Q: What safeguards should 20-something pastors have in place to avoid the idolatry of ministry fame and the attitude of big numbers equals success?
TK: If you know it is a danger, that is a very important start. Additionally, when you find yourself unusually discouraged because things aren't growing or people aren't listening to you -- you have to catch yourself. You have to realize "This is an inordinate amount of discouragement, which reveals the idolatry of justification by ministry." Meaning, you say you believe in justification by grace, but you feel like and are acting like you believe in justification by ministry. You have to recognize you are making something of an idol out of ministry. When you do experience inordinate discouragement because things aren't going well, you need to say, "It's okay to be discouraged but not to be this discouraged. This is discouragement that leads to idolatry," and you repent.
Additionally, idols create a fantasy world. You may think that you are just thinking about ministry strategy, but it could be you're fantasizing about success. So be careful about doing too much daydreaming about success, what you would like to see happen. Because it's really a kind of pornography. You're actually thinking about a beautiful church and people acclaiming you: be careful about fantasizing too much about ministry success and dreaming about it and thinking about what it's going to look like.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Defining Decency Down
from Between Two Worlds by JT
I've hesitated to comment thus far on Carrie Prejean, Miss California. (As I'm sure most people know, in answer to a question about gay marriage from a judge who is gay she expressed her personal opinion that marriage should be between a man and a woman.) For this she has been vilified by some and praised by others.
I agree with Ray Ortlund who reminds of of the need for mercy:
So a few years ago she did something wrong [semi-nude pictures]. A world of love would say, "Let's bury this and give her her life back. She can still have a great future. God bless her." But the actual world we live in, this merciless world, says, "Let's embarrass her and shame her and destroy her."
Thank God for God the merciful. All who, like her, like me, need mercy should stand together with defiant trust in him. He will have the final word, a very happy word.
I don't think this is incompatible with Doug Groothuis's analysis:
This young woman is a beauty queen, both ensnared by and loving that sad and silly skin game. However, the category should not exist. American society has created an unreal and cruel standard for women to reach: the beauty queen--a woman known for curves and perfect skin, heavenly hair and preternatural teeth. They prance and pose and preen; the cameras churn and burn; the media salivates and speculates. My stomach turns. It is all sinful a waste of the short time we have on this fallen planet. Moreover, in addition to the intrinsic immodesty and vanity of the beauty queen persona, this woman apparently posed for even more indecent photographs. This model is no model (of character).
Carrie Prejean is no heroine. She does not deserve any more attention. To give it to her, whether you are James Dobson or Sean Hannity, reveals the paucity of both real virtue and Christian discernment today. We have defined decency down. Perhaps we should lift some prayers up.
I've hesitated to comment thus far on Carrie Prejean, Miss California. (As I'm sure most people know, in answer to a question about gay marriage from a judge who is gay she expressed her personal opinion that marriage should be between a man and a woman.) For this she has been vilified by some and praised by others.
I agree with Ray Ortlund who reminds of of the need for mercy:
So a few years ago she did something wrong [semi-nude pictures]. A world of love would say, "Let's bury this and give her her life back. She can still have a great future. God bless her." But the actual world we live in, this merciless world, says, "Let's embarrass her and shame her and destroy her."
Thank God for God the merciful. All who, like her, like me, need mercy should stand together with defiant trust in him. He will have the final word, a very happy word.
I don't think this is incompatible with Doug Groothuis's analysis:
This young woman is a beauty queen, both ensnared by and loving that sad and silly skin game. However, the category should not exist. American society has created an unreal and cruel standard for women to reach: the beauty queen--a woman known for curves and perfect skin, heavenly hair and preternatural teeth. They prance and pose and preen; the cameras churn and burn; the media salivates and speculates. My stomach turns. It is all sinful a waste of the short time we have on this fallen planet. Moreover, in addition to the intrinsic immodesty and vanity of the beauty queen persona, this woman apparently posed for even more indecent photographs. This model is no model (of character).
Carrie Prejean is no heroine. She does not deserve any more attention. To give it to her, whether you are James Dobson or Sean Hannity, reveals the paucity of both real virtue and Christian discernment today. We have defined decency down. Perhaps we should lift some prayers up.
Seductive Applause
D.A. Carson's recent talk, "The Scholar as Pastor" is now available as a 17-page PDF, MP3 file, and video--all online for free.
Carson's 12 lessons for the pastor as scholar should surely be ready by anybody in academics.
I wanted to draw attention to one point that can sometimes be overlooked in our circles. Carson warned about "the seduction of academic applause." But then he also reminded us that "seductive applause" can also come from
Carson's 12 lessons for the pastor as scholar should surely be ready by anybody in academics.
I wanted to draw attention to one point that can sometimes be overlooked in our circles. Carson warned about "the seduction of academic applause." But then he also reminded us that "seductive applause" can also come from
the conservative constituency of your friends, a narrower peer group but one that, for some people, is equally ensnaring. Scholarship is then for sale: you constantly work on things to bolster the self-identity of your group, to show they are right, to answer all who disagree with them. Some scholars who are very indignant with colleagues who, in their estimation, are far too attracted by the applause of unbelieving academic peers, remain blissfully unaware of how much they have become addicted to the applause of conservative bastions that egg them on.
On the last day we stand or fall on the approval of one Person, one Master, the Lord Jesus.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Passivity
“…when it comes to most of our daily decision, and even a lot of life’s “big” decisions, God expects and encourages us to make choices, confident that He’s already determined how to fit our choices into His sovereign will. Passivity is a plague among Christians. It’s not just that we don’t do anything; it’s that we feel spiritual for not doing anything. We imagine that our inactivity is patience and sensitivity to God’s leading. At times it may be; but it’s also quite possible we are just lazy. When we hyper-spiritualize our decisions, we can veer of into implusive and foolish decisions. But more likely as Christians we fall into endless patterns of vacillation, indecision, and regret. No doubt, selfish ambition is a danger for Christian, but so is complacency, listeless wandering and passivity that pawns itself off as spirituality. Perhaps our inactivity is not so much on God as it is an expression of the fear of man, the love of the praise of man, and disbelief in God’s providence.”
- Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something, p. 51, 52
- Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something, p. 51, 52
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Top Ten Advice to New Bat Students #10
10. Knowing Dr. Mobley:
Dr. Mobley is a rather monotone lecturer. It can be difficult to stay awake during his classes at 8:00 in the morning. He has a dry sense of humor, which will help keep you up, if you have a similar sense of humor. Just take notes on his powerpoints, making special note of the lists that he gives. Knowing these lists are the biggest parts of the test.
I have never enjoyed studying in groups, but with Dr. Mobley I found it helpful. The most productive method I found for taking his tests, is to create anagrams out of his lists. Working in a group helps make these funny and memorable. If you miss questions on the test do not worry, he gives a lot of extra credit on each test, and throughout the semester.
The reading will seem boring to you, especially if you have not read scholarly work before, but the resources he gives are useful. Blomberg's Jesus and the Gospels put me to sleep multiple times, and I sold it back to the bookstore. Yet I regret the decision to sell it back. I remember so many things that Blomberg said that was greatly useful for a text I was working on, but not having it really hurt me. Keep the book it will be useful later.
Finally, he has one ten page paper in each Jesus and the Gospels and Paul and the Early Church. It is divided into three parts due at different times. It was nice in some areas, but you are probably not used to writing a two page introduction. Just remember to follow his instructions exactly, do not add more information than what he wants, and do not take away from any piece. Remember to focus on how your topic applies to the first century not our current one, especially in your introduction. The bible dictionaries and the commentaries that are in the reference section downstairs in the library will be useful to you. It is very possible to get an A in his class if you just apply yourself and used the tricks I have mentioned.
Dr. Mobley is a rather monotone lecturer. It can be difficult to stay awake during his classes at 8:00 in the morning. He has a dry sense of humor, which will help keep you up, if you have a similar sense of humor. Just take notes on his powerpoints, making special note of the lists that he gives. Knowing these lists are the biggest parts of the test.
I have never enjoyed studying in groups, but with Dr. Mobley I found it helpful. The most productive method I found for taking his tests, is to create anagrams out of his lists. Working in a group helps make these funny and memorable. If you miss questions on the test do not worry, he gives a lot of extra credit on each test, and throughout the semester.
The reading will seem boring to you, especially if you have not read scholarly work before, but the resources he gives are useful. Blomberg's Jesus and the Gospels put me to sleep multiple times, and I sold it back to the bookstore. Yet I regret the decision to sell it back. I remember so many things that Blomberg said that was greatly useful for a text I was working on, but not having it really hurt me. Keep the book it will be useful later.
Finally, he has one ten page paper in each Jesus and the Gospels and Paul and the Early Church. It is divided into three parts due at different times. It was nice in some areas, but you are probably not used to writing a two page introduction. Just remember to follow his instructions exactly, do not add more information than what he wants, and do not take away from any piece. Remember to focus on how your topic applies to the first century not our current one, especially in your introduction. The bible dictionaries and the commentaries that are in the reference section downstairs in the library will be useful to you. It is very possible to get an A in his class if you just apply yourself and used the tricks I have mentioned.
The Convergence of Doctrine and Belief
The audio from the May 2009 Clarus Conference is now online:
- Ray Ortlund: “True Spirituality: Delighting in Truth” (Psa. 1)
- Sam Storms: “Jonathan Edwards on Religious Affections: The Soul Set on Fire for God”
- Ray Ortlund: “False Spirituality: Flirting Around” (2 Cor. 11:1-4)
- Sam Storms: “Enjoying Election: Finding Delight in God’s Decree”
- Panel Discussion 1
- Ray Ortlund: “Dangerous Moderation: The Nausea of Christ” (Rev. 3:14-22)
- Panel Discussion 2
- Ray Ortlund: “Break Through: No Other Desire” (Psa. 73)
- Sam Storms: “Delighting Ourselves in the Lord: Why Joy in God Matters” (Psa. 37:4)
The Devil Votes Christian Values
A transcribed excerpt below from Russell Moore's excellent talk, "The Devil Votes Christian Values: Why We’re Tempted to be Glorified Satanists Rather than Crucified Followers." Dr. Moore shows that in Satan's third temptation of Christ he is willing to broker a deal with the Son of God: Satan will give up his authority over the external rule of the nations in exchange for keeping the power of accusation.
Satan ultimately has a power that is not found most importantly in moral decay or in cultural chaos. His power is in the authority to accuse.This is a rich and very important message, which I commend to you.
The power of accusation.
The power of holding humanity captive through the fear of death and the certainty of judgment.
Satan is not fearful of external conformity to rule. Not even to the external conformity of the rule of Christ--provided there is no cross.Satan does not mind family values--as long as what you ultimately value is the family.If Jesus will receive the kingdoms of the world, this crafty serpent thinks, then he can hand them to him apart from the shedding of blood at the cross.
Satan does not mind social justice--as long as you see justice as most importantly social.
Satan does not tremble at a Christian worldview. He will let you have a Christian worldview as long as your ultimate goal is viewing the world.
Apart from the overthrow of the demonic powers through the empty tomb.
Apart from a reconciliation between a holy God and a renegade humanity.
If he can just bypass the cross--and get to the kingdom apart from the cross--then he will have everything that he wants.Pastor: Satan doesn't mind if you preach on the decrees of God with fervor and passion every single week--provided that you do not ever preach the gospel of the cross.. . . He will let you get what it is that you want, no matter what it is--sanctity of marriage, environmental protection, orphan care, all of these good and wonderful things--he will allow you to gain those things provided you do not preach and proclaim and live through the power of a cross that cancels his power of condemnation.
Homeschooling Mom: Satan does not mind if you teach your children all the books of the Bible and all the Ten Commandments and all of the catechism--provided you do not teach them the gospel of a bloody cross.
He so fears the gospel of a Christ crucified and raised from the dead that he is willing to surrender his entire empire just to appease the threat of it.
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