Here's Your Sign

 
This was at my gate in Dallas today. I know air travel has become more low-tech, but this is ridiculous.
 
If you are reading this – it means the pterodactyl that I’ve been riding on made it safely to Chicago, so all is well.
 
I just had to take this picture and laugh. This is what we’ve come to. I have to tell you I’m pretty hooked on new technology. I don’t want to go back to standard def anything. I don’t want to go back to snail mail. I like the 21st century.
 
I also like the 21st century church. I was with some pastors last week and some missionaries this week, and it never ceases to amaze me how so many Christians and churches get stuck in the “old.” I was really sadden by my conversation yesterday with one of the missionaries we support in a Latin American country. I really didn’t understand how much they were saddled by a 20th (maybe 19th century) paradigm in doing their ministry. I really thought that missionaries just had “missionary stuff” to deal with. Dangerous places, persecution, no money, etc. I thought that was missionary stuff. But amazingly to me, some missionary stuff is also the same as American church stuff. “But I like the way we used to do it.” “I like handwriting the Airline Destination sign; I like the old songs, the old version, the old whatever.”
 
Seriously, it makes my blood boil. Who in the heck is going to come to an old fashioned hymn sing? OLD FASHIONED HYMN SINGERS! Is that who Jesus came to save? NO, he came to seek and save the lost.   
 
Parkview, listen to me. We’re not going to stop changing and trying new things to reach those who are far away from Christ. As a matter of fact, we’re doing a Ne-Yo song next week – and if you don’t know who Ne-Yo is – just know that it’s going to connect with someone you don’t know either.
 
I got an email this week from a person who told me about their messed up life and signed off saying, “Don’t write me back if you don’t have time – you probably have an inbox full of f…ed up people like me.” I don’t think they even knew that this choice of words was probably not appropriate for an email to the pastor.
 
But that was the best email of the year so far for me! I do have an inbox full of ….messed up people. And a church full of messed up people. And that’s EXACTLY what Jesus wants.
 
And I will go through hell and high water and technology and new methods to reach them. Jesus would – Jesus did.  
 
I don’t know why I’m telling you this. You know it and I love you for it. You are willing to do whatever it takes. I love it. I love that when I asked you to come on Saturday night last week – you did. Actually last weekend, our 11 am service had the most room of any service! Because you are good and your love endures forever.

 

BTW – we had 8200 people here for Don Piper, and he said he loved his experience with us. From the moment he walked in the door, he sensed something was happening here. He said the staff and volunteers were some of the warmest and friendliest people he’s ever worked with. (I guess Lonnie was gone tooJ)
 
I guess I just need to rant on this every once in a while. FIX THE SIGN!  THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO NEED THIS MESSAGE.
 
See you this weekend,
Tim

Comments

[Been There and Glad!]

Your da...ng STRAIGHT! AMEN to That and Stay Fired UP!

[Pamela]

Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Love it!

Now I just have to make a conscious effort to remember that every single day.

I loved the Verge conference when one of the speakers shared that gathering and assimilating Christians from other churches doesn't mean movement, disciple-making, multiplying, or missions.

We must eagerly seek the unchurched, the lost, and help guide them to the wonderful message of the Cross, forgiveness and salvation.

I'm a techy too. I hear ya on the sign.

Thanks for sharing!

[db]

I've said it before, but I'll say it again - this 'old lady' is SO proud to be a part of church that's #1 priority is seek & save the lost & is not afraid to try new things. Thank you again for reminding us, in yet another way - it's not about US, it's all about Him and His lost lambs.