A friend of mine recently asked the question: why is the church declining? The answer I would have given 10 years ago would have sounded very spiritual. We aren't praying enough, witnessing enough and we have the wrong type of church government. Anyone of these things might be valid to some measure but it has more to do with us missing a very important part of our calling. We are called to be salt and light. Instead we are often seen by the world as clanging cymbals. We might do all the right things on Sunday morning in church (not really) and then live our lives with very little salt and light.
That may sound a bit harsh to some of you but we impress nobody with our style of church government, our prayer meetings and our going door to door. In the US, Evangelical Christians are embarrassing themselves by their attacks on President Obama, even to the point of sounding quite racist. The clanging is becoming quite deafening! The world does not see Jesus in us very often but rather various forms of religion, which Jesus said quite clearly, he was not happy with.
This blog is entitled "Marketplace Christianity". I have just completed 1 year as a workplace chaplain and during that year I have changed my view on how to be salt and light to the unchurched. One of the main things is the elimination of judging others. By others I mean those who have no relationship with Jesus Christ. Rather than wanting those folks to see the power of the Holy Spirit, I want them to see Jesus through my words and actions. I personally believe they will see the Holy Spirit but not because we drag them to revival meetings where the latest (famous to us and not them) evangelist is ministering. I kind of get a chuckle how many of us have such a high regard for our sound doctrine, theology and knowledge of the "Missional Church". All good things but how does the fact we attend 5 conferences a year or read another 5 Christian books actually impact the lives of people we work and live around?
Some of you are probably doing everything I am suggesting so please continue doing what you're doing. The passage of scripture that has taken on new meaning to me in this past year is one that should be familiar to all of us. Sowing seeds and the watering that follows. Sowing and reaping where the reaping quite likely will not be done by the ones sowing. Now doesn't that fly in the face of individual church growth? We want the fruit of our "labour" to end up in our church and not in the church down the street. Step back a bit and ask: what do we mean by labour? Thirty years ago and probably even today in many circles, it means inviting people to church, Christian concerts, revival meetings, Alpha courses, et cetera. May I suggest that it looks a lot simpler than all that.
How about all of us born-again Christians simply showing kindness, love and compassion? How about listening to our work colleagues and neighbours instead of praying for opportunities to lead them to the Lord? Guess what, the Lord is more interested in getting them saved than you and I but perhaps we need to change the way we think God wants to use us. What I am suggesting here are not "one-off" moments but rather life styles that show Jesus not just when we want someone to attend a church event. I don't mean to be cynical but I have been there and have taught this stuff from the pulpit myself and it simply doesn't work in this day.
Even setting up our church services to be "user friendly" misses the point. We are still trying to be something for an hour or two each Sunday that we aren't necessarily the rest of the week. We put on a show but very few are buying it when Monday they hear about a pastor killing his wife or a pastor running off with the church secretary. Those one on one relationships however are much more real, even with our flaws. Let them see how we work through difficult situations within our families. Let them experience our caring when they face life's challenges; caring that doesn't just happen because we see an opportunity to get someone saved or into our church. Being opportunistic is one of the greatest sins of the church in my opinion. We often take advantage of people in times of great anxiety and we hide behind the shield of "leading them to the Lord". If we are consistent in our witness (love and kindness) then the opportunities to share our faith will come naturally during those difficult times.
I could write on and on about this but hopefully you get my point. The decline of the church which my friend speaks about is easy enough to change or stop but it takes all of us being Jesus to those around us. Your circle of friends, family and acquaintances in this season of your life are not a coincidence. They have been presented to you by God and God thinks you are able to take up the challenge of being Jesus to these folks.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Past, present and future
2011 has been an interesting year that was full of surprises. As the year began I was fully involved with my Wedding Officiant business but little else. Then came the call that would launch me into a role that I didn't even know existed. As the year has progressed, Corporate Chaplaincy has become a key part of who I am. The last 12 months have also reminded me to be thankful for those God brings into my life, many of whom I didn't even know when the year began.
Many of us like to reflect on New Years Eve to the year that was. Some will tell you that we should not look back and only to what is ahead and as I have stated many times before, that is counsel that I do not necessarily agree with. If I do not look back I forget about all that God has done for me and that He owes me nothing. That might sound harsh but it is the truth. Jesus did everything for us when He died on the cross for us.
When I reflect on my year I am reminded that much of the "good" that happened, had nothing to do with my prayers, my behaviour, my tithing or my attendance at church services. In fact if the "good" had depended on any of those things, my life would be a mess today. I don't say that with pride obviously and yet it reveals the grace of God. I spoke earlier of the call that came out of nowhere and it had nothing to do with me reading my Bible for 1/2 hour each day or praying for 1 hour. Old Testament thinking would have us believe that I "got" because I did all the right things as a Christian. It is also not dependent on me knowing theology. Having said all that, there is a BIG BUT!
Tim Tebow is a celebrity football player in the US. He is a celebrity not because he is the best quarterback in the league but rather because he expresses his faith on the football field. Atheists and humanists are attacking the man with such vigor that even some non-believers are puzzled by the attacks on the man's character. There are many pro athletes in recent months that have been charged with major criminal offenses that have been basically ignored by the media and fellow athletes. The problem for Tebow is quite simple: he is not shy about letting people know about his faith in Jesus Christ. He has been labelled by the media as the "most polarizing figure in sports". He is polarizing because he doesn't fit the mold and for no other reason. He acts the way he does because he wants everyone to know his success can only be attributed to the Lord.
I throw this story in for a reason. As believers living in 2012, what are we doing with our faith? The grace we have been shown by the Lord should cause us to shine before all men. If God's grace is seen as a license to sin, we have missed it. We are alive on this planet, regardless of where you live, to be ambassadors for Christ. If the fruit of our walk with the Lord brings dishonour to Him, we are abusing the grace offered to us. We don't "do" to get; we "do" because of what Christ has already done for us. That is why we never forget our past and why we live in the present and we are sure of our future.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Many of us like to reflect on New Years Eve to the year that was. Some will tell you that we should not look back and only to what is ahead and as I have stated many times before, that is counsel that I do not necessarily agree with. If I do not look back I forget about all that God has done for me and that He owes me nothing. That might sound harsh but it is the truth. Jesus did everything for us when He died on the cross for us.
When I reflect on my year I am reminded that much of the "good" that happened, had nothing to do with my prayers, my behaviour, my tithing or my attendance at church services. In fact if the "good" had depended on any of those things, my life would be a mess today. I don't say that with pride obviously and yet it reveals the grace of God. I spoke earlier of the call that came out of nowhere and it had nothing to do with me reading my Bible for 1/2 hour each day or praying for 1 hour. Old Testament thinking would have us believe that I "got" because I did all the right things as a Christian. It is also not dependent on me knowing theology. Having said all that, there is a BIG BUT!
Tim Tebow is a celebrity football player in the US. He is a celebrity not because he is the best quarterback in the league but rather because he expresses his faith on the football field. Atheists and humanists are attacking the man with such vigor that even some non-believers are puzzled by the attacks on the man's character. There are many pro athletes in recent months that have been charged with major criminal offenses that have been basically ignored by the media and fellow athletes. The problem for Tebow is quite simple: he is not shy about letting people know about his faith in Jesus Christ. He has been labelled by the media as the "most polarizing figure in sports". He is polarizing because he doesn't fit the mold and for no other reason. He acts the way he does because he wants everyone to know his success can only be attributed to the Lord.
I throw this story in for a reason. As believers living in 2012, what are we doing with our faith? The grace we have been shown by the Lord should cause us to shine before all men. If God's grace is seen as a license to sin, we have missed it. We are alive on this planet, regardless of where you live, to be ambassadors for Christ. If the fruit of our walk with the Lord brings dishonour to Him, we are abusing the grace offered to us. We don't "do" to get; we "do" because of what Christ has already done for us. That is why we never forget our past and why we live in the present and we are sure of our future.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Remembrance Day
History is something that has always fascinated me. On this day as we remember those who have fought and died for Canada, I would like to give a different perspective of WW2 that many of you are not familiar with. It centers around the tiny nation of Estonia but actually involves Canada and many of the countries that today remember.
I was reminded of something most of us have long forgotten and it has to do with the "allies" that fought against Hitler. I saw an old poster from early WW2 and the flags of the allies were displayed at the top of this poster. There were just four flags, indicating that the US was not yet in the war. The allies were England, Canada, Russia and China. In 1941, despite a pact agreed upon by Hitler and Stalin, Hitler attacked Estonia and kicked out the Russian army. For Estonians who had suffered for over a year at the hands of the Russians, this was seen as liberation. Some of you will probably read this and be offended but perhaps an explanation will clear that up.
In June of 1941, Stalin ordered the elimination of all Estonians that were well educated, businessmen and land owners. My grandfather and two uncles were forcibly removed from their home and never seen again. Russian soldiers tortured, raped and killed Estonian women for no reason other than to entertain themselves. These then were Canada's "allies" in 1941. This scene was repeated in other countries as well but unfortunately Hitler was portrayed as the only enemy to freedom. History books for years, told us very little of what Stalin did during WW2. The fact is, he ordered the murder of many more people, including his own citizens, than Hitler did. Consider how repugnant Hitler is to all of us and yet Stalin and the USSR have never been held to the same scrutiny.
The belief is that Winston Churchill understood the evil Stalin represented but his hands were tied by other allies that saw Hitler as a greater threat to the world. There is no doubt that Hitler was a mad man that needed to be stopped but the compromise of the west needs to be honestly discussed. The USSR was never required to compensate families who lost husbands and sons and their entire belongings, including large parcels of land, businesses and homes. With the fall of Communism in Russia, some of the property was recovered but restitution has never come. Unlike Germans who genuinely changed and admitted the evil caused by the Nazi regime, Russia has steadfastly refused to admit anything. What may be even more troubling is that the "allies" have not demanded restitution for those that suffered. That would include my family.
As a Christian I believe in forgiving those that have hurt me. However, criminals should always be brought to justice according to the laws of any nation. WW2 was just the beginning of the atrocities perpetrated by Stalin and Russia. A friend recently told of a university in the US that erected a statue of Stalin and many could not understand why there was an uproar about this. Can you imagine a US university erecting a statue of Hitler? Yet this is what many of us have faced as we have tried to expose the evil surrounding Russia for over 50 years. The other troubling thing in all this is that Russia today, including Putin, absolutely refuse to admit any wrong doing during WW2. They maintain that Russian soldiers were welcomed in as liberators in 1940 and then 1944 by Estonians. Funny that no Estonians see it quite that way, except of course the handful of Communist sympathizers of the day. Consider for a moment what happened to the Nazi sympathizers in places like France, Italy and Holland.
Take a look at the link below to get some perspective of what Communism was all about.
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/282296/checkpoint-charlie-museum-thor-halvorssen
I was reminded of something most of us have long forgotten and it has to do with the "allies" that fought against Hitler. I saw an old poster from early WW2 and the flags of the allies were displayed at the top of this poster. There were just four flags, indicating that the US was not yet in the war. The allies were England, Canada, Russia and China. In 1941, despite a pact agreed upon by Hitler and Stalin, Hitler attacked Estonia and kicked out the Russian army. For Estonians who had suffered for over a year at the hands of the Russians, this was seen as liberation. Some of you will probably read this and be offended but perhaps an explanation will clear that up.
In June of 1941, Stalin ordered the elimination of all Estonians that were well educated, businessmen and land owners. My grandfather and two uncles were forcibly removed from their home and never seen again. Russian soldiers tortured, raped and killed Estonian women for no reason other than to entertain themselves. These then were Canada's "allies" in 1941. This scene was repeated in other countries as well but unfortunately Hitler was portrayed as the only enemy to freedom. History books for years, told us very little of what Stalin did during WW2. The fact is, he ordered the murder of many more people, including his own citizens, than Hitler did. Consider how repugnant Hitler is to all of us and yet Stalin and the USSR have never been held to the same scrutiny.
The belief is that Winston Churchill understood the evil Stalin represented but his hands were tied by other allies that saw Hitler as a greater threat to the world. There is no doubt that Hitler was a mad man that needed to be stopped but the compromise of the west needs to be honestly discussed. The USSR was never required to compensate families who lost husbands and sons and their entire belongings, including large parcels of land, businesses and homes. With the fall of Communism in Russia, some of the property was recovered but restitution has never come. Unlike Germans who genuinely changed and admitted the evil caused by the Nazi regime, Russia has steadfastly refused to admit anything. What may be even more troubling is that the "allies" have not demanded restitution for those that suffered. That would include my family.
As a Christian I believe in forgiving those that have hurt me. However, criminals should always be brought to justice according to the laws of any nation. WW2 was just the beginning of the atrocities perpetrated by Stalin and Russia. A friend recently told of a university in the US that erected a statue of Stalin and many could not understand why there was an uproar about this. Can you imagine a US university erecting a statue of Hitler? Yet this is what many of us have faced as we have tried to expose the evil surrounding Russia for over 50 years. The other troubling thing in all this is that Russia today, including Putin, absolutely refuse to admit any wrong doing during WW2. They maintain that Russian soldiers were welcomed in as liberators in 1940 and then 1944 by Estonians. Funny that no Estonians see it quite that way, except of course the handful of Communist sympathizers of the day. Consider for a moment what happened to the Nazi sympathizers in places like France, Italy and Holland.
Take a look at the link below to get some perspective of what Communism was all about.
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/282296/checkpoint-charlie-museum-thor-halvorssen
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Our Life Story
I have recently talked with two friends at length about books we could all write about our lives. It could very well be that we would be the only ones interested in our individual writings but to listen to my friends I would say, maybe not. Neither of my friends are Christians. They are both about the same age as me and both have backgrounds in law enforcement. Their lives have been very interesting and I learned much just by listening to them.
When we read God's word we often read about the lives of individuals. Especially in the Old Testament we read about some very flawed individuals and yet many of them helped to change the world in a positive way. Abraham, Moses, Noah, Joseph, Joshua and many others, were not perfect and yet God used them to influence nations. Sometimes when we read blogs like this or when we look at other social media, we might tend to snicker under our breath at the arrogance of some people. We wonder whether the writers actually have the life experiences to say anything meaningful. One person I know writes blogs on a regular basis but his underlying tone is often one of bitterness. He has been hurt by church leaders and his mission in life seems to be to slam everything that is opposed to his views. While he does this, he elevates others and fails to realize that the very thing that kept getting him in trouble continues to this day: putting church leaders on pedestals. They almost all eventually become his victims on his blogs. His life story is one that I have learned from however: don't look for position through men. Only God promotes!
When we consider our lives the ones we should be influencing are our children. Even if they make poor decisions, will they be able to look at you and see an example of perseverance? Will they see someone that trusts in the Lord even when things become difficult? Will they see a person of faith? Will they see someone that loves unconditionally? They will always see our flaws no matter how hard we try to hide them but will they see our character and integrity?
I have seen things in my life that I don't want my children to see. I have experienced disappointment and I have experienced betrayal. Those are things that can make you cynical if you choose to allow that to happen. We always have a choice.
I was recently introduced to something called Geni. It is a website that allows you to research your family tree and it has been fascinating to discover relatives I never knew I had. Discovering ancestors that were Christians has been a real blessing. A while ago I found out that my grandfather had (I believe it is still there) an organ in his home and it was common for the village to gather for church in their home on Sunday morning. My cousin once told me that KGB records show that he died on a cattle train to Siberia during WW ll. He was singing hymns for 3 days until they found him dead. This was actually in the records produced to my cousin, a cousin that is not a believer. He died because he was not given food or water. He died September 24, 1941, exactly 13 years before my birth. I don't believe in coincidence!
Our life story is still being written and if you are reading this you still have an opportunity to impact the lives of others in a positive way. Don't waste that time God has given you.
When we read God's word we often read about the lives of individuals. Especially in the Old Testament we read about some very flawed individuals and yet many of them helped to change the world in a positive way. Abraham, Moses, Noah, Joseph, Joshua and many others, were not perfect and yet God used them to influence nations. Sometimes when we read blogs like this or when we look at other social media, we might tend to snicker under our breath at the arrogance of some people. We wonder whether the writers actually have the life experiences to say anything meaningful. One person I know writes blogs on a regular basis but his underlying tone is often one of bitterness. He has been hurt by church leaders and his mission in life seems to be to slam everything that is opposed to his views. While he does this, he elevates others and fails to realize that the very thing that kept getting him in trouble continues to this day: putting church leaders on pedestals. They almost all eventually become his victims on his blogs. His life story is one that I have learned from however: don't look for position through men. Only God promotes!
When we consider our lives the ones we should be influencing are our children. Even if they make poor decisions, will they be able to look at you and see an example of perseverance? Will they see someone that trusts in the Lord even when things become difficult? Will they see a person of faith? Will they see someone that loves unconditionally? They will always see our flaws no matter how hard we try to hide them but will they see our character and integrity?
I have seen things in my life that I don't want my children to see. I have experienced disappointment and I have experienced betrayal. Those are things that can make you cynical if you choose to allow that to happen. We always have a choice.
I was recently introduced to something called Geni. It is a website that allows you to research your family tree and it has been fascinating to discover relatives I never knew I had. Discovering ancestors that were Christians has been a real blessing. A while ago I found out that my grandfather had (I believe it is still there) an organ in his home and it was common for the village to gather for church in their home on Sunday morning. My cousin once told me that KGB records show that he died on a cattle train to Siberia during WW ll. He was singing hymns for 3 days until they found him dead. This was actually in the records produced to my cousin, a cousin that is not a believer. He died because he was not given food or water. He died September 24, 1941, exactly 13 years before my birth. I don't believe in coincidence!
Our life story is still being written and if you are reading this you still have an opportunity to impact the lives of others in a positive way. Don't waste that time God has given you.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Depression
In recent weeks there has been a lot of discussion about depression. Three NHL players have died this past summer and it appears that all of them had been struggling with depression. The solution was overdosing on medication and for at least one of them, suicide. On Global TV a couple of months ago, there was a piece on the evening news that discussed the growing problem of depression in the workplace. One of the concerns was something I believe chaplaincy might be able to help with.
There is a stigma connected to mental health issues such as depression and because of that, most people don't want management to know if there is an issue affecting their work performance. Wade Belak, one of the NHL players, confided in only one or two people about his depression and yet the majority of people, including his new employers at a Nashville TV station were totally unaware. Perhaps it was Belak's tough persona as a former NHL tough guy that he didn't want tarnished. Whatever the reason, it did not appear that he was being helped with his depression issues.
As a Christian chaplain in the workplace today, I know that there is an answer to those struggling with depression and His name is Jesus. As a chaplain much of my time involves building trust with employees so that when there are problems in their lives, they can come to me for help and advice. I can not approach them and preach to them but I can be Jesus to them during those difficult times. Eventually people ask why I am a chaplain and why I am cheery when others are always grumpy. When they start asking I can start sharing about my faith. It can be a long process but it is one that I gladly accept because I know this is where God wants me in this season of my life.
This past week I spoke to 2 public health nurses and their involvement in Workplace Wellness. They had heard about me and corporate chaplaincy and were intrigued by it. They are now considering how they might present chaplaincy as a viable piece of the wellness program they teach on at companies in the Toronto area. The topic of depression came up and the aspect of confidentiality was not lost on them. It is an exciting door that God may be opening in the months ahead.
There is a stigma connected to mental health issues such as depression and because of that, most people don't want management to know if there is an issue affecting their work performance. Wade Belak, one of the NHL players, confided in only one or two people about his depression and yet the majority of people, including his new employers at a Nashville TV station were totally unaware. Perhaps it was Belak's tough persona as a former NHL tough guy that he didn't want tarnished. Whatever the reason, it did not appear that he was being helped with his depression issues.
As a Christian chaplain in the workplace today, I know that there is an answer to those struggling with depression and His name is Jesus. As a chaplain much of my time involves building trust with employees so that when there are problems in their lives, they can come to me for help and advice. I can not approach them and preach to them but I can be Jesus to them during those difficult times. Eventually people ask why I am a chaplain and why I am cheery when others are always grumpy. When they start asking I can start sharing about my faith. It can be a long process but it is one that I gladly accept because I know this is where God wants me in this season of my life.
This past week I spoke to 2 public health nurses and their involvement in Workplace Wellness. They had heard about me and corporate chaplaincy and were intrigued by it. They are now considering how they might present chaplaincy as a viable piece of the wellness program they teach on at companies in the Toronto area. The topic of depression came up and the aspect of confidentiality was not lost on them. It is an exciting door that God may be opening in the months ahead.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Honoring
One of the most difficult aspects of living is watching close friends die, some much too early. Those moments also cause us to pause and consider the impact they may have had in our lives. In this blog I want to honor those that have helped me become the person I am today and also to scold those that for many years told me I "shouldn't live in my past". My past is the reason I am who I am. I don't live there but neither do I diminish the importance of it. The religious response to honoring these folks is always the same: "we should never put our trust in men but only God".
Let me explain the fallacy in the above statement that ignores one important element. When an individual has for years demonstrated their faithfulness in loving the Lord and serving Him with all their heart, they are people I can trust. When these people have my back and when they have prayed for me and shared the heart of God with me, I will honor them. Unfortunately there are those that have plenty of charisma and even God-given talent that I wouldn't trust with my pet cat.
I looked at the Royal wedding yesterday and was reminded again of the men and women that have gone before us. History surrounded the events of the day, including the venue called Westminster Abbey. I have walked in that church and just touched the white walls inside, imagining the things those walls would tell me if they could talk. As I write this blog I also wonder what will be said of me 100 years from now. Will I have made a difference in anyone's life? Will I be remembered as a good man or one that used others to get what he wanted? Will people have seen Jesus in me or will they have seen my flesh so many times that Jesus was just a faint memory?
Kaljo Raid (KR) was my pastor for the first 16 years of my Christian walk. He was a talented musician and a pastor that taught me what it means to be a peacemaker.
Fred Peipman was my mentor in those early years. He was a missionary in Papua New Guinea that quickly realized that Baptist doctrine and theology wouldn't be enough to deal with witch doctors and demon-possessed people. He taught me how to hear the Spirit of God.
Allan Laur was my mom's pastor, my dentist and my friend. He more than anyone else encouraged me to prepare for ministry when no ministry was in sight. He was an example of someone that laid aside his own comfort to make a difference in Estonia. He became the voice of the evangelicals in Estonia and he died much too early.
Robert Mearns was a prophetic voice in my life when I most needed it. He has ministered with and to some of the most influential Christians of our time and yet most have never heard of him. And God brought him into my life and the life of our church when nobody else would. He remains a good friend and a real role model to me when it comes to Marketplace Christianity.
There are a few that lived what they preached and because of it, impacted my life with their friendship. Hennie Keyter, who has led thousands to the Lord in the most remote areas of Africa, often putting his own life on the line. Ian McKellar, who is one of the most intelligent Christians I know and someone that makes scripture come to life. He also lives what he preaches, now in Singapore. Then there are my peers that I love and trust, not because they are perfect but because they are sold out to the Lord. Ken Kaasik, who has led a church in Estonia since 1990 after arriving from Canada. Paul Westerink, my Dutch friend that has led a church in Germany, planted churches in various nations and run businesses with his Type AAA personality. Then there is the other Type AAA personality, Tom Rudmik. He has taught me that being a visionary is not always easy but never boring. And finally my wife of 35 years. Anne is one of the strongest believers I have known in my 39 years as a Christian. That she loves me is incredible!
Needless to say there are many that I would include as good friends. Some are in full-time ministry and others are not and probably never will be. There is also Erika, Luule, Kaarin and Maire, who have prayed for Anne and me for the past 20 years. They are precious.
Let me explain the fallacy in the above statement that ignores one important element. When an individual has for years demonstrated their faithfulness in loving the Lord and serving Him with all their heart, they are people I can trust. When these people have my back and when they have prayed for me and shared the heart of God with me, I will honor them. Unfortunately there are those that have plenty of charisma and even God-given talent that I wouldn't trust with my pet cat.
I looked at the Royal wedding yesterday and was reminded again of the men and women that have gone before us. History surrounded the events of the day, including the venue called Westminster Abbey. I have walked in that church and just touched the white walls inside, imagining the things those walls would tell me if they could talk. As I write this blog I also wonder what will be said of me 100 years from now. Will I have made a difference in anyone's life? Will I be remembered as a good man or one that used others to get what he wanted? Will people have seen Jesus in me or will they have seen my flesh so many times that Jesus was just a faint memory?
Kaljo Raid (KR) was my pastor for the first 16 years of my Christian walk. He was a talented musician and a pastor that taught me what it means to be a peacemaker.
Fred Peipman was my mentor in those early years. He was a missionary in Papua New Guinea that quickly realized that Baptist doctrine and theology wouldn't be enough to deal with witch doctors and demon-possessed people. He taught me how to hear the Spirit of God.
Allan Laur was my mom's pastor, my dentist and my friend. He more than anyone else encouraged me to prepare for ministry when no ministry was in sight. He was an example of someone that laid aside his own comfort to make a difference in Estonia. He became the voice of the evangelicals in Estonia and he died much too early.
Robert Mearns was a prophetic voice in my life when I most needed it. He has ministered with and to some of the most influential Christians of our time and yet most have never heard of him. And God brought him into my life and the life of our church when nobody else would. He remains a good friend and a real role model to me when it comes to Marketplace Christianity.
There are a few that lived what they preached and because of it, impacted my life with their friendship. Hennie Keyter, who has led thousands to the Lord in the most remote areas of Africa, often putting his own life on the line. Ian McKellar, who is one of the most intelligent Christians I know and someone that makes scripture come to life. He also lives what he preaches, now in Singapore. Then there are my peers that I love and trust, not because they are perfect but because they are sold out to the Lord. Ken Kaasik, who has led a church in Estonia since 1990 after arriving from Canada. Paul Westerink, my Dutch friend that has led a church in Germany, planted churches in various nations and run businesses with his Type AAA personality. Then there is the other Type AAA personality, Tom Rudmik. He has taught me that being a visionary is not always easy but never boring. And finally my wife of 35 years. Anne is one of the strongest believers I have known in my 39 years as a Christian. That she loves me is incredible!
Needless to say there are many that I would include as good friends. Some are in full-time ministry and others are not and probably never will be. There is also Erika, Luule, Kaarin and Maire, who have prayed for Anne and me for the past 20 years. They are precious.
Christian Ethics
Some of you reading this blog might automatically think that these two words go hand in hand. Perhaps it is just my cynical side but as I enter my 39th year as a born-again believer I find the two words do not always fit. They should but sadly they do not.
As I become increasingly involved with those that have no real faith community, I fully appreciate the privilege of walking in the Christian communities I have been involved with. Some as a member and some as a leader. So this is not an indictment against a majority or even many but it is sad none the less. I think most of us would agree that we expect more from our Christian brothers and sisters and rightfully give non-believers much more room to blow it. For me the issue of honesty is a big one. If our words are empty then we lose credibility and eventually friendships.
Many of you know that I helped facilitate Ethics and Anti-Corruption training for the Estonian Police. As my friends from Scotland Yard taught about leadership and what it meant to be a cop, it was interesting to see how these senior officers responded. They were surprised that cops should be honest, humble and men and women of integrity. Having lived and worked for years in an atheist country it was only mildly surprising to hear their take on things. Basic human behaviour, let alone that of a police officer, was something they had never really thought about.
As Christians we have something called the Fruits of the Spirit. I have talked about this before and how such things as kindness, honesty and self-control grow in us as we mature as Christians. I recently saw a Christian leader take advantage of someone I love and to be honest it angered me. It was a business matter and hopefully it had to do more with ignorance than anything else but it showed a total lack of caring and consideration for the other person. If this is the way we do business in the world the world will never want what we supposedly have.
I want to encourage all of us to consider for a moment where we have perhaps been selfish in our dealings with other believers. Have we actually thought through how our actions or words might affect someone else? Do we even care? Are we bringing any of this attitude into the marketplace and if so, are we willing to change?
As I become increasingly involved with those that have no real faith community, I fully appreciate the privilege of walking in the Christian communities I have been involved with. Some as a member and some as a leader. So this is not an indictment against a majority or even many but it is sad none the less. I think most of us would agree that we expect more from our Christian brothers and sisters and rightfully give non-believers much more room to blow it. For me the issue of honesty is a big one. If our words are empty then we lose credibility and eventually friendships.
Many of you know that I helped facilitate Ethics and Anti-Corruption training for the Estonian Police. As my friends from Scotland Yard taught about leadership and what it meant to be a cop, it was interesting to see how these senior officers responded. They were surprised that cops should be honest, humble and men and women of integrity. Having lived and worked for years in an atheist country it was only mildly surprising to hear their take on things. Basic human behaviour, let alone that of a police officer, was something they had never really thought about.
As Christians we have something called the Fruits of the Spirit. I have talked about this before and how such things as kindness, honesty and self-control grow in us as we mature as Christians. I recently saw a Christian leader take advantage of someone I love and to be honest it angered me. It was a business matter and hopefully it had to do more with ignorance than anything else but it showed a total lack of caring and consideration for the other person. If this is the way we do business in the world the world will never want what we supposedly have.
I want to encourage all of us to consider for a moment where we have perhaps been selfish in our dealings with other believers. Have we actually thought through how our actions or words might affect someone else? Do we even care? Are we bringing any of this attitude into the marketplace and if so, are we willing to change?
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