Adventures in Living: by Jason Salamun

Several months ago I was on the verge of tapping out on church planting.

This has been my dream and my passion and I was on the edge of ending it.

Between the consumer Christians and their “What can this church do for me?” mentality to the critics from other churches and their gossip and biting words to the discouragement that comes with disappointments and let downs to the physical smackdown I was experiencing as the left side of my upper body progressively lost feeling and led to atrophy. (Note: my recent surgery corrected this)

These factors and more had me clinched in a triangle choke hold.

One evening was particularly bad. At the end of December, I invited a number of people from our community to my home to dream and pray about the upcoming year.  My hopes were high but it turned out to be a disaster.

As people showed up, I got violently ill yet still tried to power through a discussion about where we’ve been and where we’re going.  Frankly, I was in no shape to lead that discussion and it quickly turned tense as heads butted, feelings were hurt, and eventually, I had to cut our time short because of my condition.  People quickly left (because it’s awkward when your host is hurling loudly in the toilet) and I was sitting on the bathroom floor sick, sad, and in tears.

I was at the end of myself.

For the first time since we began this journey, I entertained the thought of calling it quits.

It’s in moments like this where scripture such as, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” become more real than ever.

Sometimes being at the end of yourself isn’t such a bad place to be.

This is what God has been teaching me in the past few months.

Soon after, my wife and I decided to have a date night at Borders where we enjoyed a drink, a book, and sat and read together.  I grabbed a book titled, “Leading on Empty” by Wayne Cordeiro. I devoured it in one sitting.   In the book, Cordeiro shares stories of his struggles and some tips and habits he’s learned along the way.  This book prompted me to make a few changes to increase margin in my life and enlarge my capacity to serve my church.

In February, I went on a planned two-week tour to Washington DC, Atlanta, GA, and Knoxville, TN for conferences, connections, and to speak.  During this time, God used several people to speak into my life. From Dallas Willard’s reminder that, “God is in charge of the outcomes” to Rick Warren’s advice over lunch on how to handle criticism to the encouragement I received at KnoxLife Church, all of it added fuel to my dwindling spark.

Not to mention conversations with many, many friends along the way and reading Donald Miller’s book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” at just the right time.

Ultimately, it was time spent alone with God that prevented me from tapping out and gave me the strength to counter the choke hold I was in.  I began to see four clear reasons to not give up:

Jesus
While praying in the garden before his arrest, Jesus was as close as he had ever been to rock bottom.  So much so he was sweating blood and asking God if it was possible to “let this cup pass” from him. Yet he pressed on knowing it was God’s will. “He who knew no sin, became sin, so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God.”  Jesus never gave up!  Because he never gave up for me, how could I give up on him?

Calling
I wrestled for several years on my calling to start a church and many times, it’s the only thing that has kept me going. If I was not called, I would have tapped out long ago.  But when you’re called, you press on because you must.  When you’re called, you will do whatever it takes because it’s worth it. The fact is, to not start and lead this church would be disobedient and I can’t live with that. I love that God called me to this!

Friends
I am incredibly blessed to have wonderful friends both near and far.  I often say that our church is where strangers becomes friends and friends become family.  I’m so thankful I’m not some lonely pastor somewhere who has no genuine friendships.  I have that and more.  I have a family.

I’ve made it my goal, my project, to join God in his mission in this world and there are incredible people who are on this journey with me. We spur one another on and make sure we fix our eyes on what matters most. So to my friends at Project Church, thank you and I love you. To my friends around the world who are a source of prayer, encouragement and wisdom, thank you and I love you.

Fruit
Finally, I could not tap out because of what God is doing in and through us.  Too many people have experienced the grace of God through Project Church.  Too many people have taken their first and next steps in following Jesus because of our start-up church. Too many people are a part of genuine community because of what we’re doing. Marriages have been restored, broken hearts are being put back together, complacent lives are being put in motion, Jesus is being made much of, and the enslaved are finding freedom.  When I take a step back and see what God is doing, I’m in awe.  He is renewing all things and letting us be a part of that.  How cool is that? And we’re just getting started.

Why am I sharing this?

Not so you will feel sorry for me. As you can see, I’m blessed beyond measure.

But somewhere, someone is wanting to give up.  On their marriage, their dream, their lives. I believe God has led you to this blog post to tell you, “Don’t Give Up!”

Things are terribly hard but don’t give up!
The mountain looks too big but don’t give up!
You’ve got nothing left to give but don’t give up!

God doesn’t always get us around these times but he has promised to see us through them. It’s by going through these times we become more like him and more like the us we always wanted to be.

Don’t give up my friend.

And should you ever feel like giving up, go here for the inspiration to press on.

World-renowned theologian J.I. Packer gives his brilliant take on hell.

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” - John 20:24-29

This passage is infamous for revealing Thomas’ turn from doubt to belief.

However, there’s another implication that’s just as significant.

Hidden within this narrative is a profound nugget of truth, that if comprehended, could change the way we think about suffering.

The scene is of a post-crucified, risen Jesus who has returned in his glorified body but it contains something peculiar:

Scars.

This is a mind-blowing notion to entertain in our imaginations.

The victorious Messiah, Jesus, came back with a scar!

What?

Huh?

So?

Jesus was an opened wound on the cross.

He then died and was buried in a tomb.

Three days later, the tomb couldn’t contain him.

He rose again.

Jesus was a healed scar upon his return.

We all have scars, seen and unseen.

Often, we’re ashamed of them and feel disfigured because of them.

But here’s the profound truth:

There’s a big difference between a wound and a scar.

Wounds need healing.

Scars reveal healing.

There was nothing wrong with Jesus’ resurrected body.

Yet he left the scar.

I believe Jesus intentionally left the mark (scar) for our benefit.

His scar was a storybook of his pain…and his healing.

The same is true of us.

Our scars aren’t tales of tragedy; they are tales of triumph.

Because something has been healed.

So don’t waste your scars.

Embrace them.

And when you come across someone who has the wound you once had, show them your scar, and tell your story.

That might be just the thing they need in their story of healing.

Hello Everyone!

Tomorrow morning (3/22), I am going under the knife to repair my neck.

In case you don’t know, I have a ruptured disc in my neck that’s compressing the nerve that goes to my left shoulder, arm, and hands. The surgery will remove the disc between my c6 & c7 vertebrae, fuse them together, and insert metal plates. This procedure is quite common and my surgeon has a stellar reputation. So I’m anticipating this will help me get back into the groove.

I would be so grateful for your prayers. For healing for sure and also for peace for the anxiety that sometimes slips through the back door of my mind. (I wrote about it a bit here).

Thank you so much!

Here’s hoping to a better me.

One thing that would benefit us all is to discover what we’re good at and what we’re not.  From there, we can find out what types of jobs fit us, what kind of team to surround ourselves with, and become more effective overall.

Too often, people see their weaknesses and spend their time developing them to the point of mediocrity. This is often done at the expense of our strengths.  The truth is, it’s your strengths that have to most room for growth.

The StrengthsFinder assessment by the Gallup’s organization is a helpful tool that allows you to discover your strengths and show you where to focus your personal development.

I recently took the assessment and the results revealed my top 5 are Activator, Belief, Relator, Ideation, & Maximizer (descriptions below).  They weren’t surprising and they reinforced what I’ve always known my sweet spot was.

Activator
People who are especially talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They are often impatient.

Driven by your talents, you may influence some of your friends to make things happen quickly. Sometimes you create enthusiasm in others by championing a particular project, rule, process, activity, or idea. Because of your strengths, you are comfortable telling others stories about your personal habits, qualities, experiences, or background. Your forthcoming nature probably enables others to share their thoughts and feelings with you. By nature, you now and then boost some people’s spirits by bringing up a key point they shared with you. Perhaps you sense that certain individuals feel a bit more special when you listen to them and spotlight something they said. It’s very likely that you generate enthusiasm so people become as eager as you are to transform an idea into something tangible. You are energized, not paralyzed, by opportunities and possibilities. Instinctively, you may show your approval of an individual by referring to some interesting points the person made during a conversation or presentation. Sometimes you convince people you value them by paying particularly close attention when they speak.

Belief
People who are especially talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.

Driven by your talents, you feel better about yourself when you are honest and forthright with people. Telling untruths and omitting important facts violates your personal code of ethics. By nature, you might place particular value on the purpose and meaning you draw from your core values. Perhaps you aim to provide for your family’s physical, educational, emotional, or social needs. This partially explains why you work hard to ensure that their quality of life is as good as it can be. Instinctively, you are naturally compelled to admit the truth. If someone asked you or told you to intentionally mislead someone, you would reply, “I cannot and I will not do that!” Because of your strengths, you want your life to really matter. You are determined to contribute to the well-being of individuals and the human family. You sense you can be an influence for good in the world. Chances are good that you are cheerful and upbeat when people accept the fact that you feel strongly about matters that could alter the quality of your life.

Relator
People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

Because of your strengths, you embrace life more fully when you are surrounded by people whose personal aims or professional ambitions are clearly defined. Instinctively, you might be particularly willing to accept all individuals regardless of their appearance, education, social class, native language, religious preference, or political persuasion. Perhaps this explains why your circle of friends or acquaintances is diverse and interesting. Maybe your openness encourages individuals to seek your counsel. By nature, you realize life is good after you have shared your knowledge and skills with novice players, students, teammates, or associates. You probably are most gratified by individuals who want to improve personally or professionally. Driven by your talents, you fill your mind with new ideas by asking questions, reading, studying, observing, or listening. Normally, you accumulate facts, data, stories, examples, or background information from the people you meet. Determining what they want to accomplish in the coming weeks, months, or years generally satisfies your curiosity. These insights also allow you to understand why individuals behave they way they do in different situations. It’s very likely that you sometimes congratulate yourself for being a good counselor. Certain people may keep coming back to you for words of wisdom. Others might seek your recommendations about how to handle problems or take advantage of opportunities.

Ideation
People who are especially talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.

Chances are good that you may be delighted when you can generate new and innovative ideas for doing certain tasks or projects. Perhaps you lose enthusiasm or become bored when you are forced to follow standard operating procedures. Periodically you wonder if you are in the right job or course of study when your creativity is stifled. Maybe you are frustrated by people who conclude that your inventive suggestions are forms of criticism or insubordination — that is, refusal to submit to authority. It’s very likely that you contribute many innovative ideas to the group during brainstorming sessions. You tend to be highly imaginative when proposals are fully heard and any criticism is reserved for a later time. Driven by your talents, you enjoy being well-read. Not surprisingly, you can introduce more questions, suggestions, solutions, or innovative ideas into group conversations than most participants can. Instinctively, you bring new thoughts to most discussions and meetings. Your reputation for innovative thinking explains why you are recruited by groups. You derive satisfaction from mental activity. You recognize when you are especially creative. Because of your strengths, you probably consider yourself an idea person. Your job, studies, or life in general are more exciting when people ask you to generate novel assignments, activities, or campaigns.

Maximizer
People who are especially talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.

Instinctively, you might give yourself credit for being keenly aware of certain people’s moods, motives, thoughts, or behaviors. Because of your strengths, you may recognize your ability to involve different sorts of individuals in your life. Some people might recall that you were the first person to welcome them with open arms, an open heart, or an open mind. Chances are good that you frequently notice what makes each person unique or special. Armed with these insights, you probably inspire many individuals to move into action. You realize life is more fulfilling for people who choose tasks and are given assignments that closely match their talents. You often notice the different moods, need for information, or preferred forms of recognition for the people in your life. It’s very likely that you sometimes improve your results or add to your list of accomplishments by consciously using your talents. Perhaps you are more efficient or effective when you practice doing better what you naturally do well. By nature, you may choose to partner with individuals who recognize what you do well and acknowledge areas in which you excel. Perhaps you appreciate their willingness to provide you with opportunities to practice using your natural abilities. To some degree, you accept the need to build upon your raw talents to create true strengths.

Have you ever taken it the StrengthsFinder assessment?

If so, what were your top 5?

Imagine if we could truly comprehend the magnificence of these words.

Colossians 1:15-20

(ESV)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

(The Message)

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

I can’t wait to explore this marvelous passage with my friends at Project Church on Easter Sunday!

It’s often said that the family is the basic unit of society.

Did you know it’s also the basic unit of the church?

It’s true.

Every family is a congregation and parents are the pastors.

In fact, to lead a church, one must be able lead their family well.

I don’t know about you, but as a parent, that’s quite the responsibility.

The question is, how well are we shepherding (pastoring) our family?

We parents have the tremendous opportunity to shape our families.

We can be an internally-focused family that seeks the well-being of us…

Or we can be an externally-focused family that seeks the well-being of others.

Which best describes your family?

If we’re honest, most of us tend to be the first.

Every family has issues from time to time.

Okay, some more than others.

But if you want to improve the story of your family, consider improving the stories of others…together.

You’ll be amazed at what it does for your family.

Your problems won’t disappear, but your family will grow.

According to the United Way, families who serve together experience the following benefits:

• Awareness of social issues and a new perspective on the world
• A way to pass on family values to the children
• Discovery and development of knowledge, skills, and talents
• Quality time for the family to spend together
• Increase in interpersonal communication and the problem-solving abilities of family members
• A habit of service that will be passed on to the next generation

Communities are best formed around a common cause.

So are missional families.

Missional families are also driven by the gospel.

When the gospel has so entrenched the heart of your family, you can’t help but be good news to this world.

For my family, our mission was to begin a church who joined God in his mission in the world.

But we won’t be a missional church unless the the families are missional families made up of missional people.

Likewise, the church known as your family won’t be missional unless you are.

You, the parent, need to lead the way.

Show your family a better story.

Invite your family into a better story.

As a whole, this generation of children care more about social injustices than any other in recent history.

What a prime opportunity!

Discover where their passions are and roll with it.

Do something.

Why?

Because God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…

If God loved the world that much, so should we.

All while loving one another.

All because of Jesus.

Imagine if this was what your family was like.

I thought I’d share this message of encouragement that my Facebook friend Tasiyagnunpa Livermont wrote me recently. If you’re going through a valley, perhaps her words will encourage you as well.

“Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from suffering…in fact Jesus said we’d suffer as He suffered.

Paul had to deal with an eye disease when visiting one of the churches in the midst of trying to preach there, nevermind all the beatins and stonings…and it can be a faith test that even in the midst of serving Him, we get sick or something happens…can we trust Him to still love us and stand with us during these valleys…to turn everything to the good of those who trust in Him? I live to give Him glory…but when I can’t do works…do I still trust He’s with me?

The Word says NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. I may pray for healing and miracles…but the true miracle is clinging to Jesus so tightly that we can get through these things without bitterness and with new lessons that we couldn’t have seen otherwise. Praying for you and your family. (His will is to heal us…but sometimes the healing comes in ways we wouldn’t expect…Jesus is Redemption…and can turn whatever the world throws at us into something amazing.) Jesus rocks like that.

I know I’m preaching to the choir so to speak, but just wanted to encourage you. Jesus never wastes our pain.”

Not too long ago, I preached on fear and anxiety.

Weeks later, I was full of fear and anxiety.

As the neurologist looked at my MRI, he saw the problem.

“Looks like you’ve got a ruptured disc between your c6 and c7 vertebrae in your neck that’s hitting a nerve.”

He then went on to tell me,

“What we’re going to do is make an incision in your throat, take out the disc, fuse the two vertebrae together, and screw in some metal plates.”

He then began to talk about the risks and the slight potential of being paralyzed from the neck down.

This wasn’t exactly great news, but it was what he said next that caught me off-guard.

He began discussing the greater chance that I could experience the loss of my voice because of the procedure.

It could be permanent, it could be long-term, it could return raspy, or most likely, once the swelling dies down, it could return to normal.

Not what you want to hear when your voice is your livelihood.

Now, I could lie, act all super spiritual, and tell you that I immediately trusted God and left the neurologists’ office without a care in the world.

But the truth is, I walked to my car, closed the door, laid my head on the steering wheel, and wept.

I was afraid.

The idea of losing my voice felt like losing a friend.

It hurt.

I’m sure you, a reasonable reader, can probably determine that the odds of losing my voice is quite small, yet that’s the very thing I chose to focus on.

Worrying has a way of turning a pebble into Pikes Peak.

Not in reality, but in our minds.

And that’s what was happening to me.

Most of my hopes and dreams involve my ability to speak.

So I prayed.

I prayed that God would let me keep my voice.

As I prayed, the thought occurred to me, “What if God doesn’t want me to have a voice?”

Perhaps He doesn’t?

Perhaps He does?

Then a bigger question popped into my mind, or rather, my heart:

“Do you trust me?”

That’s the real question I’ve been wrestling with.

I know the right answer…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6)

…and I’m learning to live in light of it.

In a couple of weeks, I’ll go in for the neck fusion surgery.

I’m ready to have this great pain in my neck, shoulders, and back removed.

I’m looking forward to the numbness in my left arm to be gone and to feel my fingers again.

And I’m hoping my voice returns.

Who knows, it might even be smoother and sexier than ever.

But the greater surgery is what’s happening in my heart.

God taking his rightful place.

My hopes resting in my Great Hope.

Not in my voice or anything else.

Just him.

I know He loves me.

I know He’s mighty.

I know He’s in control.

It’s time to live like I do.

One of my favorite musical artists is Leonard Cohen.

He wrote a song titled, “If It Be Your Will” (Listen)

I’ve always loved it, and in this moment of my life, it’s taken on a deeper meaning.

Perhaps it will resonate with you as well.

‘If It Be Your Will” by Leonard Cohen

If it be your will
That I speak no more
And my voice be still
As it was before

I will speak no more
I shall abide until
I am spoken for
If it be your will

If it be your will
That a voice be true
From this broken hill
I will sing to you

From this broken hill
All your praises they shall ring
If it be your will
To let me sing

From this broken hill
All your praises they shall ring
If it be your will
To let me sing

If it be your will
If there is a choice
Let the rivers fill
Let the hills rejoice

Let your mercy spill
On all these burning hearts in hell
If it be your will
To make us well

And draw us near
And bind us tight
All your children here
In their rags of light

In our rags of light
All dressed to kill
And end this night
If it be your will

If it be your will

Amen

Hugh Halter, author of The Tangible Kingdom (along with Matt Smay) posted this video for their upcoming book, AND: The Gathered and Scattered Church.

If it’s anything like The Tangible Kingdom, it’s a must read. Check out this clip.