The Meal Jesus Gave Us, 1

This is the 1st post on N.T. Wright’s little book The Meal Jesus Gave Us.  It’s a great quick read on the “Jesus-meal.”

How do you explain a birthday party to a Martian? 

This is the question of the first chapter.  Imagine a Martian visiting your house during a birthday party for your daughter.  How would you explain the traditions?

• why are all these people here?
• why are they wearing funny hats?
• why do they pull those things that make a bang?
• why does the little girl in the middle keep opening packages?
• why is someone trying to set fire to the cake?

Traditions like birthday parties and the Lord’s Supper are symbolic actions that say something.  They are special and meaningful celebrations.  Our celebration of the Jesus-meal communicates something to those who participate.  (And those on the outside may be very confused what that is until it is explained to them.)

In the next chapter, we eavesdrop on another celebration meal…

EC – “Vision” [Andy Stanley]

EC = exponential conference

Andy Stanley’s session on vision was classic Andy Stanley.  Clear, concise, well-illustrated, well-communicated.  For those who may be unfamiliar, Andy Stanley is the son of Charles Stanley, and is pastor of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA.  Here’s the summary:

Vision = a mental picture of what could be, fueled by a passion that it should be.  It’s something you can’t get out of your head.  As a leader communicating vision, you must realize that it has to be clear for people, otherwise they don’t know how to follow you.  Accordingly, here’s 5 steps to making vision stick:

1. state it simply.  Memorable is portable.  It can’t be complete (otherwise it’s too long to be effective).  Examples:  Bono’s One campaign – “making poverty history.”  Obama’s presidential campaign – “change.”  Hillary’s?  McCain’s?
2. cast it convincingly.  Nehemiah 2 – define the problem, offer a solution, explain why and why now.  If people don’t feel the problem, they won’t embrace the solution.
3. repeat it regularly.  Find the rythym of your organization, and talk vision at the high points.
4. celebrate it systematically.  celebrate the wins.  Display personal examples of those who are living it out.
5. embrace it personally and publicly.

On a personal note, Andy Stanley’s ministry has been formative for me in a couple of ways.  His help on vision is one area, as well as the focus on keeping things simple at NPCC.  Janeen and I were able to visit there several years ago to observe the children’s/family ministry in action.  NPCC is definitely living it out.

I’d also recommend highly Andy’s books, particularly 7 Practices of Effective Ministry and Communicating for a Change.