In preparation for our Lent Sermon Series, “Letting Go,” I’ve been reminded of the following familiar sermon illustration.

A man was walking on a pitch black night when he fell over a cliff. On the way down, he managed to grab hold of a small tree sprouting out of the side of the precipice. Desperately he began to call out for help and a voice answered, "What do you want?" "I'm stuck down here holding on to a tree. I can't hold on too much longer. Can you help me?" "Yes," came the reply. "Who are you ?" the man asked. "I'm God," replied the voice. "What do you want me to do?" asked the man. "Let go of the tree." For a while there was silence. Then the man called out and said, "Is there anyone else up there?"

No matter how many times I hear this story, it hits home. I can almost hear the thoughts running through that man’s mind as he considers the stark reality of death verses the elusive hope of faith. In some ways, we all struggle with issues that take us to the edge of a precipice, physical or spiritual, where we desperately cling to our own perception of control instead of trusting God.

This year our Lent Sermon Series will focus on “Letting Go” of attitudes that keep us from passionately following Jesus.  One of the unique elements in the teaching ministry of Jesus was his focus on the inner/heart condition of people, not religious obedience. This isn’t to say that obedience isn’t important, but suggests that our following must flow from a heart of desire lest we become outwardly obedient and inwardly vacant. As we move through this series the weekly sermons, worship activities, and LG lessons will focus on letting go of the following attitudes:

Control, Supremacy, Expectations, Impossible, Enemies, Popularity

I pray you find release and freedom in Christ as we let go and let God, together.

The following is a newsletter article I wrote several months ago for The Crossing. Recently, it dawned on my that I haven't communicated this plan very well at The Connection. In addition, I know full well that a Sabbatical after 6 months of employment with The Connection isn't exactly fair...but it was a plan that unfolded before we started our current call/arrangement. To deal with this imbalance, The Crossing is going to be providing assistance to The Connection in my absence. Please, read the article below and feel free to ask questions.

- - - - - -

Sabbatical?

The summer of 2001 was a very busy time in my life best described by my schedule and associated titles; full time Husband/Dad, full time Seminary Student, full time Youth Pastor and soon-to-be full time New Church Start Pastor. In July 01’ I was approached by the denomination to start what would become The Crossing. When I accepted the call the regional Church Planter asked me if I could commit to the project for 10 years. At that time my longest tenure in any job was 4 years, so ten seemed unthinkable. In some ways, it’s hard to believe that September 2011 will mark my first completed decade. In others, like my graying beard, it’s clear that I’ve been at this for a spell now.

Read more...