It was our first Christmas together as husband and wife, and I wanted it to be extra-special for Kim. So I booked a room at the Alameda Plaza, one of the nicest hotels in Kansas City at the Country Club Plaza. We’d start off with a quietly elegant dinner then take in the sights and sounds of the Plaza at Christmas.
The restaurant at the Alameda was considered one of the city’s finest. There are three things that I love: Christmastime in Kansas City, Kim and a good steak (not necessarily in that order!). And here we were, combining all three. I was so excited.
When we arrived at the restaurant, we were treated like royalty. Our every wish was their command. This is the type of place where when you take a sip of water, they immediately refill your glass. I think they devoted one server per table.
I ordered a KC Strip, medium well. I had been looking forward to that steak for weeks. This was a few steps up from the Ponderosa Steakhouse I was accustomed to frequenting, so this was going to be a real treat.
But when they brought me the exquisitely prepared steak, I could hardly look at it. The perfect salad and baked potato with all the trimmings (butter, bacon and cheese) sat untouched. You see, I had come down with some type of bug earlier in the day. I didn’t say anything to Kim, because I didn’t want to ruin our perfect evening. But when they sat the food in front of me, I had to excuse myself from the table.
When I returned, I made a feeble attempt at eating the food, but even a few bites was more than I could handle. I took several drinks of water to try to keep the food down. Each time the waiter would quickly refill my water glass. Finally, observing the barely touched steak, he came over and asked if there was a problem with it. He would send it back if it was not prepared to my liking. I had to admit there was nothing wrong with the food—it was me.
I learned that night that if you don’t have an appetite, it doesn’t matter how good the food is. The finest cut of meat prepared by the best chef will remain untouched if you aren’t hungry.
The same is true of the Holy Scriptures. That is why we are frequently admonished to develop a hunger for the Word. Peter says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). To the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it….” (1 Corinthians 3:2) And in Hebrews 5:12 we read “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”
How hungry for the Word are you? Do you look forward to time spent in Scripture as you would a fine meal? Do you yearn for the Spirit to speak to your heart as you open the bread of life? Are you feasting on the Word as you would Thanksgiving Dinner?
Through daily devotions, Bible studies and sermons, you have an abundance of Spiritual morsels set before you each week. Some are designed to be quietly enjoyed in the privacy of your own home or office. Some are meant to be shared together like a big family meal, such as the Women’s Bible study on Esther or The Connecting Point on Sunday mornings at Life Spring. But one way or the other, the only way you will benefit from these meals is if you have a hunger that will not be satisfied in any other way.
So whether you need the basics (“milk” as it is referred to in Scripture) or a four course meal (“solid food” Paul calls it), come to the table with a hearty appetite for the Holy Word of the Lord.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
A Place to Call Home
These are exciting days for Life Spring Church.
As I write these words, the sales contract for Spring Hill Plaza has just been signed by the seller. We had agreed in principle to the terms of this contract a couple of weeks ago and we had signed the contract, but we were waiting for the seller’s signature in order to make it official.
Actually, the purchase of Spring Hill Plaza is not a “done deal” yet. The signing of the contract gives us a period of time in which to arrange the financing, complete the inspections, finish the design, secure the contractors’ estimates for the renovations of the property and obtain congregational approval for the deal. So there is much to do to make this a reality. Our goal is to close on the property by December 15—which may seem like a long time away, but which will be here before we know it.
Thus far, the unity of the congregation has been phenomenal. We had a great turnout for the recent “open house”, when most of our folks got their first look at the property. Right now, it consists of an old grocery store that has been vacant for years and a former day care space that we will use as a fellowship foyer and children’s ministry area. What excited me most was that our people saw beyond a grocery store and day care. They could envision the stage in the worship center and what the nursery would look like.
In addition, we will be renovating another 2500 square feet for a Youth Center and church offices.
Everyone understands that a lot of work lies ahead. Everyone realizes that this represents a tremendous step of faith for our young, small church. Everyone knows that we’re not contemplating this facility for those who presently attend Life Spring as much as for people who haven’t even walked through the doors yet!
The unanimous vote of the congregation to proceed with design and construction drawings, paid for from Capital Campaign Funds, is an indication of the enthusiasm of our folks. It is evidence of the unity of spirit and purpose that permeates our fellowship.
Our Elders will endeavor to keep the congregation abreast of developments as they occur. As soon as possible, we’ll bring the final contract before the congregation for affirmation. If all goes as planned, we’ll be swinging hammers and sawing boards very soon. In the meantime, let’s pray that God will guide the process and guard our church from the attacks of the enemy.
As I write these words, the sales contract for Spring Hill Plaza has just been signed by the seller. We had agreed in principle to the terms of this contract a couple of weeks ago and we had signed the contract, but we were waiting for the seller’s signature in order to make it official.
Actually, the purchase of Spring Hill Plaza is not a “done deal” yet. The signing of the contract gives us a period of time in which to arrange the financing, complete the inspections, finish the design, secure the contractors’ estimates for the renovations of the property and obtain congregational approval for the deal. So there is much to do to make this a reality. Our goal is to close on the property by December 15—which may seem like a long time away, but which will be here before we know it.
Thus far, the unity of the congregation has been phenomenal. We had a great turnout for the recent “open house”, when most of our folks got their first look at the property. Right now, it consists of an old grocery store that has been vacant for years and a former day care space that we will use as a fellowship foyer and children’s ministry area. What excited me most was that our people saw beyond a grocery store and day care. They could envision the stage in the worship center and what the nursery would look like.
In addition, we will be renovating another 2500 square feet for a Youth Center and church offices.
Everyone understands that a lot of work lies ahead. Everyone realizes that this represents a tremendous step of faith for our young, small church. Everyone knows that we’re not contemplating this facility for those who presently attend Life Spring as much as for people who haven’t even walked through the doors yet!
The unanimous vote of the congregation to proceed with design and construction drawings, paid for from Capital Campaign Funds, is an indication of the enthusiasm of our folks. It is evidence of the unity of spirit and purpose that permeates our fellowship.
Our Elders will endeavor to keep the congregation abreast of developments as they occur. As soon as possible, we’ll bring the final contract before the congregation for affirmation. If all goes as planned, we’ll be swinging hammers and sawing boards very soon. In the meantime, let’s pray that God will guide the process and guard our church from the attacks of the enemy.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Unity in the Body
As a Pastor, it is extremely gratifying to see the Body of Christ work as it is designed to operate. And over the past few days, I’ve been privileged to do just that.
Our annual Congregational Meeting is always more than just a business meeting—it is a celebration of God’s hand of blessing on our church. To look back at this past year is to observe the many ways in which the Spirit of God has moved in our midst. But this year, it was especially exciting to see our church come together in a tremendous sense of unity of spirit and purpose.
The church budget, church officers and the selection of a new deacon were all affirmed unanimously, with nearly 2/3 of our membership casting their ballots.
We also rejoiced in the news that we have reached an agreement in principle to purchase the Spring Hill Plaza shopping center. When finalized, this will give us nearly 20,000 square feet of worship and ministry space to call our own. This will include about 1800 square feet of space dedicated to our Youth Center—a great place for teens to study God’s Word and fellowship together. An additional 4000 square feet will be leased out to others until we need it, and we’ll have an option to purchase additional land adjacent to the shopping center property.
At this time, our Elders view this as an interim step to allow us to grow to a sufficient size to support construction of new facilities on our 35 acres of property on 169 Highway.
Only God knows the future, and we’re trying hard not to get ahead of Him. So we’ll take this step-by-step, sensitive to the leadership of His Holy Spirit. We are at the very early stages of this process, with lots of potential hurdles to overcome to make this a reality. But we’re trusting in Him to open and close doors as He sees fit.
As exciting as all this is, it is only a part of the work of the church. I have also been privileged to see God’s people work in much quieter ways. I arrived at the hospital to pray with a dear church member facing surgery, only to find several members of her Life Group already there, praying for her and lending support to her family. It is further proof that the folks at Life Spring really do understand what the Body of Christ is all about. Ministry is not confined to the pastors or staff—it is the duty and privilege of each person to minister to others.
In so many ways, I am blessed to serve alongside such saints. We are not a perfect church—far from it. But even in our shortcomings and imperfections, we’re in it together.
Our annual Congregational Meeting is always more than just a business meeting—it is a celebration of God’s hand of blessing on our church. To look back at this past year is to observe the many ways in which the Spirit of God has moved in our midst. But this year, it was especially exciting to see our church come together in a tremendous sense of unity of spirit and purpose.
The church budget, church officers and the selection of a new deacon were all affirmed unanimously, with nearly 2/3 of our membership casting their ballots.
We also rejoiced in the news that we have reached an agreement in principle to purchase the Spring Hill Plaza shopping center. When finalized, this will give us nearly 20,000 square feet of worship and ministry space to call our own. This will include about 1800 square feet of space dedicated to our Youth Center—a great place for teens to study God’s Word and fellowship together. An additional 4000 square feet will be leased out to others until we need it, and we’ll have an option to purchase additional land adjacent to the shopping center property.
At this time, our Elders view this as an interim step to allow us to grow to a sufficient size to support construction of new facilities on our 35 acres of property on 169 Highway.
Only God knows the future, and we’re trying hard not to get ahead of Him. So we’ll take this step-by-step, sensitive to the leadership of His Holy Spirit. We are at the very early stages of this process, with lots of potential hurdles to overcome to make this a reality. But we’re trusting in Him to open and close doors as He sees fit.
As exciting as all this is, it is only a part of the work of the church. I have also been privileged to see God’s people work in much quieter ways. I arrived at the hospital to pray with a dear church member facing surgery, only to find several members of her Life Group already there, praying for her and lending support to her family. It is further proof that the folks at Life Spring really do understand what the Body of Christ is all about. Ministry is not confined to the pastors or staff—it is the duty and privilege of each person to minister to others.
In so many ways, I am blessed to serve alongside such saints. We are not a perfect church—far from it. But even in our shortcomings and imperfections, we’re in it together.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Thoughts on Pastor Dennis' Ordination
We celebrated a great day on Sunday as Life Spring ordained Dennis Burd to the office of Pastor. Having faithfully served our congregation for the past four years as a volunteer and as a full time Minister of Worship & Youth, Dennis has yielded to a calling which God has placed on his heart to serve in the office of Pastor.
As we mentioned on Sunday, we don’t anticipate major changes in Dennis’ duties and responsibilities. He’ll still lead us in worship. He’ll still minister to our teens and their families. He will preach for us from time to time and will occasionally administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, but for the most part, he’ll continue to operate in the future as he has in the past.
Dennis will officially be an Associate Pastor at Life Spring. Informally, we’ll undoubtedly refer to him as our Worship Pastor or our Youth Pastor. But he won’t have a big, fancy title, and knowing Dennis as I do, he wouldn’t want one.
If the Lord blesses us with future growth in the congregation, then we’ll add additional staff as well. Not every staff member who leads a ministry will necessarily be a pastor. As we said on Sunday, a man is made a pastor not by man nor ceremony, but by the very will of God (Ephesians 4:11-13). So if God has not placed that calling on a man’s life, we will not assume it for him. He may still lead or direct a ministry, even if he isn’t a pastor, but he won’t carry that title unless he has experienced that calling.
To the extent that we do add pastors to the staff, most of them will come on board as Associate Pastors. Again, we’ll try to stay away from giving people titles that have little meaning. Instead, we envision a staff that consists of a Lead Pastor, an Executive Pastor (a pastor to the pastors, so to speak) and Associate Pastors, who will oversee given areas of ministry such as Worship, Youth, Christian Education, Senior Adults, etc. Some of those ministries may be overseen by non-pastor staff members (e.g. Youth Minister) or by volunteer staff members (e.g. Director of Men’s Ministry). But only men called to Pastor will be recognized as Pastors, regardless of their area of oversight.
Of course, all of this assumes that we continue to experience numerical growth in the future. We’ve grown by a little more than 40% since we were planted 4 years ago. Given our congregation’s commitment to the Word and heart for the community, our leadership certainly believes that we will continue to grow. But whether we grow more or less rapidly over the next four years than in the past, our leaders desire that we plan for growth so that we are prepared for it when it happens.
The Lord is richly blessing Life Spring, and events like Dennis’ ordination help us to recognize the ways in which He is working in our congregation. There are lots of churches out there just going through the motions, limping along from Sunday to Sunday. May we remain submissive to the will of our Lord so that we are never plagued with such complacency and indifference.
As we mentioned on Sunday, we don’t anticipate major changes in Dennis’ duties and responsibilities. He’ll still lead us in worship. He’ll still minister to our teens and their families. He will preach for us from time to time and will occasionally administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, but for the most part, he’ll continue to operate in the future as he has in the past.
Dennis will officially be an Associate Pastor at Life Spring. Informally, we’ll undoubtedly refer to him as our Worship Pastor or our Youth Pastor. But he won’t have a big, fancy title, and knowing Dennis as I do, he wouldn’t want one.
If the Lord blesses us with future growth in the congregation, then we’ll add additional staff as well. Not every staff member who leads a ministry will necessarily be a pastor. As we said on Sunday, a man is made a pastor not by man nor ceremony, but by the very will of God (Ephesians 4:11-13). So if God has not placed that calling on a man’s life, we will not assume it for him. He may still lead or direct a ministry, even if he isn’t a pastor, but he won’t carry that title unless he has experienced that calling.
To the extent that we do add pastors to the staff, most of them will come on board as Associate Pastors. Again, we’ll try to stay away from giving people titles that have little meaning. Instead, we envision a staff that consists of a Lead Pastor, an Executive Pastor (a pastor to the pastors, so to speak) and Associate Pastors, who will oversee given areas of ministry such as Worship, Youth, Christian Education, Senior Adults, etc. Some of those ministries may be overseen by non-pastor staff members (e.g. Youth Minister) or by volunteer staff members (e.g. Director of Men’s Ministry). But only men called to Pastor will be recognized as Pastors, regardless of their area of oversight.
Of course, all of this assumes that we continue to experience numerical growth in the future. We’ve grown by a little more than 40% since we were planted 4 years ago. Given our congregation’s commitment to the Word and heart for the community, our leadership certainly believes that we will continue to grow. But whether we grow more or less rapidly over the next four years than in the past, our leaders desire that we plan for growth so that we are prepared for it when it happens.
The Lord is richly blessing Life Spring, and events like Dennis’ ordination help us to recognize the ways in which He is working in our congregation. There are lots of churches out there just going through the motions, limping along from Sunday to Sunday. May we remain submissive to the will of our Lord so that we are never plagued with such complacency and indifference.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Time Moves On
Do you miss Kacie?
We’ve been asked that question numerous times since Kacie moved to Manhattan (the “Little Apple”, not the big one) last month. And it’s not as easy to answer as you might think.
First, who would ever admit that they don’t miss their only child? It’s cruel. It’s heartless. It’s so rude.
And of course, we do miss her. The house is so much quieter. The rooms are so much cleaner. The refrigerator is so much fuller. Her absence is duly noted.
But we raised Kacie with the idea that one day, she would leave our humble abode for her own digs. It was never intended that she would remain with us forever. Our role from the day we brought her home from the hospital was to work ourselves out of a job.
We’ll always be her parents. She’ll always be Kim’s “Kacie-bug” and my “Pumpkin-head”. We’ll still spend time with her and money on her.
But as she matures, it is only natural that she should spread her wings a bit. We’ve tried to raise her right. We’ve tried to model Godliness (Kim with better success at this than me, to be honest). We’ve tried to instill Godly values.
So now we’re entering this new phase, and it’s not so bad. She calls Kim to ask for decorating advice. She calls me to ask me what that beeping sound is in her apartment (it was the battery in her smoke alarm going out). And she emails us pictures of the cute things the dog does.
So do we miss Kacie? Of course we do. For nearly 20 years she occupied space in our home. She still occupies major space in our hearts.
But we’re glad to see her doing so well on her own. Kim & I are enjoying a renaissance in our relationship. And I moved my study into Kacie’s old bedroom. (She got my old study, so it’s not like we kicked her out or anything.)
And when Kacie comes home, it’s great to see her and do things with her. Like last weekend, when we went to see a movie together. We saw Toy Story 3, and for just a little while, with my Pumpkin-head beside me, it was like she had never left home.
We’ve been asked that question numerous times since Kacie moved to Manhattan (the “Little Apple”, not the big one) last month. And it’s not as easy to answer as you might think.
First, who would ever admit that they don’t miss their only child? It’s cruel. It’s heartless. It’s so rude.
And of course, we do miss her. The house is so much quieter. The rooms are so much cleaner. The refrigerator is so much fuller. Her absence is duly noted.
But we raised Kacie with the idea that one day, she would leave our humble abode for her own digs. It was never intended that she would remain with us forever. Our role from the day we brought her home from the hospital was to work ourselves out of a job.
We’ll always be her parents. She’ll always be Kim’s “Kacie-bug” and my “Pumpkin-head”. We’ll still spend time with her and money on her.
But as she matures, it is only natural that she should spread her wings a bit. We’ve tried to raise her right. We’ve tried to model Godliness (Kim with better success at this than me, to be honest). We’ve tried to instill Godly values.
So now we’re entering this new phase, and it’s not so bad. She calls Kim to ask for decorating advice. She calls me to ask me what that beeping sound is in her apartment (it was the battery in her smoke alarm going out). And she emails us pictures of the cute things the dog does.
So do we miss Kacie? Of course we do. For nearly 20 years she occupied space in our home. She still occupies major space in our hearts.
But we’re glad to see her doing so well on her own. Kim & I are enjoying a renaissance in our relationship. And I moved my study into Kacie’s old bedroom. (She got my old study, so it’s not like we kicked her out or anything.)
And when Kacie comes home, it’s great to see her and do things with her. Like last weekend, when we went to see a movie together. We saw Toy Story 3, and for just a little while, with my Pumpkin-head beside me, it was like she had never left home.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lessons From LOST
On Sunday night, May 23rd, my family sat down to watch a television show that had become part of our family routine for six years. It was the season/series finale of LOST, an episode we had been both anticipating and dreading since the producers announced that Season Six would be its last.
There are a lot of reasons people watched this show. Some loved the spiritual overtones. Many were fascinated with the science. A lot of people were intrigued by the mystery of it all (polar bears on a tropical island and a smoke monster). Those things all factored into my appreciation of this show, but I mostly watched it for another very special reason—it was a show that my entire family enjoyed.
Every week since Kacie was 14, we made a point of watching LOST each week. If it didn’t record or the weatherman interrupted to tell us about tornadoes or hail or some other such phenomena, we would be sure to watch it online. Then we’d buy the DVDs and rewatch the old season before the new season began.
We did it as a family. Then we’d ask our questions and discuss our theories among ourselves. I even read a few online sources so I would look especially insightful from time to time.
But it was a family experience. Some families go camping or hiking together. We watch TV. And of all the shows we watch, LOST and Chiefs’ Football hold a special place in our hearts. (I’ll save a commentary on Chiefs’ football for another day.)
It was fitting that the series finale of LOST occurred just a few weeks before Kacie moves out and leaves for college. She has a new job and a new apartment in Manhattan, and soon she’ll be on her own.
As they said in the LOST finale, not really “leaving”, but “moving on”. And like Jack and Locke and all of the rest of the crew, Kim & I are learning some lessons about “letting go”, with lots of good memories to sustain us. LOST is one of them.
There are a lot of reasons people watched this show. Some loved the spiritual overtones. Many were fascinated with the science. A lot of people were intrigued by the mystery of it all (polar bears on a tropical island and a smoke monster). Those things all factored into my appreciation of this show, but I mostly watched it for another very special reason—it was a show that my entire family enjoyed.
Every week since Kacie was 14, we made a point of watching LOST each week. If it didn’t record or the weatherman interrupted to tell us about tornadoes or hail or some other such phenomena, we would be sure to watch it online. Then we’d buy the DVDs and rewatch the old season before the new season began.
We did it as a family. Then we’d ask our questions and discuss our theories among ourselves. I even read a few online sources so I would look especially insightful from time to time.
But it was a family experience. Some families go camping or hiking together. We watch TV. And of all the shows we watch, LOST and Chiefs’ Football hold a special place in our hearts. (I’ll save a commentary on Chiefs’ football for another day.)
It was fitting that the series finale of LOST occurred just a few weeks before Kacie moves out and leaves for college. She has a new job and a new apartment in Manhattan, and soon she’ll be on her own.
As they said in the LOST finale, not really “leaving”, but “moving on”. And like Jack and Locke and all of the rest of the crew, Kim & I are learning some lessons about “letting go”, with lots of good memories to sustain us. LOST is one of them.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Summer is Near
I just realized that it has been almost 2 months since my last blog. Wow, time does fly, doesn’t it?
Since then we’ve celebrated Palm Sunday & Easter. We honored our moms on Mother’s Day. We’ve recognized our graduating seniors. It’s been a busy two months.
Now we have Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day and Labor Day to look forward to over the next three and a half months. That’s on top of weddings, vacations and weekend get-aways to fit in. It just never seems to slow down.
And yet, if we are going to grow spiritually, we can not ignore our time with the Lord. From personal devotions and quiet time to public worship and service, we need to spend time practicing those spiritual disciplines that make us sensitive to the Lord’s leadership and guidance.
I especially encourage you to be faithful in your participation in our opportunities for corporate worship. Time spent with fellow believers, fellowshipping in prayer & in the Word, is a key component of spiritual formation. We ignore such opportunities at our own peril.
Enjoy the summer. Take time for your family. Get away for a few days if you can. And join with brothers and sisters in Christ every time you can to give praise and honor to the One who is worthy.
Since then we’ve celebrated Palm Sunday & Easter. We honored our moms on Mother’s Day. We’ve recognized our graduating seniors. It’s been a busy two months.
Now we have Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day and Labor Day to look forward to over the next three and a half months. That’s on top of weddings, vacations and weekend get-aways to fit in. It just never seems to slow down.
And yet, if we are going to grow spiritually, we can not ignore our time with the Lord. From personal devotions and quiet time to public worship and service, we need to spend time practicing those spiritual disciplines that make us sensitive to the Lord’s leadership and guidance.
I especially encourage you to be faithful in your participation in our opportunities for corporate worship. Time spent with fellow believers, fellowshipping in prayer & in the Word, is a key component of spiritual formation. We ignore such opportunities at our own peril.
Enjoy the summer. Take time for your family. Get away for a few days if you can. And join with brothers and sisters in Christ every time you can to give praise and honor to the One who is worthy.
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