Today, I’m sporting a T-shirt designed by my beautiful daughter Maggie - who, along with her sister Lacey, is my world’s favorite artist! It has a beautifully crafted rendition of our ministry name - Rebirth International - on the front, along with a wooden cross and spiraling vine. On the back it has our website clearly spelled out - www.myrebirth.org, along with her personal recommendation - GET INVOLVED!
Trust me if you saw it, you would be inspired by Maggie’s mature artistry. And if you had the privilege of knowing my Mags-a-million you would be equally inspired by the artistry of her sheer determination.
I wear it with pride. It represents more than naturally proud father sentiments. It also symbolizes the level of support I’ve enjoyed from this amazing family that I husband and father.
I remember the first economic downturn we endured. It was right after we built a $3 million facility across from the Desire Projects. Our budget tripled, as did our staff. Opportunities were bursting at the seams. There was more than we could handle - more than we could afford.
I knew of many other ministries that went under or were in the risk of doing so. We were vulnerable too. At the end of the summer I was staring at a $200,000 deficit.
I had two undesirable choices - either drastically cut staff and programs or hustle. I chose to hustle.
I remember coming home and sheepishly looking at my wife, telling her, “Honey, I need to travel.” What that meant was that I was needing to travel more - almost perpetually - that every invitation would be accepted - no opportunity ignored. I was determined. Our ministry was not going under, not if I had anything to do with it. Nor would any of my staff lose their jobs.
I’m now in the middle of our second major economic downturn. Everyone is hurting - feeling the pinch. I know that. Frankly, though I’m not an economist, I feel this one may last longer and cut more deeply than the first. So what’s a guy who’s committed his life to developing ministry among the poor to do?
We have now consulted with ministries and churches all across the eastern U.S. We are looking to launch new ministries along the I-10 and I-55 corridors - E. St. Louis, New Orleans, Mobile, Tallahasse, Orlando and more. We are connecting with my alma mater - Reformed Theological Seminary - around a partnership to prepare future urban missionaries for the unique task before them. There is a lot of opportunity. But there’s a shortage of funds.
Nevertheless we endure and press on. I am hustling. But I’m not willing to become the road hog I once was.
I am pursuing alternative possibilities for creatively funding the Rebirth vision. I’m not sure how the Lord is leading, but I’m listening and looking.
Despite the shortfalls, my sweet family is doing amazingly well. Ellen is a woman of tremendous faith and long-suffering - a woman of tremendous stature - despite her 5 foot frame. My children are, simply put, the best Christians I know.
I am thankful.
I watched my daughter Lindsay play in the championship game in her fast-pitch softball league last night. You’ll never see anyone more attractively determined than my Dee Dee Brown (one of her Daddy’s favorite nicknames for her - there are more). Whether she is running after overthrown balls, sliding into bases or swinging for the fences, I realize that my daughter Lindsay, like her sister Maggie, has been cursed with her Daddy’s DNA. She’s also learned, for better or worse, from my example. We all have reduced drive and determination to an art form.
And so the Leverett’s are pressing on. We are encouraging others to get involved - hopefully in the most artistic of ways!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Punting Perfection
I was a punter in high school and college. Nobody likes a punter. The punter only comes on the field when the offense has failed. Punters are most despised by perfectionists - persons who think failure an unacceptable option.
When we consider the men of the Bible - we get a picture of the nature of achievable spirituality. Often they fail. And yet it is wrong to hyper-moralize their failure. Their failures not only open the door for grace, it demonstrates what is non-achievable spirituality - perfection.
I think one of the most unbecoming features of the American evangelical church is the perpetual state of surprise with failure. And while it is good to strive for holiness, even perfection, it is not good what we do to those who naturally fall short of it.
Ironically and sadly the church is no longer a safe place for sinners. An institution who is a recipient of the Kingdom of Heaven precisely because it acknowledged its state of sinfulness, is now in the state of denial about that same spiritual state - as if her sinfulness was a brief episode, a bad moment.
The biggest surprise for the perfectionist will be when the sinners they once judged and condescended to, will be appointed to judge them. Perfectionism is among the greatest of sins, not only because the perfectionist assumes the place of God - but perhaps more poignant than that, they withhold the grace that God so freely offers.
Despite the fact that David, for instance, King David, was a murderer and an adulterer - he was also a man after the heart of God, the author of divinely inspired psalms and the leader of an incomparable army of men. And while he has landed a sacred place in the family tree of Jesus, so that Jesus, the KING of kings is called the Son of David - it is quite uncertain whether or not the American church would receive him, much less defend his right to leadership.
Despite the fact that Elijah brought down fire from heaven and was the greatest of the prophets, he was bedeviled by a single solitary woman, sank into a great depression, wallowed in doubt and self-pity as he was exiled in fear.
The American church tends to worship perfection, therefore its leaders pretend to be so. And as the church perceiving the men of God statuesque in virtue behind their fancy pulpits, it should be known that their wives could pull the chord on the curtain in a moment’s notice, unless they too have fallen prey to the Christian masquerade. Some pastor’s wives are expected to represent a level of spirituality that sweet Mother Mary herself wouldn’t aspire to - no offense intended to my Catholic brothers.
Perhaps we should become more like Paul, also a murderer, and glory in our sinfulness, and wear the title with pride - Chief of Sinners, not because we love our sin, but because we love what our sin has wrought - the precious and limitless supply of grace that flows to us through Christ.
And when one pretends that he is not a sinner, he prohibits the flow of grace. Rather that we cut off our own limbs than to cut off God’s grace.
True men of God are measured not by the sins they’ve avoided in this life, but by their authentic encounters with grace. Fortunately, access to grace is not restricted to those who have achieved perfection, rather to those who have rejected it.
I for one want to be in the fellowship of sinners when they encounter the final dose of God’s grace. Then and only then will we be made perfect. And until that day comes, we will fail, fall short and miss the mark.
Rather than surprised, we should be supportive. For until that final day, we need each other. And we need from each other the identical grace that has been so lavishly offered to us. Then the church will regain her beauty and irresistibility to a lost, dying and sinful world.
So will you join me in realizing that there are times to punt. And while we’re at it, maybe we should give some thought to punting perfection.
When we consider the men of the Bible - we get a picture of the nature of achievable spirituality. Often they fail. And yet it is wrong to hyper-moralize their failure. Their failures not only open the door for grace, it demonstrates what is non-achievable spirituality - perfection.
I think one of the most unbecoming features of the American evangelical church is the perpetual state of surprise with failure. And while it is good to strive for holiness, even perfection, it is not good what we do to those who naturally fall short of it.
Ironically and sadly the church is no longer a safe place for sinners. An institution who is a recipient of the Kingdom of Heaven precisely because it acknowledged its state of sinfulness, is now in the state of denial about that same spiritual state - as if her sinfulness was a brief episode, a bad moment.
The biggest surprise for the perfectionist will be when the sinners they once judged and condescended to, will be appointed to judge them. Perfectionism is among the greatest of sins, not only because the perfectionist assumes the place of God - but perhaps more poignant than that, they withhold the grace that God so freely offers.
Despite the fact that David, for instance, King David, was a murderer and an adulterer - he was also a man after the heart of God, the author of divinely inspired psalms and the leader of an incomparable army of men. And while he has landed a sacred place in the family tree of Jesus, so that Jesus, the KING of kings is called the Son of David - it is quite uncertain whether or not the American church would receive him, much less defend his right to leadership.
Despite the fact that Elijah brought down fire from heaven and was the greatest of the prophets, he was bedeviled by a single solitary woman, sank into a great depression, wallowed in doubt and self-pity as he was exiled in fear.
The American church tends to worship perfection, therefore its leaders pretend to be so. And as the church perceiving the men of God statuesque in virtue behind their fancy pulpits, it should be known that their wives could pull the chord on the curtain in a moment’s notice, unless they too have fallen prey to the Christian masquerade. Some pastor’s wives are expected to represent a level of spirituality that sweet Mother Mary herself wouldn’t aspire to - no offense intended to my Catholic brothers.
Perhaps we should become more like Paul, also a murderer, and glory in our sinfulness, and wear the title with pride - Chief of Sinners, not because we love our sin, but because we love what our sin has wrought - the precious and limitless supply of grace that flows to us through Christ.
And when one pretends that he is not a sinner, he prohibits the flow of grace. Rather that we cut off our own limbs than to cut off God’s grace.
True men of God are measured not by the sins they’ve avoided in this life, but by their authentic encounters with grace. Fortunately, access to grace is not restricted to those who have achieved perfection, rather to those who have rejected it.
I for one want to be in the fellowship of sinners when they encounter the final dose of God’s grace. Then and only then will we be made perfect. And until that day comes, we will fail, fall short and miss the mark.
Rather than surprised, we should be supportive. For until that final day, we need each other. And we need from each other the identical grace that has been so lavishly offered to us. Then the church will regain her beauty and irresistibility to a lost, dying and sinful world.
So will you join me in realizing that there are times to punt. And while we’re at it, maybe we should give some thought to punting perfection.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Keeping Perspective
I woke up this morning mostly focused on bodily weariness from the almost 30 hours of driving through the panhandle of Florida, consulting with churches in Quincy, Tallahassee and Orlando, Florida.
I know when I’m pressing too hard - I tend to get sick, overwhelmed, excessively forgetful and disengaged. My symptoms today are evidence that I’ve been pressing too hard.
I’ve been pressing, though, because of our present dire financial situation. My inability to make payroll was causing me to feel vulnerable, anxious and afraid. Money issues are larger than maybe they ought to be, but they loom large nonetheless.
What I failed to focus on was God’s perfect plan for my prosperity, my security, my salvation, my sanctification. I failed to remind myself that God’s mercies toward me have been renewed today, as it is everyday. I chose to think about the temporal instead of the eternal.
Even so, underlying every discouragement is the clear awareness within me of the call of God on my life toward this vision. I never really question it - never have, and I don’t now.
But this is hard, when you have a wife and children. Living in a state of total trust was easier when I was a young college student, living in my Volkswagen Rabbit, eating pimento cheese sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I have been on the faith walk for almost 20 years now. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to the post office box on the day of payroll and SHAZAM - there it is! The fact that I’m coming up short has me looking into alternatives about how to make the vision of Rebirth work.
No matter what, I’m committed to this vision - because I’m convinced of God’s call. However, running all over the country, living off the last sold CD or the most recent honorarium is not going to cut it. This summer is going to be tough. I have very few concerts scheduled - no high dollar consulting or speaking engagements on the docket.
And so I need your prayer. But, no matter what happens, I am reminded that God’s love is steadfast for my orphaned soul, that He sustains through the times of drought and famine, that He is above it all and that this vision is HIS, not mine. He cares for me, and what more could I ask for?
I know when I’m pressing too hard - I tend to get sick, overwhelmed, excessively forgetful and disengaged. My symptoms today are evidence that I’ve been pressing too hard.
I’ve been pressing, though, because of our present dire financial situation. My inability to make payroll was causing me to feel vulnerable, anxious and afraid. Money issues are larger than maybe they ought to be, but they loom large nonetheless.
What I failed to focus on was God’s perfect plan for my prosperity, my security, my salvation, my sanctification. I failed to remind myself that God’s mercies toward me have been renewed today, as it is everyday. I chose to think about the temporal instead of the eternal.
Even so, underlying every discouragement is the clear awareness within me of the call of God on my life toward this vision. I never really question it - never have, and I don’t now.
But this is hard, when you have a wife and children. Living in a state of total trust was easier when I was a young college student, living in my Volkswagen Rabbit, eating pimento cheese sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I have been on the faith walk for almost 20 years now. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to the post office box on the day of payroll and SHAZAM - there it is! The fact that I’m coming up short has me looking into alternatives about how to make the vision of Rebirth work.
No matter what, I’m committed to this vision - because I’m convinced of God’s call. However, running all over the country, living off the last sold CD or the most recent honorarium is not going to cut it. This summer is going to be tough. I have very few concerts scheduled - no high dollar consulting or speaking engagements on the docket.
And so I need your prayer. But, no matter what happens, I am reminded that God’s love is steadfast for my orphaned soul, that He sustains through the times of drought and famine, that He is above it all and that this vision is HIS, not mine. He cares for me, and what more could I ask for?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Pray for Rebirth
Rebirth International is an organization in a launch mode. We are still raising the awareness of our work to the general Christian community. And we are developing a new donor base.
Our purpose is to advance urban ministry initiatives in pockets of poverty stateside and worldwide. In service to that vision we are focusing on three primary objectives: 1) REVIVING indigenous ministry in post-Katrina New Orleans; 2) RESOURCING the church in urban ministry consultation services; and 3) REPLICATING incarnational ministry in specifically targeted communities across the country.
God has been faithful. After barely a year and a half in existence, we have consulted with churches and ministries across the country, and have thus contributed in a variety of ways, in a number of cities to the advancement of God’s cause among the poor. I have taught and spoken at colleges from North Florida College to Yale University. I have taught and spoken at seminaries including Reformed and Covenant.
I have performed dozens of concerts, produced a new CD, with others in the oven. God continues to use my music to keep the vision of Rebirth before the next generation of followers of Christ. Many who will make up the army of recruits for the future, will be reached through this vital aspect of my ongoing ministry.
Our ministry of Replication is well on the way. I have decided to narrow my focus initially to the I-10 and I-55 corridors. This Phase I focus will allow me to inspire the development of ministries from Jacksonville to Los Angeles and from New Orleans to Chicago. Already there are two ministries in the hopper and other interested parties scattered throughout these intersecting highways.
We have successfully recruited a highly gifted couple, Shane and Kristen Fast, to launch an incarnational work in one of the most challenged urban areas of our country: East St. Louis. We will continue to support and under gird this work in prayer and urban ministry coaching all along the way. We are on the front end of working with a potential couple to launch a new work in the Prichard community of North Mobile - another leading community of need in the Deep South.
The New Orleans staff of Rebirth, or REBIRTH ORLEANS, are not only working diligently to help give foundation to a widening and expansive movement, but we are also relaunching work here in our city, which still lies in ruin. We have started a strategic outreach in Clark High School and intend to expand our outreach into other resurgent public high schools. We are praying about God’s timing to plant a local church.
Our present staff - myself, my lovely wife, Christian Angeletti (who is handling all things financial and administrative), Richard Johnson (who is presently volunteering but giving effective leadership to the Clark outreach) are fully committed to the task at hand. I have a solid board of indigenous leaders and I’m working on finding Trustees for the cause. There are many others who are willing to join staff and help.
And while it is a sheer miracle to have not only survived during this time, but to thrive in advancing urban ministry, Rebirth is nevertheless sorely under-funded. I’m traveling as much as my heart and present circumstances will allow. As soon as I am done writing this blog, I will be driving to Tallahassee to do a concert and some further consulting, and then to Orlando to do the same. This trip will hopefully inject some much needed resources into our coffers, raise awareness of the vision of Rebirth and widen the network of friends for Rebirth.
Please pray for us. As we consider new strategies for developing the resources for this work, would you also consider how God might lead you to help us in that effort. If all that you are able to do is to buy a few CD’s to give out to friends, along with the gift of an accompanying Rebirth brochure and a note from you, this might help considerably. (I do have plenty of CD’s to sell!)
We believe in what we are doing. I know you do too! We’re seeing God’s hand at work. And we are thankful to be in service to Him for His glory!
Pray for the success of my upcoming trip and pray for my most ardent supporters and partners - my sweet wife and amazing children.
Many blessings…
Our purpose is to advance urban ministry initiatives in pockets of poverty stateside and worldwide. In service to that vision we are focusing on three primary objectives: 1) REVIVING indigenous ministry in post-Katrina New Orleans; 2) RESOURCING the church in urban ministry consultation services; and 3) REPLICATING incarnational ministry in specifically targeted communities across the country.
God has been faithful. After barely a year and a half in existence, we have consulted with churches and ministries across the country, and have thus contributed in a variety of ways, in a number of cities to the advancement of God’s cause among the poor. I have taught and spoken at colleges from North Florida College to Yale University. I have taught and spoken at seminaries including Reformed and Covenant.
I have performed dozens of concerts, produced a new CD, with others in the oven. God continues to use my music to keep the vision of Rebirth before the next generation of followers of Christ. Many who will make up the army of recruits for the future, will be reached through this vital aspect of my ongoing ministry.
Our ministry of Replication is well on the way. I have decided to narrow my focus initially to the I-10 and I-55 corridors. This Phase I focus will allow me to inspire the development of ministries from Jacksonville to Los Angeles and from New Orleans to Chicago. Already there are two ministries in the hopper and other interested parties scattered throughout these intersecting highways.
We have successfully recruited a highly gifted couple, Shane and Kristen Fast, to launch an incarnational work in one of the most challenged urban areas of our country: East St. Louis. We will continue to support and under gird this work in prayer and urban ministry coaching all along the way. We are on the front end of working with a potential couple to launch a new work in the Prichard community of North Mobile - another leading community of need in the Deep South.
The New Orleans staff of Rebirth, or REBIRTH ORLEANS, are not only working diligently to help give foundation to a widening and expansive movement, but we are also relaunching work here in our city, which still lies in ruin. We have started a strategic outreach in Clark High School and intend to expand our outreach into other resurgent public high schools. We are praying about God’s timing to plant a local church.
Our present staff - myself, my lovely wife, Christian Angeletti (who is handling all things financial and administrative), Richard Johnson (who is presently volunteering but giving effective leadership to the Clark outreach) are fully committed to the task at hand. I have a solid board of indigenous leaders and I’m working on finding Trustees for the cause. There are many others who are willing to join staff and help.
And while it is a sheer miracle to have not only survived during this time, but to thrive in advancing urban ministry, Rebirth is nevertheless sorely under-funded. I’m traveling as much as my heart and present circumstances will allow. As soon as I am done writing this blog, I will be driving to Tallahassee to do a concert and some further consulting, and then to Orlando to do the same. This trip will hopefully inject some much needed resources into our coffers, raise awareness of the vision of Rebirth and widen the network of friends for Rebirth.
Please pray for us. As we consider new strategies for developing the resources for this work, would you also consider how God might lead you to help us in that effort. If all that you are able to do is to buy a few CD’s to give out to friends, along with the gift of an accompanying Rebirth brochure and a note from you, this might help considerably. (I do have plenty of CD’s to sell!)
We believe in what we are doing. I know you do too! We’re seeing God’s hand at work. And we are thankful to be in service to Him for His glory!
Pray for the success of my upcoming trip and pray for my most ardent supporters and partners - my sweet wife and amazing children.
Many blessings…
Thursday, May 8, 2008
More than I Deserve
More than I Deserve
- a ministry update from Mo Leverett, May 8, 2008 -
I am a blessed man. Besides having my many sins cast from the east to the west, besides the certainty of sustaining love, besides the gift of hope and grace - He also entrusted to me a highly capable Mother as my beautiful wife. And she has given to me an amazing family, and together we share in a commitment to God’s advance in mercy! I hope you will endure my bragging about them a bit…they are much more than I deserve.
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending the afternoon watching each one of those children practice. I was hitting fly balls to Manning, who made more than one stretched out “Andruw Jones like” diving catches! He would dive with tenacity into the grass and lift his glove to show evidence of his hustle. Despite his budding athleticism, his little league coach drafted him because, in his words, “Manning, is such tremendous boy.” And he really is.
I’m coaching Lacey’s cabbage ball (a distinctively New Orleans tradition) team, and she hit and fielded the ball like a pro too! More importantly, she was all smiles. And it is always a brighter world with Lacey’s smiles.
Lindsay’s playing fast pitch softball and hit one over the fence yesterday, but just a hair foul! Her coach turned back to her slowly, after watching the ball sail over the fence, and said, “Straighten it out!” We’ve just returned from a college tour around Louisiana where she’s hoping to continue getting to play.
Maggie’s practice was the latest. She has turned into quite the little (I say little - she’s the tallest girl out there) athlete. There were great hits into the outfield, gloving the ball aggressively and throwing with accuracy and authority. She also blessed me last night by handing me a book of poetry she’s been secretly developing!
All I can say, which goes without saying, is that this Dad couldn’t be prouder! My kids’ grades are more than acceptable. They never, ever embarrass or dishonor their Father and Mother, (at least not in public). They all possess a unique and endearing spirit about them. They are all talented and artistic. They all, to a person, love Jesus! They are compassionate, intelligent and beautiful, except for Manning that is, who despite carrying some of his Dad’s regrettable traits, is nevertheless a dashing young man - and turns 10 tomorrow! Double digits!
And so, while I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve my Savior, it is always bittersweet to leave the proverbial nest. This next week, I’ll be in Corpus Christi for four days and in East St. Louis for three. I’ll be speaking, teaching and concerting in Corpus Christi and in East St. Louis, just continuing to explore the eventuality of the Fast family launching a work in that needy community.
We’ve been continuing Bible Studies at Clark High School, and while I’ve handed off the Special Teams coordination to the capable hands of Sam Rauschenberg, I still periodically show up at their practices and lend my humble services to the team’s Offensive Coordinator, Richard Johnson. By the way, Richard, who is an un-paid staffer and board member with Rebirth, coached his boys track team to the State Finals last week. One of the boys won 1st Place in the 200. I’m telling ya, that Richard Johnson is one helluva coach - excuse my loose use of the English language - but it’s true!
Our Bible Studies start right after track, baseball and spring-football practice. We have pizza or sandwiches and such, we play a game and then open the Word. And then Richard, Sam or I feed these guys spiritual bread. Richard has taught the last two weeks on struggling with sin out of Romans 7 - a reality we can all identify with. His passion for Christ and for the young men and women in that room overflows and fills the place. And while sometimes his scholastic fervor is a bit “over my head”, I gain a great deal from his teaching too! Periodically he peers in my direction, solicits my input, just to make me feel important. And I appreciate that.
My assistant Christian Angeletti, who I prefer to call Vice President of all things administrative, is doing an exceptional job for me! Besides being good company, laughing at my jokes and such, she is steadily, pro-actively and conscientiously productive on behalf of our cause. I’m so lucky to have her. And she deserves a raise!
I have an important month upcoming. Please pray for us - for Christ-likeness - for faithfulness and humility - for radical trust and peace that passes understanding.
Ellen, I and the kids appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know! Your support of me, your prayers on my behalf, your precious words of encouragement are also…more than I deserve!
- a ministry update from Mo Leverett, May 8, 2008 -
I am a blessed man. Besides having my many sins cast from the east to the west, besides the certainty of sustaining love, besides the gift of hope and grace - He also entrusted to me a highly capable Mother as my beautiful wife. And she has given to me an amazing family, and together we share in a commitment to God’s advance in mercy! I hope you will endure my bragging about them a bit…they are much more than I deserve.
Yesterday I had the privilege of spending the afternoon watching each one of those children practice. I was hitting fly balls to Manning, who made more than one stretched out “Andruw Jones like” diving catches! He would dive with tenacity into the grass and lift his glove to show evidence of his hustle. Despite his budding athleticism, his little league coach drafted him because, in his words, “Manning, is such tremendous boy.” And he really is.
I’m coaching Lacey’s cabbage ball (a distinctively New Orleans tradition) team, and she hit and fielded the ball like a pro too! More importantly, she was all smiles. And it is always a brighter world with Lacey’s smiles.
Lindsay’s playing fast pitch softball and hit one over the fence yesterday, but just a hair foul! Her coach turned back to her slowly, after watching the ball sail over the fence, and said, “Straighten it out!” We’ve just returned from a college tour around Louisiana where she’s hoping to continue getting to play.
Maggie’s practice was the latest. She has turned into quite the little (I say little - she’s the tallest girl out there) athlete. There were great hits into the outfield, gloving the ball aggressively and throwing with accuracy and authority. She also blessed me last night by handing me a book of poetry she’s been secretly developing!
All I can say, which goes without saying, is that this Dad couldn’t be prouder! My kids’ grades are more than acceptable. They never, ever embarrass or dishonor their Father and Mother, (at least not in public). They all possess a unique and endearing spirit about them. They are all talented and artistic. They all, to a person, love Jesus! They are compassionate, intelligent and beautiful, except for Manning that is, who despite carrying some of his Dad’s regrettable traits, is nevertheless a dashing young man - and turns 10 tomorrow! Double digits!
And so, while I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve my Savior, it is always bittersweet to leave the proverbial nest. This next week, I’ll be in Corpus Christi for four days and in East St. Louis for three. I’ll be speaking, teaching and concerting in Corpus Christi and in East St. Louis, just continuing to explore the eventuality of the Fast family launching a work in that needy community.
We’ve been continuing Bible Studies at Clark High School, and while I’ve handed off the Special Teams coordination to the capable hands of Sam Rauschenberg, I still periodically show up at their practices and lend my humble services to the team’s Offensive Coordinator, Richard Johnson. By the way, Richard, who is an un-paid staffer and board member with Rebirth, coached his boys track team to the State Finals last week. One of the boys won 1st Place in the 200. I’m telling ya, that Richard Johnson is one helluva coach - excuse my loose use of the English language - but it’s true!
Our Bible Studies start right after track, baseball and spring-football practice. We have pizza or sandwiches and such, we play a game and then open the Word. And then Richard, Sam or I feed these guys spiritual bread. Richard has taught the last two weeks on struggling with sin out of Romans 7 - a reality we can all identify with. His passion for Christ and for the young men and women in that room overflows and fills the place. And while sometimes his scholastic fervor is a bit “over my head”, I gain a great deal from his teaching too! Periodically he peers in my direction, solicits my input, just to make me feel important. And I appreciate that.
My assistant Christian Angeletti, who I prefer to call Vice President of all things administrative, is doing an exceptional job for me! Besides being good company, laughing at my jokes and such, she is steadily, pro-actively and conscientiously productive on behalf of our cause. I’m so lucky to have her. And she deserves a raise!
I have an important month upcoming. Please pray for us - for Christ-likeness - for faithfulness and humility - for radical trust and peace that passes understanding.
Ellen, I and the kids appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know! Your support of me, your prayers on my behalf, your precious words of encouragement are also…more than I deserve!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
I Love to Tell the Story
Manning (my 9 year old son) and I have been reading through The Cross and the Switchblade together, the story of Pastor David Wilkerson’s work with street gangs in New York City many years ago. I remember reading the book, as well, when I was in high school. I found it deeply inspiring, and the story may have had more of an impact than I’m even aware on my sense of call to the Desire Projects of New Orleans. My prayer is that Manning might want for himself, after hearing the story, a radical expression of his own Christian faith.
Some have urged me, like Wilkerson, to also write a book. My wife is included in that number. Most recently, my daughter Maggie has urged the same. Up to this point, I’ve resisted. Besides my fear of appearing presumptuous and narcissistic, I have believed that few persons should venture to write a book until they are in their 40’s if not their 50’s, for obvious reasons. I’m approaching mid 40’s. So I’m beginning to consider the prospect more seriously now.
Everyone loves a good story. My son Manning is no exception. He asks me regularly to tell him a tale. I’ve made up a series of stories for instance about Mutt: The Adventures of a Three Legged Dog and another series called Ralph: The Wolf of the Eskimos. I’ve told and retold the narrative of a pilgrim’s puppy that fell off the back of a wagon going west. The puppy was lost and alone, stranded in the North Georgia mountains. He would have died, but was fortuitous enough to be adopted and raised by a good natured and nurturing black bear. The puppy eventually earned the title: King of Hutch Mountain. His various adventures became for my wide-eyed kids the folklore of many family vacations.
The latest series of tales I’ve told Manning is about a young black baseball player named Jackie. His father Louis, was considered by his contemporaries to be the greatest baseball player the world had ever known. Jackie never knew his Dad, in that he gave himself for his country in World War II to fight Hitler. Jackie was a chip off the old block if ever there was one. You would hear many of the old folks reflect with pride that watched him play: “The boy is just like his old man…just like him.” It’s fun to watch Manning’s world expand as these stories unfold before him.
I just recently returned from Yazoo City where I was invited to sing songs, tell stories and share about our new venture at Rebirth to a house full of folks courtesy of one of my former interns, Carol (Hughes) Hill. I have more friends than I deserve around the country - Carol and her husband Scott are among the best of them. My whole family was able to come and enjoy their radical hospitality and fellowship.
I will be preaching at Lagniappe Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis, MS - one of our most supportive partners and friends - this Sunday. Next month I will be performing concerts, conducting seminars and preaching throughout the Christian community of Corpus Christi, TX. Already, my most recent visit with those folks has spurred much new partnership at the community level and new ministry among the poor in that great city. I hope to continue that work and fan what embers have developed into fuller flame.
I also intend to return to East St. Louis in the month of May to assist Shane and his wife Kristen in exploring the possibility of launching an incarnational work in that part of the country.
In June, I will be preaching and concerting in numerous churches in Alabama from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Ridge. I hope also to take my family on vacation during those months. (Anyone want to sponsor a concert to help me raise the funds for such an opportunity?)
We’re attempting to sell our house in New Orleans on the West Bank, but as you know, the housing market is not in our favor at the moment.
Bible Studies at Clark are going well. We’re looking for more permanent ministry space in that area of the city. There are a few different options, but we are low on resources and want to make sure that we locate ourselves right where God would have us.
I’m excited that Christian Angeletti has joined my staff as the Administrative and Accounting Director. She replaced Kiva Barrow who needed to give greater focus to her educational and family responsibilities. I’ve also coaxed another beautiful girl to come on staff, named Ellen, who just happens to be my wife. She is going to assist me in organizing our fund-raising efforts.
Please consider, if you haven’t committed already, to support us in this work. I believe that God has much work to do through us in the coming days, months and years. A new and exciting story is unfolding, but we need your help, you are without doubt one of the key characters. And if you do, you just might get to talk to Ellen on a semi-regular basis. That in and of itself is worth the investment - TRUST ME!
I am hoping to find someone who can partner with me to plant a church in the city in the very near future. While I’ve been asked by many to move forward with that effort, my travels prevent me from being able to do so in the short term. However, when God raises up the right person to compliment my effort in this regard, we will be full-steam ahead.
I hope you will pray for me as I go to tell THE story and as we develop a new story here in New Orleans and beyond. As one of my black pastor friends stated a few weeks ago, “I’m just proud to have a speaking part in the story!” Pray that God would go before us as we go, that He would give us the words to speak, that He would be all comfort, security and strength for my family while I’m gone.
Thanks again for your generous partnering with us in this ongoing effort. May God be glorified.
Some have urged me, like Wilkerson, to also write a book. My wife is included in that number. Most recently, my daughter Maggie has urged the same. Up to this point, I’ve resisted. Besides my fear of appearing presumptuous and narcissistic, I have believed that few persons should venture to write a book until they are in their 40’s if not their 50’s, for obvious reasons. I’m approaching mid 40’s. So I’m beginning to consider the prospect more seriously now.
Everyone loves a good story. My son Manning is no exception. He asks me regularly to tell him a tale. I’ve made up a series of stories for instance about Mutt: The Adventures of a Three Legged Dog and another series called Ralph: The Wolf of the Eskimos. I’ve told and retold the narrative of a pilgrim’s puppy that fell off the back of a wagon going west. The puppy was lost and alone, stranded in the North Georgia mountains. He would have died, but was fortuitous enough to be adopted and raised by a good natured and nurturing black bear. The puppy eventually earned the title: King of Hutch Mountain. His various adventures became for my wide-eyed kids the folklore of many family vacations.
The latest series of tales I’ve told Manning is about a young black baseball player named Jackie. His father Louis, was considered by his contemporaries to be the greatest baseball player the world had ever known. Jackie never knew his Dad, in that he gave himself for his country in World War II to fight Hitler. Jackie was a chip off the old block if ever there was one. You would hear many of the old folks reflect with pride that watched him play: “The boy is just like his old man…just like him.” It’s fun to watch Manning’s world expand as these stories unfold before him.
I just recently returned from Yazoo City where I was invited to sing songs, tell stories and share about our new venture at Rebirth to a house full of folks courtesy of one of my former interns, Carol (Hughes) Hill. I have more friends than I deserve around the country - Carol and her husband Scott are among the best of them. My whole family was able to come and enjoy their radical hospitality and fellowship.
I will be preaching at Lagniappe Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis, MS - one of our most supportive partners and friends - this Sunday. Next month I will be performing concerts, conducting seminars and preaching throughout the Christian community of Corpus Christi, TX. Already, my most recent visit with those folks has spurred much new partnership at the community level and new ministry among the poor in that great city. I hope to continue that work and fan what embers have developed into fuller flame.
I also intend to return to East St. Louis in the month of May to assist Shane and his wife Kristen in exploring the possibility of launching an incarnational work in that part of the country.
In June, I will be preaching and concerting in numerous churches in Alabama from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Ridge. I hope also to take my family on vacation during those months. (Anyone want to sponsor a concert to help me raise the funds for such an opportunity?)
We’re attempting to sell our house in New Orleans on the West Bank, but as you know, the housing market is not in our favor at the moment.
Bible Studies at Clark are going well. We’re looking for more permanent ministry space in that area of the city. There are a few different options, but we are low on resources and want to make sure that we locate ourselves right where God would have us.
I’m excited that Christian Angeletti has joined my staff as the Administrative and Accounting Director. She replaced Kiva Barrow who needed to give greater focus to her educational and family responsibilities. I’ve also coaxed another beautiful girl to come on staff, named Ellen, who just happens to be my wife. She is going to assist me in organizing our fund-raising efforts.
Please consider, if you haven’t committed already, to support us in this work. I believe that God has much work to do through us in the coming days, months and years. A new and exciting story is unfolding, but we need your help, you are without doubt one of the key characters. And if you do, you just might get to talk to Ellen on a semi-regular basis. That in and of itself is worth the investment - TRUST ME!
I am hoping to find someone who can partner with me to plant a church in the city in the very near future. While I’ve been asked by many to move forward with that effort, my travels prevent me from being able to do so in the short term. However, when God raises up the right person to compliment my effort in this regard, we will be full-steam ahead.
I hope you will pray for me as I go to tell THE story and as we develop a new story here in New Orleans and beyond. As one of my black pastor friends stated a few weeks ago, “I’m just proud to have a speaking part in the story!” Pray that God would go before us as we go, that He would give us the words to speak, that He would be all comfort, security and strength for my family while I’m gone.
Thanks again for your generous partnering with us in this ongoing effort. May God be glorified.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Spiritual Gift of Sadness
The Spiritual Gift of Sadness
- a ministry update from Mo Leverett and Rebirth International -
Jesus once said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.”
When we are in a relationship with God and are devouring the rich content of the scriptures, it is much like a feast. When one reads the scriptures rightly, he always finds Christ behind, in and through every morsel. Lately, I’ve been feasting on Him in the Psalms.
Psalm 42 and 43 have caught my attention. Both chapters repeat the refrain that I have been able to relate to much in my 40’s: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” The first psalm seems to relate the problem of depression, which is what we call the condition these days, to an issue of spiritual filling. The second, relates the problem to spiritual vindication. Both passages are treasure troves of information for those of us who at varying stages of life find ourselves both in a state of emptiness or violation.
If ever one feels shame for discovering this state of mind in themselves, it is no surprise. For modern Christian culture disdains and disallows it. Conventional Christian wisdom would say, that one is not truly spiritual until one is truly happy. If this were the case, then Christ Himself above all others would be lacking in spiritual maturity in that He experienced deep sadness around His circumstances of spiritual hunger and oppression. Sadness is the outgrowth of being human - it is completely natural and serves a deeply spiritual function.
But many churches are no longer a safe place for people who are deeply sad. Can you imagine a person praying, as did the Psalmist, so openly about their misery in a contemporary evangelical setting? No, that person would be shamed or ordered into counseling - told to come back when he’s found his happiness again. Ironically, Jesus, being the self-described Man of Sorrows that He was, might not be welcome in the same church He founded.
It is a strange relationship that we humans have with ourselves. We tend to think of ME as a single entity, and that is what ME is. But that singularity has the capacity to warp itself into an existential introspective one man therapy session. That ME can step away from itself without detachment, to peer back onto itself, and to finally evaluate and exhort itself. So while ME may be singular. ME is a complex and multi-dimensional singularity. And this is process the Psalmist enters and also invites us to.
As the ME in us looks back and discovers a depressed state, he is no different than the Psalmist, and no different from the Savior Himself. And as was true with both of those guys, one’s relationship with himself is not an unimportant or inconsequential relationship. It is one that should be cultivated and protected. Often the greatest abuser of ME is ME. And I know this sounds silly but I have had to learn to protect ME from ME, because ME deserves protection, but ME can be cruel toward ME. I hope this makes sense…
I have discovered as I’ve aged that the lofty exercise of denying oneself is not the same as ignoring or neglecting oneself. Perhaps this needs amplification. Caring for oneself under the Shadow of the Almighty is an intensely spiritual obligation. Failure to do so only adds to the human malady we were born with.
Recognition of our innate emptiness opens the way for Jesus in the same manner that hunger opens the way to a good meal. (This makes me feel sad for those of you who happen to live outside of New Orleans, by the way!) Sadness, in one sense, is simply spiritual hunger pains. Far from being a dysfunctional part of our selves, sadness is the warning light that we’re about to run out of gas, oil or water. Sadness is simply an indicator to us that the things of this world are not adequate for our fulfillment. Sadness is our soul saying, “Hey, ME, you need a little spiritual filling - you need Jesus!”
Moreover, within every human soul is an intrinsic and universal cry for justice - or an internal demand to be handled rightly. That need is rooted in the Creation Motif - that we are all image-bearers and were designed to have dominion and dignity. Conversely, image bearers are not to be dominated or oppressed. We are born with the image of God emblazoned upon our soul, and thus should not tolerate abuse, injustice or oppression in any form. ME is too important for that.
So when one is in a circumstance where ME has been violated or oppressed, sadness is inevitable and instructive. When we have been violated, our soul craves vindication. The discovery that the Psalmist made and shares with us is that the only one who can be trusted with that vindication is God Himself. ME cannot be trusted, partially because ME can be selfish and deceived, but more importantly, ME lacks the sovereign power to bring justice about. God however, has all wisdom and power. So the psalmist is right to say, “Vindicate ME O’ God!”
Within ME there are thoughts, emotions, and indigenous chemical compounds that complicate, eclipse or escalate human awareness and experience. And while there are commonalities in human existence, there are also infinite numbers of variances that make any medical or scientific diagnosis of human frailty, slippery at best.
The only one who knows us fully and completely is God. Providentially, the same source that knows every diminishing hair on our head, loves us thoroughly. The Person Who knows us completely, in that He created us head to toe, also is in a passionate pursuit of redeeming, sanctifying and yes, vindicating us. And when we say that He knows, we mean that He knows every nuance that our individual complexities create. He not only knows how to diagnose our condition with absolute clarity - He Himself is the anecdote to our malady.
The doctor, the therapist, the parent, the teacher, the preacher - they all have an angle of understanding. And each of those persons have a level of care for our souls, especially when we pay our bills, tuition and tithes on time. But God sees our maladies from all sides simultaneously. And His love is only conditioned on the premise of surrender. He not only invites us to come empty-handed, but requires it. In other words, His willingness to take us in as a patient is not contingent upon our ability to pay. On the contrary, He only works on those who recognize, no matter how much or little they have, they can’t buy their way into His professional care and legal representation.
True surrender is the rendering of our souls and circumstance to the love and sovereign care of God. That surrender is the only lasting cure to our depression.
When one is depressed, he does not have to look hard to find it. It manifests itself in every square inch of his being. So when the Psalmist does some soul searching and discovers his own downcast state, he also becomes his own preacher and points in the direction of hope. In Psalm 42 he reminds himself to, “Put your hope in God.” In Psalm 43 he repeats, “Put your hope in God.”
Perhaps it sounds simple. But knowing what is right and achieving it, when it comes to me at least, is always less than inevitable. Embarrassingly, I often choose my own perspective over the greater wisdom and humility of Christ. The burden that is then born by self-reliance is always heavier than expected - heavier than our minds or hearts were built to bare. But on those rare occasions when I approximate surrender, it is simply amazing how light the load can feel, even in the midst of heavy burden.
But the answer is always one of focus. One who is focused on His circumstance, becomes depressed. One whose focus has graduated to strategies to remedy his own circumstance is not only depressed, but is fast making an idol of himself. He is on the path of self-induced tragedy that all independent living results in. We were not branches designed for launching out on our own. We were created with a dependent variable.
Of all the things that I must repent the most, it is my failure to love and to trust God with all my heart. In truth, I have failed miserably at giving to him the affection that He deserves and has purchased at great cost. I have found it is possible to serve God with all my might and to simultaneously abandon Him in my heart. Moreover, God has proven his trustworthiness a million times over, but my heart still gives way to fear and to self-reliance.
But there is hope. There is always hope. Why? Because no matter how far off the path we stray, our God always takes wandering souls back. And He offers Himself as the main course in the feast, celebrating our return.
Drinking in the eternal affections of God toward us, and feeding on the many benefits of His love is in fact the greatest gift that He offers us, and the highest calling and privilege of this short life. In this regard, pray for ME and he will also pray for YOU.
- a ministry update from Mo Leverett and Rebirth International -
Jesus once said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.”
When we are in a relationship with God and are devouring the rich content of the scriptures, it is much like a feast. When one reads the scriptures rightly, he always finds Christ behind, in and through every morsel. Lately, I’ve been feasting on Him in the Psalms.
Psalm 42 and 43 have caught my attention. Both chapters repeat the refrain that I have been able to relate to much in my 40’s: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” The first psalm seems to relate the problem of depression, which is what we call the condition these days, to an issue of spiritual filling. The second, relates the problem to spiritual vindication. Both passages are treasure troves of information for those of us who at varying stages of life find ourselves both in a state of emptiness or violation.
If ever one feels shame for discovering this state of mind in themselves, it is no surprise. For modern Christian culture disdains and disallows it. Conventional Christian wisdom would say, that one is not truly spiritual until one is truly happy. If this were the case, then Christ Himself above all others would be lacking in spiritual maturity in that He experienced deep sadness around His circumstances of spiritual hunger and oppression. Sadness is the outgrowth of being human - it is completely natural and serves a deeply spiritual function.
But many churches are no longer a safe place for people who are deeply sad. Can you imagine a person praying, as did the Psalmist, so openly about their misery in a contemporary evangelical setting? No, that person would be shamed or ordered into counseling - told to come back when he’s found his happiness again. Ironically, Jesus, being the self-described Man of Sorrows that He was, might not be welcome in the same church He founded.
It is a strange relationship that we humans have with ourselves. We tend to think of ME as a single entity, and that is what ME is. But that singularity has the capacity to warp itself into an existential introspective one man therapy session. That ME can step away from itself without detachment, to peer back onto itself, and to finally evaluate and exhort itself. So while ME may be singular. ME is a complex and multi-dimensional singularity. And this is process the Psalmist enters and also invites us to.
As the ME in us looks back and discovers a depressed state, he is no different than the Psalmist, and no different from the Savior Himself. And as was true with both of those guys, one’s relationship with himself is not an unimportant or inconsequential relationship. It is one that should be cultivated and protected. Often the greatest abuser of ME is ME. And I know this sounds silly but I have had to learn to protect ME from ME, because ME deserves protection, but ME can be cruel toward ME. I hope this makes sense…
I have discovered as I’ve aged that the lofty exercise of denying oneself is not the same as ignoring or neglecting oneself. Perhaps this needs amplification. Caring for oneself under the Shadow of the Almighty is an intensely spiritual obligation. Failure to do so only adds to the human malady we were born with.
Recognition of our innate emptiness opens the way for Jesus in the same manner that hunger opens the way to a good meal. (This makes me feel sad for those of you who happen to live outside of New Orleans, by the way!) Sadness, in one sense, is simply spiritual hunger pains. Far from being a dysfunctional part of our selves, sadness is the warning light that we’re about to run out of gas, oil or water. Sadness is simply an indicator to us that the things of this world are not adequate for our fulfillment. Sadness is our soul saying, “Hey, ME, you need a little spiritual filling - you need Jesus!”
Moreover, within every human soul is an intrinsic and universal cry for justice - or an internal demand to be handled rightly. That need is rooted in the Creation Motif - that we are all image-bearers and were designed to have dominion and dignity. Conversely, image bearers are not to be dominated or oppressed. We are born with the image of God emblazoned upon our soul, and thus should not tolerate abuse, injustice or oppression in any form. ME is too important for that.
So when one is in a circumstance where ME has been violated or oppressed, sadness is inevitable and instructive. When we have been violated, our soul craves vindication. The discovery that the Psalmist made and shares with us is that the only one who can be trusted with that vindication is God Himself. ME cannot be trusted, partially because ME can be selfish and deceived, but more importantly, ME lacks the sovereign power to bring justice about. God however, has all wisdom and power. So the psalmist is right to say, “Vindicate ME O’ God!”
Within ME there are thoughts, emotions, and indigenous chemical compounds that complicate, eclipse or escalate human awareness and experience. And while there are commonalities in human existence, there are also infinite numbers of variances that make any medical or scientific diagnosis of human frailty, slippery at best.
The only one who knows us fully and completely is God. Providentially, the same source that knows every diminishing hair on our head, loves us thoroughly. The Person Who knows us completely, in that He created us head to toe, also is in a passionate pursuit of redeeming, sanctifying and yes, vindicating us. And when we say that He knows, we mean that He knows every nuance that our individual complexities create. He not only knows how to diagnose our condition with absolute clarity - He Himself is the anecdote to our malady.
The doctor, the therapist, the parent, the teacher, the preacher - they all have an angle of understanding. And each of those persons have a level of care for our souls, especially when we pay our bills, tuition and tithes on time. But God sees our maladies from all sides simultaneously. And His love is only conditioned on the premise of surrender. He not only invites us to come empty-handed, but requires it. In other words, His willingness to take us in as a patient is not contingent upon our ability to pay. On the contrary, He only works on those who recognize, no matter how much or little they have, they can’t buy their way into His professional care and legal representation.
True surrender is the rendering of our souls and circumstance to the love and sovereign care of God. That surrender is the only lasting cure to our depression.
When one is depressed, he does not have to look hard to find it. It manifests itself in every square inch of his being. So when the Psalmist does some soul searching and discovers his own downcast state, he also becomes his own preacher and points in the direction of hope. In Psalm 42 he reminds himself to, “Put your hope in God.” In Psalm 43 he repeats, “Put your hope in God.”
Perhaps it sounds simple. But knowing what is right and achieving it, when it comes to me at least, is always less than inevitable. Embarrassingly, I often choose my own perspective over the greater wisdom and humility of Christ. The burden that is then born by self-reliance is always heavier than expected - heavier than our minds or hearts were built to bare. But on those rare occasions when I approximate surrender, it is simply amazing how light the load can feel, even in the midst of heavy burden.
But the answer is always one of focus. One who is focused on His circumstance, becomes depressed. One whose focus has graduated to strategies to remedy his own circumstance is not only depressed, but is fast making an idol of himself. He is on the path of self-induced tragedy that all independent living results in. We were not branches designed for launching out on our own. We were created with a dependent variable.
Of all the things that I must repent the most, it is my failure to love and to trust God with all my heart. In truth, I have failed miserably at giving to him the affection that He deserves and has purchased at great cost. I have found it is possible to serve God with all my might and to simultaneously abandon Him in my heart. Moreover, God has proven his trustworthiness a million times over, but my heart still gives way to fear and to self-reliance.
But there is hope. There is always hope. Why? Because no matter how far off the path we stray, our God always takes wandering souls back. And He offers Himself as the main course in the feast, celebrating our return.
Drinking in the eternal affections of God toward us, and feeding on the many benefits of His love is in fact the greatest gift that He offers us, and the highest calling and privilege of this short life. In this regard, pray for ME and he will also pray for YOU.
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