“If Jesus comes back, do you really think he wants to see a cross again?”

Have you ever heard a comment that seemed to be insightful yet after careful reflection you sensed there was something “off” about the comment? Recently a comment like this has resurfaced in a number of my conversations and readings. It goes something like this, “If Jesus comes back, do you really think he wants to see a cross again? – Why then do you wear it around your neck or put it on your church buildings?” Such comments are said by those that feel like they have somehow put Christianity in its place. It is an intellectual trump card they have discovered that nullifies the Christian movement who for thousands of years have celebrated the cross. I have heard such statements from Christians too, in an attempt to somehow purify the church of some perceived shortfall or worse, take all crosses out of the church.

Yet, I can’t help but think such comments come from a naivety and a lack of understanding of the scriptures. For even a light reading of the New Testament reveals how central the cross is to the Christian faith. Did Jesus really want us to ignore it? In fact, Jesus shows us that it is the point in history which all of mankind must look to if they want salvation. It is the point at which God and mankind meet, the place that bridges the gap between the divine and all of humanity. At the last Supper he even instituted an ordinance that Christians have celebrated for years. The bread which represents his crushed body and the wine which represents his spilled blood both put the cross central to the gospel. One has to wonder, if Christ never wanted to remember the cross, why such a ritual was commanded by our Lord. Think of the billions of Christians that over the years have taken part in Communion, bowing their head and thanking Jesus for the cross. Is Jesus repulsed in horror every time they come to the Lord’s Table?


Perhaps such comments are rooted in a choice to refuse the gospel.  For Paul himself said that the cross is a “stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.“(1Cor.1:23) In fact, to say Jesus doesn’t want to see a cross again, highlights Jesus humanity over his divinity. In laymen’s terms that means Jesus’ human feelings supersede and overshadow the fact that He was also God. From a human standpoint the cross is unwanted and horrific. From God’s standpoint it is the only means by which mankind can approach him.


Did you know that the planet of Jupiter acts as is a cosmic vacuum in our solar system? The gravitational pull of this planet is so strong that it sucks in most of the meteors and space debris in our small corner of the universe. Estimates are that between 50,000-90,000 tons of meteors hit the earth every day! And, if Jupiter did not exist, the amount of meteors hitting the earth would increase exponentially! A few years ago something hit Jupiter really hard and prominent scars from this impact were visible on the planet for months. They called it “Comet-Shoemaker Levy” and it was something bigger than the size of planet earth! Do you feel helpless? Such a reality not only highlights the fact that God is sovereignly sustaining our life on planet earth but also illustrates that God could crush us if he wanted to. Our sin is what appals him and because of it we should be destroyed. Yet, instead of crushing us, God crushed his son on the cross. (Isa.53:10)

To ask the question, if Jesus still likes the cross, misses the point entirely. It sidetracks the conversation appealing to human emotion and neglects the most important issue. We need not worry if Jesus has any negative emotional connection to the cross because He has told us it is our only hope and means to salvation. The most important issue is that you confess Jesus as Lord and come to him on his terms. (Rm.10:9) Those terms are outlined pretty clearly when he tells us what it must take if we want to follow him - “take up your cross and follow me”(Lk.9:23) Perhaps the contention that most people have with the cross is a smokescreen for the real issue because the cross means I need to come to Jesus and die to myself. (Rm.6:1-4) I think the real issue is not that Jesus doesn’t like the cross, but that sometimes we don’t.

Seminary Education at an Interdenominational School

I stood at the front of the class giving a presentation on baptism.  I felt a cold sweat run down the back of my neck as there was an eerie fidgeting amongst some of my classmates. I realized that my perspective was not one shared by some in the room.  The class was called “Shepherd the Flock”- it covered the theology of Lord’s Supper, Preaching and Baptism. Those three things alone have been cause for much division in the church throughout history. And, with at least 7 evangelical denominations present in the class it certainly made for an engaging discussion and lively debate.  

Some might argue that this way of education is counter-productive if not damaging to Christianity. Yet, I would argue the contrary. Such an approach to Seminary education both solidifies and challenges your previous beliefs. Why? - Because discussion and debate is face-to-face, rather than just interacting through books or worse “hearsay.” It places accountability to the forefront because you actually have to understand a real person’s outlook and interpretation of the Scriptures. It keeps us from misunderstanding certain perspectives and getting off on theological tangents that may be full of holes and worse, unscriptural. In the end you may not change your original position but you will see its shortfalls.

For those that don’t want to be challenged in their theology or think deeply about preconceived notions, I ask – what are you scared of? That you might discover the truth? Some of us like to hold on to our view of God that was given to us since we were a child attacking vehemently anything that differs from that perspective. Perhaps in being open, the worst thing that could happen is that you grow in your faith.

I got a call from a friend the other day concerned that his current pastor is leaning towards Calvinism. He stressed about this complex theology that he was encountering for the first time. “Cognitive Dissonance” is a good word to describe his condition. He was trying to bring together two things he considered to be true but appeared to contradict. He had spent countless of hours reading his Bible and seeking God for the answer. He asked me for my perspective and when I gave it, it never settled the issue for him. I pointed out that maybe the answer will stay hidden from him so that God can mold him to be more like his Son. After all, that is what God is ultimately about in our lives.  Such is the case of Seminary at Briercrest.

This approach also leaves you thirsty for more. Rather than tying every doctrine up with a nice little bow, it leaves you with a deep appreciation for the God who is beyond our understanding. Not that you are always in the dark and don’t ever settle on certain theological truths. But, it keeps you from placing your own personal understanding of God above the God of the Bible.  In a sense this approach teaches you how to be a lifelong learner and a lifelong disciple of Jesus. I will leave Seminary not as someone about to conquer the world with “proper understanding of scripture” but reliance on the God who eternally beyond my own understanding. Don’t hear me saying that an interdenominational seminary makes everything relative and there are no absolutes. On the contrary, it brings us back to the authority of the Word of God and forces our belief to rise from that, rather than personal opinion.

As a former youth pastor and potential future lead pastor I realize that I am bound to face someone in my church with a different perspective and theology than my own. Having already wrestled with other perspectives before entering the ministry, I think I am better able to respond to views that differ from my own.

Seminaries like Briercrest provide unity to an otherwise fragmented Evangelical landscape in Canada. Without reducing unity to the lowest common denominator of the one thing we have in common like “Jesus” or “Loving people,” they still stand on the Word of God. Professors still drive us to the scriptures for developing our Christian worldview and challenge our assumptions of what we consider true. Perhaps the term “interdenominational” isn’t a cop out but a step in the right direction and something that God might use for expanding his kingdom in this volatile and unchristian nation called Canada. 

A Year in Review - The Foster Family Christmas Letter 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

As we reflect on this past year as a family, it is good to put things into perspective. This summer we as a family had the opportunity to visit the Badlands of South Dakota. It was a unique experience as we gazed out on the “savage beauty” of the landscape. They call this place “the face of the moon” because it feels like you aren’t even on planet earth at times. We as a family stood at one of the pinnacles in the scorching heat taking in this surreal moment. As far as we could see in either direction was molten rock that had been shaped by the wind for thousands of years. It seemed like an “other-world” experience as we struggled to find descriptive words and attempted to capture this moment on camera. Awe-inspiring moments like this when we are caught up in something bigger than ourselves gives us perspective on our lives. It causes us to rethink priorities and turn our hearts to the maker of such beauty and complexity. It brings us to ask questions of significance and purpose and strengthens us for the days to come. Such has been the experience this year for our family. Leaving our life in the Maritimes and moving to Saskatchewan to go to Seminary has proved to give us much perspective on our life. Each of us has grown and has developed an awesome appreciation for the God who changes us to be more like his Son.

           Caleb started Grade two in the fall and he spends much of his time playing with friends. He has lost both of this front teeth and he honestly goes around the house singing, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.” He especially loves playing Lego and building all sorts of space ships and cars. Apart from that, Caleb enjoys reading, writing, drawing and playing hockey. What thrills our hearts as parents most of all is that he often comes to us with his Bible wanting us to read him a story that he has never heard before. He loves going to AWANA and has a deep compassion for others.  He is growing up to be a young man that not only loves God but also cares for others.


                Leah is the life of the party. Her facial expression and excitement for the simplest of things causes her mother and I too laugh silently.  She is always asking for “family nights” and “family hugs” and enjoys snuggling with mom and dad.  Erica and I are certain that she will be the one that gets us to go bungee jumping as a family someday. She started school this fall and LOVES every moment of it and her super-extroverted personality enables her to thrive in that environment.  She goes to figure skating once a week with her mother and is learning to skate quite well. She enjoys AWANA and children’s church. If you could hear her say the Lord’s Prayer at night, it would make your heart melt. She is almost as tall as Caleb and loves to compete with him on the smallest of things. Despite seeming to be grown up she still cherishes her “baby and blankie” and has a Barbie collection that spills out of her room. We as parents are proud of how she is growing not only in height but also in character.


                Erica enjoys her work very much and is thankful for the opportunity to gain some work experience. She coaches figure skating once a week and also coached our kid’s soccer in the spring.  She also enjoys time at the gym and gets there a few times a week after work.  She cherishes the time she has with her children reading them stories at bedtime, pouring over their “pictures for mommy”, and giving that motherly wisdom and instruction.  She realizes that this experience here is preparing her for something in the future. This unique change in our family life right now has taught us much but she anticipates the day when we will be settled once again as a family.


                As a family we were blessed with the opportunity to go on two vacations this summer. We spent a week camping in South Dakota seeing Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and the Badlands. Our kids especially loved seeing all the wildlife. We saw herds of buffalo at Custer state Park, hundreds of bears at Bear Country USA, along with many antelope, big horned sheep, deer and elk. The beauty of the Black Hills was breath-taking but not to be outdone by our trip to the Fairmont Hot Springs in British Columbia. Erica’s sister’s in-laws invited us to join them on this trip and we were grateful for their kindness. What made it extra special was that my parents we able to join us for this trip. The Rocky Mountains were certainly awesome and we enjoyed every moment of these trips creating memories that will last a lifetime.


                I (Brent) have started my process towards ordination with the Atlantic Baptist Convention. I have only eight classes of the thirty left in my Master of Divinity program and I plan to be done all but one class by June 2012. I still appreciate the extended time the Lord has allowed me to devote to studies and I treat it like a full-time job. I am learning beyond what I could have imagined but, perhaps most of all Seminary is teaching me how to be a life-long learner. When I am not studying I spend some of my time at the rink. I play intramural hockey and continue to help Coach Caleb’s hockey team. To keep my leadership skills sharp, I serve on the Elders Board at Caronport Community Church. I have also had numerous opportunities to preach and lead Sunday morning services. This extended study and reflection time has produced in me a deep reverence for God and his Word but also a restlessness to return to full-time ministry. 


                As we sit at this moment in our lives nearing the end of our time in Caronport we have come to some realizations. The friends we made here at school will be hard to leave. In just a short time we have formed a close bond with some and don’t look forward to the day when we will have to say good-bye. Also, time is short and it is important to take advantage of every moment. It seems we just arrived here and now we are planning to leave. God is good. We have grown so much this past year and have been thankful for the blessings he has given us.       
                          
          Thank-you for your prayers and continued support and please know that they are appreciated. Please keep us in your prayers in the future. We hope that you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 

Love,

Brent, Erica, Caleb and Leah Foster

"Thanks but no Thanks"....Five Volunteers You don't Want on your Team - by Marv Penner

My last post entitled "Turtle on a Fencepost" talked about how countless of people have been part of my development over my lifetime...a turtle on a fencepost did not get there alone.

Marv Penner was one of those guys for me - He taught me youth ministry years ago in college. Here are two posts where he gives us wisdom on choosing volunteers.  It's entitled, "Thanks but no Thanks"....Five Volunteers You don't Want on your team. Sit back and learn.

http://www.dougfields.com/posts/marv/

http://www.dougfields.com/posts/marv2/

A Turtle on a Fencepost

Someone once said, that when I look back on my life I think of a turtle on a fencepost. Why? Because I know the turtle did not get there alone... The same could be said for my life. There are countless of people who have selflessly poured into me enabling me to get where I am today. Other leaders have taken the time to develop me. They have taken this leader who could barely crawl and wanted to spend most of his time hiding in his shell and have put him in place he has never thought possible.

How you ask? – Relationship. In fact, leadership at its core is not towering authority or an egotistical position. It is a place to serve, a place to build others up, and help others reach their full potential in Christ. Leadership is relationship.

Perhaps no one shows us this better than the Apostle Paul. You catch a glimpse of his heart for developing leaders in his letters to Timothy. How many times in these letters does he say “Timothy my son…” And, it is always followed by seasoned advice from a leader who has “been there, done that” and he literally has the scares to prove it! You get the sense when reading first and second Timothy that this is a leader nearing the end of his life wanting to pass on his learning’s to the next generation.

When talking to a long time mentor of mine he reflected on role that God is now giving him. He said, “I want to place my shoulder in the center of the backs of this next generation of leaders and push…and I don’t care if I’m invisible to the rest of the world.” Hmm… “Timothy my son…”

As I look back on my life, I notice all those that played their part in helping me, this turtle.

I see this in parents that took me to church every Sunday and modeled for me what a relationship with God is supposed to look like.

I see this in a grade seven Sunday School teacher who brought a pigs head to class when doing a lesson on the beheading of John the Baptist. (I know, gross for you but engaging for a grade seven boy!)

I see this in a youth leader who gave up his Saturday nights and sometimes weekends to go on retreats and plan crazy events just because he cared.

I see this in a Senior Pastor who took a chance on a new guy.  He was patient enough to develop and train a terrified “young Timothy” But most of all, he listened.

I see this in a church that showed me grace upon grace.

I see this in a professor who although is battling health issues and could retire, continues to train leaders for kingdom work.

And many more…

This summer, I sat on the deck enjoying the sun with a former youth leader of mine. He turned to me and said, “How did you get into full-time ministry?” I said, “Because, many years ago I had some excellent youth leaders that cared…they definitely played a part.” Still not getting it, he made mention of a “super-cool-hip” youth leader that I must have been referring to. “No” I said. “It’s you.”

The other day I sat at my desk claiming “Vanity of vanities…what am I doing here?” Just then a former student of mine contacts on me on facebook to say thanks. Thanks for taking the time to influence and develop her in her walk with Christ. Now she is using her influence in a youth ministry pouring into others. Misty eyed, I pondered if my parents, grade seven Sunday school teacher, youth leader, Senior Pastor, church and professor could really grasp this “trickle down” effect.  Did they know that the ripples from their pebble in the pond reached farther than they ever could imagine?

Don’t underestimate your opportunity to develop others. It would be a shame to live your life and not lift any turtles to the top.

In fact, I’m a turtle on a fencepost, and I didn’t get here alone.

Listen

It’s happened to all of us. We are at a social gathering and someone is totally dominating the conversation. It doesn’t matter what the topic, they have a story that trumps all others. And your attempt to enter the conversation is cut short with another “better than yours” story. It almost seems that if you want to get a word in, you have to interrupt this “Me Monster” in between syllables. And when you do talk, they are anxiously waiting for your lips to slow down ever so slightly so that they can start in on another run-on sentence “Me” parade.” Eventually, you just give up and walk away.

The word “listen” is often overlooked in our world today. It is a word that I am sure you have heard from your parents and teachers alike. It is a call to stop what you are doing and focus your attention on some necessary information. The other day I stood between the TV and my daughter and said, “Listen, you need to look both ways before you cross the street, yesterday I noticed that you didn’t.” “But daddy…” was the defensive response. I heard my own parents coming through in my voice as I attempted to impart some life wisdom to my five year old child. Listening is perhaps one of the most undervalued abilities today. We call people to listen all the time, the problem is - we just aren’t good at it ourselves.

I have heard the book of Proverbs humorously described as “A long road trip with your mother.” Although I wouldn’t dare associate myself with that description, there is some truth to it. The book of proverbs is a call to listen to wisdom. 11 times in fact in the first few chapters it calls us to listen or pay attention to wisdom and understanding - Listen to your fathers and mothers instruction, listen for the voice of wisdom that calls aloud in the streets. Who hasn’t heard their mother say “Listen” followed by some seasoned advice or instruction? A call to be wise is a call to listen.

In a conversation the other day, I found myself losing the argument. Despite the mounting evidence piled against me, I still held on to my view. Rather than listening to the voice of wisdom, I reacted with childlike stubbornness. “I took my ball and went home.” Wisdom was there, but I didn’t listen.

The other day on my church visitation tour I noticed gentlemen come in late to the service. He took a seat in the chair in front of me while the rest of us stood to worship in song. With hands that looked stained and battered from the week of work he closed his eyes and turned these hands palms upward to heaven. It was obvious that after a long and tiring week, he was there to listen.

When we really break it done, the ability to listen is a posture of our heart. In fact, that is why we go to school. We are placing ourselves in a position of learning, not assuming that we know the answers but trusting that someone else does and letting them guide us in the things we need to know. A teacher of mine pondered this the other day when talking about his students. He said, the most difficult students are those that hold tightly to what they think is right, and come to school seeking more evidence to support what they already believe. It made me ask myself, “Do I really think I know everything?”

Did you here that? Listen…

Unleashing a Church Volunteers Potential

Have you ever been to the pet store and watched the hamsters run in their wheel? The word “meaningless” comes to mind. Unfortunately, I think sometimes church volunteers feel much like that hamster.

You see it on their faces. They are carrying out a mindless task that nobody sees and nobody recognizes. They do it faithfully week after week without recognition or praise. Granted, that is not why they do it. They do it because God called them to this task. Maybe it is that back up guitar player that is always on time and ready to serve, maybe it is that nursery worker with a baby under each arm who shows the love of Christ to each and every child. Or maybe it is that grade seven boy’s small group leader who says a prayer before he enters the lion’s den. They are the people like Job that God brags about in heaven. They are volunteers who choose this task because there is a passion inside that cannot be explained - A passion from God. Yet, when you look into their eyes the verse that comes to mind is not “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” But rather “vanity of vanities! All is vanity...”  Admit it, you’ve seen it in people’s faces and you’ve probably felt it before as well.

A while ago, I read a book about the leadership of Winston Churchill. It talked about a man who inspired a nation to be devoted to the cause. Granted it wasn’t just the soldiers that needed motivation it was the common workers as well. One can hear the resolve in his words as he spoke with thunderous conviction - “We cannot fail, we must not fail!”  What I found even more inspiring was a speech that he gave to the nations steel workers. Could you picture a group of people more out of touch with the war effort? Yet Churchill’s fiery gazed captured their attention as he said, “The foundations upon which all our chances of Victory stand is Steel…Every man or manager who is engaged in Steel Production is directly engaged in smiting down the enemy and bringing the war to a speedy close. And although he may not share the perils and sufferings of the fighting troops, he can win for himself the right to share their honour when victory is attained.”     

If you were that steel worker, what would your next shift look like? Would there be a dedication in your soul? Would you show up early ready to go? Would you give that extra effort and devote yourself selflessly to the cause? I am sure something would change inside now that you understood the importance of your role. Perhaps a leader’s task is not to lord over others placing them in their individual “hamster wheels” but to give people a sense of how their effort fits into the larger picture.

I see this same attitude in the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 after explaining the victory that we have through Jesus Christ he says, “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the world of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” A few chapters before that he described the church as a body with many parts. And, all these parts are dependent upon one another. No one should feel like their service in the church is like running in a “hamster’s wheel.” It is the leader’s job to make sure that never happens.

The other day on our “Church Visitation Tour” a pastor almost tackled me in the foyer after the service. He looked me in the eye and said, “There is a place for you here, and I want to help you find it.” He went on to explain the vision for their church and a possible role that I could play as former youth pastor and current Seminary student. I have to admit, I was drawn into his passion. But most of all, I was drawn into the clarity in which he saw the different roles of the church. Heh, if only that church was closer…

What would happen in our churches if people caught sight of the larger vision of what God is calling us to do? What would happen if they understood the urgency and necessity of their role? How much passion, perseverance and commitment would it ignite in their soul? What would happen if no one was left to run endlessly in their hamster wheel?

Don’t assume that even the most committed Christian will run blindly forever. Take some time to unleash their potential and ignite their passion by showing them the larger vision and their role in it. Do it now, the kingdom depends on it!