Encouragement for the New Year

I occasionally receive emails and communicate with some of the missionaries we support through our Westview Missions Budget. This week I received an encouraging email from Susan Simpson. Susan and her husband Michael serve with the Navigators in St Petersburg, Russia. She concluded her email, as she often does, with a verse.

John 17:23 'I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.'

I thought about how we support the Simpsons and their efforts in helping young women and men in Russia. Since their visit to Westview in August, our friendships have grown. Women of the Word is working on ways to partner with the young women the Simpson are working with.

As we move forward into 2008, I was just blessed by the verse Susan shared. We serve a powerful God that is working in the lives of men and women around the globe. Often we think of the privilege we have to support, pray for, and encourage our missionaries. Today - as we enter a new year, Westview has a lot to be thankful for...we too can be encouraged by our missionaries.

We have new partners and new staff - and continue to serve a living, all- powerful God, awesome God that was sent in love for us.

Jay often closes his benediction 'May all those who see you, see Jesus'

My wish is that God's love shines through all of us in 2008.

Happy New Year.

Keith Wilhite - Outreach Director

Run, Don't pray...okay run and pray!

Chapter-a-Day Proverbs 3

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.

Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Proverbs 3:5-9 (TM)

I just wanted to share this verse this week. This passage really jumped off the screen at me. Sometimes reading Eugene Peterson's translation, The Message, just makes me say wow. I spend way too much time trying to figure things out on my own. So often I am reminded I need to trust and listen to God.

A good friend recently sent me an email and this sentence blew me away...

Instead of praying for patience, joy, peace, wisdom, etc.... all the fruits of the spirit we should pray that God purify us and make us a fit vessel for HIS presence.

I had to step back and think. I realized, I may not have all the answers, I need to trust God and listen for God more in all that I do...when I 'run to God and run from Evil' then I will see God work through me.

Thanks,

Keith


This scripture was part of Tom VanderWell's blog on Oct 17, 2007 ...click the blue link below to link to his weblog.

Wayfarer on the Creative Path by Tom VanderWell







http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/784306/22518132

Check This Out

I just finished reading John Ortberg's new book "When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In the Box." It was the perfect thing to be reading after Susan's message on Sunday and I would encourage others to read it. I'll just retype what the jacket cover said:

"It's a thrill to win a promotion at work ... the new house you wanted ... that sports car you've always eyed. But in the game of life, even the brightest prizes are temporary. At the end of the game, all those pieces go back in the box. You don't get to keep a thing - unless you're playing for the right prize.

Bestselling author and storyteller John Ortberg helps us focus our hearts and lives on trophies that are truly worth winning because they last fover. What can we take with us to the kingdom of God? Only the love we have for Christ, the love we have for each other, and our own souls. It's not bad to be good at the game of life on Earth, but we can't allow it to get in the way of what really matters.

Using his humor and genius for storytelling, Ortberg helps us focus on the real object of life's game: being rich toward God. Left to our own devices, we tend to seek out worldly things, mistakenly thinking they will bring us fulfillment. But everything on Earth belongs to God. Ortberg reminds us that everything we "own" is just on loan, and what pleases God is often 180 degrees from what we may think is important.

When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In The Box, helps you consider your priorities and arrange your life with external objectives in mind. Discover for yourself how to:

live passionately and boldly.
learn how to be active players in the game that pleases God
find your true mission and offer your best
fill each square on the board with what matters most
seek the richness of being instead of the richness of having

You can't beat the house, Ortberg says. We're playing our game of life on a giant board called a calendar. Time will always run out, so it's a good thing to live a life that delights your Creator. When everything goes back in the box, you'll leave this life knowing you've achieved the only victory that matters."

This is a book I own and anyone is free to borrow it. If you read it, I would love to hear what you think about it.
In Him,
Linda Tigges

Building Walls... Protecting Families

I was encouraged recently by Nehemiah and his efforts to rebuild the wall protecting Jerusalem. In the midst of naysayers and enemies fighting to stop the rebuilding of the wall; Nehemiah led his people. People were tired. Nehemiah focused his people on rebuilding the wall.

We all have 'walls' that need rebuilt. I don't often make the process my priority. I want things to happen now. Rebuilding the wall brought families together. Click on the blue link below to read the whole passage.

Nehemiah 4:10-19

13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows.

What an encouragement - protect your families! What are the exposed places in your household? Where are enemies confronting your family?

If you are still building the 'wall' like I am. Be aware - Be ready - listen for the trumpet!

Nehemiah concludes this passage in verses 19 and 20.

19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!"

Happy Christians - 24/7?

My thoughts from the Michael Simpson conference: by Janet Harwood

I am the type of person that needs to put on a "face" of always being happy, always doing the right thing, always having it all together. So when my 9-year old daughter asked me two weeks ago if I had ever stolen anything, I immediately responded with an emphatic "of course not!" because I didn't want her to think that was acceptable behavior. Well, that isn't the whole truth, since as an elementary student I "borrowed" something from another student's desk just to see if they would miss it or if I could do something and get away with it. Of course afterwards I felt terrible and wondered at even that early age what kind of person I was becoming. It left such a lasting impression on me that I don't remember ever taking anything again.

Michael Simpson talked about how even if we haven't had a terrible past, we have all experienced emotions that non-Christians can relate to. Everyone has feelings of inadequacy, fear, guilt, etc. When Christians act like nothing affects them and they have it all together, that is not relatable to people. We come off as looking fake or not realistic. What we need to do is talk about how we have experienced bad things in our life, but because of our relationship with Jesus, He has helped us overcome our fear, guilt and shame. We still experience the pain of this world, but know the hope and joy of being a new creation in Christ and that He forgives us for our past acts and allows us to live by grace, not by putting on a false front of works.

Well, that is what I should have told my daughter. Yes, I did take something, I felt terrible about it, and even though it happened 30 years ago, I still remember it. Thankfully God has forgiven me, and now I am free to not ever do that again. I think she can relate to that, and hopefully not make the same mistake. Just as I hope non-Christians will be able to better relate to me once I'm willing to be vulnerable and open up to them about what it is REALLY like to be a follower of Christ.

Bookends

The Great Commission... ask a Christian to explain the Great Commission they will likely qoute Matthew 28:19 (New International Version)
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

We are called to "preach the Good News" to the ends of the Earth...don't forget the bookends to this passage.

18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

We can have confidence that all authority has been given to believers, and know that God is with believers ALWAYS. The Great Commission is a challenge to us. A challenge that is wrapped in some powerful "bookends"

Permission Evangelism @ Westview

Permission Evangelism @ Westview

Exciting news...Westview Church will be hosting Michael Simpson Saturday and Sunday August 25-26, 2007. An evangelism workshop for Area Church leaders and laypeople interested in learning more about Permission Evangelism...When to talk when to walk.

Learn about creating a heart for the lost, engaging in conversations, listening to the Holy Spirit, and learning to share your story!

Michael Simpson is recognized worldwide as an industry strategist, consultant, public speaker and writer. Since abandoning atheism in 1992, he has pursued his passion of freeing Christians from guilt-based evangelism, and is now a requested speaker at conferences and churches. He held seats as a member of numerous boards of directors for non-profits and corporations, and was involved in several successful church plants, before relocating to St. Petersburg, Russia in 2004. Although he still travels occasionally to speak and lead workshops, the bulk of his time is spent discipling Russian university students and young professionals as a staff member with The Navigators.

Click here for a Permission Evangelism - promo

I can't wait. Four more years...of evangelism training

I remember it like it was yesterday...I am sure you all know what you were doing doing the Vice Presidential Debate in the fall of 2004. Well maybe I am the only one who can definitely remember what I was doing.

I had attended a Leaders for the Harvest Retreat the weekend before the debate. On the retreat we had a time of scripture reading, solitude, and prayer...just some good ol' quit time. I remember thinking I paid to come to this retreat, now they are sending me out into the woods to meditate on one paragraph of scripture.

It was a new experience for me. I remember how the first 45 minutes kind of drug on. It was hard for me to slow down and just think about nothing. Then I began to read the scripture passage over and over. (Still nothing - no great ah-ha moment for me) Well I continued to pray and read the same verses...about to hours into it I really was wondering what I was doing. Then as it came closer to the time to get back to the main cabin...I began writing, and writing and journaling some more...my ah-ha moment came on so fast it almost scared me. I could not write fast enough to keep up with my thoughts. It was a truly Spirit-filled moment for me.

I came away from that meeting with the name of a book in my head. Permission Evangelism by Michael Simpson. I looked back at my notes. I did not see where I jotted the name down or where the guide book referenced it. I just knew I had to buy this book.

I bought it on Monday, then started reading it during the VP Debate. I started Permission Evangelism and did not put it down until I had read it all. At 2 am I was so pumped about this book I just finished. That was my first time reading Permission Evangelism, since then I have reread it several times and taught through a discussion of the book.

I look forward to announcing some very exciting news about Permission Evangelism and Westview Church. I look forward to seeing God use His people to initiate conversations, engage people, and bless those relationships.

Drop back soon for a special announcement!

Leaving Pella Via the Emmaus Road

This article (below) really spoke to me. You can find it in the May 2007 edition of The Church Herald. I emailed Rev. Klaver and received permission to post it here on Initiate - Engage - Bless.
Thanks for stopping by - Keith

A Parable of Anxiety
by Dick Klaver
(The Rev. Dick Klaver is pastor of Ferry Memorial Reformed Church in Montague, Michigan.)


Two faithful RCA pastors were driving home from General Synod, discussing intently all that had happened. Just outside of Pella, they picked up a hitchhiker. He sat in the back seat, listened a bit, then asked, “What in the world are you guys talking about?” With a sigh, the driver answered, “You live near Pella and you don’t know what‘s happening in the RCA!” The guest admitted he knew little about it. So they proceeded to instruct him.
“Thirty years ago, we became pastors in the RCA. They told us we were a dying denomination. So we, pastors, were told to embrace ‘Relational Theology.’ Bruce Larson. Keith Miller. Amazing insights! The old doctrines were dead; this was new life! But little changed. Then we pushed ‘Lay Leadership.’ All Christians are ministers. Good theology! It helped generate some new programs but the zeal wore off.
“Then we heard we were lacking the Holy Spirit. We were relying too much on human effort. Oddly, the next wave was ‘Objectives, Goals and Standards’ for our churches. Talk about irony! Suddenly we were not measuring enough.
“Then…I can’t recall if that was the New Way before or after ‘Missional Theology.’ No matter…after the Spirit didn’t revive us, we embraced ‘Church Growth.’
“Yeah, Kenyon Callahan‘s Twelve Keys. Talking about dynamic worship, meaningful small groups, having enough parking spaces, sanctuaries must be less than 80% full. Good stuff! Early forms of Natural Church Development.”
“Natural what?” the hitchhiker asked.
“No matter, my church flunked NCD. Then we had ’Prayer Fire Conferences.’ But we didn’t dare to go.”
“Why?”
“Well, once we went to a Kathryn Kuhlman Healing Conference at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium. She was fascinating. Dancing around the stage in her white angelic robe. Organ music timed perfectly as people were healed and slain in the Spirit.”
“Could be miracles!”
“Could be. But one of us came down with the flu during the healing service. So our thought is, show up at a Prayer Fire Conference, one of us might spontaneously combust! Not safe!”
“Hmm. I see your point. Then what?”
“Well, we tried Praise Music. Blended Worship. Then, two distinct styles of worship services. That came at a price. Tensions about what is Gospel and what is culture. We have not really settled all that yet.”
“Those seem important questions. Who is God? What is the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection? How to read and apply the scriptures? What is the church and what is its purpose? Are not those your core questions for these days of cultural ferment? And what about this business of God’s sovereignty? What are the implications of that?
“Ha! We don’t know what church you come from but those are old questions we resolved long ago in the Reformed Church. Our questions are more about being relevant.”
“You people sound awfully anxious to me. Why would you want to be ‘culturally relevant? Is this rapidly changing culture morally neutral, or should the church be counter-cultural? Something new and different?”
“We don’t know friend. Some days our biggest concern is paying bills out of the General Fund. We just hope to get paid! Then, recently we heard that if we are not growing in numbers, we are disobeying the Great Commission of Jesus. To make disciples. Are we sinning against God? Wow! That haunts us! We are Calvinists. We major in feeling guilty. Add on this failure. We don‘t know what to do.”
“Sure. Jesus said, make disciples. Yet here is the question - what does it mean to be a disciple?”
“Well, interesting you should ask that. We are concerned this could slide into hustling converts more than shaping a people committed to Christ, living deeply disciplined lives. And…and what happens to being prophetic in the rush to make converts?
“Those prophets are not a happy lot, are they. Didn’t they call us to suffer? To do justice. That‘s not always going to attract the masses.”
“Then along came ‘Emergent Church’ folk. They say we have it all wrong. They rightly caution us about embracing the agendas of conservatives or liberals. Wow, they are really challenging our church culture.”
“Yeah, I tried that once. Challenging the traditions. Got me into a bit of trouble. Yet…
“Well, we’ve tried eliminating church jargon, making worship culturally accommodating. Times are changing… yet we wonder. Emergent Church Thinking strikes us as a bit arrogant. It comes off as if it has discovered God…and the ways of God… for the first time in history. We suspect it ignores its own weaknesses; its seeds of future failure.
“How so?“
“Some of its gurus seem to think the enemy is ‘the traditional church.’ Has God failed for the past 2000 years? It seems very reactionary. Useful in its critiques. Useful to moderate insensitive churchy habits. But perhaps not deep in theology. Not useful at core to sustain a church over decades.
“Don’t tell anybody, but we still love many of the good old psalms and hymns. And Grandma Pranger - her love of Jesus, her prayer life, her devotion to the church - still seems a great model of faith to us. What could be more relevant than simple love as Jesus taught us?”
“So, how far can you go making the Gospel relevant until you have made it irrelevant to God the Father.”
“Well, that’s just it. We have concerns.”
Suddenly the hitchhiking guest instructed them on faith, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, interpreting to them all the scriptures concerning Jesus the Christ.
Arriving at home, they offered, “That was quite the lecture, friend. Now you’ve piqued our interest…who are you? Would you like to stay for dinner?”

Passing the rolls, he took one, broke it, and gave a piece to each of them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened. And they said…
“Now we get it. Change the style of communion. Yeah, that might work. Instead of bits of bread, let’s use rolls and ask people to eat the whole thing. And how about jugs of juice. Yeah… maybe that‘s it. A new style of communion.”

And at that, he vanished from their sight.

Church Preschool

Today I sat in on my daughter’s preschool, PRE-K at Westview Church Preschool. Wow! Talk about talented teachers. As Ms. Hope was reading “Jack and the Beanstalk,” just when she got to the part where the giant was eating 4 oxen, a preschooler interjected “ My cousin ate octopus legs!" Hope stayed on point and continued reading. Next came a “fe-fi-fo-fum…I smell the blood of an Englishman.” The little girl added “Englishman…not Englishmen” Ms. Hope refocused the kids on the story and kept on reading.

I think the “Church” gets sidetracked too often with “octopus legs.” I have heard it all. We need to be more contemporary - more traditional. More relevant, or we need be counter cultural… praise music or hymns. The music is too slow, the music is too loud. It can go down as far as color paint, the parking lot is too full, and they sat in “my” seat.


Isn’t it great God has the patience of a preschool teacher! Let’s stay focused…Westview Church wants to help people Find Jesus, Grow in Jesus, and Serve Jesus.

Just Say Thanks...

Yesterday, I was driving in my truck with my daughter when the “Al’s Pals” cd ended and Sean Covington’s “You Be” was in the next cd slot. When Carrie began singing along, it really reminded me about how lucky we are to have talented musicians at Westview.

Each week Natalie McDonald puts together a great worship team. Each set takes a lot of effort and time to put together. Each week many talented individuals spend hours preparing for Westview Church’s worship service.

As I was reminded by my daughter singing “You Be” … others are much more talented than I am at singing. She really made me smile. Smiling might be my preferred way to worship, or at least the person in front of me's "preferred way for me" to worship.

During last week’s service Tanya leaned over and said “It’s amazing two guys and a guitar can sound so awesome.”

I am glad those God blessed with talent; really step up to serve in Westview’s Worship Ministry. Next time you run into Natalie or a worship team member thank them for their hard work.

Faithbooking. Create a Legacy.

I just want to take a minute and celebrate a unique ministry here at Westview. I have a little insight into this group because my wife Tanya is involved with Scrapbooking here at Westview.

The first Friday of every month several women (6-15 ladies) get together to spend some time scrapbooking. Why would anyone want to go someplace to throw some pictures in an album? Well, let's just say...scrapbooking can quickly become a passion. Not only a enjoyable pastime, but one that get you to go through that box of 3,600 photos in your basement. It preserves your photos and your memories.

Anyway a couple of years ago Tanya decided to really try to add some "Faithbooking" to our albums. She wanted to highlight photos with verses. She began by adding scripture to photos with friends. She created a book with pages based on the Fruits of the Spirit for our girls...so could we "catch them" living out those qualities.

Each event brings people together to share ideas, share stories, and share their Faith. Not all scrapbooking attendees are from our Westview Family. It has been a great way for people in the community to get to know each other.

I am excited because not only do people enjoy the workshops, the albums with last a lifetime! Don't be intimidated by all these scrappers...come join them. Tanya has many products available from Creative Memories that allow you to easily create albums. They even have some you just slide the photos into. You can print storybook albums on-line. (these events are not exclusive Creative Memories events, she does have product and tools available at the events but many products are available at stores through the metro like Archivers or Michaels etc..)

Tanya recently highlighted her goal and passion behind "Faithbooking"

My goal & passion ~
• To incorporate into my albums examples of my faith and signposts of God at work in my everyday life.
• For future generations to be able to clearly see and read about how God has been working in my life, my family, & in my friends’ lives.
• To share this method of documenting life with others.
…Tanya

Join her April 13 and 14th @ Westview for a Scrapbook Memoranza! Friday Night and All Day Saturday!

Capture your God-Moments!

Magical Moment?

I just returned from a week at Disney World in Orlando! Wow! What a great week! I have heard people talk about "magical moments," a specific time that they connected with Disney Magic.

Would I have a magical moment? I went in thinking okay - lots of rides - characters - high priced food and drink - long lines - what could be magical about that? Then it happened... the smiles - the look on my girls' faces during their first Disney Parade. Priceless. It actually happened several times. The pictures with Mickey and Minnie, Cinderella's Castle, It's a Small World...

I happened to think of Westview and our first "Magical Moment." When did we connect to Westview? Tanya and I attended two different large churches in the Des Moines area before visiting Westview. One thing we really liked about a larger church, we could slip in and out and not really have to connect with anyone.

When we first came to Westview we did the same thing - show up right before services, leave right after the benediction. It was our choice - right, then we started noticing groups of people who looked like they wanted to be there and really were connected. Slowly we started to try to interact with people and met a few friendly faces. Looking back it took us almost a full year to really become engaged with people. One of our "magical moments" was at a Westview Church golf outing - we were paired with Dave and Susan Watson. It was really the first time we connected with someone besides a quick hello on a Sunday. We decided it was time to initiate and engage; then we saw God bless our family, friends, and faith.

We were then introduced to a small group and began building relationships with friends. Those friendships have changed our lives. Six years later we have built a network of friends we pray with, talk about our faith with, and just have fun together!

I look at my Disney experience and think - yeah - but that's what Disney does...everyone is there to help create a magical moment for you, their guest. Their mission is to "make people happy"

Westview Church has a vision to be a House of Prayer and a Serving Church. Westview wants you to be a part of that vision through Westview's Mission of helping people find Jesus, grow in Jesus, and Serve Jesus. We want you to have a "Magical Westview Moment!"

I don't want you to wait a year like we did. I understand - everyone has their own speed at engaging with a local church. I would encourage you to contact me if you want to get involved with a small group, a ministry, or just simply talk about your magical moment.

Thanks for stopping by...Keith

To contact Keith click here

Don't Hide Your Faith!

I wanted to follow to the "What do you mean by Christian?" post from a few weeks back.

By asking first what someone means by "Christian" it can allow you to know there perspective on Christianity. Too many times, by answering "Yes - I am a Christian." the conversation ends. The conversation might end before either party knows how the other defines Christian.

It is safe to say we all have had conversations with others who may have a whole different definition of what it means to be a Christian. Michael Simpson states in Permission Evangelism,

"By First engaging in understanding their concept of Christianity, I create enough interest to pull them into conversation. When I finally do state that I am a Christian, based on what that means to both of us, nonbelievers are often more willing to listen because I have been thoughtful enough to consider their perspective." Permission Evangelism p 33

Simpson goes on to relate this process to an encounter you could have at a local coffee shop. He tells a story of interacting with a gentleman at a local coffee shop. Meeting a modestly dressed man who takes interest in you. You spends the afternoon in conversation. You come to realize he has a unselfish and kind heart. As you leave and exchange names, you immediately recognize his name as a famous multimillionaire that the press has been headlining each day. He has been involved in a "scandal" and the media has painted him into being a self-centered man of greed who has destroyed the lives of several people.

Later- if you were to explain to your friends about your meeting. How would you relate how this man engaged you and showed you a heart of wisdom and unselfishness. This man was nothing like you had imagined. If you had known who he was before your conversation, how would that have impacted your perception of this man? Would you have even listened or understood what he was about?

Again- I think it is more about inviting conversations - than repelling conversations.

Don't hide the fact your a Christian - just be aware other's don't always have the same definition. Sometimes it might help a conversation to go farther by clearing up any inconsistencies, otherwise you might end a conversation too early that could impact someone's life forever.

Remember - Initiate conversations, Engage friendships, Bless relationships!

Reverse Offering! $20 talent - What are you going to do?

The Parable of the Talents
Last Sunday we took a different type of offering at Westview. Instead of giving you the opportunity to give offerings to God, we asked you to take $20 from the offering basket. We held a reverse offering! Our scripture for the morning was Matthew 25: 14-30, the Parable of the Talents. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of 3 servants who receive talents (a measure of weight or money) from their master. They are to invest the master’s talents while he is away. Two of the servants invest their talents and make a 100% return. The third servant digs a hole and buries his talent until the master returns.

$20
We gave out the $20 bills to represent talents given by God. We are asking you to invest your $20 in the kingdom. How will you do this? That’s up to you. We want you to pray about it and take a risk. You may have a person you want to help, or a kingdom issue that you are concerned about. There’s no timetable, there’s no hurry, but there is the responsibility of stewardship (don’t bury your talent!). You are responsible to manage what God has given you to manage (which is everything you own and everything you are). The money we gave out (almost $2,000) was a donation expressly given for this reverse offering.

Let Us Know!
We would like to hear from you regarding what you decided to do with your $20! Please email the church if you would like to share your story with others at Westview. Already I am hearing of small groups talking about joining their money together for a certain project. I hear of families who want to help neighbors. Individuals are excited about what God is saying to them.

Did You Miss Out?
Maybe you weren’t here this past Sunday to get a $20 bill. We won’t be giving out more money, but you can still participate! Set aside your own $20 (I know it didn’t come from our anonymous donor, but remember, it’s all God’s money anyway!). Take $20 and begin to pray about how God wants you to invest it for His kingdom. Remember, God’s kingdom is all about loving God (your vertical relationship) and loving others (your horizontal relationships). Pray and ask God how He wants you to serve him and others through your $20. And use this exercise to help you think about how he wants you to use all that He has given you!

God bless and have fun!

Jay Braband

Evangelism Support

I got side tracked this week. I will follow-up with the "Never Hide Your Faith" post next week. I just had an amazing story I want to share with you. The Elder Board and Leadership Team at Westview have committed to giving at least 10% of our offerings to our missions budget. We support overseas mission projects(RCA Missionaries), local missions(Waukee Area Christian Food Pantry), short term mission trips, and several other outreach and service projects.

This past week I received an email from Brett and Micki Strait. Westview has supported Brett and Micki in the past. We recently sent them some financial support to help them with their staff position with Navigators.

I tend to focus on Westview's programs, Westview's growth, Westview's this and Westview's that...Sometimes I get so wrapped up in "what we do!" I can get lost in the programs we "need" to do, and almost forget about what and why we are doing "church." Our desire is to be a House of Prayer, A Serving Church...by Helping people Find, Grow, and Serve Jesus! Not only can we "do" church, we can "be" that church!

Brett's email to me - spoke of what a blessing Westview's gift would have on their ministry. They are praising God for the work of our church. Our tithes and offering are not only impacting the families in our community. We help support other's who are taking the love and hope of Christ all over the country and the world. Find, Grow , and Serve. It's not limited to our community of believers.

What do you mean by Christian?

Billy Graham? Tony Dungy? Jim Baker or Jimmy Swaggart?

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans think negatively about Christians. Many people relate a scandal, a painful memory. or just associate negative media accounts to the "label" Christian.

Michael Simpson, in his book Permission Evangelism asks the question "What are you?" here is a quick quote from the book that really struck a cord with me.

"Like it or not, the word "Christian" has been poisoned in America. It is not a word that we should abandon, but that word will never save anyone. That word will never draw you closer to anyone but another Christian. When you have earned the respect of another person, claim what you will, but until then be wary of Christian argot that closes relational doors. Sensitivity does not presuppose that you compromise your faith.

When someone initially asks me if what I believe, I rarely declare that I am a Christian until I know a little about that person's belief system. Shocked? Let me explain why. Until I know the person's preconceived notion of Christianity, I risk branding myself with his or her potentially incorrect perception and abruptly ending the conversation. I have replied "I believe in Jesus Christ," "I have a personal relationship with God," and even, "I am a reformed antagonist," just to get the conversation started. All too often, a response of "I am a Christian" put an end to a conversation with someone who was certainly interested in spiritual things.(p32 Permission Evangelism by Michael Simpson, Cook Publishing - 2003)"

To me, this reads as a simple; Think about engaging conversations, not ending conversations.

I look forward to any comments on this...I found it humorous when Simpson goes on to say, the people that get most upset with this approach are usually Christians. Look for more in my next post, "Never hide your faith!"

Avoid using "Christianese!"

Alpha USA, recently sent me an email with the title "Watch Your Language!" Do Christians tend to talk in another language? Not really - but many times if an un-churched person would approach a groups of Christians in conversation, what they hear might cause the non-christian to scratch their head.

Prayed for, laying on of hands, Saved, pro-life, spiritual gifts, tithe... Even things about a service like offerings, benediction, communion, or worship can be confusing. Things common to a Christian can literally scare a seeker away. One quote mentioned in the email happened at a Alpha event. One helper said to a quest, "Do you go to church much?" Guest responded, "Not very much." Helper replied,"You should come here next Sunday, our preacher really knows how to use his Sword and get people fired up about Jesus!"

Communicating with non-church language helps the guests understand what's being said while breaking down stereotypes of Christians.

While you are initiating conversations and engaging people, remember "Watch your language!" God can bless those conversations.

Don't forget - your words can be as sharp as a Sword:)

for more tips check out www.alphausa.org

Permission Conversation

Two years ago, I worked on a time line of my life, for Leaders For the Harvest. Leaders for the Harvest is a Leadership Course that really help create a desire in me to spend more time and energy focusing on spiritual disciplines.

My time line, my story? Why work on my story? Does anybody ever ask you to share your story? While writing my time line I was forced to really look at my life history. It was amazing to me to see how God has worked in my life. How can I share what I have learned from watching God impact my life? How do you share details with others with out boring them or driving them away?

When I think of people sharing their Christ Stories it reminds me of Church Youth Rallies, FCA Groups, or Sunday Evening Testimonies at Church...

I don't want to spew my whole story within every conversation I have, but I would like to share it with someone! One thing I learned from Michael Simpson in Permission Evangelism was to not unload your story right away...God will let it happen in His time. Be open to share. Wait.

One example of a permission conversation would be if someone asks "how's it going?" don't jump right back with a lot of details that lead you into you Christ story. Be patient and listen for God to open doors. One response I like that was cited in the book, is to respond by saying "I have a lot of exciting things going on in my life right now!" People will then either be satisfied by your small talk or be led to ask for more.
The conversation might end on your statement.

Six months later that same parent might be sitting next to you at the soccer game. God could prompt them to say something like this,"You mentioned a while back that you had some exciting things going on - what's so exciting?"

God may be leading them to engage in your conversation you initiated six months ago...will God Bless that "Random" Statement? I believe He can!

Resource Provider

Bill Hybels wrote in his book Just Walk Across The Room, about being a resource provider. I don't always know the answer to the tough questions people ask about Christianity. It is safe to say I all to often I am left saying "that's a great question or I don't know." Even if it is not a direct question there are many times a conversation sparks a memory of something I may have read. There are so many great books out there about relationships, leadership, etc...Many books authored by Christian Authors can create conversations points, lead people to seek out God, and really impact people's lives.

Lola Kenworthy shared at Westview Church on Jan 14th, about how God has been encouraging her to be bold about her faith. One thing that she took from Just Walk Across the Room, was that God can use her to plants the seeds of faith in people's lives. She has really challenged herself to be a "resource provider" She has seen how easy it is to suggest a book to someone. She has even taken steps to have materials ready to share. ( I have yet to see her balancing a book on her head walking through the mall:) She does however make sure she has access to books, cd's, dvds, etc...

Think about where and when you can share a good book, a cd, or even the Bible with someone. God can use you as a Resource Provider! HE can do the rest! Be willing to Initiate, Engage, and then prayerfully wait on God to Bless!

TeleMarketing Interuptions

What does marketing mean to you? Do you think Superbowl commercials? Apple’s 1984…Mean Joe Green and Coke…the Budweiser Frogs? Marketing can really pull on your emotions. Commercials tend to make me smile or laugh.

How about junk mail? Telemarketing? Ugh! Think interruptions. Annoying sales pitches. Michael Simpson states in his book Permission Evangelism that he hates interruptions, well so do I! He goes on to mention that everyday advertisers, telemarketers, and Internet pop-up ads all steal our precious time.

I want to ask you to take a moment and think of your non-Christian friends. Would they accept Christ after randomly being interrupted, then witnessed to on the street by a stranger? Or would they be more likely to be introduced into Salvation by people who know them? Would they trust people who they already have a prior established relationship?

God can use you to impact the lives of the non-believers you already interact with daily! Remember initiate conversations, engage in friendships, and allow God to bless those encounters!

How do you answer tough questions?

Evangelism...Outreach...Sharing your Faith...Are those scary statements for you to think about?

How many times do you wish you knew what to say? How many times do you wish you spoke up when asked a question? Do people ask you about your faith? How come it is so natural for "others" to share their faith? Ever said "Nobody asks me questions like that?" or "That's not my gift"

Engaging people in discussions can become a habit. I don't want to "sell" people on my faith...I do want them to know my story, my experiences, etc...

Over the next couple of posts, I will explain how simple it can be to get people to ask you about your story!



Find out more about Westview Church www.westview.org