Landed... now getting settled

We have officially landed in Texas (for now). Given God's history with me and my wife we may not be staying here long, but we are looking forward to laying down some roots even if they end up being temporary. One of the nice things about roots is that they can often endure location moves, especially in the Internet age.

As my physical life becomes more settled it is time for this blog to get a little more controversial. I mean what I say at the top of the page; I want to be part of a movement that changes the way we do and define church in America. That will most likely require some change... and as it is working out in my mind some big change. I do not mean change in the style of our services or the structure of our churches (necessarily). I believe there is a deep sickness in our system, the structure that we have developed to practice and propagate churches in this country. I grew up a Southern Baptist so when I say "we" I generally am referring to my group of churches. As it turns out we don't look that different from the Church in general in America these days, so I think it is safe to assume that what is affecting us is affecting most church organizations.

In the coming weeks I will begin diving into these issues. I am sure others have already discussed many of the things I will cover, and if you know of writing on the topics I would love to read it. In a nutshell I will be analysing the system by which we Call, Train, and Support pastors in America. If 80% of our churches are dead and dying (which is what most of the national research shows) then we have a System problem. This is not something that started 5 years ago or even 15. This is the expected result of a System that is broken.

The amazing thing is that the owner of our Organization is working to make change. I am constantly being reminded that God owns His Church, and He is actively working to make her healthy again. I feel honored to play any role at all in this process, and I look forward with great anticipation to see what will come in the next decades as He accomplishes His plan.