Missio Dei

It's pastor appreciation month and, as usual, churches around the United States take Sunday, October 25th to their pastors. I have no idea if the church that I have the privilege to lead is doing anything, but I want to take the opportunity to be the first to share my deep appreciation and love for them. 

In my mind, when I think about the church I think of a local expression and the church is specific. I want to express my love for my church even though I understand that it is far broader than my local context. I know the church is not mine in the possessive sense. When I say “my church” I mean the local church with which I live and that has captivated my heart. If you will graciously indulge me, I will speak of my love for that church, for it is all I know.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

I love my church because:

1. They worship Jesus. They don’t worship their leaders. They don’t worship the preaching. They don’t worship their programs. They don’t worship their worship. When the congregation comes together to “proclaim His excellencies,” they actually do it and IN TRUTH.
2. The men are strong and growing stronger. The men in my church understand or are grappling with the fact that masculinity is about more about expending your strength in pursuit of Hebrews 12:1-2 than in pursuit of Proverbs 31:3. No matter how much you pad it spiritually; manhood is not about finding that thing that makes men come alive if that thing is not Christ. My brothers have this conviction.
3. The women are beautiful. There are many beautiful ladies in my church. They may not find any affirmation for their beauty in Vanity Fair, but with grace, kindness, gentleness, compassion and zeal they bear the image of God. I love hearing women of our church discover or rediscover God's design for them. It is a beautiful thing!
4. They are my friends. We spend large amounts of time with these people.... just ask Laura! They aren't just people that I shepherd, but people who I am able to befriend and who befriend me. They are people who share live with me. My family is loved not because I am pastoring them, but because they we are friends and family. Seeing their lives AND knowing their story speaks God’s satisfying goodness to my soul.
5. Everyone calls me Paul (except for a couple of you). I am their “Pastor”... but only when required. I am a brother first but, because God requires, my authority is respected and, dare I say, celebrated. The church is faithful to Hebrews 13:7, 17 for God’s glory and for their advantage, not because of my "respectable pedigree." Authority is valued but no one is extra special. They can correct me and they always follow me. I would be nothing without their words and their prayers.
6. In my church, asking for forgiveness is not an aberration. Admitting you’re wrong is a sign of weakness and my church boasts in that weakness so that the power of Christ may rest upon them. They value repentance. They respect repentance. They know that all Gospel glory is preceded by repentance and they know repentance means change.
7. They are generous. When the world is fearful and hording more, my church is learning to give more. They are many who are eager for the chance to exchange their Benjamins for eternal things. They are are also generous with their time! Week after week, a crew faithfully heads down to Strong Tower in Roseland to love the children there. Our Road Crew gets up at the crack of dawn every Sunday to make it possible for our family to come together and worship. Every week our children are cared for by a small group of people who are faithful to their covenant promises to point our children towards Jesus Christ.
8. They’re serious about their kids. As a church with so many families, we have a lot to learn yet, but one thing I do know is that they don’t just want good kids. They pray for worshipers. They are diligent with their biblical responsibility and diligent with their prayers.
9. They are the church. Mokena Elementary School is a church building for us. The programs are church programs. In these sentences "church" is an adjective. When it is a noun, it represents the collective. It is the community of Jesus lovers that defines us.
10. “See how they love each other!” They love in action and in truth. They love by speaking the truth at the risk of friendship. They love by loving Jesus supremely and find freedom to love in his ultimate affirmation.
11. I appreciate my co-pastor/elder, Nathan Phillips. It is a great joy to pastor with him. I would not be following Christ as closely as I am if it were not for this man.

It may seem that I see no error in my church and, for that slant, I make no apologies. The error I see, I see between nails and wood. It is my privilege and it is His command to focus on my church's beauty:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Without apology, I love my church.