Baptists, Gays, and A-29 - What a Day!

Yesterday was quite the full day! I had two major appointments - The Georgia Baptist Convention North of Atlanta for what turned out to be a round table discussion with 8 church planters from the state and several leaders from the GBC, followed by a panel discussion at Mercer University on the subject of Gays and Religion. Thanks for all of the prayers and questions about how things went - for those who want to know - here's the rundown...

GBC and A-29

GBC will continue to welcome churches who desire to be both A-29 and Georgia Baptists.

Churches who desire to receive funding from the GBC or SBC (Southern Bapt Convention) will sign a statement saying that they do not drink alcohol and hold a position of abstinence. The possibility exists that an A-29 church plant who agrees with the abstinence policy of the GBC/SBC and agrees with the ecclesiology statement of the GBC/SBC and who desires to be Southern Baptist MAY (as in - maybe, might, possibly) be eligible for GBC/SBC funding as any other GBC/SBC church plant would be.

Also

I had a great discussion with Butch Butcher the GBC head of church planting about the fact that each Acts 29 church is independent and not all Acts 29 churches are the same. So each church should not be judged based on Mars Hill or Mark Driscoll. Likewise just because some Acts 29 churches take a moderation approach to alcohol, doesn't mean that all do - many take an abstinence approach. Therefore churches should be considered individually when partnering with the GBC and should not be automatically viewed in a negative light because they are Acts 29.

There seems to have been good, honest dialog and there is a mutual respect for one another even though there are differences on secondary issues (though alcohol remains a primary issue for most in the SBC/GBC).

J Robert White, the GBC Executive Director stated that he would like very much to meet again and continue the dialogs. A couple of guys from the GBC church planting team said they would like to come and visit me and New City soon.

Gays and God

(I think that is what the evening was called)

I was a late invite to the table, but gladly accepted the invitation. The panel was made of 8 - 4 Conservative / 4 Liberal

Conservatives: Myself, Eric Ashley (Associate Pastor at First Pres Macon), Chris Fuller (Bapt College Ministry leader at Mercer), Dominique Johnson (local word of faith preacher/minister)

Liberals: Camile Hegg (Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church), Dennis Meredith (Pastor of Tabernacle Bapt in ATL), Chris (Prof of History at Mercer), a Mercer student who is gay

questions:

What is your church's faith tradition and how has it historically viewed homosexuality?

How does your church view membership of homosexuals and their full participation in the church?

How will your church address / respond to the growing acceptance of gay marriage - especially if Gay marriage were to become legalized in GA?

Each panelist answered the question and then other panelists may add to, comment, or question those responses.

I am very thankful to have had an opportunity to participate in the discussion - I learned a great deal. There were a couple of tense moments, but all remained civil and no one yelled - a good night on such a difficult subject. So here are a few observations:

1) The 4 conservatives relied on Scripture - because Scripture holds such a high value to us. We all quoted Scripture and repeatedly expressed that our opinions were not based on feelings, or fears, but on what the Bible says.

All 4 liberals relied on feelings, psychology, and opinion. They gave no Scriptural references and stated that the Bible is important but should not be taken as literal. It is best to take the teachings of the Bible along with modern psychology and a good understanding of culture. Rector Hegg said that we should understand that the Bible is really just stories of people from long ago trying to make sense of life and understand how God was a loving God. (What the #@!!% are you talking about!!!!!?????? - sorry, mental flashback on my part)

2) The most humble people speaking were the conservatives (maybe excluding myself - I wasn't always humble). The liberals in the room were at times arrogant making statements like: the conservative reactions come from fear - homophobia. That statement was made multiple times - I reacted on the 1st occasion by raising my hand and stating - I am NOT a homophobe. I am not afraid of those of you who are gay. The second time I said that the Rector was making gross misstatements of me and other conservatives by saying that we react in fear. The truth is that our position is held based on our theology and based on the teachings of Scripture. Another statement - the problem with them (looking at the conservatives on the panel) is that they are unwilling to look at the findings of doctors, sociologists, and psychologists. There were other statements as well. The conservatives over and over and over presented themselves as broken and dependent on Jesus.

3) I never heard the gospel - in any form - from the liberals. Every answer and discussion by conservatives went back to the gospel - our common need for a redeemer - and Jesus being that redeemer.

4) Without a common view of Scripture - there will never be agreement between liberals and conservatives.

Most outrageous statements of the night:

1) You are not broken or sinful - you are good, just like you are - you are the image of God.

(Who needs to know what the Bible says about you???? Just ask Prof. Chris!)

2) God created me in his image. I am gay. Therefore a part of God must be gay as well.

3) The statement above by the Rector - that the Bible is really just stories of people from long ago trying to make sense of life and understand how God was a loving God.

All in all, a great night - much learned - Jesus was highly exalted. I probably don't have many new gay friends - but that wasn't the hope of the night - sharing the gospel with boldness in love and kindness was... I think that happened.

Broken

Tomorrow night I will participate as a member of a panel at Mercer University. The Homosexuality & Religion panel discussion is comprised of Mercer religious gay students and local religious leaders. The discussion will address the individual's religious tradition and how they have personally or traditionally placed/viewed gays and lesbians. Also to be discussed: what will your tradition do to address homosexuality in light of the six states that currently legalize gay marriage.

I am excited and maybe a little nervous about the opportunity.

Nervous because I am a theologically conservative Christian who believes the Bible - which teaches homosexuality to be a sin.

Excited because this is a Gospel issue. In Jesus we have Redemption and Restoration. Sin has rendered us Broken - but Jesus has come to fix all that is broken! I'll leave it there for now and post more after the discussion.

Pray that I will boldly proclaim the gospel - with all kindness, compassion, and love... pray that it would be heard.

On a side note - My shoulder is also Broken! I just found out today 10 days after my motocross crash. The shoulder bone is broken where the rotator cuff is connected. Moving my arm causes the bone to be pulled away and makes the break worse. I am in a sling that keeps me from moving it. The doc will x-ray it again in 2 weeks to see if it is healing... if so, I will avoid surgery. Pray for that!

Need Prayer

For whatever reason, it seems that God is providing some pretty cool opportunities to speak to different groups. In light of that I ask that you remember me when you pray... as Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:19 pray for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel...

Sept 28th - I spoke at Mulberry Methodist's business luncheon - it was a joy and a great opportunity to share New City's vision for reaching the city and to challenge others in joining God's mission of redemption and restoration

October 4 - This Sunday - I will preach at Macon Community Bible Church's 14th Anniversary

October 7 - I am joining Jason Martin at the Georgia Baptist Convention to talk with GBC leadership (including J. Robert White) about Acts 29 and being Southern Baptist.

November 10-12 - Amy and I will head to Acts 29 Boot Camp in Louisville. The line up for this Boot Camp is incredible! I am humbled to have been asked to lead a break out session for church planters on Mission and Vision - Great Church, Great City. I will also have the opportunity to share a brief testimony in one of the main sessions on Decoding Your City.

January 22-23 - New City Church will host an Acts 29 Regional Event - Plant and RePlant. We are anticipating church planters and re-planters from all over the Southeast. We will have Tyler Jones and Jonathan McIntosh as our main speakers with myself and others, like Matt Adair, Jason Martin, and Jeremy Carr leading break outs.

Almost Every Sunday - It is a great privilege to proclaim Christ week in and week out at New City Church downtown!

Please pray for me, that in every opportunity I will with boldness proclaim the truth and beauty of the gospel!

UPDATE on a New Location

I just returned from a "Pre-development Meeting" with Planning and Zoning concerning our potential use of the old Burgess Carpet Building on Spring Street. The meeting went great! The questions raised were the questions that I anticipated - limited parking, fire safety with no sprinklers in the building. What was amazing to me was the overall support from a room filled with city officials (Macon Water Authority, Fire Department, P&Z, Inspection and Fees, and more!). There was agreement from everyone present that the plans would be a compliment to the city and to the immediate neighbors. And on the question of parking and safety, both departments offered alternative solutions and said that they would help us work through those issues. That is the GOOD NEWS.

Now for the OTHER NEWS. I intentionally said "OTHER NEWS" because I really do not see this as BAD News. I received a call yesterday from the Real Estate agent who has the property listed. The property is now under contract with someone attempting to purchase. That means that if they continue and are able to close, the building will not be available to us.

Bummed? Not in the least! We are currently meeting in a great spot - the Capitol Theater and we have another great spot in the 567. We have no immediate need for another space.

If we have no immediate need and we have 2 great spots, why even look?

Great question! Thanks for asking.

Here are some of the reasons why we are looking - in no particular order:

1) Stewardship - We lease the theater on Sunday mornings for only a few hours, and we lease the cafe 24/7. Initially we had no income and certainly not a 'steady' and 'stable' income from giving. We also had no money in the bank. So, leasing the theater made a lot of sense. We used their chairs, tables, sound equipment, projector...

Now, we have many of those items and our giving is somewhat stable and steady. So, it may be that we would be better stewards if we invested God's money in a building that we could use more than a few hours once a week.

2) Roots - It seems (intuitively) that it is time for us to begin sinking our roots a little deeper into the city. It is difficult to establish those roots without a true home. A home of our own on a more permanent basis communicates that we are here and we are here to stay!

3) God's Leading - Yes that is very subjective, I know. But there is something stirring deep inside that says it is time. I believe that is God stirring - pray with me that it isn't just the Buffalo Chicken sandwich I had for lunch! Pray for wisdom and clarity.

One of the great side notes on this potential move is that several in our city have expressed a great, great concern with our potential move. They fear that we will leave - not be a presence in the city-center. They are trying to help us find a location that will keep us right in the middle of things. It is rare that a church have such favor from non-church people.

The adventure continues!

New City in Georgia Trend Magazine

Ed Lightsey wrote an article for Georgia Trend Magazine entitled Big Developments in Central Georgia. I remember talking to Ed about the article by phone, but was shocked today to stumble across the article which includes New City Church. New City is included in an article filled with quotes and mentions of Macon's "Who's Who." Crazy - cool. Following is a portion of the article and link to the entire article.

"NewTown Macon leaders have set a goal of raising $21 million in public and private funds to improve infrastructure, restore building façades and add 60 new businesses and 1,000 new residents to downtown over the next five years. As 2009 began, NewTown had received commitments and pledges totaling 60 percent of the $21 million goal.

The concept of renewal, long a staple in Sunday sermons, is a part of the message Keith Watson delivers to his flock at the Baptist-affiliated New City Church housed in downtown Macon’s old Capitol Theater. “What I tell people is that we are a downtown church and downtown needs us,” says Watson, a Macon native. “We want to see the city thrive. I encourage people who are going to go out and eat to drive the extra 10 minutes and come downtown and invest in the city God has put our church in.”

Meanwhile, Macon Mayor Robert Reichert is looking at another rehab project in a declining area known for years as the Downtown Industrial Park. Structures in the area, located just behind Macon’s historic train station, are more than a century old."

Read the entire article HERE.

The Old Made New - Re-birth of the Rookery

The Rookery was one of the best hang outs in downtown Macon for many years - it was a great place to grab one of Macon's best burgers, a cold drink and enjoy the company of friends. When I made the move to 567 Cherry Street as my office I was thrilled to be a neighbor of the Rookery - I looked forward to eating a Rookery burger and hanging out... but honestly was pretty disappointed when I did. I tried several times to enjoy the place, but just didn't. It was sad.

Apparently I wasn't alone. There were others who wanted to see the Rookery return to its place of fame. The place was recently sold and the new owners have done a complete make over! The old Rookery has been made new! The inside was cleaned and repainted, there has been some minor remodeling, and the outside has been completely changed! Not only that, but the menu has changed as well. Everyone I have talked to raves about the new menu, the new vibe, and the Re-birth of one of Macon's best old hang outs. So - if you are in town for lunch - or dinner - or after dinner, stop by and check out the Rookery.

AND - New City folks - they open at noon on Sunday - so drop in for a great lunch after our gathering this week!

Amy's Perspective on our Crazy Life

From Amy's Blog

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009

okay...update on this never dull household. Did I mention that I visited the ER about 2 weeks ago on a Sunday morning for a VERY swollen lip and a staph infection...got a tetanus shot, 2 antibiotics and some pain med. before that...

I think I mentioned Robby hurt his ankle (possible growth plate fracture) in the fracture boot for 2 weeks, and now he is in an ankle brace and back to playing football with a limp. ahem..

Well, on Friday the boys went to ride dirtbikes and I am at home ALONE with a sleeping baby and I check facebook and find a picture of my hubby's face a little scratched up and bloody. He said something like " nothing broke, shoulder hurt, so they return home after loading the bikes and he cannot raise his arm at all. So, I talked him into letting me take him to the ortho urgent care and he is scheduled for an MRI day after tomorrow. He doesn't have anything broken and this is the same shoulder that he had surgery on when we lived in Eastman. So, they think it may berotator cuff or some tendon tear. we will see...

Then I went to pick up Ivey from her trainers barn and the horse had stepped on her foot and it is swollen, black, purple and a nice shade of blue. Ouch!

Saturday we loaded up early and left at 6am for a horse show in Tyrone GA. Ivey took a spill when Cassie refused a jump during thewarmup, she was okay except for a scraped elbow and a stomach filled with nervous butterflies. She returned to the class for the competition and ended up with a 3rd and 5th place. It was not the best show she has had, but she learned to persevere and hang in there...give it a try and be okay with the outcome. I love her trainer and how she handles Ivey, she was so encouraging after the fall and the difficult times during the jumping class. God is good and after a bad start, she was surprised to hear her name called out for 3rd place! You should have seen the smile on her face, it was beautiful!

We returned home exhausted about 9pm, soaking wet from the rain that held off until we started unloading horses and all of the tack.

Robby did play in his game Sat., but not as hard as he would have liked, since he hobbled around most of the time. They did get a win and so he was thrilled. Keith was hurting pretty bad after coaching the game and taking care of the boys...or they had to take care of him I think...Elijah helped put on deoderant and socks! LOL

Well, that's about the extent of our excitement. And dont even ask if Keith Watson is giving up riding his dirtbike, cause that ain't happenin'! he has TOO much fun on it when he doesn't get hurt. crazy boys...I guess we all just play too hard around here!

MOVE - New Sermon Series on Mission and Vision

Yesterday was a good day at New City - we kicked off a 5 week series on our mission and vision.

I love talking about the mission and vision - better - I love hearing people who get it!

From those leading our 2 MCs that met yesterday it seems that some people are getting it... but not just getting the mission and vision in theory - getting it in reality - getting it as the call of their lives, not as words on paper!

AND getting that the mission flows not from church leadership but from God's great mission of redemption and restoration!

AND getting the truth that our participation in that mission is not programatic but flows from our worship - daily worship. Discussion seems to have been great in those MCs as they searched honestly for the idols of their own lives - idols that take God's place as the daily center of life - kids, job, $, sex, alcohol, drugs...

MOVE - it is our great desire to see the people of New City MOVE toward seeing the gospel transform everything within our reach - ourselves, our church, our city and the world! How will we best see that? As a worshipping community of missional theologians!

Is Your Neighborhood 'Safe?'

Downtown Macon has the perception of being a dangerous place. When we started New City Church we heard this from family, friends, and some who wouldn't even visit us on a Sunday morning. The 11th Hour has a great article on crime in Macon and the statistics may surprise some of our safe suburban readers.

The fact is, downtown Macon is getting a bad rap when, according to MPD Sgt. Melanie Hofmann, downtown Macon has one of the lowest incidences of crime. “Downtown is actually one of the safest areas in Macon,” Sgt. Hofmann said.

Type of Crime	East Macon	South Macon	West Macon	North Macon
Homicide	2	3	2	2
Rape	7	2	4	4
All robberies	60	38	1	52
Assualt/Agg.	53	46	70	54
Arson	11	13	48	16
All Burglary	180	154	9	371
All Larceny	656	446	277	744
Auto Theft	70	67	869	130

Lost Aim

After receiving an e-mail from Tyler Powell with Acts 29 asking for assessment help from existing Southeastern Acts 29 churches, I registered for the Houston boot camp. The truth is I didn't want to go. Life has been CRAZY busy lately and there has seemed to be no end to the madness in sight. One positive was that I would be traveling with Alex Early from Four Corners Church in Newnan - I have been talking with/coaching Alex for more than a year.

One morning while we were in Houston Alex began talking to me about a verse that was part of his reading that morning in 2 Timothy: 3¹⁰^{R)" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">}

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness...

I don't remember what Alex said, but at least part of it was centered on Paul's AIM. Paul had passed on his aim in life to Timothy, his student and now it was time for Timothy to continue the aim that Paul had started.

That began churning in my head. In all of the chaos of planting New City Church, organizing and structuring the church on top of growing involvement in downtown Macon, dealing with issues related to our city, involvement with the 567... I find that I have lost my aim.

I have been very busy with good stuff - but some of that good stuff may lead me away from the best stuff - the aim.

So it is time to REfocus. To come back to the aim. To not lose sight of the best as I am caught up in the many good things.

I feel like I am coming into a familiar but dimly lit room from a bright sunny day - not yet focused on the familiar room - but straining to regain that focus.

File that under random and personal. But know - sometimes good things can take you away from the best things - what aim are you being distracted from?