Ministry

wishlist

kevinhaglund Leave a comment

I was on Amazon.com today ordering two books that pertain to church ministry leadership in our postmodern day. Both books are by missional church expert Alan Hirsch. While I was on Amazon, I found out something really cool. I created a “wishlist” of books that I want to read in the future. The really cool part is that you can share this list with others–almost like registering for a baby or wedding shower–so friends and family can surprise you.

I told someone last night that I am experiencing a different kind of busy right now. In my previous life as a worship pastor, it was busy, but it was within the realm of my area of knowledge and expertise. Now, I find myself busy trying to learn and do at the same time! All of this is occurring in realms that are not yet my area of expertise! I am finding my appetite for reading has increased immensely because that is the best way for me to learn. Many people have asked how they can help support us in our new endeavor. One easy way is to follow the link below to see my wishlist of books that I want to read. I currently don’t have the resources in place to go on an Amazon spending spree to purchase all of the books that will help me get up to speed on the movement that God is calling us to join.

If you would like to help (no pressure, really!), check out my wishlist! If you know of other books in this vein that you want to recommend, add a comment and I’ll check them out and maybe add them to my wishlist. Thanks!

upside down Christmas

kevinhaglund Leave a comment

First, my family and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. God has blessed us richly with such wonderful family and friends. We look forward to spending time with many of you during the next few weeks.

In many ways, this has been an upside down Christmas so far. Since I left my position at Dogwood Church on December 5th, I have been without a regular daily routine and without a weekly worship service to plan and lead. I have to admit that, in some aspects, it has been nice, however, on Christmas Eve, it was a little depressing for me to be an observer instead of the leader of a Christmas Eve service.

The family and I attended a Christmas Eve service at a nearby church and during the service, I was struck with a thought. We, in local church ministry, have Christmas upside down. We often spend lots of money making the auditorium or sanctuary look beautiful, we spend lots of time programming the service complete with music, multimedia, drama and a compelling Christmas message. In short, we put on a huge show in the name of celebrating the birth of Christ–not that there’s anything wrong with that (to borrow a line from Seinfeld).

The funny thing is that when Jesus was born, it was anything but a show. The shepherds who happened to be the outcast of society were the only ones who got a show from the heavenly host and it scared the fire out of them! The stinky stable with its incarnational events unfolding inside was anything but a show and those in attendance probably didn’t leave commenting about what a great experience they had–the sights, the sounds, the message, etc. They left in wonder and amazement at having been in the presence of the King of Kings.

During this Christmas season, I challenge you to remember that, yes, we are celebrating Christ’s birth. But more than that, we are celebrating the fact that God Himself left heaven and put on our damaged and weak skin in order to demonstrate His love for us. If He did this for us, how can we possibly refuse to leave our “heavenly realm”–our Christian protective bubble to put ourselves in the dark and damaged world of those who are still walking in darkness. It is only when Christians decide to live like Jesus and to lead others to do the same that we will find fulfillment and purpose in our identity as Christ followers. That is what God has called us to do and that is what we intend to accomplish through browns mill church.