Update on Discipling My Daughter

Awhile back I mentioned that I was starting something called "Father Daughter Time" (FDT) with my oldest daughter, Morgan. We meet weekly for a time of spiritual growth and for me as a father to pass on faith to my child. We've met about 16 or 17 times so far (we missed a week here or there - but have been consistent for the most part). It's been amazing, really. We're almost through the gospel of John for our Bible reading, we've already read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," and now are reading "Prince Caspian." In addition we make out a prayer list every week and talk about prayers that have been answered, are ongoing, etc. Finally, we come up with one thing Morgan can do to serve someone for the week (this is always the toughest thing for her). And last week - we decided to add a memory verse for each week. I want Morgan to "write God's Word on her heart" - what better way than memorizing it.

Loving these times together. Thinking of doing it until she's 13 or so. We'll see after that.

I'm going to do this with all four of my kids (starting at age 8)! Going to be busy, but worth it!

Missional Church

Reading a challenging and thought-provoking book right now called The American Church in Crisis by David Olson. You can view it here. It's based on massive amounts of research and study and is full of great stats/charts/etc. But bottom line, it demonstrates how the church in America is in decline - and has been for some time. It also projects how on our present course the church faces a major crisis. It challenges us as church leaders, denominations, etc. to be bold enough and willing to pay the price for what it will take to change, impact culture, and experience growth. Olson calls for a missional approach to church.

I'm waking up. Olson's findings resonate deep within me. I pray other church leaders are experiencing this as well. We have been complacent for too long. It's time we take a serious look at ourselves, our motivations, our structures, everything. We need to be willing to change for the sake of the Kingdom. Not sure what all this means, but I do know that the Church needs prophetic voices willing to focus the center on Jesus Christ and His teachings and His mission in our world.

Presence

I don't know why I'm always amazed at God's presence. But I am. Last night we had worship gathering called "Remedy" - which is an intimate worship time centered on prayer and healing. Usually have an intimate crowd, and keep it real simple --- some prayerful worship music, prayer, sharing. Last night as we shared and prayed together, people struggling and suffering opened up . And the great part was that others then gathered around them to support them and help them carry their burdens (Galatians 6:2). I said to someone afterwards - that I need to be very careful not to "plan God right out of worship." God was so central in our gathering last night, I realized that sometimes I make the "worship event" central instead of Him. It may seem like a little thing and some may call it semantics - but it's not. If our worship event is central - then we are central. If God is central - then we're worshiping the only One worth worshiping.

Last night is a challenge to me to be sure that Christ is the center of all we do.