Best and Worst

Was told about this story this morning and had a look on the BBC website?

Mark Simpson, BBC News
"Looking at 115 Romanians huddled together on the floor of a Belfast church hall, it was possible to see the worst side of Northern Ireland - and the best - all at once.
The speed with which Pastor Malcolm Morgan and his team created a temporary home for 20 families was remarkable.
At the same time, the sight of men, women and children looking so helpless and scared was a stain on Northern Ireland's international reputation. "



Lets pray for the church and its members that they are kept safe and continue to show God's love to those Romanians. This is a great example of the commandment to "Love you neighbour as yourself".

Matt

What came first.....

I was coming back from a school this morning and saw a sign in bright "church orange" that read..... What came first Jesus or the Egg?

What is the point? Is is supposed to make people think about God or make them realise that the church is asking irrelevant questions?

We have just finished a seven week course called "The story so far..." where we have explored the Christian story. One of the great things for me has been the openness and reality of the questions ask within the group. It has been refreshing to see what God is doing in people and the way in which he has challenged me through those questions. Personally, I believe that the church doesn't have all the answers because it hasn't asked the right questions.

Let's ask some proper questions in the church and not be scared of them.

Matt

Is the church like Britney Spears?

The Guardian made this report on Britney Spears concert last night:

"The audience can't possibly have turned up in order to hear her greatest hits sung live, given that everyone seems to accept that Spears isn't singing live - certainly there are moments when Spears could no more obviously be miming were she wearing white face make-up and pretending to walk against the wind." http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/04/britney-spears-alexis-petridis-music-review

Is the church like Britney Spears; it puts on a good show but when it comes to doing the thing for real, it mimes?

Matt

Unexpected Surprise

When I was based at Leicester South, I was a mentor at a local college to a number of young people who need additional support through their GCSE's and going on to work or further education. One of the lads I had was called James (not his real name), He was a nice lad, quiet but easy swayed by those around around him in his lessons. I never knew if I had any impact or even if He was getting anything out of our hour every two weeks.

That was 3 years ago. This week Lizzy and I popped into Fosse Park for some shopping and I got a Costa coffee. The guy that served me looked familiar, it was James. He remembered who I was and we had a brief chat. Turns out that he went to college and finished His Uniformed Services qualification and is waiting to turn 18 to apply for the fire service.

Now, I am not claiming that I had a huge impact but hopefully I was one of the positive influence that has helped him along the way. It also was a unexpected surprise for me to see a small result of something that didn't always seem worth while. In our instant world we can get frustrated about not seeing results, sometimes we need to be patient and allow God to work in His way and in His time.

Matt

Statistics

Earlier today whilst sitting out side I attempted to write an entry on my blog. I got half way through and deleted it because it was rubbish. Once I had finished my sermon for Sunday morning, I had a little read of my book (The last word and the word after that by Brian Mclaren) and came across this little gem of a quote.

"The success of a church isn't measured by the numbers who attend but by the formation of people as agents of God" (Mclaren, 2005:196).

Yes, Yes, Yes...... I thought to myself. I have blogged about being agents before but this has renewed my thinking regarding "church growth" not being numerical but about the development of the people engaged in a relationship with God as missionaries and agents in there own home, neighbourhood and community. The church doesn't need programme or projects to be successful but people who will be disciples and missionaries in the own back garden.

Having just gone through the process of recording statistics for our activities, I have been wonder if it really matters (I have done them and with time to spare). Do those numbers truly represent the movement of God or are they a way of justifying our existence.

My prayer for Aspley is that the numbers become irrelevant but the storeys they represent become the priority of the hearts of Gods agents.

Matt

Rebuild, Renew and Rejoice

We have Just got back from our first experience of an Aspley Corps(church) retreat. We had a fab time chilling out as a group, playing silly games, eat loads and staying up late! The theme of Rebuild, Renew and Rejoice (based on the book of Nehemiah) was both encouraging, informative and challenging.

Sop what did I get out of it.
Rebuild: I know that there are things in my life that I need to put higher on my priorities list. I need to make sure that they are priorities that edify the kingdom and not just because I like doing them.
Renew: I need to delegate more jobs to people in the church. I have already given one job out to somebody that will free an hour or so of my week.
Rejoice: I give thanks for all the challenges of being a church lead. On the Sunday morning I felt overwhelmed by the burden yet the joy of being the leader at Aspley. It has been a privilege to see God at work and to see foundations being laid for the future.

God's kingdom is near, nearer than we probably think.

Matt

Rewriting the bible

Saw this on the BBC website, I have never read the "Manga Bible" but they seem like they are trying to do the right thing and at least interesting young people in the stroy of God.

Matt

Richard Dawkins

5 Mins with Richard Dawkins. Thought you maybe interestes in what he has to say.

Matt

Seeing God at work

It is just over a year since Lizzy and I first came to meet people at Aspley. Time has flown by, lots of stuff has happened and will happen. Today was another of the many occasions where I have meet God at work. I recently joined the partnership for Children and Young people for the west area of Nottingham. Having attended about 5 meetings I have been asked to chair the group until next March. I feel completely out of my comfort zone, quite apprehensive about the responsibility and what work it may bring.

But here is where God shows up! My vice chair is someone I meet randomly just 3 weeks ago on a litter pick and she happens to go to a local church. She is someone that I instantly clicked with and will work well with. What an opportunity to be in a very significant position within the structure of Youth and Children's work for the. It will bring many opportunities for our church to show people God's grace and mercy.

At the end of the meeting I warned them that if I say "we will now close in prayer" to forgive me. I got quite a laugh! I guess you had to be there but for me I love it when I get to see God at work.

Matt

Fasting

I have been fasting, one day a week, for a couple of months. I have found it really helpful as part of my week to "go without something" and to focus on prayer throughout my day. Most Thursdays I fast food but a I have also fasted coffee. On the days I do fast I feel more energetic, focused and productive.

I am still getting to grips with making sure I don't make a big thing about it (did wonder if I should blog about it), don't want people to think I am more spiritual because I fast or it to become a ritual but a help aspect to my spiritual life. Fasting is just one simple way for me to focus my mind on God, when my tummy rumbles.... I pray, when I should be eating a meal.... I pray, read or do something productive.

I will continue to fast for the time being but will be mindful that I may need to review it in the future.

Hope it helps if your thinking about it.

Matt

Drinking and Dreaming

I was out last night at the awards ceremony for the Beacon U12's that I coach on Tuesday nights. It was a nice evening, a good opportunity to spend some time meeting the parents and chatting to the boys about football.

A couple of things that I wanted to share.

Firstly, it was evident that what I believe about the churches need to reach people outside of it's buildings is true. Even more true than I first thought. The reality is that if these people are to meet Jesus and follow Him, we need to be image and an an expression on God that is real and visible.

Secondly, one of the lads asked why I wasn't drinking alcohol. He asked if I was driving and was very surprised when I said I didn't drink. His comment was (I think) very significant. He said "its ever mans dream to drink a beer, I know its mine." I was taken aback, this boy is 11 and his dream is to drink. It probably the first time I have every heard such a comment from a young lad. If this is the dreams of our young people the we really need to give them a bigger dream, a deeper dream and a dream that will bring purpose, hope, joy and fulfillment. That dream is a relationship with Jesus, a dream that is as big as you allow it to be and a dream that will never disappoint.

Matt

Make room for Jesus

I got this from a brochure of christian literature that I got this week. There were a number of them of a similar theme.

What struck me was the way it depicts our lives being departmentalised and Jesus being just one part. To say I disagree with it (and therefore will not be buying one) is an understatement. It says to me that these things are OK but Jesus isn't in them. That surely diminishes God's ability to be in all things. I think that God loves sport, jobs, films as much as we do and He is in them too.

Maybe the poster should read "Whatever you get up too, Jesus is there to."

Matt

Season review.

I have been playing for a local Saturday pub football team called "The Beacon." I found the team by wondering over the park and asking the first team I saw if they needed some players. Since then I have had some interesting, frustrating and funny times with them over the season. I even managed one goal and a couple of assists (In 5 starts and a number of short sub appearances) and a appearance in the Senior Cup Final.

As soon as I got a start in the team (which was usually because we were short), the next week someone would turn up who would be more upset than me if they didn't play so I was dropped! This didn't happen once but a number of times. I know I am not the best player in the team but I was only missed 3 games due to other commitments. Lizzy was very patient with me as I turned up home 3 weeks in a row having "run the line" and not played.

Yet I have learnt much and enjoyed it (most of the time). The first few games I felt like a real outsider. In the pub the conversation was not one I would usually have and the language was colourful to say the least. Our manager is one of the few people that can string a sentence together with just swear words and still make sense.

I learnt what it means to feel excluded and be a part of a different culture which I do not feel comfortable in. They have nicked named me the Vicar and keep asking for me to pray for the water so that it is "Holy" and to pray for the win! I have even been asked to dedicate 2 babies whilst on the sidelines (I must follow that up).

I look forward to next season to continue the relationships and allow God to keep teaching me what I means "to be in the world but not of it."

Vision over Visibility

I am a huge U2 fan (going to see them in August) and always buy their latest album. On of my favorites is called "moment of surrender" which I have listened to an awful lot. The line that has got me thinking a lot recently is this line; "At the moment of surrender of vision over visibility."

Why? Because it has made me think about my life as a follower of Jesus and as a leader of a church. Sometimes it feels like the visibility is limited or non-existent in our relationship. We wonder where we are headed, what is going to happen next and are we doing the right thing. I have been questioning myself a lot recently about what I need to prioritise in my life and what our church should be doing to be effective in Aspley.

I even though the visibility maybe poor, the vision is not. The vision of a community connected in Jesus, with each other and for each other is very much alive. Our vision sustains us, it bring hope and passion to keep on going. It breathes life in to our being to get on and do what is required for the kingdom. The vision demands us to surrender to God's plan and let him loose on our lives.

This post may not make much sense to you but its where I find myself and where God finds me too.

Matt

Why do we do it!!

In the Salvation Army weekly paper "The Salvationist" was a small review from "The Times" newspaper regarding the bus adverts in London by the Christian Party. They put posters on buses saying "There is a God" in response to the British Humanist Associations poster that read "There is probably no God." The Christian Party's advert got 1045 complaints, the forth highest received by the Advertising Standards Authority. Two things popped into my mind;

Firstly, this is a reflection of peoples lack of interest in religion or desire to seek a relationship with God. It could be a sign that Christianity is (or has been for a while) on the back foot and people are fed up of the church. It also highlights to us that people want to be left alone o make up the mind about whether or not there is a God.

Secondly, I was left feeling that if we have to resort to putting adverts on buses, we really have lost the plot. I believe that news like this does nothing but harm to the church at all levels. People will look at us and think that we lack confidence in our faith and in our claims on the power of the God we worship. Our mission, if done effectively, should never need a publicity stunt or packaging.

My hope is that I can be confident in my faith and in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for His people.

Matt

Rhythm or Retreat

I have been on our SA leaders retreat for the East Midlands this week. It is was nice to get away, have time to read, catch up with a few friends and have some teach on Servant Leadership. The teaching was good with stuff for me to take away and think about.

However, I was prompted to think about the retreats purpose and value via a line in a song we used. The 4 words were "rhythm of His grace". I wonder how many of the leaders present were there to get away because they are worn out, burned out, spiritually low or just far to busy and don't get time to stop. Without trying to sound like I have it sorted, retreat for me is not necessary or vital for my well being yet nor is it a thorn in my week.

My experience is that you need a good rhythm to your week, whether an Officer, centre manager, office worker, at school etc. Having a rhythm allows you to have free time to read, think, time to do the house work and have leisure time in your week. As I look at Jesus life there is always times of rest, time for friends, teaching, others and doing His Fathers work. When He is arrested, charged and crucified He is ready for it, He know God's grace is what will sustain Him for what was to come.

Matt

Taking to the streets

I have given up my car for driving to the church for lent in an attempt for me to do more walking and save some money. One of the things that has also been good is having some time to myself either silently or with my ipod with the occasional hello to those people who stole by.
On Monday evening as I was walked home, I walked past the local C of E church where they were in full swing with bell ringing practice. I took of my ipod to listen and I have to say they were pretty good. As I popped my ear phone back in Matt Redman's "take it to the streets" came on.
What a contrast between the bells calling people to come and worship and a song challenging us to GO and worship on the streets.

Matt

Thanks is not always easy!

The last 10 days has been a tough one in our house. It has been a time of hurt and pain for us as a couple as Lizzy miscarried at 7 weeks. It has at times been surreal and at others desperately sad. Some of the times I haven't really thought about it but the all of a sudden the emotion and feelings have crept up on me.

I emailed my best mate Mark (who is in South Africa) to let him know and to ask him to pray for us. We exchanged a few emails and in on of them was this comment; "Thanksgiving is not circumstance dependant". Which may seem a little insensitive but that's what good friends are about. It really made me think about our circumstances, others who may have experienced the same thing. Even in times of pain and loss can I still praise God, can I still thank Him for who He is and His presence in my life?

It still isn't easy, I think about what could have been, dates and stuff like that but I am also grateful to God for a wife to share my pain with and someone who I can rely on. I give thanks to God for the last week because He has been in it in many different ways, like friends, family and our church community.

This sentence popped up on a PowerPoint slide this week: "Gods answers are always better than our prayers!"

Thanks

Matt

Is this Church?

Is this church?

Of course I know the answer to my question. This picture is from the Saturday Party of our Children's Weekend in Aspley. It was amazing to have about 70 people playing games, singing songs, eating food and chatting to each other. I can imagine heaven to be quite similar! Probably 80% of the people do not have a faith yet they were all worshipping. Dose it matter that they don't realise it or even that they can express it the way we think they should?

So what now, we had a great party and a great Sunday morning meeting but it doesn't stop there. What's next, how do we deepen the relationships and give opportunity for conversations to take place? We need to keep thinking about how we relate and the way's in which we can serve those families in our community. Also, we must seek ways to get out into our community to show that we are willing to get out of the confines of our church and onto "their patch".

We have an awesome opportunity to make a difference, to provide a place of love and care. I pray we get it right!

Matt

Tragets, priorities, projects and people

I was at a meeting yesterday with local partner organisations from the West area of Nottingham. It was really helpful for me to get a extended view of what is going in the area and meet a few local workers and show that the church is interested in community. Yet as the meeting went on, I grew very aware that allow a lot of "good stuff" was going on, they were all targeted at certain groups or priorities and actually could be quite harmful to communities. All the projects had strings attached, funding stipulations or a certain percentage for certain groups. People were spoke of as commodities rather than as human beings who exist in community.

It has really got me thinking again about how we do mission, how we do effective mission in Aspley as a church. Projects and events are all well and good but are pointless if they are not firstly grounded in the gospel and secondly built on a foundation of relationships. Whats the point of mission without being intentional about our reasons? Are we scared that we won't get funding from people if we tell them we are Christians? Should we just do our own thing in isolation anyway?

I believe that the church needs to be more positive about it's intentions and be willing to be bold in it's mission. Yet, we need to make sure we do not alienate ourselves from reality, from other organisations, those who make decisions and of course our communities.

Matt