Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Point of Reference

This term can mean a host of different things. According to Wikipedia, there are two versions of a Point of Reference:

General Usage
Physics Usage

Physics is a very specific science revolving around math and formulas. It's essential for understanding how our universe works in a precise manner.
General? It's a bit more complicated, but in short, it can refer to a relational, emotional, sensory-driven, idealized point. Basically, one object, moment, event, person has led to another.

I don't remember the context precisely, but someone was asking is there a particular moment when you saw God's kingdom at work? A point of reference, indeed.

The first thing I that popped into my mind? Washington Family Ranch, a million miles from nowhere, Oregon. It's a beautiful Young Life camp, where thousands upon thousands of teenagers and adults alike have come to have "the best week of their life," and encounter Jesus for the first time and felt His redeeming embrace. Here's a promo video of the camp: Washington Family Ranch Promo Video

This area, actually, has it's own redemption story. These grounds were the home of the notorious, cult-like figure Rajneesh, which you can read about here. Basically, a guru from India bought this large area of land in the early-mid 80's to manipulate a host of blind followers, and was truly a campground for the kingdom of darkness.

Years after the US government shut them down, Young Life got the opportunity to buy this piece of land, and turn it around for God's kingdom. It's a wonderful story.

Why do I think of this place? I was camper here through my church as a high schooler, and have brought hundreds of students here as a leader myself. In 2011, the church where I interned in Sherwood had the opportunity to have this ENTIRE place to ourselves, around 125 people, students and leaders and work crew included. To give you an idea, this place can house 800 students, easily.

So what's my Point of Reference? The very first night we arrived. After months of planning, recruiting leaders, miraculous last-minute sign-ups of students we haven't seen in years, and long bus rides later, we had 100 students from Sherwood, Oregon there, worshiping together as the Body of Christ.

That was the last time I had actual tears of joy streaming down my face.

All of that work added up to this moment, when students can meditate and think through the Gospel without distractions (cell phones didn't work out there, and wireless was password-protected). In that moment, it's like Jesus said "You did well, Win.... I'll take it from here."

I think of that moment because it brings me joy knowing that anyone, new and old, will be hearing the Gospel. I grew up in the church, and there were times I just tuned out when I heard about Jesus being nailed to a cross and raising from the dead... but now I realize that it truly is THE GREATEST story ever told. It's that kind of moment when Jesus says "I got this," and the relief of knowing He's the one doing the planting and growing, and it humbles me to ashes. Next to the power of Christ, I can do jack-squat. It's a reminder to me that I am not worthy to proclaim His good news, but Jesus chose me anyway.

I have endless stories of my time in youth ministry that will stay with me forever. The best word I can conjure to sum up that experience? Gratitude. I'm grateful that my King let me work in His kingdom.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Take A Flying Leap

I did something this past Saturday I never thought I would do in a million years:

I went speed dating.

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, this bachelor did the activity used as a dating social commentary punching bag in television and movies. Nevertheless, I have to be honest.

It was actually fun.

Let me give a little background. My new home church, High Rock North Shore, and its family of churches in the greater Boston area partnered with the "megachurch" Park Street to put on a "Single Mingle" event for 35 women and 35 men. All the spots were filled quickly, especially for the women, and the night was set for 10 hand-picked dates per person, lasting about 8-10 minutes a piece.

I'm not going to reveal details of what went on in each date. That will spoil the fun! What I am saying is that it was an adventure and an enjoyable time to get to know new people. What comes from it is yet to be determined...

After that night it got me thinking about dating, relationships, and marriage. At my age, it's practically an unavoidable subject in most social circles. Some people grow tired of it. Others aren't bothered by it.

Recently, I've read two great books related to the subject:

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy & Kathy Keller. Timothy Keller is a respected writer and pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in the middle of Manhattan, NY.
Loveology by John Mark Comer. Comer is the lead pastor of A Jesus Church in Portland, OR.

When this subject arises, there's one phrase I absolutely despise: "I'm waiting for the one."

You've heard that phrase. It makes my eyes roll. Believers of this myth will twiddle their thumbs forever waiting for perfect alignments with people that will never come. Both of these books address the issue, but John Mark Comer pieces the narrative together well:

This idea ["The One"] doesn't come from the Scriptures, not even close. It comes from Greek mythology, specifically from an ancient writing by Plato called the Symposium. According to Plato, humans were originally androgynous, each one with four arms, four legs, two sets of genitalia (male and female), and one head made up of two faces.
Picture that. Sounds like something out of a film by Guillermo del Toro.
These four-legged, two-faced humans became a threat to the gods, but the pantheon didn't want to destroy them. If they did, they would lose their worship (which is such a pain). So Zeus, the king of the gods, split humans in two, cutting their strength in half and doubling the number of worshipers. Smart guy.
Plato writes that ever since then, we've been searching for our "missing half." As if you were separated in the past but out there somewhere is the one who will 'complete' you.
The story of God is very different and so much better. (No offense to the ancient Greeks.) There is no such thing as "the one." You don't have a missing half, and you're not incomplete. In reality, marriage is two broken people coming together to find healing in Jesus. And one broke person plus another broken person does not equal bliss! The math adds up in the opposite direction - twice as much brokenness.

What I love about this confirmation is that perfection doesn't come from marriage, or even a serious dating relationship. It won't solve your spiritual and mental issues. In fact, they will be under a microscope!

So what's this got to do with speed dating? That night reminded me that it's okay to take risks, because you aren't waiting for someone perfect to come along. The only person who fits that role is Jesus Christ. He's the perfect lover of our souls.
Am I guilty for not stepping out and taking risks? Sure! There were opportunities in the past that I should have pursued more fully, but I chickened out. I wasn't confident in my identity in Christ. That won't be perfect either, but I'm assured in His love.

So gentlemen, take the flying leap. You interested in a lady? I don't think it would hurt to ask her out for coffee. You're not jumping into a snake pit (at least I hope not). Your life will be filled with risk-taking decisions, and I think it's time we stop waiting for "The One" perfect person or moment, and start practicing. You'll get better at it. I promise... sometimes those 8-10 minutes can drag, or you'll feel like you want more time. Just see what happens.