pointe of worship

Measuring Ministry

Measuring effectiveness in ministry is a tricky process. It is all too easy to gauge our success by the number of people attending each Sunday or the feedback they offer us after a worship service. We look to see if people are singing, are they responding to the sermon, how many came down for the altar call, etc. While these can be significant indicators of what is happening at large, we must remember that these markers only judge outward appearances... they do not look at the heart. When we fail to recognize that profound things can occur in the heart without presenting themselves outwardly, or that an outward "worshipful appearance" can be masking a sense of hopelessness or confusion, we can easily confuse success and failure. 

Louie Giglio spoke recently about a ministry opportunity that had unexpected results (approx. 4 minutes, edited for time):

click to listen     

 

What we don't see, or more specifically what we don't know, is what is going on between the heart of the individual and Jesus Christ. While it is our goal to help others know Jesus on a deeper level, ultimately the best thing we can do is show them what He means to us, what He has done in our lives. We can no more successfully force a relationship between a person and Jesus Christ than we can setup a successful arranged marriage. I believe our job is simple: follow and trust in the Holy Spirit. Do everything you can to show them Jesus, then trust God for the outcome. You may never see their love for Jesus blossom, but that does not mean you have failed. If you respond to God's directives and trust in the Holy Spirit, you have succeeded.  

I do feel we can measure effectiveness in ministry, but more so by measuring ourselves. Look at what things occurred in a worship service (or your life) that "may have helped" or "may have detracted" from people experiencing God. Measure your actions, not others. 

 

Is Your Church Noisy?

Do you often wonder why your church is doing things certain ways, or why they are doing certain things at all? Do you want to tell someone what you think but don't know who to talk to? Have you made comments to your Pastor on Sunday mornings, but they never seem to act on your suggestions? You are left wondering; "Where do I go? Who do I talk to?" From the viewpoint of church staff, the problem is equally frustrating... we often find ourselves asking the question; "This has been announced for weeks - is anyone paying attention?"

Churches have processes in place; comment cards, Sunday morning announcements, bulletins, even websites full of information and a "contact us" page. So why is communication such a problem? Because, for various reasons, few of us are really listening to what the other is saying. We need to understand that "because you said it" doesn't mean it was heard. 

 

From sochurch.com:  

 

A strong church ensures a strong 2-way communication link between the staff and congregation. 

 

Softly & Tenderly

A special moment with my Dad...

Softly & Tenderly from Henson on Vimeo.

Guitar Man

The recording below was a heart-felt tribute to my time in service at The Pointe, our church of the past 2 years that we will sadly be leaving in the next couple weeks. The arrangement was written by our Lead Pastor Jim Taylor, John Joiner and Cara Satterfield, performed live by Jim Taylor (vocals) and Ben McCain (piano and harp). I was truly moved (really!) when they closed our worship service with this song, and it is well worth a few minutes of your time to listen... especially if you need a laugh. A special "bravo" for Ben's phenomenal keys and harp playing - he usually plays bass guitar for our worship team!!  Click on "Guitar Man" to play the recording. 

  

  

Guitar Man

 

Sunday's Coming?

 

 

 

 

Watching this really made me laugh, but it also made me think. In satire there is truth, and in this video truth is at the heart of the issue. Are we attempting to be relevant for the purpose of God, or for our purpose? Obviously I can't speak for another person or church, but my goal is always to be God-centered first... and I truly believe that the vast majority of other ministers and churches have that same goal. Unfortunately, we can all lose our way from time to time. It's easy to do. We are humans living in a world that celebrates talent and accomplishment. Before we realize it we slowly begin to prepare a worship service that highlights our abilities rather than God. 

As part of the production and worship team, I've worked hard to refine the talents that God gave me - this is what He calls us to do! I seek excellence in music and worship production, I want to lead others in passionate worship, I want to be used by Him, I want to... hold on... there it is; "I want", or more simply put, "I". You see how quickly that happened? But it is I AM who deserves my praise, I do not deserve anything nor should I desire anything but God. I AM deserves my surrender, my focus, my intentions. It is all too easy to say, "look at me" when you lead worship. But I AM created music - he conceived the idea and gave us passion for its melodies. My talents are from God, and I stand in awe each week as He allows me into His presence to sing. When I keep my motives pure, He tells me that what I have to give is worthy - that is the feedback I crave. 

So, is church production evil, misguided or self-driven? No. As long as you can always answer the question regarding your motives; "Why?" If my heart seeks God, then I am on track. If my heart seeks my self, I need to stop and refocus on I AM. 

(Exodus 3:13-14)

What Are We Advertising?

"We have a darn good product (Jesus)--but our delivery system (the Church) is broken" 

(Tim Stevens, Grainger Methodist Church). 

One of the many things we work on at a contemporary church is designing a worship service that is attractive to our target audience: the "un-churched" and "de-churched". We use similar tactics found in the business world such as quality programming, good customer service, professional development and smart advertising. Our worship services can be great tools for attracting people immersed in secular society to a spiritual power that meets them where they are. I have seen countless people come to church for the first time, or return after a long absence, just because of the music, the relaxed atmosphere or even the promise of something different. They stay because they have found a place that speaks to them - a place that is relevant to their lives. However, when we start thinking that we are working to attract people to the church, we fall off the tracks. We forget, at times, that Jesus is the product... not the church. All too often we start gauging our success by attendance, rather than by how many people have given their lives to Christ for the first time or by the depth of each attendee's personal relationship with Christ. Is it wrong for us to feel good about church growth, financial strength and improved worship services? Absolutely not, these are measurable values to the overall success of a church. Unfortunately we cannot measure the most important value: a personal relationship with Christ. We cannot know with certainty how someone is truly living for God, so we tend to fall back on those things we can measure. But we must remember the immeasurable aspect of the church's success. The mistake is when we forget... the greater mistake is when we take credit for any of it.  

Cat's In The Cradle

It seems life is non-stop compromise. This morning I stopped by Verizon to look at a couple of their newest phones, the Motorola Droid and the HTC Droid. Both good phones, but neither had the "whole package". One had a strong operating system but was heavy and unattractively boxy, the other was slim and stylish but limited in technological flash. For me, the ultimate phone on the market is the iPhone. However, choosing the iPhone and its technological wonderland is not without compromise either! With Verizon I have great reception nearly anywhere I go along with excellent customer service, but to choose the iPhone means accepting the lackluster reception and less than satisfying customer service of AT&T.

A brief side-note: customer service is extremely important to me. Go to an Apple Store (the computers, not fruit) and before you reach the middle of the store you would have been greeted happily by no less than 2-3 employees. As a church, we must remember that visitors look at us like we are any other place of business. If we don't provide them with good customer service, they will likely not return. Remember that it is always easier to get someone in the door the first time than it is to convince them to return based on the promise that it will "get better", it's "good enough for church" or we just had an off-day.

Back to compromise...

Thankfully there is one thing in life that requires no compromise. If we stay mindful of God and choose to walk in his presence, we will never find ourselves in need. It is a broken world, per our choice, and bad things will happen... but the choice to have God's presence in our lives comes without having to weigh pro's and con's. God's spirit is more than enough to provide us the strength, comfort and resolve to find our way through anything. Let me say that again, anything. Unfortunately, we often choose to compromise our relationship with God. We say "I'll hang out with you on Sunday's and Wednesday nights, but the rest of the week is mine." God says "but I love you, and I want to be with you ALL the time!" "Sure, I love you too God... with all my heart. But I have things to do, and some of my friends aren't that hip on your way of life - why don't you hang out here in my room, watch some TV and I'll be back in a little while."  This is not always a conscious thought process, but it is ultimately what we are telling God. I'll admit, too often I have told him the same thing. As my Pastor, Jim, has said, to choose God is to enter in to a marriage. This marriage will not work if you constantly leave your spouse at home while you go out to play with your friends... it takes nurturing, conversation, adoration, comfort, consideration and attention. 

Do you remember the Harry Chapin song "Cat's in the Cradle"? Listen to the song (lyrics below) and imagine that you are the adult and God is the little boy. The relationship that is developed in this song could be similar to the relationship you are developing with God. For God, it is never too late for us to begin anew... but you and I only have so much time.

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A child arrived just the other day, he came to the world in the usual way. But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.  He learned to walk while I was away    And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew, he'd say,  I'm gonna be like you, dad.  You know I'm gonna be like you."    My son turned ten just the other day.  He said, "thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play. Can you teach me to throw?"  I said, "Not today, I got a lot to do."  He said, "That's ok." And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed,  said,  "I'm gonna be like him, yeah.  You know I'm gonna be like him."    And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,   Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, dad?"  "I don't know when,   But we'll get together then, you know we'll have a good time then."     Well, he came from college just the other day. So much like a man I just had to say, "Son, I'm proud of you.  Can you sit for a while?" He shook his head, and he said with a smile, "What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys. See you later. Can I have them please?"    I've long since retired and my son's moved away. I called him up just the other day. I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind." He said, "I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time. You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kid's got the flu,    But it's sure nice talking to you, dad. It's been sure nice talking to you." And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, he'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me.

He Is Jealous For Me

How He Loves

"He is jealous for me..."  At first glance this is a pretty strange thing to say about God. The word "jealous" is usually associated with something bad, a form of weakness or an overbearing personality. But in this sense it is a calling... a commandment. Our God is calling upon us to focus on Him. Can you hear Him? He wants us to come to Him, to stand before Him and offer our selves. We are not here to simply enjoy our worldly lives, but to live life to the fullest by accepting everything God has offered... and to do that means giving up what we often think is important.

We spend our lives focused on that which we can purchase, sell, manipulate, create, touch, smell, taste or see. We think that one hour a week is our servitude for Christ, our penance, our required church time. But God wants more. Don't get me wrong - entry into heaven is easy, believe in Christ and accept His grace. So what is with this whole jealousy thing? We believe, we go to church... isn't that enough? No. It is about experiencing God, experiencing salvation NOW... peace on earth... joy to the world. God is jealous not because He wants more people to love and serve Him, but because He wants us to experience EVERYTHING He has to offer RIGHT NOW! Most of us, including myself, have never come close to God's full experience because we cannot shut this world off. We live in an age that is designed to satisfy every need, every impulse, every sensory organ every second of the day. For a gadget freak like myself, this is a tough thing to overcome.

What happens when one spouse is fully devoted and in love, and the other spouse spends 90% of their time on work, hobbies or other people? More often than not, divorce. Both spouses, the devoted and the departed, lose track of the other... they forget how to talk to each other, they become uncomfortable in each others presence. Now think about your relationship with Jesus Christ - were He to make Himself known to you in this moment just to have a conversation, would you be uncomfortable in His presence? On that same note, are you uncomfortable in church? Do you know how to enter into God's presence during worship, or are you wondering what the people around you think? This Sunday I challenge each of you to forget about your self, forget about what other people may think and WORSHIP GOD! Offer everything you have, it is what He commands. I promise, you will be rewarded far beyond anything you can comprehend. And these rewards are not someday... they are now.  

Still I Will Praise (a post for Erin)

Thursday, November 5th 2009, 2:07am, our child was born. But no cries are heard, no breaths are taken, her body is limp and unresponsive - the doctors begin working quickly with unnerving calm. Countless questions and concerned speculations are filling our minds regarding the short and long term health of this, our first child. After 9 months of planning, celebration, sacrifice, anticipation, prayer and hope... the moment we thought would bring tears of joy has suddenly collapsed our entire world with crushing weight and deafening silence. Several hours pass without much more than speculation and the simple information that "she's alive and being monitored." It is over 3 hours before we can see her in the NICU and her mother can touch her for the first time. Erin Elaine Henson had inhaled fluid during birth and had to be immediately intubated, resuscitated and put on a ventilator. In the days that followed we would find out that, while it does not happen a lot, this was not such an uncommon event during births. The greatest concern was the length of time she had been "depressed" by the event.

Our first sleep came briefly around 6:30am. When we awoke 2 hours later, I remember thinking how badly I wanted to go back to sleep. Not because I was tired, because I was unable to face the reality of what had happened. Would she survive? Would her complications threaten her long-term health and/or mental capacity? How would we handle it if she were impaired? We are not the first parents to face such questions, but until you are presented with these possibilities it is impossible to fully understand their weight on a parents heart.

As news began to spread via text messaging, twitter, facebook and email, soon there were people all over the country praying for Erin... including a friend of my sister on mission in China! A global outpouring was happening for my daughter, truly an awe-inspiring and humbling occurrence. As hundreds of prayers rang out in heaven for the health of this beautiful, small, helpless child under the watchful care of angels and doctors, my own prayers had begun with pleadings of holy intervention. Frequent and fervent cries of anguish, desperation and distress; "please help her, heal her, do not let my own failings affect Your mercy. Give her the strength to live and grow into a healthy adult, give her the chance to live a normal life." More than any other time in my life I was in dire want of everything God could offer. But over time I began to realize my prayers needed to mature into complete surrender. Then, finally, I was able to fully let go; "Lord, I am completely Yours. Amber is completely Yours. My daughter is completely Yours. You know my heart, you know our needs - I am only asking now for Your will to be done. If Erin dies, if she faces long term damage... still I will praise You. If Erin lives, if she is healthy... still I will praise You. No matter the path, our lives are Yours and I am thankful."

To be honest, reaching that point of submission took a long time. Although I knew it was where I needed to be, I was afraid... scared that if I told God He was in control He just might let her die because I said it was ok. Maybe He would decide to test the strength of my proclamation? But that's not how God operates. I needed to realize that if I am scared of His will, am I truly submitting to it? The purity of my trust in God can only be shown in moments like this, and I needed to rise above my undue sense of self to allow the full power of God's spirit to overtake the situation. Remember, God does not purposely cause pain to test us, but He can use it to bring us closer to Him.... if we let Him.

Sometime later that afternoon, the NICU doctor gave us the great news that Erin's recovery was so strong and quick that he was convinced the problem was short term and expected a full and speedy recovery. Now, two weeks later, she continues to show only signs of good health. Lord, I am forever thankful for Your gift. My own heart has been captured outside my self.

 

"Falling on my knees in worship,

giving all I am to seek Your face, 

Lord all I am is Yours"

Your Hearts Desire

Think about this quote; "Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire" (Thomas Merton). So, what are you being made into? What is it that you desire most? What occupies most of your time, your energy and your thoughts? We all know the right answer, what should be... but few of us can honestly provide this answer. Why is that? If God allowed himself to be known in a physical sense, much like we can see and respond to the President, the Pope or even the Queen of England it would be much easier to purposely live for God each and every day. The population of Christians world-wide would be incredible! So why doesn't He reveal Himself in this manner? I suppose the answer might be similar to the answer of "why are we here?". Why not simply skip the earth with all it's pain, struggles and fears and birth us in heaven? While you think about that, consider this: would you rather have an arranged marriage, or discover the love of your life after discovering who you really are? Now go back and work on that first question...