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Slapped Anyone Lately?

Slapped Anyone Lately?

by | Apr 3, 2012 | Accountability, Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Humor, video

Growing up watching the 3 Stooges provided hours of laughter. Their comedy is timeless and still makes me laugh. The Three Stooges will always be remembered as comedic geniuses and as one of the best comedy dream teams who made our day by slapping the laughter out of us. Honestly, the slaps look real to me 🙂

I chose this video to show that oftentimes we do something similar to guests each Sunday. Sometimes the way we treat our guests is equivalent to a slap in the face. And when that happens, guests forget everything else (awesome praise & worship, children’s ministry, & the message) – even the good that happened before the slap.

A slap in the face to a guest can be a number of things. It can be an insensitive comment from the pulpit, a moment of awkwardness, a harsh word from an usher, or a nasty glance from a member.

Since Easter is our “Spiritual Superbowl” let’s do everything within our power not to spiritually slap our guests. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Mars Hill, let’s make Easter Weekend memorable and not “spiritually slap” anyone.

Slapped Anyone Lately?

The Cost of Freedom: Lessons From Trayvon Martin’s Tragic Death – Pt. 2

by | Mar 26, 2012 | regular

As I reflect on Trayvon Martin’s tragic death, I can’t help but view it through the lens of a father, pastor, and drum major for social justice. If you haven’t read the first installment, you can READ IT HERE. Today, we’ll take a look at Trayvon’s death through the lens of a pastor and resident theologian.

Personally, I don’t believe Trayvon was gunned down because he wore a hoodie (Sorry Geraldo Rivera – you’re dead wrong). We live in a broken world where people do evil things. Mr. Zimmerman allowed his prejudices, assumptions, and suspicions to cloud his ability to just walk away.

“Why did God allow Trayvon’s tragic death” is the #1 question people ask when they discover I’m a pastor. In dealing with the problem of evil in the world, we run into many problems like this one.

Could God have prevented Trayvon’s death? Yes, He could have.

God could also have prevented the Middle Passage and the enslavement of Africans, the Spanish Inquisition’s torture of dissidents, and Nero’s reign of terror. In each case, God allowed evil men to exercise a certain amount of power for a short period of time. 



Ultimately, we do not know the reasons for what God allows. His ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). His sovereign plan takes in the whole scope of history, past, present, and future, encompassing every possible course of action, every cause and effect, every potentiality, and every contingency.

By faith, we trust that His plan is the best plan possible for restoring fallen humanity and a cursed world to righteousness and blessing. 



But we can understand this: God’s permission is not the same as His approval.

God permitted Adam to eat of the forbidden tree, but He did not approve of the action. In the same way, God’s allowing Trayvon’s death in no way suggests His approval of it. God is grieved by the sinfulness of man and the hardness of his heart (Genesis 6:6; Mark 3:5). 



We also know that God has done everything possible to redeem us from the sin, which would destroy us. He gave His only Son, who sacrificed His life for our sin and took our penalty. All who turn to Jesus Christ in faith are saved. The sin in this world, and horrors such as Trayvon’s death, are a direct result of mankind’s continued rebellion against God.



The question is not so much “Why did God allow Trayvon’s death?” 

God gives mankind freedom of choice. We can choose to follow Him and take a stand for righteousness, or we can rebel against Him and pursue evil.

The problem resides in the heart of man. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Until man’s heart turns to God, the world will continue to witness “racially motivated” shootings and black-on-black crime.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?

Slapped Anyone Lately?

The Cost of Freedom: Lessons From Trayvon Martin’s Tragic Death – Pt. 1

by | Mar 23, 2012 | regular

When I think about Trayvon Martin’s tragic and horrific death, I can’t help but view it through the lens of a father, pastor, and drum major for social justice.  Before we begin, please allow me to offer my condolences to the family as they deal with the aftermath of this tragedy.  Today, we’ll take a look at Trayvon’s tragic death through the lens of a father of two teenage sons.  

When I think about Trayvon’s death, I think about my two sons, Myles (17) and Joshua (15).  You’d have to be a parent (especially sons) to understand that just because you’re free to wear anything, that freedom comes with consequences and responsibilities.  Furthermore, living in a racially diverse neighborhood comes with a set of unwritten rules and a certain way of doing things.  The rules were there before we moved in and they’ll remain when we’re long gone. 

Before my sons leave the house, I give them my standard stump speech:

  1. If you can, please don’t wear hoodies.  If you do, take the hood off.
  2. No saggin
  3. Always respect official law enforcement
  4. If anything goes wrong, CALL YOUR PARENTS IMMEDIATELY

Why?

Unfortunately, baggy/saggin jeans, hoodies, doo-rags, & New Era Caps, made popular by the hip-hop culture, are WRONGLY associated with criminal intent.  It’s sad and shallow to think that people make snap judgments and reinforce their biases based solely on first impressions. 

Again, although my sons are free to wear whatever they want, I teach them to limit their freedom since we live in a racially polarizing world.  I know some will push back and label me an assimilationist.  I’m fine with that.  I’d rather be an assimilationist with my sons alive than burying them for expressing themselves.  They’re mine and I’ll do whatever I need to do to protect them. 

What are your thoughts?  Do you agree or disagree?

Slapped Anyone Lately?

The Back Story: There’s A Story Behind My Praise

by | Mar 20, 2012 | regular

Trying to describe what’s going on at Mars Hill Baptist Church is as easy as trying to nail jell-o to the wall. It’s IMPOSSIBLE and INDESCRIBABLE. Someone once said, “If you can explain what God’s doing, then God’s not doing it.” An authentic move of God cannot be reduced to a formula, three steps, or packaged and sold as the next great fad to grow churches. However, experience teaches that if you desire God’s presence, authentic praise is your catalyst.

Psalm 22:3, says, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” Ok, so what does that mean? It means God lives, dwells, and manifests Himself in your circumstance when you praise Him. Our praise penetrates Heaven and causes atmospheric disturbances (see 2 Chronicles 22:1-30; Acts 16:16-26). Praise is our weapon of choice when we face circumstances beyond our control.

Praise God “IN” Everything

I notice people have no problem praising God when things go well. It’s standard operating procedure to praise God in good times. However, many forget to praise when the going gets rough. It’s a fact that some default to worry which says, “God, I don’t believe you can fix this.” When do we pump up the volume on our praise? It’s when the circumstance is beyond my control.

Praise God “FOR” Everything

True praisers learn that praise IS NOT conditional. Praise is our default position. We’re ready to praise God for the good, the so-so, and even the bad. God may not send the bad, but He sometimes allows it to come to fulfill His purpose. Consequently, we should praise God for all things, knowing that He works everything together for our good and His glory.

Praise God “WITH” Everything

It amazes me how silent people are when God does something miraculous! If God healed me, delivered me, or saved my life, there’s no one who could stop me from telling it. Personally, I can’t keep quiet about what the Lord’s doing in my life, my family, our members, and Mars Hill. Again, I’m amazed how people can sit in silence and not praise God with everything. He gave you a voice – use it. He gave you hands – clap them. He gave you feet – stomp them. We must show our thanks to God by putting everything we are and own at His disposal.

Did I convince you to adopt praise as a lifestyle?

Slapped Anyone Lately?

The Church of Apple Inc.

by | Mar 13, 2012 | regular

Last week, Apple summoned reporters to an event to unveil a new version of its popular tablet computer – The New iPad. “Apple clearly sent a message to all of the manufactures lining up to complete with it: Just go home.” (Andy Ihnatko – Chicago Sun-Times). Apple calls it “Resolutionary.”

Apple is a very successful company. They’re innovative, swimming in cash, and have the friendliest staff I’ve ever met. I began thinking: “What could the church learn from Apple?” Theologically, I understand the church is a body and not a business and incorporating business models is risky (some may even say it’s heretical). Whatever! I’m a believer in principles and if there’s a transferrable principle, I’m applying it.

After visiting Apple’s retail stores and buying their products, the church can learn a lot if they would open their eyes and use a little imagination.

Here’s what we can learn:

  1. Work hard to simplify – Apple has a knack for clearing out clutter and making things simple and therefore elegant. There is no wasted space. Everything is not minimalistic, but simple. “The difference is minimalists sacrifice features for less. Simple offers the basic features needed in a way that is uncluttered and uncomplicated. People say that a Mac is best for people who don’t want to tinker. The iPhone (my current device) is a closed environment but that makes it really easy to use (KevinPurcell.org).” Too often churches are cluttered with ministries, programs, & events that drown the mission. Mars Hill focuses on four pillars: Worship, Relationships, Growth, and Service. Less clutter…less noise.
  2. Tight Integration of Products – The Mac ecosystem all fits together beautifully. This was never more obvious than when watching Apple demo their iPad 2 with its new cover. I can take Garage Band, a music creation tool, and export it to play on an iPod, import it into their video editors (iMovie or Final Cut) or just keep it on the Mac. Videos that are created on the Mac are easy to get onto an iPad or iPod Touch. iTunes is a central place for all the media one wants on their iPod, iPhone, PC or AppleTV. It all just works together so nicely (KevinPurcell.org). Unfortunately, churches programs and ministries just don’t fit and they’re all over the place. The culprit: They try to be all things to all people…a recipe for disaster.
  3. Strong Visionary Leadership – Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO (deceased) was forced out of the company he founded in the 90’s and Apple nearly went bankrupt. Fast forward to 2011…Apple’s one of the most innovative and admired companies in the world. There’s no doubt who’s in charge at Apple. Steve Jobs is that single strong leader who has a clear vision and empowers those around him to achieve their best while fitting into the vision he has laid out. He doesn’t do everything. But he does have his imprint on everything. Too often pastors are handcuffed by deacons, church boards, and trustees. What’s the takeaway for churches: There’s one vision & God gave it to that visionary leader.

That’s what I learned from Apple (so far).

Question: What about you? Are there other companies you’d like to add? Let’s talk!