The Language of Fun
Written by Tony Leair
Growing up in the church and around youth ministry, there was always a question of what the youth pastor was even doing in the youth ministry. Parents were worried about it, teens were curious, and littles were chomping at the bit to be old enough to attend. Why are people drinking cans of Mountain Dew through dirty socks? Why is the youth pastor choosing to drive many many hours with a van full of kids to random destinations to paint strangers’s houses? What even is a lock-in and is
it like jail? How many pizzas does this youth event really need? (Never enough!) Was the youth pastor really mature enough to share God’s word? Or was he just absolutely bonkers crazy?
I’m not sure if I got any good answers to my questions until I interned at a random church on the island of Kauai when I was 21 years old. There I met two men (absolutely brilliant and mad scientists Ward Niccore and Justin Bundschuh) who were doing so much more than entertaining the teens at youth group.
They were on mission to speak the language of teenagers, and to use that very language to share the good news of Jesus Christ. That language is the language of fun.
Every teenager that I’ve met speaks the language of fun. Teens are full of energy, looking for the next place to challenge themselves and to test the boundaries of life. They are innately exploring the world around them driven by this need for experience and learning.
Quite often when I am meeting with my young adult volunteers and Anchor House Interns, I like to challenge them to have a missionary mentality with the teens of Kauai. If we as a leadership team were dropped into Cambodia with the mission to share the gospel with Cambodians, how would we go about doing so? Well, we would need to learn the language that the people spoke, and figure out how to integrate in their lives. We would learn what is important to Cambodians, and begin to meet them on a shared experience in order to share the good news of Jesus.
In a lot of ways, the teenagers of Kauai can be as foreign as Cambodians. As generational gaps widen between baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, Gen Z, and the absolute aliens that come next, it has never been more essential to find common ground. This is where the language of fun comes to the rescue.
I saw Ward and Justin do the craziest things during my internship at KCF. They weren’t illegal necessarily, but they were definitely more fun and interesting than I was used to in church. They were radical in their creativity and approach, and the students absolutely knew that they were loved by the way Camps and youth nights where stacked with fun. In the same way that they pulled zero punches with fun, they spoke the gospel pure and true. They were totally unashamed of the story of Jesus and the beautiful life that follows from living in his freedom rather than in the world.
I was inspired to say the least.
We have continued utilizing the language of fun with the teens of Kauai. And they understand it. We try not to take ourselves to seriously (See our latest Shoreline logo - thanks Jesse) and we try to create events like mattress surfing or tarp surfing that allow kids to be kids, and push them to challenge what they are comfortable with. It’s not always safe, but neither is the world. In fact, the world is incredibly dangerous with the lies that are being promoted and the freedom that is promised but can never be delivered. The world sets all sorts of shiny traps for teens, when God just wants them to be free.
We want to meet teens right where they are at, speak a language that makes sense to them, and then share with them the greatest news to ever be shared. I had a friend once share with me that every generation that is born is another unreached people group, and I love that our church continues to engage and pursue God’s children through the language of fun.
When it Rains it Pours
Written by Leah Enns
This past spring, rain flooded our little toddler room, covering the carpet and toys, leaving the characteristic mold and mildew residue of Kauai flooding. We knew we needed a new carpet installed, but in the weeks that followed, there was preschool, high school, and Anchor House graduation, the departure of our beloved Children’s Director, Jenna and her family, VBS, missions trips, and so many other things.
When it rains, it pours.
At the beginning of August, I stepped into the role of Director of Children’s Ministry, and picked up where the intern leaders had left off. There were volunteers to be recruited, closets to organize, rooms to clean, other ministries to collaborate with, and most importantly, kids to love on for Jesus.
All in a day’s work.
the next thing that needed to be done. It was a big project: the old carpet had to be ripped up and new carpet laid down, but before that could happen, all the toys— including the enormous and cumbersome play structure— had to be removed. I knew I couldn’t move that alone, nor did I know anything about carpeting. Thankfully, there were other people who did!
I was cued into the carpet situation in a random conversation, one day, and realized it was probably
I sounded the alarm, and assembled a team of movers who could transport the toys, including one person who had been around when they first assembled that cumbersome play structure. It took under two hours, and the room was cleared. That same team ripped up the carpeting and baseboards in just a little bit more time, and as they finished, a few more willing young men came by and offered to bleach mop the cement floor underneath. We were all eating pizza by the end of the evening.
When it rains, it pours.
As we ripped off the baseboards, we also ripped off pieces of the existing paint and parts of drywall. The green hills of the toddler room weren’t rolling anymore. It was clear we couldn’t just stop at removing the carpet; we would have to repaint the room. (When has a project ever gone faster than you thought?) I’m by no means a painter, but I knew a few people who were! They graciously volunteered their time and talents to patch the missing drywall, prime the walls, and paint them a new light blue. Another person with enormous talent was able to take my one screenshotted vision of a sunrise and enlarge it to take up the whole wall.
You could say the sun came out.
So in two weeks, we had disassembled, emptied, cleaned, primed, painted, and reassembled that entire
room. I say we, because in the grand scheme of things, I was just an administrator who found the helpers. Each person acted using their talents and truly showed me how the body of Christ is meant to operate.
If you have a chance, give Romans 12 a read this week. A beautiful thing happens when we live wanting to give our lives to God as a sacrifice — He transforms us into a new person! He uses those special traits that you’ve had for a while and fits them together into His body for a purpose. And when you link up with those other members of the body, stuff gets done, and His kingdom comes on earth. What talents do you have? How are you serving His body with them?
When it rains, it pours.
A Little Slice of Heaven An Anchor House Student’s First Impression
Written by Mieka Schneidereit
Sometimes it hits me. It’s already been a month of living in paradise yet it still sometimes hits me that this tropical island is my reality for the next 9 months. All summer long it was constantly “I’m leaving September 4th!”, “September 4th is the big day!”, “My plane is September 4th!” Then to my surprise, September 4th actually came and it hit me: Oh… I’m leaving my family for months. My friends. My home… That realization came through tears that fell from my face onto my mother’s shoulders as I hugged her goodbye at the Vancouver airport.
I had so many emotions running 100 km/h in my head (oh sorry, that’s my Canadianness showing. I meant to say 60 mph…). I was scared! I didn’t know the first thing about what Anchor House was going to be like, yet I was sitting on a plane bound for Hawaii. From an outsider’s point of view, this seems a little unusual. A lot of my non-believer friends back at home couldn’t wrap their
heads around the fact that I was sending myself on a 6-hour plane ride, to a place I’d never lived in, full of people I’d never met, for 9 months. Yeah, now that I lay it out like that, it does sound crazy. But they are missing the biggest factor as to why I chose to do this, and it is that I didn’t. I didn’t choose Anchor House. The Lord called me here, and as a follower of Christ, I heard Him, sacrificed my personal ambitions, and pursued that calling. That is how I miraculously had peace on my plane ride. I had peace knowing that God wanted me at Anchor House for a reason. I had peace knowing that He had it all under control.
As the plane took off, I was met with the most breathtaking view of the skies, the ocean, and the clouds. I shed a tear of joy that turned my nervousness into excitement, and I could hear the Lord tell me, “Mieka, I am so excited for you and for what I am going to reveal to you this year.”
Walking out of the Lihue airport was surreal. Even though I was self-conscious about what kind of “first impression” I would give off, that worry left me with every fellow student and RA I met. As many of you readers know, there is a significantly high amount of girls here at the Anchor House this year. How was Anchor House able to get so many girls this year? Who knows. But how was Anchor House able to get the 21 kindest and sweetest girls on the planet?? That is a miracle in itself.
When I arrived at the house, everyone was so eager to meet and instantly show each other love. I’m not talking about the kind of meet and greet you give someone your mom wants you to meet after church, I’m talking about the kind of greeting that consists of a hug, followed by a genuine get-to-know-each-other conversation. How many young adults do you know who aren’t afraid to approach a stranger and get to know them? I think we all knew that we would be one big family by the end of the year, so we cut to the chase and instantly acted like one. I experienced what it was like to be welcomed with open arms, and then witnessed others feel the same way.
They say doing life-threatening activities creates significantly stronger bonds between people. Maybe that’s The Anchor House’s secret for having such a close community because boy did we immediately dive into the deep end (both physically and metaphorically). I don’t know if it was the Spirit of the Lord that filled me with such a sense of adventure, but I would never have thought that I would be eager to go cliff jumping or leap off waterfalls into a freshwater pool full of hazardous rocks that are just asking for an injury. Exploring the island and spending every day at the beach was unreal. Sometimes we would go twice or even three times a day during the first week! If you are getting to know new friends, I highly recommend conversing at the beach,
submerged in the warmest vibrant blue ocean water or while sitting in the cozy soft sand, eating sandwiches you made earlier that day. That’s what I did, and I ended up making some pretty awesome friends. I kept thinking that things couldn’t get better, and that’s when the Lord gave even more. He just keeps giving. When God told me he had a fun week planned for me, He meant it!
It was much more than just the fun activities that made the first week of being here special. Yes, the late-night beach visits, warm drives to view the canyons, and bike rides to the shops were all experiences that will stick with me forever, but what really stuck out was the joy I felt emanating from the students of Anchor House. As the week went on, Christ-centered conversations were sparking left to right. Something I learned during those conversations is that most students here don’t come from a community full of believers. It is extremely unique to be surrounded by people who know God’s love and joy, and who aren’t ashamed to talk about it; a community that is not quick to judge, but who support each other and are quick to love, listen, and pray.
From an outsider’s point of view, it would be a nobrainer as to why anyone would love Anchor House. It seems obvious that the Hawaiian lifestyle, daily beach visits, warm bike rides, shops, and scenery would make Anchor House the Bible school of paradise. But truly, it is the community that made my first week here something to write about. I look at the palm trees, at this house, at this group of hilarious young adults who already feel like family to me, and all I can do is thank God for this opportunity.
The Lord called each student here for a reason. We are all here because we all have a heart for God, and I thank Him for putting together this beautiful group of people who all strive to be like Jesus. It’s the kind of beauty that only the Lord can orchestrate. The word “beauty” is defined as a thing or person (in this case, a community) possessing qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction. We know that satisfaction is found only in Jesus. Everyone here possesses Jesus in their hearts. That is why the Anchor House community is so beautiful. We embody a little slice of heaven.
The late E.G. Von Trutzschler was a pioneer Youth Pastor and founder of ministry to the poor across the border in Tijuana Mexico that still reverberates today. In addition, he was a mentor and friend to many of the KCF staff.
The following is his short but brilliant purpose statement for his life, one that all of us should adopt as our own as well.
Why I Am Here
Ihave a rather simple philosophy as to this life. I see my time on earth as very brief and radically different from my future forever life with God. Because of this, I have come to a rather logical conclusion. I’m here on earth to do things for God that I can never do for Him in Heaven and I only have a short time left to do them. Here is some of what I can only do on earth that I’ll never be able to do in Heaven. This seems both pleasing to God and fulfilling to me.
I can share the Gospel with those who have never heard. I can teach those who don’t know. I can light the darkness and give hope to the hopeless. I can encourage the discouraged and faint hearted. I can dry the tear of a crying child. I can love the unlovely, unloved and unlovable. I can give someone who is thirsty a cup of cold water. I can feed those who are hungry, help heal those who are sick, give shelter to those who have none and give a blanket to those who are cold.
I can give shelter to those who are without. I can even love my enemies and forgive those who violate me.
In Heaven there will be no sin or darkness, no sickness, no hunger, no want or pain, no enemies of any kind just eternal joy, thanksgiving, praise and worship of almighty God forever. It makes sense to me to do what I can for God while I’m here on earth so my time in eternity will be more of a joy for myself and others.
In Heaven there will be no clocks or calendars, we won’t be wearing watches; there will be no time as we know it. On the other hand, here on earth, we only have a few precious moments to accomplish our unique and divine calling.
Please excuse me to do the urgent, that which can only be done here and now.
A Part of the Process
Written by Jon Enns
Great stories are always a process. I think of the character arch of Luke Skywalker (prior to the sequels) or a Wizard-in-training or the chronicles of halflings attempting to destroy magical jewelry. The words and pictures needed to relate these stories take up large sections of our lives. Just watching one of the three LOTR movies is nearly a four hour event. Or you can spend a month reading 3,407 pages of wizardry by J. K. Rowling.
But even before that investment, there’s another story behind the stories. When I think about a Master Jedi or Gandalf the Grey or Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins, my mind often wanders to all of the imagined hours, days, months, and years leading up to the pinnacle moments we read or watch. There was so much that had to happen BEFORE any of those stories turned into the stories we know and love.
Perhaps your favorite stories are of real-life figures you see on television or in your life. Lately, I’ve been watching Scotty Scheffler’s rise on the PGA tour. The guy seems unshakeable and has credited much of that to his faith in God and his strong relationship with his wife and family.
Today, I want to introduce you to Stephen and Kylie Von Allmen: two real-life people who are inspiring me. These are some close friends of mine, and they have been for some time. Our story of friendship and involvement in the church family took some time to develop, in what one might call “average” ways.
I met Kylie way back in 2012 when I moved here to teach at Bandwagon Music Center. She was about to enter middle school and wanted to learn how to play the song “I’m Gonna Be” by the Proclaimers (“and I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more…” — one of those songs you play to intentionally get them stuck in someone else’s head. Kylie has always been a bit of a prankster… go figure). She was an Edge and Shoreline staple through middle and high school. We were always crossing paths because of our involvement in music and youth ministry.
Stephen, I met in 2018 via introduction on a Sunday morning from Rick Bundschuh. We were about to have a young adult’s camp, and Stephen and his twin brother Nathan had come to KCF looking for a church home.. This was one of those contexts before we knew, where God connected the dots we didn’t know existed. They needed a community, and we needed them in our community, even if we didn’t know it yet. We hung out at a young adults camp and then started attending the same Bible studies and men’s groups together.
Kylie and Stephen started hanging out during the pandemic and got married in August 2023, just nine months ago. The wedding was at KCF. My wife Leah and I had the privilege of helping them through premarital pastoral counseling.
Fast-forward: Stephen and Kylie have continued to live out following Jesus by participating in the church. They’re now lead volunteers for our slides and live stream setup. They’re still involved in weekly Bible studies and adventures. They take the initiative to further smooth out the tech things we do every week. Kylie and Stephen are becoming some of the best volunteers any church or pastor could ask for. And the best part is, they do it with a smile, knowing the goal has always been God’s story in the midst of theirs.
That story is the best of them all. His story is still working its way into the Von Allmens, like it does in you and me. Their hopes and expectations keep them focused on how heaven is being built on earth; they’re living into being God’s image bearers. They’re sculpting and crafting the world around them to ooze His kingdom. It doesn’t look perfect or completely put together every week, but the process is continuing and they’re growing into His likeness.
It’s like LOTR or Star Wars or the PGA tour but in real life. It’s messy, the roundabout-way, and has a whole lot of bumps in the road. But with eyes fixed on Jesus, this process puts us in the middle of a story so much bigger than what we could imagine — a story for which the whole universe is waiting for the conclusion.
The world needs more stories like Kylie and Stephen’s story. These kinds of stories bring us inspiration and hope that God’s kingdom is coming.
KCF’s goal is to connect people with God, and to make His story known. If that’s something you’re into, we want to invite you to join us like these friends have done. God’s given you gifts and talents, abilities that need to be shared. Please connect with us so we can connect you to what God is doing here!
Get Up Off Your Gift Called To Serve
Written by Dean Smith
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and power for ever and ever.”
I Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
On a beautiful, mid-September, Sunday morning, much like most mornings in Kilauea on the Island of Kauai, Steve Thompson, Pastor, began the teaching portion of worship with an inspiring, upbeat, and contemporary song entitled, “Get Up Off That Gift”. Here are the lyrics:
Get Up Off That Gift
“I need you. You need me. We’ve been called to this. How we ever gonna change the world, if we won’t get up off that gift?
Get off your gift.
Let me show you what to do.
Cause, if you’re wondering if there’s room for you, no need to be scared.
You’ll make it no matter the weather.
You ain’t gotta do anything by yourself. We’re better when we’re together. Get up off that gift.
So if you hear my voice, don’t let these words fall on stone.
We want a better future, but we can‘t have it alone. I need you to survive.
It ain’t good for us to be alone. I need you in my life. It may seem ok, just as it is. But it will be way better, if you get up off that gift.” Get up off that gift…”
The Bible texts, the worship, the song, and the teaching all relentlessly and unavoidably called the people attending KCF North this day to “Get Up Off Their Gift” and serve the Lord Jesus and His Church.
KCF is a wonderful church of earnestly, Jesus-seeking, Bible grounded and caring people. This being said, it is a typical church where much of the work is done by a few of the people. This particular Sunday was the time to give others the opportunity to enjoy the blessings received when a person deploys their gift for God’s purpose. It is, after all, a Christian’s calling to repent, believe, receive and use their gifts, skills, time and finances for God’s glory and the advancement of the Gospel.
After the service everyone enjoyed an “All Crew Church Potluck” dinner. (One way to grow a church is to have people gain weight!) During the meal representatives from several of the current and perspective KCF North ministries informed and invited listeners to commit to serving in accordance with their calling. People were not asked “if” they would serve. They were asked “which” ministry they would serve. Sign-up sheets were provided to everyone and collected.
During the next two weeks church folk followed up with personal calls and meetings to ensure people were assigned and trained to follow through on “getting off their gift.” Everyone was contacted. Attendees were given a “Feedback Form” providing the opportunity to assess the experience and give input about the gathering for future improvement.
This may seem as though it was an intimidating, maybe threatening, experience for some. However, feedback was universally positive and suggested we do it again in the new-year. After all, we were just providing an opportunity for people to be obedient to God’s Word and receive the blessings from using their gifts in service to Jesus. Also, as a result of “Get Off Your Gift”
Sunday, there are new people on the Worship team, serving at the Coffee Cart, leading a new Men’s Bible Study, adding energy and creativity to the Women’s Ministries, Sunday Set Up Crew, and other service / ministry areas. One very special person is having his sit down, Hawaiian, steel, slide guitar repaired to be used in future worship!
The early Church grew as a blessing resulting from early believers obediently serving and sacrificially using their gifts. We have generations of previously obedient Christians to thank for our having the opportunity to know Jesus and make Him known. The future of the Church and believers into perpetuity rely, in part, on your obedience today. Dave Ramsey, Financial Advisor and Author, states, “Giving is the most fun you can have with your money!” Likewise, serving is the most fun you can have as a follower of Jesus. It’s easy. “Get Off Your Gift”. Ask God, How can I serve you today? Then, go and find your place of ministry. Get ready to receive the blessings of obedience through deploying your service for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Do not neglect your gift which was given to you…” (I Timothy 4:14) You are called to serve.
There Are No Good Churches in Houston
Written by Dain Spore
Back in 1993, I joined a church that I thought was so old, stale, and full of old people that I remember specifically thinking “Well, I’m not going to grow my faith here, but at least I won’t lose my salvation!” I’m sure God in heaven had himself a big old belly laugh at that thought. As it turned out, not only did I grow in leaps and bounds during my 8 months there, but that church played a vital role in why I find myself as a Bible-teaching pastor today.
1993 was the year that I left the young, hip and vibrant church at Kauai Christian Fellowship to head down to South Africa for the summer, hoping for some good waves and fun church to fellowship with. At that time there was only one English speaking church in the
town. It also happened to be where my only Christian friend attended. The fact that the church was named “Jeffreys Bay Christian Fellowship” seemed like a good omen, so it is not surprising that on my first Sunday in town, that was where I was found myself. But what a disappointment! To begin with, the song selection was mostly hymns from the Charles Wesley era. The most contemporary song of the morning was “As the Deer Panteth”. The preacher didn’t use any object lessons or visuals, and was kind of an older, fiery, Baptiststyle preacher. But worst of all, the congregation was perfectly divided between senior citizens and young families with babies. If they ever had a “singles ministry” in that church, the average would be 85.
I literally was the only young adult in the congregation that morning. So, you can see why I was thinking the way I did. But like so many things in the Kingdom of God, if you are willing to step out in faith, big surprises are waiting for you, and that is exactly what happened.
Whilst I endeavor to keep this story short, suffice to say that within a month, I found that I had become more involved in that church than I had ever been at KCF. I realized that between music practice (did I mention I had become worship leader?), two Bible studies, volunteering at the Children’s ministry midweek meeting, the Saturday prayer meeting and Sunday morning service, I was at a church event six days a week! And here is an interesting thing I learned during that time. It turns out that old people are kind of cool(!). They have a lot of wisdom, and time and patience to teach a young man like myself some things about living in faith. And did I mention that they love cooking for young single guys? But best of all, it was there that I was first encouraged and invited to preach on a Sunday morning which put me on a journey to becoming a pastor and has me writing this article that you hold in your hand. Which is why, 15 years after I returned here to Kauai, I was astounded to hear the statement that is the title of this story.
By 2008 I had been a full-time pastor at KCF for almost ten years. I was married with two kids and was well on my way down the path to become one of those “old people” you just read about. One day while I was greeting people at church, this young couple approached me and said “Pastor Dain! It’s us! We’re back!” For a moment I was startled and began racking my brain about who these people were. At KCF we meet many visitors every week, and often greet returning visitors. We call them our “extended Ohana”, and in fact, many of you reading this article are part of that family.
In addition, we often perform weddings for visitors because Kauai is such a “Destination wedding” location. So taking a bit of a chance I said “Oh yeah! I married you guys, right? How is married life treating you?” As it turned out, I had guessed correctly, and they reminded me of what a great time we had during the wedding, and they asked me if I would like to join them
for a coffee the next day, to which I agreed.
The next day we were well into our americanos, and into the story of their first few years together as a married couple, how they had moved to Houston together due to a career change. During a lull in the conversation, I asked them what church they were attending. Their answer was so startling that I never forgot it, and it is in fact the reason I wrote the article. The wife began by saying “Well…we tried a few churches but…” Seeing that she was lost for words, the husband stepped in to finish her thought. “You see, there just aren’t any good churches in Houston”. Trying to maintain my composure, I stumbled through an answer that was something like “Oh! Really? Wow, that’s surprising. I, um, er…” and then I think I rambled on to some topic about how it is important to find a good church, and then before we finished, I made them promise me that they would make another effort to find a church in Houston that they felt that they could attend.
But dear reader, think about that statement! It has echoed around in the chambers of my brain for over 15 years now. There are no good churches in Houston? A quick Google search will tell us that there are over 2 million people in the city of Houston alone, and another 7 million in the outer suburbs. The number of churches combined in both city and suburbs is just under eight thousand. Eight thousand churches! Do you see where I am going with this thought? I know the lesson here is super obvious, but do you think the problem with that young couple’s inability to find a church to attend in Houston was due to do the available options? Or was it perhaps, just maybe, their own unwillingness to commit to a local church body? And it boggles one’s mind to consider what were the qualifications they were looking for in a church, that could not be found with eight thousand to choose from.
I could now compare their statement with the story I told you at the beginning of the article, of how I only had one church available to me in the small South African town I lived in, and how God taught me the value of being uncomfortable but willing to learn could open vast new horizons in one’s faith journey.
But instead, I want to tell you another story, about another young couple, because I want you to hear what they said, and how we can all be challenged to consider where we attend church, and how we view our role there.
In 2019 I was doing pre-marital counseling with an awesome young couple, both who had grown up as part of the KCF youth group. The groom-to-be had recently returned from China where he had served as an “underground” missionary, and I was vaguely aware that he was attending a church on the east side of the island. The Bride-to-be was currently attending KCF with her parents. When we arrived at the spiritual portion of the premarital curriculum, I asked them which church on the island they would be attending. I assumed they would be attending KCF because their friends and family were already here, plus, there has been a burgeoning group of young-marrieds around the church, which made me think they would be an obvious fit.
I was surprised then when they named a small, somewhat fading church from a fading denomination. “That church?!” I exclaimed. I wanted so badly to point out all the deficiencies of “that” church and how KCF was far superior, but I wisely refrained from doing so, and instead asked incredulously “Why?” And it is the answer the groom gave me that I want you to spend some time considering. “Well,” he started, “We just feel like they need our help, and that we could be really useful there”. For a moment, nobody said anything, as his statement hung in the air between us. I leaned back in my office chair and stared at the ceiling while I contemplated this. Finally, leaning forward I said to them “And that might be the best reason I have ever heard in my life for joining a church!”
When reading the New Testament, you can’t help but notice two major themes. First, God desires that we become part of the local community of faith. The author of Hebrews warns the believers in Rome to not “give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing” (Heb 10:25). Secondly, everybody, (and I mean everybody) is expected to use the talents He has given them to serve in His Kingdom. As Paul wrote to the
early church at Ephesus “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10) If we put these two ideas together, than our motivation to join a local community of believers is not only a command, but God is placing us there, not as consumers to be fed, but as contributors who serve. Let me wrap up this article with two challenges for you.
The first is obvious, but not likely. If you ever find yourself moving to a new city and have the opportunity to go “church shopping”, may you be challenged to not consider yourself as a consumer, looking for a home that suits your needs. But instead, see yourself as a servant looking for a place to serve. And yes, I understand it is important to find a church that teaches the Word of God, has decent music, and obviously, good coffee! But to paraphrase John F. Kennedy, your attitude should be more along the lines of “What can I contribute to this church” than what they can do for you.
Finally, did you know that wherever you attend right now, you are needed? That God has specifically placed you in the church you attend because you are needed there? As you read this article it is likely getting close to the New Year, a time when many churches (including KCF) will challenge the members of their congregation to sign up for the various ministries that are needed to fulfill their calling to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the local community. And quite frankly, we need all of you! Whether you are part of a large, thriving church, a small startup that meets in a cafeteria, or even an older, fading mainline church, your participation is both needed by the church, and expected of you by God.
And if you honestly desire to serve God, but simply cannot find an opportunity serve in your home town, in your local church, may I suggest moving to Houston? I hear they might need some help down there…
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Why I Am a Christmas Mutt
Written by Rick Bundschuh
By early September Costco had already started putting out Christmas products.
To be honest, I had mixed feelings about it. Part of me was saying “Woah boys, one holiday at a time” while the other part of me felt a jolt of childish giddiness at the thought that the Christmas season was almost upon us.
I suppose this is because I am a bonified “Christmas Mutt”...which is related to but quite different from a Christmas maniac.
A “Christmas Mutt” plays by the rules and waves goodbye to the holiday once it is over. A Christmas manic keeps their tree up for half the year and never removes the lights from their house. A Christmas Mutt has the self-control to not crank out the Christmas songs or start decorating until the day after Thanksgiving.
So, in this sense I may be in the same Yuletide boat as most people...except for the maniacs and their evil twin the Scrooges.
I find it ironic that I find so much joy in this holiday considering what I actually know about the origins of what we call Christmas...or as it used to be called “Christ Mass”.
I know that the idea of celebrating the birth of Christ is not something that was practiced by the early church. I know that many of the traditions we have are retooled pagan rituals. I am aware that the Puritans hated the debauchery that came with the Christmas so much that they threw it overboard and would fine anyone who was caught hanging up a decoration.
I realize that much of the holiday is driven by commercialism and that unbelievers have tried to wring out of Christmas any connection to the birth of Christ. And of course, I know that Jesus was not actually born on December 25th and that the shepherds, wisemen and angelic host did not all show up together at the cow shed where He was born.
But I don’t care.
I will happily take any excuse to celebrate that fact that God stepped into the world. And not only celebrate, but use Christmas themes to target any small crack in the hearts of those who have not yet met the Savior.
That is why I wrote “The Mask” (with my son Mason, another Christmas Mutt) and “The True Story of Saint Nick”.
That is why I choke up watching It’s A Wonderful Life each year.
That is why I round up the Anchor House students and invade shopping areas humming Christmas Carols on Kazoos and passing out free “instruments” that are stamped with an invite to the KCF Christmas Eve Service. (And I have to admit, I love to see the joy on the faces of strangers as they figure out how to use the primitive gadget they have been given and join in the humming).
That is why I love to see the happy faces of friends, visitors and “Christers” (Those who only find their way to church on Christmas and Easter) at the Christmas Eve Service.
It is why I am a “Christmas Mutt”.
So, whether you are reading this short treatise during the season or long after, may the One who stepped into the world to pull you and I out of the mess we are made for ourselves also insert His joy into your heart...not just on Christmas, but every day.
Kauai Christian Fellowship