Christology.Missiology.Ecclesiology.

Raising a Modern-day Knight

2012-02-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Family Friday

Have you ever wondered, “How will a boy know when he has become a man?”[1] Whether you consciously think through the answer or not, it’s an important question. If a boy doesn’t know when he’s arrived at manhood, he’ll never know what he’s supposed to do once he gets there.

Is it when he turns 18? When he gets a job? Joins the military? Takes a woman to bed? None of those provide a one-size-fits-all cutoff for manhood. In American culture especially, that poses a problem. When we don’t lay out clear expectations for a transition to manhood, we’re left with a generation full of nothing more than boys who can shave.

Adam vs. Adam

The two most prominent men in the Bible are Adam and Jesus. Paul compares these two men to give us an example of what right looks like. He calls the Adam of Genesis “the first Adam” and Jesus Christ “the last Adam.” He basically sets up a “there are two kinds of men in the world” argument. Those who pattern after the first Adam ultimately die, while those who follow the Second Adam win (1 Cor 15.22).[2]

What’s that look like on the ground? Comparing Adam’s behavior in the Garden to Jesus’ approach to life gives us a good picture of what a man is supposed to look like. Based on a quick reading of Gen 2.15-17, it looks like God placed Adam in Eden with three responsibilities: he has a will to obey (don’t eat the fruit), a work to do (cultivate the garden), and a woman to love (Eve). This is what every man is put on earth to do.

Will to Obey

Solomon lived most of his life chasing women, building wealth, and cultivating knowledge. However, near the end of his life he wrote: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.”[3] Solomon’s dilemma was the same one faced by so many men today. They never learn (or accept) the wisdom of having a will greater than their own. Consequently, men live life without moral restraint only to “arrive”[4] and discover they have produced nothing of consequence. As James Dobson put it, they “…climb the ladder of success only to find it’s leaning against the wrong building.”

How do you help your son avoid this? By teaching him the wisdom in obeying God’s will. He must learn what Christ learned: nourishment comes from doing the will of God (Jn 4.34). Adam had the entire garden at his disposal but gave it up by failing to obey God’s will. Jesus had the entire world on his shoulders, but stood tall because it was what He came to do (Mt 26.42).

So what? Parents must teach their children to constantly ask one simple question: “What is the right thing to do?” (not: what is prudent, what feels good, or even what is the most practical)

Work to Do

The best gift we can give God is our own life fully lived. God gifted your son in a way that makes him unique from everyone else (1 Pet 4.10). It’s your job to help him figure out what those gifts are and then encourage him to pursue them for the glory of God. To be clear: it’s NOT your job to teach him your design, your plans, and your ambition for his life. God’s knows your boy better than you do.

How do you do that? Expose him to a variety of experiences as a child: sports, the arts, multiple subjects and academic disciplines, etc. Then encourage him by having an active interest in the areas he chooses for himself.

It’s not enough to stop there though. We must impress on our sons their two-fold responsibility when it comes to work. Men work to provide (1 Tim 5.8), and men work to build the Kingdom (2 Tim 2.15). Our boys can’t see us do either one at the expense of the other. So, he watches Dad take his place at the church AND he sees Dad faithfully lace up his boots and go to work every day. Being too busy for Kingdom responsibilities or calling in sick to lead five weekly Bible studies is a failure either way.

Woman to Love

When the serpent showed up to tempt Eve, we’d expect to see her husband come running with a garden hoe ready to cut the thing’s head off. We all know that’s not what happened though. Instead, Adam adopted what may be one of the most non-manly character traits possible: passivity. He became passive, idly standing by while she swallowed the hook (Gen 3.6).

Is anything different today? How many men “tune out” the minute they walk in the door? They become passive participants in their family’s affairs, confident that a paycheck is all they need from him.[5]

Jesus, on the other hand, came running when sin tempted his bride. As Lewis put it: “[Jesus] refused to do nothing when sin encroached upon the created order. He was spiritually and socially aggressive.”[6] The Bible patterns relationships in the home after the structure of the church.

Ephesians 5:23 (NLT)
²³ For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church...

To avoid any confusion (and reject all forms of male passivity), Paul makes clear the man’s role in all of this:

Ephesians 5:25 (NLT)
²⁵ For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her

In real life, this means your son learns from you, dad, what it means to sacrificially love a woman in a way that puts his needs and desires second to hers. Seize teachable moments as life happens in your home; actively instruct him in the way real men love, honor, protect, and provide for their wives.

Home is where life makes up its mind. So, when the time comes for your son to decide what kind of man he will be, the one he saw living under your roof will have the greatest impact. Show him what right looks like.

Chime In

How do you define manhood in your family?

[1] This series is, in many ways, a summary of the outstanding book: “Raising a Modern-day Knight,” by Robert Lewis (Tyndale, 1997). Much of the material is adapted (fancy for ‘plagiarized’) straight from his work.

[2] I want my sons to be winners, but I’m not going to name them “Walker” and “Texas Ranger.”

[3] (Ecc 12.1; see also vv. 13-14)

[4] Whatever that means

[5] There is no shortage of government aid programs to make sure families have food and housing. If your entire role as father could be replaced by a welfare check and some food stamps, you need to reevaluate what it means to be called, “Dad.”

[6] Lewis, p54.

Five Love Languages: Here, Try This

2012-01-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

Family Friday

Last week I told you to the key to a great relationship is becoming bilingual. This post is a practical, “Here, try this…” guide to trying out your new skills.[1]Christian psychologist and researcher Gary Chapman has spent over 30 years working with couples, and he’s discovered five primary ways men and women give and receive love. He calls them love languages, and you shouldn’t attempt marriage without them!

1. Words of Affirmation

Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” That may be pushing the limits, but his point is clear: approval from those around us is a powerful thing. Unfortunately, many couples never learn the power of a well-placed compliment. In any marriage, it is always important to occasionally remind our spouse, "I want you to know I don't take you for granted.” But, if you’re married to someone who has words of affirmation as his/her primary love language, that phrase puts wind in their sails!There are various dialects of this love language, so it’s up to you to figure out which one means the most to your spouse. Here are a few examples of affirming speech:

Words of encouragement: I believe in you. I know you can do this. If anyone’s able, it’s you.
Compliments & praise: You look awesome in that suit. Your hair is nice. Your speech was fantastic!
Gratitude: Thank you for mowing the grass. Being your husband is a blessing. I appreciate you so much.

Try This:

Keep a notebook:
- (1) As you watch TV, read, listen to music, etc. jot down ideas, lyrics, specific compliments or encouraging words that you’d like to share with your spouse. This way, you’ll always have a bank of powerful things to say that would lift their spirits or put an extra bounce in their step.
- (2) Write down every time you compliment or praise your spouse. At the end of the week, show her the paper as one more reminder of all the ways you’ve appreciated her that week.
Be specific with your words. Find ways to compliment or affirm your partner in a way so precise that they’ll know you’ve put thought and care into what you’re saying.
Compliment in public—especially around peers, friends, coworkers, and/or family members.
Compliment indirectly (when you’re not in his presence). This way, when your words make their way back to your spouse, he’ll feel doubly blessed to know you’ve been “talking him up” to others.
Do it in writing so it can be read over and over.

2. Quality Time

Time is our most important resource because we can never make more of it. When you give your husband/wife your time, you’re giving them a part of yourself you’ll never get back. This speaks volumes to someone with quality time as her/his love language. It’s important to understand, however, that quality time spent together does not mean proximity. Simply being in the same house, room, or car does not constitute quality time[2].Quality time means giving your undivided attention (turn off the TV!) to your wife/husband. This communicates to her/him: “of all the things I could be doing right now, I’ve bypassed them all to spend time with you.” This can be hard with so many gadgets, people, books, chores and varieties of bacon fighting for your attention. You probably have some technology you’ll have to do without during this time.At our house, this means not answering the phone during dinner, eating our meals at the table—together, leaving our cell phone in the other room, and turning the TV off during conversations.

Try This:

Talk to each other by asking open-ended questions
Find a set of hobbies you could do together
Share “fun work” (gardening, yard work, cooking, etc.)
Ask your spouse what quality time means to him/her

3. Receiving Gifts

If receiving gifts is your spouse’s love language, don’t assume money is the issue. Money isn’t the issue, and you’re not “buying your husband’s love.” But, you are giving tangible gestures that symbolize your love in a way that is extremely powerful. Symbols carry an emotional value (just think of your wedding ring); every time your spouse looks at the gifts you gave her, she is reminded that you thought of her AND took the time to follow through on those thoughts by getting a gift.If this is your spouse’s language, learn a craft, plant a flower bed, take up calligraphy, stock up on cards, etc. Just take the time to reflect on what he/she values and then find a way to tangibly present them with symbols of your interest. Gifts given to your spouse are the best investment you can make; you’re investing in the person you’ll be with for the rest of your life!

Try This:

If you travel often, make it a habit not to come home empty-handed. Stop on the side of the road to pick a flower, bring a card, or start a tradition of bringing home a rock from everywhere you travel. It need not be big nor expensive—just heart-felt.
Ask family members or close friends for ideas on what they’d like or an item they’ve been talking about lately.
Keep a notebook of items you’ve observed them noticing or commenting on.
Space it out! Most spouses would value twelve small gifts spaced out over a year rather than one big gift (think one rose given every month rather than a dozen given only once).
Find out if your spouse would prefer practical gifts or symbolic/decorative ones. Be sure you’re catering to their preferences, not yours.

4. Acts of Service

This one is pretty simple: doing things you know your spouse would like you to do. Any chore or act of service—if done willingly and with a positive spirit—can be an act of love. Many men may default into showing love this way simply because it’s what we’re most comfortable with. It's in the male psyche to want something to do, fix, solve, or create. If this is your wife’s primary language, great! If not, you don’t have to stop showing love through your work, but you do need to adapt and learn to speak the language she prefers.Whether you’re the husband or the wife, if this is your love language, don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Allowing your emotional needs to be neglected because you feel too guilty to “ask for favors” only does more harm to your marriage in the long run. Acts of service can be as simple as making a cup of coffee, taking out the trash, or cleaning up after dinner.

Try This:

Ask your spouse to make a list (honey-do list, to-do list, whatever). At the top of the list write, "If you did these things, I would feel loved.” Then ask your spouse to fill in the rest. (Then do the things on the list)
Observe your spouse’s routine and try to determine which tasks you could take off his plate. Surprise him by having them done before he gets around to it.

5. Physical Touch

The body is for touching. Physical touch is a powerful vehicle for communicating love--especially within a marriage. The way we apply physical touch can make or break a relationship. It can communicate either hate or love. If physical touch is your spouse’s language, ask her how she’d like you to make use of this gift. In all five languages, your spouse is the best source for learning what works and what won't work.Of our five senses, touch is the only one not limited to one localized area. The whole body can become a canvas for communicating love. Sexual intercourse can be a powerful dialect, but it is only one dialect of many in this language. Don’t neglect: holding hands, playing with each other’s hair, kissing, hugging, back rubs, footsie under the table, etc.

Try This:

Touch in public. It communicates: "Even with all of these people here, you are the one I choose to touch."
Learn to be a good masseur/masseuse. (take a class or read a book)
Initiate sex by starting with a foot massage and working your way around the entire body
Never leave for the day without a goodbye kiss. Make a habit of kissing whenever you come home as well.

Conclusion

The bottom line: everyone performs better at life when our love tank is full. Learn to speak your spouse’s love language in a way that zeroes in on their deepest desires. You’ll never get what you want out of marriage by depriving your spouse of what they want, so learn to give him/her goose bumps again!

Chime In

What do you do to speak your mate’s love language?

[1] You know, nun chuck skills, cage-fighting skills, computer hacker skills, etc.

[2] However, being in the same bathtub does, if their love language is physical touch.

2012-01-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

Family Friday

Love Languages: Which One do You Speak?

Have you ever tried to speak to someone who didn’t know English? Maybe you were in a foreign country or on the phone with someone working overseas? It didn’t matter how hard you tried, how sincere your intentions were, or how loud you raised your voice, the other person just couldn’t understand what you were saying. And, that wasn’t going to change until one of you learned another language.Being married can be a lot like that (although, hopefully not as frustrating). Everyone experiences love in an entirely different way—sometimes so differently that it’s as if we’re married to someone from another country. And, until you learn to speak their “love language,” you’ll forever frustrate your efforts to show him/her true love.

Step One

The first step to loving your partner is learning another language. You don’t have to learn Spanish or Italian[1], but you do have to learn the love language spoken by your spouse. Being sincere isn’t enough if you’re not saying or doing the things your wife or husband values most. Some husbands buy their wives gifts to show love (because that’s what they’d appreciate) when she’d prefer quality time with him. Then they’re twice as frustrated when they’re broke AND the wife still feels unloved. Or, a wife may do little acts of service for her husband (again, because she’d be thrilled if he washed the dishes for her), but what he really values is a good compliment[2] or word of affirmation.Frustrating? Absolutely. Easy to overcome? Yes…if you’re willing to do the work. Next week I’ll break down all five “love languages” and give you some easy steps for trying out your new linguistic skills. For now, I want to give you a few pointers for figuring out which language you speak.Here they are, the Five Love Languages[3]:

Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

What’s Your Language?

Men: before you decide that physical touch is your language, hold on. Virtually all men like sex[4], but that doesn’t mean it’s their primary language. If you do not enjoy physical touch at other times—in nonsexual ways—it’s probably not your love language. The love language is what makes you feel most loved by your spouse.

Chapman suggests three questions for discovering your language:

What does your spouse do or fail to do that hurts you most deeply?
1. The opposite of what hurts you most is probably your love language.
What have you most often requested of your spouse?
1. The thing you have most often requested is likely the thing that would make you feel most loved.
In what way do you regularly express love to your spouse?
1. Your method of expressing love may be an indication that that would also make you feel loved.^{^[5]}

Answer those three questions in light of the five languages defined above. Then, ask your spouse to answer them.

Step two:

Come back next week to get practical suggestions for trying out your new skills.

Chime In

What is Your Love Language?

[1] Husbands: whispering a few romantic phrases in Italian or French might score you a couple points on the love-o-meter.

[2] Wives: even if your husband’s primary love language is not “Words of Affirmation,” never underestimate the power a well-placed compliment can have on a guy!

[3] These come from the bestselling book by Gary Chapman: The Five Love Languages (Northfield Publishing, 1992)

[4] I think there are 3 who don’t.

^{^[5]} Gary D. Chapman, The Five Love Languages, 138-39 (Chicago: Northfield Pub., 1992).

Lost that Loving Feeling?

2012-01-13T15:21:00.001-08:00

Family Friday

Lost that Loving Feeling?

Last week we defined love as a three-sided triangle (passion, intimacy, and commitment). We usually judge the love in our relationship by looking at only one leg of the triangle. If the passion is gone, we assume we’ve “fallen out of love.” But, the good news is: we still have other pieces of the triangle.Intimacy steps up to keep things warm if passion is running dry, and there’s the old-fashioned, grownup word “commitment” to help us “stick it out” when things are really rough. But, nobody wants to live like that forever. Marriage without passion is boring; love without intimacy is shallow.[1]So, what happens to love after the wedding? Everybody has asked themselves that question at some point. We start singing the Righteous Brothers’ tune “Lost that Loving Feeling” and worry that our marriage is going to end up as another statistic.[2] Psychologist and relationship researcher Dr. Dorothy Tennov says most couples “fall out of the love obsession” after two years of marriage. Then what? For those committed to not being another statistic, are they doomed to a lifetime of misery and loneliness?For many that answer is yes. They fall out of love, feel resentful and trapped, and end up hating the next 40 years of their life. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Marriage—every marriage—has the potential to be glorious…if you’re willing to do the hard work. The truth is this: love is a choice much more than it is a feeling. We all want to feel love, but few are willing to do the things required to generate the feelings.

Feelings Lie

And, this is where most marriages go wrong. We wait (and wait and wait and wait…) for the feelings to be right before we act in a loving way to our spouse. In reality though, our minds work the opposite: It is much easier to act your way into a feeling than to feel your way into an action. There is no end to the ways you can act your way into a feeling; I’ll be discussing all kinds of fun things over the weeks to come. But, it will always come down to this: Are you willing to deny yourself for the sake of your marriage?If your marriage isn’t what you’d like it to be now, I challenge YOU to be the hero of your relationship[3], lay down your demands, and embrace the selfless teachings of Jesus. Love your husband or wife the way they need to be loved before you feel like it. Be a catalyst for change. You will never get what you need by denying your spouse what they need.If your marriage is already great, good for you! Do me two favors: (1) Share your secret with us, and (2) Keep reading anyway. Every marriage can get better!

Chime In

How have you and your spouse worked to regain that loving feeling?

[1] And, homes without bacon are boring.

[2] Currently, 40% of first-time marriages end in divorce. That jumps to 60% with 2^nd marriages and 75% with 3^rd time.

[3] For a great book on being the hero to save your marriage, check out: Janssen, Al. The Marriage Masterpiece: A Bold New Vision for Your Marriage. Colorado Springs: Focus, 2001.

The Love Triangle

2012-01-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Family Friday

The Love Triangle

When couples come to my office for marriage counseling[1], one of the phrases I hear most often is, “I just don’t love her/him anymore.” When Hannah and I endured what we now refer to as the “black hole” of our relationship, few days went by when we didn’t say those very words to each other. But, whether you asked the Black Hole Era Mesaehs or any couple sitting in my office, “What’s love supposed to look like?” the answer you’ll usually get is, “I don’t know, but this ain’t it.”[2]

What does love look like?

So, if we don’t know what love looks like, how can we know if we “have it?” One psychologist developed the “triangular model[3]” of love to help us understand that lovin’ feeling. He says love is made up of the three components:

Passion

Young love is a flame; very pretty, very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable.
–Henry Ward Beecher

Passion is the raw, sensual, biological side of love. It makes our hair stand up, spine tingle, and motivates us to always have fresh breath whenever our mate is around. Passion is hot, physical, and often leads to sex[4]. Sex is God’s intended target for the passionate side of this triangle. Song of Solomon (the Bible’s manual for a passionate marriage) opens up with all passions roaring:

Song of Solomon 1:2 (NLT)
²Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.

However, passion turns immature and self-seeking if it is not linked with intimacy.

Intimacy

Intimacy is all about emotions. When you have it, home feels warm. It produces friendship, companionship, closeness, and the ability to really know someone. Couples who lack intimacy are unable to communicate, and they often feel like two strangers living in the same house. This can become a two-edged sword, because the best way to cultivate intimacy is to spend time talking, playing[5], planning, and simply “doing life” together. What’s intimacy look like in the Bible?

Genesis 2:24–25 (NLT)
²⁴ This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. ²⁵ Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.

Commitment

Commitment is the grown-up, thinking, willful side of love. It says, “I love you—not because of how you make me feel—but because I choose to love you.” Commitment banks on a future that’s not here yet. It’s the side of the triangle that endures a relationship’s cold seasons. In short, it’s the reason we know our mate will stay even when our breath isn’t minty fresh[6]. Jesus says it clearly:

Mark 10:9 (NLT)
⁹ let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

Sloppy Triangles

So, when a couple says they no longer “feel in love,” it’s most often because they don’t talk anymore, he’s stopped buying her flowers, she stopped brushing her teeth, or either one of them forgot what it means to pinky swear your way into a forever-obligation. The triangle hasn’t disappeared, it’s just become sloppy. The sides are uneven. We assume we’ve “fallen out of love” (quite possibly the phrase most destructive to the gift of marriage), when really we’re just judging the whole triangle by one broken leg.

Love without passion is companionship at best, dry at worst. You can get the same thing from a golden retriever[7].

Love without intimacy is shallow and foolish. Intimacy provides stabilizing knowledge that you can’t get any other way.

Love without commitment is immature and “hopelessly romantic.” NBC made an entire show about it in the 90s: Friends.

All relationships go through stages where one leg is shorter than the other. Stages of life change, so our marriages adapt to carry us through. Commitment comes along to say, “I’m staying with you for better or for worse.” Intimacy provides a friend when all other friends disappear. Passion motivates us to develop intimacy and commit to a life-long partnership.

Going the Distance

What’s the key to a marriage that goes the distance? Not basing your love on a sloppy triangle. When passions run low, use that time to cultivate intimacy—get to know each other on an even deeper level. When conversations seem shallow or communication is difficult, rely on the glue of commitment to carry you through.[8]

Only then will you be able to say: “We’ve put a lot of miles on this marriage. It has been exasperating, elating, horrible, wonderful, shackling, freeing. It has been our single most intimate source of conflict and of joy. Still, it has so much to offer.”[9]

Chime In

What’s your definition of love?

[1] Or, “relationship enhancement” for the Type A readers.

[2] Yes, I know ain’t ain’t a word, but everybody uses it. If my high school grammar teacher is reading this from heaven, I’m sorry.

[3] Robert Sternberg, “A triangular Theory of Love,” Psychological Review 93 (1986): 119-35.

[4] Which, in turn, leads to an increase in bedroom door locks once children gain the gift of mobility.

[5] Replacing intimacy with passion is most men’s goal and most women’s fear. “Why talk? Let’s just have sex.” vs. “Sex again? We need to talk first.” Yay.

[6] Which leads to that age-old battle between those who brush their teeth and those who don’t.

[7] But not a cat.

[8] Or, if you’re married, have sex then talk about it later. Win win.

[9] Quoted from: Parrot & Parrot: Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts

Unite the Clans

2011-12-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

One of my all-time favorite movies is Braveheart. William Wallace leads his fellow Scotsmen to fight for their freedom—escaping the clutches of an evil British king. In one of the most dramatic scenes of the entire movie, Wallace pleads with Robert the Bruce to use his influence and “unite the clans!” Scattered and out of sync, the Scottish clans stand little chance at achieving their freedom. But, if they could only unite and pursue their goal together, victory would soon be within their reach.

My desire for Defiance Christian Church in 2012 is that we unite the clans! Jesus’ mission on earth is to deliver people (1) out of the clutches of an evil, demonic king and (2) into a relationship with Him, where there is true peace, joy, and contentment. In the process, he unites the two most powerful clans the world has ever seen. What am I talking about? The church and the family. How are we going to do it? By thinking Orange.

Thinking Orange

Thinking Orange is a simple theory developed by Reggie Joiner, a founding pastor of one of the fastest-growing churches in America.^{^[1]} The concept is as old as Moses^{^[2]}: combine a warm, relational family unit (represented by the color red) with a bright, truth-declaring church (represented by the color yellow). What do you get? An Orange explosion—something stronger than either influence would make individually.

The Red Family

This means the leaders of DCC are going to work to make every family warmer, stronger, and healthier in the year ahead. We have some cool things up our sleeves, but the coolest one of all may be the decision to hire Jim Dotson as our new Pastor of Family Life and Administration. If you haven’t met Jim yet, he’s an awesome guy with a heart for Jesus, a ton of ambition for Jesus’ church, and an unfortunate fondness for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In addition, I’ll be running a “Family Friday” article on my blog to cover topics like marriage enrichment, couple’s communication, raising great kids, falling in love, family faith, etc. We want you to finish 2012 with the warmest, reddest family^{^[3]} you’ve ever known.

The Yellow Church

We also have plans to make our church glow brighter than it ever has. We’ll grow closer through small groups, further through community involvement, bigger through ambitious goals^{^[4]}, and wiser through a Bible Study Certificate program. These things are just a glimpse of all that your leaders have planned for our church family in 2012.

Red + Yellow = Orange.
Church + Family = a force to be reckoned with!

Unite the Clans,
-pastor bill

[1] Reggie’s church is North point Community Church in Atlanta, GA. You can read more about Thinking Orange here.

[2] Moses’ speeches throughout the book of Deuteronomy have an orange appeal to them. Check out Deut 6.4-6, for example.

[3] This does not imply all warm families are necessarily communist or republican.

[4] Growth goals for 2012: 250 first-time visitors, 400 in regular attendance by Christmas, and 10 baptisms

4 Reasons I am Thankful for DCC

2011-11-23T14:47:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving: a time to stop and give thanks for all the good in our lives. One of the “goodest” things God ever did for my family was bringing us to Defiance Christian Church. So, this year I made a list of the top four reasons why DCC means so much to me:

1. A Legacy of Excellence

Defiance Christian Church was founded by Bible-believing, Jesus-loving people over 60 years ago. Since that time, the US has endured recessions, wars, political scandals, and countless changes in the moral fabric of our society. Through it all, the servants, deacons, elders, and ministers of DCC have faithfully declared and shared God’s love with the greater Defiance area. The congregation that now calls 955 Standley “home,” does so on the shoulders of the saints who’ve come before us.

2. I Get to Do What I Love

Confucius said: “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Well, I can’t imagine a job I’d love more than the one the people of DCC called me to do. Teaching God’s Word and helping people develop faith in Jesus Christ is my life’s mission. Lord-willing, I’ll die in the pulpit someday. And, given the great folks who call DCC home, it’d be an honor for that to happen here (not any time soon though!).

3. Everybody’s Welcome

At Defiance Christian Church, we know we’re all sinners saved by nothing more than God’s grace. So, we keep the doors open wide for absolutely anyone who wants to ride with us on this awesome journey of God’s love. It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from, what you make or what you wear, you’ll find someone at DCC with a story similar to yours!

4. Everybody’s Loved

Once you’re a part of this family, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without them! I’ve never seen a church family so eager to “do life” together. This church rallies together in the good times and the not-so-good times. Need a meal? Need a coat? Have a coat and want to give it away? The answer to what (and Who) you’re looking for is Defiance Christian Church.

God has blessed my family tremendously through the friendships we’ve forged at DCC. I pray He does so for many years to come!

With Thanks,
-pastor bill

Heading to the Field

2011-08-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Heading to the Field

This weekend we go on standby for the course’s culminating field training exercise (FTX). If you’re not familiar with an FTX, I’ll briefly explain what they are and how they work.

What’s an FTX?

The goal of an FTX is for soldiers (marine, airmen, etc.) to take what they’ve learned in a classroom-type training environment out to “the field” for practical application and deeper training. “The field” is normally a wooded environment set up to simulate a combat-deployed situation. They vary as to how “hard” they are (a “hard site” is an area that has been semi-permanently established, may have buildings, poured concrete, running water, etc.). If you don’t deploy to a hard site for an FTX, then you bring your own tents and build everything you’ll need for the duration of the training. I don’t know where we’re heading for this site, but I assume it’s somewhere between completely hard and “go chop down those trees.”

Meals are mostly MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat). This is a complete meal (2K+ calories) in a fully enclosed bag with a long shelf life. The main courses are usually pretty good and can be heated with the provided “just add water” field cooker. The rest of the items are immediately traded on the MRE black market. Tootsie Rolls and the lemon pound cake (if you’re lucky enough to get one) have high trade value.

Showers are hit or miss. The harder the site, the better your chance of showering. If not, baby wipes are your best friend.

Once there, we’ll receive missions to accomplish and then go to work carrying them out “in a military manner.” Basically, it’s every little boy’s dream of playing army—only without the fun you always assumed would be part of it. I often joke that the military has a way of taking everything that used to be fun and sucking the fun out of it (camping, shooting, exercising, even eating). OK, that’s not true. Yes it is. No it’s not. Yes it is.

Getting Ready

We got an FTX packing list before we got here and were told to be packed and ready last night. This afternoon we’ll have a “bag drag.” This is where you bring your packed bag and have your supervisors go through it all to be sure you have everything. Everywhere you go in the military, “inspect what you expect” is the law of the land. It’s a good law. As a leader, the more you care, the more you inspect.

You can usually count on someone packing an oddball item just to catch the bag inspector off guard. Hot pink underwear packed in some guy’s bag is par for the course.

After the bag drag, the waiting begins. You’re told not to leave the area and to always be reachable “within 6 rings.” At some point, the phone rings, you grab your bags, go where you’re told, and get ready for the fun (“embrace the suck” is a common term than can often be inserted here as well).

Talk to you Later

That’s all I have for now. I’ll be waiting for the phone to ring (even though they told us when it’d probably come) and fill you in more when we get back.

Why I am a Chaplain (1 of 2)

2011-08-23T08:24:00.001-07:00

I’ve been asked many times (1) why I continue wearing the uniform, and (2) why I drastically changed career fields with the decision to become a chaplain. I think the best way to answer that is to explain what chaplains do. So, this is part 1 of a 2-part series attempting to do just that.

One of the main job descriptions of military chaplains is to ensure people in uniform have equal access to their rights afforded by the 1^st Amendment. My time at the Basic Chaplain Course has made clear how little most people (believers and non-believers) understand about the legally enforceable ramifications of the 1^st Amendment.

I have no intentions of engaging in an online debate regarding the free exercise of religion, so please don’t go there. But, I do want to answer another common question I get: “Doesn’t the military make you act like a universal minister, serving all faiths?”

Short answer: yes, and no. And I’m thankful for both. From the Air Force Chaplain Corps website:

“As members of a multicultural community, chaplains provide ministry to persons of their own faith group, yet also act as guardians of the free exercise of religion for all Air Force members and their families.”

Chaplains: Ministers to all Faith Groups

The buzzword is “religious accommodation,” and it’s an awesome responsibility laid on the shoulders of military chaplains. We’re here not to respect the beliefs of all people, but to respect their right to believe what they believe.

· Professionally, it goes beyond tolerance.

· Practically, it means chaplains do all they can to facilitate a military member’s practicing of his/her religious beliefs.

· Personally, it means I do everything I can to keep the military from getting in the way of someone’s religious convictions.

It will never mean I am forced to conduct a Buddhist, Islamic, or Catholic service (they wouldn’t want me to anyway; more on that in part 2), but it does mean I will use my position and privileges to get them a room, religious materials, or—if possible—the services of a respective cleric. I am not their cleric, nor do I share all of their convictions, but I can cooperate without compromising.

The words of two men motivate me to serve as a chaplain.

Jefferson

From the 1^st Amendment to the Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Contrary to the motivations of militant atheists, the Constitution does not mandate freedom from religion. It promises freedom of religion. That’s a monumental difference. The Constitution erects a wall ensuring the government will not impede a citizen’s right to pursue—or not pursue—God on their own terms. Chaplains wear uniforms to make certain that right carries over to military members.

If I limit my support to people who agree with me, I’m rejecting the 1^st Amendment and returning my country to the world it was in prior to the break with Great Britain—where believers had to believe what the state told them to believe. I don’t want that to be the world my boys inherit, so I do what I can to keep freedom alive.

Rev. Martin Niemoller says it well:

"In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."

Jesus

More importantly, the Bible tells me ministers are servants. I’ve read it quite a few times and never found a limit on who Jesus wants me to serve. He actually says Heaven will be filled with Christ-followers from every tongue, tribe, and nation because Christians on earth shared the love of Christ without reservation.

The military allows me to rub shoulders with ethnic and religious groups most people will never see. I pray Jesus uses my time in the uniform to add more tongues, tribes and nations to His Kingdom (more on that in pt 2 as well).

Chaplain School—Week 2

2011-08-14T19:01:00.001-07:00

Week 2 seemed like a longer week than the one before. But it’s over, and I’m now a third of my way toward graduation and returning to my family and friends. The weather was a cool 214 degrees Fahrenheit (give or take), but I’m neither in Afghanistan nor getting shot at, so in complete respect for those who are, I won’t complain.

We got trained up and certified in two areas this week:

MarriageCare

Curriculum written and produced by the Air Force to be used by AF chaplaincy when offering marriage retreats. The Army has a great program (Strong Bonds), and I hear the Navy has a good one as well (CREDO), so—in true military fashion—the Air Force decided they needed their own organic program. Since DCC is currently putting together our own marriage-enhancement retreat, I came to this training pretty excited.

Blah. That was my overall impression of MarriageCare. To be fair, my disappointment comes from my own personal convictions about what a marriage retreat should look like:

Guy-friendly (because we’re usually the ones in the relationship who don’t want to go)
Entertaining (because I believe it’s a sin take something as awesome as marriage or God’s Word and make it boring)
Immediately practical (in other words… “OK, So what?”)

Later in the week, I was asked by one of the instructors what I thought of MarriageCare. I quickly realized he wasn’t looking for honest feedback (again: in direct keeping with military fashion). Regardless, I’m trained up and have one more tool in my chaplain/pastor toolbox thanks to the research and development of the US Government.

ASIST

A training and education program helping people assist in suicide intervention. ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a wonderful program. I can tell the people who put it together truly care about lowering the suicide rate.

This two-day training ended on Friday. In an eerie twist of fate, I got a phone call late Saturday night from a member of the DCC Family telling me someone close to them had just committed suicide. Suicide is serious, but hurting people are not without help. If you or someone you know struggles with suicidal thoughts, please get help.
After Tweeting about this training during the week, I received a couple requests to offer similar training to the DCC family back home. If you’d be interested, please let me know.

More important than any training or certification is the sad news that two members of the DCC Family lost loved ones this week. Mary Arps lost her dear mother, and Susie Locher lost her son. Both deaths were unexpected. Both families need prayer and support. We all need the church.

For the Kingdom,
-pb

Chaplain School–Week 1

2011-08-06T15:23:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, I am in sunny South Carolina attending the Air Force’s Chaplain Corps College. A few years ago the Department of Defense (DOD) combined the services’ 3 different chaplain schools into one Chaplain College housed on the Army’s Ft. Jackson. The move was an effort to save money and mirror the inter-service approach to war-fighting already common across most of the military. I’m sure it saves quite a bit of money, but I’ve yet to see any inter-service cooperation or training. But, it’s only week 1, so I don’t know what I don’t know at this point.

I’ll blog about the experience as often as I’m able. I’ll try to give you an idea of (1) what I’m up to and (2) what a DOD chaplain does in today’s military. I’ll also share my personal views on being a conservative evangelical pastor serving in a pluralistic religious environment.

So, here’s week 1 in a nutshell:

I arrived a bit behind the power curve and have been playing catch-up the past few days (hence the overdue blog entry). I lost one of my bags on the way down here and had to replace everything inside. Expensive mistake, but entirely my own fault. I also showed up with some outdated information from my unit regarding insignia I have to have sown on my uniforms. I was the only chaplain (out of 14) not already wearing his chaplain’s cross, so it’s been a scramble to get the proper Air Force uniform items on an Army post.

The weather’s been a ridiculous 257 degrees Fahrenheit (in the shade, uphill both ways…). I’m not a big fan of the heat (sorry, Alicia!), and a broken AC unit in our schoolhouse only makes it that much…more realistic! But, I’m not about to complain. We have troops in scorching heat getting shot at everyday. I am sure I can navigate the stresses of chaplain school.

That’s not so say I’m not thoroughly enjoying the training though. We’re taught cutting-edge pastoral stuff that is applicable in both civilian and military ministry. I’m thankful to my church for giving me the time to go and to the governor of the great state of Indiana for paying the way!

This week, we briefly studied leadership and basic chaplain duties. It was stressed repeatedly that the chaplain is the only individual in the military who can offer 100% confidentiality regardless of the confession or the confessor. Intimidating but honoring at the same time.

We spent some time getting educated on how to respond to mass casualty situations and were lead through some (very graphic!) pictures/scenarios. The point was simple: chaplains provide a calming presence in the midst of chaos. For that reason, he/she can never be the anxious one on the scene. Again, intimidating but empowering as well.

The biggest block of instruction this week dealt with pastoral counseling. These classes were a goldmine of information and practicum. I’m continually amazed at the high level of professionalism and competency held by my peers. I’ll leave you with a video demonstrating the most effective approach to most client problems.

For the Kingdom,
-bill

Video Blog: Communion in the Bible

2011-07-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Baptism in the Bible from Defiance Christian Church on Vimeo.

For this week's FAQ, Bill talks about the second sacrament: communion. Answering the most frequently asked answers at DCC, he breaks down the Bible's answers for: How we take communion, Why we take communion, Who can take communion, When/How often we take communion.

The Bible is a Gift

2011-07-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight a friend directed me to a video with more power than any video I've seen in a long time. This includes The Lord of the Rings, so you know I'm serious.

In the American church, where we are spoon-fed God's Word and have more translations than heaven has unicorns, the Kimyal church provides a breath of fresh air. After going a lifetime without a New Testament in their own language, the Kimyal Tribe of Papua sobs with joy (sobs: as in crying tears of happiness) when a plane arrives carrying the Word of God in their native tongue.

Seeing our foreign brothers and sisters in Christ rejoice to the point of building an ark! (don't miss the 7-minute mark on this video) convicts me to: (1) Read my Bible more everyday, and (2) Call to repentance all those who have forgotten the power, wisdom, and ultimate supremacy of The Bible.

May we never attempt to do life without it!

-pastor bill

What if I disagree...?

2011-07-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

The Elders recently read a good little book on the biblical basis for church leadership. What I liked most about the book was the constant reminder that the church is a Spirit-led, Bible-based family rather than a state-regulated corporation. Every page was dripping with Scripture.
The author humbly closed the book by answering the simple question, “What if I disagree?” I couldn’t add to or improve his advice in any way, so I’ve plagiarized it in its entirety.
For the Kingdom,
-bill

The following is taken from: A Book You’ll Actually Read: On Church Leadership, by Mark Driscoll (pp. 85-86)

What Should I Do if I Disagree with How My Church is Led and Organized?

You need to begin by searching the Scriptures to make sure that your convictions are true, searching your heart to make sure that your attitude is humble, and searching your motives to make sure that they are to lovingly build up your church.
If you still disagree with how your church is organized and governed, you should humbly speak with one of the senior leaders in a way that is respectful, not demanding, and not divisive. You should lovingly articulate your concerns and desire to see everything done in a way that honors Jesus according to Scripture, including the organizational structure of the church government.
At this point your church leader may agree and bring your thoughts for the consideration of the other senior leaders. Or, they may disagree with you. In the case that your church is unwilling or unable (because of something such as a legal denominational obligation) to operate in a certain manner to change, then you are left with two options.
First, you can stay in your church and lovingly submit to the leaders and structures that are in place, seeking as best as you are able to build your church up and see it grow in its ability to seek the transformation of your city. Second, you can kindly and lovingly leave your church in a way that is not divisive or disrespectful and attend another church where you can submit to both the church leaders and their form of church government in good conscience.
I offer one final word of caution for the idealistic neatniks who may read this: every church is filled with imperfect people like you who are led by imperfect leaders like me and governed by imperfect systems like the ones outlined in this book. The goal for yourself, your church, and its leaders must be faithfulness and not perfection, so it behooves you to start drinking decaf and to lighten up a bit in Jesus’ name.

Video Blog: Baptism in the Bible

2011-07-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Baptism in the Bible from Defiance Christian Church on Vimeo.

Those wanting the assurance of salvation must follow ALL of the Bible’s guidance on how the assurance of salvation is given. There are multiple pieces of Scripture in the Bible that describe how one is saved. None of them contradict each other, but they do all complement each other. We often run into disagreement or confusion when we emphasize one verse over another rather than reading them both as equally authoritative.

After reading all of the verses regarding salvation and noticing how many of them had clear statements about the central role of baptism, our church adopted this as our stance:

“We believe salvation from sin comes from a right relationship with Jesus Christ. That relationship comes by grace through faith, produces repentance, and begins with the immersion of Christian baptism.”

Here is a link to an article I wrote on the topic some time back: http://www.billmesaeh.com/2010/09/baptism-by-book.html

Here is a link to an article written by a highly respected seminary professor: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150208643265617

Video Blogging

2011-06-16T07:00:00.001-07:00

To better answer FAQs and communicate with our members, we’re starting a weekly video blog. This week’s blog answers the FAQ: What kind of church is DCC?

VidBlog 6/14/2011 from Defiance Christian Church on Vimeo.

Weekly Blog Post by Bill Mesaeh, Senior Minister of Defiance Christian Church.

Helping Joplin, MO

2011-05-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I received this letter from a fellow pastor in Defiance, OH regarding aid for those in Joplin, MO.

-pastor bill

New Life out of Bryan has asked us to get the word out concerning items needed for Joplin, MO. If you are interested in getting some of the needed items together, I will be taking anything brought to our church up to Bryan late Friday afternoon. Please have any items brought to Harvest Life by

3:00 pm.

Blessings, Tim Hacker

New Life Worship Center is working in cooperation with other churches, ministries, and organizations throughout the tri-state area to collect emergency relief supplies to send down to Joplin, Missouri. Many people have seen the pictures and heard the descriptions but don't know how to respond to this great need. Please join us in giving your congregations an avenue to help those most deeply affected by this tragedy.

I have a life-long friend who has been ministering in Joplin for several years who is our contact there. His church is in the middle of the destruction but was untouched by the storm. They are in a perfect position to distribute supplies directly to those in need.

We are collecting the following items:

Diapers of all sizes....

Formulas, bottles.

Bottled water.

Children's clothes ( good condition).

Pillows and Blankets.

Personal care items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, soap and shampoo).

Paper and Feminine hygiene products.

And cash/check donations are welcomed.(Checks may be made out to NLWC for those seeking tax credit).

Drop off location:

New Life Worship Center

14451County Road C

Bryan, Ohio 43506

419.636.3526

Truck will leave NLWC on Friday 27th at 11pm.

If you have people interested in being part of a work crew, we are also organizing a team to leave Sunday May 29th and returning Saturday June 4th.

Contact me for more information.

We can't do everything, but we should do something! Together we can make a difference!

J. Mark Holbrook

NLWC

419.636.3526
419.551.0520

The Vision of an Acts 2 Church

2011-05-20T11:27:00.001-07:00

A personal vision to build a Church, based on Acts 2.39-47,
for those who don’t like church

I will never be happier or more successful than when I am completely devoted to God’s will for my life. As a sinner saved by grace, I will devote my life to reaching the irreligious and connecting them with Jesus and His people. May I never forget my life before Jesus Christ and the power that first loving church had on my future.

As a pastor in Jesus’ Church, I will actively and consciously lead my flock and manage its resources toward becoming a hell-defeating congregation. The result will resemble an Acts 2 church proactively seeking out the prodigal sons of the world and lovingly teaching the elder brothers the error in their religious ways. Because I fear God and not man, I will reject excuses—in my life and the lives of others—and will hold every man-made method, ministry, and tradition accountable for the supreme task getting sinners close to Jesus.

Without jeopardizing my faith, my family, or my fitness, I am giving this task every last ounce of who I am and what I have. On my deathbed, success will be defined by the results I, my family, and the churches I have led have produced for the Kingdom of God.

Bill Mesaeh, Jr.

18 Mar 11
Defiance, Ohio

Acts 2:39–47 (NLT)
³⁹ This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”⁴⁰ Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” ⁴¹ Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. ⁴² All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. ⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

The New Testament Church

Acts 2:39–40 (NLT)
39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

· God gives the world a promise of hope. This hope—salvation and redemption through Christ—is what everyone desperately longs for, whether they know it or not

· Creating a church for the unchurched is the most Christ-like effort a group of believers could desire

· The church stood as a lighthouse of salvation to the lost of its day

· The members shared a hunger for God’s Word, and they received it through strong biblical preaching

Acts 2:41 (NLT)
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

· The Church’s greatest gift to the world is conviction about the message of Jesus Christ

· When the Church delivers the Good News in a relevant, understandable, and applicable way, God responds with exponential growth

· God blesses the Church that is unified toward achieving what He wants

Acts 2:42 (NLT)
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

· Regardless of location, ethnicity, background, gender, etc., the Church maintained unity by focusing on these key practices:

1. Bible teaching,
2. attractive friendship that was Spirit-empowered and deeply sincere, and
3. continually deepening their bonds to each other and to God

Acts 2:43 (NLT)
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.

· The church is constantly aware of and drawing upon the supernatural power of God

· A healthy fear of the Lord drives the Church to stay on mission and remain obedient to Christ

· The church is not a secular institution, and is therefore not limited by resources or manmade regulations

Acts 2:44–45 (NLT)
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

· Deep love for each other moved the Church to “take care of its own”—extending real love

· Counter-cultural, counter-intuitive love distinguished the Church from the rest of the world

Acts 2:46 (NLT)
46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

· The church gathered corporately to worship and learn & scattered into each other’s homes to serve and fellowship

· The Church fought back the powers of hell on two battlefronts:

1. The AIR WAR of corporate worship and study
2. The GROUND WAR of scattered service and fellowship

Acts 2:47 (NLT)
47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

· As a result of the Church’s genuine worship of God, they enjoyed rapid growth and true joy

· God wants His church to grow. The Church that finds true joy and unity in radical worship and service experiences the blessings of radical growth and happiness

Secret Church

2011-05-13T17:52:00.001-07:00

Right now, around the world, millions of Christ-followers are meeting in secret places, worshiping in hiding, practicing their faith behind closed doors. If exposed, they face prison, torture, or even death. Yet their devotion to God and His Word are unwavering, even heroic. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must learn to take our God as seriously as they do.

When we think of “church” in America, we think of going to meet at a building, singing, praying and hearing a message from a Pastor or teacher. But in many places around the world, “church” meets in a home, an apartment, even in secret. These small groups of Christ-followers often meet for many hours in study, prayer and fellowship, as it is dangerous to travel to “church” and they want to make the most of their time together.

On May 20th, DCC will be the location for ‘Secret Church’. We will spend 5 hours, from 6 PM to 11PM in God’s Word, prayer and worship. Our desire is to see people come for the entire event, but realizing that conflicts and prior commitments might interfere, we are splitting the event into smaller sections. If you need to miss part of the event, you may still show up easily at any time to join in without feeling ‘lost’. Most of the night will be spent in Bible study as I teach through the book of Acts. There will be a time of praise and worship in music from 7:30 to 8:30.

Please make plans now to be there: this Friday (5/20) @ DCC, 6-11p.

-pastor bill

Kingdom Growth

2011-05-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

Friends & Family,

The letter below comes from a man DCC is looking to bring on as a second full-time minister. Praise God! For us to do this, however, he will have to raise a considerable portion of his own salary during the first year. Please read the letter from him and consider supporting him financially. Of course, all checks would be mailed and addressed directly to Defiance Christian Church, so they would be fully tax deductible.

In Christ,
-bill

“For this reason I kneel before the Father”

Ephesians 3:14

Defiance Christian Church is averaging 300 members, with only 1 minister! The church has decided now is the time to aggressively pursue Kingdom growth rather than wait until their entire mortgage debt (approximately $1.4m) is exhausted. The elders and church’s CPA are working very hard to reduce this debt.

The senior minister, Bill Mesaeh, had been asking the church leaders, "Why not? Why not? If God owns the cattle on a 1,000 hills, why don't we slaughter a few of them? In other words, if anything is possible with God...there has to be a way for DCC to have ministers they need in the midst of this time of financial debt.

Many of you have been praying, along with me, for God to open a door of ministry to me for the last two years of my life. Our prayers recently met up with Bill’s prayers! Bill had been praying for how God could use him to plug me in, in obedience to Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

DCC has decided to bring me on the team as a missionary (raising my own financial support), with the full intention and plans of this being a committed, long-term ministry. In 6 months, DCC will take on half my salary; and after 1 year, the church will provide my entire salary.

Bill foresees the church reaching anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 members. Defiance County’s population is near 40,000 people, with only 1 other decent size church.

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38).

Would you, kneel before the Father on my behalf?

#1 Pray earnestly this prayer of Matthew 9:37-38, for God to send out laborers into his harvest, for Defiance County, and for the world.

#2 Pray about partnering together with me in this ministry, through faithful prayer and/or financial support (details on the following page).

#3 Pray for the financial debt of the church to be wiped away by sacrificial and often insignificant gifts….which, if brought to Jesus, He will multiply and accomplish monumental things! Like when Andrew brought the boy with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread to Him, and He fed the 5,000 (John 6:1-13).

Would you, help support me financially in this year of ministry?

If so, know that any gift you can give would be so appreciated!

Checks should be sent to:

Defiance Christian Church

C/O Jason Martin

955 Standley Rd.

Defiance, OH 43512.

Checks should be addressed to Defiance Christian Church. On the memo of the check write, “for: Jason Martin’s ministry”.

If you would like to give to help DCC with this financial debt, write on the memo, “for: DCC’s Mortgage Debt”.

If you would like me to send you this letter via mail-mail. Please give me your address, and I will send it right out with a return envelope enclosed if you would like to help in any way.

Alicia, the office manager, will generate a charity tax statement for any contributions.

Forever grateful and always at your disposal,

Jason Martin

Eggs & Ham

2011-04-21T23:25:00.001-07:00

Friends & Family,

This Sunday I’m preaching on what would happen if we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus instead of “Easter Sunday.” I don’t have anything against bunnies, baskets, or Cadbury Eggs. But, I want us to consider the implications a risen Jesus has on our lives. Did Jesus ever intend for us to celebrate his resurrection with boiled eggs and baked ham? Or, might there be something more to this life?

Check out the promo video, share it with your friends, and make plans to come to DCC this Sunday @ 10am. I hope to see you there!

-pastor bill

Easter Sermon Intro from Defiance Christian Church on Vimeo.

Easter 2011: What If?

2011-04-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

Check out the video e-vite to DCC’s Easter service and make plans to be there this Sunday @ 10.

Easter Invite 2011 from Defiance Christian Church on Vimeo.

Senior Minister Bill Mesaeh with an open invite to worship with us at DCC Easter Sunday 2011.

Get Bill’s Blog in your Inbox

2011-03-24T22:46:00.001-07:00

Friends and Family,

I’ve started a new service that allows me to easily share articles from my blog with you via email. If we’ve emailed each other before, you may be receiving an email asking you to subscribe or confirm a subscription to my blog. Don’t worry: your email address was not shared with anyone, and you can--very easily--opt out of any future emails.

I’m hoping you stay on though! Over the past 6 months, I’ve been gathering data and preferences as to what people would like a pastor to write about. I’m looking forward to setting time aside every week to write about the topics you chose:

Interacting with the culture from a biblical perspective
1. How to share my faith
2. How to speak out on political issues
3. What’s the Bible say about drinking, R-rated movies, etc.?
Family Life
1. Raising my kids the way God intended
2. How to be the right kind of husband/wife
3. Growing spiritually with my spouse
Biblical & Theological Studies
1. Where did the Bible come from?
2. Do we have free will?
3. What does the Bible really say about heaven, hell, angels, demons, & death?
Christian Maturity
1. Why should I pray, fast, study my Bible, etc.?
2. How do I deal with anger, guilt, and regret?
3. What’s supposed to happen between baptism and death?
Biblical Manhood
1. How to lead my family with a backbone and a soft heart
2. Being a husband my wife needs and adores
3. Being a dad my kids look up to
Leadership
1. How to influence people around you
2. Why God expects you to lead and how to do it right
3. Professional development and continual personal growth

If you haven’t received the email and would like to subscribe, great! Just go here and fill out the form. Regardless, have a great day!

-bill

What Should I write about?

2011-03-24T22:29:00.001-07:00

Friends & Family,

A while back I posted this questionnaire online asking you to tell me what you’d like a pastor to write about (if at all!). Well, I’m almost ready to pile up the data and start writing. It’s not too late to weigh in though. If you don’t mind, please take a few seconds to let me know what you’d like to read.

Thanks in advance,

-pastor bill

My Antioch

2011-03-22T04:44:00.001-07:00

Antioch Christian Church: Coal City, IN

This is the small little country church I preached in during my first year of grad school (so, 2003-2004 ‘ish). A great congregation full of wonderful people where the average age was well over 70!

This would be where I “cut my teeth” in preaching. These fine people endured me figuring out how to write a sermon, how to preach it, etc. On a real good day, we had 45 people.

Acts 13:1–3 (NLT)
¹ Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul.² One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”³ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Christology.Missiology.Ecclesiology.

Raising a Modern-day Knight

Adam vs. Adam

Will to Obey

Work to Do

Woman to Love

Chime In

Five Love Languages: Here, Try This

1. Words of Affirmation

Try This:

2. Quality Time

Try This:

3. Receiving Gifts

Try This:

4. Acts of Service

Try This:

5. Physical Touch

Try This:

Conclusion

Chime In

Love Languages: Which One do You Speak?

Step One

What’s Your Language?

Chapman suggests three questions for discovering your language:

Step two:

Chime In

Lost that Loving Feeling?

Family Friday

Lost that Loving Feeling?

Feelings Lie

Chime In

The Love Triangle

Family Friday

The Love Triangle

What does love look like?

Passion

Intimacy

Commitment

Sloppy Triangles

Going the Distance

Chime In

Unite the Clans

4 Reasons I am Thankful for DCC

1. A Legacy of Excellence

2. I Get to Do What I Love

3. Everybody’s Welcome

4. Everybody’s Loved

Heading to the Field

Heading to the Field

What’s an FTX?

Getting Ready

Talk to you Later

Why I am a Chaplain (1 of 2)

Chaplains: Ministers to all Faith Groups

Jefferson

Jesus

Chaplain School—Week 2

MarriageCare

ASIST

Chaplain School–Week 1

So, here’s week 1 in a nutshell:

Video Blog: Communion in the Bible

The Bible is a Gift

What if I disagree...?

The following is taken from: A Book You’ll Actually Read: On Church Leadership, by Mark Driscoll (pp. 85-86)

What Should I Do if I Disagree with How My Church is Led and Organized?

Video Blog: Baptism in the Bible

Video Blogging

Helping Joplin, MO

The Vision of an Acts 2 Church

A personal vision to build a Church, based on Acts 2.39-47, for those who don’t like church

The New Testament Church

Acts 2:39–40 (NLT) 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Acts 2:41 (NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Acts 2:42 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:43 (NLT) 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.

Acts 2:44–45 (NLT) 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

Acts 2:46 (NLT) 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

Acts 2:47 (NLT) 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Secret Church

A personal vision to build a Church, based on Acts 2.39-47,
for those who don’t like church

Acts 2:39–40 (NLT)
39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Acts 2:41 (NLT)
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Acts 2:42 (NLT)
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:43 (NLT)
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.

Acts 2:44–45 (NLT)
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

Acts 2:46 (NLT)
46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

Acts 2:47 (NLT)
47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.