Lawrence W. Wilson

Blessed to Be a Blessing

2010-02-03T17:38:00.001-05:00

I've been preaching on the subject of stewardship for three weeks, and I'm getting a lot of amens when I speak about the value of hard work, responsibility, and saving money.

This week, the subject is giving, and I'm prepared to feel like Peyton Manning on a visit to Foxboro. Nobody likes to hear the pastor talk about their money.

Yet generosity is a spiritual trait, just like responsibility and contentment. And the Bible says more about giving our money away than it does about earning it or saving it. If we hope to be mature disciples of Jesus, we have to wrap our minds around the idea that our money isn't really ours--we're managing it on behalf of God. As such, we don't even think about spending all of it on ourselves.

Here are three concepts that have helped me get a handle on giving money away.

Gratitude

Gratitude is at the heart of the principle of tithing. Both Abraham and Jacob gave a tenth of their goods in response to God's goodness. Only later was tithing made a law. The real reason we give God 10 percent of our earning is that we're grateful to him for all he's done for us.

When I made the decision to begin tithing, it was a profound spiritual landmark--a sign that I had fully "sold out" to God.

Compassion

The earthquake in Haiti has reminded us all how tenderhearted we can be. In our better moments, we feel genuine sorrow for people who are suffering. It's good that we give at times like these. And it's even better when we maintain an awareness of the fact that the world can be an ugly place.

When I give consistent offerings to agencies like World Hope International, we're acting like God, who remembers the orphans of the world.

Blessing

Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matt. 6:38).

We are blessed to be a blessing. And when we bless others, we benefit. When you give money away, you help others, you feel better, and you know that God will reward you. I don't think that means you get the money back with interest. But you can trust God to bless you in return.

What about you? What has helped you develop the virtue of generosity?

How Revival Starts

2010-01-28T11:29:00.000-05:00

Revival is one of those things that are easy to recognize but difficult to create. Like momentum in a business or buzz in marketing, you can easily spot it but seldom reproduce it.

It comes from God.
It begins with a few people
It spreads to others.
Or it doesn't ...

Prayer is perhaps the only tool we have for fanning the flame of revival.

Last week I received a note from Stephanie Stout, one of Fall Creek's university students, who is in her senior year at Indiana University, studying broadcast journalism. She wrote--

[I'd like to] to petition people to pray for the Indiana University campus--or any campus. God has revealed to many of my friends, students across the nation, and me that our generation is about to have a revival. I'm so excited!

To be a part of something this incredible is mind-blowing! But I know it cannot happen without our elders praying for us. I believe in my generation.

I went to Passion Conference and saw generosity from "poor college students" that took my breath away. I saw a desire to share Christ and do what we are called to do as Christians--tell others about the amazing love of Jesus.

Please join me in prayer for my school. The Enemy does not want this to happen. He is stirring apathy in hearts and creating intense distractions and spiritual warfare. But God is bigger and stronger. He wins. We need you!

Perhaps you could adopt a campus. Fall Creek has students attending 13 schools. Perhaps you could adopt one--or another that you know of.

Anderson University
Ball State University
Bucknell University
Butler University
Calvin College
Cornerstone University
Indiana Wesleyan University
Pittsburgh State University
Purdue University
Southern Wesleyan University
Strassburg University
Taylor University
The University of Illinois

What about you? Will you pray for revival among our university students?

Why Saving Money Is Difficult

2010-01-27T11:12:00.001-05:00

Most of us would agree with the biblical advice that we should conserve our resources. ("In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has" Prov. 21:20.) It makes sense to spend less than we earn, to save something back, to have some money in reserve.

Yet most of us spend more than we earn, extending our debt little by little. While we may agree that saving money is a good idea, we find it hard to do.

The reason it's so hard to save money is the same reason it's so difficult to lose weight. We approach both as if they are a matter of sheer discipline. In fact, both require a change of lifestyle that must be preceded by a change of mind.

In the case of thrift, that means moving from an attitude of consumption to a mindset of contentment.

The wealthiest people in most communities have recognized this. They have money mostly because they don't spend it. As a result, they live rather conservative lifestyles, often far below their actual means.

Yet we are often more drawn to the lavish spenders--those with large homes, expensive cars, and exotic vacations. Often, they are floating on a sea of debt, far outspending their ability to earn.

To gain financial strength, you must spend less money than you are able to spend.

To do that, you must be content with what you already have.

Are you?

What do you think? What helps a person develop the lifestyle of saving money?

Can You Get Something for Nothing?

2010-01-20T10:29:00.001-05:00

I did it again this week. On Monday I caught myself making one of the Big Stupid Money Mistakes that the Bible warns about.

It started when my brother sent me a photo of his new track bike--he's getting geared up for the racing season. Naturally, I had a serious case of bike envy. I started shopping bikes on the Internet, comparing prices, drooling over road bikes that cost far more than I can afford.

And there it is, Big Stupid Money Mistake #1: Thinking more about how to spend money than about how to earn it.

That kind of thinking is what has put many people deep into debt. Depending on whom you believe, the average household debt in the U.S., not counting mortgage debt, is about $14,500. Some 40 percent of American families annually spend more than they earn. Average credit card debt, depending on which figures you use, is between $8,400 and $9,200 per year.

This week I'm beginning a teaching series on personal finances titled More than Enough. I'm using a tagline borrowed from John Wesley, who said, "Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can." My theory is that God has given us more than enough resources to live--and to thrive. We just need to learn what to do with them.

Industry, thrift, and generosity are the three core principles we'll explore. This week, the value of work, based on Prov. 6:6-11.

As I'm organizing my thoughts, I keep wondering why we are so resistant to the idea of hard work? Why is it always easier to sit on the couch than do the dishes? Why are we so consumed by the idea of getting rich quick, hitting the lottery, or getting something for nothing?

Where does the (stupid) notion come from that we can gain wealth for free? And why is it so easy to believe?

What You Can Do to Help in Haiti

2010-01-13T13:24:00.002-05:00

My thoughts have been with the people of Haiti this week, devastated by an earthquake of magnitude 7.0. With 9 million residents, Haiti has been called the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. A report by one news company said that 75 percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day. Its resources for rescue and relief efforts are almost non-existent.

Knowing how best to help is always a challenge following a disaster of this kind. We are fortunate to know of two wonderful Christian agencies that have been active in Haiti for many years and are set to deliver aid.

I encourage you to make a donation for Haiti relief through one of the following avenues.

Global Partners (label your donation with the code “WM07-0005” and the description “Haiti Relief”)

Global partners is the world mission agency of The Wesleyan Church. Your contribution will help to relieve 106 congregations affected by the quake and will provide medical supplies for a Christian hospital serving those afflicted in Haiti.

World Hope International (select “Disaster Response – Haiti” from the drop-down menu)

World Hope is an Christian relief and development agency, founded under the direction of The Wesleyan Church, that has been active in Haiti for many years. Your contributions will be used to fund disaster relief in that country.

Let's be generous.

Free Preview of Financial Peace University

2010-01-07T16:57:00.004-05:00

I don’t know anyone who isn’t thinking more seriously about personal finances these days. The recession has affected our incomes, the value of our retirement accounts and homes, and many people are edging deeper into debt.

The economy aside, money management has been a bugaboo for a great number of Christian families. Many of us are deeper in debt that we'd like to admit, and we seem always to think more about how to spend money than to save it or earn it.

That's why were offering Financial Peace University this year at Fall Creek. This 13-week course features the teaching of well-known Christian financial expert Dave Ramsey, and it has helped thousands of people find a pathway to stress-free home financial management based on the biblical principles of stweardship.

Classes begin Jan. 28, 2010, but we'll be holding a no-obligation video preview this Sunday (Jan. 10), immediately after the worship service at Fall Creek Wesleyan Church (116th & Olio Rd., Fishers).

Worship is at 10:30 a.m. The 30-minute preview session begins at 11:45, and you don't have to attend the service to attend the preview.

I hope you'll check it out.

Podcast: One Church--The Body

2010-01-04T09:27:00.003-05:00

Join Us in Reading the Bible This Year

2009-12-31T18:55:00.003-05:00

Who Needs Church?

2009-12-29T10:05:00.000-05:00

I like church, but sometimes I really can’t stand it. I don't get the music, for one thing. And whenever they change something to make church more "relevant," it just seems to get worse. I think about going somewhere else occasionally, but I don't think any other church would be better. I think I may just quit going altogether.

If you've ever had thoughts similar to those, you're not alone. Many people conclude that church offers nothing of value and make their faith personal--dropping out of church completely. Others make their Christianity portable--moving from one congregation to the next in search of the ever-elusive good church.

Frankly, it's hard to blame them. The church (I'm speaking of American evangelicalism, primarily, not any one congregation) has changed so dramatically that it is unrecognizable to many mature Christians and still seemingly irrelevant to most non-Christians. It shouldn't be surprising that people are asking the question, "Why do I need church?"

It's a good question.

I'll be speaking about this on Sunday at Fall Creek, but I'd like to hear your ideas first.

So what do you say? Why should I bother to belong to one local congregation?

Christmas Eve at Fall Creek

2009-12-22T19:03:00.007-05:00

Podcast: Chosen by God--Peace

2009-12-21T08:52:00.001-05:00

Why God Doesn't Give Easy Assignments

2009-12-16T07:20:00.001-05:00

I've been studying the lives of people in the Bible whom God called. I'm talking about people to whom God spoke directly, such as Moses, Zacchaeus, Jeremiah, Mary, and many others. I realize that God is always reaching out to people through his Holy Spirit, but I'm interested in the individuals whom God tapped on the should and said, "I want you."

My theory is that we can learn from these people because God will eventually call each of us in exactly that same way. It may not be as dramatic as, say, Moses, whom God called with a burning bush, or Balaam, to whom God spoke through a talking ass (though that may be more common than we realize). But God calls everybody.

Here's what I've discovered. God never chose anyone so they could live a long, happy life completely free from worry or stress. Make a study of all the people God called, you won’t find anybody who fits that profile. Not even one.

When God calls people, he gives them a task that extends his work in the world, and that generally involves some sort of sacrifice. Moses led people who didn't really want leadership; it was frustrating. Jeremiah spoke truth to power; always dangerous. Mary was called to bear a child out of wedlock; a challenging role even today.

When God calls, he has a job in mind that will be rewarding and deeply satisfying. It will also take you considerably beyond the comfortable vision you may have had for your own life. God does not bless us so that we alone may prosper. God blesses us so that we may bless others.

So what do you think? Does God have a purpose in mind for every person? For you? What purpose has God given you?

Podcast: Chosen by God--Love

2009-12-13T19:54:00.001-05:00

Podcast: Chosen by God--Joy

2009-12-06T21:25:00.002-05:00

Fall Creek Preview 12-6-09

2009-12-04T16:41:00.001-05:00

Podcast: Chosen by God--Hope

2009-11-30T09:04:00.000-05:00

Ideas for Celebrating Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T08:42:00.000-05:00

As you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, here are five practical ideas for demonstrating your gratitude to God.

1. Count your blessings. Literally. Number a paper from 1 to 20 and don’t stop until you have written 20 things that are gifts from God.

2. Memorize Psalm 106:1 and repeat it each day for a week. “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.” You could say it all together before your Thanksgiving feast.

3. Call or e-mail a friend and tell that person that you thank God for their friendship.

4. Fast for one meal this weekend. Not Thursday, of course. It’s a day of feasting. Fasting (going without food) is also a way of showing your gratitude to God.

5. Give something away. God has given us more than we need, and we’re grateful. Show your gratitude by taking something to Goodwill or donating money to help others.

What do you think? What's a good way to express gratitude to God?

Podcast: It'll All Work Out

2009-11-23T17:58:00.001-05:00

What Gives You Hope?

2009-11-18T10:32:00.001-05:00

Attention aspiring writers. Here is the essence of a good story.

1. Somebody wants something.
2. They try to get it, but keep running into obstacles.
3. Finally, they get it (or they don't, if you're writing tragedy).

That's it. Every story from Pride and Prejudice to Ernest Goes to Camp can be reduced that formula. Everybody's life--including yours--is a story of setbacks, challenges, and frustrations.

Though we might define it differently, each of us wants the good life. And though the obstacles may vary from person to person, we all face them--physical challenges, illness, economic setbacks, accidents, and intentional harm by others.

What makes the story interesting is character--how we handle the problems we face.

This week I'm pondering the story of Joseph, who endured more hardship than a Charles Dickens hero and managed to make this incredible pronouncement to the brothers who'd done him wrong:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen. 50:20–21).

Or, as Heather likes to say, "I knew it would all work out."

When you face problems that seem to spell the end of your dreams, are you able to remain hopeful?

Can a Church Be Both High-Tech and High-Touch?

2009-11-17T07:46:00.000-05:00

Last week I blogged about changes I’d like to see in the worship space at Fall Creek Wesleyan Church. Some of the comments posted in response mention a concern that is often expressed as churches grow, which is the fear that a sense of community will disappear as a church grows larger.

That concern is sometimes heard in comments like these—

I hope we never lose the “small church feel” that we have.
I’d never want to be part of a church that gets so large that people don’t know one another.
This assumes that there is an inherent conflict between high-tech and high-touch, that relationships inevitably suffer as a church grows in size and relies more heavily on technology to communicate with parishioners and produce the worship experience.

I’ve been around enough megachurches to know that that doesn’t have to happen. Most people who attend large churches like them and feel a sense of belonging, though it may be different from the everybody-knows-everybody feel of a small church. And many large churches have intentional strategies for helping people get connected. You don’t find that in smaller congregations, which can be downright difficult for newcomers to break into.

Even so, I have little fear that relationships will diminish at Fall Creek as we continue to grow. Here’s why.

Building community is one of the primary things we are doing.

As you pastor, I will continue to insist that community is vital to our existence and will see that it is worked into everything we do.

Anyone who has attended Fall Creek even once has heard, from the pulpit, the words “Connect to God and connect to each other.” We make time for it in every service. We promote it by personally inviting people to join small groups and Bible studies. We foster it by sharing prayer requests with one another.

I’m adamant that we must form an authentic community of people who are connected to others in meaningful, intimate relationships based on shared faith.

We have reached the size where this must be done intentionally. We have a Connections Ministry, and we are developing a Care Ministry, which will help us to recognize the people who are not involved in relationships or are absent for a period of time. Beyond that, I call on every person who calls Fall Creek home to intentionally identify and offer a connection to newcomers.

If you are reading this, that means you.

We will use technology as a tool, not fuel.

Some churches do lose their relational value as they grow in size—or seek to grow. Frankly, I believe that happens when leaders see numerical increase as growth and not a byproduct of growth.

In reality, church growth is the growth of individuals who become connected to God by faith in Christ and to each other in meaningful relationships. As a result, they are spiritually transformed. That’s growth. When growth happens, a church inevitably becomes larger. But the egg is transformation. The chicken is increased attendance.

Seeing that many growing congregations produce worship experiences that exhibit high production values, some leaders in smaller or mid-sized churches view technology as a solution for producing church growth. When that happens, technical solutions (computers, graphics, sound systems, worship music, video) are favored over personal connection with individuals. People begin to feel that they have been lost in the process.

I have no intention of abandoning our focus on spiritual transformation in favor of strategies for gathering more people in one spot. That is not to say that we will not be intentional about using lighting, video, or other technologies in our worship. We will. But technology will always be a tool for solving a problem, never the means by which to grow. Spiritual transformation is the fuel that will propel this church.

It is worth noting that when churches abandon their focus on transformation, they stop growing—regardless of size. Many megachurches are not growing. Those that are continue to be highly people centered, highly evangelistic congregations (high-touch)—even at 3,000 members and above.

That’s why I ask every ministry to justify itself not merely by reporting how many people attended (though I do ask that) but “Whose life was changed?”

So what do you think? Can a church be both “high-tech” and “high-touch”?

Seven Things That Will Improve Our Worship Space

2009-11-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

When I became pastor at Fall Creek Wesleyan Church earlier this year, I knew that one of our challenges would be to make enhancements to the room we use for worship. We’re fortunate to have this beautiful facility here on some of the most visible real estate in one of the fastest growing counties in the country.

Yet the building is 10 years old and in need of some improvement. And the worship center, as we call it, was designed for multiple purposes and it is used multiple times nearly every day of the week. It needs a facelift.

When we gather on Sunday, we corporately connect ourselves to God through hearing the Word, singing, receiving sacraments, and other ancient rituals of the church. We still sing, preach, shake hands, and receive communion, and our room must be designed to accommodate that.

Yet there have been changes in our worship practices over the years, so our space will have some critical differences from both a performance hall or theater and a traditional church sanctuary.

Participation vs. Spectating

Theaters are designed to make people relax, disengage, and look on while others perform. But worship is a verb; it’s something we all do together. Our space should invite people to enter—both into the room and into the act of worship.

Dynamic vs. Static

In traditional churches, the furniture and décor were fixed. The pews were screwed down. The chancel furniture was not to be moved.

Our worship is more fluid, and our room has to be more versatile. It must accommodate various styles of worship music and musicians, both preaching and drama, the use of video, and creative responses to the Word.

Multipurpose vs. Single-Use

After Sunday morning, our worship center converts back a preschool nap room, an afterschool hangout for middle schoolers, and children’s ministry center. We need portability in nearly every structure.

With that in mind, I’m suggesting several enhancements that will increase the value of our room and help us enter into the experience of corporate worship.

1. Enhance the Lighting.

We need to improve our lighting to make the room more comfortable and allow us more versatile worship experiences.

Right now, our lights have two settings: Dim and Off. We need to boost the house lights so that we can have full light when needed, allowing people to see one another, read from their Bibles, and avoid the feeling that we’re gathered in a dingy space. We can still soften the lights to allow for a more intimate feel.

Also, our stage lighting casts harsh light on the speaker, creating dark shadows and making it nearly impossible for the speaker to see the audience—which is critical for communication. Some changes are needed there as well.

2. Brighten the Projection.

We need to improve the projection system so that everyone can see words and images clearly.

Our current projectors shine their images on a white wall, which makes for a rather dull image. We need to improve this by either replacing the projectors with flat-screen monitors or upgrading the projector and screen system.

3. Upgrade the Technical Equipment.

We need enough technical equipment so that our musicians can be freed from their mélange of mics and cords.

I’m thinking wireless.

Sound projection is also poor in some areas of the room. A bit of engineering, and maybe one or two more speakers, will allow everyone to hear well.

4. Eliminate Backlighting.

The stained-glass windows in our worship center are on the same wall as the stage, which, unfortunately, backlights the speakers making the lighting situation even worse. We could eliminate that easily—and aesthetically improve the exterior of our building—by adding light boxes to the windows so that the amount of light they transmit could be manually controlled. At night, this would allow illuminate our stained glass to the outside, beautifying our campus.

5. Add Artwork that Communicates Our Vision.

We have huge white spaces on our walls, which are canvasses for the creation of visual art. I envision a simple image and text on either end of the room that graphically communicate our hunger to be transformed by the power of God and multiply that transformation throughout our world.

6. Replace the rug.

If you’ve seen the carpet, not further explanation is necessary.

7. Reconstruct the Stage to Create a More Versatile Space.

The current platform is too large for a single speaker and too small for the several musicians and instruments that we now use in worship. Reconstructing the platform to slightly different specifications would improve its appearance and utility. Painting the brick behind the platform area will also brighten the room and cause worship leaders to be more visible.

If you could make one change to the worship room in our church (or yours), what would it be?

Solutions That Don't Work for Dealing with God

2009-11-11T09:14:00.001-05:00

This week I'm reflecting on the life of Jacob, that great patriarch of the faith who also happened to be a a self-motivated, manipulative jerk. In particular, I'm studying the climax of his story, his encounter with God at Peniel (Gen. 32:22-32).

Jacob's life is a study in how not to please God. He lied. He cheated. He ran away from his problems. But he wouldn’t give up. This is Jacob’s greatest quality. He hungered for God’s best, and he sought it relentlessly. Although he used every wrong means to pursue it, Jacob had the right aim at heart. He wanted the blessing of God more than anything in the world.

Finally, alone, humbled, physically and emotionally broken, he received what he had been after so long.

As I think about the life of this great but deeply flawed man, I wonder about our lives and why we, too, so often use the wrong means (selfish ingenuity) in pursuit of the right goals (joy, contentment, love, achievement). Must every person have this Jacob-like experience of wrestling with God until their will (and body?) is broken?

What about you? Have you tried solutions for dealing with God (and others) that don't work? What does--what was your breakthrough moment with God?

What experience brought you to the point of submitting your will to God's?

Ten Things I Wish I'd Known about Being a Writer

2009-11-10T13:00:00.001-05:00

My first published writing appeared in print more than 20 years ago. Since then, I've been fortunate to have consistent opportunities to write for publication, including three books, a syndicated newspaper column, and a number of articles, devotionals, and Bible studies.

Last week I had an opportunity to speak with a group of aspiring writers a the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference. I shared some of the things I wish I'd known 20 years go that would have helped me along as a young writer.

Here is the outline. CDs of the presentation are also available.

1. Commerce

Writing is art; publishing is business. I missed some early opportunities because I didn't understand that publishers were more concerned (rightly so) with making a profit that with allowing me to express my artistic desires.

2. Humility

The difference between good and great writing is the difference between the sun and moon. My early success led me to believe that I had "arrived" as a writer. How wrong I was. Learning this craft is a lifelong journey.

3. Audience

You must write for the reader and not for yourself.

4. Identity

Writers are not a special class of people. They are ordinary people who can and do write. I wish I'd owned that identity from the start; I would have had more confidence to begin writing and begin submitting.

5. Movement

It is not enough to say something true or well. You must bring people to a place they’ve not been before.

6. Dedication

The hardest part of writing is sitting down. I wrongly assumed that the hardest part of writing a book is getting a contract. The hardest part of writing a book is, well, writing the book.

7. Mission

You must understand why you write,what you hope to gain and what you hope to accomplish.

8. Originality

The sin of plagiarism is not stealing but copying. I spent too much time trying to imitate the style of others, and that hindered me in developing my own voice.

9. Passion

Your audience wants to see the human being behind the words. Readers want a connection with the author; they must feel the passion that you bring to your writing.

10. Professionalism

Learn to behave like a business partner with your publisher because that is what you are!

What advice would you give to someone who would like to begin writing?

Podcast: How to Break Free

2009-11-09T13:09:00.002-05:00

Book Review: Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir

2009-11-06T07:24:00.003-05:00

Losing Mum and Pup is Christopher Buckley's retrospective on the life and death of his famous parents, the iconic conservative intellectual William F. Buckley Jr. and his socialite wife, Pat Buckley.

I found the book interesting because it is a poignant and well-written study in the changing of generations and because it provides a glimpse into the personal lives of an iconic American family.

While the book communicates a number of unflattering details about Buckley's parents, he avoids the self-pitying plea for the reader to agree that his parents did him wrong. His motive for writing seems to be (a) that he's a writer himself and processes life on paper and (b) his parents were intensely interesting people and his relationship with them, particularly his father, is the stuff of an interesting book. How many people, for example, had friendships with Ronald Reagan, David Niven, Barry Goldwater, George McGovern, Gordon Liddy, and, well, nearly everybody whose name appeared in headlines from 1970 to 2009.

Christopher Buckley is a political satirist and can't help but find the ironic moments in the tragic year in which both his parents died. For example, the phone call from the mortician saying, "Your dad is looking much better now." The writing is often humorous, thought not so hilarious as his novels.

Buckley does reveal a number of negative things about his parents and himself, including Mum's penchant for telling whoppers (she invented at least 8 different reasons for her leaving college after two years) and Pup's self-medication with Ritalin and sleeping pills, and Buckley's own dilemma about whether to assist his father in suicide (he didn't and he didn't).

This book is a poignant read for baby boomers--and perhaps others--who are dealing with passing of their parents' generation. It's humorous, revealing, poignant, and very well written. Fans of either Buckley will enjoy it.
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Buy my like-new copy for $10 (Plus S&H; US only).