Five Dangerous Faults

Yesterday I started reading Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" which is from the 6th century BC.  I have wanted to read it for some time, but it is not my typical genre.  I am half way through and it has given me some insight as a leader of "spiritual warriors" but mostly caused me to look at how I am trying to go about starting a church.  I am aware that our enemy is not of this world, but have gained some personal insight that I am just going to share and hopefully it will cause you to think as well.  About half way through, he relates the 5 major dangerous faults of a General.  I have taken these each individually and applied them to the areas of ministry that I deal in.  I have not edited for spelling or content, so take these random thoughts as Joel's personal application and make your own.

There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:

(1)   Recklessness, which leads to destruction;

Recklessness as a pastor would look like what?

      Preaching

                  Not preparing adequately

                  Not praying

                  Not planning a comprehensive preaching calendar

      Pastoral Care

                  Not watching what you say

                  Not saying thanks

                  Not keeping your word

                  Not feeling their hurts

      Leadership    

                  Over extending with time, ministry or money

                  Letting anybody start whatever ministry

                  Not screening leaders

                  Not sticking to procedure

      Personally

                  Not guarding your heart from sin

                  Being alone with a woman who is not your wife

                  Drifting from your time in Prayer and Bible Study

(2)   Cowardice, which leads to capture;

Cowardice as a pastor would look like what?

Preaching

Not standing up for truth, and solid doctrine, and against sin

Pastoral Care

Not telling someone what you know they need to hear, but don’t want to hear.

Leadership

Not stepping out in faith to obey God

Not leading your people to personally step out in faith

Personally

Not leading in your own home, with your wife and kids

(3)   A hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;

A hasty temper as a pastor would look like what?

Preaching

            It is easier to preach against sin than for holiness

            Don’t allow your pulpit to become a bully

            Never defend yourself when you should be preaching Christ

Pastoral Care

            Hurt people hurt people, don’t take insults personally

            Never add insult to injury

Leadership

Do not allow the insults of your enemies to cause you to come down from your wall to fight on their turf.

Never make rash vows

Be motivated by love, not hate

Personally

                        The king of the mountain makes for an easy target

                        Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath

(4)   A delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame;

(Those who seek after victory should be careless of public opinion.)

Preaching

            Tell it like it is, do not scratch ears

            Be Transparent, Nobody listens to an inexperienced expert

Pastoral Care

            Compliments, like perfume smells nice but don’t swallow it.

            Don’t drink from “The World’s Best Pastor” Coffee mug.

Pastoring is about the help of the sheep, not the honor of the shepherd

Leadership

            Don’t be tempted to put on Saul’s shiny new armor

            Pride is what caused Satan to fall and Eve to bite

Personally

            Remember you serve an Audience of one

At the judgment you will stand before God alone, not the board, or the crowd, or your peers.

(5)   Over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.

(The danger of sacrificing any important military advantage to the immediate comfort of his men.)

Preaching

            Do not be afraid of their faces

            Too much milk causes one to vomit.  They need meat too.

            Be careful preaching that causes people to think that they are holy.

            Be careful of setting goals that are too easily attained.

Pastoral Care

            Do not break up every fight and band-aid every scratch

            Do not pamper your people, provoke to love and good works

Leadership

            Someone has to be on the front lines

            Don’t care so much for your troops that you forget the war

We are not here to build shelters in which to hide from the world, but bases from which to go into all the world

Never let church become about the church

Personally

            Be careful of the undisciplined life.

            Never ask more from your staff or people than you ask of yourself.

                       

                        

Vomiting

The 2008 election has reminded us of a valuable lesson.  Politics is sickening!  Last night President-elect Obama won the election by making no apologies for being the most liberal person in Washington.  In the end, the "Maverick" middle of the road guy lost.  As a pastor and conservative, I was never a fan of John McCain, and though Palin sweetened the ticket, I still felt she was the orange syrup they put in really bad medicine.  The defeat for the Republican party was in fact a victory for conservatives.  My fear when Bush left leading and started following, and his numbers fell, was that the Republican party would leave their moral conservative base in exchange for what has become known as "Fiscal Conservativism."  (I would rather lose an election than a political party.) The thought was that Christians care more about their pocketbooks than they do their Bible.  What is amazing to me is that in a year when Republicans lost heavily, the FL Marriage Amendment overwhelmingly won with 62% of the vote.  This is clear.  When you water things down and serve luke-warm ideas, people are not inspired, people don't campaign, people don't vote.  What we can learn as believers is that we cannot win the battle for souls by compromise.  Luke warm never works.  Look how Jesus states it in Revelation 3... " ¹⁵“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. "


So the day after the election, I pray that Republican Party will be vomiting.  Now is the time for all of us to turn to Christ, and follow Him without compromise.

Partisanship is Key to Leadership

After we were married and before we had kids, Amy and I went out one Friday night.  Our plan was to try out this place we had never been, but when we got there it was obviously not what we thought so we both turned to each other for direction.  What followed was a series of "I don't care, you decide-s"   and "No you can choose-s" that eventually led to our biggest fight as a married couple.  I don't know what or if I even ate that night as we returned home.  Looking back, we laugh today at how silly that was.

My point is that not having an opinion means that you go nowhere, and from there, things deteriorate.  One of the things I hate about politics is that it is a scramble to appear centrist.  Candidates who represent far reaching ideologies put on the pretense that they are moderate, middle class types.  Frankly,  I get sick of the charade.

As a leader, I must realize that Cornerstone is counting on me to make decisions.  The organization needs partisanship.  Not everyone is going to agree with every one of my decisions as a pastor, but if my goal is to make everyone happy, then we will go nowhere, and eventually fight.  What is more, is that God has placed our church in this community to make a difference.  This task cannot be done while sitting on the sidelines waiting for "clear direction."

Imagine it's 4th and goal.  There are 6 seconds on the clock and the team is down by 5.  You have one play that will decide the outcome of the game.  Do you run or pass?  Frankly I don't know any better than you.  But you can't wait until you know for sure.  You must be partisan, pick one over the other and run that play with all you strength.  If you get in, you win, if you don't you lose.  But here is the kicker.  If you wait until you know which one will work, the clock will run out and neither one gets you in the endzone.

This week it is my prayer that everyone at Cornerstone will study the candidates, know the issues and cast your vote on Tuesday.  Politics aside, I believe in voting morality.  I will always base my vote on morality first, politics second.  I have already filled out my sample ballot.  On that are candidates of at least three different political parties.  Why should you vote morality?  Because  God, when honored, can make even the worst political decisions look brilliant.

Words of advice....
1. Liars can buy TV time too.  Know the issues.  Amendment 2 will not undo the domestic partner laws already on the books in the state of FL.  Vote yes on 2 to protect the distinction of marriage.

2. Judges are "non-partisan" so they don't show up on many voter guides.  you have to do some research to see who appointed them, and where they have sided on partisan issues.  I personally came to the place where I am voting to not keep any of the judges on my ballot.

Political Fatigue and the Separation of Church and State

Lifeway, a branch of the Southern Baptist Convention is out today with an opinion poll on how political pastors should be in view of the upcoming election.  According to the poll the vast majority of people do not think it is appropriate for pastors to endorse candidates for public office during a church service.  Therefore I have elected to take a post and address the upcoming election and to discuss what I believe to be one of the most important elections of our era on my blog.
First, I do not and will not endorse a candidate for presidential office.  Any candidate fitting my approval are long gone.  However, I believe firmly that as members of a free society, we not only have a right to vote, we have a responsibility.  How dare we complain about the moral collapse of our society without lifting a finger to do anything about it.  More important than electing officials to temporary office, this election season we have a state amendment that will define marriage as the union of a man and a woman.  I believe that this issues is critical to our state and to the ability of the church to continue to teach the Bible without fear of restriction and recourse.  Already in states who have adopted same-sex marriage, we see churches being taken to court and sued for preaching against homosexuality and other sexual sins.  When the State begins to legislate morality, the church will become an opponent of the state and suffer.  I want to be clear that, I do not want to suggest that by voting one way or another that we can enforce a morality on society,  God himself has chosen to give man free will to do what he desires, however every believer must accept his/her moral obligation to stand up on this matter.  I believe that due to the lack of a true conservative candidate on the ballot for president, that many Christians will see their trip to the polls as a waste of time, but the presidential election is not the sole issue on the table in spite of what the media may think.  In most elections, only 20% of the registered voters show up to vote.  The same percentage holds true regardless of involvement in church or not.  It is my prayer that every person I know will go to the polls to vote and that their vote will not be based on the economy or what Hollywood says, but on what they feel God would have them to do.  For more information or to get involved, please visit www.supportmarriage.org 

Fantasy Football

We had our FFL draft last night and I won.  You see for the last two years I have been the very last pick and this year I wasn't the very last pick.  I moved up 3 spots to #9!  I feel like a winner already.  All the top 9 Running backs were taken so I broke the ice on QB's with Peyton Manning.  Our theme verse will be Joel 2:6 ( I think I am the only person in any fantasy football league who has a theme verse) 

Joel 2:6 (NKJV) Before them all the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. 

Here is my team....

Starters:
QB - Peyton Manning (A bit of a gamble for first pick, but I have his jersey)
RB - Clinton Portis (The only Clinton I want to see in Washington)
RB - Maurice Jones-Drew (I thought only women used two last names)
WR - Torry Holt (oldie but a goody)
WR - Joey Galloway (Token Buccaneer, Plus he's older than I am)
TE - Jason Witten (Solid)
K- Adam Vinaterri (had him every year)
D - Pittsburg Steelers (Steel Curtain)

Bench:
QB - Jake Delhomme (what's a little elbow surgery between quarterbacks)
RB - Fred Taylor (His arrest will go well with our Prison Break series at church)
RB - Jarrius Norwood - (he outperformed Turner on Friday)
RB - Warrick Dunn (Cat Fancy)
WR - Jabar Gaffney (I thought my cheat sheet said Jar-Jar)
WR - Isaac Bruce (He's older than me too)
WR- Bernard Berrian (Big Toe Berrian!  Go Vikes)
TE - John Carlson (Who?)

26 Cents and a Skinned Knee

At the end of the day many times we will look back to see what we have to show for it and looking back on yesterday, I can honestly say that all I have to show is 26 cents and a skinned knee.  However, results don't always show in the way that we would like them to and often the intangible exceeds the tangible.  We are on vacation with my family in Myrtle Beach S.C. this week and it has been fun doing a whole lot of nothing.  Fun stuff, like sitting and staring at the ocean, and overeating, and watching movies we have already seen.  Boogie boards were on the to do list for the morning which explains the skinned knee, and yesterday Andrew and I went treasure hunting with a metal detector we borrowed from Intern Brandon.  I have never been so excited to find a quarter in my life, well, as far back as I can remember that is.  On Saturday I will hop a flight to O-town and be back in time for church. (as long as Bertha behaves)  But in the mean time, I have a deep discussion on some obscure topic to have with my dad, some small talk with my mom, and further attempts to gain the graces of a snobby 9 month old neice on today's list.  I will try to let you know how it goes.

Good Bye Bartletts

Today I say farewell to Mike and Susan Bartlett.  Our best friends from college will be moving back to NC after moving to FL 6 years ago to help us launch Cornerstone.  Our families have become so intertwined over the last few years that the idea of them moving still leaves knots in our stomach.  I know that they are following God's will for their individual lives and that make all the difference.  My son Andrew had a friendship with Brady that can only be compared to Jonathan and David.  There was a level of friendship achieved in the first six years of life that will no doubt last a lifetime. Abby and Bailey had a friendship that survived the rocky terrain of being girls and all the emotional ups and downs.  In their words "BFF."  We will miss you guys and are so thankful that you have placed yourselves strategically between both sets of grandparents.  God Speed Bartlett Clan, God Speed!

So Amy and I painted the house...

Dad

Let me tell you about my dad. He did not grow up in the same kind of home that I grew up in. His parents did not take him to church and pray with him and read the Bible. He came to know Christ as a kid, and proceeded to win his family to Christ. I am pretty sure he was not the best kid in Sunday school. He would probably tell you he was that kid the teachers prayed would stay home sick. He failed third grade, and once told me he spray painted his name on a neighbor's house. (Clearly not the wisest thing to do.) But, those failures have turned my dad into the greatest student I have ever met. His thirst for knowledge coupled with his love for God and personal integrity are amazing. Every morning, in fact probably right now as I write this he is studying God's word. We groan when he brings his books and laptop to the beach for vacation, but deep down we would have it no other way. His greatest joy in life comes from knowing just a little more about God and his word. He holds a Master's degree in Religion, and writes text books for fun. I can't begin to tell you how awesome he is. I am so proud of my dad, and all that he did for us kids growing up. I thank him for his unparalleled integrity, and honesty that he modeled for me. I thank him for turning our family heritage into a godly one, and now my kids know that their Papa, loves Jesus more than anything in this old world.

Lucky Number 13

Amy and I have been married 13 years and last night we went out to celebrate. The funny thing is that neither of us got each other a card. What we have learned in 13 years is that cards don't mean too much to each other and that our primary love language is quality time. Disaster was averted as we dodged tornadic activity on our way to the Polynesian Resort for dinner. It stopped raining just as we arrived and after a little window shopping sat down to Disney's Best Waiter, Ratana Morrow. We started with the Hawaiian bread and Macadamia nut butter and shrimp curry soup. Then he brought out their famous sticky wings followed by Macadamia nut & Chive Crusted Mahi Mahi and then Beef Teriyaki. He gave us both Leighs made with real flowers, and brought four different desserts White Chocolate Cheese Cake, Kilauea tort, chocolate dipped strawberries & Vanilla Ice cream. From there we went and sat by the water for the electric parade, took a boat ride over to the Grand Floridian for a walk, then back to our bench at the Polynesian to watch the fireworks over the water. What is the only thing that could have made the night better??? I guess Amy getting me a card. ;-)

Ever Google Your own name?

I know it is a bit egotistical, but this morning I was reading some blogs and typed my own name into the search box. I always thought Joel Johns was a bit of a unique name but maybe not so. Did you know that...

• "I" also work for Willow Creek Community Church.
• Here is a picture of "me" with Charlie Hall
• Here is the bio from "my" Internal medicine practice in Chattanooga
• Here is my page from when I was a rocket scientist in Clearwater
• Here is the "me" that beat me to the .com web address Whoa....
• Here is where "I" produced a death metal song for the French version of headbangers ball
• Here is "me" on the bio page of my web design company
  

Back to reality..... Here are some strange things, I notice that 2 of these six are in the music industry. The other strange thing is that I used to live in Chattanooga and in Clearwater. Now, I wonder if people who knew me then think I grew up to be a Doctor or a Rocket Scientist? As far as the Joel who beat me to the .com web address, well he looks like he could use a few in the win column. GO Bengals!

Truckin

Got a truck. It's a 2005 F-150 with 4 doors. I bought it because trucks are cheap right now due to the price of gas, and without a commute I don't put many miles on. Also, as a church planter, every weekend I help my Best Friend move. For what it's worth, I estimate it will cost me $30-$50 in gas a month more than the KIA, but with AC, radio, etc.

Day with Amy

Today Amy took a personal day and we will be spending the whole day together without the kids!
We will be going to IKEA in Orlando. It opened several months ago and neither of us have been to see what everyone is talking about yet. Then it is off to the Cheese Cake Factory for lunch. I have never been and Amy has a gift card!

Good News and Bad News

I really don't know why people begin conversations this way. Especially auto mechanics who are holding your car hostage. But, after putting the mini-van in the shop for A/C work, I told the guy at the counter we had been saving for 5 months to have the work done and to take it easy on me. Expense had already exceeded $1,000 when the call came. It went something like this.

Me: Hello
Guy: Hello Mr. Johns
Me: Hello
Guy: I've got good news and bad news, which do you want first heh heh
Me: what is it?
Guy: I found that part for the hose assembly your van has one of two, and I should get it first thing tomorrow.
Me: okay
Guy: I spent all afternoon taking the old one off (Read milking you for labor) and unfortunately it had leaked freon into your compressor and it too is ruined.
Me: okay, what will that cost me?
Guy: Uh, I don't really know off hand (read, Lots more money)
Me: can you give me a ballpark
Guy: I will call you back in a few
Me: By the way, what was the good news?
Guy: That I found the part I needed


Here is why I share my story with you.

1. To complain and get off my chest my frustration.
2. To eradicate the world of the phrase "good news and bad news"
Here is why: When there is bad news, no one likes to play games. Plus, if all the bad news (you owe another $420.00) is mine and the good news is yours (I found the part) Then it does not apply.

A lot of times people fear going to church because the "good news" is delivered as bad news. The church is seen as negative, and no one wants to be on the bad news end of a balanced "Good News/ Bad News " exchange. What makes the gospel so great is that in spite of our thinking that being a sinner is bad news, and not wanting to hear it from anyone especially a pious Christian, is that in fact all the bad news is take on by Christ, leaving only good news for us. Finding Christ is no more bad news, than to find that you owe an enormous debt and Christ has paid it all. The bad news that we are a sinner pales in comparison, to the good news that we have been saved from the penalty of our sin.

Romans 8:18 (NKJV)
¹⁸For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Random Friday Thoughts.

• Got slammed this week.
• Behind on everything.
• Today does not look good.
• Up at 3:45 a.m. on Friday, awake at 2.
• Writing a paper on the Holy Spirit as God.
• Still digging out.
• could use prayer.
• Andrew got his first set of wife beaters. (t-shirts)
• He wore them to bed
• could also be more efficient.
• I will catch up before the day is done.
• could also stop blogging and get back to work.
• I am set to have lunch with Raphael of Baptista El Buen Samritano today.
• I hope to see you all in church this weekend.
• Highlight: Free tickets on the 3rd row at Cirque Du Sole last night.

Wii Got a Problem

After Wii saw the cousins and their new Wii in action, and Wii did a little math Wii discovered that Wii could pool all our Christmas cash for the hottest toy of the season. Until Wii saw it in action, Wii were indifferent, but a few games of bowling and tennis, and Wii were hooked. Today, Wii went to look for one, and a nice elf told us that Wal-Mart had them and so now Wii have a Wii Problem.

Christmas Under Repair

This Christmas it seems that we will be fixing things that we got previous Christmas seasons. I guess that goes to show that the more stuff you have, the more stuff has you. Right now, we are down an I-pod, a TV, a Car stereo, a laptop, and a diamond ring. I don't know how the French hens are doing but the turtle doves have also flown the coop. It has been quite an experience around here as out family huddles around the 9" TV to watch football. I will say that it has brought our family a lot closer, but closer aint always so nice. I am also struggling to type on a full size keyboard and sermon prep will be difficult without my trusty laptop. The Geeks said it will be ready on Christmas Day. It was obvious that Santa needs to train more Elves in electronics. The good news is that when someone broke into our cars on Saturday night, they had nothing to steal. I joked a bit about them leaving us a sympathy note, but it was obvious that they were looking for ipods or CDs. I should take my busted ipod and set a trap for them.

Me being Thankful

Here is my new neice Pressley happiy asleep in my arms. Now that I think about it I have an uncanny ability to put people to sleep. Maybe it is my spiritual gift! My dad is out in the yard playing catch with Andrew and Mom is hard at work in the kitchen while Justin tries to keep up with her by eating everything she is making. Amy is enjoying the falling leaves, and Abby is working on her babysitting technique.

Fieldmarshal

So my brother Justin had a link to the Myers Briggs Personality test over at his new blog, and it has provided hours of fun for our family as we look at the deeper confines of our family tree. I happen to be an ENTJ for anyone who cares, it is in the rational quadrant and others who share my personality traits are the likes of Bill Gates, Margaret Thatcher and Napoleon (Not Dynamite). It suggests my occupation traits tend to be CEO. Others on the list of rationals include some of my heroes such as Abe Lincoln and Walt Disney. You can take the test for yourself here.

Thanksgiving Potpurri

• GREAT FALL - We had a record day yesterday at church with the highest fall attendance on record. The best I can tell is that we are quickly filling up the space created by adding the Classic service, and Saturday night services will make some much needed room for the Spring.
• "I Say dear Holmes" That iTunes U has some smashing freebies out there if you like to listen to non copy written literature including many of the classics. Let's just say Sherlock is genius, dear boy, sheer genius. And a right smart traveling companion as well.
• I had the joy of trying to translate the idea of Thanskgiving to our guests from France yesterday. In hindsight "pilgrim" was probably a bad choice of words, but I thought it funny that they refer to themselves as "strangers" as the best translation of tourist they knew. What a great example they are for us, that even though they don't know the songs, and barely understand the message that they come and worship God with us both on Sundays and Wednesdays. - I love it!
• I'm Bummed about Jeff and Heather moving, I love those two, and it was an honor for their life together to begin at Cornerstone, and to be so intertwined with ours. They are so awesome and will do amazing things for God in Arizona, or KC wherever they land.
• Missed Gabe yesterday, the teams did a good job and both Ray (Classic) and Michael (Contemporary) did a great job. I do however look forward to Gabe being back this Sunday.
• I forgot to line up my fantasy football team yesterday, but they were able to once again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
• I cant wait to hold my new niece "Pressley" She is now 8 weeks old and I am sure that she has her mom's good looks and her dad's brains.
  
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