Loving, Learning, and Leading

Economic Sin: Jesus' view of Economic Equality

2012-01-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

Jesus told this story:

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' "'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Luke 16:19-31

This story is a wonderful teaser. We know barely enough to make this a story. We have a rich man (with no name) and a beggar named Lazarus. We know nothing of their character, life journeys, or personalities. Both characters die and we find our rich man in Hell and lazarus in a place or location simply described as Abraham's side (only place in all of scripture where this term in described). There is bantering back and forth between Abraham and the rich man with the final result being the rich man staying in Hell.

The theological question is why is the rich man in Hell? The crux of the point that Jesus is trying to make is imbedded within the answer to that question. The hard truth in this story is not that the rich man was damned because of his wealth, or because of a lack of correct beliefs, but because of his failure to use his wealth responsibly.

The Rich man:
        -Clothed in purple (bought expensive clothes)
        -Fine Linen (had disposable income when most did not)
        -Lived in luxury (other versions talk about continual feasts)

Amiss all of this, there stood Lazarus:
        -Beggar (in ancient times, this often was a reflection of impairment)
        -Covered in sores (Sick and isolated from society)
        -Longing (Hungry and desparate).

In the midst of the rich man's luxury, sate Lazarus in squalor and suffering. Cornel West stated the the role of the prophetic mission "is to shatter the deliberate ignorance and willful blindness towards the suffering of others".

The rich man not only had in abundance, but did not see any responsibility to use the wealth to help others. It was his own wealth that testified and condemned him (see James 5:1-3).

In light of this, consider the following:

1. Jesus was fully aware of capitalistic systems and did not support the accumulation of wealth in the face of poverty.

2. Jesus saw wealth without responsibility as a moral failure worthy of damnation.   We see this again in his story in Matthew 25, where damnation was based upon not seeing the least, the lowest, and the lost.

3. Injustice has many forms, but a current injustice involves systems that generate huge wealth that is concentrates it in the hands of a few. Systems invovle cultures, practices, institutions, and individuals that collude to establish permanent inequities in opportunities for wealth.

4. Jesus care for the poor was not based upon the worthiness of the recipient, but merely the position of the recipient. In Jesus' story, we hear nothing of Lazarus' character. We spend so much time trying to determine the worthiness of those we seek to bless, that we miss huge opportunities to bless.

In other words, Jesus had a real problem with economic equality, particularly with huge amounts of wealth without responsibility for the poor and the outcast. It was not a minor doctrine, but the caring of the poor and the redistribution of wealth is considered a milepost in the signs of the kingdom of God.

I want to challenge you today to understand your responsibilities in light of what you have. Where's your Lazarus?

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Devil's in the details

2012-01-06T04:52:00.000-08:00

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.

Job 1:8-11

In the book of Job, we are exposed to the discussions in a heavenly or otherworldly court. God himself oversees this court and begins to address the court which is described as having angels, including fallen angels such as Satan.

The book of Job begins by powerfully illustrating that the events of our world are influenced by others in spiritual realms. Although it is a heavenly court, the discussion centers upon Earthly matters. We rarely take into account the nearness of God in daily matters. We more often think of him as aloof and distant than having discussions about you and your life.

What is fascinating to me is the focus of God versus the focus of Satan in the story. Even if you choose to interpret the book of Job metaphorically, where Satan represents evil and maliciousness, there is a definite difference in what God choses to emphasize in a person and what Satan is impressed by.

God focuses on Job's piety. He is described as blameless and upright. Due to his devotion, God literally has faith and trust in him. However, notice that Satan doesnt challenge his piety, but focuses on his prosperity. In fact, Satan assumes his piety is only because of his prosperity.

Many of you know the story. Job has everything taken away but remains true to God. A couple of principles that are made clear in this story:

1. God focuses on who a person is as opposed to what a person has.

2. Satan emphasizes prosperity over piety. Anyone or anything that does the same should be suspect.

3. God is a God of providence. It is God who provides, protects, and preserves.

What is your emphasis today: Prosperity or Piety. Are you spending more time focusing on getting, obtaining, possessing or growing, giving, and being. God is not ignorant of your needs, but is looking at your heart today.

In the heavenly court this morning, What is God saying about you?

God bless you this morning,

Pastor M Traylor

Portrait of Intimacy

2011-12-05T06:26:00.001-08:00

But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. The husband should fulfill his wife's sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband's needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won't be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
I Corinthians 7:2-6, NLT

The letter to the Corinthians by the Apostle Paul is startling in its frankness about sexual relationships. This letter had been in response to a letter sent from the leaders of the Corinthian church regarding issues of sexuality. Corinth was renown for its pagan temples and rites that often included having sexual encounters with temple prostitutes. As a young church, without the benefit of a New Testament (hadn't been written yet!), they were struggling to know the standards for sexuality.

The letter to the Corinthians is a letter for today. Using Pastor Jeff Harrold phrase, there has been a cultural "normalization of nasty". There are no longer limits of sexuality, nor does society seek boundaries of what is healthy, wholesome, or Godly. In fact, there is an undercurrent that remains from the Victorian age, that suggests that Christian sexuality is really being asexual. This letter to the Corinthians shows that to be patently false. God created us as sexual beings and gives us guidelines for its promotion and protection.

Lets make several observations regarding this text:

1. Marital sexuality is highly encouraged. Our culture, particularly in the media, portray married couples as sexually frustrated, inept, and discouraged. Most of the sexual encounters on TV and movies portray unmarried or uncommitted partners engaging in erotic pleasure without any consequences. This is a gross deception. Most studies have shown that sexual intimacy is highest among committed, married partners. In this text, it is marital sexuality that is single-mindedly promoted and protected.

2. There is an egalitarian approach to marriage. Contrary to first century beliefs, there is an equal submission of man to woman and woman to man. This was unheard of at the time. Marriage was created to be a union based upon mutual submission.

3. Intimacy is a gift. Notice that the wife and the husband are to give themselves to the others. There is no demanding of the right for intimacy. Intimacy can not be coerced or demanded, but given freely. Demands for sexual encounters or withholding sex for manipulation are trumped by the generous giving of oneself as an act of submission and unity. (see previous blog on intimacy as a gift.)

4. The focus of intimacy is the other. Notice that both husband and wife are encourage to attempt to satisfy the needs of the other. Most marriage counseling comes in the form of a marriage partner describing the flaws of the other and stating how their particular needs are not being met. While there is nothing wrong with doing that, it misses the point of this text, which asks us to focus on the married partner's needs and our own flaws.

5. Maritial intimacy is to be deeply satisfying. A goal of intimacy is to help fulfill and satisfy the other. There are no prudish limitations here, but encouragement to celebrate the uniqueness of one another. What is satisfying is completely subjective. It is time, transparency, and trust that develops to allow a vunerable but passionate portrait of intimacy within a marriage.

5. Marital Intimacy is deeply spiritual. The Apostle Paul defines marital intimacy in terms of spiritual health. A healthy marital sexuality aids in self-control and even our prayer life. American culture attempts to separate sexuality from spirituality. It misses the point that humanity was created in a way that our sexuality is deeply vested in our spirituality. This is why we are told that sexual sin is unlike other sins: "Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body (I Corinthians 6:18)".

I recognize that this is ideal and possibly oversimplified. I understand that marriages are significanly more complex than this but I truly believe things would be simplified if we understood the basic principles of God's desire for marriage.

I am praying that you would develop a closer relationship with God and a deeper understanding on how God wants to bless you thoroughly, including your sexuality.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Open Letter to Presidential Candidates

2011-11-22T04:08:00.001-08:00

Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor

Romans 13:7

This is an open letter to presidential candidates of all parties.

Dear Presidential Candidates,

As we approach the 2012 presidential campaign, I recognize that your schedules are filled with campaign meetings, appearances, and fundraising. I can not imagine the pressure and the heavy burden that you must feel, in order to pursue the office of the president. The responsibility is immense and the influence is incredible. Due to that, I am committed to praying for you.

As I have begun to hear the campaign rhetoric, slogans, and propaganda, I thought that there a couple things you need to know about me, and the thousands (maybe millions) of people who approach this election, along with the elections before this with angst and a persistant case of pessimism. My hope is that if you take the time to understand me, it will influence your approach to the office of President, and the responsibilities inherent in that office.

I hope you will excuse my bluntness, but I am trying to be concise:

1. I am not impressed with anything you say. Soundbites, media clips tend to provide image over information. I am impressed by what you do. In fact, what you do speaks so loudly, that I can't hear what you are saying.

2. I am not convinced that what you say is wrong is actually wrong. Just because you think that an issue is important, doesn't mean is actually is. As someone who sees real people in real struggles, I find that they have a significantly different set of priorities.

3. Simplicity in the face of complexity is condescending. Many issues are very complex with thousands of moving parts. Please do not try to over simplify. Thoughtful, comprehensive approaches to issues are preferred over catchy, slogan-rich superficial policies. Go deep, not just wide. Your need for simplicity insults our intelligence.

4. Everytime you "blame-storm" and point the finger at someone or something without coming up with a cohesive plan for that particular issue, you appear incompetent. I need to know what you are for, not simply who you are against.

5. I need a leader who shows love, compassion, justice, and integrity. Yes, I dared to say that I want a leader who is human. I need a leader who is passionate about something other than themselves or causes that help themselves. I need a leader who cares about the least, the lost, and the last.

6. Your speaking about your religiousity sets you up for further scrutiny. If a leader tells me he is a follower of Jesus, then its an issue of integrity to follow the teachings of Jesus. If you do not desire that, then keep your beliefs to yourself.

7. Although the economy is your god, its not mine. While I understand that economic state of the nation is the key influence of the voting masses, I also recognize that the economy is influenced by many things outside of the policies of the president as we are part of a global community. Your approach to the economy, care for the prosperity of the average people, and development of opportunities for the poor speaks volumes to me.

8. I am electing a leader, not a follower. Your willingness to challenge your party's platform or even agree with the sound policies of your competitors demonstrates leadership. If you go along party lines and never take a stand for something that may not be popular, but is the right thing for the people of America, I see weakness.

I have chosen not to be specific or give examples of my points as I simply desire you to hear me. I want you to understand that I want the best leader for the nation I love, and am tired of the pathetic process that the election has become. I am asking you to dare to be different, courageous, and transparent. I could support a President like that.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Not settling for politics as usual

2011-11-17T03:56:00.001-08:00

"Everything is permissible for me"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"-but I will not be mastered by anything
I Corinthians 6:12

As we head into a presidential election year, we can anticipate the spiraling intensity of political ads, with their slogans, rhetoric, and blatant manipulation of the facts. Complex discussions are reduced to simple and witty quips produced to be soundbits for the media. Unfortunately, this is not due to the media, but demanded by the American people. The American people have desired a simplicity that defies the incredibly intricate nature of issues that have global impact and thousands of moving parts. We see this in everything from immigration and healthcare reform, to taxation and even war.

What fascinates me the most about politics is that we, for the most part, have been captured by a few ideological concepts and we then filter what is being said through that preconceived ideology. We do not listen to inform, but simply to confirm. That which does not conform to our preconceived ideology, is seen as evil. Our preconceived ideologies often make it necessary to condemn other ideologies as evil, as opposed to just another way to skin a cat.

It is possible to be a Christian and be a capitalist, socialist, republican, democrat, Libertarian, or progressive. However, the trick is to never allow these ideologies to shape your outlook, but to submit every ideology, philosphy, and preconception to Jesus' demonstration of the preferred reality, described as the "Kingdom of God". This is the core of the Christian experience: To provide an alternative story to the stories being offered by the world of power, violence, and selfishness. The radicalness of Jesus was that he dared to demonstrate a better way. He did not submit to the imperial assimiliation (Sadduces), violent insurrection (zealots), radical separation (Essenes), or cultural superiority (pharisees). All of these ideologies of Jesus day, had some elements of truth. All were sound political approaches that oppressed peoples all over the globe have utilized successfully for their liberation, but Jesus was able to see a better way.

If you identify yourself as a follower of Jesus, please understand that your role is not develop a "Christian Kingdom" in America, or to make sure that all politicians are Christians. Your role is understand Jesus' Kingdom principles as an alternative to the condemned and flawed policies of empires throughout history.

Jesus never tried to run for office, lead an armed insurrection, or promote anarchy. His life and resurrection are a testimony to principles of life and love that while contrary to prevailing principles, eventually overcome and outlast the prevailing political movement of the day.

Some Kingdom Principles of Jesus:

1. Sacrifice for the common good trumps power for self. (Mt 10:28)

2. Love conquers all and is demonstrated in sacrificial care for the community. (John 21:15)

3. Optimism and Pessimism are fleeting, but true hope (confidence in the intervention of God in the future based upon his faithfulness) empowers through adversity. (Rom 12:12)

4. The means are as important as the end. Jesus' love ethic required that we ensure the dignity of others as a precondition for whatever the goal of our society is. (John 13:34-35)

5. The true measure of a society is not its wealth or production, but its treatment of the most poor and marginalized. (Mt 25:31-46).

Please consider Jesus' Kingdom way when you exercise your privilege of particpating in this grand experiment of democracy. Lets not settle for politics as usual, but see ourselves a catalysts for transformation.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Prophetic Politics

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Over and over, when I ask God why all of these injustices are allowed to exist in the world, I can feel the Spirit whisper to me, "You tell me why we allow this to happen. You are my body, my hands, my feet."
Shane Claiborne

Each November, I am reminded of the privilege we have in democracy, to choose candidates who lead our government, and to weigh in on local and state policies. It is truly a privilege because there are many places in the world, where the people being governed have virtually no influence or voice in the process.

Every year, I am asked as a pastor, what should be the Christian's role in the politics. Typically, its usually a veiled request to find out where I stand on a particular issue. Yet, I do think its a fair question to ask and a worthy question to consider. In the secularized society, where one's faith is reduced to smaller and smaller sphere's of influence, there is a tendency to separate one's faith and one's politics. We end up developing a "private faith" that is separate from our "public policy". Often these private faiths are antagonistic to our public policy. The result is impotent faith and an immoral public policy.

Here are a couple of principles to reflect upon regarding the politics of followers of Jesus:

1. Jesus led a prophetic faith: Miroslav Volf at the Yale center for faith and culture, describes a prophetic faith as a faith in which the adherent experiences God, then undergoes transformation for the purposes of transforming his world. The end result of prophetic faith is not union with God, but union with God for the betterment of the world. Prophetic faith is a public faith that is focusing on human flourishing.

2. The faith of the early church always advocated for the poor and marginalized. The first century church took seriously the mission of Jesus to the poor, helpless, and hopeless. Today, followers of Jesus are to be the advocates of the poor and marginalized. Not just the Christian poor and marginalized, but all poor and marginalized. We are not afforded the luxury of evaluating which poor or if they are poor due to poor decisions versus environmental concerns. No, Christians are to advocate for the poor. Every poltical decision must be understood from its impact on the poor. Jesus pushes his followers to identify with the poor when he said, "whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done unto me".

3. God is concerned about justice. Not just retributive justice (penalties for crimes), but distributive justice (making sure everyone has access to the basic things for thriving) and restorative justice (making amends for previous injustices). These things are often neglected in societies where capitalism has become sacred. Its the position of believers to be agents of justice of all types. Not taking justice into our own hands, but advocating for just laws, opportunities, and systems.

4. The Church is to demonstrate what it advocates. The Church is to be a sign and a witness to the tangible love of God. How can the Church be an advocate of love and justice to a wounded world if it does not practice it. The answer is that the credibility of the church is directly related to its ability to provide an alternative vision, not in creeds and doctrine, but in reality of its lives and practices.

The follower of Jesus is to participate in politics by advocating for the things that Jesus advocated. As Shane Claiborne, stated above, if we are the hands and feet of Christ, we have an obligation not to advocate for your own agenda, but for agenda set by Jesus. It is then, that Jesus is truly Lord, and not guide or teacher.

I pray that today, you will make decisions that will lead to justice, empowering of the weak, inclusion of the marginalized, and give hope to the hopeless. Such is our privilge.

Pastor M Traylor

The significant life

2011-11-01T04:56:00.000-07:00

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power

I Corinthians 4:20

Everywhere I go, I find people engaged in the fight for significance. People want to know that their lives mattered. People desparately want to feel like their fights and struggles contributes to the good of their society. People desire legacy. Its not a case of unhealthy ambition or narcassism, but this seems like a natural trait. To have significance seems to be in our DNA.

The essence of hopelessness is a person who resigns themselves to insignificance. Nothing matters and they feel powerless and out of control. Hopelessness is a real, palpable entity, that can be seen in almost every environment. It does not take us long to meet someone who is making tragic decisions because somewhere and somehow, they accepted that the choices that we make, the people we become, and relationships we foster, have no bearing ultimately.

Yet, when we look at the lives in which we are created to live, from a Biblical perspective, we see that we are to live a life of power (see scripture above). We are to have influence that changes lives. I believe that we make decisions daily whether to live in that power, or the assume helplessness and hopelessness.

Decision #1: I will recognize that my greatests contributions reside in causes much greater than my personal story. In other words, we need to understand that we a part of something much greater than ourselves. Our personal successes: vocational, physically, relational, etc; are trivial compared to how they fit in a greater cause. When we make our careers, marriages, and personal achievements ends in themselves, we bred hopelessness as careers come and go, incredible records are meant to be broken, and relationships change. In other words, our stories should fit into a greater story as opposed to trying to make the great stories, including God's story, fit into ours.

Decision #2: I Will follow Jesus' way. Regardless if you are a Christian or not, you must understand that Jesus' life demonstrated a model for significance. Here, we have a poor uneducated peasant who changed the world. How did he do it? Three things:

             1. Always understood his life with a calling and unique purposes
             2. Always understood who he was even when others were confused.
             3. Always understood that life was to be shared, never hoarded
             4. Always understood that everything he had, was a gift to be shared.

Decision #3: I will make a difference in a thousand difference ways. What is mind boggling is that there are some things that we believe are inconsequential that make a huge difference in the life of others and somethings we think are huge that mean nothing. If you think about living your life with the understanding that every moment and encounter may have eternal consequences, you will find that you will make a difference in thousands of difference ways.

Today, we are filled with a self-centered culture where everything is based upon how I feel or want. This is an empty, hopeless existence where contentment and peace are fleeting. I encourage you today, be a person of significance. Dare to make a difference in your life today. You were made for this!

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Every step you take

2011-10-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

"Each success on the Field on a Saturday is the result of 1000 unseen mornings" Ken Mannie, Strength Coach, Michigan State University

Good football coaches recognize that in order to perform well in game conditions, you need more than desire, determination, and talent. Performance in the game is the result of hard work and discipline that comes from 1000s of hours on practice fields, weight rooms, and classrooms that is largely unseen by the thousands who cheer them on.

What an incredible metaphor for our own success. It is the small decisions, relentlessly focused on the right things, that forms our responses in the moments of true opportunity.

Just as an athlete must condition his body and mind to achieve his or her desired goal, so we must be intentional about developing our skills and our character for success.

About once a month, I will meet a young man in my medical office who tells me he desires to play professional sports. Last month, 16 yr old Derek (name has been changed to protect the innocent) shared with me that he desired to play in the NBA one day. He was over 6'5" and stated that he has been able to dunk since 8th grade. As impressive as that is, and his stature, Derek wasnt even on his school basketball team. Derek did not play basketball daily nor did he attend school regularly. You and I know that Derek, despite his desire and his potential, has virtually no chance of actually playing in the NBA.

Its the little things done rightly, persistently, and consistently that builds our skill and character. These are decisions that you and I make everyday. If I want to lose weight, then every bite I take makes a difference. The scale does not measure my desire or my potential to lose weight, but is a reflection of 1000s of choices to reduce calories and to exercise.

My first Kenpo instructor used to constantly tell us "You will fight the way you train". He was saying that the degree of effort, discipline, and devotion in the dojo will come out naturally if we had to defend ourselves. We can not turn on a button that will help me to outperform my training. No, our training is our reality.

A recent study demonstrated that 90% of lottery winners who won over 5 million have nothing to show for it within a decade of winning. Yet, millionaires who earned their money often have a legacy of wealth for generations. The difference is based upon the discipline required in the latter group who made daily decisions to work hard, invest, sacrifice, and see the end from the beginning.

I am using sports and business metaphors to encourage you to think about your goals and to know that success is not a matter of getting the "one big break" but of 1000's of unseen disciplines and sacrifices that you have done to perform as the opportunity arises.

It has been said that every system is uniquely structured to deliver the results that it gives. That means that we develop systems to support our current reality and that this reality will remain in place until you change your system. We change our systems not through declarations and proclamations of intent, but through changing the disciplines of our lives to insure that we are consistent in our choices, persistent in our habits, and virtuous in our character.

Think about your goals and callings today. Visualize success. Now consider what are the daily disciplines required to reach it. The victory will be earned in 1000's unseen moments.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Proof is in the Power

2011-10-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
I Corinthians 2:3-5

There is a tendency on the part of American Christianity to intellectualize faith. There is a focus on the mental aspects of understanding the gospel, often to the exclusion of experiencing or demonstrating the gospel. This is not to say that authentic Christianity is anti-intellectual, because a review of early Christianity will reveal some of the greatest and deepest intellectual minds the world has ever seen. However, in our immediate context, there is typically an unbalanced approach, where the gospel is to be understood, but not necessarily experienced.

Modern evangelism techniques often focus on explaining the theological principles of the gospel than proclaiming the reality of the gospel. Take the tried and true "4 Spiritual laws" developed by campus Crusade. These simple laws are very useful in describing the theology behind the gospel, but do little in proclaiming or demonstrating the reality of the gospel. The focus is having the listener understand the gospel instead of experiencing it.

The gospel is the reality that "the Kingdom of God is at hand" according to Jesus in Mark 1. This reality, uses "power" language. God is reigning and is demonstrating his power over his kingdom. Jesus spends little time initially, particularly in the gospel of Mark, trying to get his listerners to understand the Kingdom (the gospel), but focused on inviting people to experience it (preaching, teaching, healing, exorcising, miracles, etc). Jesus is not anti-intellectual and uses quite of few parables to describe and teach about the nature of the kingdom. However, my point is that Jesus understood the gospel as the Kingdom to be experienced, not only the kingdom to be understood.

When the Apostle Paul went to the popular commercial city of Corinth in the first century, he speaks of purposely not coming with persuasive words or wisdom, but kept his presentation focused on the reality of gospel (see opening scripture). He states that it was important that the Corinthian's faith rest upon God's power, and not merely intellectual arguements.

Power is broadly defined as the ability to make change. Modern Physicists define power as the amount of work over time. The more work done in a given time results in greater power. Therefore, the gospel is demonstrated in power, when there is real change. Not a change in a future disposition, such as going to heaven or the avoidance of hell, but real change in our current reality that demonstrates the power of God in our lives in tangible ways.

A gospel of power is life changing. The Apostle Paul would tell the same Corinthians that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power" (I Corinthians 4:20). Part of the problem in the church today is that we understand the gospel, but we have not experienced its power.

I want to encourage you today to stop defending and explaining the gospel, but to begin demonstrating and experiencing it. It is the power, the real work, the real change that demonstrates the reality of the good news (gospel) that the Kingdom of God is at hand through a real faith in the living one, Jesus.

May God bless you today and may you experience his powerful presence in everything you do.

Pastor M Traylor

The answer is always Jesus

2011-10-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
I Corinthians 1:27-31

I often joke with the congregation that I have the privilege of leading (New Hope Free Methodist Church in Rochester, NY), that in nearly all the important questions of faith, the answer is almost always Jesus. Jesus is simultaneously the mode, the manner, the message, and the model of God's purposes in creation. He is central to God's action from beginning (Colossians 1:15-20) to the end (Revelation 22:12-16). You can not escape this fundamental revelation of Scripture, without emptying the Word of its power.

According to Bible, this centrality of Jesus either powerfully enlivens us, or becomes a stumbling block to receiving the wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:18-25). Therefore, in the Christian faith, our understanding of the nature of Jesus and His purposes literally has life and death consequences. It is of ultimate importance.

The interesting thing is that Jesus is not just a concept to be understood, nor a theological principle to be applied, but literally our living hope. He is literally described as the wisdom (applied knowledge of truth) of God (see opening scripture). That wisdom provides three things that we desparately seek:

1. Jesus provides righteousness: Righteousness is not defined as doing the "right things" as much as being in a right relationship with God. We have a standing or significance precisely because of what Jesus did, and not because of ourselves. The Bible tells us that our own attempts to be in a right relationship with God is inadequate and even hostile to God (Isaiah 64:6-7, Romans 8:7). We literally receive this relational standing through putting our trust in the person and work of Jesus (Romans 3:22)

2. Jesus provides holiness: Holiness is not a magical status for a few super saints, but the state of being set apart for the purposes of God. This gives us purpose. One of our spiritual quests is to know that our lives have purpose. We long to know that our lives have meaning and contribute to something real in our lives. Literally, followers of Jesus, find their purposes in him.

3. Jesus provides redemption: Redemption means to "purchase back". This is the Bible's term for the forgiveness of our wrongdoing and its consequences. The forgiveness in redemption is described as mercy: to not receive what we deserve. The restoration to right relationship with God (righteousness) and being set apart for the purposes of God (Holiness) are described as acts of grace: Receiving what we did not deserve. God's redemption through Jesus demonstrates his mercy and grace towards us.

All of this can be theological babbling and stale religious jargon except, that God's wisdom is to be experienced. This relationship with Jesus is to provide our significance, our purposes, and our acceptance in life. Think about this. Our relationship with Jesus is the key to overcoming insignificance, insecurity, and every form of rejection. Because of this, we know that the only things we can truly boast about, is God.

Whatever you may be facing today, the answer is Jesus. No matter how many messages you receive that seek to define your life as insignificant, meaningless, and without value, Jesus gives us an alternative to live life according to His spirit, His purposes, and His power.

I challenge you today to consider what gives your life significance, purpose, and acceptance. Jobs fail, health comes and goes, relationships change over time, but we are promised that Jesus, is the same yesterday, today, and for eternity (Hebrews 13:8). What are you building your life upon: the foolishness of worldly standards or the way, the truth, and life.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Legacy on the mind

2011-10-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

the need to leave a legacy is our spiritual need to have a sense of meaning, purpose, personal congruence, and contribution”
Stephen R. Covey

I live on the "backside of life" officially. Unless I live to be 95 yrs old, I have more years in the past than life ahead of me. Thats not a sad thing or even a bad thing; its simply the reality of life.

In the front side of life, we spend time identifying who we are and building foundations of life. We train for careers, find significant others, build families, and strive for a quality of life where we can experience peace and some level of success.

There comes a time, when we are able to see the finitude of life, and not fear, but simply appreciate it. It is in these moments, when we like Moses who asks God to "teach us to number our days" (Psalm 90:12). We begin to acknowledge the privilege, the beauty, and the wonder of life, and we do not want to continue moving so quickly in life, that we miss its awesome splendor.

This realization is not a "pie in the sky" denial of pain, suffering, and struggle that is a part of life, but it is discovery that despite these things, we have experienced love and life, and these are gifts from God.

The desire to leave a legacy is based upon the confrontation of the finitude of life. It is the full acceptance of the privilege of life and the joy that comes from being fully alive.

Today, I believe that God is talking to me about my legacy. 60 years from now, what will be the lasting effects of who I love today? The words I speak today, will they generate blessings or curses for my children, grandchildren and their children? Are the actions and attitudes that I display today, going to result in the enriched life of someone tomorrow, next week, and long beyond my years of walking here.

Today, I thank God for life and love, and I pray that my legacy will be one of blessings and honor. This is my prayer for you today as well.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Economic Idolatry

2011-09-23T04:58:00.000-07:00

There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty." (Acts 19:27)

In America, we view capitalism sacredly. It is not only sacred, but to question some of the core concepts is akin to treason and heresy. Unquestionably, the American dream and the incredible ability to accumulate wealth and maintain a high standard of living would not be possible without an aggressively capitalistic economy. However, this weath can co-opt and inform our understandings of what is right and just.

In first century city of Ephesus, the community was in an uproar over the new message of Jesus. The narrative tells us that many accepted the message of Jesus and lives were changed in dramatic fashion. (Just writing that sentence reminds me of how the contemporary Church has very low expectations of the power of Jesus compared to the Biblical record.) There arose significant opposition. Interestingly, the opposition was not based upon differing theologies (how people saw God), differing ecclesiologies (how the people of God are organized), or even the extraordinary claims of the faith (Jesus literally died, rose again, etc). The opposition was mainly economic. As the opening scripture reveals, the merchant class of Ephesus was mostly concerned about loss in wages related to the Temple of Artemis.

Less we think that this is only a first century issue, we need only to look at the nineteenth century arguements over slavery, where the contention was not the immorality of slavery, but the economic neccesity of it. In fact, one can argue that the economic benefits of slavery informed and influenced how many churches understood love for another. The only way to be remain faithful to the golden rule was to interpret it by denying the humanity of slaves, and making them exempt from the dignity required by Jesus' commands.

Today, I hear debate after debate on lower the national debt, cutting social programs, militarism, and taxes. There is plenty of rhetoric and propaganda from all around, so understanding what is true is difficult. However, what remains true is the often we allow the economic needs of our cultures to inform our theology, instead of allowing our theology inform our economic, political, social, and cultural approaches. Whats even more interesting is how Christian leaders have accepted the secularization process (God is only interested in our private lives, and is not active or practical in the larger spheres of life).

If you are a follower of Jesus, I challenge you to be a prophetic (speaking truth to power) voice in these conversations regarding money. Lets stop the economic idolatry and have the courage to agents of transformation.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Practical Prayer

2011-09-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.(Luke 5:15-16)

Contemporary society is the busiest in the history of humanity. This is not to say that previous generations did not work extremely hard, because progress was built on hard work. However, the complexity of our lives in 2011, dwarfs the generations of the past. One statistic states that the average person daily ingests and discerns more information than the average person in 1910 did in an entire year.

With economic pressures overhead, most of us feel the tension to be even more productive than ever, and experience more uncertainty than ever. In the midst of all of this, our ongoing secularization tells us that faith has a diminishing role in the practical affairs of your job, family, relationships, careers, and finances. Secularization is the process in which people go from having a worldview where God is overall and through all, to a worldview where God's influence is reduced to highly personal matters, and restricted to only "spiritual" things.

In the midst of our infatuation of doing more and more, Christians are called to simply connect with Jesus Christ and to allow that connection to lead, guide, and compel our actions and behavior. This connection forms the basis of our being and doing in the world (John 15:5). It is to be our guiding light, compass, GPS, and map all in one.

It has been said that if you are too busy to pray, then you are too busy. In our opening scripture, we find that the busier that Jesus became, the more time he set aside for prayer. That's right, the busier he became, the more (not less!) time he spent in prayer. This suggests a couple of points for Christians today:

1. Prayer allows to live proactively, not simply reactively. The power of prayer is that it establishes a connection with God that is two way. We commuicate with God as He is communicates with us. Prayer is not to change or manipulate God into doing things for us, as much as it changes us to do the will of God. That revealed will of God, and our submission to it, allows us to live and love proactively.

2. Prayer is a constant activity. Christians are called to pray continually (I Thess 5:17). There are times where that prayer needs to be concentrated, with a focus on listening. Yet, there are also times where we are in continued dialogue with God throughout our activities of the day. Christians should seek to live the day in constant communion (connection) with God.

3. Prayer demonstrates the reality of Christ. If we can be honest, many do not pray to Jesus because they simply do not believe Jesus is real. They want him to be real, and identify themselves as Christians, but do not actually convinced he is real. They do not believe he is present at the workplace, neighborhood, in foreclosures, in hospitals, during business meetings, or during jury duty. If we were convinced he was real, and that he was who he said he was, prayer becomes a natural reality and a desired connection. It is no longer an obligation, but a privilege to be enjoyed and an opportunity to be celebrated.

I want to challenge you today to consider the reality of God and the power of prayer. You may wish to begin every single day with a time of prayer. Not a conjured-up, religious babbling, but speaking to the Lord. (see the video below for a humerous take on this!). It will provide you with clarity and peace in the midst of an often hectic pace.

May God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

Freedom for all!

2011-07-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Today is Independence Day and all over America, we are celebrating the birth of the United States of America. In the history of humanity, America stands unique as the "enduring experiment in democracy" as a former president described us. A government of the people and by the people is not only unique but also speaks of justice and fairness in theory. Its charter describes certain "unalienable rights" such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights literally empowered the masses to live freely and to participate in their own governance and leadership.

I have always found Independence day to be bittersweet. While, I am truly blessed and incredibly appreciative of the freedoms, privileges, and people of the United States, I am always hesitant to fully celebrate.

Martin Luther King Jr. described the American charter as un-cashed check. He would describe it as a promised unfulfilled for many of its citizens. Indeed, at the time of the beautiful constitution, the rights described were not offered or promised to those in slavery, nor to Native Americans. In fact, the irony of the American charter is that is specifically sought to create and protect the rights of some, while oppressing and denying others the same rights.

Since the 18th century, wars have been fought, several spiritual awakenings have occurred, and the civil rights movement came to change our understanding of the civic nature of this American Charter. People have died so that all people, regardless of color, creed, religion, or national background also have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is worth celebrating.

We must continue the process of critically examining our national policies and activities in light the American Charter. While celebrating the freedoms we enjoy, let us not ignore the reality that many of the luxuries that we enjoy may be at the expense of others in the world. Throughout the world, America is known for its predatory capitalism, where we seek to exploit other peoples for their resources, without any significant benefit or wealth development for the indigenous people. We see this in American Pharmaceutical companies who routinely test their medications on Third world nations, without appropriate consent, and without making the medications tested available to them while at the same time generating millions of dollars in profit. We see this in textile cooperatives where workers abroad make pennies on the dollar and are treated to sub-human conditions. There are many more examples, but the point is that we can not enjoy the privileges that we have without considering whether those privileges come at the expense or exploitation of others. We must remember that America makes up 6% of the world's population, but consumes over 50% of all the world's resources and has over 60% of the world's wealth.

Interestingly, the heart of Christianity is liberation and freedom. Jesus came that we would be free spiritually, socially, and even economically. Reading the Bible in his appropirate socio-historical context, makes this quite clear. I believe it is the Christian's role to advocate for freedom while never advocating a pseudo-freedom that is based upon the denigration and exploitation of others. This is the heart of scripture and the practice of the early Church.

I hope that today you have a fantastic Independence day celebration. It is my hope that you will have a thankful heart, a joyful spirit, but a critical eye so that what we experience, may be experienced by others as well.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Learning from Emotional Pain

2011-06-16T04:29:00.000-07:00

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

While we have different pain thresholds, all of us avoid pain. Its not that we are weak, but its instinctual. The sensation of pain is to make us aware of something that is immediately dangerous or damaging. Inadvertantly touching a hot plate sends an immediate and intense sensation of pain that yells to get our attention that the plate is causing serious damage. Pain responses often do not relay through our higher brain functions (cerebral cortex where we think and reason) but reside in the lower brain functions and brain stem, in the form of emotions and reflexes. You do not so much think about the hotness of the plate as you simply react to it.

People are made in a way that we can not only experience physical pain, but emotional pain as well. Emotional pain tends to be result of relationally dangerous things or wounds. In the same way as our responses to physical pain, we have systems that seek to guard our sense of significance, security, and acceptance. When interactions, or lack of interactions with others cause us to feel insignificant, insecure, or rejected, we experience pain. That pain causes reflexic responses. True to our DNA, we choose to flee, fight, forget, or freeze. We do not think about our reactions, we simply react to pain, whether we are conscious of the reason or not.

Our emotional pain resulting from our failings and rejections begin to condition us and our responses. Those who tend to flee at emotional pain, go from relationship to relationship wondering why they can't connect. Often they will describe themselves as having "commitment" issues. Those who tend to fight develop aggressive and controlling tendencies in their relationships. Their strategy is control to protect. Those who tend to forget will bury their pain. Forgetters are more likely to be in abusive relationships where they feel powerless. Interestingly, they have an affinity for relationships with those who control, making their pathologies synergistic. Those who freeze, tend to simply shut down with emotional pain. Never really addressing pain, they simply become numb and disassociate as a mechanism of coping.

What if emotional pain caused by fears, failures, and rejection is to be a means of leading us to a deeper and more dependent relationship with God. What if God, allows us to experience the pain of insignificance, insecurity, and rejection so that we will run to the God who supremely values us, will always be there for us, and will never turn away from us. Your pain should not cause you to be further isolated, depressed, fearful, or angry, but is a signpost that we need to turn to God, not just for relational healing, but for the experience of God's presence, grace, and love. This allows for the proper perspective of pain as well. While others may reject us, and fail to appreciate us, those whose core identity is defined by their relationship with God will understand that these things damage relationships, but not our person. Why? Because our significance, security, and acceptance is not dependent upon our relationship with one person, but with God.

As we live and experience emotional pain daily, I pray that you will experience the God who loves you (acceptance), gave his son for you (significance), and has removed every barrier for your experience of his love (security). This is what your pain is pointing towards and why we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

10 Summer Reads that can change your life!

2011-06-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I love to read and share readings that I find particularly insightful. Summer is often a time when people find time to read an interesting book or two. I wanted to make ten suggestions regarding particularly interesting books that you may wish to engage this Summer.

1. Naked Spirituality by Brian McClaren
This book takes the process of spiritual formation and identifies how we grow in our relationship with God. Raw, honest, and authentic. For anyone who has wondered why their experience of God has not been smooth. Highly recommended.

2. The Dangerous Act of Worship by Mark Labberton
Provocative writing that connects the act of worship with being an agent of social justice. He explains how we have developed false types of worship that are divorced from the things that actually matter to God. Well written and convicting.

3. The Social Animal by David Brooks
Creative book that looks at how people develop social skills and process emotion. Funny but articulate. Not written in a scientific style, but definitely built upon solid science. The author shows how we are created for social interaction

4. The Wisdom of Stability by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Passionate book about the gift of being where you are. The author shows how God gives us stability as a gift and that this is contrary to our hypermobile society. Incredibly useful book for those who are busy and ambitious.

5. Afterschock by Robert Reich
Former US Secretary of Commerce talks about the economy, the reasons for its faltering, and the essence of challenge of building a strong economy. Hint: its about why income disparity is the root of most of our economic woes. Eye opening and gives a great foundation for anyone who wants seeks an understanding of a complex issue. Provocative and insightful.

6. Mobilizing Hope by Adam Taylor
Adam Taylor is a former writer for sojourners who does a masterful job explaining what it takes for a hope centered movement to develop. A true encouragement for those who are interested in social movements or faith based organizations.

7. Why Jesus? by William Willimon
Bishop Willimon is a United Methodist Bishop who takes a provocative look at Jesus in ways that we are tempted to over look. Chapters such as Jesus, the home wrecker speak volumes about his style. The tone of this book is highly encouraging as it effectively defines Jesus of Nazareth in a contemporary, but Biblical style.

8. Present Perfect by Greg Boyd
Professor and Pastor Greg Boyd writes about being present to God and God being present to us. Alarmingly powerful book about experiencing God in the here and now. Get ready to change the way you experience God's presence after you read this!

9. Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola
Recentering the person of Jesus in all that we do is the premise of this challenging book. Invigorating and provocative, but deeply Biblical. Recommended for any Christian desiring renewal and revitalization.

10. A Credible Witness by Brenda Salter-McNeil
A vision for the multi-cultural Kingdom of God that is brilliant and inspiring. Honest look at the Biblical approach towards cultural and ethnic division. Great read!

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

The Cruelty of Divorce

2011-06-07T04:19:00.000-07:00

13 Here is another thing you do. You cover the Lord's altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn't accept them with pleasure. 14 You cry out, "Why doesn't the Lord accept my worship?" I'll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.

15 Didn't the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. 16 "For I hate divorce!" says the Lord, the God of Israel. "To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. "So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife." (NLT)
Malachi 2:13-16

This week is typical in for me and many pastors all over the world. I have the honor of participating in the union of a man and a woman in a lifetime bond, where the two will become one. This mysterious union in which God created after his own bond and union with humanity, is seen as the central relationship in families and was to be an impenetrable bond inwhich to experience life and love.

However, like my fellow pastors, I have the displeasure of witnessing the literal destruction of marriages. Couples, where one or both partners decided that their desires were more important than the commitment they made to their spouse, and ultimately to God. While divorce is not a sin, and provisions are made in the Bible for divorce (Matthew 19:3-9, I Corinthians 7), it is always a result of sin. Jesus says that the only reason that God even allows divorce is because of humanity's sinfulfness. Even with that being said, God takes divorce personally. He states that he actually hates divorce. I do not believe we have a true understanding of how God grieves divorce.

Now, I do not believe that marriage scriptures should be used to keep women or men in abusive relationships. Scripture speaks of honoring our bodies as God's temple. Scripture is also clear that the believer can divorce when their spouse has been unfaithful and abandons them. While these are provisions for divorce, they are not commands for divorce. God has, and God is quite capable of providing healing and wholeness to marriages where there has been incredible wounding.

In our day, when over 50% of Christian marriages end in divorce, I believe that we need to take heed to the following principles:

1. Never, never, never get married unless you and your spouse are committed to a lifetime together, for better or worse,for richer or poorer, and sickness and health. As Christian Author Gary Thomas states: Marriage is not to make you happy, but to make you holy. The purpose of marriage is not only union but spiritual formation or character formation that comes with living and sharing with another.

2. Understand that your marriage matters deeply to God. God was the witness to your vows and according to the scripture in Malachi, expects that you will stand by your vows as a sign of respect towards Him.

3. Divorce has destructive realities and should only be entertained when the covenantal relationship is beyond repair. This means that the Biblical conditions for divorce (abuse, abandonment, affairs) cause significant emotional and physical pain. Yet, God also understands divorce itself (particularly when the conditions for divorce are not present) is also a form of violence. Jesus describes it as an overwhelming act of cruelty to your spouse
(Mal 2:16, see above). Divorcing because you are simply unhappy or no longer "love" your spouse, in the absence of their abuse, abandonment, or infidelity, is an act of cruelty in which you are held responsible.

4. The Goal of marriage is the expression of love and faithfulness, not for your partner to "fulfill you". Sociologist Andrew Cherlin of John Hopkins University, does a wonderful study in his book, "Marry Go Round". His study looks at how different generations understand marriage, and our generation understands marriage as something that "fulfills" us. In our consumerism, we even see marriage as something that is for us, to be used by us for our happiness, pleasure, and meaning. This is not to say that a healthy marriage should not provide incredible happiness, pleasure and a deepened sense of meaning. It is to say, that no person can ever singlehandedly make us happy, continually give us pleasure, and be responsible for your identity or social standing. It is not what marriage is for. In our consumer culture, when our marriages do not fulfill us, we simply go shopping again.

I am sharing this with you because I am honestly overwhelmed. As I pray daily for couples, I sense the pain of marriages gone bad. I feel the cruelty unleashed upon one another through the abuse, abandonment, and affairs. I also mourn the cruelty of a spouse who says to his or her spouse "I never loved you" which really means "You are unloveable". It hurts too much and is too devastating for the families and friends.

If you are experiencing marriage problems, please consider the Word of God and apply these truths to your situation. Even more importantly, consider the God of the Word and your relationship with him in light of marriage (notice that our relationships with our spouse affects our relationship with God in the Malachi scripture above). I pray that you will experience the love of God and the peace that transcends all understanding.

May God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

McDonald's Tribunals

2011-06-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

Job 12:12.

Day after day, from the early breakfast shifts through the dinner shift, all over the United States, Tribunals have been organized in the dining rooms of urban McDonald's restaurants. These tribunals are made up of older African-American men, who put everything on trial.

In the McDonald's in which I frequent most often, on the corner of Upper Falls Blvd and North Clinton in Rochester, the tribunal takes up the eastern side of the dining room. Filled with lively discussion, boisterous claims, passionate denouncements, and carefully worded arguments, these informal tribunals discuss life, politics, relationships, current events, neighborhood issues, religion, and occasionally, the food. Voices are raised loudly in passionate attempts to persuade, laughing is raucous and contagious, and the anger displayed is sometimes biting. It is a forum where the realities of life and the frustrations of lives are displayed.

It was the same dynamic, with a different crowd at the McDonald's on Lee Ave, just south of Harvard in the southeast part of Cleveland, OH. Different people, with different names, but the tribunal was still the same. Not sure why there is an affinity for McDonald's versus Burger King, but the same processes occur in our cities all over.

Yesterday, I watched my local tribunal and in particularly, I was struck by how passionately they argued various points, but were largely ignored by most people who came for lunch. They were background noise. They were furniture that takes up space and just a part of the scenary to most. I noticed that as the place filled with the ambient sounds of a crowded restaurant, that the arguments regarding the apparent conspiracy of the Fire Department against hiring African Americans and Latino men got louder and louder. There was a need to be heard. I lamented that most of these men are not seen or heard, and subconsciously and even despairingly, these men understood this.

I looked at the eyes of many of men in my tribunal and saw deep sadness. Although there was laughter, it was always in the tragic-comedy framework. Regrets, discrimination, missed opportunities, poor choices, isolation, and unfulfilled dreams take their toll on the souls of men. They have a need for legacy. They want to impart wisdom that comes from their lives, but unfortunately no forum to do so.

In the Biblical era, there were often councils of Elders (identified by age, not titles) who sat near the city gates to give counsel. This movement to local sage was a transition that we honored and celebrated. In the urban context of America, we have nothing similar to this, yet many men and women feel the need to make a difference by sharing their experiences.

I am committing to get to know the individuals in my local tribunal and to hear their stories. While I am sure that I will not agree with some of the arguments presented, I am open to the wonderful opportunity to learn! My point is to honor elders and let them know, that they are seen and that I can hear them.

I want to encourage you today to open your eyes to see those who may seem to be background noise. If you are located close to an urban McDonalds (only in urban and suburban, I have never seen this phenomena is rural McDonalds, but I am sure its possible) take time to notice if you have a tribunal present. If you do, you would be a blessing to them if you simply acknowledged their standing.

God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

Recovering the importance of Cemetaries

2011-05-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.

Deuteronomy 32:7

I have been visiting the Massillon, Ohio cemetary yearly for as long as I can remember. Each year, as a child, we would see the Memorial day parade and continue to follow the parade as it ended in at the cemetary. Later, as I grew older, we would ride our bikes to the parade (that was several miles away), and finally, as I went away to college, medical school, etc, I would drive back and visit yearly.

My mother was an incredibly loving but wonderfully intense person. She had certain things that she deeply cared about. Some of it was quirky, like making sure that we had a black eyed pea in our wallets at new year (sign that you would have money all year round). However, one of the things that she literally mourned was the idea that when she passed that her gravesite would never be attended to. She understood that her chldren were passing into a mobile generation who would not live in Massillon, OH. Despite my deepest reassurances, that no matter where I was, I would always make time to honor her through gravesite visitation and maintenance, the concept of being forgotten would drive her to tears.

I have been keeping up my promise and have continued to visit her gravesite yearly. This week, as I tended to the gravesite of my parents, and wandered among relatives and friends who have passed, I mourned the loss of the cemetary as a civic institution. The memorial day parades have been supported now by mostly gray haired people and their were fewer people visiting, despite a beautiful sunny weekend. Many of the gravestones around my parents and grandparents graves are unkept, with weeds and grass covering them. The chill of my mother's deepest fear, manifest a thousand times over and over.

I want to encourage you to take time and visit the burial places of those who were important to you. As we recover this rich art, several things happen:

1. We demonstrate honor to those who have passed and we keep them alive through intentionally remembering.

2. We rebel against the culture of busyness and hypermobility. We take time to stop and just reflect. This simply makes us greatful.

3. We contemplate our own lives against the backdrop of our own mortality. We too will die. Contemplating our own mortality allows us to "Live like we are dying". It allows us to value the important things of prioritize life.

4. We recognize and identify that we are part of a legacy. Visiting a cemetary allows you to understand familial, cultural, and civic stories. The people who lived before and shaped the people, places, and opportunities that we have today.

So I hope that this weekend, beyond the ribs, beyond the parades, and beyond the retail store weekend sales, that you will take some time to visit the burial places of those who have impacted or influence you.

Thanking God today for wonderful parents and friends who are now with Him. Thanking him for health and strength to keep up my promise to my mother and inspire others to do the same.

God bless you today,

Pastor M Traylor

Speaking Life

2011-05-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.

I Samuel 3:19

I used to love the sound of the school teacher in the Charlie Brown cartoons. All you could hear was the teacher saying "wawa wawa wawa" in different tones and pitches. It was a tribute to the authority figures in our life that continually speak to us, but their actual words have lost their vitality and potency. I think Charles Schultz may have been alluding to something much greater. In the 1960's through the 80's, many of the authoritative institutions were viewed with suspicion rather than honor. The government, the church, and even our cultural icons were viewed as possible agents of propaganda, rather than providers of community and traditional wisdom.

Yesterday, I flew from Baltimore, Maryland back to Rochester (and man, my arms are tired!). During that flight, I watched as the Flight Attendents gave the safety instructions. As they talked about emergency exits, safety protocols, government mandates, and evacuation plans, most of the people aboard simply ignored them. Flyers were engaged in conversation with one another, reading USA Todays, or sleeping.

I know that many of you who are seasoned flyers may say that you have heard their words many times and thats why you ignore them. Indeed, that may be the cause, but I think there is something else going. Something a little more subtle.

I believe that an atmosphere of fear has caused us to tune out the legitimate messages of concern. We are inundated with messages of fear everywhere we go. In the airport, I watched the TSA agents tell an 84 yr old man that they are confiscating his mouthwash because it was in too large of a container. We all nodded in agreement, after all, he could be the next great terrorist. As I entered the airplane and went to my seat, my seat neighbor clutched her purse and put her Ipod in her purse, even though she was still listening to it, after all, I could be a thief. At the hotel I stayed at, there was a party. I spoke to a couple in passing (Have a great evening!) and the man of the couple decided to mean-mug me (stare at me with a frown long after we had spoken), after all, I may be trying to get his girlfriend or wife. Turned on my TV, and immediately heard an ad telling me that there are people in Congress who want to take away the healthcare of the elderly. All fear based stuff.

I believe the key to powerful communication is making a connection based upon life giving words. It is such as refreshing contrast to hear how to live, as opposed to avoiding death. This was the essence of Jesus' message. He gave blessings and ways to live in blessings, as opposed to focusing on what needed to be avoided. This is why his message was received so powerfully as opposed to the Pharisees and their strict religiosity.

It is not a coincidence that the most common commandment in all of scripture is anyone of the variants of "Do not be afraid" (fear not, Be strong and courageous, Do not fear, etc). It is fear that makes us numb and keeps us self-centered instead of God-centered.

Take time to analyze your words today. Do you speak life, hope, and healing or fear, worry, and loss? Is your life based upon avoiding fear, or living free? Is your faith based upon fear (I just do not want to go to Hell) or life (I want to live life fully according to God's purposes).

I pray today that you will speak life and that unlike the flight attendent, none of your words will "fall to the ground".

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Day After

2011-05-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

"You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Luke 12:40

As many know, Harold Camping, the founder of a Christian Radio broadcasting network, predicted that yesterday, Jesus would rapture away his church. He published this fact far and wide through radio, TV, USA Today, and various social networks. We can confirm that Mr. Camping was again, wrong in his prediction. It was not the first time that Mr. Camping errored, as he had made a similar prediction years ago, which he attributed to a mathematical error.

The fact that so many self-identifed Christians believed his predictions and sold property and quite jobs is not startling, but sad. Even more discouraging is the fact that some of Mr. Camping's adherents still believe even though his prophecies are not true (see article on yahoo).

Looking at the hoopla surrounding this event calls to attention the following:

1. Many self-identified Christians are Biblically Illiterate. This does not mean that Christians can't read, but that often we don't read the Bible. We need to know what the Bible, specifically what Jesus said in the Bible, about life, death, and eternity. This is a call for all churches to emphasize study of the Word.

2. The world is still fascinated with the apocolypse. Its interesting that Mr. Camping is not well known nor does he have traditional credentials as a theologian, but many media networks picked up his story and ran with it. This suggests an ongoing interest in the world regarding end times. There is a real sense of fear of judgment. The fear comes out in a need to mock it. This is a great opportunity to talk about Jesus' approach to judgement: Grace with Truth.

3. Its time for the authentic church to truly evaluate dispensational theology and the theology behind the "rapture". While this theological system is only about 120 years old, it has been a favorite of conservative evangelical churches, seminaries, and publishers for the past 40 years. Critical evaluation has shown that not only has this system not been favored by the church for most of its life, but that the teachings are somewhat speculative. A clear reading of scripture, beginning with what Jesus said about the end times, does not show a pattern of the church being removed from the Earth prior to worldwide tribulation. The church needs to wrestle with this.

4. Just because He didn't..... Jesus did promise to return and states that no person will know the date. Therefore, just because he didn't come on the 21st, doesn't mean he can't come today, or tomorrow, or the next day. One of the clear themes of New Testament scripture was the immediacy of the return of Christ. We are to live in that urgency.

5. Please do not mistake sincerity and truth. I admire Mr. Camping and his followers for their sincerity. It takes courage to speak with conviction when others are mocking you. Yet, it is possible to be sincerely wrong. The Bible calls this "being zealous without knowledge". I know many pastors who are sincere, zealous, and ambitious for God, but in ignorance, and sometimes arrogance, have led their followers astray. This is why ignorance is never bliss. What you don't know, will kill you. This is why I ask my congregation to check what I am saying against the Word of God. Let everyone be convinced by scripture, reason, tradition, and experience.

In the day after, I hope that you are blessed and still looking forward to the blessings of blessings, the real return of the King.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Praying for an inner-Buster

2011-05-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

Don't act nervous!
Why?
Because Dogs can smell fear!
Urban legend.

Buster, my dog

This morning, like hundreds before it, I got up before the sun had fully risen and was met by Buster, our dog. Buster is a 4 and 1/2 yr old Basenji and German Shepherd mix. Usually he greets me or my wife Amelia in the hallway and stretches before coming downstairs and going out in the back yard to relieve himself and get a lay of the land.

This morning was different. Buster was already up and anxious. Instead of his calm stretching there was a nervous pacing up and down the hallway. Now, Buster is typically afraid of storms but the sky was relatively calm at the time. When I got downstairs, instead of slowly ambling to the door, he cautiously went to the door and assumed a croaching position. When I opened the door, he shot out of the door, and began his traditional Basenji Yodel mixed with a growl I had never heard before. Buster is usually very friendly to the forrest animals around. We have Phyllis (we named her) the deer that terrorizes Amelia's flowers, and a variety of other squirrels, ground hogs, and birds that he is mostly curious about. However, today was different. When I looked up, I saw the object of Buster's rage: A coyote just outside of our fence.

I do not know how Buster knew because he could not have seen the coyote from upstairs, but somehow he recognized the danger was there and took precautions to protect his turf and his house from this threat. Coyotes can be very dangerous to small children and pets, and buster ran to the fence and attacked as if there was no fence there at all (If dogs just had a larger cerebral cortex, he would not have made that mistake). The coyote initially growled by fled.

His actions today made me desire more of the Holy Spirit's intuition to see danger and deal with it in everything that I do. How I wish that we had an inner-Buster when dealing with relationships, financial transactions, and career responsibilities. A sense of danger or a threat to our health and wellness should set of an alarm or sense of hostility, like in Buster.

The Bible says the Holy Spirit will guide us and make judgements in regard to right things, wrong things, and true things (John 16:10). I pray that you would hear his voice and be on guard against things that seek to destroy.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Challenges of a New Generation

2011-05-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

"Generation after generation stands in awe of your work"

Psalm 145:4 from the Message Bible

I have the privilege of working with a variety of young adults each week. As a pastor and coordinator of a teen clinic, I have been taking time to prayerfully watch, and to learn. I guess because I am getting older (or as I prefer to say, more mature), I naturally think of legacy and the imprint that my own generation has left upon the Earth. The best way of understanding the legacy of a generation is to look at the character and callings of its children.
Young adults today face a bewildering assortment of challenges and struggles today. Much of their struggles today are inherited from my generation, although the same goes for many of the privileges that they enjoy as well. Every generation will shape the next.

I wanted to briefly describe a few specific challenges that young adults face that will define their legacy, as I feel that many are unaware of the difficulties young adults face.

1. How do young adults develop healthy sexuality when literally saturated with unhealthy sexual messages? Weekly, I talk to young adults who are involved in risky sexual relationships. Abusive, degrading, marginally consensual, sex that does not build or accentuate intimacy, but simply perpetuates feelings of shame or dominance. How will young adults understand what healthy sexuality is, when their parents abandoned them at record rates and have had the most disfunctional marriages in the history of America. They have few models of healthy sexuality.

2. How do young adults develop healthy spirituality when disenfranchised with the institutions that were supposed to represent God? Young adults are quite adept at seeing through things. The Catholic Priest scandel has had a huge effect in many circles on the ability for young adults to trust anything even remotely called "church". Churches that focus on the superficial such as money, irrelevent theological doctrines, and self-righteousness are seen for what they are. Young adults are leaving the church in record numbers, but genuinely have a hunger and thirst for authentic spirituality, but just have never seen it modeled in the religious institutions in which they are part.

3. How do young adults develop a healthy vocation when they are vastly undereducated and vastly under-resourced? The young adults I see each week have so many barriers toward developing a fulfilling career. They are undereducated and undertrained, and therefore have few opportunities to take advantage of. They have very poor awareness of what foundations are necesssary for economic success. They lack the social capital to negotiate the dizzying array intra-familial, scholastic, socio-economic, and cultural limitations that dominate their lives. Its like they have been sentenced to a life of futility.

I am not saying that there are not young adults with healthy spirituality, sexuality, and vocational development, because there are many. However, relatively speaking, they are dwarfed by those who are truly struggling.

Please take time today to pray for the young adults in your sphere of influence and ask God how he can solidify your legacy by modeling to others health and wholeness.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Jesus the extremist?

2011-05-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

"When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

(Jesus' own family's reaction to his teachings) Mark 3:21

The key to understanding the life and teachings of Jesus is to understand that he was extremist radical, bent on altering every aspect of culture and society. As you read that last statement, you may be thinking that I am describing the newest "Terrorist of the moment", but I am describing the mission of Jesus of Nazareth.

He was an extremist. His ethic of love as a response to the real world problems of violence, abuse, oppression, pain and suffering appears at the far end of our reality. His insistance on love, even in the face of incredible discrimination, humiliation, and dehumanization is, in fact, an extremist position. Historically, the Church has attempted to make him more of a centrist. We desire a tamer, more politically palatable Jesus. That Jesus is sellable and acceptable, and insidiously controllable.

Jesus is radical. Not reckless nor ruthless, but radical. The English word we use for radical comes from the concept of "root". To be radical is to assert the most basic truths and refuse to compromise on these things. This is what Jesus said and lived continuously. Historically, the Church has wanted a more democratically leaning, consensus building Jesus. That Jesus often goes along with our agenda rather than relentlessly inviting us towards God's.

Today, I find that the people of God behave more like Jesus' biological family than his authentic spiritual family. We too seek to rush in and provide "damage control" regarding the things that he said and did. We are anxious as to not serve a Jesus that is extreme or radical. We desire to serve a more docile and impotent Jesus who seemingly reflects our personal and cultural values, rather that the convicting, counter-cultural and life changing principles that he lived and died for.

Today, refuse to apologize for Jesus. Refuse to make Jesus into what you, your community, or your culture desires, but see Jesus as he is. If He says to:

love your enemies,
sacrifice for those who hate you,
give your hard earned money to the less fortunate,
Make peace in the midst of violence
Love him above all else,

Don't filter these statements through your political and theological filters to domesticate Jesus. Allow yourself to glimpse the revolutionary Jesus that is worth worshiping.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Confronting Reality

2011-05-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

"A highly effective way of ensuring the perpetuation of a racialized system is simply to deny its existence"

From "Divided By Faith" by Emerson and Smith.

Great leaders confront reality. They have a distinct vision for the future but an uncanny ability to understand the reality of the present. Martin Luther King Jr. was able to "have a dream" while prophetically speaking to the reality of the pervasive racism of America at that time. Leadership mobilizes towards a clearly defined target while simultaneously revealing the inadequacies of the present. In fact, there is no need for an alternative or preferred vision if there is nothing wrong with the present conditions.

In America, we have incredible disparities among different ethnicities. Whether it is education, health, wealth creation, social mobility, or access to leadership roles, ethnic minorities generally fair significantly worse. Sociologists Michael Emerson and Christian Smith noted in their study on race in the church, noted that there is a tendency to separate the concepts of racialization (policies and practice that cause racial division but without the intent of disparging an ethnic group) and racism from educational and economic disparity, particularly in conservative evangelical movements. This means that instead of seeing systemic and structural barriers for success, many conservative evangelical leaders see something inherently wrong with those who are not successful economically, such as a lack of motivation or intellect. Interestingly, the connection between structural barriers to success (terrible schools for example) and individual barriers to success (unmotivated students) are often related and intertwined in a toxic catch-22. One's educational opportunities may be extremely limited due to under-resourced schools and that leads to limited motivation at that school. Conversely, due to poor motivation in the families served by a school, it is impossible to improve. Its classic chicken and egg stuff.

Can we confront the reality that there is something wrong in our communities where ethnic minorities have significantly reduced opportunities to "Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness". If we can open our eyes to see, then we are free to strategize ways in which we can arrive at our preferred vision. I believe that confronting reality is the first step in becoming healthy and whole communities. Healthy confrontation of reality is:

1. Not "blamestorming": Confronting the educational, economic, and social realities of our communities is a factual pursuit. The purpose is not to blame someone or somebody. In our contemporary political debates, we are constantly looking for someone to blame. Confronting reality seeks truth, not blame.

2. A way of promoting community cohesiveness: Confronting the realities of our community allows for a deeper understanding of one another. Cheryl Sanders, Howard University Professor, states that testimony is the first stage in empowerment. If we want to empower the disenfranchised, we need to listen to their stories and hear their situations. Not with judgement and advice, but with humility and a teachable spirit.

3. A prophetic act of truth telling. Prophetic actions consists of speaking truth to power. When we insist on sharing the reality of our communities with governments, institutions, and corporations that are often ignorant of the complexity, or arrogant in their complicity, we begin to hold powerbrokers accountable to the communities that they serve. This also serves to bring resources to bear in the problems.

Who are the vulnerable in your community? Are there peoples or communities around you that seem to be locked in grinding poverty, perpetual undereducation, and violence? What's their story? What's their experience?

Lets lead by confronting the reality of our communities, allowing ourselves to identify with the problems so commonly faced. Lets not focus on blame, but recongize from the onset that there are always systemic/structural barriers as well as intrapersonal barriers for success and liberation.

Once you do that, I challenge you to begin to share a God-sized vision that takes us from our current reality to what God desires for communities. Communities of Shalom (peace, wellness, and opportunity).

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Justice and Forgiveness

2011-05-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

"So he asked of me something that was impossible to grant"

Simon Wiesenthal, a Jewish concentration camp prisoner in response to being asked to forgive a Nazi soldier.

Simon Wiesenthal's classic story "The Sunflower" tells of Simon's horrific experiences as a prisoner in Germany's concentration camps during World War II. During his brutal stay, he is forced into the hospital room of a dying Nazi soldier who insists on confessing his crimes towards Jewish people in detail and asks for forgiveness from Simon. The soldier had not actually harmed Simon, but along with the continued dehumanization of Jewish people in Germany at the time, recalled a particularly gruesome crime that he actively participated in where entire families were burned and shot.

After enduring inhumane, and graphically devastating abuse on a daily basis, Simon was forced to hear the details of the crimes and then heard the pleas to please forgive him. Simon chose to simply never respond to the man. He spoke no words, but simply got up and left.

The question of forgiveness and justice is complex. Does granting forgiveness absolve the other of responsibility for restitution or restoration? Is repentance required for forgiveness? Can a person offer forgiveness to someone for some thing that was not directly committed against them? Is repentance authentic if I continue to participate or benefit from the injustices against the persons or people I have offended or harmed?

Instead of giving my thoughts of the role of forgiveness and the role of justice, I simply want your opinion. Should Simon have forgiven the soldier? Could Simon have forgiven the solider? What influences your decision? Leave your responses as comments.

God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

God bless you

Recognizing Small Jesus

2011-05-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

Luke 7:23 (ESV)

Jesus himself said that before he returned to the world, there would be many "False Christs" (Mt 24:23-24). His instructions were to his disciples of the future to be aware of the temptation to put your trust in something or someone other than the authentic Jesus. I have often read these instructions as the need to be aware of people crazy enough to claim to be Jesus or Jesus-like. However, I believe that Jesus' caution is much more subtle and the temptation is more insidious than I imagined.

I have come to recognize that the chief representative of the "false Christs" is not a person at all. It is an image that has been created by self-identified Christians that appears to be like the authentic Jesus, but will some significant differences. I have chosen to name this image "Small Jesus".

Small Jesus is worshipped around the world and in many worship communities, and for those communities, is indistinguishable from the authentic Jesus. In fact, Small Jesus is often preferred over the living Jesus for a number of reasons.

1. Small Jesus supports contemporary culture and its values. Small Jesus does not challenge his followers to participate in lifestyles that would be considered alternative or weird. Small Jesus is not counter-cultural, but pro-culture (no matter what that culture is). Small Jesus is a fantastic encourager of whatever social, political, or cultural values that you have.

2. Small Jesus supports the privatization of faith. Small Jesus recognizes that his niche is simply in getting you into heaven and out of trouble and discomforts before you get there. His influence is not in every aspect of your life, but only those that are "spiritual". Small Jesus is too much of a gentleman to interfere in your relationships, or spheres of public life such as economics, or politics.

3. Small Jesus is wonderfully impotent. Small Jesus is a sweet and pleasant savior of souls, but He simply can not influence the major issues of our day (poverty, war, terrorism, economics, human rights, etc). Small Jesus leads a movement of positive thinking but knows his place. Followers of Small Jesus know the rediculousness and humor of even thinking that Small Jesus has a role in changing the world where it counts.

4. Small Jesus never offends. Small Jesus is wonderful at supporting your self-determined goals and is careful not to be offensive towards the goals of others, even if they are conflicting. Small Jesus offers affection, but is unfamiliar with love.

I recognize Small Jesus all over the place. I call this image "Small Jesus" because he is the image of a Jesus that we can own and control. Small Jesus fits into our plans. Small Jesus sees us on the throne.

Jesus of Nazareth told a band of followers of John the Baptist, that they would be blessed if they were not offended by him. The possibility of being offended by Jesus lay in the preference for personally defined Jesus that was actually quite different than the historical Jesus. Jesus was asking John the Baptist and his followers to accept and follow him in his reality.

Authentic Jesus is counter-cultural. His "Kingdom" is an alternative way of living that is in contrast to the values and ways of the society around us.

Authentic Jesus makes everything sacred. His "Kingdom" approaches and encroaches on every single aspect of life.

Authentic Jesus is powerful. The message of his life, death, and resurrection is literally the "power of God" (I Cor 1:18). This means that the creative and redeeming power of the creator of the universe is available and can be applied to real issues. So Jesus can influence war, terrorism, poverty, politics, etc...

Authentic Jesus is offensive. Jesus challenges our understanding of what life is about, who we are, and how to live. He paints a portrait or vision of the world that is often at odds with our personal, cultural and nationalistic desires. It can be truly offensive, even though it is incredibly liberating.

Are you worshiping Small Jesus? Take a test today and think about how powerful, how liberating, and how encompassing your Jesus is? Do you expect him to change the world or keep the status quo?

Praying your connection with the authentic Jesus today,

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Distortions of Intimacy

2011-04-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

"I really dont like sex, but I do it cause he wants it, even though he's nasty"

15 yr old young woman in Rochester

Case after case presents in clinics and healthcare centers across the country. Adolescents come and share their concerns regarding their reproductive health. They have been taught by their schools and communities to recognize the symptoms of a variety of diseases and disorders of the private kind. They come with concerns of chlamydia or herpes, and the dreaded HIV infections. I am glad that they have been taught at some level to recognize disease, but I am saddened even more that they have never had health modeled.

The young adults that I am coming in contact with are not only having physical maladies, but also disturbing and pathological relationships. The introduction of sexual intimacy at an early age truly distorts any understanding of a healthy relationship. In the Rochester, NY community, (and I would assume that Rochester does not have the corner on this market), I interveiw young woman after young woman giving her body away in ways that they themselves find disgusting and disrespectful. They often understand that sex is dehumanizing and they are giving a product in return for the social recognition that they are in a relationship. So, multiple diseases, emotionally disassociative physical contact, and coercive (emotionally, socially, as well as physically) participation in sexual relations are the norm. This becomes what relationships are!

Can we get fed up? Can we mourn for the younger generation, beset with horrendous models for sexuality, devoid of the rich spirituality in which sex was created for? Can we get angry at forums that incubate this false sense of sexuality such as MTV, BET, and all of the "family shows" that are porn-lite for our children.

This morning, I cry for the young people in Rochester, who have no idea of their worth, no concept of their purpose, no appreciation for the sacredness of their intimacy, and no living hope.

I pray that I may be part of movement that demonstrates the profound love of God and His love and dignity imparting grace in families. I pray that God will continue to heal brokenness by empowering redeemed people to share their stories, demonstrate His power, and participate in authentic community.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Race Matters

2011-04-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

"This new story begins and ends with God and offers people of all races and ethnic backgrounds a plot worth living"

Brenda Salter McNeil

There are a few things that properly raised people are not supposed to talk about in public, as they are simply to divisive. Politics, religion, and race are topics that are essentially off limits. So we have superficial encounters with one another in a variety of settings striving to get along, when the things that most separate us we dare not discuss. Its this 800 lb gorilla in the room that keeps us in this quiet, but vicious cycle of distance and irrelevance.

Here's the cycle:

We do not speak about our racial, political, or religious differences out of concern for offending the other. Because we do not understand the racial (more accurately described as ethnic), political, and religious views of others, we speak and act in ways that are clearly offensive and hurtful. We then react out of woundedness and develop erroneous stereotypes of one another that are reinforced by fear, a polarizing media and ignorance. These stereotypes often support cultural superiority and we maintain our arrogance by never confronting the issue, using the excuse that we do not want to offend others, when the truth is that we do not want to appear bigoted, intolerant, or ignorant.

In every urban center across the United States, there are racial divides. These divides offer a startling contrast in the understanding and interpretation of reality. Within these preconceived stereotyped filters of reality can be true poison. The serious venom of hatred and contempt that eventually is expressed in violence towards self and others. By violence, I am not simply speaking to physical violence, but also economic, social, and structural violence that entire cultures can commit against others.

Nearly a decade ago, Sociologists Emerson and Smith (Divided by Faith) published their work on the differences that race, culture, and theological tradition had on its understanding of the worth of people of other races and how that understanding allowed for the formation of apathy and disdain towards one another. What is clear, is the even among people who identify themselves as Christian, there are deeply held, divisive and destructive beliefs about others based upon race in most Americans. This statement is multi-directional. No race or ethnicity has the corner on this.

I believe that the time is right to begin a movement that demolishes the divisiveness and the dehumanization that is fostered by generations of stereotyping and isolation. I believe that we have wounded one another to the point that we are in protection mode, but not healing mode. I think that healing is possible between cultures but we need to recognize a few principles:

1. Race Matters: Race still effects how we see each other. There is no such thing as a post-racial society. Understanding ethnicity allows us to see each other in the richness and fullness of our existence. Failing to see ethnicity is dehumanizing by definition.

2. Colorblindness is pathological: In the field of opthalmology, the condition of colorblindness is not normal or healthy. Somewhere, in America's civil religion (common beliefs of Americans), we developed the notion that we need to get to the point of not ever recognizing ethnicity in what we do. That resulted in an inability to see one another realistically and under appreciates the experiences and traditions that formed many ethnic cultures.

3. A healthy sense of racial identity in all of its nuances is essential for understanding others. Many anti-racist activists, such as Tim Wise, have argued that one of the problems with many White Americans is that they do not understand their own whiteness. That is, White Americans fail to understand that being White in America has its own roles, relationships, and responsibilities. In other words, it has a unique culture. The same goes for all ethnicities. The goal is not to eliminate the beauty of ethnic traditions, but to recognize the patterns and assumptions that frame our thoughts and actions so that we can "be real" with ourselves in order that we may "be real" with others.

4. Real Reconciliation is a movement of God, reconciling people to Himself then to one another. In the Bible, in Genesis 11, we see humanity split by a confusing of language. Thousands of years later, we see in Acts 2, the reunification of people through the giving of God's spirit. The New Testament confirms that on of Jesus' purposes was to bring reconciliation among diverse peoples. Our dependence on God, and the bearing of the image of God bond all cultures togethers. It is this commonality that allows us to suspect that God has a plan for us, that radically involves people who are distinctly different than us.

In the month of May, the church that I have the privilege of pastoring will begin a sermon series called "Color, Culture, and Christ" with the goal of allowing God to begin with us to reconcile color and cultures (http://www.newhopefree.org/). I pray that you will allow God to make you an instrument of His peace and an ambassador of His love this day.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Biblical Welfare

2011-04-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

"'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 19:9-10)

It has become the popular to bash the concept of community welfare programs such as aid to dependent children, housing subsidies, head start, food stamps, or medicaid. I believe that many well meaning Christian even think that the removal of such programs are the Godly thing to do, but they are confused.

When we look at the patterns set forth in the Bible for His people, we see built in systems of compassion and generosity. God knew, and He knows, that there will always be those who are poor, disabled, and disenfranchised among his people.

In the Leviticus verse above, we see that God commanded the Israelites to make provisions in their crops for those who were poor. Keep in mind, that this was an agriculturally based society, so their crops and livestock were the same as our paychecks today. In essence, they were to set aside part of their income for the poor. This is the pattern for the people of God. It is confirmed in the Old and New Testament as well as the patterns of the early church.

A couple principles to consider:

1.Your wealth is not your own. The land of Israel was not considered theirs. They were to use it knowing that it is God's. The land's fruitfulness was to be considered as a tribute to God. So, giving to the poor was good stewardship of God's land.

2. God set up regulations to keep wealth equally distributed. The people of God were to celebrate the year of jubilee every 50 years which cancelled all debts towards one another, returned all lands sold to the original families, and released anyone who had a debt of servitude. The effect of this was to prohibit the perpetual poverty or excessive wealth that can develop. We have nothing like that in our capitalistic economy. We reward systems that allow perpetual poverty such as inequitable educational systems, imbalanced legal systems, and underfunding anti-poverty iniatives while allowing the rich to get richer. We need to understand that justice in the Biblical sense is retributive (paying for crimes) and distributive (fair allocation of community resources).

3. The commands to serve the poor were not dependent upon the reasons for the poverty. The poor who were lazy were taken care of just like the poor that were disabled. In other words, the service to the poor was graceful. It was not based upon the morality or work ethic of the poor. It was felt that poverty in itself was shameful, so that the lifestyle of begging was sufficient to motivate people to want to work. We get so caught up with stereotypes of people receiving $90 per month of food stamps but also having a expensive pair of shoes. We spend so much time trying to figure out who qualifies for the few pennies that we are offering, that it misses the spirit of compassion in which Christians are supposed to give.

4.The giving to the poor was separate from the tithes to the Temple. While part of the tithe was used for the poor, the command to leave your fields for the poor was an additional requirment. This meant that not only did the temple have a mandate for the poor, but each individual as well. It was both corporate and individual. Today's Christians should be supporting their faith communities with its tithes as well as being generous to the poor around them.

Now, I am not saying the governmental programs have been run optimally, but I am saying that there is a strong Biblical mandate for welfare programming. It is time to reassert this Biblical mandate and to make sure that these programs are not shunned while allowing for tax breaks and loop holes where the filthy rich pay less tax (by percentage) then the custodians cleaning their offices.

Take time to read scripture and allow it to form your thoughts regarding compassion and generosity.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Grateful Life

2011-04-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

"Did I live a good life"

Question asked by Private Ryan at the gravesite of those who died for him

Saving Private Ryan, 1998

Many of my readers know that I have been a outspoken critic of war as a public policy and that I strongly believe that Jesus calls us to be instruments of peace in a world that is often hostile and violent. With that being said, I still deeply reasonate with the men and women who have sacrificed their lives, their health, their careers, their relationships, and their dreams to protect our country as well as others, from tyranny and destruction.

On Good Friday, we take time to contemplate the meaning of Jesus' death on the cross. As we reflect, I find that there is a natural tendency to spiritualize his death. We sanitize the cross. It is not a splintered, bloody, atrocious method of torture, but a golden emblem that we wear as jewelry or wear as a tattoo. We spiritualize the death into theologically neat categories whereas we see His death as a means of our atonement, propitiation, justification, and initial sanctification. While those things are true, they serve to keep us from truly contemplating the gravity of the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus, the Son of God, the sinless one, the lover of our souls.

In the movie "Saving Private Ryan", a soldier and his brothers take part in the intial large American invasion of Europe in World War II. All of his brothers are killed in action on the first day. Learning this fact, the commanding General orders that this private be found and brought home so that the family may be preserved. A group of men are assigned to go through some of the most horrific battles in order to find Private Ryan and bring him home. In the process, the men succeed in bringing him home, but all give their lives in the process. When the commanding officer lay dying (played by Tom Hanks), he simply says "Earn it". In other words, do not allow their sacrifice to be in vain, but live a life that was worth the sacrifice.

This is the way that we best contemplate the death of Christ. He died for us, for you. He literally died upon the most gruesome torturing contraption ever created so that you have life. We are asked by Jesus' protege Paul, who also suffered extensively, to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received".

In light of the sacrifice of good men, how should we live? That was Private Ryan's struggle and inspiration. Today, in light of the sacrifice of God himself, our creator, the lover of our souls, how should we live? What does his death for us mean pragmatically, practically, and personally?

There is a temptation for those who have been in church for a while, to focus on the cross as a means to appease the wrath of God against sin. We can celebrate that through faith in Jesus, we do receive forgiveness of sin (II Corinthians 5:21). However, the greatest way of understanding the cross is to focus on the cross as a means to appease the love of God for us. God, so loved the world.... (John 3:16-17). Our sin was an obstacle in our receiving and giving love. The cross allowed us to experience the love of God and share the love of God freely. This means that we live for God according to love, not according to fear.

In light of such great love that led to such a great sacrifice for you, how will you live? Will you spend every minute being grateful for the sacrifice that was made and being desirous to live a life that is "worthy" of the sacrifice for you?

I hope on this Good Friday that you experience the love of God in a profound way as you contemplate the cross.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Mourning the Loss of Play

2011-04-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

"Pick it up and run it" was the official name of the game. Down at the Field at the end of my street or at the playground of York school a few blocks away, we would gather. Vince, Derek, Marcel, Gary, Todd, John, Paul, Charles, and whoever else we could get. It was a simple game. You throw the football up in the air, and someone catches and runs. Everyone else had a simple mission: Tackle the ball carrier. There were no official rules or an official league. Parents knew of the game but did not attend, officiate, or in anyway influence the character of the game. We simply played and loved it.

Today, I mourn the loss of play in our children. For a myriad of reasons, children no longer are given the creativity to innovate, experiment, and play with other children. Children no longer go out and form pick-up basketball games, but join carefully orchestrated parent dominated basketball leagues. Softball and baseball is no longer a game for fun among elementary school students, but a competitive situation where parents insist on developing their 8 year olds into the next Derek Jeter. Those leagues are not fun, but they are increasingly efficient.

The loss of spontaneous, children to children play has had some devastating effects on our children. I see it every day as a pediatrician, parent, and pastor.

1. Children no longer have conflict resolution skills. Unsupervised play caused children to deal with conflict, without the intervention of parents. If someone was cheating or being inappropriate, it had to be dealt with as a group. No one ran home to ask our parents to "make Tim play right". Today's young adults do not learn conflict resolution because all of the conflict that normally results in healthy play, is being modulated by the parents.

2. Children no longer create entertainment, but require to be entertained. In spontaneous, unsupervised play, children are encouraged to make up games with often few resources. Pick-it-up-and-run-it is a great example of this. When I worked at a Salvation Army summer camp, on a beautiful camp ground with water activities, sports activities, hiking and exploring, the kids would be given free time and respond "I'm bored" or "do you have any video games". They were completely unable to create excitement, but were already the ultimate consumers, expecting the staff to entertain them.

3. Children lose the wonder of childhood far too early. I have met children who are playing two musical instruments, three sports, and receive additional tutoring for school, all while in elementary school. The hectic activity is pushed by well meaning parents who simply want the child to succeed. However, when playing games is about getting a scholarship, and playing an instrument is about preparing a resume instead of just playing and enjoyment, it steals the joy and the wonder of childhood.

Many may say, that its no longer safe for neighborhood based, unsupervised play. I definitely understand that for some neighborhoods which are crime ridden, or simply lack safe common areas. Fortunately, many urban areas now have accessible community centers. However, most neighborhoods do have space and relative safety that allows play. I am speaking of age appropriate play and not suggesting that you allow your 5 yr old with wander the streets searching for a playmate. Allowing your 5 yr old to go with other 5 yr olds to a local playground where you are present, but not initiating or organizing the play is appropriate.

Lets take back childhood! Let encourage real play so that we have healthier, better adjusted young adults who are equipped for conflict resolution and are capable of creativity and innovation.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Scarcity Myth

2011-04-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

"God's Antidote for the scarcity mentality is a community radically dependent upon the generosity of God"

Dr. Elizabeth Gerhardt, Northeastern Seminary

There are basically two different paradigms in which influence how we use our resources. These paradigms have been around for a long time, although most of us are not aware of their existence.

The first paradigm is called the scarcity mindset. This mindset states that resources (material and immaterial) are extremely limited. Because they are limited, we must aggressively seize these resources, hold on to them, and protect them so that we can use them for our own purposes. In the scarcity mindset, we assume that others share this mindset and are equally selfish in their approach to resources. Due to this assumption, we feel justified in exclusively consuming resources as we are just doing what we need to do to survive (United States, although being 6% of the world's population, consumes over 60% of the world's resources). Interestingly, most often in the United States, this mindset is mythic. Do not misunderstand me, there are areas of scarcity as illustrated by grinding poverty, educational inequities, poor health care, etc. However, overall, all of these things exist in abundance in America, albeit in tragically inequitable distributions.

One of the powerful roles of community is to offer an alternative to this consumeristic, nihilistic scarcity mentality. In the Bible, God layed out a plan for community that was based upon sharing of resources, caring for the less fortunate, while welcoming in the alien and the stranger. This is possible, not because of some fantastic strategy for renewable and sustainable energies and resources, but because sharing was based upon God who not only provides, but is incredibly generous.. From the history of Israel, brought out of slavery with the resources of Egypt, fed daily in the desert with the mysterious manna, brought into the fertile feeds of Canaan, and given the law, particularly the Sabbath provisions and the celebration of Jubilee to the early church who were described as taking offerings for one another, caring for the poor in the communities around them, and "having no poor among them" due to distribution according to need. Community was expressed as a means to bless others, based upon the generosity of God.

The Apostle Paul encourages the community at Corinth to give generously to help those in need, knowing that God will also supply their need at the due time.(II Cor 8:13-15). This is an abundance mindset. This mindset allows for the redistribution of resources so that those in need will receive what is needed.

While America is not a theocracy like Israel was, it uses the scarcity mindset to promote injustice. Take the current federal budget crisis. One party has proposed reducing services to the poorest and most marginal folks in America due to scarcity. The assumption is that there are simply not enough resources to support helping the poor, elderly, and the impaired. You can almost hear it in the voices of the Congressional representatives who feel like they are being moral by being pseudo-fiscally responsible in lieu of truly being morally responsible to take care of those who can not take care of themselves.

At the same time that our congresspersons are convincing us that we can no longer support headstart for children, grandma's heart and arthritis medicines, or special services for the sight impaired, we pass provisions that allow the obscenely wealthy to pay very little tax and promote a military budget that spends more than the militaries of the next 20 nations combined. We support policies that create wealth for multi-national corporations that are paying multi-million dollar bonuses to their CEO's while laying off workers. This is the myth of the scarcity mindset at work.

While I believe that the care of the Earth and the appreciation of natural resources is also an issue of stewardship, it is essential that the people of God do three things immediately:

1. Communities of Faith must take the lead in living according to the abundance mentality. We must generously meet the needs of the people and peoples around us, knowing that God will meet our needs as well.

2. Communities of Faith must speak truth to the powers to be. We can not allow for the injustice of those most vulnerable in our societies based upon the perversion and denial of truth. Jesus spoke about the true measure of our faith being what ever we do "for the least of these". He wasn't speaking of just praying for the poor, thinking about the poor, or developing committees who talk about the poor. He was talking about pragmatically meeting the needs of those most marginalized.

3. Stop allowing the scarcity mindset to justify your inactivity. While it is true that you can not help everyone, it is equally true that you can definitely help someone. Faith communities often feel like since they do not have a lot of money that the tremendous problems and the needs of the communities around us are beyond our control. We must remember our spiritual heritage and recognize that God can do amazing things when we offer the little that we have to bless others (John 6:1-13).

I pray that today, you will understand the immensity of the immeasurably great God and his gracious generosity. Its my prayer that this generosity allows you to be the blessing you were created to be.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Ease of False Love

2011-04-06T04:49:00.000-07:00

"But it seems to me that sacrifice is only love put into action"

Elizabeth of the Trinity, a 19th Century Nun

One of the hardest things to understand regarding language, is the evolving and changing meanings of individual words. Words in the English language may be used in significantly different ways today, than they were 200 years ago, even though we speak the same language. Add into history, that words may have slight nuances or uses that were particular to a particular subculture of that time. We think of the word "cat", and it may refer to a feline, or if said in the context of a 1960's urban subculture, we would be talking about a man.

Love is one of those words that we use so frequently today, that we often miss the richness of its original meaning. We speak of love as an emotion that is experienced when we have significant affection for something or someone. We say, "I love Pizza", and we are referring to the pleasure we experience when we eat pizza. We can love our hometowns, our sports teams, a particular outfit,or the smell of something, This is our venacular. Our lingo of love has been drastically reduced to pleasure and affection that we experience. I know that we also reserve the word to speak of intimate affections we experience with our significant others and even God. Yet, I would argue that we rarely speak of love as it was written in Biblical terms. Our concepts of love are often warm, affectionate, and self-focused. These concepts, are false loves. Emotions and affections that often substitute for real love, to our detriment.

I believe that we accept false love instead of receiving and giving real love because it is just plain easier. False loves are about me, fulfilling my needs, desires, and dreams. Real love, as expressed by Jesus, and countless others, is radically focused others; seeking their wholeness in deference to our own needs. It involves choices to honor, exalt, support, encourage, suffer with, and identify with others, in ways that often requires sacrifice on our behalf.

Think of the following false loves:

1. Contractual False Love: I care for you to the degree in which I receive what I desire from you. In Contractual false love, I feel good about you as long as you are making me feel good. Unfortunately, many marriages are built upon this premise. Somewhere the commitment towards our spouses for better or worse, richer or poorer, and sickness and health got lost. Marriages are destroyed because the spouse can not meet "my needs" regardless of their legitimate life reasons for this, such as physical or emotional illnesses, unemployment, or fatigue.

2. Mirror False Love: I care for you because you are like me. A study in the 1970's in a New York Psychiatric hospital revealed that physicians spent significantly more time and more depth with patients who were similar to them ethnically, socioeconomically, and of the same gender. One of the ways that we demonstrate care for ourselves is to naturally care for those who are like us. This false love allows us to show affecction to those who agree with us, act like us, and more deviously, oppose the same things we oppose. Too many churches are filled with this kind of false love, where instead of authentic love that extends to neighbor and enemy alike, there is simply an affection for those who reflect me.

3. Erotic False Love: I care for you to the degree inwhich our physical intimacy is satisfying. In popular media, people are defined by their sexuality. To be a man, is to be able to satisfy sexually. Women are often depicted as powerbrokers of sexuality. Sex becomes the end, instead of a means of sharing intimacy. Many studies have shown that infidelity and abuse is significantly higher in relationships where the woman is pregnant due to reduced sexual engagement. Erotic false love is promoted on most TV shows, reality shows, and romance novels as common place and normative. It teaches us to be led by "whats between the thighs instead of whats behind our eyes".

Real love is a sacrificial devotion to the well being of others. It does have degrees, as the love we have for our spouses is different than the love we have for a colleague (or at least it should!). Love, as demonstrated by Jesus, requires a genuine concern for the well being of others, to the point of our own sacrifice. Now, that does not mean that to love another is to simply give them everything that they desire, in fact, we know that many a parent has imparted permanent immaturity and irresponsibility to their children by simply giving them everything that they want, instead of guiding them towards what we really needed.

Consider how you use the word love today. Recognize, that we are bombarded with the tendency to substitute cheap false love, in place of the rich, boundless, life changing love that provokes a response and shapes the soul. Lets take back the word love so that we can put real love in practice.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (I John 3:16-18)

I challenge you today to truly love in action and truth. See false love for what it is and ask the God of love to lead you into a life of love.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Mending Trust

2011-04-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalms 20:7

There is a real temptation to put our trust in things that are notoriously untrustworthy. We trust that the Government will keep us safe and secure from everything: Terrorists, calamities of nature, dangerous products, unscrupulous business practices, taxation without representation, exploitive marketing, unsafe medications, and even high fuel costs. Our trust is revealed in our complaining when the expectations are not met. Yet, the reality is that government is not God, nor is it run by God. While it does present obstacles to the above list, it does not have omniscience; the ability to know all things, even before it develops. It simply reacts to things as they develop for the common good of the nation.

The point is not to argue whether the government responds appropriately or not; that is why we have a multi-party system. The point is to demonstrate that we place significantly too much confidence in the institutions of humanity. We expect them to play God-like roles in our lives and then become disenchanted when they fail to live up to the God-role that we have given them.

The same goes for our spouses and significant others. We sometimes trust that they will make us complete, happy, and fulfilled. No man or women can do that for us, or in us. While our spouses and significant others can complement us as we journey towards our wholeness, they can not satisfy our calling towards wholeness. That is what God does. However, when we put our trust in our spouses to do this, we set them up to fail. When we then blame them for not being God-like, we instantly begin to imagine that there is another person out there who is more God-like, who will fulfill our needs and desires more completely.

This is not to say that we should not develop trust in institutions or significant people in our lives. Trust is the core of all relationships and the foundation of all public and private enterprises. Here are a couple principles of trust:

1. The Key is not what or who we place our trust, but what are we trusting them for. We should trust our spouses to love us, to be faithful to us, to fulfill their marriage vows towards us, and to be invested in family leadership. This is different than trusting that they are solely able to make us whole and happy. The same with institutions such as government. We should trust them to fulfill their basic purpose: to provide goods and services that provide for the basic welfare of its citizens. Yet, we know too many who hold government responsible for everything.

2. Our sense of expectation shapes the direction and depth of our trust. Unhealthy expectations lead to unhealthy trust and ultimately significant disappointment and disenfranchisement. The question is not whether you should trust your spouse, but whether what you are trusting him/her to be or to do is realistic.

3. Our extension of trust should be based upon the trustworthiness of the object of the trust. Trust can be earned or granted. Someone who shows themselves to be trustworthy over time earns our trust. Someone or something that makes a commitment to us, we often grant our trust. Yet is is time and history that allows us to deepen or withdraw the trust given.

4. Our ability to trust anyone or anything is based upon our perception of their intent. We discern three things, nearly subconsciously in every decision to trust or to withhold trust:
        A. Motive: The "why" behind what they are doing.
        B.  Agenda: Its the "what" that is being realized by the motives
        C. Behavior: Its the end result of motive and agenda

If we question the motives of another, we will not trust. If we feel like there is a hidden agenda or conspiracy, we withhold trust. If the behavior we see is not consistent with the stated motives or agenda, we will not trust. We desperately depend on understanding the intent of the object of our trust.

I believe that we trust a great many things in an unhealthy manner and do not place enough trust in the only person who is truly trustworthy: God. We see God's motives, agenda, and behavior, so we know we can trust Him totally. LIke the psalmist, some trust in military and economic strength, but the only completely trustworthy power is that of God alone.

Perhaps this week, you should re-evaluate who, what, and how your trust. Where does your confidence lie, and in what are trusting for? Are you looking for things and people to be God-like? Are you hopelessly locked into trusting untrustworthy people because of fail to see that they are not worthy of your trust.

Take time this week and examine your concepts around trust. I pray that your will strengthen your healthy relationships, clarify your confusing relationships, and repair your damaged relationships by assessing your degree and depth of trust.

I look forward to your comments this week,

God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Missing Ingredients

2011-03-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

"Be the change you want to see in the world"

Gandhi

I have worked in some truly great places and also in some very dysfunctional places. I like the word dysfunctional because it suggests that the predominant way of relating to one another inhibits the designed function. I worked at a Health Center when I first moved to Cleveland that was so dysfunctional that their culture became an excuse in itself. I would ask about the availability of routine immunizations that were needed for children, and the response would be "You know how we are", or "Do you know where you are?". Because of poor systems, terrible accountability, administrative incompetence, and indifference to the suffering of many, this clinic would offer sub-standard care. It was never anyone's fault; it was always the "system". It is dysfunction that has been institutionalized.

Many of the readers of this blog may relate to having had lived, worked or volunteered in a dysfunctional environment. Whether it be a family, workplace, or even the church.

What's interesting is our reactions. We react to dysfunction in several ways:

1. We accept and normalize the dysfunction. Dysfunction becomes the rule for relating.

2. We accept the tension between the dysfunction and our desired way of relating and we complain by asking others to fix it. Victimized by dysfunction and immobilized by pain or fear. Able to see the problems, but unwilling to do anything about it.

3. We can avoid the problems by always looking for the perfect place. In this paradigm, there is always a better family, a better job, a better church, a better relationshp.

3. We accept the tension but devote ourselves to be instruments of change. The sense of dysfunction in this case actually drives us towards being a solution to our own problems.

Third century Church leader, Augustine, once made the following disturbing comment: "The church is a whore, but she is our mother". Augustine realized that the church was fraught by problems and issues. However, their solution was not to ignore the problems or avoid the problems, but to be a solution to our problems.

We need a paradigm shift where we embrace discontent as a call to invoke change. The infamous poem by Marianne Williamson that states "Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure" is true. We are called to agents for good, no matter what the circumstances. We give away our God-ordained power when we insist on others changing things while we do nothing. We used to speak of "seasons, reasons, and lifetimes" back in the day. This phrase suggests that we have purpose in whatever situations we find ourselves in. Is it possible to go from complainer to catalyst?

Today, can you see yourself as instrument of change, divinely appointed, commissioned, and directed to bring peace and fruitfulness? It begins with just understanding who you are and the power that you have. It is followed by, as my Mentor Mike McFarren describes: relentless pressure to achieve a particular goal.

Don't get caught up in whose fault it is, but take time to focus on the mission of the organization and simply point people toward that mission. Martin Luther King Jr., could have developed an organization that was anti-White. Yet, he built his movement, its ministry, and its tactics around a solid mission of equality for all. In the same way, we must understand that our ability to act as catalysts for change is not motivated by problems, but by a misson and vision of hope. You are that agent of hope, in dysfunction and despair.

I want to encourage you today to be an instrument of change. Be part of the solution to whatever is wrong. Never accept that there is nothing you can do to help change the world. Once you have, you have begun dying. You are the missing ingredient for change in your families, friends, workplace and church.

May God blesss you,

Pastor M Traylor

The New Idols

2011-03-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses"

C.S. Lewis

The word "idol" is a somewhat archaic term. We think about it in primitive cultures who bowed down to statues or who, in ignorance, worshiped a force of nature. We use the term differently today as we think about music stars, TV personalities, and athletes as Idols. Those few people who are so admired, that throngs of people desire to be like them. The show American Idol is all about the opportunity for fame and to be put in a position where others can admire you.

In Biblical language, Idols are those things that receive our loyalty over and against God. Idols in that context, are neutral in themselves, but evil in our relationship with them. Jesus tells us a story about a rich young man who asks him how to receive eternal life (Mark 10:17-31). Jesus responded that the one thing needed was to do away with his many possessions so that he would be in a position to follow him. This was not a command for all people, but for this young man, it was essential to rid himself of all the things that take prority in his relationship with Jesus. For this man, his possessions were his idols. They framed his identity and he served them, as opposed to the possessions serving him.

Brilliant Christian Theologian C.S. Lewis defined idols as those things and people who you seek to gain your identity and affirmation from, other than God. The easiest way to identify your idols is to think about whom or what you turn towards to be told you are OK.

Sometimes Idols are rooted in our physical appearance, where it is of utmost importance for us to be affirmed as attractive. Sometimes, it is our workplace, where our identities are primarily formed as result of position and competence. I experienced that as a Physician quite a bit. Sometimes, our identities are rooted in a relationship, where the significant other's understanding of you drives and draws your self-identity.

There is nothing wrong with being affirmed by others, or by our careers, or even our actions, but there is something terribly wrong when we are defined by them. This is why God continually comes out against Idolatry: it deforms and conforms us into something we are not.

We were created to reflect the image of God. Yet, it is our desire to be our own gods and goddesses that continually keeps us seeking a self-identity outside of God's identity for us. In the story of Adam and Eve, they desire to be "like God" despite the fact that no other humans, other than Jesus, were as close to being like God as they were. They exchanged their God-given identity for one of their choosing. We replicate this process over and over again when we choose to serve the newer idols, gods, and goddesses in our life.

Think about what helps you understand who you are? What are its primary drivers? Is it based upon a relationship with God or in people, power, positions, or possessions? Take time today to reflect upon this and ask God to point out your idols.

May God bless you

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.(I John 5:21)

Pastor M Traylor

The grief of transformation

2011-03-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

"People do not fear change, what people fear is loss"

Sharron Parks

I have been deeply considering the mechanics of change and transition. After all, the basis of Christian discipleship is transformation of our person to be more and more like Jesus. The church, is to be a instrument of change. Not only in the lives of its members, but a credible witness of the power and presence of the living God in its neighborhoods, cities, regions, nations, and the "ends of the world". Change is a fruit of healthy Christianity.

Yet, as Ron Sider points out in his provocative book "Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience", Christians often experience the same degree of moral failure as non-Christians. In fact, we tend to experience more guilt as we experience what Martin Luther King Jr., described as the distance between our "isness" and our "oughtness".

What Jesus understood, but his disciples then, and his disciples now struggle with, is that change is really about loss. Jesus speaks about discipleship in terms of "losing life to find it", and that death generally proceeds true life (John 12:24). What Jesus is talking about is loss before gain. Letting go before accomplishing. Dismissing things prior to developing things.

This means that new character can not develop in us, until we allow the old character to die. It means that desired practices will not surface until we are willing to part from current, and often deeply held practices.

This leads us to a few provocative axioms of true change:

1. When we are not experiencing desired change, there are often deeply held beliefs, behaviors, and bonds that we fear losing. Think of the battered spouse who will not separate from the batterer. It is not that he or she does not desire a better marriage or safety. Indeed, battered spouses breath and pray for liberation hourly. However, the battered spouse often fears being alone even more than they fear the pain of abuse. It is the loss of companionship and its cultural implications for worth and esteem, that is the primary driver of behavior. This deeply held conviction effectively blocks real change.

2. Postive change is often accompanied by real pain. We deceive ourselves if we think that loss, even when badness is being replaced by goodness, is not painful. To stop abusing alcohol is incredibly positive, but sobriety often means death to important social and relational connections that have been established over years. Some of those friendships may have been of critical importance in the past, so loss is present. Death does not hurt, by dying does...

3. Healthy Change allows for the grieving of loss. Humanity naturally grieves loss, even when that loss is necessary. When our friends emerge out of unhealthy relationships, we are often quick to encourage them to move on. We rarely encourage them to take the time to mourn the loss of relationship (I am convinced that all significant relationships require an investment of ourselves) and to process what the relationship meant to them as they move forward.

4. Healthy change is driven by faith while unhealthy change is driven by fear. When we are driven by fear, the focus is on ourselves. What will happen to me;, how painful will this be, etc. Faith is not the absence of fear and concern, but it is the focus on the promises and presence of God to transform us into His image. It is collaboratiing with the will of God for you. The most common command in all of the Bible is not "love one another", or "worship God", but "do not be afraid" because fear will block our ability to love or worship.

Do you desire a change in character, habits, outlook, or situation? Perhaps its not your desire to change thats in dispute but your inability to deal with loss. Take time today to have a funeral for attitudes, habits, situations, and relationships that are in the way of what God desires for you. During your funeral, get real and allow yourself to genuinely mourn over the loss. It is then, that you are ready to experience transformation.

May God bless you today,

Pastor M Traylor

Spiritual Optometry

2011-03-24T04:28:00.000-07:00

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways

Psalm 119:37

Optometry is the discipline of correcting what we see. Optometrists are trained to correct various vision disorders through corrective lenses. Its always amazing to me when I go to the optometrist and my contact prescription has changed. It is not until I put in the new contacts, that I realize how poor my previous vision was.

One of the interesting things about our vision, is that we accomodate. We can get used to seeing very poorly. I played football my sophmore year in high school and even returned kick offs while my vision was probably at least 20/100 (I need to be 20 ft away from what normal folks can see at 100 ft away). The game changed dramatically for me, when I started wearing contacts.

Believe it or not, what you see and how you perceive things is not only a function of some pretty sophisticated anatomy, but also your spiritual state, your cultural identity, and your emotional health. However, I would argue, that you spiritual state is the lense that shapes your vision most dramatically.

The Psalmist asks God to "Turn his eyes away from worthless things". What he was acknowledging was that there were things that had his attention that were worthless or trivial things. He recognized that there were things that appeared attractive to him, but were not necessarily good for him. He admitted that he, like us all, needed God to grant him better spiritual lenses to see things as they really are.

It has been said that hindsight is 20/20. How many times can we look back at a relationship or a possession that we desired and wonder "Why didn't I see that for what it was". It is because our spiritual vision was not acute. We saw things based upon our own natural desires instead of the reality of what lay ahead of us. When we are lonely, people who give us attention suddenly become more attractive, despite their abusive or self-destructive tendencies. When we experience pain, that drink, that weed, those sexual infatuations appear to be heaven sent, instead of the chains of hell that they are. All of these things are worthless; vanity in pretty packages.

In the Bible, God reveals that it is His spirit that allows us to see correctly (I Cor 2:6-16). It is not that we are "zapped" and magically we see things in their proper perspective, but that we have to be intentional about apply the "spirit of God" lense to what we we see. We have to put on our Holy Spirit glasses.

So how do we do this:

1. Admit that you can't see anything correctly on your own. Your cultural, your neediness, and your sinfulness (yes, we are all sinful and desire to be our own gods) keeps things permanently distorted. We have all accomodated to this reality.

2. Decide that you want to see things accurately, even if it means seeing the ugliness of your current relationships, situations, and even yourself. It can be painful sometimes to confront reality. Conversely, seeing things accurately will also allow you to see beauty in places where you never imagined.

3. Daily, ask for God's spirit to help you see things the way He sees things. God's spirit will do this collaboratively with you, but will not do it for you. It is through prayer that we speak and listen. It is through reading Scripture that we are informed and shaped. It is through fellowship that our vision is confirmed, It is through service that our vision is refined. All of these are tools from which God's spirit corrects our vision and allows us to see what He sees. Interestingly, these are also the same disciplines of Jesus.

4. Interpret what you see based upon whether they are life giving. The Psalmist asks "give me life in your ways". Some of our relationships are not life giving and we know it. Some of our desired possessions and positons give us pride, but take away life. Life is the God-ordained vitality to live freely and lovingly in everything we do. That mortgage that seeks to take up 50% of your income may seem like your dream house, but it will quickly become your prison as it will become the driver of your life. The spirit will help you see what is life giving and what imprisons you.

I hope that you pray with me today to turn away from worthless things and turn towards the life giving ways that God has for us. I pray that today, you will allow for a check on your eye sight that will allow you to see all the beauty that God has for you and side step every obstacle in your path.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Setting Jesus Straight

2011-03-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. (Mark 8:31-32)

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus had asked the disciples if they understood who he was. He was not asking them if they knew his name, or where he was from, or his family history. No, Jesus was asking them if they understood His position and His purpose.

Peter responded that Jesus was the messiah, or the Christ, which means the "annointed one". This title was reserved for a man that had been anticipated for hundreds of years, who would be sent by God to restore Israel and rule in righteousness.

Jesus responds to Peter's confession with futher explanation of what being the messiah would mean. It meant that Jesus would suffer and die, then be resurrected. There would be death so that there could be life.

Peter, clearly one of my favorite disciples, decides to take Jesus aside and set him straight. Being clearly insightful, he carefully takes Jesus, the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, the bright and morning star, the lily of the valley, and the way, the truth, and the life, aside to straighten him out. It was important to Peter, for Jesus to be informed on how the Messiah will act.

As this scene is nearly comical, we often repeat the same mistake on a daily basis. We confess Jesus as Lord and master, and then spend our time through our prayers and actions correcting Jesus on what the best course of action should be, because our idea of who He is, is better than the reality of the historical Jesus in our minds. We do this in a thousand different ways when we chose our preference to dominate, rather than serve; accumulate rather than give; judge rather than accept; and punish rather than forgive. We do these things, in the name of the Jesus we created and desire, instead of following the real Jesus. We take Jesus aside and set Him straight...

The very next verse (verse 33), Jesus would call Peter "Satan" for his desire to twist the identity of Jesus. Interestingly, one of the main schemes of Satan towards Jesus, is to try to have him misunderstand his identity. Earlier, when Jesus is called to go to the desert for 40 days, each temptation began with "If you are the son of God, then.." (Luke 4:3-12). Satan apparently had also tried to set Jesus straight.

A Couple of things to think about

1. Our confession of Jesus must focus on Him, not our desired image of him. Jesus is not our celestial ATM, our confirmer of every desire, or political promoter of our political leanings. Jesus is the Son of God, the exact representation of God who is above and independent of our need driven categories.

2. We deny Jesus when we do not consider Jesus' words and teachings in our everyday life. We are saying to Jesus that our way is better than his way. When we do this we deny His identity. Jesus would ask his followers "Why do you call me Lord, and not do what I say" (Luke 6:46).

3. Following Jesus is a radical commitment to shared suffering. We do not have problems with Jesus, the giver of blessings. We struggle with the concept that it is in our suffering, as ambassadors of Jesus, that others are blessed. That is a Christ centered vision. Our problem is that we attempt to follow Jesus selfishly and for our own gain, and not for Jesus sake.

It has been said that God created humanity in his own image, and that we seek to return the favor. Take time today to reconsider who Jesus is, What He is, and His purpose. Its time to fall in love again with the real Jesus, not a caricature of Jesus that is a figment of our imaginations. It is that Jesus who will set us straight and set us free.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Laws to Live By

2011-03-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

"I pledge allegiance to the Lamb: and to the kingdom for which he stands"

From Common Book of Prayer for Ordinary Radicals

I find that I experience the most confusion, the most pain, and make more poor choices when my life is complex. Complexity is a paradigm of thought and action, where our lives are so cluttered by the nuances of life, that we begin to lose sight of the bigger picture. We become myopic in our approach to life, because we become consumed with the details. Soon, the important is subdued by the urgent and the small.

We become so busy making money that we forget that money is only a tool to provide for our provisions and the provisions of others. We get so busy doing ministry, that we neglect connecting with God. We are so busy getting our children to activities, that we neglect authentic fellowship with them. Life becomes complex, with hundreds of moving parts; fragmented, fractionated, and frustrating.

This week, I began to experience the gift of simplicity. The understanding that I must do a few things that will order and prioritize everything else. It is taking a radical stand, committing to the truly important and trusting God to provide. Simplicity is the glue between faith and blessing (Matthew 6:33). We seek the important and simply trust that God will truly give us what we need.

A few laws to live by in the simplification process:

1. Connection with God, almighty drives everything. If you are not making time with God, then you will have no idea what is really important, and what God thinks is important. (Proverbs 3:5-8). Time with God through prayer, Scripture reading, and contemplation is essential.

2. Love wins! A few years ago, a friend of mine said, "You know, the answer to about everything is love". We were created in love, purposed by love, redeemed by love, sent out in love, gifted in love, formed to love, motivated by love, and incomplete without love. If its not about love, then its not about God. (I John 4:7).

3. Choose your allegiances everyday. Everyday, in all of our decisions, we are being asked, who or what do you follow. We must be careful because there is a temptation to declare our loyalty with our mouths, but be betrayed by our actions. For me, everyday, I must ask myself whether I am following Jesus or allowing cultural and social forces to inform and conform me.

4. Develop a real joy for the journey itself. Yes, we have goals and life destinations, but the real joy comes in the adventure of the journey itself. Years ago, I was an active participant in the Promise Keepers movement. Every years a group of men would go on a road trip to hear Christian speakers. The destination was never as fun as the journey. The ordinary things of life make up our journey and it is essential to find the beauty and pleasure of the ordinary. Contentment is the harbinger of peace.

Take time to simplify this weekend. Make time for connection! Keep love foremost in you mind. Be intention about who or what you follow and look for the presence of God in everything. I pray that you will allow the "main thing to be plain things" in your life.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Relational Responsibility

2011-03-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

"The fool tries to adjust the truth so he or she does not have to adjust to it"

Dr. Henry Mcloud

Over the past few months, I have been struck with a line Professor Walter Fleming said on the first day of a Pastoral Formation Class at Northeastern Seminary in Rochester: "I will not be responsible for others irresponsibility". One of the vocational pitfalls of being a pastor is to mistake leading and shepherding of a community with controlling it. Many pastors have been taught that it is their responsibility to oversee the outcomes of the lives of those in their congregations. Once that has been internalized, we begin to feel extreme amounts of guilt and anxiety over things we can not and should not control.

I believe that same process happens nearly everyday in relationships near and dear to our hearts. In general, we take responsibility for our significant other's destructive behaviors. We make it our responsibility not to simply lovingly show them the truth about the reality of their choices, but take ownership in their poor choices, constantly scheming about something else we can do to get a different outcome. Its natural that our love for others organically produces genuine concern and care, particularly when the loved one is involved in self-destructive and self-debasing behavior. Yet, something pathological occurs when the drive for postive change derives solely from you. The sign of this is that we experience more anxiety, fear, and pain from the behavior than they do.

I am speaking of our relationships with other adults, as children truly lack some of the discernment necessary to truly make good choices and we as parents, must make the decisions on their behalf. We do need to teach them responsibility that is age appropriate.

It is possible to actually teach our loved ones to be irresponsible. When we take over the actual drive to change instead of allowing them to take ownership, we reinforce irresponsibility. When we cover all the consequences of their poor behavior, and take it upon ourselves, we promote their irresponsiblity. Think of the battered wife who states that she provoked her abusive spouse by not having dinner ready at 5PM. She is taking responsibility for his terrible behavior.

Dr. H. Mcloud defines a person as foolish who seeks to adust the truth to fit his or her behavior instead of adusting their behavior to the truth. This is the person who justifies about everything they are doing, instead of confronting the reality for change in their lives. We have all been foolish at times in our lives, it just that some lives are defined by it. The temptation to take ownership for the foolish lives of others, particularly those close to us, occurs on a daily basis. Yet, the ancient wisdom of Christian Scriptures tells us in Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words. It does not mean that we can not voice our care and concern regarding the problems they are experiencing, but that we should recognize that until they are desire change, that our words will not be truly heard.

You won't go on a quest for freedom if your captivity is sufficiently comfortable. We will not seek change unless the psychic reality and pragmatic consequences of our actions is too painful or undesireable. It is our responsiblity to love others deeply, and that implies that we will lovingly speak the truth as we share their struggle. Yet, we must not take ownership or responsibility, less our loved one stays permanently infantile or persistently immature because we have not allowed them to take responsibility for themselves.

I am learning to enter and share the pain of those I love, without aceepting the behaviors or responsibility of those choices that may have led to the pain. I want to challeng you today to develop a healthy balance of loving others unconditionally by not taking ownership for their needed change, but promoting an environment where the opportunity for change truly exists. Repeat after me, I will not take responsibility for others irresponsibility today!

May God bless you as you love like Jesus,

Pastor M Traylor

Condeming or Convicting

2011-03-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)

I have been reflecting on John 3:17 for an upcoming sermon at New Hope. The contrast of Jesus' mission of salvation (saving the world) over condemning the world is refreshingly inspiring. It allows the Church, which according to Christian Scripture is literally the bodily extension of Jesus, to understand its role and mission. The Church is to also "seek and save that which is lost" (Luke 19:10), and bring light in darkness (John 8:12).

It seems that there is a tension between the Church's mission (inspired and centered on the person and mission of Jesus), and its practice. We much too easily settle on a condemnation ministry instead of a saving one. There are a number of reasons for this:

1. Saving ministry requires a true love for the other. Remember that John 3:17 follows John 3:16. It is God's love for humanity that drives His mission of salvation. We rarely teach or equip the saints of the church to truly love people in the way that Jesus loved. Without a loving foundation, attempts at salvation become a practice in dehumanizing, paternalistic manipulation.

2. Typically the Church's sense of the gospel is too narrow, incomplete, and self-serving. The gospel, or good news is God's plan for bringing all of creation into the Kingdom of God, so to fulfill our created purposes to reflect God in everything we do and everything we are. Jesus is the plan. However, instead of inviting people into this huge plan, we reduce the plan to an individual "get out of Hell" plan that focuses on simply "not dying" as opposed to truly living.

3. The church confuses conviction with condemnation. Jesus himself, was called a drunkard and glutton, a friend of prostitutes, corrupt politicians, and "sinners" (Luke 7:34). While Jesus never was never one to ignore the morality of the people he loved, his goal was to cure their thirst with the only thing that was designed to do so, living water. He was the living water and spent very little time focusing on their living water substitutes, but simply offered them the thing that would give them life. People were convicted that they needed Jesus in order to be whole, healed, and holy. The Church often misunderstands that offering life is superior to simply pointing out death.

4. The Church forgets that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts and converts. The church is defined by the presence of God's spirit.(Romans 8:9). It is the Holy Spirit working through us that gives a sense of the need for God. This is often demonstrated in our lives, not just in our words. A Spirit surrendered life shows the presence of God in tangible ways (Galatians 5:22-23)

5. The Church's expression of the gospel is a reflection of its experience. Although the Bible clearly has many different metaphors for the salvation experience, our primary metaphor in the Western European - North American model has been that of atonement, or Christ's death for our sins. Although, that is clearly a biblical concept, it is incomplete in describing what happens when we put our faith in Jesus. Its not just that our sins are taken away, but that we have new life, a new spirit, a new mission, a new purpose, and a new identity. This newness is united with Jesus' mission (called a co-mission or joint mission). We are set on an adventure of love to that results in the salvation of others. When we are set on fire by Jesus' love, we will naturally develop a saving ministry instead of a condemning ministry.

I want to challenge you take time today and ask yourself, "Do I know Jesus as saving or condeming?" Is my motivation based upon love or duty?? Blessings or burdens? I am so excited to be called to be part of God's movement to love people for the changing of the world and hope that Jesus love captivates you and gives you life today.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The gift of intimacy

2011-03-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot about intimacy lately. Intimacy as defined as an exclusive sharing of our person with another. There are levels of intimacy and different types of intimacy. The intimacy that I have been thinking about is the deepest types of intimacy where we share our deepest thoughts, rawest emotions, and our cherished possessions. That type of intimacy builds a lifetime bond and ruins us forever from a diet of shallow and superficial relationships. This is true in our platonic, romantic, and ultimately, our spiritual relationships.

The psalmist knew something when he challenged his community to "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). It is only by experiencing God that we know His goodness as opposed to simply knowing about His goodness. As He shares His thoughts, His love, and His cherished possessions (everything in creation, and even more, His one and only Son) and we in return share our deepest thoughts, dreams, emotions, and possessions, we experience a type of intimacy that forms us, shapes us, and spoils us against the superficial.

Lately, I have been counseling quite a few married couples. One of the most common complaints is the lack of intimacy. He or she works too many hours, is too tired, or does not prioritize intimacy in the relationship. The result is not simply frustration, but a deep anger. An anger that simmers and is based upon a feeling of rejection, perceived lack of attractiveness, and the common misunderstanding that intimacy is a right, instead of a gift.

Intimacy is a gift. (Say it to yourself at least three times so that it sinks in). Intimacy is not a right. When we demand intimacy from someone who does not desire to give it (for many reasons, most of which are very legitimate), it feels very violating. In fact, one the extremes of this concept is the act of rape: the forced physical intimacy. When intimacy is seen as a gift, instead of a right, we cherish the act of sharing as it was designed: a willing sharing of something deeply personal between people. It is that mutuality that creates the bond. When we give intimacy as a gift, instead of an obligation, the focus remains on the other and the sharing is more natural. When we feel obligated to be intimate, even with a married partner, the emphasis is on what we are giving, instead of what they are receiving.

Even God has periods in which he seemed more distant to His people. (Psalm 44:24) This happened often when His people take his presence and His love as a right, as opposed to a gift. They began to demand that God fulfill his promises as opposed to thankfully accepting that God will. Interestingly, God withdraws his intimacy when those who designated to receive it, no longer appreciate what is given. It is a natural response, that humanity also inherited when we were made in His image. (Hint, hint, if you are in a relational intimacy desert, it may be because you do not show appreciation for the other)

This is why our current culture has terrible sex lives. We took that which is most precious to us (our bodies and our sexuality) and we share it with people who do not appreciate the greatness of the gift provided. The result is a competitive pleasuring contest based upon my needs as opposed to a gift of intimacy that bonds us for life. Ultimately, we get to a point when the sex, hollowed out by a lack of intimacy, has become the end, not the means. The average person no longer knows the difference between true intimacy and sexual activity and that is tragic.

I want to challenge you today to reconsider how you see intimacy at any level. Whether it is your friends, your spouse, or God, do you see intimacy as a gift to be given and received, or a right to demanded and obliged? Next time, you experience intimacy, be thankful for the tremendous gift that you have experienced. Keep your sexuality as a means to express intimacy and not function of your desires. If you are married, recommit yourself to giving intimacy (not just sex, but the sharing of deepest thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, and the physicality of who you are) as a gift.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Role of Fasting

2011-03-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

Well, it is officially the lenten season on the Christian Calendar. Traditionally, lent is the 40 days prior to Easter (not including Sundays) and begins on Ash Wednesday. It was set apart for a time of purification of oneself to gain a deeper relationship and appreciation for Jesus Christ.

Within the Lenten tradition, the practice of fasting is often employed as a means of purification. So we hear of people giving up meat for Lent, or a particular TV show, or even wearing a particular thing. Interestingly, the means became the end. To many, the goal of lent was to deprive yourself of something to demonstrate your commitment. While there is practical use in the discipline of learning to "do without", it is an exercise in "missing the point" when we focus exclusively on ourselves and our own will power.

The purpose of fasting is not to focus on giving things up, but to focus on spending time with God and strengthening our relationship and appreciation of him. For most people, giving up steak for 40 days, does nothing for one's relationship with God. Your colon may thank you, but most likely, you are in the same position spiritually eating poultry and fish as you would be eating red meat.

I learned this several years ago, when my son, Matthew, was playing his first tackle football game. I was working in my medical practice late that evening, but I knew that I desparately wanted to be at the game to encourage him. That day was a 12 hour day that began at 8am and was to go to 8PM. It was his first game and he was one of the smallest kids on the field, so I knew he was a little nervous. I skipped lunch that day so that I could leave early. I worked hard that evening to avoid socializing so that when the last patient came, I could fly out of the door. My last patient finished at 7:20PM and I have 10 minutes to get to the game that was 25 minutes away. I nearly flew to the game and got there in time to see him play. That game (actually a scrimmage) lasted until a little after 9PM, and after the coaches talked with the players, I got to talk with Matthew about 9:20 PM. I was so happy to talk with him and just be with him as he experienced the challenge and excitement of the game. As I got into the car to go home, I realized that I had not eaten since 7:30 AM. I thought about the fact that I didn't even think about eating all day (despite the fact that I love eating). The goal that day was not to give up food, but to be with my son. The reason that we consider giving up food, TV, or anything during fasting, is not just to give it up, but to spend more time with God.

So, do you want to get closer to God during this lenten season? If so, consider developing a discipline over the next 6 weeks that actually allows you to get closer to God. If you choose to avoid an activity, will avoiding this activity allow you to spend more time reading the word of God or in prayer? Is the focus of your Lenten ritual the pusuit of God?

Before I end, I also want to encourage you to develop a specific plan for your lenten season. I highly recommend using the time that is set aside for the next 40 days to focus on Jesus through reading through an entire gospel. Feel free to use the following devotional during this lenten season if you are seeking a reading program. This one focuses on the gospel of Luke and requires a commitment of 20-30 minutes per day. That is about the time one would use in preparing and eating a meal.

http://www.newhopefree.org/images/File/Lenten%20Devotional%202011.pdf

I pray that this lenten season would be a fantastic time of spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with Jesus.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Motivation of change

2011-02-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 13:4

The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Lately, I have been thinking quite a bit about change and the motivation for change. All of us, if we are insightful or self-aware at all, have been in a position where we recognize a need to change our behaviors, attitudes, and life patterns. However, its not just about us, but in our personal relationships and workplace, we are bound to incredibly flawed people, who like ourselves, require change.

The Christian experience is described as an experience of change. We are to be experiencing continual change of character and essence, as God continues to shape us into the character and mission of Jesus. (II Cor 3:18, 5:17). Yet, our experience demonstrates that God does not simply zap us as changed, but works collaboratively with us for change.

I also recognize that not all change is as critical as others. Someone with a life-robbing addiction is not the same as the person who desires to trim 5 lbs so that the pants fit better. However, I am struck by the true difficulty of true change, even when the need is critical and the ramifications are immense.

So a couple of principles of change:

1. No change occurs without a clear sense of what a changed person or lifestyle looks like. Moving away from what is not working is not enough. Movement must be towards something tangible and clear.

2. Motivation to change must be internal. If the energy to drive change is external (from another, or due to the situation), the likelihood of real change is diminished.

3. No change occurs without introducing a new knowledge, new structures, or new practices. Change will not occur without intentionality.

4. Changing a particular practice requires changing the entire context and culture that fosters that particular behavior.

So, lets see this in an example. Lets say Robert drinks too much. His drinking is interfering with his relationships and places him dangerous situations. So the first thing that must happen is that Robert must imagine what a sober lifestyle looks like. He must see himself as sober and the implications of sobreity. His imagination should consider what his relationships, his social life, and his day looks like when he is Sober.

Secondly, Robert must be the primary driver for change. Robert will not change until Robert decides that he wants to change. No amount of pressure from significant others or deteriorating social situations will drive lasting change. One of the many errors that well meaning friends and lovers make is to think that they can will or drive others to change.

Thirdly, Robert can not change because he simply wants to. He must learn a new way of doing things, or introduce new information or guidance. This is why Alcoholics involved in AA are asked to go to 90 meetings in 90 days. Change must be bathed in new structures, communities, and guidance. So if Robert states he will change, but nothing is different in what he doing or who he is hanging out with, then change is highly unlikely.

Fourthly, Robert doesn't drink alone but drinks in a social context. He must discerningly look at the social contexts that encourages and demands the behavior that he seeks to stop. Robert can not hang out with people who are drinking heavily or visit places where he typically drinks and think that he can stop.

While I used drinking, the same principles effect everything from lying and inappropriate language, to compulsive sexual activity and drug addiction.

Real change is a gift of God, but it is not without our collaboration and requires our deepest investment to change. I am speaking as one who personally knows that change takes real work.

If you are struggling with a change that you know needs to happen in order to fulfill your purpose and be as healthy as possible, take time to review these four points and ask God to give you the strength and drive for life long change.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Crowded Loneliness

2011-01-25T06:36:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, I was listening to a Christian teacher talk about the concept of crowded loneliness. Crowded loneliness was his term for being around many people, but never connecting.

The lecturer went on to show that modern lives exemplify this crowded loneliness because we have severely fractured lives. We have our work crowd, our church crowd, our neighbor crowd, our "back in the day" crowd. With the advent of social media, we are constantly in contact with hundreds or in some cases, thousands of people that we would not otherwise see, converse with, or even think about on a regular basis. All of this has done very little to deepen connection but has made life much more crowded.

There are times, particularly as a pastor, when I feel the crowdedness of life, but the hollowness of a lack of connection. Lots of people, lots of conversation, but still a deafening distance that is found wanting. Spirital directors often deceive us by saying that connectedness can be met exclusively in the spiritual realm, through a robust relationship with God. However, Biblically, Adam had a robust relationship with God but his aloneness was the only thing in creation that God specifically comments as "not good". We are created for connection.

Today, I challenge you to look at your relationships and dare to make a deeper connection in the midst of a crowd of conversatons.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Pray and Watch

2010-12-20T04:38:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reading the following text in scripture:

Acts 12:5-15

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."

12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"

15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." NIV

It is interesting to me that that the text begins with the statement that Peter was in prison, but the church was "earnestly praying for him". Undoubtedly, they were praying for his safety and his release. The word "earnestly" is translated in the King James Version as "fervantly". It is persistent prayer with intention and intensity.

What is interesting is the response of the church. The prayer is answered in a miraculous way. When Peter shows up, the idea that their prayer was answered was not even considered.

I wonder how many times that God has answered our sincere prayers and we missed His blessing due to doubt and lack of vigilence.

We are commanded in scripture to:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col 4:2)

What are you praying for? Are you being watchful for its fulfillment? Are you being thankful that God is acting upon your prayers, even before they are fulfilled?

Of course, our prayers should be consistent with desired will of God. Sincere prayers are not necessarily effective prayers if the object of that prayer is outside of the desired will of God for his people as revealed in His Word (I John 5:14).

I challenge you today to begin a devout prayer life that is based upon the Word of God. Check your requests against God's Word. Document your requests and develop a intentional process each evening of reviewing the day, and looking for evidence of God's faithfulness in your life.

Lets allow God to amaze us!

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Economic Holiness

2010-09-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

Consider this scripture where the Prophet, John the Baptist.speaks of the type of righteousness that Jesus expects.

Luke 3:9-14

9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely — be content with your pay." (NIV)

Its interesting that as John calls his listeners toward repentance (changing their way of life in conformity with the will of God) that he gives three concrete examples of repentance. In each of his chosen responses, he expressed holiness or righteousness in economic terms. The man with extra clothing should give it to those who do not have clothing. Tax collectors were asked to take only what is reasonable. Soldiers were asked not to use their authority to take other's money. This is really interesting, as John could have given non-economic examples of holiness. He could have said to the man "love your wives completely", or "pray more sincerely", but he did choose to use examples of economic justice. This is telling and challenging.

A couple of observation:

1. The justice of God is distributive and restorative as well. God desires that we share our possessions so that other's needs are met.

2. The justice of God is sacrificial. The man had two tunics. He was not wealthy but was left just enough to survive himself. As God sacrifices for humanity, he expects his people to do the same.

3. Economic Holiness is an issue of justice, not charity. Charity is something we do out of our niceness and good will. Justice is a cause that requires action and demands attention..

As you read this text, allow it to speak to your situation. Are there people in need who would be blessed by your surplus? Do you see you rmoney as something to hoard or something in which to bless others with?

What implications does this have for Christian's corporately? Do our churches have a passion for God's justice or for themselves?

If you are serious about following Jesus, then it should shape your use of resources and your willingness to share.

When was the last time you gave away something that caused you to truly sacrifice? Are there financial practices that you participate in that causes exploitation of peoples anywhere?

Its time that we understand that Holiness has economic manifestations, and that includes redistribution and restoration of wealth.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Leading on Empty

2010-08-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

While on vacation, I began to read Wayne Cordeiro's "Leading on Empty" that takes a look at the toll that leadership can take on our health and effectiveness. Bill Hybels, the lead pastor at Willow Creek stated on his twitter account: "The way I was doing the work of God was destroying the work of God in me". I think Pastor Hybels statement both sums up "Leading on Empty" and many of the things that are reasonating in my soul right now.

I have been tremendously blessed with a fantastic family, good friends, a growing and vibrant body of believers, and good health. Yet, I would agree with one of the premises of the book, that I could lose all of that because of a failure to intentionally do the important things. One could blame external circumstances but the greatest source of distraction is sadly, my own inner voices that give life to my shame based need to accomplish, my insecurity based need to be liked, and my pain based need experience pleasure. Interestingly, none of these desires (accomplishment, being liked, and experiencing pleasure) are wrong, in fact they are gifts of God to be enjoyed. However, when God pulls back my curtain, instead of my relationship with Jesus compeling me, giving me affirmation, and allowing me to experience the delights of the world, I have allowed the busyness of life lead me to depend upon my nature.

I am not saying that I have not experienced the power and presence of Christ in the past 6 months, but that I have not structured my life and my time to keep the main thing the main thing.

As I learn to refill my tank and like many other leaders restructure my time and energy, I would challenge you by asking if you are "Leading on Empty?". Do you find yourself tired, emotionally blunted, or desiring isolation (not solitude, which allows closeness to God, but isolation which avoids others and God), irritable, over looking mistakes in your work and private life? If so, it may be God telling you that its time to recharge and restructure life so that the "way that we do the work of God does not undo the work of God in us".

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

The Message and the Messenger

2010-07-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of those blog entries where I am thinking out loud with the hope that you may respond with your thoughts and prayers.

As many of you know, I love to read. I read 500 to 1000 pages on the average week, mostly Christian non-fiction and social commentaries. This week I began a book, and for the first time in a long time, I am struggling with the messenger's choices over and against the message of the book itself.

Sara Miles' book "Jesus Freak' focuses on a deeper relationship with Jesus that allows you to do the same things that Jesus did, such as feed the hungry, heal the sick, and even raise the dead (bring life out of death!). That message reasonates with my spirit. Jesus said that those who come after him will do "even greater things" (John 14). She goes on to reveal that this stems from her radical conversion to Christ through a dramatic understanding of eucharist (some know this as communion). As I am reading, I am excited about what she is saying and inspired by her writing style which is somewhat provocative and contemporary.

Then, I hit the breaks....

Sara shares a story where she goes home to her wife. That's right, her wife, Martha. I looked at the back of the book to see a picture of Sara, with the possibility that Sara might be a man, but nope, Sara is really Sara the female and she is married to to another women.

Now, I have taken the time to search the scriptures regarding homosexuality multiple times. I believe that the Bible is clear that homosexuality is against his desire for humanity (Leviticus 18:22, I Corinthians 6:9). I have heard many arguements that try to reduce this declarations to be cultural manifestations of the context. However, I find that God, in His Word often uses people who are marignalized by socieity. He used Deborah, a woman to lead Israel in a time when women were mere property. Jesus spoke to prostitutes, tax collectors, etc. However, there is no record of a homosexual being used of God in scripture.

This does not mean that God is incapable of using someone who is homosexual in powerful ways. I guess, I struggle with the role of her sexuality and how it plays in the message that she teaches. Homosexuality is not a greater sin than other sins. Would we discredit the message of a passionate preacher with the problem of pride? Would we negate the message of a clearly overweight person who practices gluttony and greed, just on the basis of this sin? As a preacher of the Gospel myself, can I say that I am without sin, or that my sins are "less important" than Sara's lifestyle?

In Sara's book, I question some of her metaphors and approaches, but is that due to her sexual preferences, or just because they are poor metaphors to describe what she was expressing.

One metaphor in particular, she and a gay episcipal priest, describe Jesus as "the boyfriend" (their take on the Biblical metaphor of Jesus as the bridegroom". She then says that "the boyfriend" is promiscuous as he will be with "nearly anyone". I think this metaphor cheapens our relationship with Jesus. It compares it to the shallow sexual encounters someone may have with a promiscuous boyfriend with the deep, rich, and transforming relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

I would love to know how you separate the message and messenger. How do you allow the grace that God can speak through sinners (we are all sinners!)? Please leave a comment,

May God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

The Role of Pleasure

2010-07-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Over the past several weeks, I have been reading Gary Thomas' book "Pure Pleasure". Gary Thomas, author of sacred marriage, sacred parenting, and sacred pathways, is one of my favorite authors in that he tends to capture to essence of spiritual formation within the context of everyday living.

In his most recent book, he talks about the way that Christian people often stigmatize pleasaure. Somewhere, someone decided that God was all about sacrifice and pain. This is so ingrained in western Christian spirituality, that we can not possibly connect Holiness and Pleasure. We have learned to convince ourselves that everything pleasurable can be made painful in our guilt ridden conscious.

For instance, have you ever saved up enough money to take your family on vacation, just for another well meaning Christian to tell you that with the money you are spending on that vacation, 50 children in Haiti could eat for a year. Or how about treating yourself to an aesthetically pleasing (but unnecessary) addition to your home, then having someone tell you that there are people who do not even have homes, who could be tremendously blessed by the money you spent on the decorative plants. It could go on and on.

Although we are not to be controlled, dominated, or impaired by pleasure, the truth is that God delights when we experience pleasure (Psalm 36:7-9, for example). Have you ever given your children something that they take true pleasure in? Have you ever been driven to tears when you saw their joy? We have a father in heaven who also delights when we experience what he has given us.

This does not mean that we are unaware of the needs of others and our responsibility to bless others. We, being in the mold of Jesus Christ, give our lives to bless others. However, even Jesus went to parties, drank wine, and had simple social occasions. There is a balance. We must rest and work, play and labor, but it is the will of God that we find pleasure in both. We literally worship God by appreciating the things of pleasure that abound! For me, that's watching my family life, feeling a breeze while driving, watching birds, eating ribs, etc.

I developed this saying after being inspired by this author:

Discipline without desire is drudgery and desire divorced from God is decadence. Drudgery and decadence destroy the soul, while God directed desire is life giving.

Are you comfortable with your pleasure life? What is appropriate for you and what is over-indulgence? Let me know where you draw the line.

May God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Gary Thomas' "Pure Pleasure on Amazon

Women and Ecumenicalism

2010-06-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was invited to participate in a pastoral prayer movement, that was to initiate a ministry planting movement within the city of Rochester. The other participants had been gathering for the past several months and were seeking others to develop a multi-congregational vision for the city of Rochester. This is exciting stuff, as Jesus himself stated that world should know a genuine movement of his by its unity (John 17).

I met with the pastor who was representing this burgeoning prayer movement and we got along very well. We talked about ministry experiences, divine calling, and the missionary movements, both domestically and internationally. It was a great conversation.

But....

The wheels began to fall off when we spoke of the role of women in ministry. He went on to explain to me that the participants of this prayer initiative were strong advocates of male-only leadership. When I mentioned that the Free Methodist Church, as well as scripture supports male and female leadership, he became hesistant and suggested that I consider not being part of the prayer iniative due to my "divisive" theology regarding the use of women.

Unfortunately, this is all too typical. The Old Testament confirmed strong, powerful women leaders (Think Deborah, Judges 3-4) as well as strong men leaders. The New Testament confirmed the presence of women preachers (Pricilla, daughters of Phillip in the book of Acts) and Paul spoke of the equality of all in site of God (Galatians 3:28). There are key scriptures that have been misinterpreted (I Corinthians 14 for example) that when taken with the whole of scripture suggests that Paul ministered along with women ministers (in I Corinthians, Paul speaks of women prophesying, which was for the entire church).

The people of God are still divided in regarding gifting and calling of women. We (the church universal) are not living in the freedom that we have in Jesus and continue to perpetrate non-Biblical, conflicting and oppressive views of women.

I will pray for this prayer iniative that they experience the power of God to widen and deepen their vision.

May God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

The cure

2010-06-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have engaged with a number of people who are struggling in their spiritual lives. Some are overwhelmed by the problems of life, some are beset with habitual sins, and other feel alientated from the presence of God. As I have been praying with and for many, I believe that that there is a simple, biblical cure that is so simple, that most feel that it can not be effective.

The cure is community. God specifically places his people in community for blessing, bonding, and believing. We were never meant to walk our spiritual journey alone, but need others, who are filled with the Holy Spirit, to ground us and help us focus on the important, over against the urgent. We need others to help keep us accountable for those sins that would chain us and keep us from experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised to his followers. We need to see that the presence of God is not always a mystical experience within the ecstacy of worship, but resides in the smiles, touches, and words of trusted travelers in the journey.

Contemporary culture is set up to reward individuality and make authentic community very difficult. We are so busy that finding time to simply "be there" for another is challenging. Our homes are set up so that we entertain in the back yard, in fenced yards so that we have privacy and our neighbors ge tthe message that they are excluded.

The church is to encourage a rich web of relationships, with some being more intimate than others. This is the focus of the early church (meeting regularly for encouragement, accountability, and worship), but we have lost that passion.

Who are you in community with? Who knows about your deepest and darkest secrets? If you are spiritually out of sorts, you should ask yourself whether you are in community with other believers.

\God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

The Role of Money in Ministry

2010-05-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been struck by the diversity in thought within the Christian Community regarding the use and possession of money. In some communities, large homes, luxury cars, and extravagance are considered signs of God's special favor or annointing. In other communities, wearing jewelry is a sign of sinful indulgence. In both communities, there are God-fearing people who deeply desire to please God, but which is more accurate.

Jesus was clear that our possessions are "on-loan" from God and are to be used for building up the kingdom by blessing others. It is interesting to me that Jesus could have been born into a wealthy family or a noble family, but specifically chose to identify with the poor and needy. The Apostles, the foundation of the early Church, also chose to identify with the poor. The Early church, according to I Corinthians, was also relatively poor. The Law of Moses, in the Old testament, prevented the accumulation of wealth by particular families through insisting on returning to familial land boundaries every 50 years and limiting slavery and debt.

When we read scripture honestly and openly, I believe we are commanded to use our wealth as a blessing for others. This is why Jesus said it is more difficult for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than a rich man to go to heaven. The bible speaks of greed as a form of idolatry. I believe that the hoarding mentality is a manifestation of a cultural spirit of idolatry.

Last week, I overheard a co-worker speak about "claiming" a mansion she was invited to several years ago. She stated that although she could not even afford a meager home of her own currently, that she is trusting God that He will show favor by giving her this $800,000 lakefront home. She stated that she constantly prays about it and drives by the home regularly to decide what type of furniture that she will purchase for it. This home is a 7 bedroom home. She is a single mother with one child. Now, I am not suggesting that God, who is incredibly generous, could not or will not grant her this home, but I struggle with the mentality. She does not want the home so that she can give others shelter as an act of love. She is simply breaking the 10th commandment and coveting.

Do we have the courage to speak against Greed and take back the name of Jesus from those who would co-opt as a means to hoarding and extravagance? Its time that we recognize that God will judge us on how we used the resources (Matt 25, James 5), not on how much or how little we had.

Take time to look at your resources and consider being a blessing to someone today.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Scandal of Church debt

2010-04-12T04:33:00.001-07:00

Crystal Cathedral asks vendors for forgiveness | cathedral, vendors, creditors - News - The Orange County Register

Posted using ShareThis

The above link is regarding the current financial difficulties experienced by the Crystal Cathedral in Orange Coutny California. Many of you will recall that this is the church founded by Robert Schuller who is well known internationally, particularly for his message of positive thinking, grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The article outlines that this "megachurch" has "megadebt". Despite defaulting with many of their vendors who helped supply things such as exotic animals for opulent productions such as the "Glory of Christmas". The church has asked its creditors for a 90 day reprieve from legal action while it closes many of its ministries such as daycare, athletic ministries, and camping ministries to pay for the 2+ million dollar debt. The irony is that is continues to worship in the extravagant Crystal Cathedral with its expensive architecture and furnishing. It still uses two limosines to usher staff from place to place.

The lesson is that there is a tendency in churches, such as Crystal Cathedral to misunderstand the ontology of church. The essence or the being of church. Church is not the building, but the human and divine connected through the very human and very divine Christ to fulfill his mission. Its interesting that in times of scarcity, the very first thing that is eliminated are those things that should define the church: Ministry. Serving and touching others in the power and presence of Jesus Christ. Realistically, the building can go. The limosines can go. All of those things are temporal. Ministry on the other hand, has eternal ramifications because it is based on the Word and Will of God.

All churches, particularly in the recent economic environmnet have experienced difficulties balancing budgets. Hard choices must be made. However, it is particularly important the we preserve the essence of who we are in Christ, over and against buildings, funds, equipment, and staff. Those things are important and very useful, but they are not worth salvaging at the expense of ministry.

Jesus said that "Where your treasure is, your heart will be also". He indicated that a true measure of our passion and priorities can be seen by our budgets. I encourage you, as a part of your local congregation to take time and prayerfully look at the budget with the purpose of looking to see whether it lines up with the priorities of Jesus.

I challenge you to help your local congregation build a visionary budget (where the vision of Jesus Christ informs our spending) instead of accepting a budgetary visions (this is what we can do based upon what we can raise). Jesus promises that if we seek first "His Kingdom and His righteousness", that "all" the things we need (not desire, want, or covet) will be given to us.

Let's stand on the promises of Jesus and let the church, be the church!

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

A Deadly Question

2010-04-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with one of my staff Pastors, and we had a significant discussion regarding suicide. This pastor was ministering to a young adult (about 17 yrs old) who expressed the desire to end her young life. She was already in a setting where she was getting professional psychiatric care, but as we try to listen and enter into the pain and angst that this young woman experienced daily, we were struck by our inability to come to a common consensus on the issues surrounding suicide. Suicide is the 10th most common cause of death in the U.S., so it is relatively common. Among young adults in United States, 15-19 yrs of age, 5 will take their lives today. Yet, despite its frequency, we found that the young woman had already heard several inconsistent, supposibly Biblical responses to her pain.

Traditionally, Christians have often described suicide as an unpardonable sin. The only suicides listed in scripture tend to be with people who had questionable relationships with God, such as Judas who betrays Jesus, and King Saul, who is disobedient to God. We do not hear of someone committing suicide in scripture who appears to have a healthy relationship with God. Some will understand this absence as making a statement that "No one who is truly a Christian will ever commit suicide", but I believe that is reading more into a non-statement than we should. Interestingly, there are no scriptures that specifically talk about the state of the soul or an individual when they take their own lives.

In recent years, there has been a push to understand suicide and depression from more a disease model than a moral-ethical approach. This understanding sees suicide as the outcome of a fatal disease, in the same way that a cardiac arrest is the outcome of ongoing heart disease. In this model, there is no sin or righteousness, only disease and treatment. The American Evangelical church has struggled with model as it removes the aspect of individual responsibility in one's actions. However, the reality is probably holistic. It is not just a physical-mental condition, but a physical-mental-emotional-spiritual condition that requires a holistic approach.

I want to know your thoughts. Do you believe that people who commit suicide, no matter what kind of relationship they have with Jesus, are going to hell? Do you believe that it is possible that the sacrifice of Christ for the forgiveness of sins is applied to our past, present, and futures once we place our trust in Jesus as the Son of God? Do you think that suicide is the "unpardonable" sin?

Leave a comment on this difficult topic,

Blessings,

Pastor M Traylor

Waiting on God

2010-03-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

This week, millions of people all over the world will celebrate Easter. It is the highest of all holy days on the Christian calendar, but as a foreign born friend of mine commented: "Americans spend more time and energy observing Halloween than Easter". It is not the highlight of the year for most Americans who identify themselves as Christians.

I believe that part of this resistance is that Americans deeply resist the concept of redemptive suffering. We can get behind redemptive violence (using violence to bring about justice), redemptive power (using influence to bring about justice), but redemptive suffering is something foreign to the American Christian psyche. We will kill and manipulate for the glory of God and the rescue of man, but we will not die for either, unless it is in the attempt to do the former.

Jesus challenges us, as His disciples, to pick up our cross. The cross represents that cruelty and oppression of the world redeemed by the power of God triumphant. It means bearing the burden of others while refusing to resort to the methods of the world. It means feeding the hungry, even if it means changing our lifestyles. It means helping areas ravaged by violence, even if there are no resources to exploit or profit to be made. It means that God's power to bless the world is made perfect in our complete weakness (II Corinthians 12:9) and dependence on him. I know that this sounds radical, but this is the truth and the scandal of the cross.

Jesus rescued humanity by demonstrating a love that was self-sacrificing. He brought about forgiveness for the oppressors and liberaton for the oppressed. He could have destroyed the oppressors violently and placed the oppressed in political and military power, but his goal was to bless humanity, not a part of humanity.

We celebrate Easter this week because Jesus is alive, despite the death and destruction of humanity. It is this resurrection power that is evident in his people when pick up our cross and begin to conquer in peace. Our weapons are not bombs, bullets, or bonds, but self-sacrificing love which is unstoppable, conquering all, including death.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the Life. Lets celebrate His way! Lets celebrate the truth of His Way. Lets celebrate and experience his life and its power to overcome the greatest darkness!

Have a great week,

Pastor M Traylor

The Vulnerability Question

2010-03-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

I have been reading the book "The best me that I can be" by Pastor John Ortberg. He wrote "You can not be fully loved unless you are fully known". I have been contemplating that statement over the past several days.

What is being suggested is that love is authentic when you know the totality of the the object of your love. Think about this for a minute. So often we portray a false self or persona to others in order to reduce the likelihood of rejection or ridicule. We know this is evident when we first meet people and we put on our "professional" or "neighborly" voice. However, this is also present in some of the deepest and most intimate relationships. We are afraid to reveal the true self because we are not confident that we will be accepted. Many a husband would like to share his fears, insecurities, dreams, and passion with his wife, but does not due to his understanding of masculinity and his projected understanding of what his wife will and will not tolerate. This, of course, extends to wives, sons, mothers, relatives, and co-workers.

The essence of Jesus is that he loves us for us. Not for what we could be or will be, but despite whatever we have done, thought, or desired, Jesus loves us. He loves and accepts us.

What Pastor Ortberg is suggesting is that scope or breadth of love for us is directly connected to the degree of acceptance that is offered to us, when we are most authentic. Love for a spouse is not demonstrated most powerfully when the spouse looks great, smells great, and is doing great things, but is communicated most powerfully when you continue to demonstrate affection when the spouse does not look their best, smell their best or has done something offensive. Everyone likes someone who benefits them, but love is based upon loving the whole person, not the persona.

When we put on facades to be accepted and resist authenticity and vulnerability, we lose the opportunity to experience the deepest and most profound levels of love. When we can "get real" and we find that despite our reality, that we are still loved, that is true euphoria.

When is the last time that you shared your fears, hurts, failures, and dreams with someone? I am not talking about the stuff you are "supposed to say". I am asking when is the last time you were truly vulnerable with someone, knowing that it was a risky venture. Knowing that what you present is not what you desire, but what you are.

Take some time today to develop relationships where you can experience the depths of love (whether it is romantic or platonic). You may not be able to "get real" all at once, but God desires that you be authentic with someone so that you may grow and experience love.

Blessings,

Pastor M Traylor

Church Shifts

2010-03-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

David Gibbons speaks of the need to develop a "liquid culture" in church leadership in his book "The Monkey and the Fish". He describes this liquid culture as fluid and flowing as it moves. It adapts to obstacles while still moving forward. Gibbons has correctly identified that most church's have rigid organizational structures and leadership that is based upon a culture that disappeared 50 years ago. For a interesting video, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLQfhxDld7E

My friend and Church Coach, Mike McFerrin has developed the "Law of the river". This law is to describe the church as a movement of God that is "powerfully and relentlessly pursuing its goal" while adapting its shape to do so. That shape is dependent upon the culture in which the river is to flow, not despite it.

Gibbons describes 3 shifts that must take place for a church to have a liquid culture and remain relevant in our communities:

1. From people centered to Christ centered: What if the essence of our being was the fulfillment of the mission of Jesus as opposed to our own development, happiness, or neediness. Yes, our walk with Jesus develops us, fulfills us, and gives us joy, but what if that is a result of being Christ Centered and not a condition of it?

2. From consumer focused to Cause focused. Consumerism is imbedded in American society. We select churches like we shop for groceries: What most meets my needs and desires while costing the least? In that vein, people go from church to church, seeking to find the vendor of religious goods that most satisfies the desires of the day. The cause focused approach allows people to be drawn into community around common purposes in which they are not the primary beneficiary.

3. From church emphasis to community emphasis. Gibbons suggests that churches that have a majority of its programming, resources, and staffing focused upon meeting the needs of the congregation, as opposed to those outside the church, that the church becomes rigid, defensive, and irrelevant to the community at large. Its an easy trap to fall into as part of the mission of Jesus is to make disciples. We must understand that evangelism is the initiation of discipleship.

Christ, Cause, and Community! How liquid is your church? Has it lost its relevancy? Perhaps you are a Christian who does not attend a church because you have not found the "right church ". If that describes you please reread bullet point #2. Lets begin to become the movement that God desires his Church to be by changing our focus and shifting to that which matters to God.

Blessings,

Pastor M Traylor

Perfect Place for Imperfect People

2010-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

John Burke wrote a book named "No perfect people allowed". This book chronicles his approach to develop an authentically welcoming place for all people. His title, as well as his struggle, is a reflection of the tension of the Christian church today. One one hand, we desire to mirror the actions and passions of Jesus Christ, with His otherwordly love and incredibly high ethic. On the other hand, we want to be a place where people can connect with God. People who have not experienced the love of Jesus and are ignorant of his moral standards. What typically happens is that we focus on the morality of Jesus, to the exclusion of great commission hospitality.

What I am sensing in my own limited experience in trying to develop a culture where people can experience acceptance, significance, and security while growing and maturing in our faith, is that it begins with building a culture that has four elements:

1. Grace Extending over Judgment evoking: We are saved by grace, we are provided for by grace, and we blessed by grace. Grace is that unmerited/undeserved favor bestowed upon us by God. Grace that comes from God's love for us, and not because of anything we have to offer. Our first defense is often putting up the moralistic reasons why we should not share our lives and stories with others. What if we simply extended the grace that we have received from God to others.

2. Interaction over entertainment: We can come to worship services and have a great time, but not truly know the person whom we are rubbing shoulders with. While proclamation of the Word is essential in the Jesus centered community, the monologue (sermon) is a way to facilitate that, not the way. It is in the context of significant relationships where we are spiritually formed and develop life long bonds. We are so accustomed to the traditional model of worship centered communities, that we diminish the need for real and substantial interaction.

3. Getting Real rather than religious. People are hurting and broken and are looking for encouragement and affirmation. Sometimes, our personal struggles are the template in which God makes a breakthrough in your life. Although those struggles are personal, they are never to be private. Your story is a blessing for another and their story may be Jesus speaking through them. We want to be in control of our emotions and our image, but Jesus let go of both as he was stripped naked, beaten, spat upon, and neglected so that we could be blessed. God redeemed the humiliation of Jesus, and through Jesus, He will redeem yours as well.

4. Collaboration rather than competition: We often, inadvertantly, compare ourselves to others. We want to be well and blessed and there is nothing wrong with that. Yet, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul saw the goal being a healthy community, not a healthy individual. Of course, healthy individuals make upon healthy communities, but we need to be as concerned with our brothers/sisters as our own health. This allows me to invest in those who circumstances are different than mine, knowing that others are also invested in me.

Are you part of a community that welcomes and champions imperfect people? If so, leave a comment and tell your story!

Blessings,

Pastor M Traylor

Desire for Democracy

2010-02-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

Desire for Democracy

This week, the news reported that health care reform may die in congress. For those who are not politically astute, this means that a bill may not be voted upon because the estimated number of votes needed to pass it are not present. This was met with a sigh of relief by both democrats and republicans.

Democrats are sensing that the healthcare bill is not only unpopular for a number of different reasons, but if passed, may tarnish their ability to be re-elected. Republicans, despite considering themselves as being more fiscally responsible, are excited that defeat is a political win against a very popular president.

The loser once again, is you. That's right, you lose! Healthcare costs continue to drive up the deficit (that our children and grandchildren will have to bear), nearly 40% of Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and healthcare access in many areas of the nation has become impossible. What's fascinating is that we, the citizens of the United States, know that the system is broken and that as a consequence, our fellow citizens are often suffering from some of the most treatable health problems. I understand that the approach to healthcare reform is multi-faceted, but this is yet another example of the impotence of the current political structures to make real change.

What I desire is real democracy. The desire to have the will of the common person expressed and guarded. I listened to many of the healthcare forums. These were not forums with information that was accurate and balanced, but political mudslinging that caused fear and suspicion instead of significant change. The agenda was set by the political parties, lobbies, and the companies behind them.

Why aren't American's concerned that the Supreme court just overturned rulings that limited corporate financing of campaigns. As it is, the corporations and their lobbyists have much more of a significant voice than you or I. While the history of America, is one in which the government often intervenes on behalf of corporations, we are now tightening this relationship, to the detriment of average American's voice in government.

Regardless of how you feel about healthcare, our current political system makes it difficult to even express you decision, much less take part in an open exchange of ideas regarding a particular topic.

I challenge you to:

1. Find out the real facts. Seek non-partisan, non-profit organizations as a source of information.
2. Stop getting your facts from forwarded emails. Most of these are wrong and antedotal.
3. Define political success as a process or event that makes America more united and responsible, not whether your particular party had success in getting elected.

God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Resilient Racism

2010-02-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Resilient Racism

I subscribe to ESPN magazine as I am somewhat of a sports junkie. The most recent edition did a wonderful job of celebrating fanhood. They had articles on football fans, basketball fans, baseball fans, and fans of all types.

One of the features was a poll done of fans all over the country. They asked fans a variety of questions about their favorities and how they express their support. One of the questions asked if you, the fan had every shouted a racial epitath directed at the opposing team, at a sporting event. I was shocked that 11% of all the respondents claimed that they had.

Lets think about this for a minute. If 11% are brave enough to admit that they have used a racial epitath at a sporting event, at least twice as many, I would suspect have done so but will not share it on a survey. In addition, that does not include people who have not used a racial epitath at a sporting event, but do use them in everyday conversation. People only use racial epitath publicly in environments where those statements are accepted. Reflect on that last statement for a second.

Despite significant progress in addressing racism in America, it is important to realize that it is incredibly resilient. Its presence is foundational in many structures and institutions in America. I am not suggesting that I see racism in every structure, but that often there are racist assumptions based upon stereotyping.

I wondered what my response would be if I was sitting next to a fan that used a racial epitath to describe others? Would I have the courage to speak up, the grace to "love the racist, hate the racism", and the resolve to inspire better. I hope so.

Will you take responsibility to end racism, sexism, and any other xenophobic violence by asking God for the courage to be a peacemaker wherever your sphere of influence lands.

God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Are we response-able?

2009-12-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

Are we response-able?

I just read an article in the journal "Pediatrics" that documented the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (Chlamydia, Herpes, Gonorrhea, HPV, Trichimonas) in young women between the ages of 14 and 19. The study was a little small (about 600 girls studied), but its results are consistent with other epidemiologic information over the past 2 years.

The study showed that 1 in 4 sexually active young women have a sexually transmitted infection. The study also showed that when looking at sexually active African-American young women, the rate of infection rises to nearly 44%. This study did not look at the lifetime incidence of infections, but only took a snapshot to ask "how many have current infections". The largest percentage of the infections was due to HPV. This study did not even include HIV or the surprisingly resilient Syphillis.

Interestingly, of the young women who have had a single partner in life, the percentage was still nearly 20%. Of the people with a sexually transmitted infection, 26% experienced the infection during the first year of sexual initiation.

As President Obama states: "Some statistics are unbelieveable, some are unimagineable, but some are just unacceptable". I believe that this epidemic is unacceptable. Many of these infections have long term and life altering, but we fail to treat this epidemic with the urgency that it needs.

One of the unspoken taboos in the healthcare field is the promotion of abstinence. It is considered naive and projorative. However, I relate early sexual activity with driving a car when you are 12. You have all the mechanics necessary to drive, but you lack the judgement and wisdom to handle the responsibility. The nation has wisely decided that 12 yr olds can not safely drive because it hurts themselves and others. Yet, we encourge sexual activity through "safe sex" education, instead of encouraging delayed onset. It is similar to offering "safe driving" for 12 yr olds. It just doesn't work.

My challenge is to make this personal:

1. Advocate for healthy sexuality that waits, and focuses on the wholeness found in a God centered life.
2. Advocate for the HPV immunization of both males and females.
3. Speak against promiscuity and the marketing strategies that encourage irresponsibility. Celebrate sexual wholeness and responsibility in life and ministry.

I challenge you to influence and impact our community to make a difference!

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

2009-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Emporer's Clothes

I have been reading Jonathan's Walton's fantastic social critique: "Watch this: the ethics and aesthetics of Black televangelists". The book is a socio-historical look at the rise of the African American religious broadcasters. Its an interesting look at faith, tradition, and more importantly, the syncretic melding of American values over and above theological traditions.

This book is worth reading because it helps to explain the ministry paradigms of some of the most famous African American televangelists, such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Pastor Creflo Dollar, and Bishop Eddie Long. These leaders did not suddenly appear, but are the end of a long continuim of African American ministers who used media to proclaim their message.

After reflection, I guess what makes me tremble is that these ministers wield incredible influence, not only on their followers, but upon the our concept of ministry health and ministry outcome. I am not trying to say that all televangelists or pastors of large churches are heretical or misguided, because many are innovative and creative ministers of the gospel. However, I am saying that there is a large proportion of televangelist/telepastors with destructive and confused messages.

Specifically, I see three issues that have had a horrible influence within evangelicalism that can be traced to the megapastor and televangelist.

1. Prosperity as a sign of authority and annointing: Its interesting that Jesus ministered among the poor and marginalized and that he himself was poor. It was important to him that he literally identify with the poor. The book of James equates the distribution of wealth with justice (James 5:3), but many of the televangelist flount excessive (millions of dollars) in personal hoarding while people all over the world die. The focus of wealth for personal use is not consisent with Jesus' teachings (Lk 12:16-20). Wealth is not sin, but can be easily misused.

2. The Divination of the person of God: The televangelists are often thought of by their followers to have "superhuman" qualities. We use Biblical words to describe this. "Her annointing" or "His spiritual blessings" are terms that attribute superhuman qualities upon the ministers. The structure of their churches are often not ecclesiologies as they are corporations where the CEO has the final say. When this occurs, their "word" and "lifestyles" become sacred and their teachings are rarely questioned and their authority is not challenged when it comes to elaborate spending and explotiation of their followers.

3. God as a tool for personal blessing: The televangelists often focus on personal weath and empowerment as opposed to intimacy and honoring of God. God becomes the tool for wealth as opposed to wealth being a tool for God. This leads to idolatry.

Take some time and consider the 3 concepts above and consider how commonplace they have become. I spend very little time criticizing another's ministry but feel that it is time for people of God to reclaim the real good news from the popular misuse of the precioius name of Jesus. The next time you are ready to buy another book, attend another conference, or watch another show, ask yourself about the message that is being presented.

May God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

Tradegy and Comedy

2009-12-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Tradegy and Comedy

Nearly two weeks ago, my wife, son, and I went to see the movie "Precious" at the movie theatre. The movie is about an abused, morbidly obese African-American young women who endures incredible suffering in her life journey. The filming is purposely raw and the imagines are beyond imagination. The realism of the sadistic treatments along with the invisibility and powerlessness of poverty is overwhelming.

What struck me most in this film was not the acting or the directing (although both were top-notch). What bothered me most was the response of the audience. Throughout the movie, you are exposed to some of the most disturbing portraits of abuse. There is abusive language, abusive physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and even the abusive use of food (force feeding alternating with deprivation). The purpose of this collage of violence was to give you a true sense of the abuse that the main character (Precious) had experienced. More often than not, the audience would often laugh at the scenes. I know, some people laugh when they are nervous. However, this laughing was not nervous. It was a laughter filled with commentary of why the abuse was so funny.

Now, I love humor. In fact, one of the ways in which African Americans overcome abuse and oppression is through the development of the tragicomedy, in which we laugh in order to stop the crying. I understand its role in history and ethnology. However, this was not funny and it pointed to the warped and confused perspectives of audience, which in the theatre that I attended, was mostly African American.

The audience saw the main character as someone to exploit for their entertainment rather than someone to identify with.. Her weight, her scowl, her daydreams were all things to laugh at rather than signs of her humanity, her pain, and need for someone to care. The tradegy should move us to liberate others in similar situations. It should inspire us not to accept the status quo of child abuse, domestic violence, undereducations, and struggle of young single mothers all over. Instead, the audience was entertained and easily objectified her as a things to be laughed at as opposed to a person to be loved. Our sense of justice is overwhelmed by our desire to be entertained.

If you go see Precious, know that it is disturbing. It is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 16. However, resolve to see the movie, your neighborhood, your community, and your workplace as real people whose lives and stories can inspire you to greatness and not merely entertain you.

May God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

2009-11-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

Lessons for Youth

A long time ago, the city of Jerusalem was under Siege by an enemy and the conditions within the city became so great that the following scene is described:

2 Kings 6:28-29
Then he asked her, "What's the matter?"
She answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give up your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we'll eat my son.' So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I said to her, 'Give up your son so we may eat him,' but she had hidden him."

This is too horrific to truly contemplate. The idea of cannibalism is beyond our comprehension but it happens when people are truly starving to death.

I share this story as I am overwhelmed with the violence, degradation, and nihilism that many of our youth share today. As I write this, many governmental agencies, faith communities, and community advocates are trying to develop strategies in the Rochester community to turn the tide on what has been on of the bloodiest years in recent memory.

The women in the Bible text had a legitimate need. They were hungry. Food is fairly plentiful in America, so we often do not experience what many in the world (1 billion people will not have enough food today) experience on a daily basis.

What if we had a time machine and could go back from our well fed stations in life to this horrific scene. We would of course be appalled and appropriately so. However, we probably would not truly appreciate the horrific conditions and the driving hunger that led to the terrible event of cooking a child.

I wonder if we are not doing the same with violence in our Urban communities. I wonder if we are seeing the horrific acts spawned by equally horrific deprivations. We see the violence and we immediately spring into action to protect ourselves and react to the ugliness by developing safety protocols. We are not solving the problem, only merely segregating the problem to areas where we do not have to live. What if the purpose of the violence is for us to develop a sensitivity and compassion for the needs of children and young adults who have been underparented, oversexed, undereducated, and largely unseen, unless they are committing heinous acts of violence.

No young adult started off as a 4 yr child who wanted to be violent, but their is something in their enviornment that breeds this. More accurately, it is the absence of many things that causes this enviroment of violence, promiscuity, and poverty.

So, our challenge is to meet the need. Not our need for protection or our need to move further away from the problem. No, our challenge is first to identify the needs of areas where destruction and despair reign and then become the solution. "Justice is first an issue of Stewardship" says John Perkins, the legendary head of the Christian Community Development Association. In other words, God has given us what is needed to meet the needs of the least and lowest.

Can you take time today to think about the needs of those who are committing violence. I know that the American way to think about "locking them up", but entire generations of young men, particularly young African American men are locked up in prisons, without a change in the communities that they left. No, lets be part of the solution. Lets recognize that some of the violence represents illegitimate means to fulfill legitimate needs.

Pray this if you feel challenged today:

My Lord, You said that whatever I do for the least of these, I have done unto you. Forgive me for ignoring you when you were hungry. Forgive me for making you invisible when you were homeless and begging. Forgive me for avoiding you when you were addicted to crack and needed someone just to affirm you. Open my eyes to see the need and move my heart to act so that I may be a blessing to my community and to you. Amen

Pastor M Traylor

It begins with pain

2009-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

It all begins with Pain

"The paradox indeed is that the beginning of healing is in the solidarity with the pain... the wanting to alleviate pain without sharing it is like wanting to save a child from a burning house without the risk of being hurt." Henri Nouwen, from his book Reaching out: Three movements of the Spiritual life.

The core questions of life, ministry, mission, and even hope center around how we deal with pain: our pains, the pains of others, our culture's pain, even humanity's pain. How we deal, or in many instances, refuse to deal with these pains paints a picture of our vitality and what it truly means to live.

I have shared many times with many people that God began to deal with me several years ago about this concept of wanting to extinguish pain without actually entering into to it. I had always grown up with the concept as a healthy understanding of healing and service. However, as I desire to follow the ultimate healer more closely, I am finding that Jesus radically entered our pain, idenitfied with us, and shared in our sufferings as a means of healing and hope. Have you ever considered that Jesus could have healed and manifested himself without an incarnation (without putting on a human body and entering the world). However, he chose to enter into the world, not as a wealthy, but impoverished, not in power, but in humility.

I am convinced that true ministry and true healing (by the way, if we are ministering to others and there is no healing, then we should reconsider our approach) begins when we start with pain. It begins when we have the courage to drop the shields, the comforts, the barriers to experience, enter, and identify with the pains of others. I am quite sensitive to the possibility of the "overwhelmingness" of the situation, but I am learning slowly, that it is this "overwhelmingness" of the pain that drives us deep into the solace, comfort, and power of God. It is at that point, where God's spirit within is free to love, comfort, and bless through you.

Compassion literally means to "suffer with". Are we so guarded with our hearts that the things that matter to Jesus no longer matter to us? Who are you willing to suffer for? What pains in this community, this nation, and this world have you allowed to overwhelm you until you fall on your knees in solidarity and cry out to God Almighty.

Simply, it all begins with pain.

Blessings,

Pastor M Traylor

Learning at the YMCA

2009-10-13T06:17:00.001-07:00

Learning at the YMCA

This past week, the Traylor family joined the local YMCA in Penfield, NY. It happens to be one of the nicest looking YMCA's that I have ever seen. We began our "return to fitness" program yesterday, and God took the opportunity to teach me a few things that have been ruminating in my mind.

1. Perseverance in a discipline require momentum. Momentum is that feeling that we all experience when we are eagerly anticipating an activity and have a measure of confidence that we will actually successfully accomplish our goals. Momentum requires movement in the same direction (the scientific formula for momentum is mass x velocity, where velocity is movement in one direction). Paradoxically, the more we engage in a discipline, the more momentum we develop and the easier and more enjoyable it becomes. We often quit before momentum develops. Think about this with any discipline that you have desired to have, whether it be exercising, Bible reading, or prayer. You are most likely to quit in the first 1-2 attempts than when you get a month into it.

2. People are in love with the concept of being adventurous, but true adventure and participation scares them. I noticed that the YMCA teen room had a Wii and that the teens were playing Wii games (computer games) of the games that they could actually play at the YMCA (basketball, football, volleyball, etc.). I think, we as parents/teachers/encouragers have given up on the idea that there is value in actually learning and participating in sports and team games. The illusion that simulating game experiences is the same as playing is heartbreaking. There is so much to learn about yourself, and developing relationships with others that team activities promote. We need to encourage our children towards adventure and challenge.

3. Muscles are conditioned to respond. Its funny that when I resume activities, such as basketball, that I have done thousands of times before, that I instinctively know what to do. Its not like I have to start over. I believe that discipline ilicits a conditioned response. The more you pray, the easier it becomes to instinctually pray. The more you eat right, the easier it is to eat well, even when you are not thinking about it. I think that we need to exercise our spiritual muscles with the goal of it becoming a habit that is instinctual.

Discipline is the core thought when we think of ourselves at disciplies. We are followers in the dsiciplines of Jesus and that takes work and effort.

Be blessed today!

Pastor M Traylor

2009-10-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Politics of the Rich man and Lazarus

Its been a while since I have blogged and I thought I would get things started again by looking at a common Biblical story that has some significant ramifications in how we see one another and the role of society in general:

Luke 16:19-
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In hell,[c] where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
25"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
27"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
29"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
30" 'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
31"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'

This story, if read without understanding its context, seems to imply that the poor will go to heaven and the wealthy will suffer. However, this story is much deeper than that. I will try to be as concise as possible, but hope that this will challenge you as it did me:

1. The rich man wastes what God gives him. He eats in abundance daily and dresses in a provocative manner. Purple cloth was not only expensive, but it was the "armani" of the ancients and was a sign of wealth. The previous stories of the Shrewd manager and prodigal son also deal with stories of waste.

2. Lazarus means "the man who God helps". Despite his status in life, God demonstrates his compassion with him.

3. The word "even" is not in the Greek as it describes the dogs. It is better described as "but" the dogs came and licked his sores. This is not an act of evil, but an act of compassion from the dogs who actually have components in their saliva that helps to heal wounds. The comparison is that the despised dogs actually have compassion on Lazarus, when the rich man does not.

4. In heaven, the rich man knows Lazarus name but still does not address him or give him dignity. He is unrepentant, even in heaven. He does not apologize for his neglect of Lazarus, only for his torment. The rich man does not argue his innocence, only that Lazarus be ordered to give him relief. This speaks to the highly entrenched roles of societal status in life and death.

5. The rich man desires to become a "lazarus"! He is now in the position of desiring to be helped by God. There is no opportunity for Lazarus to bless him as the consequences of the rich man's action and attitude prohibits this.

I realize that this story is often about "heaven and hell", but it speaks to being stewards to the things that God has for us and taking responsibility for our neighbors. In the book of James, the author states that our wealth will testify against us if we waste an opportunity to bless those in need (James 5:3)

Lets think about this a little. Don't allow your mind to overlook our own obligations and stewardship. Don't go pass this, just let this dwell for a little while and ask God to open your eys to the Lazarus that around you.

May God Bless

Pastor M Traylor

Racialsm versus racialization

2009-08-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Racism: Acting, thinking, or speaking of someone based upon a stereotyped perception of their race, ethnicity, or identity.

Racialization: Practices that cause racial division and isolation that are often:
1. Embedded in the normal operations of institutions and social systems
2. Covert in nature (the purpose and the effect of the practice are not obvioius)
3. devoid of racial terminology or tones
4. Almost always invisible to a majority of people in a given culture.

Although there is much in the news regarding racism, I find that very little is offered on the more pervasive, and may I suggest, more powerful effects of racializing practices. Racializing practices are things that "we" all do that are not intended to cause racial isolation or inequitable treatment, but none the less have that effect. These are things that are done by Blacks, Whites, Latino, and Asians all the time, but we do not take the time to look at the ramifications because they are not as overtly malicious as those who have racist sentimentalities.

So, here is my confession in which I need your comments regarding. I am in the middle of a very racializing practice that I really didn't see until recently. Here the story:

My wife and I decided to sell our home to move to a neighborhood that is closer to the church we pastor and the schools our children attend. When chosing a realtor, I chose a realtor with a fantastic selling record. She is very professional and has wonderful connections into the market for the type of home that we are selling. We met with her, based upon her credentials, and hired her based upon that. We did not look at her race, gender, or religious background at all. Many would applaud that as being colorblind and we went into the arrangement with the goal of effectiveness, not to make a cultural statement.

One week after we hired our realtor, we had lunch with a friend in the education business, who formerly had a successful stint in real estate. She happens to be of Puerto Rican heritage and she shared her story of how difficult it is for realtor's of color to represent houses at or above the mean housing price in the Rochester, NY community. She went on to talk about how listings are often obtained through social connections, and because of the fact that people of color are over-represented in poorer areas, Black and Latin realtors often list the inexpensive homes. The reason that this leads to inequity is that mobility in the real estate companies is often based upon the amount of money you make, not the number of homes you sell. So, a realtor may need to sell ten $50,000 homes to equal the profit of a single $500,000 home. The result is that those who have connections and the more lucrative and prestigious listings perpetuate their positions of power, while effectively keeping the other realtors from getting into the market.

So, by chosing a realtor who already had the connections (power seller), I not only chose an effective seller, but I helped those in a powerful position to maintain their position. But wait, you could argue that a salesperson who is not accustomed to the market where our home resides may not be near as effective as the powerselling realtor we chose. I agree, but what I am struggling with is whether I had a responsibility to reduce the racialization that is occuring in thise particular market. Again, this is not racism, as much as its becoming aware of practices that lead to continue racial inequity and isolation.

What would you have done? Leave a comment and bless the cyberworld.

May God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

2009-07-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Keeping it real: Health Care Reform

As a physician who had significant administrative experiences in the past, I got to see the ins and outs of healthcare and its funding. Its a complex topic with many different players and many different agendas. Within a single office visit there are multiple different interests secretly battling it out for attention, and for money. This is why the discussions that many of the political pundits are having regarding healthcare reform are more political agendas than authentic concerns for the health and wellbeing of a nation. The system is complex and interdependent so that each intervention has reverberations throughout the system. For instance, if you continue to limit reimbursements to health facilities and providers, as has been the case for government supported plans such as medicare and medicaid, the unintended consequence is inaccessibility to care for those who are the most dependent on care (Many practices that are primarily medicaid and medicare dependent are bare-bones operations as is. Reduction of their funding results in reduction of services that are offered). The intended effect was efficiency, but the result was inaccessibility .

Former surgeon General C. Everett Koop stated simply that all healthcare systems desire three things:

1. High Quality care

2. Accessible care

3. Low cost care

Dr. Koop followed up his lecture by stating that no system on the planet can give more than 2 of the 3 things. Following his logic, because we have insisted on the highest quality care (U.S. is on the technological leading edge in medicine), and accessibility (most people do not have to wait to see a competent provider) that our cost is astronomical. President Obama is correct when he states that healthcare reform must be repaired urgently. Right now the cost of healthcare is killing businesses and leaving an estimated 20 million adults with any kind of insurance. Those uninsured are still getting sick and a rate significantly higher than those with insurance. This does not just wreck the finances of the uninsured, it wreaks havoc on the financial stability of the nation as a whole.

What President Obama is attempting is trying to closed the uninsured health care gap in order to reduce costs. He understands that the bigger issues that need to be discussed are political suicide, although I think that he has articulated them in a bolder way than have ever been discussed. Here are a couple of things that we as a nation need to wrestle with:

1. Separate but equal was not appropriate for the classroom, but it is appropriate for healthcare?

2. Is healthcare a right or a privilege?

3. Can the government develop a utilitarian approach to healthcare where resources are used where they give the biggest bang for the buck, as opposed to spending money on that which gives the least return (90% of medicaid dollars are spent in a person's terminal phase of life). Its easy to say "yes" unless the money is being used to keep your mother on life support.

4. Will America be willing to pay for its standard of healthcare?

5. Will Institutions that are profiting from shunning medicare and medicaid patients have to share in the burdens of those communities?

6. Will physician reumbursement ever consider the power of prevention, or will we always pay the most for procedures that are repairing damage as opposed to preventing it in the first place.

7. Will we have the guts to regulate the insurance industry that continues to have skyrocketing profits?

These are my thoughts about healthcare. Are we ready for the real discussion. I think that America's not ready, nor do we even have a forum for this kind of discussion. Let me know what you think,

Blessings,

Pastor M Traylor

Supreme Court Thoughts

2009-07-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

I believe that the current discussion regarding the Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is fascinating to watch and that the process itself has huge implication on how America see's itself and our openness to discuss race and race relations with a clear head.

One of the statements made from Republican Senator O. Hatch, was that he was looking for Justices that are committed to enforce the law/constitution, not legislate it. He was reacting to her very public statements that most interpretations of constitutional law are in fact ways of legislating without the process. When we think about supreme court rulings (whether they be conservative or liberal leading), we must all understand that she speaks truth. Rowe vs Wade was not a "law" but an interpretation of the constitution that made abortion permissible. Placing the separation of all religious activity from public supported venues is also an interpretation of a constitution that originally was designed to deny a state supported religion, but in now way eliminated religious acvitity in school. These rulings have become law by precedent. Precedent is that once an interpretation becomes a ruling, that subsequent rulings simply enforce or magnify that previous ruling. It is this approach that gives individual rulings incredible power. I am impressed by Candidate Sotomayor that she does not feel bound by precedent and is willing to look at the merits of each case in real time.

I am most fascinated by her discussion of her experiences as a Latin-American. Although many will undoubtedly feel that this is racist, I truly believe that being a minority in America gives you a unique perspective (I did not say a superior perspective) that often allows you to question many of the assumptions of the political processes. Richard Hughes, in "Myths America Lives By" does a great job of pointing out the "prophetic" process of outsiders in America. Myths such as the "Chosen Nation" and Manifest destiny are seen as shallow, destructive, and narcassistic through the lense of those on the margins. This experience often allows vision and clarity that is outside the realm of those who seek to support and be supported by the myths of our day.

I am curious to know if others think that the current discussions around Candidate Sotomayor have deeper implications. If so, please leave a comment.

May God bless you all,

Pastor M Traylor

Graceful Mourning

2009-07-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Graceful Mourning

Today, there will be a huge memorial service for Michael Jackson, which will probably been one of the most highly viewed, Tivo"d, and taped events of all time. As I sit here, there is around the clock coverage of his life, his performances, and the speculation regarding the many legal and social problems that he experienced.

At the same time, as I complete football junkie, the life and death of quarterback Steve Mcnair has saturated sports networks and sports media. Steve is regarded as one of the paragons of integrity and commitment as the quarterback of both the Tennesee Titans and later for the Baltimore Ravens. He was considered the consummate family man with a stable marriage and the father of four. He was shot to death, along with his apparent lover, last week. His wife, family and friends are devasted by the loss of a father, husband, and even more important, their trust. It is simply overwhelming to put yourself in their shoes.

I have read numerous blogs, columns, and emails from Christian sources, where people have talked about the tragedy of both of their lives. It is so easy to view these events through a moral/ethical framework and point out all the mistakes and sins that were committed: Michael Jackson's suspected pedophillia, his questionable spirituality and Steve McNair's obvious indescretions against his wife, family, and God.

However, I am absolutely flooded by the sense of God's grace. Any thoughts that I have regarding their sinfulness has been literally replaced with the immensity of God's grace. The Bible describes Jesus as full of truth and Grace. Truth is the reality of righteousness and sinfulness, but Grace is God"s desire to bless us all with what we do not deserve, based upon His love alone. The truth is that we all deserve to be "exposed" and "shamed" for the activities, thoughts, and desires that are against God's will and hurt others. We try to qualitate them, and state that some are worse than others, but the fact is that our attempts to qualitate sin (rate some sins worse than others) is deeply entrenched in our culture and self-preservation. Studies have shown that culture deeply shapes what we consider shameful (consider the reasons why there are so many different views regarding the activities of Michael Vick). Additionally, we tend to accept the sins in which we participate as "normal" while those that we do not experience are seen as "terrible".

All this to say, that I mourn the deaths of both of them as a loss of life and the inability for both of these incredible people to experience wholeness, reconciliation, and healing. As I mourn, I thank God for his grace, knowing that I too have sinned against him, hurt others deeply, and done things that are despicable. It is for this reason that Jesus died. It is for this reason that the Bible tells us that there is "no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). I thank God for His underserved favor upon us all.

Can we take this opportunity to extend God's grace to the many within our individual spheres of influence who desparately need wholeness, redemption, restoration and healing. WE do this by sharing the good news of Kingdom of God and its power in our own stories. Stories that have included healing and restoration, and not just exposing sin and regret. The Apostle Paul said it clearly by stating that he is "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards the prize". It does not mean that we ignore the past, but we allow Jesus to redeem our pasts through forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.

May the Grace of God be with you all,

Pastor M Traylor

things I think I think...

2009-06-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Things I think I think

This is one of those blogs when I have a couple things on my mind that I want to say and get your opinion on. This is one of these times when you have some feelings and thoughts that are not completely concise and well articulated, but you still feel the need to express. So here are the things that I think I think:

1. Church people and church programs spend a lot of energy trying to be nice, as opposed to being loving. Niceness is polite, charming, and even kind. It provides harmony and the ability to work with one another. Love is a whole different animal. It is vulnerable, self-sacrificing, forgiving, forbearing, and even painful. Love exacts a price from us, and it is why we choose niceness over and against love.

2. People are looking for a community where they can be real. By real, I am suggesting an authenticity. Authenticity is the ability to express yourself in a way that is true to your true self and know that you are accepted. Not that you are perfect, but you are accepted, lumps and all, because we have been accepted by God through the work of Jesus. Sometimes, we spend a lot of time trying to be something that we are not and holding others to the same standards. The authentic Christian community strives to first be a group that understands itself as similar in sin, united in Grace, and immersed in sanctification.

OK, now for some non-church stuff I think I think

3. When men enter a men's restroom that does not have urninals, we tend to get frightened that we have gone into the wrong restroom. In two such bathrooms in the past 2 weeks, I noticed that men would go into the bathroom, and immediately come out to check the door. Its disorienting.

4. Baseball is a dying sport. According to ESPN statistics, young people are tuning out baseball at huge levels. The percentage of youth involved is significantly reduced when compared to a generation ago. Another interesting statistic is that baseball leaders (managers, coaches, etc) are among the least educated (obtained college degrees) when compared to every major sport. As the world has increased its pace, I believe it has outpaced baseball.

5. Lets stay out of Iran. It is our involvement in the middle east that has hugely contributed to the current problem. Our support of Shah of Iran and his exploitive approaches, then our support of Iraq through Saddam Hussein. We supported him in his war against Iran. Then our war with Iraq and our continued occupation. Let them work out their own revolution and be free from outside influence unless they specifically ask for international help!

6. I walked through downtown Chicago yesterday (the magnificent mile) and made a point to apologize to everyone that I bumped into and spoke to everyone who I made eye contacts. People actually responded with smiles, head nods, or speaking. I do not know if that will work in NYC, but it restored my faith that people in even the most urban of cities, desire contact and affirmation. Try it sometime.

7. I do not have enough energy to twit well. I do not know what things I do are news worthy and which are just plain boring. I tend to think of the latter, so I do not twit often.

Well, just a few things I think I think.

Let me know what you think,

Pastor M Traylor

Asking and Receiving

2009-06-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Asking and Receiving

Today, I was speaking with a good friend about how God answers prayer. I believe that one of the major ways that God demonstrates his presence and power is through our prayers. The ancient wisdom of God's Word tells us to:

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. " (Colossians 4:2)

Its the watchful and thankful part that I think we mess up. I was reminded of this when I was traveling down the interstate in decent traffic and someone in the lane to my right put his left turn signal on. There was no room for this person to merge, but I slowed to give him space to merge left in front of me. Despite the fact that I gave him abundant space, he began talking on his cell phone and did not merge. After about 2 minutes, I returned to normal speed and he again put on his turn signal after about 5 more minutes. I repeated the cycle two more times before he actually merged, because he was so distracted.

I believe that God often answers our prayers in the form of opportunities as opposed to events, gifts, and "making people change". Just as the man on the freeway asked to merge, I responded by giving him the opportunity. Due to his distractions, he failed to take advantage of the opportunity three different times. I wonder how many times we have asked God for something, and he gave us the opportunity to have the need met or the desire filled, but we missed it due to distraction or simply disbelief.

The scripture tells us to be watchful and thankful. If we pray for the blessing of another, we need to be watchful for our opportunity to be that blessing. If we pray for a job where we could be a blessing to others and provide for the family, it will not often "fall from the sky" but look for opportunities that God opens in our lives. Houston Pastor Kirby-Jon Caldwell describes this as entrapraneurial faith.

We need to be better stewards of opportunities, particularly as we watch for the answers to our prayers.

What have you been praying about? Has God responded through an opportunity?

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

The way things are supposed to be

2009-05-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Restoration from the inside out

Theologian Cornelius Platinga once described the Kingdom of God as simply "the way things are supposed to be". That simple definition reasonates with me as I read the paper, walk the streets, watch the news, or simply talk to my neighbors. So many times, I hear of senseless violence, grinding poverty, and debilitating hopelessness and my thought is "thats not the way things are supposed to be". That feeling is almost intuitive and it is shared by the most innocent children to our most seasoned elders. Its just not the way things are supposed to be...

Lately, I have been spending time praying about how New Hope (the church I am privileged to pastor in Rochester, NY) can be a catalyst for "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done". If the kingdom is "the way things are supposed to be", what role can New Hope or any of us have in ushering in this new reality in the face of so much pain and suffering. The Kingdom or reign of God is a pervasive penetration of the Love of God into every aspect of our lives, our relationships, and our society. In order to change our current reality into a kingdom reality, it will take nothing short of an act of God working through people who are sold out to sacrificially demonstrating the love of God in a loveless, cruel world.

The reality of our situation is not dark and pessimistic, but bright and uplifting. This is the message of the cross. Jesus Christ came and lived a life of love and through that life, healed, uplifted, encouraged, and delivered people from "things that are not supposed to be". Even death itself could not overcome the life sustaining Holy Spirit (suggesting of course, that death is not supposed to be, but is a manifestation of our own rebellion against God). This is our model and example. Jesus said that we should take heart, as he has overcome the world. We too, take heart, because through him, we overcome everything that the world has to offer.

This morning I read this scripture. I have printed in the Amplified Bible version. It was written to exiled Israelites whose rebellion and rejection of the God and his ways, led to being led away to the nation of Babylon.

Ezekiel 36:23

And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name and separate it for its holy purpose from all that defiles it--My name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them--and the nations will know, understand, and realize that I am the Lord [the Sovereign Ruler, Who calls forth loyalty and obedient service], when I shall be set apart by you and My holiness vindicated in you before their eyes and yours.

The nations will know, understand, and realize the greatness of God and his ways (the way things are supposed to be) when we (the people who identify themselves as people of God) set God apart in our own lives, churches, and communities. This requires that we submit to the working of God in us before God begins to work through us to change what is not supposed to be into what we all know should be. It means no longer accepting religious rites and activities that do not iniate, sustain, or stengthen our expression of the love of God in the world around us.

Will you mediatate on this scripture this week. Let it convict you, encourage you, and compel you to usher in "the way things are supposed to be".

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Charity and Justice

2009-05-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Charity and Justice

Yesterday, the leadership team of New Hope Free Methodist church was visited by Dr. Elaine Spaull. Dr. Spaull is the city councilperson for the eastern distric of the city of Rochester. Many of you who regularly read this blog know that I am not the one to embrace politicians as means to producing significant community and cultural change. Its not that politicians are corrupt or evil, but simply that many of them are inefficient vehicles of change.

In light of what I just said, I was amazed as well as deeply moved and highly motivated after our visit with Dr. Spaull. Dr. Spaull has given up successful legal and academic careers in order to head the non-profit Center for Youth (www.centerforyouth.net) that is devoted to identifying and developing struggling and troubled young adults in the Rochester/Monroe County area. Last year, they helped over 22,000 young adults and gave shelter to over 1000 homeless teens. This is an agency that is making a difference in the Rochester community.

However, there is one comment that she made during her visit that was so profound and consistent with the ministry of Jesus, that it very well may change the way our leadership engages in community ministry. Dr. Spaull defined "charity" as doing that which is "good" She then defined "justice" as doing that which is "right". When we see our helping of troubled people as charity, then we are free to stop it at any time. It is an option that is not owed or obligated. However, if we consider our helping of troubled people as an act of justice (making things right), then this carries an obligatory tone. Charity is a "should", while justice is a "must".

When we see homeless children, abused women, mentally impaired men, exploited prostitutes, thieving gangs, undereducated pupils, and so on, filling our streets with the resultant violence, perpeteual exploitation, and subtle nihilism that results, we dare not consider our interventions as charity. While it is good, it is also right and deserves a sense of urgency and sacrifice that is commanded in the face of injustice.

I want to challenge you to join the movement to do the "right" thing in serving those who marginalized, broken, and suffering. As Dr Spaull said, it is not a question of charity, but of responding to injustice around us.

I thank God for Dr. Spaull's reminder and for her willingness to truly demonstrate civil service.

Let me know what you think,

Blessings!

Pastor M Traylor

How fatherlessness is killing basketball

2009-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

How Fatherlessness is killing basketball

Today, I was listening to a report on the complexities of recruiting high school basketball players to college. It was mind boggling to even comprehend the maze the players, coaches, and families must negotiate in order for the player to receive a scholarship. The rules are complex and the access to some of the "elite" players is incredibly competitive.

What amazes me most is the myriad of "handlers" who manage to have influence on these young men and women. These people are typically in the form of AAU coaches (I am not trying to say that all AAU coaches are exploitative or poor coaches, but that within the ranks of the AAU tradition, there exists an very unhealthy element) who guarantee their players that they will give the players exposure and connection to premium college coaches. If you have ever been to AAU tournaments, you can immediately spot these men (typically, they are men). They have a cell phone continuously on, even during the games. They coach marginally, but are all about introductions and looking good. They are typically wearing a $120 athletic outfit, driving a $70,000 vehicle, while living in a terrible apartment or worse yet, with mama.

These "handlers" then use and exploit the players for leverage. Whether that be money or positions, its all about them. No matter how much you talk to the young men and women about these "basketball pimps", they still find themselves attracted to them. Why, because everyone needs a father. Young men and young women need men who will affirm and direct them. This is where the connection of basketball and fatherlessness comes together. Many of these basketball pimps sink their teeth into our young people precisely because there is a void in their lives. A large gaping hole where a father should be. Our culture, particularly our urban cultures, have all but eliminated the role of fathers. Whether this is reactive (fathers began to abandon their roles) or adaptive (Culture made it difficult for fathers, and so they perish) is unclear.

The net result is an escalation in young players being influenced by manipulative and self-serving people. College coaches, in interview after interview, speak about the difficulty in trying to talk with families and players, while the basketball pimp holds the leverage. No one is advising the young men and women about the value of an education that will serve them after the blown out knee and the failing jump shot. No one is teaching them about the value of discipline that makes one not only a better basketball player, but a better person. All that is heard is about "getting paid". The effect has been a degrading of the college game, an alarming amount of talented players who do not go to college at all, and an infusion of talented, but immature NBA players.

Everyone one needs a father. The further I get into my middle-agedness, the more I realize that I need a father to affirm who I am and give me wisdom that comes from a life well lived. Our young people are being destroyed and exploited. We can and must make a difference. If you are a father, renew your commitment to your child to affirm and guide them. Guard who has access to your child's heart and mind, as the ancient wisdom of God declares that their hearts are the "wellspring of life".

Let me know what you think,

Pastor M Traylor

Theological Crisis and Culture

2009-05-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Theological Crisis and Culture

Today I met with a local pastor for breakfast and over eggs and pancakes, we began to discuss the state of the city and in particular the health of churches within the African-American community. As I am new to this community, it was interesting comparing some of the dynamics of the African-American Christian community in Rochester with that of my home region, Cleveland OH.

The particulars are not really important, but what was clear is that there is a crisis in many African-American communities that reveals itself in incredible, grinding poverty, irresponsible sexual activity, devastating undereducation, and a confused self-identity. This is true whether you are in Rochester or Cleveland, and it would be true for NYC, New Orleans, and Newark as well.

The church is increasingly impotent in dealing with these problems. The problem is not a resource problem. The problem is a spiritual problem. Our theology (understanding of God) shapes our missiology (what God wants us to do) which should inform our ecclesiology (How our community organizes itself to complete the mission). Somewhere in the past 50 years, we have lost the view of God as Holy and redeeming. The rise of prosperity theology suggests that God is present to serve us. This changes our mission to accumulation and self-service as opposed to generosity and community service. We then develop structures where we keep wealth coming into the church, but never leaving to bless the community and our world. If you do not believe me, look at how many churches in the Black community have tremendous wealth (offerings, assets) but the immediate community is relatively unaffected by its presence.

Although I pastor a wonderfully multi-cultural church with white, black, and all kinds of brown, my heart breaks for the disproportional suffering in the African-American communities all across America. I, as well as my well informed breakfast partner realized that we have a responsibility to make a difference in blessing the community and it begins with a clearer understanding of who God is and his will for His people through Jesus Christ. We can no longer tolerate churches that use twisted interpretations of scripture to justify the exploitation and the continued demoralization of those living on the margins. Although I am quite sensitive in regards to criticizing other pastors, it is now time that those who are called to provide a prophetic voice of God's truth and mission, to inform pastors, leaders, and neighbors of the true mission and identity of God's people.

Will you take time to ask yourself if you are fulfilling God's desire to bless your community? Can you lead your congregation in making a difference and being a good steward of opportunities, as well as communities, neighborhoods, and regions?

Let me know what you think about this

God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

Pastoral Friendship Balance

2009-05-05T04:38:00.000-07:00

Pastor or Friend?

Several weeks ago, I attended a conference that was led by a couple who were Christian Psychologists and Pastors. The conference was fascinating as they talked about what it meant to be an emotionally healthy and spiritually vigorous congregation. They had a wonderfully holistic approach towards people that was refreshing and inspiring.

One of the most difficult things that they taught was in regards to pastoral boundaries. They demonstrated that different relationships have different types of responsibilities and accountabilities. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Husbands and wives obviously know and respond to one another differently than do friends or co-workers. A professional relationship has different boundaries than a personal relationship, etc, etc...

The difficulty comes with the unique position of being a pastor. One of the statements that was made is that "Pastors must choose whether they are in a pastoral relationship (professional) or a personal relationship. Once a relationship becomes personal (friendship), you loose the ability to pastor that person." This is true. For example, if your physician began to share his problems with you and call you whenever he or she was having a crisis, then they have abdicated their professional relationship for a personal relationship. The net effect is a loss of their role as professional in your life. I believe that pastors are faced with this choice every day. There are lots of people who need a friend, Life is fragmented and lonely for most of us, so friendship is foundational. However, when the Pastor chooses to become a friend (not friendly, but a friend with reciprical sharing, vulnerability, and transparency), he or she loses the ability to approach that person/family in a pastoral manner.

This does not mean that a pastor must keep everyone an arms length away, but that they must realize that in order to be an effective pastor, you can not be friends with everyone. There are some people that I chose to be friends with, knowing that I am gaining a friend but losing the pastoral impact that I may have otherwise had.

In retrospect, I realize that many of my pastoral "mistakes" were due to a failure to discern the appropriate boundary between professional and personal relationships. This does not mean that I was inappropriate in conduct, but that sometimes people I want to befriend, actually need a pastor to give spiritual guidance and direction, over and against spiritual witness and presence. This has more to do with my internal processes of self-awareness and social awareness (think emotional intelligence) than the needs of others.

I pray that pastors or spiritual leaders who are reading this may have wisdom and grace in discerning which relationships are professional and which are personal. I pray that those who are seeking guidance from pastors and spiritual leaders will understand the limitations and strengths of such relationships, and proceed wisely.

Let me know what you think about this,

May God bless you!

Pastor Michael Traylor

Once While I was Little

2009-04-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Once while I was Little

This afternoon, I was driving home and the sky was a beautiful reddish hue with perfectly clear skies. I was reminiscing about being a child and loving to look at the sky and dream. What would I be when I grew up? What was God like? How can I make a difference? Why do we have to have winter? Everything was worth probing and the openness of the sky represented the vast opportunities that was ours in my youth.

In the 1970's, there was a huge degree of turmoil and upheaval. America, particularly in my African-American context, held previously credible institutions in suspicion (think Vietnam, the civil rights movement and the rapid turning away from the church). Yet, in the face of incredible cynicism, there was this sense of hope and a faith that justice, equity, and wholeness would prevail. There was a childlike sense that the opportunities for greatness and fulfillment were just over the horizon and that fulfilment, in its many senses, was imminent.

As I was driving and looking at the sky, I heard a song by James Morrison called "Once, while I was little". Its lyrics said this:

We could build a rocket, fly to the moon

Leave Tuesday morning, be back by noon

and there wasn't nothing, nothing, nothing that we couldn't do

Oh, once when I was little, once when I was little

Yeah, I could dream more then

I could believed more then

That the world could only get better

I could be more free then

I could pretend more then

That this life could only show me good times

Oh, once when I was little.

As I was listening, I could not help but ask God to help me to be more childlike in the midst of all of the "adult" responsibilities. Taking time to enjoy the times and dwell in the wonder of life. To understand the possibilities that are not limited by my own cynicism and experiences. To enjoy dreaming and living in the impossible that we not only dream about, but through the power and presence of God, are now able to help form. Forming new worlds, not for ourselves, but for people and places we could not have imagined knowing and seeing a decade ago.

Will you take time this week to be a child and dream and wonder and enjoy yourselves in the possibilities that defies our cynicism, laughs at our nihilism, and drowns out our hopelessness.

Its time to play again!

Pastor M Traylor

Shrinking Faith

2009-04-14T13:29:00.001-07:00

Shrinking Faith

One of the dominant sociological processes of the past 300 years has been the process of secularization. To many Christians who have belonged in the church for the past 20+ years, we confuse secularization with the concept of being "worldly". Worldliness is the theological quality of living according to a world view that is opposed, or antagonistic against the will and way of God. Secularization is somewhat different. It is the description of the way in which religion, in its multifaceted expressions, becomes less and less important to cultures, organizations, communities, and individuals.

Secularization began in earnest during the time in which historians call the enlightenment, or the age of modernity. It is in that age that scientific inquiry became the dominant way in which we validated truth. Therefore, the worldview became more empirical and there was less room for the supernatura. Evidence of secularization can be seen in the diminishing importance of religious institutions, organizations and even religious symbols in the daily lives of individuals. Additionally, "religion" becomes more inwardly focused and "private" as opposed to universal and community based expression (i.e. "going to church"). The world as a whole is seen as less sacred and less mysterious as a whole (What Max Weber would call "disenchantment").

Secularization has taken its toll on the church. Whereas in its past, the Church expressed its mission in an holistic manner, building educational systems, health systems, offering humanitarian assistance, defining and supporting relational health, and providing the context in which Jesus Christ was to be known, worshipped and experienced. While I understand that in doing many of these things, the institutional church often had confused and conflicting motives, but the important thing is that the community as a whole saw these things within the realm of the church's expression of its mission.

Currently, most churches have shrunk down to the providers of religous rites. We baptize and offer communion. We often sing songs that no one else uses and use language that is not easily understood outside of our context. Most church's see education, healthcare, and even compassion as the role of government or non-religious charities. More couples opted for civil wedding ceremonies than ever before, and we, as churches, do not prioritize care for the poor highly.

If the Kingdom of God (church word, I can't help it; it is the presence and power of God demonstrated thorugh Jesus and His followers) is manifest through His church, shouldn't we be doing what Jesus did as he ushered in the presence of God with healing, empowering, encouraging and touching. Its funny that Jesus only did the Lord's supper once and did not baptize anyone. Is this all there is? Have we relinquished our positions as ambassadors for Jesus to being holders of religious traditions and rites.

Lets reverse this process within the church. Lets stop seeing things as sacred and secular and begin seeing things as Jesus looked at the world. Everything that we do, including working our jobs, eating our food, choosing our friends, and even washing our clothes is sacred if Jesus is in it. Do not allow your faith to shrink to involve only religioius rites, but all of life . I leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul

Col 3:1717
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.(NIV)

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

The Reality of American Christian Practices

2009-04-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

The reality of American Christian practices

In a recent study, the number of people who identify themselves as "unaffiliated" to any faith tradition rose to a total of 15%. This is double what it was just a decade ago. Keep in mind, that this does not count people who are marginally, or culturally part of a faith tradition, but do not practice or believe the tenets of that faith.

To many people, including the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, R. Albert Mohler, this is a startling revelation (see the excellent newsweek article at: http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583) However, I am not at all surprised. I believe that this is because, I would approach this statistic in an different way. I do believe that process of secularization that began in the industrial revolution has continued (the process of understanding that you have sacred and secular aspects of your life, and that which is sacred is getting smaller and smaller). For example, 100 years ago, relationships were considered within the sacred sphere and people often sought advice on relationships and marriage from pastors, spiritual counselors, rabbi's, etc. Now relationships are considered "private" but advice is more likely to come from peers and clinical care givers such as psychologists. This is because we simply resign our spirituality to smaller parts of our lives. Although this phenomena continues to occur, I believe that this is not the real reason for the rise of the "unaffiliated"

Here goes my theory: I believe the studies are just more valid than ever. What I mean, is that typically we presume that a majority of Americans live via a faith worldview. Thus, we have ideologies of America as a Christian country. I believe that America was deeply shaped by judeo-christian beliefs, but that its culture and conduct have rarely been "Christian" I am in agreement with Sociologist Robert Bellah that we have developed a sophisticated "American Civil Religion" that my be influenced by Christianity, Judiasm, deism, and more recently New Age and eastern religions. However, to say that America is a Christian nation is to say that the culture, history, and heritage of the nation, as demonstrated by its conduct and character, is lead and shaped by the historical Jesus. To say that America was founded as a Christian nation would be to say that the framers of the constitution's main aim was to follow Jesus and Glorify God. While the constitutional architects may have had lofty and honorable goals and ideals, following Jesus was not one of them.

So, I believe that if we are honest with outselves, the number of people unaffiliated with any faith tradtion is over 50%. Not just in the northeast and northwest, but on the street corner, down the block, and in our schools. This is not new, but people now have the freedom to reveal their truest convictions (or lack of convictions).

Will the authentic church of Jesus Christ ever have the courage to speak boldly about what it means to follow Jesus and what that fruit looks like. Will the authentic church of Jesus Christ muster the courage to speak prophetically and powerfully that the slaughter of First Nations peoples (Native Americans) was not a Jesus thing and therefore, not a Christian thing. Will the real church be able to stand up and say that the shackling, desctruction, raping, and dehumanizing of others in slavery was not lead by Jesus, and therefore, is not a Christian thing. Can we be brave enough to talk about the egotistical, and nearly maniacal myths of of manifest destiny and "Chosen Nations" that causes the exploitation and subjugation of others, as not led by Jesus and therefore, not a Christian thing.

These are part of the American history of which, by evidence of character and conduct (Mt 7:15-20), demonstrate that over 200 years ago, the evidence of high degrees of our population that were "unaffiliated" was already evident. Its just that now American feel enough freedom to admit it.

Take some time today and share your thoughts on this.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Viral Faith

2009-04-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Viral Faith

Yesterday, I blogged about "epidemic blessing", or the rapid outbreak of people being blessed. I believe sincerely that to follow Jesus is to join His mission. His mission was to seek and save the world. His entire presence was dedicated to fulfilling God's purpose to bless the world by helping it to realize its purpose.

Again, its interesting that we, as Christians, rarely consider the degree in which we are a blessing to the families, neighborhoods, communities, cities, regions, and nations around us and around the world. Our spiritual scorecard often has points for individual moral goals, but lacks any reflection of the social and community responsibility that Jesus bore. Many Christians are saved, but few seem to serve...

I believe that we have too many restrictive structures and paradigms that keep us from being an effective witness to the power, presence, and provisions of God almighty. We are often so busy keeping rules or developing church programming, that we fail to see that all of those things were put in place so that we would be equipped to demonstrate the love of God to a broken world by simply serving and blessing.

That's why I like the metaphor of a virus. I know that some atheistic folks have used it as a negative metaphor for church, but I would like to reclaim it for its beauty. A virus is composed of only 3 things: A protein shell, Spikes on the shell, and DNA in the core. Its entire function is for the spikes to get caught on a susceptible cell and for the virus to inject the DNA. DNA is a complex molecule made up of Amino Acids. This molecule has the ability to use the materials within the cell to replicate itself and to change the very function of the cell, without changing it's structure.

Isn't that the key to an epidemic of faith. Simplying our structure to the essentials for blessing. Having a DNA that reflects the essence of the good news, but not including the institutional baggage that often accompanies it. Latching on to pre-existing communities and not trying to make new ones. Simply infecting the existing communities with the DNA so that it replicates the DNA itself.

I challenged the leadership of New Hope (the church I pastor) this week to consider how viral is their ministry and missions. I asked them to identify communities that they could "infect" without asking people to develop artificial communities. I then asked a simple, but highly deconstructionist question: "What structures and paradigms to we support that keeps the congregation from being viral?". That is a profound question for those who desire to lead their churches or faith communities to participate in the mission of Jesus today.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

A Blessing Epidemic!

2009-04-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

Epidemic Blessings

Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the Free Methodist Urban Fellowship annual meeting, in my former church in Twinsburg, OH. It was one of those times when what God had prepared for me to share was affirmed by what God had other presenters share. It was as if there was the sensational sense that God was revealing his plan and approach towards blessing the Urban communities around the world.

As I contemplated what I should share with the group, I was reading about some of the general public health issues globally. I thought of the devasting effects of recent epidemics and outbreaks around the world. As I thought about these things, I began to question what makes up an epidemic. An epidemic is defined as "The quality of affecting many people at the same time, spreading from person to person, in an area or sphere where the condition is not prevelant". It can be an infectious agent (viruses, bacteria, parasites), a behavior (teenage pregnancy for instance), or even a mindset (conservatism, marxism, etc). Obviously, all of these things are spread differently, but it still comes from person to person.

What if blessing could be an epidemic! What if God wants us to think and to share our blessings (spiritual, physical, emotional, social) in a way that "infects" others to do the same. What if the blessing would begin as an infection does: a subtle exposure followed by a delay, then marked effects of that exposure.

I believe that God wants an epidemic of blessing. God's initial blessing of Abraham in Genesis 12 reveals that Abraham was blessed so that through him "all nations would be blessed". There is a tendency for the church to "bless" itself. Simply speaking, a majority of our resources focuses on ourselves. We do not often feel compelled (as Jesus or the ancient church) to be a blessing, despite being the recipients of tremendous blessings. Our communities do not experience epidemic outbreaks of blessing because we have chosen to quarantine ourselves in beautiful sanitariums that we call church.

Is your neighborhood blessed because you are there? I understand that we are all blessed by your presence:-), but I am asking if the lives of those in your neighborhood are better because you have shared some of your blessings with them. If not your neighborhood, how about your work place?

Will you consider blessing the communities in which you participate with. This kind of intentionality requires a cost of time, resources, and most important, your life. In order to share blessings on a regular basis it requires you to open up your life to others and that has a cost. This is real hospitality in which Christians are commanded to practice (Romans 12:13). Take time today and indentify a community of people in which you are regularly in contact, and ask God how you can bless them and begin an full-blown epidemic!

Check back tomorrow as I outline a few strategies that will help you begin the epidemic where you live.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Take my Order

2009-03-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Take My Order

Today, I decided to go to a chinese restaurant that is just a few minutes from my home. I have always been a sucker for the small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants as you can often find a diamond in the rough. Today's experience in that restaurant was a brief but insightful experience.

The entire experience goes like this:

I walked into the restaurant
The smell of fried rice and soy sauce filled the air
Pictures of tantalizing dishes were featured on the walls and the overhead menu
I waited 5 minutes, but no one was seen
I left

That's the real story. I kept looking for someone to appear and say "May I help you" and I knew what I wanted because of ample time looking at the pictures and the menu. There was no one seen in the back, the stove had been on, but was now empty. Multiple "Hellos" were not responded to. Just plain empty. How frustrating, because I was hungry and I knew what I wanted.

God began to remind me of those who are hungry and thirsty for him. How they often come to church and hear about things that will quench a lifetime of thirst and belly full of hunger. They come to church because they are hungry and they know what they want. They want God and His purposes for them. However, just like the restaurant I experienced today, no one takes their orders. No one stops long enough to explain what's on the menu and make sure that our hungry guests are fed. We often assume that if we are fed, then others are being fed as well.

If you are a church member, I challenge you to make sure that those who are hungry know where and how to get food. You may need to feed it to them initially, but people who have their hunger satisfied, never venture far away from its source.

Lets take their orders and fill them with that which we received freely and can give freely!

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Cultural Concerns of Manhood

2009-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Cultural Concerns of Manhood

Sometimes, I forget that all of our perspectives are heaviliy influenced by culture, personal experience, and context. I know that this sound quite naive, but sometimes we all can not understand why others can not see things the same way that we see things.

This past weekend, New Hope Free Methodist in Rochester, NY, hosted a men's breakfasat where 22 men gathered to encourage one another. The topic for the morning is "What qualities define authentic manhood". What ensued was a wonderful conversation where we analyzed the character of Jesus and applied his life and mission towards our very culturally influenced concept of masculinity.

What struck me in this small, multi-cultural gathering was the ease in which some people easily responded to this question and contrastingly, how difficult it was for others to even understand the question. The question was meant to have the participants understand how their concept of masculinity deeply shapes their behaviors, relationships, and responses to adversity. Masculinity and femininity are peer influenced, highly socialized concepts. We learn what is masculine from our communities, media, and traditions. This can be very positive or as in many cases in our nation's cities, highly destructive.

I find that men who have been in oppressive cultures tend to actually have a better conceived understanding of their own concepts of masculinity than do men who live within a culture where they are predominant. This does not mean that those who have been oppressed have a healthier understanding of masculinity, but that the concept is clearer in their minds. This is most likely due to the fact that when others dehumanize you, you are forced to define what you are fighting for. In other words, if someone deminishes your manhood, you are forced to understand its dimensions if you are to respond.

Many men who have never been oppressed (personally, socially, or culturally) struggle with separating manhood/masculinity from general personhood. They do not have a clear understanding that they live in a culture where men have invisible peer approved rules that contributes to their understanding of who they are and what they do. Therefore, they are more likely to contribute their behavior to individual preference. For instance, when asked why they did not want to see "Mama Mia" (code for a popular chick flick), those who have never been oppressed would respond that they "just don't like musicals", as opposed to understanding the peer induced shaming that occurs if men like "chick flicks". Their choice is a product of their concept of masculinity, however, they are more likely to lack the insight to understand that.

In our meeting, there was a wonderful blending of perspectives, but it was fascinating to note how cultural experiences allow us difference sized windows into ourselves. Ultimately, truth is absolute while cultural is relative. However, culture is the lense in which we see that truth! Its vital that we understand this.

Think about this and leave some comments.

God bless,

Pastor M Traylor

Simple, Small, and Subtle

2009-03-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Simple, Small, and Subtle

Free Methodist Bishop Matt Thomas described the ideal urban ministry as simple, small, and subtle at the Free Methodist Urban Fellowship conference this past week. He pointed out that this is in total oppostion to our approach to urban ministry where everything is big, complex, and loud.

His words reasonated within my spirit this week. His extensive experiences with cities across the world revealed that the ministries that were simple in structure (did a few things well), small in size (a few people ministering to a few people), and subtle (begining relational and not programatically). These approaches have a radical, but not reckless approach towards ministering to those in city. Instead of going to a place and trying to raise funds for a church plant, the focus is on reaching people and developing communities around a relatively simple set of core processes.

This is the message of books such as "Simple church" by Thom Ranier, or "Deliberately Simple" by Dan Browning. Simple churches and ministries have faster growth, incredible flexibility, and are easily reproducible. This is a challenge to the church status quo where we develop programs to reach people, as opposed to reaching people and allowing that to define our programs. This approach overcomes our common ministry obstacles that we do not have enough money, equipment, or experience to make a difference. Simplicity centers ministry, smallness mobilizes ministry, and subtleness influences the approach.

Whether you are leading a church, taking part in ministry, developing a non-profit service agency, or feeling led to minister to your neighbors, I want to encourage you to heed the powerful words of Bishop Thomas to keep your efforts simple, small, and subtle. I believe that this is how God is moving and leading to change and bless our world.

May God bless,

Pastor M Traylor