks for helping prioritize the values of our churches & charities during economically stressful times for the Indiana legislature and our govenor's administration. As you've well pointed out, we the citizens are already paying high taxes of multiple varieties, including the taxes on our 'corporations' which trickle-down to us as well. Admittedly, it is the job of government to help provide justice & mercy, notably as they prioritize their methods and targets for taxation and assistance.
Thus the logic of 'sin-taxes' seems wise -- taxing the downsides of societal good. But the logic of taxing the best & most productive elements of society escapes me. Our churches & charities rely heavily on volunteerism and goodwill... and thus leverage every dollar they have available. Why on earth would we as a great state, start especially leaning on the individuals who support these organizations with their dollars, in order to fund government -- which does its work via paid employees, and seldom with volunteers?
When that day comes, it's a sad day in a great state.
Alternatively, what a moving experience it was to hear 2,000 people sing "God Bless America" throughout the Statehouse yesterday. We praise God for moving our forefathers to allow us such privileges. And we thank you for trying to protect some of the other privileges they fought so hard to establish for the good of our nation & communities.
Thanks for all you're doing for those of us who are willing to give of our time & money, and on behalf of those in need of mercy & justice here in our city & state. Accordingly, we're highlighting your message today at http://IndyChristian.com , when apparently the local media is trying to look the other way.
Respectfully, In Christ,
Neil Cox
Founder/Editor/"Coach"
http://IndyChristian.com
"Connecting The Local Christian Community"
"Truth will prevail. And Truth at the speed-of-light will prevail at the speed-of-Light."
Thanks for helping prioritize the values of our churches & charities during economically stressful times for the Indiana legislature and our govenor's administration. As you've well pointed out, we the citizens are already paying high taxes of multiple varieties, including the taxes on our 'corporations' which trickle-down to us as well. Admittedly, it is the job of government to help provide justice & mercy, notably as they prioritize their methods and targets for taxation and assistance.
Thus the logic of 'sin-taxes' seems wise -- taxing the downsides of societal good. But the logic of taxing the best & most productive elements of society escapes me. Our churches & charities rely heavily on volunteerism and goodwill... and thus leverage every dollar they have available. Why on earth would we as a great state, start especially leaning on the individuals who support these organizations with their dollars, in order to fund government -- which does its work via paid employees, and seldom with volunteers?
When that day comes, it's a sad day in a great state.
Alternatively, what a moving experience it was to hear 2,000 people sing "God Bless America" throughout the Statehouse yesterday. We praise God for moving our forefathers to allow us such privileges. And we thank you for trying to protect some of the other privileges they fought so hard to establish for the good of our nation & communities.
Thanks for all you're doing for those of us who are willing to give of our time & money, and on behalf of those in need of mercy & justice here in our city & state. Accordingly, we're highlighting your message today at http://IndyChristian.com , when apparently the local media is trying to look the other way.
Respectfully, In Christ,
Neil Cox
Founder/Editor/"Coach"
http://IndyChristian.com
"Connecting The Local Christian Community"
"Truth will prevail. And Truth at the speed-of-light will prevail at the speed-of-Light."
Thursday, January 16, 2003
"Transform Indiana" Initiative....
We had a GREAT meeting yesterday, praying, networking, and planning together.... to somehow, someway, Lord willing, to take our personal & Church & communities' transformation to the next level here in Greater Indianapolis and throughout our great state. Each of us gathered there no doubt represented very different backgrounds, churches or ministries, politics even... but shared one very DRIVING goal here in the Racing Capital of the World... and that is that Christ be glorified here. One Christ. One Faith. One Baptism.
Here in Indy, if ya snooze, ya lose.
Monday, 1/20/03, MLK Holiday, is another opportunity for the "innovative types" of Christians here. "Innovation Forum", we're calling it.
Naming Names: In fact, one of the innovators who's driving in for this get-together, is one of the Christian bloggers being read from around the globe... Josh Claybourn, pundit at blogs4God.com. Should be very stimulating conversation.
Stay tuned.
We had a GREAT meeting yesterday, praying, networking, and planning together.... to somehow, someway, Lord willing, to take our personal & Church & communities' transformation to the next level here in Greater Indianapolis and throughout our great state. Each of us gathered there no doubt represented very different backgrounds, churches or ministries, politics even... but shared one very DRIVING goal here in the Racing Capital of the World... and that is that Christ be glorified here. One Christ. One Faith. One Baptism.
Here in Indy, if ya snooze, ya lose.
Monday, 1/20/03, MLK Holiday, is another opportunity for the "innovative types" of Christians here. "Innovation Forum", we're calling it.
Naming Names: In fact, one of the innovators who's driving in for this get-together, is one of the Christian bloggers being read from around the globe... Josh Claybourn, pundit at blogs4God.com. Should be very stimulating conversation.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, December 28, 2002
A Charismatic Change Agent:
(great article recommended by Rudy @ UrbanOnramps.com)
"On his tombstone, Tony Campolo says, he wants.... (read the article at ChristianityToday.com).
According to the article.... "Charismatic leader or not, he won't get his wish. They just don't make tombstones that big."
Btw, one preacher recently told me he was going to have this etched on his headstone... "At least I don't have a meeting at church tonight." LOL.
Here at the end of the year, and looking forward to the New Year, perhaps this is a good time to consider... "What would I want written on my tombstone?".
(great article recommended by Rudy @ UrbanOnramps.com)
"On his tombstone, Tony Campolo says, he wants.... (read the article at ChristianityToday.com).
According to the article.... "Charismatic leader or not, he won't get his wish. They just don't make tombstones that big."
Btw, one preacher recently told me he was going to have this etched on his headstone... "At least I don't have a meeting at church tonight." LOL.
Here at the end of the year, and looking forward to the New Year, perhaps this is a good time to consider... "What would I want written on my tombstone?".
Thursday, December 12, 2002
"You can link a horse to a water, but you can't make him drink."
But over time, if he comes there often enough, someday we'll catch him when he's thirsty.
Thus perhaps the web offers a new-found ray of hope for at least drawing a model in cyberspace, reflecting the tapestry of Christians closer & closer together, for love & impact in their communities. This is the prayer of IndyChristian.com -- the web-portal for Greater Indianapolis Christians. So at the very least, we can begin to link together. But ultimately perhaps, the question then starts becoming...
How do we lift up the name of Christ as ONE harmonized Church of Jesus Christ, to impact our communities? Thankfully there are a great number of churches impacting our communities positively every day -- we now just desire that we become known to those communities as a loving, core-truth body (did I say 'network'?) of Christ-followers. That is very much an integral part of the "Transform Indiana" planning that is happening here in Indy.
We want to be "dangerous" to the gates of hell ! Coming together in prayer is one very key way of doing that. Another key way of becoming dangerous is to become aware of the devil's schemes -- and isn't "Divide and Conquer" much of his methodology? Divorce, cultural pride, socio-economic class, and elevated doctrinal distinctions... to suggest a few. At what point is he using some even-good things as tools against the Church?
How about this -- is it possibly that he's using this as a key piece of propaganda... "Apparently truth is relative, because even the Church effectively teaches that every day, each in their separate silos."? Do we give the appearance of lifting up our church names & activities without first/primarily lifting up a unified Christ and harmoniously-taught core-truth absolutes?
Satan, change your brochures. That might have flown yesterday, but not tomorrow.
God help us.
But over time, if he comes there often enough, someday we'll catch him when he's thirsty.
Thus perhaps the web offers a new-found ray of hope for at least drawing a model in cyberspace, reflecting the tapestry of Christians closer & closer together, for love & impact in their communities. This is the prayer of IndyChristian.com -- the web-portal for Greater Indianapolis Christians. So at the very least, we can begin to link together. But ultimately perhaps, the question then starts becoming...
How do we lift up the name of Christ as ONE harmonized Church of Jesus Christ, to impact our communities? Thankfully there are a great number of churches impacting our communities positively every day -- we now just desire that we become known to those communities as a loving, core-truth body (did I say 'network'?) of Christ-followers. That is very much an integral part of the "Transform Indiana" planning that is happening here in Indy.
We want to be "dangerous" to the gates of hell ! Coming together in prayer is one very key way of doing that. Another key way of becoming dangerous is to become aware of the devil's schemes -- and isn't "Divide and Conquer" much of his methodology? Divorce, cultural pride, socio-economic class, and elevated doctrinal distinctions... to suggest a few. At what point is he using some even-good things as tools against the Church?
How about this -- is it possibly that he's using this as a key piece of propaganda... "Apparently truth is relative, because even the Church effectively teaches that every day, each in their separate silos."? Do we give the appearance of lifting up our church names & activities without first/primarily lifting up a unified Christ and harmoniously-taught core-truth absolutes?
Satan, change your brochures. That might have flown yesterday, but not tomorrow.
God help us.
Sunday, December 08, 2002
The latest....
Years ago, I bought this as a memorable domain-name to pique people's interest... especially as the Holy Spirit leads them. Primarily it's built to point people to the word of God even though they may not be familiar with it. And provide them an avenue to talk to solid born-again Christians when they're ready. Ultimately, we want to care enough to share the Good News (& personal testimonies, at DoYouKnowForSure.com).
Christian Bloggers of the world -- Add this "bait-ing image" to your blog-sites, inviting your surfers to WhenYouNeedSomeone.com, and ultimately to Christ... 24x7. Let me know if you do, we'd like to acknowledge your participation in the project, and send you one of these bumper stickers. Frankly, we're also anxious to encourage our pastors & leaders (like George Barna) about the hope of the future, coming from emerging young web-leaders like yourselves. What do you think? Can bloggers make a difference in our communities in this way?
Naming Names: Dave Baker is a CBMC guy who shares a zeal for pointing people to Christ. And being a techie himself, he enjoys the web's ability to do that pointing process... 24x7. And although it was my dearly-departed mentor who turned me on to God's Phone# (Jer.33:3), it was Dave who compiled the majority of this "God's Phone# Directory" page. Dave's a great encourager -- May God continue to bless you mightily, brother.
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Years ago, I bought this as a memorable domain-name to pique people's interest... especially as the Holy Spirit leads them. Primarily it's built to point people to the word of God even though they may not be familiar with it. And provide them an avenue to talk to solid born-again Christians when they're ready. Ultimately, we want to care enough to share the Good News (& personal testimonies, at DoYouKnowForSure.com).
Christian Bloggers of the world -- Add this "bait-ing image" to your blog-sites, inviting your surfers to WhenYouNeedSomeone.com, and ultimately to Christ... 24x7. Let me know if you do, we'd like to acknowledge your participation in the project, and send you one of these bumper stickers. Frankly, we're also anxious to encourage our pastors & leaders (like George Barna) about the hope of the future, coming from emerging young web-leaders like yourselves. What do you think? Can bloggers make a difference in our communities in this way?
Naming Names: Dave Baker is a CBMC guy who shares a zeal for pointing people to Christ. And being a techie himself, he enjoys the web's ability to do that pointing process... 24x7. And although it was my dearly-departed mentor who turned me on to God's Phone# (Jer.33:3), it was Dave who compiled the majority of this "God's Phone# Directory" page. Dave's a great encourager -- May God continue to bless you mightily, brother.
Thursday, November 28, 2002
Thank you, Lord for your immense grace to us all... and to me personally.
While I've devoted today's "feature" at IndyChristian.com to "Thankfulness" on a wider-group basis, I'd also like to quickly add a personal note of thanks to my personal roots in Christ.... going back to a little country church in the heartland of Illinois...
Back-log: (circa 1950's & 60's) It was here that our extended family worshipped together, and taught future generations to know how much Jesus loves us and offers us a tremendous plan for our lives.... "an offer too good to refuse". We have so much to be eternally thankful for, including God working significantly through my family & their community church.
While I've devoted today's "feature" at IndyChristian.com to "Thankfulness" on a wider-group basis, I'd also like to quickly add a personal note of thanks to my personal roots in Christ.... going back to a little country church in the heartland of Illinois...
Back-log: (circa 1950's & 60's) It was here that our extended family worshipped together, and taught future generations to know how much Jesus loves us and offers us a tremendous plan for our lives.... "an offer too good to refuse". We have so much to be eternally thankful for, including God working significantly through my family & their community church.
Monday, November 25, 2002
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We were there (at Memorial Stadium in Champaign). What an awesome comeback at the proverbial 'eleventh hour' of regulation time -- and then a spectacular finish in OT!
Isn't the Christian life like that sometimes? Just when things look really tough, God calls for us to just continue being faithful & persevere. And who knows what He has in store. Maybe a fantastic 'eye-spy' of God in action. Be there. Don't leave 'the game' too early. **smile**
Saturday, November 23, 2002
"Transform Indiana"... This past Thursday was really encouraging. This visionary/planning group met, now for the 7th time, and continues to hang in there against all odds. Their bright hope is to actually see a "paradigm shift" (and I'm not talking about the www, you netizens...LOL) in the way we live our daily lives in our communities. They're praying, planning, and working toward the day that Christians lay self-interest on the altar -- even churches laying self-interest aside -- for the good of our neighbors & whole communities, by modeling & sharing the Good News and its abundant life application.
And "as iron sharpens iron, so one city sharpeneth another" (forgive my modifications) -- this Indianapolis group is greatly encouraged by Chicagoland pastors & leaders involved in their "One Great City" initiative. In fact, we spent a good portion of our meeting, going through a PowerPoint presentation that they have on their website... a good example of how the web does help us "spur one another on toward love & good deeds".
We're also greatly heartened by the Mission America Coalition (Lighthouse Movement) and their thrust toward city-reaching. Yesterday, on their national teleconference call with city-reps, they invited George S. Gallup, Jr. to address issues & answers. What a terrific resource. And as all Christian coalitions, it comes as a result of us putting aside a certain amount of self-interest, and working primarily toward the glory of the name of Christ.
Another great encouragement? These "Transforming Indiana" folks were willing -- in fact inspired -- to continue meeting at the emerging "Urban Collaborative Center". It's hardly because of the facilities at this early stage of its life.... but rather because of their hearts for any and all peoples of Indiana. I call these types of leaders "Driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World". **smile**
And "as iron sharpens iron, so one city sharpeneth another" (forgive my modifications) -- this Indianapolis group is greatly encouraged by Chicagoland pastors & leaders involved in their "One Great City" initiative. In fact, we spent a good portion of our meeting, going through a PowerPoint presentation that they have on their website... a good example of how the web does help us "spur one another on toward love & good deeds".
We're also greatly heartened by the Mission America Coalition (Lighthouse Movement) and their thrust toward city-reaching. Yesterday, on their national teleconference call with city-reps, they invited George S. Gallup, Jr. to address issues & answers. What a terrific resource. And as all Christian coalitions, it comes as a result of us putting aside a certain amount of self-interest, and working primarily toward the glory of the name of Christ.
Another great encouragement? These "Transforming Indiana" folks were willing -- in fact inspired -- to continue meeting at the emerging "Urban Collaborative Center". It's hardly because of the facilities at this early stage of its life.... but rather because of their hearts for any and all peoples of Indiana. I call these types of leaders "Driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World". **smile**
Sunday, November 17, 2002
Back-log: (Circa 1970) -- My personal story....
Btw, this story and the personal stories of others, are now being collected & posted, city by city, at... DoYouKnowForSure.com . [Please pass the word among your friends who might be willing to venture to post their testimony of God's grace... which could be meaningful to someone in your city.]
Btw, this story and the personal stories of others, are now being collected & posted, city by city, at... DoYouKnowForSure.com . [Please pass the word among your friends who might be willing to venture to post their testimony of God's grace... which could be meaningful to someone in your city.]
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Dare we read "alternative" Christian views? ...
Do we really want to change? If so, perhaps there are times we need to deliberately venture a little time in reading & discussing alternative points of view... which, if we end up accepting them, turn out to no longer be an alternative point of view for us. **smile**
Such is the case of a great article I picked up yesterday -- thanks to a tip from "blogs4God".... "The Call of the Wild", by Trygve Johnson.
Do we really want to change? If so, perhaps there are times we need to deliberately venture a little time in reading & discussing alternative points of view... which, if we end up accepting them, turn out to no longer be an alternative point of view for us. **smile**
Such is the case of a great article I picked up yesterday -- thanks to a tip from "blogs4God".... "The Call of the Wild", by Trygve Johnson.
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
Voters Change the Senate...
Any way you slice it, it appears that the people have spoken, and President Bush has been blessed with an ability now to get solid court nominees acted upon. Even assuming God is not necessarily a Republican, we do know that He himself is perfect justice and desires that we "act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God". So my hat is off to voters nationwide who essentially voted against the unprecedented injustice of Democrats stymying conservative appointees. Allow me to praise God for this change.
Btw, who could have guessed, that having only narrowly won election himself two years ago, that his personal influence would defy the normal off-year trend and effectively carry the day yesterday? May we as Christians continue to hold him (and all our elected leaders) up in prayer every single day.
And now, for the lighter side...
Rudy has picked up this tidbit -- Florida voters again disgruntled over the voting apparatus. LOL.
It gives me a chance to run one of my favorite pix.... Florida voting machine for 2004...
Any way you slice it, it appears that the people have spoken, and President Bush has been blessed with an ability now to get solid court nominees acted upon. Even assuming God is not necessarily a Republican, we do know that He himself is perfect justice and desires that we "act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God". So my hat is off to voters nationwide who essentially voted against the unprecedented injustice of Democrats stymying conservative appointees. Allow me to praise God for this change.
Btw, who could have guessed, that having only narrowly won election himself two years ago, that his personal influence would defy the normal off-year trend and effectively carry the day yesterday? May we as Christians continue to hold him (and all our elected leaders) up in prayer every single day.
And now, for the lighter side...
Rudy has picked up this tidbit -- Florida voters again disgruntled over the voting apparatus. LOL.
It gives me a chance to run one of my favorite pix.... Florida voting machine for 2004...
Friday, November 01, 2002
Sometimes No Amount of Logic Can Help...
I thank our syndicated blogging friend, Rudy Carassco at UrbanOnramps.com, for pointing out a funny statistic cited in a Miami Herald article this week, about a poll they cited which claimed that 11% of Americans believe the NASA moon landing was a fake. Pardon me for LOLLLLLLLL.
Suddenly though it didn't seem so funny as I remembered Barna research which indicates that now only appx 5% of Americans would fall into a belief category we would call "evangelicals"...
...who say their faith is very important in their life today; believe they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians; believe that Satan exists; believe that the eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not works; believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and describe God as the all-knowing , all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and still rules it today.
(definitions & stats from Barna.org)
Shall we then conclude that it is apparently TWICE as easy to convince Americans that the moon landing didn't happen, than to convince them of the core body of truth taught in our Bible-believing churches today?
At the very least, these polls simply bear out what we perhaps already knew... When people don't want to believe something, no amount of logic or evidence will convince them otherwise. It first takes an act of God's Spirit... just as the Bible says. The logic of it all becomes obvious once we get over the hurdle of pride and stop being god.
I thank our syndicated blogging friend, Rudy Carassco at UrbanOnramps.com, for pointing out a funny statistic cited in a Miami Herald article this week, about a poll they cited which claimed that 11% of Americans believe the NASA moon landing was a fake. Pardon me for LOLLLLLLLL.
Suddenly though it didn't seem so funny as I remembered Barna research which indicates that now only appx 5% of Americans would fall into a belief category we would call "evangelicals"...
...who say their faith is very important in their life today; believe they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians; believe that Satan exists; believe that the eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not works; believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and describe God as the all-knowing , all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and still rules it today.
(definitions & stats from Barna.org)
Shall we then conclude that it is apparently TWICE as easy to convince Americans that the moon landing didn't happen, than to convince them of the core body of truth taught in our Bible-believing churches today?
At the very least, these polls simply bear out what we perhaps already knew... When people don't want to believe something, no amount of logic or evidence will convince them otherwise. It first takes an act of God's Spirit... just as the Bible says. The logic of it all becomes obvious once we get over the hurdle of pride and stop being god.
How can I change? How can anyone change? Step One... pray, repent of our former beliefs & actions, acknowledge Truth. The rest may be easy.
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