Civic Repsonsibility

I've been working on a couple of posts, but in the meantime, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to share this Op-Ed that captures my election thoughts as well...

Op-ed: Civic Life is More Than Voting

"Finding solutions to public challenges isn’t easy. It requires more than voting. It requires time and energy and a willingness to consider different points of view. It means focusing on the common good rather than self-interest."

Citizenship not about party affiliation but a about daily participation. Do your first civic responsibility, vote, and then do your second, serve.

The same applies for the Christian life... Eph 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God"

Christian Success

So it has been a bit since my last original post, been really busy this past month. But a friend shared this excellent post.

How Does American Culture Influence Christianity?

http://storylineblog.com/2012/10/04/how-does-american-culture-influence-christianity/

I admit as an introvert, this was encouraging reminder. Keeping a humble and meek spirit in the midst of blessings and success is a vital Christian virtue. 

My key verse for the last couple of days has been ..."Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." Perspective is a powerful tool for growth.

America: A Christian nation?

This has taken me quite a bit to write and I finally had a chance to put some more thought to it this weekend. I will admit it is far from a perfect article and will not win any great rewards by I think it begins to capture my feelings on something I see all to often. Coming from someone who works in a municipal service position, I feel that government is often misunderstood and resented because decisions can't always be understood from the headlines and the stores that are told aren't always based on full truth. I plan to get back into at least a weekly rhythm once again. Thank you all for reading and I hope it is something that at least gets us thinking about the perspectives that we hold.

What makes America a Christian nation?... A) Laws, B) Culture, C) Majority, or D) None of the Above?

I often hear that, "America was a Christian nation" and that for us to once again be a "great" nation that we need our political leaders to get back to the roots of our Christian heritage. This concept of political straying is often the argument for the cause of economic collapse and the ongoing recession that we have seen. A lack of "Faith," meaning a lack of effort by Christian believers primarily, has been blamed as a contributing cause of our country's moral, financial, intellectual, and social status in the world. People blame everything from political corruption, corporate corruption, media bias, and cultural shifts as the cause for our current state of being.

But before we examine what makes America a Christian nation we must first address the idea that we face greater challenges as Christians in America than we have in the past. Let me first point out that in my lifetime, I do not recall a pastor imprisoned for a message that would be deemed controversial or counter to the current culture. Pastors that have used less than tactful approaches to making a point or even offensive means to challenge non-believers, have been given the freedom to make those statements or use those approaches without fear of governmental intervention or imprisonment. However, in the early years of our former-colonial country, pastors were imprisoned, intimidated, and prohibited from preaching without a license or for preaching beliefs contrary to a particular church's teachings. We experience far greater freedoms, amazingly diverse and effective set of communication tools, and a wealth of financial and social opportunity, and yet we continue to see churches struggle or close due to a lack of membership and resources. Our faith communities continue to rest on the freedom and blessings provided by our location of birth and not in the power of the giver of life.

I also think we need to consider what a broader perspective of America thinks of itself and its future. A recent Gallup poll showed that 69% of Americans viewed the current and future moral outlook for America as negative. They also asked respondents to cite reasons why the thought American's morality was on the decline. According to the report:

Americans are most likely to cite a lack of respect or tolerance for other people as the most important problem with moral values. Other frequent responses include the decline of family structure, a lack of religion and faith, and a lack of morals in general.

Two thirds of Americans think that our moral outlook is grim and the top reason cited was a lack of respect. The other two reasons often relate to the source for that type of respect and the development of our moral compass: the family and the church.

For us to be a truly Christian nation once again we must stop blaming the news media, Hollywood, NY fashion, YouTube, and the other assorted vehicles of cultural expression. I see too often that we give lip service of our expectations of non-believers and then turn around and blame them for our demise. At one time in my life I encouraged to hear, "We can't expect them to act saved if they aren't saved," because it expressed an understanding that blaming "the lost" for the lack of their "lostness" was completely appropriate. However, those same people who say "forgive them for they know not what they do," would turn around and blame the unbeliever for the current state of our country.  "We are in this (Insert: recession, war, scandal, discouraging state) because of (Insert: any group of stereotyped unbeliever)."

I believe there is another reason that we are in the perceived state of moral decay that we are in. I do believe we are in the current state we are in is because we are losing ground as Christians. We are not losing ground legally, culturally, or politically. We are losing ground spiritually. We, as many other corporations and organizations, have become victims of our own success. As Jim Collin's writes in his corporate leadership book, Good to Great, "Good is the enemy of great." I believe he states appropriately that we don't have greatness because we have goodness. We don't have great outreach ministries because we have good ones. We don't have great missionary efforts because we have had good efforts at global missions. We don't have great youth ministries because we have had good youth groups. We don't have great revivals because we have good Christians.

No where in the bible are we told to legislate biblical values. Now before you take offence to that follow this thought. Our first and foremost responsibility is to whom? God. 

6 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:² That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.³ Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.⁶ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:⁷ And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.⁸ And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.⁹ And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.¹⁰ And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,¹¹ And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;¹² Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.¹³ Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.  (Note: emphasis added)

This stands as one of the greatest summary promises between God and Israel that sets them apart from the other religious groups of their day. The belief of a single God that does not demand obedience out of duty but individual obedience out of love (vs 4-7). This new view of God, one of desire rather than duty, was promised to transform and bless them in providential ways beyond their own strength and ability (vs 10-12). Our responsibility is to live a true an genuine life that shows a love for God that is beyond hypocrisy or challenge. I know that this is a difficult proposition, especially in my own life. But the challenge does not preclude us from leading in our life for God. We must be living to fulfill our duteous desire show our love to God before we can even expect others around us to even take notice.

Our society is not in the state is in because of the legislation of our government but because of the condition of our hearts. Legislation, legislators, and bureaucrats will change over time, as will society. These are neither better or worse because I can assure you that in Paul's day they believed the "last days" list of activities (2 Tim 3:1) applied just as much as it does today. I believe that too often we waste our energy fighting in political battles against legislation that does not maintain our Christian values rather than fighting spiritual battles to save the souls of those developing the legislation or even the common voter. 

¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; ¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. ¹³ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; ¹⁴ Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. ¹⁵ For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: ¹⁶ As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. ¹⁷ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

We have been called to be "honest," to lawfully "Submit...to every ordinance of man," to "well doing," to be "free...servants," to "honor all men," "love the brotherhood," "fear God," and "honor the king." This passage should truly describe our public and political life. We should strive to be above reproach, honest about our faults, working to improve them, humble in our politics, and respectful in our disagreements.

I can honestly say I despise campaign seasons, Presidential and Senatorial especially. The constant negativity and positioning, the pride and boasting, the divergently similar ideas, the extreme show boaters lacking wisdom, the financial underpinnings and deceptive manipulation of facts. I avoid media during these times, while I do value the American freedoms we have, I am embarrassed by the way in which we choose to maintain those freedoms. I would also embarrassed to be called a Christian nation and have almost any of the candidates represent our country to there nations after some of these campaigns. I want a leader who is able to understand, grow, learn, lead, guide, adapt, listen, and improve. The candidate who is a stalwart against change, who will not "compromise" or waiver, is one who is not ready to lead a country in one of the most complex jobs in the country. Where are our Christian politicians that understand government and leadership? ....The youngest president ever, McBride in 2016...maybe?

(now back from the rabbit trail...)

I ultimately believe that we, Christians today, need to stop blaming the politicians, teachers, psychologist, scientist, presidents, bureaucrats, social workers, professors, liberals, and any other group in our modern society for the state of our society. The real reason for the state of our society is ourselves. We must take the blame and change our course to address it. Our lack of Christian leadership and "well doing" is reflected of our society's state of morality. Now, more than ever, Christians need to step up and be real, be honest, and be serving. We must do a better and reaching souls for Christ. This was the cause of the Christian decline of Europe and will be ours as well if we do not change our political conversation and start having a spiritual one. Only then, might we be a truly Christian nation.

Church as a Gift for Neighborhood Transformation

Wow, it has been quite busy this summer, but I hope to have a few new posts done shortly. Check back soon!

In the meantime, check out this insightful and brief article that looks at the balance needed to involve churches in community transformation efforts: Best Practices: Church as a Gift for Neighborhood Transformation By Jay Van Groningen, Communities First Association Executive Director.

Let us do good unto all men...

There is one question that has had my mind wrapped up for a while. It has kept me from posting this last month and if i don't start to get this question on paper it will keep drawing me back to it much longer. The question is, "What is the role if the local church in meeting the needs of the unsaved and non-church members?"


This has been a question that I have avoided for some time. I once thought it was cultural and only matter for churches located in inner-cities and surrounded by populations in great poverty or need. But a few factors have impacted my thinking on this subject including the current political climate and volunteer projects we have encountered recently. I also think this is a question that many traditional congregations today tend to avoid or try to address on a individual basis. 


This question has also surfaced from another friend who was frustrated with the perceived lack of responsibility by youth ministers for the behavior and needs of the youth in their surrounding communities. The ministers they spoke with did not see a role for the church in preventing violence outside the realm of the church membership. If the youth came to them and addressed their spiritual need then they would be glad to help. Almost to a fault, they were so focused on the needs of their own flock of youth, that they could not see the needs of the sheep that were regularly threatened outside of their fold. This reminded me of the way the Pharisees set such strict boundaries for association outside of the synagogue and how Jesus was criticized by them for eating with the sinners.


I had believed , at the start of this third millennium, that the Christian church was one that was trying to be based on service, charity, and personal sacrifice as the primary means to winning the hearts of unbelievers to Christ. I had generally thought the idea of restricting church charity only to the members of the church was rare and foreign to the work of the modern church. While many churches do try to hold service days, in the more traditional circles we seem to have resisted any shift to define ourselves as "spiritually driven community service organizations."


Even today's political landscape has been littered with contentious debate around roles and responsibilities of both government and the church. How "big" should government be? What liberties are guaranteed to religiously based institutions that aren't churches such as schools and hospitals? How do we keep our social commitments to care for an aging population and keep our economy stable? Should governments subsidize not-for-profit services in the community?


The message I cant get away from I have heard preached numerous times it describes how Jesus told the woman at the well that the true worshipers worship in "Spirit and in Truth." I believe that the modern church is full of spirit but often lacking in sound spiritual truth. This is an imbalance in our approach to worship. However, it is a repairable balance, in my opinion. I believe that we must be just as concerned with worship that is spiritless. I fear that the "fox" of ritualistic worship and service in the church is the one that far more prevalent today. As our recent Young Adult Retreat focused on, we must be "authentic Christians" if we hope to be "effective Christians."


What I'm learning is that leaders in some churches hold to a concept that the individual believer alone bears the responsibility to help someone in need. This teaching holds that that the church's role is to only help those members within the church. The referenced example is that of the Good Samaritan who acted out of kindness and love but without the authority of a church body. The argument for this perspective is that we are to do good to individuals but must avoid organized works of charity by the church. Some have even said that the church is guilty of "forcing" charity on to those in need as the social welfare system (supposedly) does. 


I want to explore these two thoughts for a moment.


First, I ask, "who is the church supposed to serve?" Without a doubt, the body of Christ must take priority to care and nurture the body. Paul describes it clearly in his letter to Ephesus: 

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph. 4:12)

We cannot neglect the work of the ministry for the labor of our own needs. For the sake of our own growth and the corporate growth of the church body, we must put a priority in the physical, spiritual and emotional health of our church body. I firmly believe that we have done well to address the spiritual needs and we hope that the other needs would be meet as a result. However, I have often seen churches struggle or move much slower than they should because we are inadequately prepared to care for fellow members. The lack of internal care translates into a lack of external care, and is where, I can only suppose, the idea of the Christian having only an individual responsibility and not a corporate responsibility to serve others outside of the church body.


The easiest, most direct answer to "who do we serve" is: those in need. As Jesus says he came not to save the righteous but the unrighteous, to heal the sick not the healthy, so are we as his earthly body to serve the those Christ served.


I think the most compelling passage that confirms the corporate giving of the church is Galatians 6:6-10. 

6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

So go back to the English classes you took growing up and let us examine this passage. First you see the individual directives. You know, those things called pronouns (me, he, we, they) and nouns that help us determine the speaker or the person being spoken to as well as the number of those being addressed (me or us). The first part of this passage addresses the individual; "him that teacheth," "he that soweth." These directives address the individuals responsibility that is often related to the "golden rule" of doing unto other what we would like done unto us and that we will be held accountable for our actions in due season.


in verse 9 we see a transition to the collective responsibility when Paul writes for "us [to] not be weary" because "we shall reap, if we faint not." We know that the "we" mentioned is referring to the work of the body of believer's "well doing." This transition of responsibility lead us into the last verse that continues the idea of corporate responsibility and accountability when is says "...let us do good unto all men..." and clearly gives us a global vision for caring for others. 

10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Just in case someone was unsure if that is only believers or unbelievers, Paul clarifies with an "...especially unto them who are of the household of faith." As I stated before, our first responsibility is for the health of the body and for the members that the body is built with. Our second responsibility is a clear one, to do good unto all men based on the principles of reaping and sowing in well doing. 

We must not overlook the charity of the church to the lost nor the nourishment of its own members. The burden for social welfare cannot be carried by the government alone and the cycle of need cannot be broken by budget cuts. Only the work of Christ can meet all needs and we must be willing and able to give the gospel and break bread. A body that is focused on knowledge and not action will not be healthy and one that is focused on activity but not knowledge will not be effective.


And in the words of one of my mentors, Dr. Michael Canty, "Let's just go do some good stuff."

Resurrection Sunday

“Have I a heart of stone so cold and dark within That I can view the Saviour in anguish for my sin And never sorrow feel for all He sacrificed? Have I a heart of stone to watch the bleeding Christ?
Have I no eyes to see that I can stand so near And watch the Saviour wounded but never shed a tear? Can I but coldly gaze upon His painful loss? Have I no eyes to see God’s Lamb upon the cross?
As I behold the blood and view the Crucified, The piercing thought o’erwhelms me: ’twas for my sin He died. Lord, make my soul to feel Thy suffering on the tree. Lord, break this heart of stone. Lord, make my eyes to see.”
Broken for Christ... Glorious Resurrection Sunday!

Love Thy Neighbor as...Mr. Stokes

Sgt. Harmon F. Stokes , 83

Harmon F. Stokes, 83, passed from this life suddenly last Wednesday in his home and was laid to rest surrounded by his friends and family today. Harmon was a Sargent in the US Army, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and retiring with 45 years of military and civil service.


If that was the end of the story, most people would generally say something like, "how sad, I'm so sorry," "he lived a full life," or "he is at rest now." These would all be true but they don't represent the greater story. I can only share the special stories that I know and the memories of his character I heard echoed in today's service. This story also captures a glimpse of why I am a public servant and why I answered a calling to "do good stuff," as the late Mike Canty used to describe it.


My first memories of Mr. Stokes go back about 12 years, to the first neighborhood I ever worked in - historic Aberdeen Gardens. I was 21 years old and was just learning about youth leadership development and community organizing. I hadn't organized a group in my life and in Aberdeen I was responsible for leading the youth initiatives for this prominent and established community. I was taking this role over from someone else without any training or transition. I was even a bit apprehensive concerning my welcome into this group I knew little about. I realize now that I was also facing my own fears regarding my cultural, generational, and social perspectives. Despite these internal struggles of an introverted organizer, one warm smile and a firm handshake wiped them far away, that of Mr. Stokes.

Historic Aberdeen Gardens in Hampton, Virginia

I still remember how I'd call on him to open up the Aberdeen Museum for me, a restored home in the neighborhood that served as a central meeting place for the 5 youth that participated in the youth group. Mr. Stokes was always there with a smile to open up the building. The youth group wouldn't be me greatest success thus far in my career and I remember on more than one occasion being the only one at the museum. Then along came Mr. Stokes, waiting there with me, taking time out of his day to check in on me, learning about my family, college classes i was taking, and just doing what he could to make feel apart of the community. At every Aberdeen breakfast or event I always looked for Mr. Stokes, because his smiling welcome always made me feel like I belonged in Aberdeen. The last time I talked to Mr. Stokes he asked, as he always did, how my "lovely wife" and "those little ones" were doing.


From those first years in Aberdeen, my heart was bound to that special community in a unique way. I saw something in Mr. Stokes and the many other Aberdeeners I have come to know and love. I learned that your neighbor is more than the resident in the house that is next to your, the one that just lives near you. A truly good neighbor is one that is "near." They near enough to ask about your day, near enough to lend a hand, near enough to cheer you up with a "hello," near enough to look out for you, near enough to make you feel at home, and near enough mourn and lift you up when things are tough.

The Aberdeen Gardens Museum, Mary Peake Blvd

Mr. Stokes had the special ability to make you feel like the most important person to him at that time. He knew how to give, and he knew how to serve. His strong and protective nature made you feel honored to have him on your side. I can unashamedly say they he is on a short list of reasons why I continue in public service. After struggling with some random bureaucratic challenge, all I had to do was to get a call or visit from Mr. Stokes, and I would remember instantly why I chose this field - to help good people like him, "do good stuff."


The faith and love of Christ from Mr. Stokes doesn't make this day bitter in the least, because I know I will see my brother in Christ from Aberdeen one day soon. Yes, it is a bit sad that others won't be able to be blessed by such an example as Mr. Stokes. I do know he lived a much fuller life than I will ever have a chance to ask him about. I also know that he is walking the streets of heaven with his dear wife and I can only hope that I have home in heaven with Mr. Stokes as my neighbor. Until then, may I be the neighbor to others that he was to me. Even though we lived miles apart he was always be my good neighbor.

Why Do Cities Just Make Sense?

An article recently caught my eye in Christianity Today that argued for a rejuvenation of city living for Christians. I found myself interested and agreeing with the position that that Christians are moving into cities at a slower rate then other faiths or non-believers. I did disagree with Keller's arguments, however, for why Christians should live in cities. 


The main reasons to live in the city have nothing to do with quality of life or socialization, rather it is about the sustainability of our children's future. I agreed with the dissenters (@HCameronCloud & @EatWithJoy) that children can and should be raised godly in any environment, be it an island, a farm, a suburb, or a high rise. However, I firmly believe the choices we make as a Christian community need to come from more than purely a social, Christian values perspective. We must start thinking more like the head steward of in Potiphars house and have the discipline of Joseph to survive and succeed with the blessing of God on him.


Working in the community planning world for the last 6 years, I have come to appreciate the economic and social impact of suburban sprawl and the role of american consumerism and materialism in our community developments. What she fails to point out that the greatest reason for Christians to move back to the city is the role of environmental impact and governmental stewardship. As we have seen over the last few years, our dependence on fuel to transport 1-2 people 30-40 minutes to work (national average community time) is driving the demand for more fuel and the gas prices even higher. Not to even elaborate on the infrastructure needs that are required as new developments are built with half acre lots and cul-de-sacs that cause people to live further apart from the places they work and shop, require more paving, more drainage, more fertilizers, and broader public safety efforts.


I do not argue that rural life is vital and fundamental to the economic and cultural fabric of our country but I believe our concept of the white picket fence dream is the cause for much of our financial distress today. Mrs. Keller points out the savings from maintenance, landscaping, storage, and vehicles, are often offset by the higher cost of living in the urban areas. But the biggest benefit to the urban community is in fact the height. We have a continually growing population in which some economist estimate that the demand for housing (multi- and single family housing) will almost double in the next 18 years. That means we can either build out, destroying farmlands, displacing wildlife, polluting waterways, and creating a greater demand for oil, asphalt, and gas (all non-renewable energy sources). Or we can build up, creating denser environments where services (parks, transportation, retail, food) are accessible and municipal funding can be strategically applied rather than spread thin. 

A recent comment on the local website concerning the redevelopment of suburban cities asked, "How many more people(and their cars) do we have to cram into our cities before we realize that we have no more room?" For some reason, I think they missed the point of a "City" and not a town or county. Cities were made to get as many people in a small space that meets their needs (goods, amenities, education, employment, opportunities). 


I read recently that there are an estimated 8 parking spaces for every car in the world. that means that there are so many parking spaces that you could park every car and still have spaces near the front door of every store. I enjoy my car and my vehicular freedom as much as the next person, I'm American aren't I. However, I would give it up for a 10 minute rail and walking commute any day. Where I can take care of some of the household calls, answer emails, and not be concerned about the amount of sleep the Semi-truck drive next to me has had as I drive down the Interstate.


I found some comfort in Rachel Stone's assessment of Keller's worldview as captured here:

Which brings me to a final point about Keller's unfettered praise of city life: Clearly her family wasn't living in West Harlem or sending their kids to one of New York City's at-risk schools. They could afford to live in "better" neighborhoods, to get grocery delivery, to enrich their children's lives with all the cultural offerings, most of which cost money—lots of it. It's easy to romanticize city life when you can pay for a first-class urban experience; less so when you can afford only section 8 housing and spend your food stamps at corner stores that specialize in cola and candy but not produce. Jesus' followers belong in those places, too, but there are no "shoulds" about it.
Or maybe there's just one: You should love God and your neighbor, wherever you are.

We want to glamorize the lifestyles we wish we had or want to have. I have a dream of moving to a sparsely populated tropical island and teaching my kids to fish, surf, and most importantly the things God would have them be. My romanticized idea of this tropical retreat is not a full picture of the harsh reality that many face of poverty, sickness, and abuse. But that does not mean I neglect the interest I have in such a place that God has put in me, as this may be a new mission field for me one day. But these realities exist in any setting as beyond the mountain and the woods I see depression, suicides, alcoholism, drug abuse, and relational abuse at the same rates if not higher proportionally in some localities. Social issues are not resolved by the physical environment or the culture of the community but by a change of nature. The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few.


I believe that God gave us (humans) stewardship over the earth, but not a divine right to build a single family home on every acre. I aspire to live where God would have me. In my mind, I want to live either on the tropical island (of course) or in the heart of a city, surrounded by a spiritual harvest. I must agree with Mrs. Keller, I also attribute a large portion of the Lord's work in my life through my exposure to different cultures within my community. My public school was filled with military kids and students from many different backgrounds. I recall spending several days between class learning from an Orthodox Jewish friend, in another class another class a Muslim friend, and another class a Mormon friend. These experiences helped me understand their need, see their souls, and affirm my faith in Christ. Without these influences, I am certain I would have a much more difficult time in serving them in municipal government. Let us be lights that shine brighter than the glimmer of a city street or the full array of stars in a country sky.

--UPDATED 03-28-2012 (07:30 AM)--

After reading the articles and the post above, a friend shared their reason for moving to the suburbs in a large metro area was because of the challenge in finding a safe neighborhood in the city. I agree that the perception of safety of a community is a major driving factor in buying a home. But I think the perception of safety in cities has been a bit overblown through the news media and entertainment industry. The reality is that violent crime is the lowest it has been in 40 years and all other crime at the lowest it has been in 30-45 years. But somehow there are more acts of violence committed and investigated on television each week, and most of them are based in a city backdrop. 


I have found, in the 10 years I have worked with neighborhoods, no matter how safe they seem, they routinely have the same sets of issues with different factors impacting them. Almost every community has drugs, every community have youth that make bad or dangerous choices, and almost every community has theft and violence. Often times we don't know about it or some are better at covering it up then others. However, what I think is different about the neighborhoods that sustain their sense of safety when victimized is their inter-connectivity as a community and how they help others recover from that crime. Communities that internalize and retaliate, perpetuate that criminal behavior, and communities that grieve together and uplift one another, tend to retain that sense of safety. There are so many other factors, I wish there was a single solution to give the caring residents to address the issue of safety, but the common factor continues to be how well we know our neighbors. In other words, is this just the place where I live or is this the place we call our home, our neighborhood, our community.


I also believe that the reason for the crime problems in many communities is that those that do care about safety have chosen to move rather than struggle to maintain the those high risk communities. This often leaves a vacuum for turmoil and victimization. A large part of the frequency of "flight" of many caring residents is because of the ease of mobility in the last 60 years and the affordability of moving to the country or suburbs and commuting to work. Years ago, you had no choice but to take ownership of your community and care for those who lived around you because you know you would be seeing everyday them for 10-30 years. Now the average homeowner moves every 3-5 years especially in our military communities.

I also feel that we have systematically failed to meet the mark in focusing the efforts of the church towards the inner cities and reaching hearts in a genuine and practical way. This is a whole other post for another day, but i hope that we can begin to think about cities and what community means a bit more openly and critically. Thank you all for your thoughts, please keep them coming and let's work to create great neighborhoods and strong believers.

Healthy Families - Our Top Priority in Virginia

I have an urgent personal request for those who care about families and children throughout the state. 


I am a new board member on Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership Inc. the non-profit resource arm of Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership that provides prenatal support, parenting education, an in home services to hundreds of families throughout Hampton.

However, the programs are facing funding reductions from the State for a third consecutive year.The House Budget Committee has proposed to divert sales tax revenues to transportation projects rather than look at raising the fixed gas tax after almost 20 years or looking at other funding options.

I believe this short-sighted approach to cutting one of the most successful prevention programs in the entire state to fund transportation needs will only lead to greater burdens on our communities through treatment, intervention, and rehabilitation programs in the next 10 years. It is impossible to dispute the power of a healthy start for our children in seeing our communities and even our country continue to be leaders within the world. Parenting and early childhood education are some of the key factors in bringing the crime rate to lowest it has been in decades, seeing more students college bound, and having a region who's economy has weathered the recession better than many others. Stable and strong families are the key to stable and strong community and  Healthy Families is the leading agency in providing services to ensure that.


Here is why I believe deeply in this organization's unique role in the community. 

• They provide research based information and support that faith-based organizations cannot provide such as prenatal education preparing parents for labor and delivery. They can also leverage broad community resources, regardless of denomination, to support the neediest in our community.
• They help create support networks for numerous military families that don't have family nearby. They provide educational offerings and by create safe places for parents, grandparents and children to interact and learn. 
• They offer prevention services to families from all backgrounds, income levels, and situations, with a proven track record for success (See this example from Lynchburg)

Personally, they provided Rachel and I excellent information and support both prior to and through the sudden loss of our first child and in preparing for the birth of of our son. I also have many friends who have benefited from their programming, from classes, support groups, play groups, to new parent visits.

I ask that you to simply contact one of the Virginia Delegates below by either email or phone. I called yesterday on my way home from work, it is as easy as that. Our delegates need to hear from you and know that they need to restore the funding to the Healthy Family programs before our communities see more major set backs in prevention services. Below is a list of House Budget Conferees that I was provided:

House Budget Conferees
Del. Lacey Putney	dellputney@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1019
Del. Kirk Cox	delkcox@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1066
Del. Chris Jones	delcjones@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1076
Del. Steve Landes	delslandes@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1025
Del. Beverly Sherwood	delbsherwood@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1029
Del. Johnny Joannou	NO EMAIL  Fax # 804-786-6310	804-698-1079

When calling please ask them to:

"Please support restoration of funding for Healthy Families. Cutting funding for these programs puts more Virginia children at risk."  Please do your small part to ensure the future of the families in our communities are a little brighter.

More Information on Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership:

• Youth Education & Families Website
• Youth Education & Families FaceBook Page
• Fox 43 Hampton Roads Show - School Readiness
• Fox 43 Hampton Roads Show - Child Neglect
• Fox 43 Hampton Roads Show - Summer Learning

State of the Christian Union

I've found it quite interesting lately, as the election season shifts into high gear, concerning the dialogue my fellow Christians choose to engage in, the reasoning behind their support of specific candidates, and their general belief on the "true" State of the Union.

• Again and again the conversation I hear returns to the social concerns of today's American society - Marriage, Abortion, Social Welfare, Family Values, Broadcast Decency, Ethics. 
• This is often coupled with a sound-bite driven summary of fiscal issues - Overspending, Earmarks, Taxation, Economic Inequality, International Support, National Debt, Job Creation, Recession, Trade Agreements. 
• With a smattering of ethical issues - Campaign Financing, Career Politicians, Cronyism, Lobbyist Interest, Pork Barrel Spending, Party (Dis-)Loyalty, Redistricting. 

On the eve of the President's State of the Union address tonight, I offer my own insight if you choose to care. So I guess you could call the rest of this rather lengthy post my...

 "State of the Christian Union"

These are all very valuable topics for discussion that need to be addressed through informed and respectful dialogue. I argue that we must not focus on the legislation or a political solution but on a "soul-ution." We must make this a matter of salvation not of legislation. Doing so we can understand how to address complex, urgent issues of government including finances, ethics, and national defense. 


In fact, in doing some self examination I have begun to believe that I would have a hard time ever being elected to office. (Aside from not being independently wealthy and unable to finance such a campaign of my own) I have accepted that I tend to be, what some would call, a moderate independent when it comes to my political affiliation. I think my views on government finances and oversight paired with my concern for conservative social values would not garner me many votes on ethical issues alone, especially from my closest Christian family and non-Christian co-workers.


This has caused me to profoundly question why that would be? Why would a fellow christian ever support me for an office? What platform would I campaign on? Then an even deeper question arose, what should be the political conversation for Christians?


I think that after 232 years since the ratification of the Constitution, and long before, Christians have wrestled with the proper role of religion for our governing leaders. We appear to continue to be divided between finding a good national political leader and a good Christian. It seems these are often mutually exclusive because of our own political expectations. 


We often look to these leaders to be steadfast, to never change, to never compromise and we label that conviction. I will discuss this later but I fundamentally disagree with the concept that a good Christian leader does not change. If they do not change, they do not learn. If they do not fail, they do not grow. If they do not understand the true essence of compromise, how can they ever build a spirit of unity or make any progress? (See Forbes article on Failed Executive Habits for a good example)


It also seems to me that too often we are looking towards legislation to shape and define our country, to "save" our country as some have said. To many Christians, the social concerns of today are dangerously and irreparably close to impacting our country's future. As a result, they look to enact or preserve legislation that prevents or criminalizes certain activities. However, I argue that addressing these social issues through legislation does not make our culture a Christian one, it does not lead to cultural revival. We must remember that legislation does not save souls and we, as Christian, are called to be servants and soul winners first and citizens last.


The fundamental issue is a soul issue. The state of our society isn't a result of us having laws that are more permissive, secular, or tolerant. Our society is suffering from a heart condition of the spiritual kind and until we as Christians can stop focusing on the legislation and start focusing on the salvation of those around us we will never see true revival or change in our society. Our government is a reflection of the people - disengaged, dependent, and discouraged. If we hope to see America regain it's old glory,  hope and respect within the domestic and international community we must work to turn hearts to the One who made America that way.


We have failed in our political conversation. We have been captured by vain philosophies of politics and debate and have lost the dignity of our calling. The abortion rate, marriage rate, domestic violence rate, drug use, and public assistance rates are all directly related to health of the family. Our churches are failing to build strong families in the current day and age. We have to get intentional about our work. We cannot rely on Sunday's and Wednesdays to sustain families. We cannot look to Pastors and Deacons alone to counsel and support our families. We cannot wait until a couple is separated to try and intervene (or tolerate the "taking of sides"). The most important ministry in a church has to be the ministry to families, hands down. Without it, churches will fail, society will crumble, America will lose all favor. Research has shown that how much you make has a greater impact on preventing divorce than being involved in a church. This has to change, there is no losing or coming up short here if we want to see America remain a Christian nation.


This can no longer be a Red vs Blue, Tea vs Occupy, Conservative vs Liberal debate. We have to make this a salvation conversation. Just as we don't expect a stranger to love your family, we cannot expect unsaved and spiritually lost to live, govern, or vote like Christians either. I'm not calling for an authoritarian government where political leaders must act and live like Christians, rather I'm calling upon Christians to act and live like authentic Christians and accept their first call and turn to their first love.


I call for a revival, a wildfire of the Holy Spirit to spread in hearts and minds of believers and unbelievers. 


Start with prayer.
Pray continually, for those hurting and those rejoicing.

• A Healthy Body
  Pray for the body of Christ, pray that we are healed with a common cause under a common banner of revival. Pray for a unified effort, one of truth, righteousness, hope, and love. Pray for those who have turned away, who are blind and have forgotten their sins forgiven and cannot see afar off. Pray for thanksgiving, rejoicing in the blessing and gifts of our Father, his mercy, his grace, his providential and omnipotent hand upon us. 
• God-lead Leadership
  Pray for our current political leadership, their wisdom, their peace, their love of God. Pray for our spiritual leaders that they are protected and guided by God, encouraged and surrounded by a hedge of caring believers, their families blessed with patience, understanding, and love.

Start with the Bible. Read, study, meditate, learn. 

• Be Ready
  As Daniel and the young captives of Israel, we must put ourselves wholly to learning of the one we serve. We must be ready to lead, to govern, to minister as the princes and rulers of the King of Kings. But before we can govern others, we must learn to rule our own souls. How can I be changed or improved if I don't know anything is lacking? 
• Be Challenged
  Our country continues to turn to the scriptures for comfort and encouragement in times of despair but not for correction. I cannot slight anyone because I know my own struggles with spiritual growth and repentance. I would choose to taste of the sweet honey of the word than drink the bitter tea of my convictions. 
• Be Sharpened
  Challenge and sharpen one another in the Bible, we must train as any athlete or champion to prepare for the race and calling ahead. Without this training we will come up short every time. We must look to new training practices, new approaches, new techniques to make us ready to answer anyone on the reason for the hope within us. 
• Be Current
  Athletes are constantly looking for tools, techniques that will give them the edge in their training and we must be doing the same. We must take advantage of this modern age of technology and information to spread the gospel farther, faster, broader than any other time in history.

Start with the church. Share, listen, love, encourage, uplift, humble, and forgive. We cannot move if we continue to draw lines and divisions, build up comforting barriers, dig our heels into illusions of tradition. 

• A Strong Body We must learn to live as a body, learn to disagree and move on, learn to find agreement and capitalize on it, build on our strengths and strengthen our weaknesses. For far to long we have let ourselves get in the way of ourselves and the work God has planned for us. We have to get our own house in order before we can expect our nation to do so. If we have a hard time budgeting for a year and conducting business together how do we expect 300 million Americans to come together to secure our future? This starts with communication and structure. We need to start communicating and stop avoiding conflict. Our avoidance of the conflicts have created much more strife and bitterness than ever needs to be within the body of Christ. A relationship that has not worked through conflict at some point is like a ship's hull that has not been tried before it launched, as soon as a storm arises, it breaks apart.  We cannot be afraid to ask the tough questions, have the tough conversations, and know that the relationship we have in Christ is greater then our struggles, it is greater then our conflict.
• A Connected Body
  We must work together, the body of Christ is not divided by cities and we must learn to embrace others outside of our walls and learn from them. We must sharpen our skills both from within our local fellowships and from outside of them. This is how we strengthen the joints that Christ connects and supplies. Without those connections we cannot hope to see the gospel spread if we continue to contain it within our own comfortable circles. We must be bold and speak in the synagogues as Paul did, we must go to the people, we must seek them out and bring them into the fold. (Join the God Bless America Crusade - Hampton, VA, Feb1-3)
• A Growing Body
  First-time visitors and new converts should not be a surprise to our churches but expected at every gathering. We must prepare for growth, position ourselves to be overflowing with new believers. What is the capacity of your church and are you ready to grow? What is your growth plan? Are you praying and preparing for when God will provide an answer?

Ultimately our conversation has to change. This can no longer be about the politics of the day, because they will continue to exist as long as we fail to fulfill our first calling and commission: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt 28:19-20)

Will you take up my challenge and change our conversation and turn to our first love and first calling. God has promised results, we need to do our part: 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chr 7:14)