Staycation or Vacation?

I've been reading a lot lately about the effects of the economy on the church.

In the summer of 2008 "Staycation" became the buzzword of the summer. The economy was beginning to tumble, gas prices sky-rocketed and so most American families chose to limit their summer vacations to local venues. Most stuck around home.

How did this affect the church? Many churches saw a rise in their summer attendance or maintained when most would have declined.

In the summer of 2009, things are different. Although the economy is still volatile, Americans are determined to make up for lost vacations and time off. A high number of families have planned vacations away from home this summer. Albeit, most are not taking extravagant vacations or travelling across (or out of) the country, but they are taking time away. It appears that a higher than normal number are taking short weekend vacations multiple times throughout the summer.

How will this affect the church? The church in America will probably see attendance slip much more quickly than normal this summer. Even those churches with planned special events are seeing a high number of their congregation heading out.

What does this mean for churches (gathered from several leaders)?

1. Celebrate health ~ Encourage and celebrate when families spend healthy time together in rest, play and building memories. Encourage them to find a place of worship wherever they may be while away and to engage in worship there.
2. Talk about Biblical Stewardship ~ Economists and financial planners are viewing the high volume of planned vacations with an uneasy eye. Many Americans have seen financial and/or job loss this year and yet they are viewing vacation as "something they deserve" and spending beyond their means which will drive them into deeper financial crisis in the future.
3. Plan for Growth ~ Those who are watching the trends are predicting that, despite many being gone, the current job insecurity and economic instability will bring many to church to seek answers and hope this summer. Those churches whose presence is felt in the community and who appear to offer relevant events and a hopeful message will find themselves greeting new guests each week.

"Just don't think about it dad.."

I walked into the kitchen a few moments ago to find my youngest drawing and coloring. It's one of his favorite things to do.

I asked him what he was doing and, after a long pause, got "the look" and he said, "it's a surprise."

My response was a question. "Oh, is it a surprise for me on Fathers' Day?"

Longer pause...

[sigh] "Dad, just don't think about it." [long pause and sigh] "Don't think about if it might be for you or not and then it won't bother you."

After I recovered from my laughter I left him alone.

Eventually he came in and offered me this as a gift.

When I'm Empty

Ever wake up in the morning feeling like your gauge is on empty? I'll be the first to raise my hand. I do.

The more I read and study God's Words for us, the more convinced I am that one of the primary ways we refill our tanks is to gather with "the body of Christ" (those people who have chosen to follow Jesus as their forgiver and leader for life).

Yes, solitude time is vital.

Daily time in prayer and digesting the Bible is irreplaceable.

But...there is something that happens when we gather together...

When we worship in song together...

When we explore God's Words together...

When we, yes, serve, together...

It is one of the primary ways that my heart is refilled, rebuilt, reformed, renewed, reshaped, redirected and redeemed.

Listen to just one, of many, teachings on this from the Bible: In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his spirit. (Eph. 2:21-22)

The challenge is, the natural direction for most of us, when we are experiencing emptiness, is to stay away. 

We isolate ourselves. 

We think, "I need to feel something more in order to engage with other people who follow Jesus." 

We think, "I can't serve if my tanks are empty. I'll flame out. I'm not good enough."

That is precisely the time when we should press into God's Truth and engage more deeply.

That is the time when worship is most needed for the survival of our souls.

I can't neglect getting together with followers of Jesus each week.

My soul won't survive without it.

Eugene Peterson

A few of my friends, whom I respect deeply, have been following the writings of Eugene Peterson lately and shared some of his thoughts that have affected them. Here are a few that are tumbling around in my brain these days:

"People are uncomfortable with mystery(God) and mess(self) – so they hire a pastor and start a program to deal with these."

Pastors should never brag about their busyness – it is the disqualifying factor to the role of pastor." 

"Busyness is a sign of insecurity or laziness." 

"Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him or myself or my neighbors."

I understand

This post from Craig Groeschel captured my mind this morning. The bare Truth of what he wrote pinned me to the wall. The greatest growth points in our family's life have always been preceded by times of private pain, often due to the testing of our integrity. Will we follow God, do the right thing, and trust Him even when other ways could be easier?

Here's Craig's Post. (If it doesn't link you directly, it's the April 22nd post).

Sandals

Ian has rediscovered sandals lately.

He's a true California boy in that he HATES to wear socks...or shoes, for that matter.

Kiley pulled new sandals out for him yesterday and his eyes got big. "You mean I don't have to wear socks with these?! sweet!"

So he wore his sandals to church on Sunday.

This morning (Monday), he donned the sandals again and announced, "Mom, someone told me at church that my sandals are just like God's sandals!"

Who knew?! 

Sandals can make me more like God...

Prayer

Be in prayer for the Skor Family...there are some decisions to be made.