I heard a startling number the other day. It was the estimated value of land and buildings held by the church in North America. It was something to the tune of 70 Billion dollars! Yes, billion!
With that much invested in real-estate, the question has to be asked, is it worth it? Is having that much invested into a structure and an address really helping the church be her best?
I’ve been wondering lately about what the church would and possibly will look like if all of that real estate were to go away? What is the fore-closure scence begins to include the churches and other non-profit organizations? Would the “programs” and people they are running and numbering still remain intact? Who will oversee them? Where will they be held? How will they be funded?
If there is no Senior Pastor, no executive board, no elder board, pastoral support teams, facilities crews, grounds keepers, etc…how will the church continue? What will that look like? When there are no more Sunday sermons, mid-week Bible studies, book stores and the latest releases on CD, DVD, Book or other; what then? When Saturday nights “contemporary service”, Sunday mornings at 8, 9:30 and 11:00am services and Sunday nights are no longer held because there is no pastor, no teacher and no place to gather for the ‘service’; what will church look like?
What if, God forbid, but very possible, it becomes a crime, punishable by imprisonment or worse, to preach from and teach from the Holy Bible the name and gospel of Jesus Christ? What will church look like? What if there were no bulletins listing all the different care ministries offered by the church and staff because the church has been closed permenately; what will church look like? When the pastor of the church you used to ‘go to’ has been arrested and sent to prison or even put to death for hate crimes? What will church look like then?
I know these scenarios and ponderings seem afar off…but are they really? And how do we know just how far off they are? Did Germany see the Holocaust being “far off”? Did America see Pearl Harbor and 9/11 as “far off”? Did Thailand, India and Indonesia see the Tsunami’s as “far off”? Did Noah see the flood as “far off”? Did Jesus see the Cross as “far off”? Did the person who just died in the last 5 minutes since you’ve been reading this see their death as “far off”?
My point really in writing this is to try to get you to consider what church would look like if these and many other potential circumstances were to happen in our time. In our generation. In the generation after us. As I’ve thought about these things what comes to mind is the “early church”. Which, interesting enough, is still the church that is alive today just as the adult of 50 years of age was an infant 49 ½ years ago. It’s still the same person isn’t it? If this is true, then the “early church” is just a time description of an era and not of something different at all.
So we would see the church of “today” with all of its additives being forced to reduce, like mom’s pasta sauce on the oven. The longer it sits on the flames, the more it reduces it’s ingredients down. Do we really need all the “bells and whistles” in order for the “wheels on the bus to go round and round, round and round”?
Let me put it to you straight. What would YOUR current church experience look like if at the very least some of these things were to happen? If the economy never recovers? If the government continues to eliminate the religious freedoms that make it legal to gather for “religious causes and instruction”? If the police, state or federal, were rounding up “church leaders” and taking them to prison? Would you still have a “church experience”? Or, quite possibly, would you find yourself experiencing church for the very first time in your life?
What do I mean by that? I mean would you remain part of a family that knows you as intimately as you do each of them? Would you still come over to each other’s house to eat, worship, pray and read the Bible together; all 6 of you? All 4 of you? All 3…or 2 of you? Would you be able to read the Bible for yourself and hear the voice of your Father in heaven? Would you still come to serve the poor, but instead of the shelter downtown it would be at your front door? Instead of going on short-term mission trips you would see your neighborhood for the first time as your mission field? Would you become so dependent on your brothers and sisters in Christ just to survive daily, that you put aside theological differences of when a person is officially saved or not, baptized or not, sprinkle, emersion, flipped or dipped! Pre, Mid, Post, or not at all, it just wouldn’t matter at all! Would you begin to see every person around you as a “minister” within the group of “friends” you now live with?
Are you seeing the difference? Do you want to see the difference? Could it be that when the world is at its very worst, Christ’s Bride, THE Church, will be at her very best? Will these kinds of changes be so drastic you might not recover from them, or would it be more like going over a speed bump? That all depends on your current “church” experience; is it living and breathing, or stale and stagnant?
If it’s not like that found in the book of Acts, and yes that includes all the messes and mistakes, the tongues and the prophecies, the healings and the deliverances, the salvation of the 1 and the thousands, the shadows and handkerchiefs of apostles healing people, the radical opposition of the government and “religious leaders” of the time, the hatred of the world and those given over to their evil nature, the intense manifestations of God’s Spirit in numerous ways, the signs and wonders, the sweet gatherings of people who follow Jesus together in their homes or wherever they possibly could, the letters of others being passed from community to community to encourage and give direction to the believers in them, to sharing of everything owned with others, the eating together out of desire and necessity, the love of God which would rather suffer for doing righteously rather than to compromise and give in to sin and evil even at the cost of your life. If it’s not, maybe “change” really is the word for our generation. Maybe it’s been the word to many generations? Maybe change is what’s needed most?
I trust you with that conclusion.
Tim Crozier
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Being "Davids" in a "Saul" Society...
And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went his way. 1 Samuel 24: 6, 7
At this point in the life of David, Saul, the King of Israel, had already tried numerous times to catch and kill David. This murder campaign had come from unrestrained jealousy and envy of and towards David. It began when David killed Goliath and people sang songs in the streets of David killing more than Saul. It continued within the Kings courts as David came to serve Saul there. And even the Kings son, Jonathan, couldn’t persuade his father to give up his desire to kill David. The prophet of Israel warned Saul, David countless times showed himself pure in motive towards Saul and his family. David even fled the country to put distance between himself and his pursuer.
Some of you are familiar with the scripture at from 1 Samuel 24: 6, 7. You may have heard this is a context of not bringing any kind of accusation of question of a pastor or church / ministry leader. That they are “beyond” question of accountability because they are the anointed of God. Too bad the context of the passage is only that of a King and not a pastor or prophet of sorts. And too bad that those who say this in their defense don’t see clearly who they are comparing themselves with; Saul.
Now, before I go any further, I want to be clear on this point. I am not speaking in a political way. Matter of fact, I’m really addressing you who see the entire system of man as being the “Saul” in our world more than an individual. Gene Edwards wrote a terrific short book entitled A Tale of Three Kings. In it he recounted to the lives of 3 Kings of Israel; Saul, David and Absalom. As you read the book you come across the good, the bad and the ugly of each king. And you do so in a way where you begin to see a little (or a lot) of each king in yourself. So I’m trying to speak with as little judgment and condemnation as possible, for I recognize the Saul like characteristics in my own life at times.
What I’m really driving at is this; we are called to a life that reflects the heart of David in a world of Saul.
Saul was chosen in the midst of Israel greatest rebellion; they chose to be ruled by a man instead of God. They wanted to be “conformed” instead of being “transformed”. They wanted to be a kingdom with a king (literally) rather than a kingdom of priests and kings. They saw the nations around them and wanted to be like them, instead of being who God wanted them to be and as result, draw those nations to God. Samuel knew this and began to take it personally; he thought Israel was rejecting him and his leadership. After all, he was the nations prophet speaking on behalf of God.
But God said it was not Samuel they were rejecting, but Him (God). And after Israel would not relent God said to Samuel to listen to them and give them what they wanted; a king. But God was very clear in telling them what a “king” would do and require of them. How he would take their men and make them his warriors in his army. How he would take goods from them, and make them serve him. But after all of the warning of what it would be like to be ruled by a man instead of by God, they still persisted on having their own king. And that is what God gave them. They got what they wanted. They got the leader they asked for.
And was he any different than what God said he would be like? Not at all. Read 1 Samuel. See for yourself. Yet in spite of how Saul behaved, David behaved differently. What was different about the heart of David from that of Saul’s? Why is it, that David was said to be “a man after God’s own heart”? Why was it that when David had a chance to kill his enemy (Saul) he didn’t take it? Why was it that when the man who did kill Saul came to David he didn’t receive a reward, but instead received a swift execution? How is it that the man who wrote so many psalms that expressed so much emotion and tenderness was also one of Israel’s mightiest warriors?
I believe it is because David remained tender towards God in the midst of the fire, persecution and an enemy pursuing his life.
You see, when God has your heart, and you have the heart of God, you honor and respect God even when you are not honored and respected. When your life is threatened you don’t threaten back. When your life is minimized you maximize the life of others. When you are hated, you love in return. When you are accused you do not return the accusations. This is why when David had the chance to stretch out his arm and take the life of his enemy (and king), he did not.
I don’t know where you stand in relation to the results of the election. I do know that either way America has the leader she asked for. In any case, we are called to be David’s in the midst of a Saul society. A society that over time has chosen to be lead more by men and women who profess to know God, but deny the power within. Over time, we have even come to the place of removing the word “God” from our government buildings, historic national monuments, and currency. We have inched God out of our schools, cities, and communities. And in the process we have put in place leaders of our choosing. And God has given us what we asked for.
David was a young man who as a shephed faced and lion and a bear before he took down Goliath. We must also look back on the victories God has brought us through so that we have the faith and courage to face the “giant” before us now. And most of all, we have our King, who will rule on the throne of David forever who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, and whose govenrment there will be no end!
Stay connected to the King and His Kingdom!
Tim Crozier
At this point in the life of David, Saul, the King of Israel, had already tried numerous times to catch and kill David. This murder campaign had come from unrestrained jealousy and envy of and towards David. It began when David killed Goliath and people sang songs in the streets of David killing more than Saul. It continued within the Kings courts as David came to serve Saul there. And even the Kings son, Jonathan, couldn’t persuade his father to give up his desire to kill David. The prophet of Israel warned Saul, David countless times showed himself pure in motive towards Saul and his family. David even fled the country to put distance between himself and his pursuer.
Some of you are familiar with the scripture at from 1 Samuel 24: 6, 7. You may have heard this is a context of not bringing any kind of accusation of question of a pastor or church / ministry leader. That they are “beyond” question of accountability because they are the anointed of God. Too bad the context of the passage is only that of a King and not a pastor or prophet of sorts. And too bad that those who say this in their defense don’t see clearly who they are comparing themselves with; Saul.
Now, before I go any further, I want to be clear on this point. I am not speaking in a political way. Matter of fact, I’m really addressing you who see the entire system of man as being the “Saul” in our world more than an individual. Gene Edwards wrote a terrific short book entitled A Tale of Three Kings. In it he recounted to the lives of 3 Kings of Israel; Saul, David and Absalom. As you read the book you come across the good, the bad and the ugly of each king. And you do so in a way where you begin to see a little (or a lot) of each king in yourself. So I’m trying to speak with as little judgment and condemnation as possible, for I recognize the Saul like characteristics in my own life at times.
What I’m really driving at is this; we are called to a life that reflects the heart of David in a world of Saul.
Saul was chosen in the midst of Israel greatest rebellion; they chose to be ruled by a man instead of God. They wanted to be “conformed” instead of being “transformed”. They wanted to be a kingdom with a king (literally) rather than a kingdom of priests and kings. They saw the nations around them and wanted to be like them, instead of being who God wanted them to be and as result, draw those nations to God. Samuel knew this and began to take it personally; he thought Israel was rejecting him and his leadership. After all, he was the nations prophet speaking on behalf of God.
But God said it was not Samuel they were rejecting, but Him (God). And after Israel would not relent God said to Samuel to listen to them and give them what they wanted; a king. But God was very clear in telling them what a “king” would do and require of them. How he would take their men and make them his warriors in his army. How he would take goods from them, and make them serve him. But after all of the warning of what it would be like to be ruled by a man instead of by God, they still persisted on having their own king. And that is what God gave them. They got what they wanted. They got the leader they asked for.
And was he any different than what God said he would be like? Not at all. Read 1 Samuel. See for yourself. Yet in spite of how Saul behaved, David behaved differently. What was different about the heart of David from that of Saul’s? Why is it, that David was said to be “a man after God’s own heart”? Why was it that when David had a chance to kill his enemy (Saul) he didn’t take it? Why was it that when the man who did kill Saul came to David he didn’t receive a reward, but instead received a swift execution? How is it that the man who wrote so many psalms that expressed so much emotion and tenderness was also one of Israel’s mightiest warriors?
I believe it is because David remained tender towards God in the midst of the fire, persecution and an enemy pursuing his life.
You see, when God has your heart, and you have the heart of God, you honor and respect God even when you are not honored and respected. When your life is threatened you don’t threaten back. When your life is minimized you maximize the life of others. When you are hated, you love in return. When you are accused you do not return the accusations. This is why when David had the chance to stretch out his arm and take the life of his enemy (and king), he did not.
I don’t know where you stand in relation to the results of the election. I do know that either way America has the leader she asked for. In any case, we are called to be David’s in the midst of a Saul society. A society that over time has chosen to be lead more by men and women who profess to know God, but deny the power within. Over time, we have even come to the place of removing the word “God” from our government buildings, historic national monuments, and currency. We have inched God out of our schools, cities, and communities. And in the process we have put in place leaders of our choosing. And God has given us what we asked for.
David was a young man who as a shephed faced and lion and a bear before he took down Goliath. We must also look back on the victories God has brought us through so that we have the faith and courage to face the “giant” before us now. And most of all, we have our King, who will rule on the throne of David forever who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, and whose govenrment there will be no end!
Stay connected to the King and His Kingdom!
Tim Crozier
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The measure of Leadership
“Leadership is not measured by how many people are behind you, but rather by how many people you are behind.” – Tim Crozier
I can’t help but see this quote in the way Jesus lead His disciples. Yes, for a season they did “follow” Him. He did call them to follow Him after all, so to be anywhere else would have not been good. But there comes a transition between where Jesus is and where we are.
In Luke chapters 9 Jesus calls the 12 disciples to Him and He gives them authority and tells them to go. And in Luke chapter 10 Jesus calls others, 70 others to Him and does the same. Both groups return and tell the stories of what happened as they went. Amazing to me and on a side note, the 12 disciples and the 70 others went out and did relatively the same things. I guess it doesn’t really matter if you’re a “professional” minister or “lay” minister. If you’re sent in the Name of Jesus Christ, His power and authority, you’re a minister!
At the close of the Gospel’s Jesus commissions His disciples and in doing so, invites them to begin to do in His place what He did with them and often for them. So much so, that as He departs to heaven, angels tell them to stop standing around! What were they supposed to do? Go to Jerusalem and wait there for the Holy Spirit to give them the power to go out and be witnesses to Jesus in all the world. GO!
Are you getting the picture? He calls them to follow Him. He walks with and works with and teaches them. He says to them, now you go out and do it too. Come back and let’s “review”. Now, you’ve got it! Go! Go out and do what you have seen me do! It’s time for you to lead. Its ok, I’m with you. I’m behind you. I’ve got your back! I believe in you more than you believe in yourselves. You’ve got my permission. Be who you were created and called to be! I’m releasing you, I’m resourcing you, I’m supporting you, I’m behind you all the way! Go for it! Go!
Yes, this is how I see Jesus leading. Look how many people He is behind. His servant-leadership challenges me to the very core. Every motivation and inspiration is purified by His heart. “Not My will be done, but Yours.” He calls them. He walks with them. He sends them. He backs them. He stands behind those 5 fold gifts that He gave to the church; apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers. He stands behind the missionary, the artist, the musician, the poet, the dancer, the writer, the actor, the singer, the song-writer, the sculptor, the leader, the servant, the host, the healer, the giver, the exhorter. He stands behind the church, just as a husband stands behind his wife with loving support and affectionate strength. He stands behind you!
I can’t help but see this quote in the way Jesus lead His disciples. Yes, for a season they did “follow” Him. He did call them to follow Him after all, so to be anywhere else would have not been good. But there comes a transition between where Jesus is and where we are.
In Luke chapters 9 Jesus calls the 12 disciples to Him and He gives them authority and tells them to go. And in Luke chapter 10 Jesus calls others, 70 others to Him and does the same. Both groups return and tell the stories of what happened as they went. Amazing to me and on a side note, the 12 disciples and the 70 others went out and did relatively the same things. I guess it doesn’t really matter if you’re a “professional” minister or “lay” minister. If you’re sent in the Name of Jesus Christ, His power and authority, you’re a minister!
At the close of the Gospel’s Jesus commissions His disciples and in doing so, invites them to begin to do in His place what He did with them and often for them. So much so, that as He departs to heaven, angels tell them to stop standing around! What were they supposed to do? Go to Jerusalem and wait there for the Holy Spirit to give them the power to go out and be witnesses to Jesus in all the world. GO!
Are you getting the picture? He calls them to follow Him. He walks with and works with and teaches them. He says to them, now you go out and do it too. Come back and let’s “review”. Now, you’ve got it! Go! Go out and do what you have seen me do! It’s time for you to lead. Its ok, I’m with you. I’m behind you. I’ve got your back! I believe in you more than you believe in yourselves. You’ve got my permission. Be who you were created and called to be! I’m releasing you, I’m resourcing you, I’m supporting you, I’m behind you all the way! Go for it! Go!
Yes, this is how I see Jesus leading. Look how many people He is behind. His servant-leadership challenges me to the very core. Every motivation and inspiration is purified by His heart. “Not My will be done, but Yours.” He calls them. He walks with them. He sends them. He backs them. He stands behind those 5 fold gifts that He gave to the church; apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers. He stands behind the missionary, the artist, the musician, the poet, the dancer, the writer, the actor, the singer, the song-writer, the sculptor, the leader, the servant, the host, the healer, the giver, the exhorter. He stands behind the church, just as a husband stands behind his wife with loving support and affectionate strength. He stands behind you!
For me, this is the way I want to lead. I want to get behind and encourgae, equip, empower and release others into the "work of the ministry". To be and do what God has created and called them to be and do. There are many who haev done this for me. And doing this for others is what I'm called to do. If you are someone who needs encouragement to do what you believe God has called you to do, to breakout and into something more, email me. I would like to hear your story and what you believe god has called you to do. If we can't help you, we will point you and connect you to those who can!
One of my main desires is to work with individual and groups who have a desire to build "community" based on Christ. I would like to work with people who want to step out and begin to explore and discover what "Church" is outside of the walls of what "church" has become. From autonomous, simple, house churches to networks of the same. I am called to help connect, ignite, stir-up and spur on those who are searching for "The Kingdom" in their midst. I want to walk with those who see the land they stand on as their "mission" field.
For the last four years my family has been on this kind of a journey. We left the "institution" in search of the Kingdom and the Church. And we were lead right smack dab into it! Right here in our front yard! How could something so grand and divine be in front of us for so long and us not see it? Amazing! Thank God for His grace to give us eyes to see and ears to hear! And we walked away and out of so much! But we have come into so much more! SO MUCH MORE! There is always MORE in the Kingdom! And most of all, we have come to know just how truly Jesus is behind us all the way!
I know this to be true. Isaiah said it this way, “And the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard”. Jesus is behind you. Just go!
Tim Crozier
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