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Christian Psychologist Makes A Shocking Confession

Larry Crabb, a well-known, and best selling Christian psychologist has written a shocking book. I have respected and been impacted by Larry’s work for nearly two decades. He would be on my list of favorite authors. His new book is called “Real Church” and it contains the white hot confession of the 64 year-old, Christ-centered psychologist. I’ll let him speak:

“I have no compelling desire to go to church. I wish I did, but I don’t…The more my interest in Christ has grown, the more my interest in church has lessened. I think that’s a terrible state of affairs. I wish it weren’t so. But it is. And I ask myself, why? …After talking with thousands of churchgoing people and looking under the surface of their lives to see what is really going on beneath, I don’t believe (with few exceptions) that the church in America is doing what God most wants done in the depths of people’s lives. We’re not reaching deep enough. We’re not penetrating the denial that keeps our worst sins and most terrifying fears out of sight…”

“Church as I know it usually leaves deep parts of me dormant, unawakened, maybe it’s familiarity, the predictability of pattern and content that I find boring…My hunger for truth…is rarely satisfied.”

Larry’s book raises many questions, which I’m sure many pastors will find threatening and irritating. For me, it stirred a desire for a healthier fellowship. A church that does not leave people stranded in the shallow end of Christianity, but one where the gentle rain from Heaven refreshes our spirits and sometimes — lightening strikes dry, thirsty hearts illuminating our need for forgiveness and healing and direction. One that Larry might even enjoy! What do you think?

Gary
Fort Myers Vineyard Christian Fellowship
(A Fort Myers Church)

Crocodile Dock has been a blast!

Crocodile Dock has been a blast! Over the last few nights, the kids have said some very funny things. Here are just a few quotes that Susan Morriss has recorded:

Steve set up a pretty cool Burning Bush scenario when God spoke to Moses about going to see Pharaoh. One little girl said, “That doesn’t look anything like a fire.” The little boy behind her quickly added, “But thanks for the effort!”

Steve, who was hidden, was the voice of God. One little guy says, “That’s not God- that’s Pastor Steve!”.
I was (Susan) trying to explain what an Israelite is. “We’re called Floridians because we live in Florida. We’re called American because we live in America. So where did the Israelites live?” One boy yelled, “In the desert!”, to which another boy quickly added, “Texas!”.

Earl Morris did a great job as a really mean Pharaoh. At one point, he said “No” so sternly that a little girl began to cry! As the plagues kept coming at the Egyptians, Pharoah continued to be negative. Steve asked the kids, “Have you ever met anyone so stubborn?” A little one next to me said, “Yeah, my mother!”.

A little later, Pharoah says that only the women and children could stay in Egypt- the men had to go. Steve asked if that would be good. One boy said, “You can take my dad- that would be good.”

When we reviewed how mean Pharoah was, one girl said, “His heart had been surgically removed!”.

Right after the Israelites painted the lamb’s blood on the door posts, God told them they would have to leave Egypt very quickly. They had no time to pack up everything. The kids were asked what they would take in a situation like that. “My laptop.” “My DS.” “My MP3 Player.” “Not my sister!”

When last night’s Bible lesson was over, one little guy said, “Can we start that all over again?”.

But it wasn’t all fun and games: last night they were asked to pray for their families. Kathy Morris asked for any special requests. “For a Make-A-Wish Partner named Max.” “For my little brother who needs heart surgery.” None of us were prepared for that.

Please help us pray for the needs of some of our littlest family members.

No doubt, there will be more to share. I will keep you posted.

Susan

Vineyard Christian Fellowship
A Fort Myers Church.

What Should Churches Do About Father’s Day?

If you were a pastor would you recognize special days like “Father’s Day?” If you preached a special Father’s Day message how would you keep from stirring up memories of those who grew up with abusive, addicted, cruel and insensitive Fathers. Would you pass out coffee mugs that said: “Super Dad,” – “World’s Best Dad,” – “King Dad,” or “Dad, King of The Grill.” Would you ask for testimonies from people in the fellowship that had awesome Dads at the risk of making those who didn’t, wish they would have went to the beach instead of church. Does sentimental and sappy comments concerning the greatness of an earthly Father draw you closer to Jesus. Can you remember one Father’s Day message that made a tremendous impact on your life?

I’m conflicted about what to do on these special days (Father’s Day, Mother’s Day) which the society in general has turned into major church events. Let me know how you feel. I will not post your personal comment or quote you without your permission.

We work with you for your joy (2 Corinthians 1:24)

Pastor Gary
Fort Myers Vineyard
Fort Myers Florida Churches

Will Your Worship Persevere?

This past Friday night Cathy and I gathered with our worship team for fellowship and instruction. We gave everyone a little book by Matt Redman (Britain’s most popular worship leader and songwriter) called, “The Unquenchable Worshipper.” Matt says: “The heart of God loves the offering of a persevering worshipper. Though overwhelmed by many troubles, they are even more overwhelmed by the beauty of God…This world is full of fragile loves-love that abandons, love that fades…love that is self-seeking. But the unquenchable worshipper is different. From a heart so amazed by God and His wonders burns a love that will not be extinguished. It survives any situation and lives through any circumstance…” (Matt Redman)

Will your worship persevere in tough times?

The Unquenchable Worshipper: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship By Matt Redman

Pastor Gary
Vineyard Christian Fellowship
Fort Myers Churches

WHEN YOU HEAR THE TITLE (SAMARITAN)

What image comes to your mind? Most in the Christian world immediately think of the “Good Samaritan”, you remember, the man who went out of his way to help the poor guy by the side of the road which the Priest and the Levite not only ignored, but walked out of their way to avoid. This simple parable, spoken by Jesus to “an expert in the Law” created a total change in the image of the “Samaritans”.

You see, at that time, the Samaritans were basically hated by everyone. They had, at the least, a “scandalous reputation”. But think about it, as far back as I can remember (and I’m not a young lady) the term Samaritan has been associated with positive, kind and loving acts. We hear the term used on the evening news when the reporters cover stories like Katrina, the Tsunami and the current flooding in N. Dakota, as total strangers come to the rescue of those in need. Organizations whose primary focus is humanitarian (meeting practical needs) often have “Samaritan” in their title

Now, I don’t know exactly when the image changed but sometime after Jesus used the Samaritan in his parable they became “respectable”.

Here’s my point: If the actions of one man (we are not positive that this story was a reality or only used to make a point) can change the reputation of a whole group of people for generations to come – how important is it that we, as individuals, take care that our actions not only line up with what we say we believe, but even demonstrate what we say we believe. I am sobered to think that what I do today could have serious implications for my descendants as well as for my legacy as a Christian, both positively and/or negatively.

Whatever image others have of us could, with one simple act, be either marred or shinned. Philippians 2:15-16 “so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation’. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

Cathy

Fort Myers Vineyard Christian Fellowship (Fort Myers Churches)