Let the Sunshine In: Reflections on the Summer Solstice

On June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Margaret Atwood writes, “This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year’s threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of and becomes the future; the place of caught breath, the door of a vanished house left ajar…”

A part of the mystery and majesty of God’s great big, wonderful world is the circuitous rhythm of the sun, moon, and stars suspended in space.

The summer solstice highlights the incredible cadence and beauty of God’s creation. It occurs when one of the earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. Occurring between June 20 and 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is the day with the longest daylight and a day that marks the official start of summer. This year, the summer solstice happens on June 20, which is the earliest occurrence since 1796.

This annual event invites us to reflect on the light, warmth, and example that nature provides, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Here are a few pastoral reflections on the summer solstice:

The rhythm of God’s creation is inspiring. The summer solstice is a testament to the meticulous design of God’s creation. The earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun result in varying amounts of daylight throughout the year, and on this day, we experience the maximum daylight. It’s a time to marvel at the natural world, from the vibrant blooms in our gardens to the extended daylight that allows us to enjoy God’s creation longer each day.

Summer is a season of light. Light is a powerful symbol in our faith. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” As we enjoy the abundant sunlight of the summer solstice, we can also reflect on the spiritual light that Jesus brings into our lives. His light guides us, dispels the darkness, and brings clarity and hope.
Growth is necessary to sustain life. Summer is often a time of growth and renewal in the natural world. Gardens flourish, trees are full of leaves, and the earth teems with life. This season of growth can serve as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. Just as plants need sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow, we need the nourishment of God’s love, the refreshment of God’s presence, and the fellowship of God’s people to thrive in our faith.
Tempo is part of God’s design. The summer solstice also provides us with opportunities to slow down and reflect. Longer days mean more time to enjoy the beauty of creation, spend time with loved ones, and engage in activities that rejuvenate our spirits. It’s a wonderful time to connect with God through outdoor activities, a scenic drive, or simply sitting in nature and meditating on God’s goodness and grace.
We are called to be joyful and responsible stewards of creation. As we appreciate the beauty and abundance of summer, let us also be reminded of our role as caretakers of God’s world. Genesis 2:15 tells us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” We are called to care for the earth, ensuring that its resources are preserved and its beauty is maintained for future generations.

The summer solstice showcases the divine rhythm and meticulous design of God’s world. And the extended days of summer invite us to slow down and savor the beauty around us.

It’s a fitting season to reflect on God’s goodness and grace, and to let the sunshine in.

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor of the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. You can follow him on Twitter at @BarrysNotes.)

7 Ways to Build Bridges Over the Great Divide

On June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

In a world that feels dangerously divided, followers of Jesus can be proactive and intentional about building bridges over the chasm of our differences. Our faith calls us to be peacemakers, to love our neighbors, and to cultivate unity in our churches and communities.

The Greek philosopher Aesop was the first of many to declare, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Divisiveness seems to be the primary tool in the arsenal of the adversary. A sports team that is divided seldom wins. A nation that is divided internally is at risk of falling prey to external enemies. A church that is divided diminishes its effectiveness.

How can we bridge the cultural, spiritual, and political rifts that divide us? Here are a few ways we can foster understanding and harmony within our community:

1. Listen actively and attentively. Listening is a powerful act of love. By listening carefully to each other’s stories, we gain insight into different thoughts and experiences that have shaped the other person’s perspective. This requires us to listen without interrupting or preparing a clever retort. It means that we listen to learn and to seek a better understanding of their viewpoint. Empathetic listening can dissolve barriers and foster deeper connections.

2. Respect diversity. Our differences are not just to be tolerated but respected. Each person brings unique gifts and perspectives that enrich our community. Treasure the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints within our church, recognizing that diversity reflects the beautiful tapestry of God’s creation. My long-time friend and neighbor, Dow Birkhimer, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, often said to me, “If you and I agree on everything, one of us is not needed.”

3. Engage in open and honest conversations. Creating a safe space for open dialogue is essential. Encouraging honest discussions about our differences, whether they be cultural, theological, or personal, allows us to address misunderstandings and misconceptions. Unity of spirit does not require uniform agreement on every issue. Approach these conversations with an open mind, a spirit of humility, and a willingness to learn.

4. Look for common ground. While differences can sometimes be front page news, it is helpful to focus on the common ground we share. Our faith in Jesus Christ, our commitment to love and serve others, and our commitment to work for the common good are powerful unifying factors. Focusing on these shared values can strengthen our bonds.

5. Practice grace and forgiveness. We all make mistakes and sometimes say or do things that hurt others. Practicing forgiveness and extending grace are crucial in maintaining unity. Be quick to forgive and generous with grace, reflecting the love that Jesus has demonstrated for us.

6. Serve together. Working side by side in service to others can break down walls and build bridges. Whether it is through local outreach programs, mission trips, or community projects, serving together helps us see beyond our differences and unite in our common goal of spreading God’s love. When we serve together, our souls tend to bond, enabling us to trust each other’s motives, even when we think differently about many issues.

7. Pray for unity. Prayer is a powerful tool in bridging divides. Commit to praying for unity within your church and beyond. Ephesians 4:3 urges us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Pray for God to soften hearts, open minds, and guide us in building relationships that are seasoned with grace and love.

Divisiveness is a tool of the enemy, not a fruit of the Spirit. As we become rooted and grounded in our faith, we are not an easy target for the tempter’s snare.

In John 17:21, Jesus prayed, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Jimmy Carter hit the nail on the head when he said, “The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.”

In our attitudes and actions, we are either building bridges or driving wedges. Don’t join the demolition crew! Build more bridges!

For more information about building bridges, contact the Center for Healthy Churches to learn about R12, a new set of tools designed to help congregations understand, assess, and respond to political and cultural polarization. (www.chchurches.org)

A Day for Remembering

On May 27, 2024May 27, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Elie Wiesel proposed, “Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory there would be no civilization, no future.“

Today is Memorial Day. Because our military appreciation holidays have specific purposes, someone has clarified that Armed Forces Day honors those who are serving, Veterans Day honors those who have served, and Memorial Day commemorates those who died while serving.

No one knows for sure the exact number of men and women who have lost their lives in service of our country, but most veteran service agencies agree the number is 1.2 million or higher.

During my 46 years of ministry, I have been privileged to serve in two distinguished military communities: Anniston (former home of Fort McClellan) and Pensacola (home of Pensacola Naval Air Station). I continue to share life with those who currently serve or have valiantly served our country. Over the past three years I have enjoyed conversations with multiple military chaplains, officiated a wedding for a naval aviator, presided over the memorial service of a World War II veteran, and listened to the career story of a former navy pilot, now in his eighties.

In each of the communities where I have served, an extraordinarily large number of residents have lost a son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, friend or neighbor on the field of battle. During my tenure in Pensacola, I offered eulogies at the Barrancas National Cemetery, where over 32,000 are interred, for more than a hundred memorial services for veterans or their family members.

For this reason, Memorial Day evokes in me more of a sense of somber observance than of celebration. On this one weekend of the year, in the words of Aaron Kilbourne, “The dead soldier’s silence sings our national anthem.”

Although the final Monday in May can often become a holiday marking the beginning of summer, we should be careful that the meaning of this day does not become lost in the business of our activities. Memorial Day is not just another day off from work but a day to remember those who have lost their lives in the military service of our country.
HeH

A nation that fails to remember the sacrifices of those who came before us will inevitably succumb to a convenient amnesia, a loss of corporate memory that eventually robs succeeding generations of acquaintance with our national heritage. To fail to remember creates a contagious apathy that leads to a neglect of both our freedom and our citizenship. To fail to remember can produce a false sense of security and an inaccurate perception that we are exempt from future warfare. If for no other reason, we should remember in order to guard against what George Washington called “the impostures of pretended patriotism.”

Perhaps our virtual reality world is becoming too much of a fantasy world. When we mute the self-serving and accusative political rhetoric, remembering our unabridged heritage can stir in us both a gut check and a reality check. The kind of remembering we need to do on Memorial Day is an uncomfortable but necessary discipline, a practice that forges vision from memory and distills wisdom from history.

As we observe Memorial Day this year, it’s okay to grill the burgers and brats. It’s okay to watch the baseball game. It’s okay to play 18. And it’s okay to take a boat ride with the family. But whatever we do, let us take time to remember the women and men who served with extraordinary courage to establish and preserve our freedom to do all these activities and more. By remembering our history, may we be better prepared to engage the enemies of our day with the weapons of peace, not war.

(photo- Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida.)

(Barry Howard serves as pastor of the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. You can follow him on Twitter at @barrysnotes.)

Upgrading Your EQ: 8 Tips for Managing Your Emotions

On May 10, 2024May 10, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl, proposed, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” Among the most important decisions we make in life is how we manage our emotions.

In recent years, leadership training events have emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence. But emotional strength and balance are important for everyone, not just those in leadership roles. Utilizing the tools available to help us manage our emotions is especially important for followers of Jesus.

What is emotional intelligence? Emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient, refers to our ability to monitor and control our own emotions. Your emotional quotient (EQ) is not the same as your intelligence quotient (IQ), but it is just as important.

Developing a high EQ will reduce mental stress by equipping you with self-awareness, self-regulation, and good communication skills. This will inspire confidence and fortify your emotional strength.

What are the primary human emotions? Several years ago, psychologist Paul Eckman identified six basic emotions that he suggested were universally experienced in all human cultures. The emotions he identified were happiness, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, and anger. He later expanded his list of basic emotions to include such things as pride, shame, embarrassment, and excitement.

If it feels like your emotions are “all over the map” during this season, you are not alone. Ongoing wars, divisive political rhetoric, economic uncertainty, and terse public discourse are just a few of the things that have challenged our sense of emotional balance.

Here are 8 tips to help us navigate our emotions:

Be assured that increased emotional activity is normal. Changes in our routine, reconfigurations in our network of relationships, stress in the workplace or classroom, and uncertainty about the future all tend to elevate our anxiety and stir a variety of emotions.
Anticipate emotional fluctuations. During normal times, you may experience momentary surges in anxiety, frustration, anger, and grief. During changing times, those spikes may occur more frequently and last longer.
Practice patience. Be patient with yourself and others as you adapt to changes and establish new patterns in your daily routine.
Exercise. Walk, run, stretch, or ride your bike. Physical exercise has a way of clearing emotional debris and helping us to recalibrate a healthy sense of balance.
Own your emotions. Discuss your emotional fluctuations with a trusted friend, accountability partner, or counselor. Verbalizing your emotions may prove to be therapeutic. Consider adopting journaling, talk therapy, or meditation as regular practices.
Become more grounded in your faith. Let your spirituality serve as an anchor. Emotions can be fickle and need to be held accountable to our core values.
Fly by the instrument panel. Like a veteran pilot landing a plane in the fog, make decisions based on what you “know,” not how you “feel” at any given moment.
Enlist a therapist or counselor. Just like we go to the dentist to care for our teeth and an optometrist to care for our eyes, we may choose to see a counselor for help in navigating our emotions. We don’t wait until our teeth deteriorate to go to the dentist, and similarly, we should not wait until we reach desperation or rock-bottom depression before seeing a therapist.

John Seymour contended, “Emotions make great servants, but tyrannical masters.”

Strengthening our emotional intelligence is key to keeping all the other dimensions of life in harmony. Proverbs 4:23 cautions, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

(Barry Howard is a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. You can follow him on Twitter at @BarrysNotes.)

What a Difference a Week Makes! The Transplant Journey of Chris Hoover

On April 22, 2024April 22, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Sunday April 21, 2024
Last Sunday morning we were praying for a liver to become available for Chris Hoover. His liver disease was advancing, and a transplant was necessary for survival. Today, one week later, Chris is home from the hospital post-transplant, he is in good spirits, and he is tremendously thankful. What a difference a week makes!

This journey began for Chris 2 years and 4 months ago when his name was added to the liver transplant list. Liver disease runs on his mother’s side of the family. Chris’ uncle died from it. So at age 67, Chris was aware that the clock was ticking. When he was hospitalized the week before last, the doctor told Chris’ wife, Carol, that Chris would likely not make it to Thanksgiving without a transplant.

Last Sunday morning, we requested that our church family pray for Chris to receive a liver. Retrospectively, Carol says, “While there are many facts about this journey, I think the most compelling one is that nine hours after our Sunday school class prayed for Chris, he got a liver. They prayed for four things: 1)They prayed that Chris would get better from the horrible state he was in when he went into the hospital on Friday. 2) They prayed that he would get a liver. 3) They prayed for the donor’s family. 4) And they prayed for his medical team.”

As a pastor, I’ve had many transplant patients in the congregations I’ve served. Most of them have had good results. Churches can participate in the journey simply by saturating the patient and the family in prayer, especially when the church family understands that prayer is offering our passionate petition to God in a spirit of faith and unity and that even our best prayers do not produce a guaranteed result. Prayer is more mystery than calculus. Yet this mystery is one of the ways we intercede and advocate for the needs of others.

Every person’s journey toward a transplant can be challenging. There are multiple doctor’s appointments, changes in schedule, false alarms, and lots of waiting. One Sunday last year, Chris was serving as our streaming tech. I received a call from our Minister of Music, Rick Cobb, who told me that Chris had just been contacted by the hospital notifying him that a liver had become available, and we needed to find a sub for him. However, before Chris left the church campus, he received another call informing him that the anticipated organ was not viable. Such is the life of a transplant patient.

Last Sunday evening around 9 p.m. I received a message from Carol via one of our administrative assistants sharing that a liver had become available and they were planning to begin the transplant in the next few hours. Rick and I both went to the hospital and shared a time of prayer with Chris before his transplant. Before we prayed, I asked Chris if there was anything specific he wanted us to include in the prayer. He said, “Please tell everyone to pray for the donor’s family. Our time of gratitude is their time of grief.”

The transplant began around two o’clock on Monday morning. With the encouragement of the surgeon, family and friends went home to rest. Chris and Carol were prepared for the surgery to last up to 12 hours. Then they expected that Chris would be in ICU for approximately two weeks. However, I received a call from Carol just after 7:30 on Monday morning saying that the surgeon called to say that the transplant was complete and went extremely well and that Chris was being taken to ICU where she could see him later in the morning.

Here is how Carol recounts the events of the weekend: “On Friday a week ago Chris arrived at Piedmont Hospital the sickest he had been. The medical team worked on him for two days to get him in better condition. When a local donor became available, it could only have been received by someone who was already in the hospital. The treatments he had received for two days had him poised to receive that liver. Local organs are preferred exponentially because it doesn’t involve a long time to travel. The surgeon said if he had gotten the liver of a 75-year-old person, that liver would have a grade of C-. And he said Chris could have lived a very healthy life with that C-liver. However, the liver he received had an exceptional grade of A-. We do not know anything about the donor, except that he was local and it was a male and clearly with such a high-grade liver, he was very healthy. Chris did so well, he was off the ventilator before he even left the operating room. He lost a minimal amount of blood in the surgery. And he was in ICU for only 36 hours.”

On Monday afternoon following the transplant, Chris was eating a small amount of broth and Jello. Chris was transferred from ICU to a regular room on Tuesday evening. And then he was discharged to go home on Saturday afternoon.

The journey is not over over. During the next few months of recuperation and adjustment, Chris will be following a prescribed diet and will have very limited visits with his friends. Every transplant patient is aware of the risk of rejection. So our prayers for Chris will continue during his journey to complete healing.

Every transplant story is unique. Chris and Carol are grateful for every prayer and every word of encouragement. And they are thankful for the incredible transplant team at Piedmont Hospital.

This week at Wieuca we are celebrating and giving thanks for the unfolding transplant testimony of Chris Hoover. What a difference a week makes!

Holy Week: Re-Tracing the Steps of Jesus

On March 27, 2024March 28, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Holy Week is a season for reflection and soul-searching, a week to re-trace the steps of Jesus toward the cross and to contemplate the depth of God’s love. During this week, Christ followers and spiritual inquirers from all around the globe will be focused once again on the events that led to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

Speaking of such holy days, Brian McLaren reminds us, “These special holidays give rise to various liturgical calendars that suggest we should mark our days not only with the cycles of the moon and seasons, but also with occasions to tell our children the stories of our faith community’s past so that this past will have a future, and so that our ancient way and its practices will be rediscovered and renewed every year.”

The word “holy” is a healthy and meaningful word, though one of the most misunderstood terms in the English language. It does not nearly suggest “spiritual superiority” or “moral perfection.” The word “holy” refers to people or things set apart for specific, and usually religious, purposes. In the New Testament the Greek word for holy is “hagios” which means “different,” and it is most often used to underscore practices and lifestyles that correlate to a standard different than the cultural norm.

Why is observing Holy Week important to our preparation for Easter? Here’s a bit of history: The traditional observance of Holy Week seems to have originated in the Christian East, emerging out of the practice of pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Each day of Holy Week is important but at least five days call for specific reflection. Palm Sunday is a day to revisit the royal welcome extended to Jesus by the curious crowd as he entered Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday believers recall the occasion when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples as he gave them a new mandate to love and serve. Good Friday is a day to review the passion and suffering of Christ on the cross. Holy Saturday (or Easter Even) commemorates the day that Jesus lay in the tomb. And Resurrection Sunday, or Easter, is a festive day to celebrate and proclaim that “Christ is risen; He is risen indeed.”

Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, long-time senior minister at Northminster Church in Monroe, Louisiana before his passing, described the progressive steps in a meaningful pre-Easter journey: “Holy Week services bring into focus dimensions of discipleship that are missed completely by a simple leap from Palm Sunday to Easter. Worship services which take seriously the truths of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday please God because they challenge a greater commitment and a more comprehensive ministry of compassion among the people of God.”

This year as we navigate through each episode of Holy Week, here are a few suggestions for honest and healthy soul-searching:

Read the gospel account in John 12-20.
Listen to the conflicting voices in the crowd
Meditate on the cruel injustice of the cross.
Imagine the passion of Christ’s suffering.
Think on the hopelessness felt by his disciples.
Celebrate the hope of the resurrection.
Renew your commitment to faithfully follow Jesus.

The introspective prayer recorded in Psalm 139:23-24 is extremely relevant and probing during Holy Week:

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

This year, as we read the biblical account with fresh eyes, and listen to the sounds of Holy Week with fresh ears, it may seem as though we are encountering the story for the very first time. At the end of the week you may concur with N.T. Wright who proposed, “The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.”

An intentional and focused journey through Holy Week may deepen our faith and inspire us to follow Jesus with unrelenting resolve.

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor of the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach with the Center for Healthy Churches. You can follow him on Twitter @BarrysNotes.)

Before the Dogwoods Bloom: How the Date for Easter Is Chosen

On March 20, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Easter is coming a little early this year, well before the dogwoods bloom. Christmas is always on December 25. Why is Easter not on the same date every year?

Last year Easter was on April 9. This year we will celebrate Easter on March 31. Next year Easter comes on April 20, just as the redbuds, dogwoods, and azaleas are beginning to bloom.

Why does the date vary? Since the date of Easter is not an actual anniversary of the resurrection, when is the most appropriate time to celebrate?

That very question caused considerable debate and controversy in the early church. A quarrel broke out in the middle of the second century between church leaders in Rome and those in Asia Minor regarding the appropriate date for celebrating Easter. The practice in the East was to observe Easter according to the moon, regardless of the day of the week the observance fell on. The practice in Rome was to wait until the following Sunday.

Bishop Polycarp, who was a disciple of the apostle John, represented the East, and Bishop Anicetus represented the West. Since they could not agree on the date, each continued to observe Easter according to his own conviction. The controversy became so intense that it threatened the harmony of the Christian world.

Councils were called in Rome and Palestine to debate the merits of both arguments. Most of the participants generally favored celebrating Easter on Sunday. When the Bishop from Ephesus and many of the churches in Asia Minor refused to change their practice, they were declared “excommunicated” from the church by Bishop Victor of Rome.

Later, the Council of Nicaea, convened by Augustine in A.D.325, affirmed the calculation used to determine the official date of Easter and that calculation is still used today. Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon falling on or after March 21. Therefore, Easter cannot come before March 22 or after April 25.

The connection to the lunar calendar is a nod to the Passover, the Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is during the Passover that Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples, which holds immense significance in Christian theology.

Even though the name “Easter” is packed with spiritual implications, the term is derived from a pagan spring festival. Some believe it was named after the Teutonic god or goddess of spring. However, the name was seized by Christian believers and converted to a day of worship and feasting to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

Popular gospel singer Sheri Easter points out, “This week, whatever you may be facing, remember that in three short days, the disciples and family of Christ went from hopelessness to hopeful –from devastation to celebration, from defeat to victory! Because of the cross and the tomb, you have a hope in Christ!”

Regardless of when it appears on the calendar, in March or April, Easter is a high and holy day, a designated occasion to affirm and announce the resurrection, which is the foundation of the Christian gospel.

(Barry Howard serves as pastor of the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a columnist and leadership coach with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife, Amanda, currently reside in Buckhead.)

10 Practices to Help Us Cultivate a Jesus Worldview

On March 8, 2024March 8, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Irish singer and songwriter, Bono, of the band U2 confesses, “I believe Jesus is the Son of God; if we could be more like him, the world would be transformed.”

It’s one thing to confess, “I believe in Jesus.” It’s another thing to learn and live by a Jesus worldview. Cultivating a Jesus worldview is the heart of discipleship.

In a world filled with diverse ideologies and beliefs, cultivating a Jesus worldview can provide a compass for navigating life’s complexities. Here are 10 key practices to help you foster and deepen this perspective:

1. Read and reflect on the stories and teachings of Jesus in the Bible. The foundation of a Jesus worldview lies in learning and practicing these teachings. Regularly engage with the Bible, exploring not just the words, but the context and deeper meanings behind them.

2. Set aside time each day for prayer. Seek the guidance and wisdom of Jesus through prayerful reflection. Let prayer be your constant connection to the divine source of strength and peace.

3. Gather with other Jesus followers for worship. Make worship a priority in your life by participating in church services regularly. Connect with fellow believers to encourage one another, receive spiritual nourishment, and be inspired by the stories of Jesus.

4. Practice forgiveness. Embrace the transformative power of forgiveness in your relationships. Let go of grudges and resentments, and extend grace to those who have wronged you, just as Jesus forgave us.

5. Be generous with your time, talents, and resources. Follow Jesus’ example of generosity and selflessness by giving freely to those in need and supporting ministries that are making a positive impact in the world.

6. Live with purpose and integrity. Align your attitudes and actions with the principles of truth and righteousness that Jesus taught. Strive to honor God in all that you do. Let your life reflect the values and teachings of Jesus, serving as a beacon of light in a world that often feels lost.

7. Advocate for justice, righteousness, and equality. Stand up for just causes in your community by advocating for the marginalized and oppressed. Let your actions reflect God’s heart for social justice and equality.

8. Promote unity within the church body. Jesus prayed for unity among his followers. Strive for harmony within our church family, embracing diversity and fostering an atmosphere of love and understanding.

9. Develop an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances. Recognize and appreciate the blessings in your life, acknowledging that every good gift comes from God.

10. Treat others with respect, especially those who are different from you. To counter the toxicity in our public discourse, it is important in our church and community that we learn better ways to disagree. A Jesus worldview teaches us to love our adversaries. When we listen respectfully to those with different viewpoints, we can learn more about the issues on which we disagree.

In John 10:10 Jesus summarizes, “I am come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The path to this full and meaningful life becomes clearer as we see ourselves and our world through the eyes of Jesus.

Cultivating a Jesus worldview is an ongoing journey that requires dedication and intentionality. By immersing ourselves in Jesus’ stories and teachings, embracing love and compassion, and living with humility and integrity, we can engage the transformative power of a Jesus worldview in our communities and our world.

For more information check out the Jesus Worldview Initiative at Belmont University. (www.jesusworldview.org.)

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor of the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist for the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife, Amanda, currently live in Brookhaven, Georgia.)

Empowering the Next Generation: 5 Reasons We Invite Our Students to Lead in Worship

On March 1, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

One good way to affirm and encourage the students in your church is to invite them to regularly participate in the life and liturgy of the church.

In I Timothy 4:12 Paul advises his young protégé, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

When I was growing up, the small rural church where I was raised planned a Youth Sunday almost every year. On that Sunday, the junior high and high school students of our church would teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, and lead the various parts of worship including making the announcements, offering the prayers, reading the scriptures, and serving as ushers.

Those are still memorable experiences. Most years I was asked to serve as an usher, but one year I was asked to lead the music, which was way outside my comfort zone.

One of the most impactful things a church can do to enhance a multigenerational approach to ministry is to empower students to take an active role in leading worship. Their energy, creativity, and perspective can breathe fresh energy into our worship experiences.

At the church I currently serve, each year we plan a Student-Led Worship Service where our students lead the entire service. And then throughout the year, we invite students to participate in worship leadership by sharing scripture readings, prayers, music, and creative arts.

Here are 5 reasons we invite our students to lead in worship:

When students lead in worship it nourishes their faith. Participating in worship leadership can enrich their spiritual journey by prompting them to probe their faith at a deeper level.
When students lead in worship it cultivates their leadership skills. Active engagement in worship leadership can help them discover their spiritual gifts and further develop their leadership potential.
When students lead in worship it exercises their creativity. Students are imaginative and expressive, and opportunities to lead in worship can provide a venue for utilizing their artistic gifts.
When students lead in worship it blesses our congregation. I have noticed that when students and children participate in a worship service, the congregation is uniquely inspired and encouraged.
When students lead in worship it shapes the future of the church. Inviting our students to lead in worship is not just about giving them a platform; it’s about investing in the future of our church and empowering the next generation of believers.

My participation in worship leadership on those Youth Sundays from my growing-up years broke the ice of getting this shy and introverted kid in front of a loving and supportive congregation. Over the years, as I have witnessed students take part in worship leadership through singing, speaking, planning, greeting, and ushering, these experiences have had a positive influence on the church and made a lasting impact on the students.

A multigenerational church treasures multigenerational participation. In her book, How to Grow Your Church Younger and Stronger, Cecilia Chan insists, “Don’t just invite youths to the party, give them a seat at the table.”

(Barry Howard serves as pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)

A Lenten Reflection: Making Space for Grace

On February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 By barrysnotesLeave a comment

Popular author and speaker Anne Lamott confesses, “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” To grow spiritually, we must perpetually aim to make more space for grace within and among us.

As a penitential exercise for Lent, I invite you to pray the words of Psalm 51:11-17: “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

As we progress deeper into our Lenten journey, we are wise to revisit the words of Psalm 51, a heartfelt cry of repentance and a plea for renewal. Likely written by King David in the aftermath of his grievous sins, it is a song of contrition and a fervent desire for restoration.

Verse 11 resonates deeply with us: “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” David recognized that his sins had distanced him from God, and he implored for grace not to be removed. As we journey through Lent, we too may feel the weight of our transgressions. We may have moments when we fear being cast away from God’s presence. Yet, in our repentance, we find hope.

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit,” David continued in verse 12. Lent is a time of rediscovering the joy of salvation, a season for turning our hearts back to the One who offers grace and renewal. We can take comfort in knowing that God delights in restoring those who genuinely seek forgiveness.

But renewal is not just for our benefit alone. In verses 13-15, David expressed a desire to share his experience with others. He wished to teach transgressors God’s ways and to witness sinners returning to a right relationship with God. Lent provides an opportunity for us to do the same—to reflect on our own journey of renewal and to extend grace to those in need.

In verses 16-17, David recognized the profound truth that God desires a broken and contrite heart more than sacrifices. It is not religious rituals or external displays of piety that move God’s heart but the genuine humility and repentance of a contrite spirit.

This Lent, as we reflect on Psalm 51:11-17, may we find encouragement in knowing that God’s grace is available to us, no matter the magnitude of our transgressions.

Philip Yancey contends, “Grace is the most perplexing, powerful force in the universe, and, I believe, the only hope for our twisted, violent planet.”

Prayer: May your grace saturate the hard-to-reach places in me, and then may I share your grace with others so that they may know that your “grace is greater than all our sin.” Amen.