SoulThirst

Having read Marva Dawn's
Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for the Turn-of-the-Century Culture, I've started to write up a "practical reflection" on the content she presents, specifically as it applies to worship in a youth group setting.

While Dawn's book is very insightful, profound, and correct (in my opinion) I nevertheless must concede to its relative "inaccessibility" to the non-academic layperson (that was not meant as an insult, only to say that the book has a definite academic angle to it). Specifically, most church worship leaders (who are not trained theologians nor do they have a lot of time on their hands) who read the book, assuming they have the time to, will find it difficult to apply her concepts and points in a concrete manner that people can accept.

One thing I've learned in ministry, is that diplomacy (i.e. how you communicate an idea, concept, vision, etc.) is just as important- perhaps even more so, initially- as the content itself. Marva Dawn is right that worship in most churches is in need of reformation or at least evaluation. However, trying to convince your worship leader that his or her beloved songs & beloved styles need re-tooling is a potentially messy process. What I've started working on then, is taking the content, synthesizing it with the practical ministry needs, and finding a way to express the content in a "digestable" form (without dumbing it down, as it were).

A hint on church diplomacy: People usually react against someone telling them that ______ is the right way to go, or that their way is in error. As a matter of fact, very seldom did Jesus teach and correct in that manner; he used parables and he used examples. The wonderful thing about a parable is that the meaning and its applications are discovered, not imposed: "he who has ears, let him hear." In addressing sensitive matters, the best way to approach it is to ask questions- pointed, good questions. First you present your observations, the needs, etc. But before you offer critique or suggestions, ask questions that help point your audience in your direction; for example:
- What do you think is good about our worship? What needs improvement?
- What are the core values of our theology of worship?
- How do you think we are doing in communicating those values?
Granted, those are very very general questions. But they are starting points, and based on the answers, you can steer the discussion from that point; more so than you can if you simply "tell them straight out."

Anyway, so as I finish my reworkings/applications of Dawn's book, I'll post snipits of it here.

Another resource I'll recommend is to go to Crosswalk.com and sign up for their Worship Matters e-mail column. Worship Matters is written weekly by Bob Kauflin, director of Sovereign Grace ministries worship ministry, and worship pastor of Covenant Life Church in Maryland. Incidentally, CovLife is where I attend when I am back in Maryland; their worship is quite well thought out and practiced (both theologically and musically).

So enjoy, and check back often for my take on the worship culture in our churches.

posted by Andy Chang @ 12:22 PM 0 comments

Added a new link to the right for CBD (Christian Book Distributors), which offers almost every Christian book you want, at low prices (that beat out any retail store). In addition, be sure to surf around & check out their bargains & such, because sometimes you can find some pretty incredible deals (i.e. 80% off ) Academic Sets, Bible dictionaries/commentaries, new releases, etc.

You can even surf to their Musicforce site, providing the best in reviews, previews, and prices for new Christian music.

posted by Andy Chang @ 3:05 PM 0 comments

This morning while reading, the words to the following hymn came to me as fitting for today, especially for Naperville Central & today being the day of Zach Clifton's funeral. Below you'll find the story of how the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" was written- that is, the great tragedy that Horatio Spafford weathered and yet was still able to pen a hymn by such a title.

How is it that someone could say "it is well with my soul" after losing all his children in addition to his assets? I'm not sure I know; I've never been down that road before. But you- and I- have all experienced seasons in life when ti feels like everything has crashed to the ground. I think a clue lies in the 2nd and 3rd verses, where Spafford, rather than focusing on his situation, loss, & grief, chooses instead to focus on the reality that Christ has died for his sins & saved his soul for all eternity.

If you've grown up in the church, the idea that "Christ died for my sins" has likely become very... ordinary. You might even wonder "how is that supposed to encourage me in the face of tragedy & loss?" Consider, however, what your life would be like without Christ. Consider the absence of hope if Christ had not come to shed his blood for your sins & how facing something like death would be all the more dreadful. Consider that your greatest need is to know God and be reconciled to God. And realize that Jesus Christ has met that need. Or as Paul says in Romans:
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Whatever storms and deserts are making its way through your life, find hope in God, who has met your ultimate need, and who is present in all circumstances. If you do not know God in this way, have questions, or need to know more, I encourage to find a Christian friend and seek out what you need to know, or feel free to send me an e-mail (follow the links); it is of eternal importance.
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It Is Well With My Soul
This beloved gospel song was written by a Chicago Presbyterian, Horatio G. Spafford, born in North Troy, New York, on October 20, 1828. As a young man Spafford had established a most successful legal practice in Chicago. Despite his financial success, he always maintained a keen interest in Christian activities. He enjoyed a close and active relationship with D. L. Moody and the other evangelical leaders of that era. He was described by George Stebbins, a noted gospel musician, as a "man of unusual intelligence and refinement, deeply spiritual, and a devoted student of the Scriptures."

Some months prior to the Chicago Fire of 1871, Spafford had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan, and his holdings were wiped out by this disaster. Just before this he had experienced the death of his son. Desiring a rest for his wife and four daughters as well as wishing to join and assist Moody and Sankey in one of their campaigns in Great Britain, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in 1873. In November of that year, due to unexpected last minute business developments, he had to remain in Chicago; but he sent his wife and four daughters on ahead as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre. He expected to follow in a few days. On November 22 the ship was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later the survivors were finally landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, "Saved alone." Shortly afterward Spafford left by ship to join his bereaved wife. It is speculated that on the sea near the area where it was thought his four daughters had drowned, Spafford penned this text with words so significantly describing his own personal grief, "When sorrows like sea billows roll..." It is noteworthy, however, that Spafford does not dwell on the theme of life's sorrows and trials but focuses attention in the third stanza on the redemptive work of Christ and in the fourth verse anticipates His glorious second coming. Humanly speaking, it is amazing that one could experience such personal tragedies and sorrows as did Horatio Spafford and still be able to say with such convincing clarity, "It is well with my soul."


When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

posted by Andy Chang @ 1:17 PM 0 comments

Gandalf said to Frodo:
"Many who die deserve life, and many who live deserve death. Can you give it to them, Frodo?"

That statement is a very profound look at what Christians call "the sovereignty of God." And usually we toss around that phrase so casually, that we fail to see the terrifying meaning and power behind such a statement. Indeed it would be terrifying, if it were that the God who holds such power is also Love incarnate.

The sovereignty of God, in part (for the purpose of this particular writing) determines who lives and who dies, oftentimes in ways that make no sense to us.
Why is it that people who appear wicked & hopeless are allowed to live?
Why is it that a young teenager, with big plans and a promising future, is the one who dies?

Why are we still alive & allowed to see the deaths of people we know, people we are close to?
Why are we still alive... even though we are just as sinful as the next person... yet God allows us to live?

While I have not looked death in the eye myself, nor have I had close friends pass away, I've been with many people who have. I've lost count of the number of funerals I attended during my high school years, of people who were close to my friends, and having been there to be of support in the difficult times. Grieving is part of living- in this world we will have trouble, Jesus reminds us- and so by all means, take the time to grieve. Yet do not linger long. Christ died, but after 3 days, rose again and is now living at the right hand of God. Grieve, but then take hold of the resurrection power of God.

Take the time to grieve. Grieve thoroughly, wrestle with the hard questions. Do not be afraid to question God; He is not offended nor is His self-esteem unable to handle our honesty. I rarely pray that God will take away struggle, but rather that people will see Him in their struggle. If that's where you are right now- in the midst of the struggle- you can choose not to read the rest of this for the time being. I know that as a 3rd party removed from the emotional pain & such, there is a certain "objectivity" that potentially comes off as "giving easy answers," insensitive, etc. Hopefully that is not what's received because that's not what is meant to be communicated. Yet at the same time, when sorrow has run its course, I hope to call you out of the valley, to remind you of the God who exists & a Savior in Christ to fix your eyes on.

Death humbles us. It forces us to realize that we are not God. Not only can we not keep ourselves from dying and we cannot keep others from dying... we also cannot chart our life. Scripture reminds us of this in James:
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
Death reminds us that what counts in the end, is not the grand plans we have for our future, but God's plan for us. Imagine all the effort and energy placed into storing up for the future, for gearing all of life for the sole purpose of getting into a certain school, getting a certain job, reaching a certain status in life, etc. And yet at the next moment, God can take your life from you.

What's to be done?
- Use this opportunity to point people to Jesus. By this I do not mean "put on a false image & say that everything will be ok because I know God." Even though there is truth in saying that knowing God does make a difference, perhaps something more honest communicates better. Point to Jesus, God who became man, to suffer and die, who experienced the death of his close friends (i.e. John the Baptist, Lazarus), and yet who has the power over death itself. Jesus, the one who promised that death is not the end, and that a glorious hope awaits us who know Him. Yet the sobering truth that those who do not know Him, do not have such hope.
- Examine your own life. "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" says Psalm 90:12. Because indeed our days on this earth are numbered... and tragedy & death remind us of that...ask God to grant that wisdom, to live out our days well.

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Some of you reading this might not know God, might not believe in God after what happened, or might have a lot of questions for God (assuming you believe He exists). It's ok, your questions, anger, confusion, etc. is normal & not offensive in the least. I would encourage you to talk to a friend who can tell you more about God, who can explain and answer questions, but more importantly to be with you in the difficult times. God does not promise easy answers; but at least think about it.
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Praying for you all

posted by Andy Chang @ 1:04 AM 0 comments

The stores are pink, the sap is flowing, & teddy bears are finding new homes. Yes, Valentines Day is approaching; and no, I don't need to be reminded (the bright PINK tv-guide sitting on the coffee table is reminder enough). And so once again it's that time of year again, and inevitably I'm usually found in a situation where I have to make some sort of comment, article, or talk on the subject of Valentines (I've started saving all these now, so in the future, I can just recycle old material :P). So last week & the start of this week, I wondered what I should say:
- I could do the "typical evangelical Christian" thing & talk about the benefits of kissing dating goodbye
- I could do the "typical youth minister" thing and denounce the evils of 95% of most teenage dating
- I could do the "typical cynic" thing and simply laugh, then proceed to scoff at "love" in this society.
But then I figured. Been there, done that. If not by Joshua Harris, then by the Simpsons or "Everybody Loves Raymond."

But then I thought about it some more... and I think I have the starting angle for talking about love and about Valentines, and the bad news comes first: love begins when you realize how little you deserve it. This Sunday, the Chicago Tribune had a feature that was discussing how, in light of new technology like AIM or e-mail, breaking up is a lot "easier"-- mainly because you can now be totally disengaged from what's going on... the process and the pain. What seems to be the problem? I see two predominant attitudes which stem from love's distortion:
1. Love has become selfish. And I need not belabor this point... most of you (especially if you've been at church for any length of time) have heard this perspective.
2. Love has become a transaction- usually paid in sums of time, money, attention (actual or just mental), gifts, etc. And so when love is unrequited (i.e. not returned), we are hurt because, subtly, we feel like we deserve something back; we've been cheated, as the phrase goes.

Most of us, by & large, have come to see ourselves as deserving of love (and even if not of love, then at least of friends). To varying degrees, we wonder why nobody loves us (as if they should), and we spend much effort in trying to get others to love us (as if our efforts were enough). Love, it would seem, is something we have to strive for, work at, and hold on to if we were to find it. The "starting place" in much of this thinking about love is a subtle form of "I deserve to be loved, and I need to be loved."

Before I go any further, I should probably first say that the former thought is not wrong, nor foolish. However, it ought not be the place where we begin.

Scripture, in describing our love for one another, as existing because God first loved us. That is, God's love is both the prerequisite and enabling means by which we can- and ought to- love one another. At the same time, to say that "God first loved us" is to say that love is a demonstration of grace. For God to first love us, was a demonstration of grace. There was nothing in man that He should have cause to love us; at the Fall of creation, God very well could have picked up and left us. However, He did not, and rather chose to redeem fallen creation. Finally, as Paul put it in Romans, God showed His love for us in this: that at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly, the sinner. Again, in Christ we see love as an act of grace-- nothing compelled Him nor forced His love. The cross was chosen freely, and salvation given freely.

Of course, we as ungrateful people, take upon that gift of salvation and run off with it. "We are saved," we say, "and God loves us. Thanks. See ya." And then when we relate with one another, we start treating love as if it were ours to give, ours to withhold, and ours to demand. We are upset when we have loved another & such love was not returned. We pity ourselves, when nobody seems to show love to us, and then demand it from others (in one form or another). We work our hardest to become more lovable. And not just with people, but with God. We make demands of God, we work hard to earn His love (though we never say so in such words), and we selfishly receive grace but do not give it.

It is a sobering reminder to understand once again, that love is a demonstration of grace. As a sinner, I have no claims upon the love of God, except that which He freely chooses to give. As a sinner living in a fallen world among other sinners, I can make no claims upon the love of another, for what is there in me that deserves to be loved?"

To understand love, I believe, is to first understand sin. When we can identify with our own unworthiness to be loved by anyone- God or people- then we can begin to receive the love that is given, as a gift- a demonstration of grace. Then we would cease to demand of others; we would cease to be upset when our expectations are not met; then we would be quicker to give than to receive. In short, love becomes that much more special.

If I were to bury the cynic in me for a time, yes I will concede that love indeed is a beautiful and wonderful thing (which probably does not include pink). But it is beautiful not for its emotions, its outward expressions, nor its other "results." Love is beautiful because it is grace-- undeserved, unearned, and undemanded. Grace is a beautiful thing-- because it is of God and not of man.

And so this Valentines Day, whoever your love is for and in whatever form it is expressed... do remember that all love in your life is grace... and may that cause you to be all the more grateful and all the more humble.

Valentines Day 2003

posted by Andy Chang @ 6:14 PM 0 comments