Stay focused on grace

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I watched a video recently that parodies a TV infomercial—in this case hawking a fictitious Christian worship CD entitled It’s All About Me. The songs on the CD include Lord I Lift My Name on High, I Exalt Me, and There is None Like Me. Funny? Yes, but illustrative of the sad truth that we humans tend to worship self rather than God. As I noted last week in my “Quaffing Grace” letter, this tendency short-circuits our spiritual formation, leading to reliance on self rather than on Jesus, “The author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

Sometimes preachers inadvertently help people embrace a wrong approach through messages on Christian living topics like overcoming sin, helping the poor, or sharing the gospel. These topics can be helpful, but not when they focus people on self rather than on Jesus—who he is, and what he has done and is doing on our behalf. It’s vital that we help people rely fully on Jesus for their identity, their life’s vocation and their ultimate destiny. With eyes fixed on Jesus, they will see what they do to serve God and humanity not as “pull-yourself-up-by-your bootstraps” self-effort, but as real participation, by grace, in what Jesus is doing in his union with the Father and the Spirit, and with all humanity.

João Zeferino da Costa - O óbolo da viúva, 1876.jpg — *The Widows Mite* by João Zeferino da Costa, 1876
(Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)

Let me illustrate by sharing discussions I had with two dedicated Christians. The first was with a man concerning his struggle with giving. For a long time he strove to give more in offerings to the church than he had budgeted, based on the wrong concept that giving, to be generous, must cause some pain. But no matter how much he gave (and how much pain he experienced in doing so), he still felt guilty knowing he could give more. Thankfully, his approach to giving changed one day while writing a check for the week’s offering. He found himself focusing on what his generosity would do for others rather than on its effects on himself. As this shift in his thinking occurred, feelings of guilt turned to ones of joy. For the first time, he understood a scripture often quoted in offertories: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). He came to realize that God didn’t love him less when he wasn’t a cheerful giver, but God loved seeing him experience joy when he was.

The second discussion involved two conversations with a woman concerning her prayer life. In the first she shared that she set the clock when she prayed to be sure she prayed at least 30 minutes. She would cover everything she thought important, but would be dismayed when she looked at the clock and saw not even 10 minutes had passed. So she would pray more, but each time she looked at the clock, feelings of guilt and inadequacy would rise. My comment to her, said in jest, was that it seemed to me that she was “praying to the clock!” In our second conversation she told me that my comment had revolutionized her approach to prayer (for that, God gets the credit, not me). Apparently my off-the-cuff comment got her thinking and she began to just talk with God when she prayed, not worrying about how long she prayed. In a rather short time, she started feeling more deeply connected with God than ever before.

Christian living (including spiritual formation, discipleship and mission) is not about “shoulds” and “oughts” focused on our performance. Instead it’s about participation, by grace, in what Jesus is doing in, through and around us. A focus on self-effort tends to result in a self-righteousness that often compares with others or even condemns them, falsely concluding that we have done something to deserve God’s love. But the truth of the gospel is that God loves all people as much as an infinite God possibly can. That means he loves others as much as he loves us. God’s grace does away with any “us vs. them” approach that exalts self as righteous and condemns others as unworthy.

“But,” some might object, “what about people who commit great sins? Surely God doesn’t love them as much as he loves faithful believers!” To answer this objection we need only look at the heroes of faith profiled in Hebrews 11:1-40. These were not perfect people—many of them experienced times of colossal failure. The Bible tells more stories about people God rescued from failure than about people who lived righteous lives. Sometimes we misread the Bible as if the redeemed did the work instead of the Redeemer! When we fail to understand that our lives are disciplined by grace, not self-effort, we erroneously conclude that our standing with God is about our performance. Eugene Peterson addresses this mistake in his helpful book on discipleship, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction:

The central reality for Christians is the personal, unalterable, persevering commitment that God makes to us. Perseverance is not the result of our determination; it is the result of God’s faithfulness. We survive in the way of faith not because we have extraordinary stamina but because God is righteous. Christian discipleship is a process of paying more and more attention to God’s righteousness and less and less attention to our own; finding the meaning of our lives not by probing our moods and motives and morals but by believing in God’s will and purposes; making a map of the faithfulness of God, not charting the rise and fall of our enthusiasm.

God, who is ever-faithful to us, never condemns us when we are unfaithful to him. Yes, our sins grieve him because they hurt us and others, but our sins don’t determine whether or how much God loves us.

Our triune God is perfect, complete love—there is no lesser or greater measure of his love for any person. Because God loves us, he gives us his Word and Spirit to enable us to recognize our sin, to confess it (agree with God about it) and then repent—turn away from sin back to God and his grace. Ultimately, all sin is a rejection of grace. Anyone who dies to their (false, old) self, confessing and repenting of sin, rather than justifying themselves, does so because they have received the gracious, transforming work of God. In his grace, God accepts us where we are but never leaves us there.

When we focus on Jesus and not self, we see ourselves and others the way Jesus sees us—as God’s children, and that includes the many who do not yet know their heavenly Father. As we walk with Jesus, he invites and equips us to participate in what he is doing to reach out in love to those who don’t know him. As we participate, we see with greater clarity what God is doing to turn his beloved children toward him in repentance, helping them put their lives entirely into his care.

As we share with Jesus in this ministry of reconciliation, we learn more clearly what Paul meant when he said that the law condemns but God’s grace gives life (see Acts 13:39 and Romans 5:17-20). That is why it’s vital that all our ministry, including our teaching about Christian living, is done with Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, under the umbrella of the grace of God.

Staying focused on grace, Joseph Tkach

Jason Frantz

Born and raised within GCI, Jason Frantz, the lead pastor of GCI’s congregation in Kansas City, Missouri, has seen and experienced a lot of growth and change in his journey through life. According to Jason, he had a front row seat to “the wonderful way God was walking with us and working in us the entire time.”

Jason grew up in a small town outside of Dayton, Ohio, and knew from a young age God was calling him as a church shepherd. As he grew, his God-given gifts for working with people and loving them as God loves them were nurtured. In 2011, he began actively working towards becoming a pastor. His wife Julie had heard about the GCI Internship Program, and Pastor Rick Shallenberger (who was pastoring in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the time) invited Jason to participate in the program with him.

Jason flourished as an intern in Cincinnati and then as a pastoral resident when the family transferred to serve the church in Kansas City, working with lead pastor Ray Meyer. Along the way, Jason enjoyed “the opportunity to share God’s love and life with people through shepherding, loving and encouraging them in Christ.”

Jason is thankful for the encouragement given him by Pastor Rick and Pastor Ray, who helped him sharpen his God-given gifts and strengths, instead of focusing on his weaknesses. Jason also benefited from the support given by GCI-Cincinnati elder John Halford who encouraged Jason in a way that Jason says was “challenging, fun and interesting!” Within this supportive environment, Jason was able to work on what he refers to as his “spiritual backbone”—remembering that God has a purpose and plan, and he need not let others take advantage of him when he is trying to help them.

When asked what he enjoys most about being part of GCI, Jason said, “I love the humility of the leadership and our focus on genuine and authentic relationships within our fellowship. I love having the strong support system among the pastors that has been encouraged and set up within the denomination. I also appreciate the transparency of our church leaders and their willingness to walk alongside the pastors as they shepherd their congregation.”

As shown above, Jason’s passion is God, family and friends. He loves “relationships, growing deeper with people, and especially hanging out with his wife and children.” His wife Julie plays a significant role in his pastoral ministry—“If it were not for her I would not be the man and pastor that I am. She walks hand and hand with me through the ins and outs of ministry and helps me with many decisions. She does much more than what I can even write about.”

Jason and Julie (pictured at right) met at SEP camp in Orr, Minnesota, in 1993. Their friendship grew into a long-distance relationship in 2001. Julie, living in Oregon at the time, said she would never move to Ohio, but God had different plans. In May 2002 she moved to Ohio and the couple married in December. They welcomed their fourth child, Jocelyn, into the family on November 4, 2014. Her older brothers, Jaron (11), Jacob (9) and Jaxon (6) are definitely in love with and very protective of their little sister.

Jason says he feels closest to God when he is “away from the busyness of life, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation.” He also says he connects most deeply with God when he has “opportunity to share in genuine and authentic relationships with other believers in a safe and open environment.”

Jason has some advice for anyone considering the GCI Intern Program: “Be yourself—be open to the guiding work of the Holy Spirit through others as God forms you into the pastor that he desires.”

GCI-Canada update

Here are reports of two recent events in GCI-Canada.

Elder ordained in Calgary

GCI-Canada National Director Gary Moore reports that during his recent visit to the Calgary congregation, he and his wife Wendy were privileged to participate in the ordination of Emily Lukacik as an elder. Emily and her husband Andrew (pictured at right) are long-time members and servants of the Calgary church.

Camp Connections fundraiser

Mark Yandt reports a successful fifth annual bike ride to raise money for GCI’s Camp Connections. A team of 15 riders (pictured below) raised a total of $13,400. Mark commented:

Not only did we raise more than in previous years, but almost 80% of our fundraising came from supporters with no previous affiliation with Camp Connections or with GCI. Our biggest fundraiser again this year was Karl Moore (in the red jersey below) who raised over $5300 and promoted the trip for months beforehand on Facebook and Twitter. He even posted updates during the ride and raised over half of his support during or after the ride was completed!

GenMin camp reports

SEP So Cal

This report is from SEP So Cal camp directors Anne and Mark Stapleton.

This summer SEP So Cal had 158 campers and 87 staff. We celebrated our 14th year as a GenMin camp, our fifth year meeting at Pine Valley Bible Conference Center (near San Diego), and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the SEP camp in Orr, Minnesota.

In keeping with the EPIC Story theme of GenMin’s 2015 camp curriculum, we used the idea of “story” to tell the story of SEP, using a timeline that stretched around the room (see below). As part of an opening celebration we pointed beyond the camp story and made sure that every camper and staff member knew they were part of the EPIC Story of God. To symbolize that inclusion, we had each person get up during a worship segment and place a colored dot on the timeline near the year they were born.

As in years past, this summer SEP So Cal was wonderfully diverse. We had participants age 18 months to early 70s; and participants who are African-American, Asian, Filipino, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and Caucasian. Sixteen states were represented at camp.

This year we added a horse program and rappelling for junior campers. For the senior campers we continued our equipping tracks where each chose a track to further their skills, education and ministry. The goal of these tracks is equipping youth to return to their home church, community and other places of influence so they can contribute to the growth of others, participate in church life, and simply help make the world a better place.

Pathways Camp, Ohio

This report is from Pathways camp director Aaron Frim.

In keeping with the EPIC Story theme, Pathways camp was once again an amazing experience. We had 49 senior campers, 27 junior campers and 8 mini-campers served by 54 staff members. About 20% of the staff members were first-timers. Pastor Jeff Broadnax served as camp chaplain, giving most of the chapel messages. There was much positive feedback from campers regarding the EPIC Story curriculum. That curriculum was adapted for use with the junior campers with Gary Weldon serving as story-teller.

Camp activities included archery, swimming, team-building, laser tag, woodworking, and dodge-ball. This summer we added bubble-ball (see picture at left). Once again we had life-equipping tracks for senior campers in photography, video, self-defense, worship, and missions. The missions track, led by Pastor Terry McDonald, was enhanced by the presence of two staffers and one camper from Colombia who came to Pathways to learn about running a camp in their own country.

In keeping with the missions theme, senior campers teamed up with 37 disadvantaged children from the local county who came to Pathways for an afternoon. Pastor Carrie Smith spearheaded this outreach, which has been going on at Pathways for several years. Carrie also led our inaugural CREW—a program in which we equip senior campers to become future staff members.

One day during camp we encountered a medical emergency and a torrential rainstorm. The combination reminded us that we are blessed to have on staff a registered nurse and three EMT/firefighters. One of our campers became ill and had to be transported to the hospital. Though he had to spend the night there, he was fine. That same night a storm flooded all roads in and out of camp and part of the camp grounds. We were left considering the reason behind these events. What was God’s plan, how did it fit into his EPIC Story? Perhaps it was the conversations that occurred between people later. Perhaps it was to prepare us to better face similar situations in the future. It definitely helped Pathways financially. The managers at the facility we use for camp decided to deduct one day’s rent, savings Pathways several thousands of dollars. In any event, we were reminded of God’s love and protection.

GCS reaccredited

We’re pleased to report that Grace Communion Seminary (GCS) was recently notified that the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), in a meeting on June 26, voted to renew GCS’s accreditation through June 2020. The letter notifying GCS of this good news said this:

In receiving renewal of accreditation, GCS has demonstrated its commitment to educational standards and ethical business practices that assure quality, accountability, and improvement in higher education. The scope of GCS’s accreditation extends to the programs listed below.

Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS)

Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

Master’s-Level Continuing Education Courses (MCLE)

In passing on the good news, Dr. Gary Deddo, the new president of GCS, wrote this:

Congratulations to all who contributed to the monumental effort that has brought GCS to this point. Most especially thanks should be extended to Dr. Russell Duke who so ably and with great perseverance led the charge.

A church that acts its size

It’s common for small churches to struggle trying to be something they are not—a big church. Doing so often leads to frustration and discouragement, even burn-out. It also fails to capitalize on the advantages of being a small church.

small-is-big — Picture courtesy The Alliance website.

Bob Desagun, a pastor in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, helpfully addresses this subject in a blog post entitled “Small is Big.” Here is part of what he wrote:

As a pastor I was frustrated with the failure to see our attendance increase. It brought me to the point of questioning whether my “season” of ministry was over. Should I throw in the towel and call it quits? Instead, I took an overdue short vacation coupled with a long time in the prayer closet. God revealed to me that I was trying to make the church something it wasn’t—big…. I came to realize that it was time we started acting our size.

Bob goes on to describe steps his congregation took to take advantage of who God had made them. To read the post go to http://www.cmalliance.org/alife/small-is-big/.

To download a free book with helpful tips about operating as a small church (what the book refers to as “simple church”), go to http://www.simplechurchrevolution.com/.

Death of Diane Kubik’s father

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Maurice Mallery, former WCG employee and father of Diane (Mallery) Kubik, wife of GCI elder Oleh Kubik. Here is a report from Oleh.

Dan Maurice Mallery (pictured at right) grew up on the family farm in Windsor, New York where he became a successful potato farmer. Members of the WCG church in Manhattan (New York City) would come up on weekends to enjoy his farm. But due to some bad advice, Maurice lost the farm when he changed to organic farming without properly preparing the soil. He also lost his daughter Terry to appendicitis. Devastated, the family moved away to join the WCG construction crew in building festival sites in the Poconos (Pennsylvania); then Wisconsin Dells.

When that work ended, the family moved to Arizona, living first in a small trailer in the desert where Maurice worked laying water and sewer lines. Eventually they bought a small home, fixed it up, then sold it. They repeated that process several times, eventually buying a large RV and travelling the country. Though Maurice suffered many losses, he fought his way back.

Following a split in the church, he and his wife Carol traveled visiting various congregations of the group they joined. Eventually they settled in Florida. When Carol died, Maurice moved to New Jersey to be near family.

I fondly remember many great discussions with Maurice. Knowledgeable on multiple topics, he was always open minded and willing to learn. “It’s what you learn after you know everything that counts,” he would say. My life has been greatly enriched by this man.

Cards may be sent to:

Oleh and Diane Kubik
1150 Talan Dr
Endicott, NY 13760-7033

Hunsberger’s 50th anniversary

GCI elder David Hunsberger and his wife Shirley (pictured below) recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception at Living Grace Christian Fellowship, GCI’s congregation in Denver (north), Colorado. The Hunsbergers were married on July 14, 1965. Congratulations David and Shirley!