Sorry, blog readers - just been so busy

I have been in the midst of getting ready for a missions trip to the Ukraine, finishing two major projects for my Doc of Ministry at Trinity in Deerfield, and, I know, life isn't too busy - let's remodel our basement! With all of that, I am sorry, but I've put blogging on hold. I'm replacing my old worn out laptop this Friday with a new one, and will have to start breaking it in. I'll catch up with thoughts about my classes, ministry season at Hope right now, dreams for the church planting efforts here at Hope as well as my trip to the Ukraine soon.... keep posted!

An amazing website

Just came across one of the coolest free websites on the web - bible.org. There is an entire Theology Class offered FREE, called "The Theology Program" and it includes readings and video of classroom instruction.

If nothing else, check out their 216 Theology Questions Answered" page - it is awesome, with video of each answer.

I haven't listened to all of it, so be discerning in what they are teaching, but from a first glance, it looks real helpful and sound. Helped a bunch with prepping for the intro to the gospel of John.

Keep lovin' the word,

Trike

Too busy to blog?

Dude and Dudettes,

I want to say I am so sorry that I have been negligent in updating my site here. I'm back in the saddle now!

For those of you who get crazy busy in the fall, like me, here's a little something that will save you a bunch of time - trust me:

Bunnies do "It's a Wonderful Life in 30 seconds"

And, for those of you who have bunch of free time, check these out!

Time Wasters

Enjoy!

ST

A thrilling game...

Wow! What a Little League AA (10-11yr olds) Championship Game last night. The Orange Team put out this kid for pitching that we had never seen before, and whose velocity and control was incredible. Little League rules state that a kid can only pitch 3 innings, so needless to say, we we were waiting until we could get past this kid. We didn't score any runs the first three innings.

Calvin started for us as pitcher, and did a fine job. The first two innings he gave up just one run each. Then in the 3rd, no fault to his pitching, but the ended up getting 5 runs.

I had to have a little "sermon" to keep the kids from getting dispondent, now being down 7-0 in the bottom of the 3rd (we were home). It seems to have paid off, as the kids kept themselves in it, although, with "Joe Smoke" out there, we still were not able to fashion any runs.

Nathan came in a pitched the rest of the game. They didn't get any runs at all in the 4th. We, however, were now facing a human pitcher, someone like we had seen all year. We rallied for a 5 run inning, making the score at the end of 4 innings 7-5 - HEY, we're back in this thing!!

They got one in the top of the 5th (which in our division is our last inning). So, we were down three going into the final at bat. Ezra, one of my favorite kids on the team, got a great hit right down the 1st base line to start the inning. He was able to steal second on a past ball. The next two batters, unfortunately, struck out, leaving us with 2 outs. Carrington drew a walk, and Ezra stole third on the play (very funny here, he actually walked to third, thinking that he had drawn a walk from 2nd to third as well - but there was no one one 2nd base!). Kevin, out top of the order guy got a hit, scoring Ezra to make it 8-6, and Chris also got a hit, now loading the bases.

Dononvan was up. Donny has been my most improved player of the year. He came this year with very little baseball experience, but, man, has he shown up and worked hard! He was so nervous he was grabbing his stomach to breath. Bases loaded, two outs, down by two. Wow, I felt for the little guy. Lots of pressure. He quickly got 2 strikes against him, and was able to lay off a couple of lousy pitches that were way out of the zone. Finally, with a 2-2 count, he swung at a good pitch, but didn't get all of it. It was back to the pitcher, but he would have to make a good play to get Donny out. Unfortunately for us, he did, and the game was over. If that play would have been an overthrow, we would have scored two runs, and the game would have been tied.

Very sad players, but I couldn't be more proud as a coach! They worked hard, were class acts in winning and losing this year, and left every little last bit of their effort out on the field.

Afterward, we had an award ceremony for the 2nd place medalions, and then we had our last team get together where I awarded each player with a personal award for their accomplishments this year. Kudos to the 2005 Midway Little League Runners Up, the M&Ms (Maroon team)! To quote Hoosiers, "I love you guys!"

We're going to the BIG DANCE, This Friday night, 8pm!

The Lord is just too good to me. I've experienced a serious healing of sorts from my back pain, enough so that I could coach our little league team tonight. What an exciting game! We beat the Red team, who we have lost to every time we have played them in the regular season. Excellent starting pitching from Danny, and good relief from Chris in the 4th inning. An "in the park home run" from Nathan, doubles by Calvin and Donovan, as well as just great defensive plays by Chris, Ezra, Jonnell and Talvin all kept us in this game. However, the game ball went to Levi Nelson for his 5th inning "Shut-em-down" perfomance. He stuck out all three batters and allowed us to keep our 7-3 margin. (NOTE - we only play 5 innings in AA Little League)

Now on Friday night, at Midway Little League Field (1 block East of Hamline on Marshall Ave - take a left and the field is at the end of the block) we are going to be playing for the League Championship! Kudos to the kids and the hard work they have put in. If you want to go, there are no ticket prices, and I guarantee a great game. Game time is 8pm.

Ouch!!

It doesn't look like much of an injury, but for the second time in about 5 years, I have herniated (ruptured) a disc in my back. This one came about as just a sore back on June 28th, but within 2 weeks I was wincing in pain. Then, last week when I was taking a class on Postmodern Preaching I was doing all I could to not just scream at the top of my lungs! I left the last day of class at lunch time, and was fortunate to have a buddy named Dan who bummed me a couple of Vicodin for the trip home (did I just admit to taking a non-prescription narcotic? - we'll keep Dan's last name just between him and me, eh?!?)

Anyway, made the 6 hour journey back from Trinity near Chicago, and was bedridden in pain for the next 3 days. Got some of my own drugs from my doc for pain and for swelling he prescribed a steroid (can you say - AHHHNOOLD! I knew you could!). Also, Chris and Claudia Roberts came and prayed over me on Sunday.

On Monday, I was able to get up and around without excruciating pain, and went to my back specialist. Turns out I hav ruptured disc, which either the steriod will allow time for the body to dissolve or we'll have to go back in there through surgery again.

I'm doing well, not in the pain I was in, but it still hurts some. If you are willing, seeking the great, awesome healer in Jesus Christ would be appreciated.

I'll update you'll soon.

Trike

Pastor on Sabbatical!!

The pictures say it all...and, no, I don't own this beauty...but one can always pray. Thanks to Katie Feldhahn's dad for the great day of riding this gorgeous Victory!

Let's Trash the Joint!!!

I'm reading a GREAT book right now by Craig Van Gelder on "The Essence of the Church: A Community Created by the Spirit." I just have to share this great quote I just read. Van Gelder is commenting on Jesus' teaching in the parable of the Strong Man (Luke 11:14-23):

Jesus then teaches two important truths. He first notes that if it is by the "finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you" (20). The kingdom of God is not just about ideas and words; it is also about power and confrontation. The children of the kingdom should expect to be involved in a power encounter with the evil one, a conflict between kingdoms that requires reliance on God's power for victory.
The second point Jesus teaches on this occasion is that God's redemptive reign as inaugurated in the person and presence of Jesus has defeated and bound the strong man, Satan. The children of the kingdom are now to participate in this great redemptive drama by plundering the strong man's stronghold. They are to reclaim lost territory by bringing back to right relationship with God what was lost in the fall. The enemy has been defeated and is bound. Although his power still operates, he has encountered someone stronger. Greater is he who is in the children of the kingdom than he who is in the world.
Page 83, emphasis mine.

This fires me up! Go plunder the strong man's plunder!!

A goal reached...

As you can see from our pastoral photo above, Hamlet, Cor and I went golfing this week. Alright, not really, but there is a close resemblance, don't ya think?

Anyway, I really did go golfing with Matt McNiece this Monday morning and acheived a goal I have been working on for about 5 years...I beat 90! Without any "foot-wedges" or "gimme a mulligan"s or "that's a gimme", etc. I played it straight up and beat 90!! I have beaten 90 many times before, but never "staight up" or not giving myself a few breaks - i.e., that ball that went in the water was of the devil, so I better hit a godly ball, etc.

Keeping score the right way, I have scored exactly 90 a few times, and 91s and 92s flourish. BUT, I just couldn't seem to break the old 90 mark!

Well, in the presence of our Lord and Matt McNiece (Jesus being just a bit more important in that gallery of spectators), I did it! Scored an 88 (44 on both sides) on Como Golf Course in St. Paul on Monday, June 13th, 2005. And, CJ, no I did not hit your house on the back nine!

Trike

One AWESOME LITTLE LEAGUER...yes, he is my son, Calvin (Ripkin) Treichler!

I am having the time of my life coaching Little League this year once again. Here's some of my recent pictures of my boy playing his heart out at our last game (okay, I'll fess up - we won BIG - 7 to 3!)


Look at that determination...look at that "ready position"
...whose kid is this anyway?


GREAT CUT!! Too bad the ball is in the catcher's glove though...

Signed,

One proud Coach and Dad

One of my favorite places on earth...

In college, I had the opportunity to attend a Navigator Summer Training Program which was held at the headquarters of the Navs in Colorado Springs. Glen Eyrie, which means "valley of the eagle's nest", is a stunningly beautiful place right on the foothills of the Rockies. I spent that summer in the mid-80's there, and have fallen in love with this wonderful setting ever since.

In fact, we are always looking an opportunity to someday move out to the Colorado area, ANYWHERE. My heart is forever in Colorado! Well, maybe we'll retire out there... God seems to be directing to Minnesota for a variety of reasons for the time being...don't worry.

Anyway, if you ever get the chance to spend some time at the Glen, DO IT. Here's their website.

Carole and I just had the great opportunity to sharpen our marriage during a 4 day retreat at the Glen two weeks ago. It was one of the most relaxing, encouraging and refreshing times in my entire life. AND, to be there with my wonderful bride of 17 years was just a memory that neither of us will ever forget. I am the most fortunate man on the face of the earth to have such a beautiful, loving, soft-hearted, and wonderful mother as my life-partner, and thanks be to God (and that wonderful person who gave us the free airfare to get out there! - you know who you are!).

Lord, thanks for Carole and for the joy she is to my heart. Thanks so very much that my heart still goes "pitter-patter" when I see her after being away for a time. You are just too good to allow me the opportunity to enjoy her and to have her be in my life. Your grace is almost too much for me to bear ---- You're just too good when I stop to think about it, and the gift of a sharpened marriage and the joy it brings to my heart is evidence of your outpouring of goodness to me. You're Awesome!

I passed! I actually DO have a world view!

Below are my results from a online quiz that I got from my friend Mark Van Steenwyk to see what your predominant world views are. I am SO HIP - I scored as a postmodernist.

[TOTALLY SARCASTIC SIDE NOTE - doesn't it completely defy the whole postmodernism thing to take a test to see that you are postmodernist! I mean, should I, as a postmodernist, be completely concerned with the parameters of this quiz - shouldn't I be DECONSTRUCTING IT TO DEATH - shouldn't I be unable to answer any question with definition at all - in fact, why am I trying to say anything at all in this blog entry, since it is all filled with words which are completely meaningless to describe anything anyway - END OF TOTALLY POSTMODERN SARCASTIC RANT]

However, my most second place was "FUNDAMENTALIST" - which is someone who totally believes in absolutes...how screwed up is that? I'm a messed up person. Do I believe everything is black and white - or that the entire world is open to interpretation? I need a sabbatical to figure myself out (I should as the elders for another month to figure this quiz out!)

I'm not sure it's worth more than 3 minutes of your time (but, that's all it takes, so go ahead and see how you score. The link is here.

I SO DIG the little graphic that describes my world view too. Pretty much sums up what is going on inside my head most days...

Here are my results:

You scored as Postmodernist. Postmodernism is the belief in complete open interpretation. You see the universe as a collection of information with varying ways of putting it together. There is no absolute truth for you; even the most hardened facts are open to interpretation. Meaning relies on context and even the language you use to describe things should be subject to analysis.

Postmodernist		56%
Fundamentalist		56%
Cultural Creative		50%
Romanticist		38%
Idealist		25%
Existentialist		25%
Materialist		19%
Modernist		13%

What is Your World View? (updated)
created with QuizFarm.com

Fishing the Blue River in Silverton, Colorado

Carole and I spent the last 6 days at a marriage retreat in Colorado. Our first 4 days were part of an organized retreat at the home of the Navigators, called Glen Eyrie. The Glen is an absolutely fantastic place, that Carole and I spent many days at where we were on staff with the Navigators in the 1980's. This time, this Marriage Get-Away was a fantastic time of working on our marriage, hanging out with other couples, and just getting time together to talk, pray and read the word together.

In addition, we were able to just spend time hanging out. About a week before we were to go out to CO, Carole says to me, "You are going to bring your fly fishing equipment, aren't you?" I think this is some kind of a test, because usually the answer would be, "What!?! Bring fishing stuff when we are going on a marriage get-away...of course not, dear!" But she was serious! So I asked, "Who are you, and what have done with my wife?"

She chuckled, but said, "I would love to spend a day or two fishing with you." Well, that turned into two and 1/2 great days of fishing in the Rocky Mountains. First, at Eleven Mile Canyon - where I must have seen 100 trout, none of which were biting, but seeing them was great.

The next trip was up to the Blue River in Silverton, which is on the way to the major ski hills on I-70 - near Copper Mountain and Dillon, CO (home of the Dam Brewery - known for their slogan - "Go get your own dam beer!" - didn't make it to the pub this time, maybe next). Incredibly beautiful territory as you can see from the picture above. But, the runoff was so severe, the fishing was worthless.

The only place where they we biting was at Glen Eyrie on a hiking path in Queen's Canyon directly behind the conference center. If you keep on this path, it goes up a really cool waterfall and then up to the "punch bowls". This hiking path is simply breathtakingly beautiful. Here you can see a little guy that made his way onto my fly (Blue Wing Olive #22 for you fly fishing gurus).


Having a great time on sabbatical...wish you all were here!

Trike

Life in the Big City - A Call to all Hope Bloggers!!!

Hey, all you Hope bloggers! I'd like to update my blog site here with a new section called "Hope Blogs" as well as a new section called "Blogs I read". If you have a blog that you would like to have linked from my site, and it would be a blessing to the body of HCC, just post a comment below. So far I know of the following:

Sean J.
Tim J.
Aaron E.
Steve S.

If you would like to be linked, just comment below with your blog address. I love reading blogs to stay up with what is going on. Cool!

Trike

PS --> Sabbatical starts in t-minus 14 hours, but who's counting?!?!?

One sweet day!

Yesterday was one sweet day of worship for me at Hope. John, Cindi, Mike and Rob decided to publically declare their faith in Jesus Christ through baptism! I love baptisms, and the amazing stories of God's grace in people's lives...it is such a thrill to hear how God is STILL moving among people today.

Rob, who was baptized last on Sunday, shared in his testimony a confession of faith written by Rick Warren. Rob desired to make it his statement for his baptism, and I concur with that. I was moved to tears as Rob read these words by Rick Warren describing his commitment to now be a follwer of Jesus Christ:

Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering, I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
by Rick Warren

May God richly bless you John, Cindi, Mike and Rob as you serve, love and enjoy Jesus!

[sab·bat·i·cal]

Pronunciation: sa-’ba-ti-kal
Etymology: Latin sabbaticus,
from Gk sabbatikos, from sabbaton
1 : of or relating to the sabbath
2 : a break or change from a
normal routine (as of employment)


“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.” ~ Jesus in Matthew 11:28

I first entered full time ministry work in 1987 as a staff worker with The Navigators at the University of Minnesota. It seems like only yesterday when I was a young punk, leading Bible studies, teaching at Nav meetings, hanging out in dorms and coffee shops with college students, and staying up late playing cards talking about Jesus to people who were interested in knowing more about him.

I’ve changed a bunch in the 18 years since then, but then again, not so much. That last paragraph still pretty much sums up what I do here at Hope now. It just is a bit more complex with multiple staff, and dozens of ministries happening. But, those are the things that I have truly loved to do for the last 18 years.

In all the years of ministry, I have never taken any substantial time off for reflection, rest and refueling. Two years ago, our Overseers encouraged me to take a 3 month sabbatical as soon as possible. Not to get rid of me (I’m sure the thought crossed their minds!), but to allow me and my family to recharge ourselves in Jesus and each other - to take some time away from the day to day operations of the church, seek God, get some rest, as well as do some development. I’ll be taking two courses to further my Doctor of Ministry program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and taking 2 trips to Colorado (one with my lovely wife CAROLE for a marriage getaway weekend, and one solely for FLY FISHING IN THE ROCKIES!!!) We also have some home projects as well as family camping and fishing trips.

In all, I’ll be on sabbatical from May 1st to July 31st. In my absence the staff will do great (in fact, I can hear them cheering already!). Even though we are on sabbatical, you all are our friends, so feel free to email or call on us ~ but just know that it might take a little bit for us to get back to you. I really hope to be blogging a lot during this time - more for a journaling process than anything else...

Pray for us that God would truly give us his rest and excitement to return this August and labor in his kingdom work!

Coming to Jesus for rest,

Trike

Biblically, what is right in this case?

I know the Terri Shiavo case is a hot topic right now. However, I would absolutely love to have a discussion here about the whole "living will" or "end of life" issues. Honestly, I am totally in process on this whole thing, and see the value of both sides of the reasoned argument. I'd love to hear from many of you what you think is the right course of action from a biblical mindset.

This is a SAFE blog entry. In other words, please DO NOT respond overly emotional to someone's viewpoint or attack personally the person making a point. I really would love to have an open 'conversation' about this. Feel free to respond anonymously if that is helpful. I'll be vulnerable in some of my thinking as well in the comments section. Looking forward to a good discussion.

Steve

Why is the "Dinah" story there?

I'm doing this Discipleship Journal "Read the Bible in a Year" thing - which I always effectively stretch out to about 1 1/2 years! Anyway, in my reading Monday, I was reading Genesis 34, the account of Jacob's daughter Dinah being either raped at worst, or being involved in premarital sex at best. It is such a bizarre and interesting account of what all takes place. I've been asking everyone this week, "Why is the Dinah account there?"

Before I make any comments on what I have heard from others, I'd love to hear what you all think. No shiny dimes here, just read Genesis 34 and give it your best shot!

Trike

"Holy smoke, how did I ever get out of there alive?"

The following is taken from the Chaska Valley Herald of June 30th, 1904:

On June 28th, 1904, Freight Train #66 and Work Train #10 collided head on in Chaska, Minnesota. The conductor of the work train, knowing the local freight was about 2 1/2 hours late, thought he could get his train to this city before the freight train pulled out. His train was running pretty fast and coming down a grade when he noticed the local freight coming up the grade. He was able to jump off his train, but the fireman of the Freight Train, C.C. Hewitt could not get out and was caught in the collision. In some accountable manner crawled out of the debris with only his collarbone broken. It is a miraculous escape from death. The injured men were removed to the residence of Wm. Heiman where Drs. Schober and Marshall were summoned and medical aid given them. About 10:30 in the evening they were taken to Mpls. on an extra. Sigafoos was taken to St. Barnabas hospital and died at 2 o'clock the following morning. C.C. Hewitt, the fireman, went to Asbury hospital, and his injuries are not necessarily fatal. Before being taken to the train to be removed to the hospital he asked that he be carried to the scene of the wreck and when shown the cab wherein he was confined, he exclaimed "Holy smoke, how did I ever get out of there alive?"

After preaching for three weeks on "The Pain of Sexual Immorality" I am more convinced that ever that we all have been involved in a train wreck of relationships, broken dreams, shame and sin in this area. However, it is not something that needs to wreck your life. It is not something that needs to define you. Healing is possible! You can be like C.C. Hewitt, who incredibly escaped for the wreckage, only to exclaim "Holy smoke, how did I ever get out of there alive?"

My question for this entry is this:

How do we as the body of Christ help people to escape the wreckage? What have you done in order to help the healing begin?

What are the lies about sex you are hearing?

As I've thought a lot about sex these past few weeks (and, I guess, the last 40 years of my life!), it has become very apparent to me that we have a serious difference of opinion about sex between what our God says to us, and what our culture says about sex. In my next post, I'll put a few of the differences up on this page, but before I do that, I would really love to hear from ya'll what are the lies you are hearing from our culture about sex? Also, if you don't mind, please tell us why you think that particular lie is so appealing to us.

Looking forward to a healthy discussion about lies!

ST

Men and Sex...

I've been thinking a lot about sex these past few days as I am preaching a 3 week series (see the post below). As I've been surfing internet to see how our culture uses sexuality to sell products, advertise movies, etc., it has really been clear to me how much the average American male is barraged with sex. Sure, there are ads directed at females, but not nearly as explicit, and not nearly as much. Being male, we are on a different sexual plane than women, and Madison Avenue knows this and uses it to their advantage.

Here's my BQ (Big Question) that I would love some comments on (especially you Dr. Ruth Kahnke!).

Why do you think God gave men and women such incredibly different sexual drives? What was he thinking?

Looking forward to hearing from you. Feel free to answer "anonymously" if that makes you more comfortable.

ST

Why is “avoid sexual immorality” there?

At Hope, we've been studying of the book of Acts together on Sundays since October of 2003. About a month ago, we came to Acts 15 where there was a curious decision made by the apostles. In a letter to the new non-Jewish people who were becoming followers of Jesus, the apostles asked them to observe the following:

“You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.” ~ Acts 15:29

Now, the whole food issue is obvious - it would be offensive to Jewish Christians if these non-Jewish people “paraded” their freedom from food restrictions in front of them and would put a wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile Christian.

However, why do they include the phrase “from sexual immorality”? Why not greed, or lust, or the worst sin in the bible, pride? What is it about sexual immorality that is so unique that the apostles felt they needed to include this as one of the four things to “avoid”?

During these next three weeks of February (13, 20, 27th), we are going to address this in a special message series:

The Pain of Sexual Immorality ~ why the apostles felt it was very important to ‘avoid sexual immorality’.

During this series we will talk frankly and honestly about God’s standards for sexual purity, strategies to avoid immorality, as well as how to recieve healing from past mistakes. You can click here for MP3s of the messages, as well as notes and the powerpoint slides.

Also, I will be posting some thoughts here on my blog which I would love to interact with you all about in the coming days.
Looking forward to our time together on this important issue,

Trike

A year in review

I just wrote my 2004 annual meeting pastoral report, and thought I would post it here for y'all to take a look at. My reflections on 2004 and dreams for 2005!

If 2002 was the year of “prayer and seeking God” in order to be ready for what God was going to do, and 2003 was the year of “the INCREDIBLE gift of God to move our church downtown” to a permanent, FREE facility, then I would have to characterize 2004 as the year of “learning to manage the wave” of God’s blessing. Here’s what has happened in 2004:

1. Preaching through the book of Acts
I have absolutely loved our series in Acts! It has been the start of a wonderful relationship for me and a love for the early church. They did ministry without the aid of buildings, budgets, programs, powerpoint, and air conditioning! (Come to think of it, we do it without that last one too, eh?!)

I’ve been blown away by the early church’s tenacity to “be his witnesses” throughout the whole known world. These folks just flat out love Jesus Christ and have a genuine concern for their friends, family and cities who don’t yet have a relationship with Christ. I’ve watched our church grow in these areas too, and yet, I want so much more in my life and in the life of our church! Come, Holy Spirit, and make us a Church on Fire!

2. Hiring a LOT of staff!
If you have looked on the back of your worship folder in the last few months, you will see a whole bunch of new people who are on staff at Hope Community. I have always believed that the greatest earthly resource we have at Hope is such a quality group of leaders. It has been my dream to see our staff team grow in numbers and in quality. I can honestly say, that for the year 2005, we have a “dream team” of staff. I have never been part of such a gifted, hardworking, and God-centered people as we now have on our staff.

However, to get there we’ve been busy hiring people like crazy! In the last 18 months, we have hired an Associate Pastor for Outreach and Assimilation (Cor Chmieleski), a Custodian (Mike Devereaux), an Office Manager (Nancy Skinner), a Small Group/Administry (SHAPE) Director (Nicole Devereaux), a Seminary Intern (Chris Wachter), a Youth Minister (Jesse Splan) and a Bookkeeper (Tennille Ziegler).

Some of these hires were to replace some dear friends who have moved on to other things (greener pastures?!?!). Darin and Becky Durand (Youth) have moved to Seattle, Ben Banti (Custodian) has moved to Nashville and Maureen Swenson (Office Manager) has moved into Motherhood! Blessings to all of you and thanks for all your blood, sweat and prayers during your service at Hope!

3. Learning about what it means to be a better steward of what God has given us.
Last spring, I was invited by Jim Barber, associate pastor of Constance E. Free Church to get some mentoring in how to manage a growing church. We had a few discussions about Hope, and how we can be better organized in our ministry so that we can help “manage the wave” of what God is doing. Although I have a natural reaction to organization as a thing churches often do that quenches God’s Spirit, a reasonable amount of structure is a good thing – allowing, of course, for God’s Spirit to blow whenever and however He wants to! As we talked, we boiled the three main components of Hope down to this:

Cause
Community
Corporation

Cause is our vision. It is our passions, our mission statement – who we are as a church. Hope has always been very strong in this area. We are a passionate community of folks who desire to “honor God by helping as many people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” We do this through helping people to “think biblically, live Christ-like, and learn ministry skills.”

Community is our relationships. Do we really love on one another? Of course, Hope has a long way to go in this area, but we are a community based church. We desire for people to get to know one another, to study the Bible together, to learn to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” together. Our retreats, small groups, events, and every ministry we have has some element of creating more and more community among us.

Corporation is an area we are now working hard on. How do we manage a growing church with over 400 in attendance and remain community focused but in an organized fashion? Surely the addition of staff has SERIOUSLY helped this problem, as well as the addition of Nancy Skinner, who just has a knack for organization and streamlining things. However, healthy corporation at Hope is our BQ (big question) for 2005, and we would appreciate your prayers as we seek God’s direction in this.

Other thoughts
I have been honored to be the senior pastor of Hope now for 8 1/2 years. Preaching, teaching, leadership development, mentoring people in their faith, helping new churches get started worldwide and introducing new people to the faith are still my greatest passions, and I long to continue to grow in my love for Christ and in my ministry skills here at Hope. I cannot imagine a better place to live out my dreams, raise my family, and have the encouragement and correction that Hope gives to me and my family. Thanks for your love, appreciation, and grace toward me. You are so very dear to me!

This year, for the first time in my ministry life (since 1987, Carole and I have been vocationally part of some ministry somewhere), we are taking a sabbatical. From May 1st, to July 31st we are going to be getting some much needed rest and study time. A few of my goals are to start my doctoral work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, work on my ordination paperwork with the Baptist General Conference, do some preparation for our next sermon series (to be announced later!), and remodel our basement. In addition, I simply plan to just catch up on my reading and fishing! We also hope to do some family traveling and just hanging out. Even though I long for this sabbatical, I can honestly say I am not “burnt out” but I guess you should take one of these before that happens, huh?

Amazed that God so loved the world (including me!),

Steve

A New Year, The Word of God and Life

It is that time of year again, when people make all kinds of resolutions to eat healthier, be nicer, save money, are better parents, lose weight, or finally win a Super Bowl (for all you Vikings fans out there).

I’ve never been one for promises like that. They seem to just fade away once my interest changes, or I may miss a day of exercise and just figure, “Might as well quit...didn’t reach my goal of exercising everyday, so I might as well not exercise at all!”

I know that sounds silly, but we all do that. How does real change happen, then? Is it through being disciplined and regimented in how we treat ourselves? That is part of the solution, but not all of it. Without transformation in our MINDS, our change of behavior is just that, a change of BEHAVIOR. I crave TRANSFORMATION!!

Jesus never called us to be nice, or thin, or healthy in and of itself. He calls us to be godly, to seek first his kingdom, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and THEN these things will change.
How do you get that kind of transformation? Through God’s word!

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring for ever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
(Psalms 19:7-10, NIV)

This year, join me in reading the Bible through in a year. You can get a Free Discipleship Journal Reading Log to help you do it along with me. BUT, even if you don’t “make” it all the way through (I seldom do make it through in a year!), that isn’t the point...being transformed by Jesus is!!

Tsunamis and the Sovereignty of God

As I write this, the count is now over 114,000 people who lost their lives due to the recent tsunami that hit the coasts of India, Indonsia, Thailand and other Indian Ocean countries. The relatively small region of Indonesia called Sumatra, which only has about 40 million people, lost 28,000 people on that fateful Sunday from the flooding due to the 9.0 earthquake in the area. Estimates today say that about 5 million people are without the basic needs they have for shelter, food and water. This is a disaster of biblical proportions.

My heart breaks for these people, many of whom were on a vacation of a lifetime. In minutes, the playful beach play turned into a frolic for their lives, and many were not able to overcome the stong waves and currents of the tsunami. At times like this, I have two almost polar opposite, simultaneous thoughts that give me peace.

First, I wonder what God is up to in this whole process. The God of the Bible is in absolute control of all things, and although he has no darkness in him whatsoever, he often uses tragedy for his purposes. I fully admit that as much as I would like to know God's reasoning, I am not able to look into his purposes so that I fully understand. But I KNOW that he does all things for ultimate good and for his pleasure.

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
(Psalms 115:3, NIV).

I am forced to think this way because we believe in a God who is absolutely sovererign over all things. And, although I do not understand, I completely trust that he is good, and he is in control of this and all things, even evil events. He allows things for his good reasons.

Second, I plead with God to rescue people from this tragedy. I ask him to send all kinds of aid, to allow miracles to happen to find survivors, for disease and looting to be non-existent, for many, many people to meet Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord through this. Why do I pray to God that way? Again, I pray because he is completely sovereign...otherwise, prayer would make no sense. Why pray to him if he really isn’t able to answer?

But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
(Psalms 109:21, 22)

On Friday, December 31st, my three boys and I decided to do something to help out in a practical way...we got online and donated some money to World Vision. I couldn't be prouder of my three boys as they each decided to donate some of their money to those in need.

Let me encourage you to prayerfully consider helping out at this time. There are many organizations that can help out the victims of this disaster. Three that we have been recommending to our church are:

World Vision - www.worldvision.org
Christian Children's Fund - www.christiandchildrensfund.org
Habitat for Humanity - www.habitat.org

Father,
By your incredible great power, show yourself to so many people in that region. Allow them to see you as you are, the powerful, mighty, in-control God that you are...as well as the one who weeps with those who weep in times like these. Be with the survivors. Show yourself to them. Use these events to draw men, women and children to yourself. Allow great work of believers to show the love of Christ to those in need. Work as only you know how to work!
Amen