We must repent of our methods--i'm convicted, how about you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9idVpM0DbxE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFGEuanTZiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trR5TtgGaLo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnVr3Cu2tPw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg7UyyQ9p-A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0axndOm-NM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HVfNrUg6Yk

relevance

I received a great article on relevance and ministry. This was my comment to the article.

We struggle to become culturally relevant with the noble intent to reach more folks for Christ, yet fail to recognize that Christ and the Apostles never made such attempts. Inasmuch as Christ engages gentiles and Paul "was all things to all people" in efforts to engage the people they ministered to, the practices and standards of the Church were never altered. Paul made clear in his epistles that the practices he modeled and taught were applicable to "all the churches."

As a results, our noble efforts have completely backfired. Instead of Christ's Kingdom reshaping our world, the world has reshaped the Church. Look at divorce. When society thought it taboo, the church did too. Now society shifted, we see that divorce rates among professing Christians actually exceed atheists. We also see racism and slavery. The church was re;relative silent on these subjects, lagging behind the world's condemnation of such ills.

In all these things, our western mindset drives us to plan and institutionalize our way to fix the symptoms (social ills), yet Christ NEVER said to engage the culture in this way. His Kingdom is a different kind of kingdom--one of the heart. His solution was simple--"make disciples teaching them to obey ALL His commands." He knew the world would be changed if we followed His simple, yet clear instructions. The Church has become IRRELEVANT at impacting our society because of our basic disobedience. If we would do what He said, and not focus on the myriad of attempts to solve society's problems our own way, we would have the impact we all so desire. Yet in our pride and arrogance (again, with noble intent), we think we know better than our King. I pray we repent and return to the simplicity of the Lord's teachings so that we can become as relevant as the early church was--the few folks without money, buildings, seminary training, and our deep theology, completely turned their world upside down.

Marc Carrier
www.valuesdrivenlife.com
www.valuesdrivenpublishing.com

I am just back from Kenya and suffering from jet lag still. The trip was an amazing success. I trained about 100 pastors all over the country on evangelism, leadership, marriage, parenting, church planting, discipleship, and most importantly--kingdom expansion.



What is woefully apparent from getting on the ground and sharing with folks who have a passion to serve, yet fail to see the fruit in their efforts, is how misguided the church has become through the ages when it comes to NT church practice. For example, the Great Commission has changed from "make disciples, baptizing them, teaching them to obey all my commands" to "make converts through a simple prayer or even the raising of a hand." We have replaced "if you love me you will obey my commands" (John 14:15, 14:21) and "No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or knows him" (1 John 3:6) with "love, grace, mercy--and even smooth roads and prosperity. What happened to "carry your cross and follow me" and "counting the cost." There is much tickling of the ears and little depth or substance anymore pouring from the air waves--their image of the American church. We teach our congregations: "if you profess Christ, attend church, and tithe--I demand no more from you." Yet, the Great Commission is to "make disciples" and "teach to obey all His commands." Where have we gone wrong? One local man told me "you are the first white man I have ever seen teach the truth."

What is discipleship anyway? Can we really "disciple" someone by "preaching" to them 30 minutes a week? How did Jesus do it? And even Paul? They walked with those they discipled. Can we really disciple hundreds, if not thousands? Jesus simply took on 12 people, and one still fell away. Why do we suppose we can handle more than Him? Paul likewise invested in a few (2 Tim 2:2). Can a lecture style setup really make disciples? What about 1 Corinthians 14:26--anything but a lecture.

Not all traditions are bad--yet many prove only marginally effective. I have brought teachings of NT practices to Kenya. I opened my teaching with this statement: "if you don't see what I teach in the Word, ignore it." The Word is sufficient. Yes, what I shared looked like new wine--however, it is not. It is simply the NT wine pulled off the shelf and put back into practice.

I am very encouraged by the multitudes of folks God is bringing back to the simplicity of NT practices. Traditions are being shed, and the Kingdom is expanding. You see, mammon and tradition have creeped into the church. Men have created their kingdoms at the expense of "the Kingdom." Many now want to see the Kingdom expand--that is church multiplication and the making of disciples.

Many say the soil is hard in their field--that the harvest just is not ready. Yet Jesus spoke of a different problem. He said the harvest is ready, but the workers are few. Well, God has asked me and my family to labor in the harvest of Kenya. We are, right now, selling everything that doesn't fit in a suitcase and relocating our 6 (soon 7) children to the bush in Kenya. The harvest is indeed ready--but not just Kenya. It's ready wherever you are--for those who are ready to embrace God's Kingdom at the expense of their own. God wants those willing to put Him first in everything (1 John 2:15-17).

Now I have a personal request: please pray for my family and ministry. Also, consider supporting us. Not just sending funds--but rather by purchasing our products. I share in Paul's boast that I have always self-funded my ministry and have never taken a salary. That will prove more difficult in a poverty-stricken environment. So I ask that you consider doing what you can to help--while at the same time blessing yourself and your congregations.

My recently released book is designed to mobilize the saints to fruitfulness (www.valuesdrivenlife.com). I have offered an e-copy for free for a while now. I urge you to purchase one for your library and for those you disciple. Every copy you purchase puts $5 in the coffers for our work in Kenya. We also have other reources such as audio seminars, parenting resources, and even natural health products at www.valuesdrivenfamily.com. Please help us in this way. And spread the word about our materials if they have blessed you and yours.

Also, I welcome the opportunity to speak at your church or group within driving distance of Indianapolis. All I ask for is a modest honorarium/offering and a table to display our products.

God bless you all,

Marc Carrier

FIMMology 101: The Study of the Humorous Sins of Our Mouths!

There's a new eBook in town and it's so much fun it's almost a sin! This is not like any communication study you have EVER seen before!

FIMMology 101: The FIMMportant, FIMMtastic and FUNbelievable Study of the Humorous Sins of Our Mouths!

FIMMology (fim-ol'-o-gy) noun: 1. the study of Foot in Mouth Disease; 2. the study of the art of the humorous sins of the mouth.

Thirty nine pages and over 30 lessons packed with hilariously, creative Foot in Mouth Man episodes teaching various communication skills! This is NOT your traditional communication study!

• Available immediately as a download
• Over 30 fun-filled, creative lessons
• Adorably illustrated
• Links to even more FIMM Fun
• PERFECT for shy communicators!
• FUN lessons you can share with children of various ages
• Can be used as a homeschool study by teaching one lesson per week and using discussion to explore its implications!
• Perfect for adults who need a giggle break!
• Makes a great gift too!

Foot in Mouth Man or FIMM, as he is known, began on my blog in 2006. The idea was to create a loveable yet bumbling character that sailed through his life oblivious to the trouble he caused by his complete lack of effective communication skills. His misadventures serve to educate through humor. FIMM stumbles and bumbles his way through life sticking his foot in his mouth so often he has Athlete’s Tongue! FIMM’s misadventures allow young and old alike the opportunity for insight.

FIMMology 101 is an eBook, containing the best of Foot in Mouth Man: the most memorable, creative and fun of his weekly misadventures all in one place. It is my prayer that you and your family find “himm” entertaining and fun, but that you also take to heart the communication lessons inside of each episode as you hone your skills for the things the Lord has for you to share!

Be the first one on your block to get a copy and laugh all the way to better communication skills! To read more about this unique eBook, click here!




From JoJo's Purple Crayon
Teaching communication skills the FUN way!

"I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."

One of the articles that passed by my desk this week for my Defending the Faith Review was this one about President Elect Barack Obama's decision to ask homosexual Episcopal bishop V. Gene Robinson to pray over an inauguration event this coming week. He had asked Rick Warren, but homosexual activists felt that was a "slap in the face" because of his support of Prop 8.

Rick Warren commented, "President-elect Obama has again demonstrated his genuine commitment to bringing all Americans of goodwill together in search of common ground. I applaud his desire to be the president of every citizen." As odd as that sounds coming from a pastor, the comment that caught my attention was from the bishop himself who stated he would not use the Bible and, "I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."

Prayer is acceptable as long as it isn't "especially Christian?" In many states prayer is palatable as long as it doesn't invoke the name of Jesus. At public events in California (and other states), you can pray in anyone's name except for Jesus. Many churches are beginning to water down their message and only speak to the "happy parts" of the Bible because some of God's Word doesn't "bring in the masses."

The word 'milquetoast' comes to mind. Actually the Lord calls it being lukewarm. As in Revelation 3:16, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

Are our convictions only convicting when they aren't so unacceptable? Are we afraid or are we buying into the lie that the Bible is elitist, intolerant, offensive and judgmental? After all times they are a changin' and we need to go with the flow. We can't hang on to archaic myths that tell us there is right and wrong in life.

I can understand the fear, but 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." How do we let go the fear? We start with knowing our Bibles and graduate to learning how to share it in grace with others. We gain confidence through knowledge and experience, study and practice.

Just today my pastor was talking about how many times the Lord tells us not to be afraid of doing the Christian thing, but many ask how. I have noticed that God also talks about communication hundreds of times in the Bible. I submit that's because He knew we would need to know HOW.

If we learn how to speak out in grace, even though It isn't fashionable, we can be effective. But Christian, you cannot do this by "not being especially Christian." If that is your objective, you had better hang it up right now. Many people who aren't especially Christian are already speaking up in the world today. The Lord doesn't ask us to be one more voice in the crowd. He asks us to stand up in boldness and grace and be different than the world and speak the truth.

It's 2009, let's be especially Christian this year.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it's her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear on Crosswalk.com, Dr. Laura.com and in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula including Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A Story with a Lesson in Leadership

In preparing for the leadership training I will be doing in Kenya, the Lord gave me a story that has relevance in our body. I shared this with my church. You may wish to do the same. Here it is.

Why are we here and why do we assemble? What is God’s purpose for the church and what is the role of leadership? Well, Jesus taught with stories, and I believe the Lord gave me a word-picture that really spoke to me. It may speak to you as well.

I look outside today and see snow—a stark reminder of the frigid winters in New England where I grew up. Oh, it makes me look forward to Spring all the more as I see the white symbol of coldness covering the landscape.

The snow and accompanying coldness also conjures up images of Narnia under the White Witch’s dominion. The deep freeze holding their world hostage as they awaited Aslan’s coming Kingdom.

The imagery made me think of the role of a shepherd and the response of the church. It made me think of the local body trapped in the wintery storm of this world, under Satan’s dominion. The shepherd eagerly seeks the Kingdom, and leads the church through the snow, carving a path in the frigidness. Yes, he is the one who gets snow in his boots, must expend the most energy, and feels the greatest burden for ensuring that the trajectory is right, the path is safe, and that no one is left behind in the cold. He listens to the vision given him from the Word and the Spirit, and guides with tender care, setting an example where and how to take each step. When he steps on thin ice, his foot gets wet, and he changes the trajectory to keep the others safe. When he approaches a steep incline, he walks around to gentler slopes. He pushes down the snow banks to clear the way ahead of the others.

Yet, a peculiar thing happens along the way. Others become unnerved at the shepherds leading. Some become envious of the presumed glory of walking in front. They fail to count the labor and sacrifice required of it. They assume the role upon themselves, choosing to latch onto the “glory” of position and fail to lead at all. Those who assume the role out of pride, envy or ambition fail to see the Kingdom vision—and lead people in dangerous paths or even in circles—sometimes claiming it is the Spirit’s leading.

Others choose not to walk at all, and build a snow fort, just big enough for the current membership, and with a wall tall enough to keep others that don’t look like them out. Yet others choose to make a snow man and go sledding to just enjoy the coldness of the world, failing to recognize that they are just sojourners in Satan’s wintery dominion. Yet, even others get in a snow ball fight, and decide to leave the path altogether—leaving a wake of disunity and pain.

The shepherd is careful to not carve the path and then double back and push the followers along it, claiming authority from above. Rather, he persuades them—edifying, encouraging, and yes, rebuking—with the Word in love, always putting the vision before them. For there will always be those who want to build a fort, those who want to play, those who leave the path, and aspiring shepherds who have a path of their own. It is an unnecessary burden to blaze the trail along the Lord’s trajectory and look back and see the four camps holding the sojourners on the Kingdom’s path back from the vision, yet, this is the lot of the shepherd.

The moral of the story—the vision—that is the Kingdom, is the destination of His churches. Understand that the church is sojourning together, towards that goal. The Bible admonishes to “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17) This is not mindless submission, but rather being persuaded by their wisdom, by their example, and by the Kingdom vision.

Shalom,
Marc Carrier
http://www.valuesdrivenlife.com/

Ps. All pastors and ministry leaders are invited to get a FREE e-copy of my new discipleship book at http://www.valuesdrivenlife.com. Here are some testimonials.

Make a New Year's Resolution that will fulfill The Great Commission!

One of the recent stories that came across my desk for my Defending the Faith Review newsletter was about an Atheist (Penn of Penn and Teller) who asked why Christians wouldn't share their faith with him if they really believed his eternal soul was at risk. It makes perfect sense. If we really believe that Jesus is Lord, that He commands us to share the Good News with others so their eternal soul is not lost in the Lake of Fire...why wouldn't we speak up?

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1Peter 3:15

There are several reasons why Christians are afraid to speak up and share their faith. 1) they don't know what to say, 2) they don't know how to say it, and 3) they are afraid of the consequences of speaking up. However, when Christians understand how to approach an unbeliever effectively about the Lord and become comfortable, all of those issues disappear.

When you know what to say and how to say it, practice makes you more comfortable in doing so. Any negative consequences of sharing your faith are drastically reduced and you realize that any negative impact is far outweighed by the magnitude of what you are doing for the Kingdom of God. Further, if you understand the next concept, you will drastically reduce any negative responses and increase your effectiveness 100 fold! Here's why:

There are several popular programs and methods for sharing the faith available today but most of them teach a sort of one-size-fits-all approach. Now that does, indeed, work some of the time. However, most of the time it can cause more damage. Approaching someone about a controversial topic such as salvation and religion the wrong way can result in that person making a sweeping generalization about Jesus, Christianity and all those who share the faith. I have seen it many times up close and personal in my own family. It can build a wall around an unbeliever that will not allow Jesus in or anyone who comes along after they were initially "offended" or "turned off".

God didn’t make cookie-cutter people and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sharing the faith. Folks have questions and misconceptions that need to be addressed on an individual basis.

Paul knew this and he talks about how important it was for him to approach people a way that would be most effective in allowing him to save as many souls as possible: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 (KJV)

"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

One of the reasons why there have been more negative responses to evangelists is that folks were simply approached in the wrong way. This lead to another recent issue: the world is increasingly more secular and intolerant of Jesus! This means that sharing our faith now requires even more communication skill today than in years past!

If you have felt the Lord leading you to become more involved in sharing and defending the faith, I would like to encourage you to take the steps necessary that will lead you more effectively in that direction. One very important step you can take is to get a copy of Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith. This is the most important communication study I have ever written!

These are the lessons I have learned about sharing the faith having grown up in an Atheist home and being the only Christian in my family. These are the lessons I have taught my own children and the lessons we have used successfully with others as we share.

We have received such amazing feedback about this study.

"This is such a needed class and I can see how easily both boys are learning some of the ways to respond (and ways not to respond) to some of the common things people say. I can see how they are understanding their faith in new, deeper ways and making their faith their own. This class has also helped to facilitate discussion in our family around the dinner table. You have a way of presenting things in a straight forward way that is so understandable.Thank you JoJo" -Marcie, Homeschooling mom of two

And...this coming January we are going to begin offering ongoing online classes teaching this study. We will be going through the study one week at a time and then starting over again. You can join the class at any time and take the class over and over as often as you like. We will begin with Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith, but soon we will be adding lessons from our upcoming More Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith and Even More Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith! Because there are so many questions and misconceptions the world has about the Lord and the Christian faith.

This year, let's make a renewed commitment to read God's Word, to listen to His leading for our lives and to share His love and His free gift of salvation with others. Make 2009 the Christian year of action. Let's speak up effectively to share and defend the faith!



From JoJo's Purple Crayon