Returning Soon!
Thanks for all the visits. the last 5 months have been a whirlwind filled with great challenges and great victories. I will be returning to blogging the Tuesday after labor day. See you then!
Questioning Systematic Theology
Recently I made my Facebook status say, “I believe in Organic Theology.” I kind of did it because of a random deep thought I had that day, but it became quite the discussion under my status. I had this thought. I know a lot of people who give their time to studying systematic theology, and you know what, they should! Becasue, as RC says, “every Christian is a theologian for better or worse and the for worse is no small matter.” Some people dismiss theology as irrelevant and boring but the reality is everyone has a theology. Do you believe Jesus will return one day? Thats a theology. Do you believe the church will be victorious? That is a theology. The only question is: Do you have the right theology. Ok, I get that, and thats why I say systematic theology should be studied, but consider this: Theology is simply a result of either man’s question or heresies through the ages. For Instance, somewhere along the line somebody asked the question, “Did Jesus have ALL of God’s essential attributes when he walked the earth?” or worse, somebody said, “Jesus didn’t possess God’s essential attributes.” From this starting point theologians then go into the Bible (the ultimate standard) to see what it says and then make a theological statement of what is believes based on the authority of scripture. If you are still with me, now please follow… The only problem is this: As good as systematic theology is and needed isn’t it a bit reactionary and defensive. Some may say, “what do you mean?” I mean, If man picks the questions than man chooses what should be emphasized therefore inadvertently creating another Bible. Huh? For example, Lets say the Bible is more concerned with Christians loving their enemies than Christians understanding the Trinity, but systematic theology emphasizes the doctrine of the trinity more than loving your enemies….haven’t we then created another book that then chooses to take this Bible and without changing its truths, divert its emphasis? This seems pretty serious to me. Again, this is not a bash systematic theology post, not at all. I love systematic theology….I’ve read Grudem, Strong, Ericson, and J. Roddam Williams. Great Books. Enlightening. Needed. But in those things lets be careful to not take away from what the Bible would want us to emphasize. I guess what Im saying is this is why some churches can having incredible systematic theological understanding, yet never have an emphasis on evangelism. Huh? Has anyone read the New Testament? Tell me, is Evangelism a major theme in the New Testament? I believe their is an offense and a defense in Theology. The church traditionally I guess is of the opinion a great defense is a great offense, but I wonder if we somehow (not saying its easy) just let the Bible “organically” determine our theological discussions if we would be better off. Thoughts?
Wisdom…
I have been so random with my blog of recent weeks, but I have all of a sudden have some new found inspiration. I was just out to lunch with my friend and children’s pastor, Sam Luce and I we were discussing how people, pastors and movements get stuck. I was commenting on how the Bible presents wisdom as not only being easy to find but portrays it as actually looking for us (Proverbs 1, James 1). The greatest hinderance I think to us seeing or hearing wisdom is our own selves. I have been especially intrigued by how much difference in rhetoric there can be between people who are at different levels in ministry. One recognizable difference is how change is embrace by a pastor, movement or person. What I have found is amongst people like Bill Hybels, Ed Young and Craig Groeschel… they embrace change, and welcome it. They are driven by overriding principles rather than methods. they will try new things and have created a culture where failure is not only acceptable but welcomed as a necessary discomfort to moving forward. Less fruitful people usually are playing it safe (consider the parable of the talents). Ed did a great blog on change today that inspired me – you can see it here . I find the blog refreshing in light of some conversations I recently had. I also wanted to post a video from Bill Hybels talking about changes he was making at Willow…. When confronted on the changes at the church there was no refering back to the past that made him successful back in 1977 but a willingness to say their needed to be change and a willingness to embrace it and to be uncomfortable. When I saw Bill do this my respect for him went through the roof (this is 2005)….
Maybe you haven’t been around as long as I have but when Bill says, “When something can be different and more effective why in the world wouldn’t you do it?” I ask myself the same question. That seems so obvious, but when your around for any amount of time you realize that question is VERY complicated as it is attached to a lot emotional personal stuff. There is tradition and preference and stuff… I’ll leave it at that. All I say is Lord give me the courage to be uncomfortable, to always welcome change, to not be scared by what is different, and to have the heart of a student and not a critic. And in all of it may more people come to know You through it all. Amen!
This one’s a bonus. One of my favorites:
Thankful!
Our church just completed Phase 1 of our Greater Than series and after Mothers Day we will start phase 2. The series is turning into a resounding success with MANY new visitors coming to the church. We broke attendance records and have maintained it for all four weeks. I have never seen so many visitors, It has literally been staggering. I saw people responding to the pure gospel message and even some “christians” have told me they’ve come to a greater appreciation of the gospel. GREAT! I am so appreciative to the Lord who has been so gracious to me through my life. He has always brought along the mentors that I need at different stages of my life to help me accomplish what he wanted me to do. With all the success of what has happened it has made me just appreciate those mentors of mine, some of whom I have the honor of knowing personally and some I have had some limited time with, and others just simply though their books or messages. I guess I just wanted to say how much I appreciate Bill Hybels & Rick Warren for breaking me out of my self-absorbed, self righteous attitudes and leading me to a place of understanding the importance of reaching people far from God. Its become the highest value to me, I owe that to them. Luke 15, need I say more? I also am thankful for Benny Perez who has always been a source of inspiration to me to know that you can be spirit-filled, move in the power of the spirit, and not be weird. Take it from a cynic, Benny is the real deal. I also want to thank Nancy Ortberg and Craig Groeschel, both of whom showed up at a time in my life when I was starting to wonder if I was crazy, both have convinced me that I was not and have been an awesome encouragement. I should also mention Ed Young Jr whose simple leadership CD on children’s ministry became the seeds of what became the revamping of our children’s wing. I say all this because every unchurched person who has come to church over the past few weekends and has commented on how great the “mass” was, or how great the children’s center is, or how great our the promo stuff was my thoughts go back to those I mentioned who have used their lives to influence people like me. I wish I could say that it all starts and ends with us but it doesnt. It goes without saying but I am so proud of the team I serve with. They are not only my colleagues, but we are the best of friends. To work together towards a dream with close friends is an indescribable gift that I pray we always appreciate. Thank you!
Greater Than Series gaining momentum!
This past weekend we actually beat our Easter attendance numbers slightly. Momentum is building with this series and a lot of people are getting interested in what we are talking about. We are celebrating Jesus work on the cross by showing modern day examples of the mighty forgiving and transforming power of the cross of Christ. This weekend, Annie Lobert will be at our Utica campus. Annie runs the ministry Hookers for Jesus that ministers to prostitutes in Las Vegas. Annie will be sharing about how God set her free from the incredible bondage she was in! Then, don’t miss next week! Can God change a serial killer? Come discover with us just how powerful the cross of Christ is!!!
What an Easter, but it’s just beginning!
This past weekend we had over 1700 people attend one of our 5 weekend worship experiences. What a great time celebrating Christ’s victory! What’s great about this year too is we decided we’d celebrate the cross in an “easter” fashion for six weeks after easter as well with our series “greater than“. This weekend Michael Franzese will be in Utica and Annie Lobert will be in Albany giving us a real life, up close and personal look at just how powerful what we celebrated yesterday is! As great as this weekend was, get ready for another off the charts weekend experience.
Happy Birthday to my beautiful first daughter Giulia.
Its hard to believe 4 years has gone by, but it seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital. I remember nervously driving home wondering if I installed the car seat correctly. And here we are 4 years later celebrating her birthday at Disney World. Did you know you get in for free on your birthday? Free 99 is always the best price!
Im Twittering!
Hey Guys, Im on vacation for a few days, but you can keep up with me on twitter. Check me out @mikeservello on twitter. Im having a whole lot of fun with it.
Update on Joe…
My family appreciates all the prayers for my brother during this difficult time. Joe will be getting out of the hospital this week and going into a rehab unit in a hospital. Please continue to pray for FULL recovery.
