"Finding the Sacred in the Secular: The Conclusion"

In an attempt to wrap up the “Finding the Sacred in the Secular” series, I am going to target three final bullet points. This series has been eye opening for a lot of people. I have received some interesting responses via email. It seems that there are many who agree,(though silently) with some of the discussion and there are others who have felt that their values/beliefs system has been challenged. There was also a majority who are fed up with “church as usual,” they are ready to break down the walls of religion and tradition.

So, in this attempt to wrap it all up, I will begin with the obvious…

• Internet…
Almost every growing church has an active, up to date website these days. In the age of the internet with the www literally at our fingertips 24/7 through PCs, laptops and mobile devices churches must have a web presence.

I’ll admit that I rarely even touch my telephone directory anymore. In the time it would take me to climb the step ladder to retrieve my phone book, grab a pen and paper and flip through several thousand pages, I have already Googled the destination I am seeking, surfed their site and printed a Mapquest to get there.

When families are looking for a new church, chances are huge that they will check out area churches online first. Pair that with an actively blogging staff and without a doubt, you will get some attention!

Want more information on this? Check out The Blogging Church….

• Outreach
What do you call an Easter Bunny, 50,000 candy-filled plastic eggs, and thousands of dollars in bikes, game systems, gift cards, etc.? OUTREACH! Really, it is!

How about handing out free sodas and water at the beach on a scorching hot day? OUTREACH! Feeding quarters into three blocks worth of parking meters? OUTREACH!

Outreach Ministry today looks quite a bit differently that it did 10 years ago! As a matter of fact, even the description and name has changed to Servant Evangelism or Random Acts of Kindness.

According to Servant Evangelism guru, Steve Sjogren, “Small Things Done with Great Love Are Changing the World" because that's what's happening. We get reports from pastors, lay leaders and ordinary Christ-followers all over the world who have discovered the power and impact of "showing God's love in practical ways.”

(more from the SE website)"To get a complete understanding of Servant Evangelism, you should order and read Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren, founding pastor of a church that grew from a handful to an average attendance of 7,500 in just fifteen years. Such things happen now and then. What makes this story unusual is that this happened in Cincinnati, Ohio --- a city that has long been known for its in-your-face unfriendliness! Mark Twain spent a good deal of time in this city on the Ohio River and often commented about how rude people were. When this church was launched, Cincinnati was ranked as the third most unfriendly city in America. After serving about 12 million people over those fifteen years the, tone of the city literally changed and that change had made a permanent impact on the city in innumerable ways. Servant Evangelism (SE) connects people to people in a natural, easy, low-risk, high grace way."

"Who doesn't like to be given a cold Coke on a hot day? Especially by someone who is smiling, happy and having fun."

"SE wins the heart before it confronts the mind. A small act of kindness nudges a person closer to God, often in a profound way as it bypasses ones mental defenses. The average Christ-follower is willing to hand a stranger a can of cold Coke on a hot day (low risk). The high grace is seen in the typical reaction. "Oh, thank you!" "This is so nice!" "I can't believe this is for free!" And, "Why are you doing this?" "

"Kindness builds the bridge for the person to receive a touch of love from God. It's simple, practical, effective, inexpensive and fun!"

"Steve's latest book, Outflow, takes the conspiracy of kindness to a whole new level by releasing "regular" Christ-followers to live the Jesus-style life of noticing and responding to those around us with kindness, love and generosity.” "

• Relevant Teaching
In the last decade pastors have started to hone in on the value of reaching and touching people where they are. By finding a common denominator that is relevant to a multitude, a wealth of wisdom and revelation can be broken down into bite size pieces and that investment will return a giant bang for the Kingdom!

On virtually any Sunday a series dealing with topics relating to the family structure, values, sex, dating, relationship building, character building, and so much more can be found anywhere in the country. People want to live better! They are buying the books, CDs and watching the infomercials… and then they are offered even better advice, from the Bible no doubt at the church on the corner!?

Not every Christian agrees with such relevance in the pulpit. On this one, we’ll agree to disagree. For the record though, people ARE giving their lives to Christ, and they ARE living better because of the change He’s making IN them through relevant teaching! You can’t argue with success!

Like my mother used to say, “You’ll catch a lot more flies with honey than you will with vinegar!”

Well, it’s been fun. I’ve loved doing this series, but this one is done for now. I am confident it could have gone on forever... the list growing and growing… but to that, I’ll pass the baton on to someone else.

Just remember, as Christians we have the power to “rightly divide” as the Word says. Judge fruit (results)… not methods or covers.

Love & Blessings!

"Finding the Sacred in the Secular: Part 5: Tattoos"

This is kind of a side bar to the series... it is about Tattoos. I have posted a YouTube clip and an article with Biblical references that may or may not surprise you. On a personal note, I don't have a problem with tattoos. I do not have tattoos ("tats" ) of my own because I am not a big fan of needles for the most part. I do have brothers with tattoos. I remember when my brother Johnnie got his first tattoo. My mother was not real happy... at first. She finally came to the realization that although she wasn't thrilled with Johnnie's tats, he could be into something a lot worse.

Johnnie (photo of Johnnie and family is above) is a Christian, dedicated father to Emry and Maya and loving husband to Debbie. He is also a leader in the church he attends and has a passion for worship and reaching young people. My brother is authentic if anything. He's never been a liar although you might not like what he has to say.

Last year Johnnie got a new tattoo... it says "To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain..." It symbolizes his own testimony. Perhaps you're thinking, "Was it necessary for him to tattoo his testimony?" My answer to that is, I don't know, maybe not. But on the flip side, I've been told that there is a story behind every tattoo. Who knows who Johnnie will run into, someone that a pretty conservative mom of five like myself could never relate to, but Johnnie could. And say this person and Johnnie begin to trade "tat stories"... and then the person points to Johnnie's "To Live is Christ..." tat and says, "Say, tell me about this one." The testimony that follows could very well end up in the sinner's prayer.

I've included a YouTube video below of Worship Pastor Carlos Whitaker and his experience on LA Ink... it is my understanding that he also received some flack about his appearance... but God knows his heart... and that is not my focus here anyway... enjoy the video and read the article below for a little more on this subject.

My prayer is that we can all become more accepting and love just as Jesus does... tats and all!




Christians and Tattoos (Article by: Kelli Mahoney)

The main scripture verse that people use against tattoos is in Leviticus:

Leviticus 19:28 – “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” (KJV)

While some believe the scripture is clear that the verse tells us not to cut on our bodies, which is what tattooing is, there is much more to interpreting this statement. In context this verse is discussing preparation for death in which many bodies were tattooed with pagan religious symbols. Since God’s commandments prohibit Jews and Christians from worshiping other gods, it would be logical that God would prohibit these death preparation tattoos.

However, it is also clear that many dictates of that particular time in history no longer apply. There are scriptures in the Old Testament that tell women to keep their heads covered at all time. Others tell people they cannot eat certain types of meat. Still others prohibit certain types of haircuts. They all had their purposes at the time. Yet, many of those rules no longer apply in the New Testament.

Yet, just clinging to the New Testament not directly prohibiting tattoos is not necessarily a clear approach, either. The New Testament does not directly prohibit things like bestiality or prostitution of a daughter, but Christian believe those things are sins. How do we know the fine line? Just saying that “Well, the New Testament doesn’t directly tell me it’s a sin, so I can do it,” is often looking for an easy out in a difficult decision.

Is It Only Banned for the Dead?

Tattooing is a pretty common occurrence today. They are no longer reserved just for bikers or delinquents. Many of the Christian people you admire in your life probably have tattoos. Yet there are also Christians in your life telling you that tattooing is a sin, and you should avoid it at all costs. So should Christians get tattoos? Are they a sin? Let’s look more closely at scripture as well as the pros and cons of tattooing to find an answer.


Others use the reference to the dead as justification for getting tattoos while alive. There is debate today regarding this reference. Many biblical scholars believe that there are two distinct acts being discussed in this scripture. There is the tattooing of the dead and then there is the marking of the living. Other scholars see it only as reference to the dead.
The Body is the Temple of God

There is little question that the Bible states clearly how our bodies are the Temple of God making it important that we care for our bodies with the same love we give to God. Christians against tattooing believe that this scripture from 1 Corinthians is another reason a person should not get a tattoo:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (NIV)

This scripture does not ban tattoos, but it does bring up the question as to why a person wants to get a tattoo and which tattoos to get. As with some sin it is not the act but the intent that matters. If the act of getting tattoo is rebellion against parents, authority, etc. – then it is a sin. For instance, if your parents tell you not to get a tattoo and you do it to spite them, then getting a tattoo is sinful, because God’s commandment calls for you to “honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12).

The other question to ask yourself is if your tattoo is edifying God. Since tattooing is very much debated by biblical scholars, do you really want to take a chance on getting a tattoo that does not honor God? Are you getting a tattoo just to fit in or are you getting a tattoo to glorify the Lord? Remember, you are supposed to be in the world, not of the world. While many tattoos are beautiful, they tend to honor the world rather than God.

Getting a tattoo is something that should not be taken lightly. It is a well-debated issue in the Christian community, and there are differing opinions as to whether a tattoo is sinful or not. As a Christian, decisions need to be made with your eyes on God. So, if you do choose to get a tattoo, remember that, while man looks at the outside appearance, God looks at the heart.



Love & Blessings!

Finding the Sacred in the Secular : Part 4: "What Not to Wear"

A very sticky topic among some churches in predominately mainline denominations revolves around clothing. Because of its apparent “elephant in the room” persona, the topic of “What Not to Wear…” fits perfectly in our series, “Finding the Sacred in the Secular.”

Perry Noble shared in a message how a woman approached him after a service one Sunday and said, “Who are you?” He replied that he was the pastor. She smirked and stated, “Well, I never saw a pastor wear anything other than a suit to church. I thought we were supposed to give God our best!” Perry did not miss a beat as he pointed to his Timberlands and said, “Ma’am, these are Timberlands and they are the most expensive shoes I own. I am giving my very, very best.” Perry preaches every week dressed casually.

You guessed it… this episode of “Finding the Sacred in the Secular” is about clothing. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying that “clothing” is “secular”… but I am saying that some of our views relating to “what NOT to wear” and “what TO wear” may be legalistic and irrelevant. Whew… I said it.
There is nothing in the Word signifying what garments should be worn to church by either gender. Leadership in a church or denomination have simply adopted “preferences” and mandated them as law. I have often heard a passage from the Old Testament that seems to pop up anytime appropriate dress is discussed.

"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God" (Deuteronomy 22:5, KJV).

The context of this passage is the second giving of the law to the nation of Israel as they are poised to enter into the Promised Land. Hold onto you’re your trousers ladies…. Deuteronomy 22:5 is an admonition not to live as a transvestite. This has to do with more than just the clothes that a person is wearing, but speaks to living a life that emulated in every way a sex that was opposite than the one that the person was born in.

Transvestitism was a practice of the Canaanites, and Israel was to consider it an abomination. Can we take a principle from this and apply it to our lives as believers? Yes. However, when we do so, we must use it in the context in which it is given and do so in relation to the dispensation of grace.

The issue is that all believers should wear modest clothing all of the time. Whether or not that includes (for example) a woman wearing dress or a pair of slacks, it is one's own conscience before the LORD that should be the arbiter of their choice. If a man or woman allows her outward appearance to be the measure of his/her inward relationship with Christ, he/she is living under the constraints of legalism.

The Apostle Paul writes, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" (1 Corinthians 6:12, KJV).

Born again men and women are free in Christ to wear whatever modest apparel they choose and the only judgment that they should be under is that of their own conscience. "…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23, KJV).
We are not to allow our consciences to be dictated to by "legalism" and the consciences of others, but by our own relationship with Christ.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

I read a book once where the author was told that she as a pastor would be more approachable if she were to dress in skirts/dresses only, nylons and closed toed shoes. She went on to share that the only people she was “approached” by when dressing that way had been people already in the church, but when she was even a little more conservative unsaved and unchurched women would flock to her in droves thanking her for being “real and approachable.”

I don’t know about you, but if I need assistance in Wal-Mart I look for someone who looks like they know how to help me. There is a reason the greeters and associates in Wal-mart wear vests with a smiley face on them and not three piece suits.

I would venture to say that possibly 60% of Christian churches have found the “sacred in the secular” relating to the issue of clothing. Churches like NewSpring, Elevation and Redemption World Outreach have a “come as you are” environment that flows from the pastors to the staff to the church member to the lost. Jesus never told the men he chose as disciples to go home and clean up before they followed Him, He called them as they were and they followed as they were. Personally, I have preached dressed to the nines and I have preached in blue jeans. The same results were achieved, people came to Christ, their lives were empowered by the God and they made decisions to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Isn’t that really what it is all about?

I know I will receive some email that will state that women should dress certain ways or drape themselves with scarves and blankets because men are visually stimulated and they should not be “teased.” I agree partially… that is where modesty comes in, for both parties. However, allow me to say as tactfully as I know how… if a man lacks self control when it comes to being stimulated sexually, no amount of material, scarf or pantyhose will prevent him from being stimulated. The only difference is he will be imagining what lies underneath all of that cloth!

This is a tough topic because it is one that has been addressed culturally, to be honest, I have NO idea how to close. Perhaps this scripture will seal it best…
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” 1Peter 3:3-4Love & Blessings,

"Finding the Sacred in the Secular:" Part 3: "Hospitality"

I hope you are enjoying the series on "Finding the Sacred in the Secular...", we have covered media and music so far. In Part 3 we will discuss "hospitality." These are some of my own thoughts from years of ministry and years of visiting numerous churches both good and bad when it comes to hospitality.

Hospitality in the church has changed in big ways over the last decade! Today many mega churches are hosting Starbucks or Coffee Bars and our children experience a Nickelodeon-ish Kids Church that delivers a relevant message. Mega churches are not alone in their efforts to offer a hospitable hand. Churches of every size are making a concentrated effort of becoming "seeker/family friendly." Please note that I did not say "seeker sensitive." I am talking about being hospitable and making people feel welcome,not conforming to the mindsets of a lost world.

People want to feel like they are welcome. It is so important to remember that first impressions are lasting impressions.

On a personal note, when I walk into a church I want to see smiling folks, happy people. I don't want to encounter cranky ushers or bored children's ministry leaders. Like it or not, a hospitable environment will determine how much growth a church will see.

Craig and I have ministered in many churches through the US... and we have generally been treated very, very well. With that said, one thing I have always tuned in to while we were ministering is how the guests were treated. It seems that many churches function in a realm of "insider rules" that are known only to them. Guests are clueless which results in confusion and a carnal situation that may prevent a work of the Lord in that person's life. This always made me cringe! If a person is uncomfortable and feels like they are infringing on someone else's domain, they will not be open to receive from the Lord.

Bottom line is we should always prefer one another.. within reason of course. We must also know the people group we are seeking to reach. To reach that group, we must have the right bait! Any way you cut that bait, it will still have to look attractive on the hook! The same is true with hospitality. There are no rules however, a good rule of thumb is to find a way to approach hospitality in a relevant way!

Proper signage, friendly/helpful greeters and ushers, excited children's ministry leaders, smiling members and worship team leaders and a taste of home will go a long way in making someone feel at home!

Before someone is comfortable in my formal living room, they are first greeted warmly on the porch and they are encouraged to feel at home in our family room.

Craig and I know a large church in the south that offers a food bank to the community. The pastor shared with his congregation that this ministry was simply to bless the people who needed it. They would meet a felt need without any strings attached. He said that some people thought they should force the folks coming to benefit from the ministry to sit and listen to preaching before they received their groceries. The Pastor disagreed saying that they would meet the need and they would allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest. As a result, that church has broke out several times over.

In my own terms, it goes like this, I don't invite you over for dinner and then make you stand on my porch and listen to me talk before I'll allow you to come in and eat. No, I want you to feel at home. I'll give you the best seat in the house and first choice of the food on the table. I believe that my guest will listen to me after I am invested so much in them!

Hospitality is what we offer our guests, it is not what we give them if they live up to our expectations...

Love & Blessings!

"Finding the Sacred in the Secular": Part 2: "Secular Music"

I have had a great time researching how pastors and churches are using secular resources to reach the lost. In Part 1we saw some examples of how media is being used. In Part 2 of “Finding the Sacred in the Secular” we will explore the use of secular music in the church.

I can’t tell you how many churches are using music from secular sources to portray the Gospel message. When Craig was traveling as an evangelist he felt impressed by the Holy Ghost to use R. Kelley’s “I Believe I Can Fly” while ministering at a certain church. He took a step in faith and obeyed God. As a result, a mighty move of God broke out that extended the special meeting into a full blown revival.

I know many Christians who feel as if anything not in the hymnal is directly from the pit of hell, that Satan is the author himself. I disagree. For his Christmas message to War Cry readers of 1880 William Booth had already written: 'Secular music, do you say, belongs to the devil? Does it? Well, if it did I would plunder him for it, for he has no right to a single note of the whole seven. . . . Every note, and every strain, and every harmony is divine, and belongs to us. . . . So consecrate your voice and your instruments. Bring out your comets and harps and organs and flutes and violins and pianos and drums, and everything else that can make melody. Offer them to God, and use them to make all the hearts about you merry before the Lord.'

I believe that God can and will use anything that is offered up to Him. The way I see it is plainly stated in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The Bible says that God's Word is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of dividing. Simply this, the Word divides and discerns. God's Word is capable of dividing right from wrong, good from evil, and so on, and that if you have the Word in you, you are capable of dividing as well.

As I conclude Part 2, allow me to say, if there is anything sacred to be found in secular music (and I believe there is), we are obligated to rely on the Holy Spirit and the gift of discernment to guide us in how to use the resource for the glory of God.

In conclusion I have listed a few secular songs I believe hold something sacred that when partnered with the Spirit of God will change people from the inside out…

1.) “I’m a Survivor” (Destiny’s Child)
2.) “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion)
3.) “Stand” (Rascal Flatts)
4.) “Unwritten” (Natasha Beddingfield)
5.) “Anyway” (Martina McBride)

Think about it, what secular songs do you feel have a message that can be used for God’s glory?


Love & Blessings,

Finding the Sacred in the Secular Part 1

In a recent post I mentioned how I love to find the sacred in the secular and use it as a tool in ministry. So, I decided to do a little searching and share some unorthodox methods that churches and Christians are using to share the gospel...

Today I am sharing media clips based on an everyday household product... Shout Stain Removal... check it out...











I'll be sharing more on this topic in the next week or two... please feel free to send me your own contributions. What are you or your church doing to share the Gospel in a real and relevant way?

Love & Blessings,