We’re all here looking for something. People live in suburbia for any number of reasons. We may have come here because of a job change for for a relationship. We come in search of affordable housing, good schools or safe communities.

Hsu argues that suburbia embodies the quest for an “ideal life” and that:

Whenever people describe suburbia, invariably they use phrases like ‘a good place to raise kids’ or ‘where people settle down and start a family.’ Inherent in these comments is an aspiration of hope for their future and a dream of a good life for their children. In other words, suburbia is the context and the settign for the fulfillment of people’s hopes and dreams.

The suburbs are the embodiment of much of the “American dream.” Single family homes surrounded by parks, schools and endless choices for consumerism (even if these choices are actually quite sterile because they are nothing more than chain stores and restaurants therefore nearly every suburb, no matter where you are, feels a bit the same).

The ideal accompaniment to suburban living seems to be the shopping mall. A collection of consumerism under one giant air-conditioned roof surrounded by fast food. So you can exercise walking around the mall, pick up the newest Tommy Hilfiger duds and wash it down with an Orange Julius, all within a comfortable driving distance from your McMansion. And yet, what, on the surface seems to be a myriad of choices is really not all that wide. After all, nearly every suburb and nearly every mall is populated by the same products. So the “dream” of the fulfilled life in the suburbs often amounts to little more than being made a clone in the consumer army.

The ideal accompaniment to the suburban shopping mall seems to be the (typical) megachurch. A collection of “family friendly” programs under one giant air-conditioned roof surrounded by fast-food preaching. Granted, I am painted with very b r o a d strokes here, but stereotypes often have at least a kernel of truth and many, if not most large churches are large because they tickle people’s ears while appealing to the inborn (or is that inbred) “American” consumer in each of us.

It is not far too common to find churches with their own bowling alleys, roller-skating rinks (it’s retro now, you know), soccer teams and program after program to attract people, all the while, giving them the illusion of choice and even fulfillment. But we all know from experience that consumerism is quite shallow. We thrive on the desire for the next big purchase (or program) and when we have it, we want the next one, and on it goes.

How then, does one effectively glorify God and create disciples of Jesus Christ in the suburbs? By their very nature, these areas which often pride themselves on being “family friendly,” create an overwhelming amount of isolation. There are no longer city centers, homes no longer have front porches, closed garages are now the most prominent feature of most homes, nestled nicely next to (closed) designer blinds. All the while, we have a myriad of choices, as long as it fits with the prescribed HOA guidelines and color schemes and we become slaves to our commute because our mortgage just went up. In other words, the dream of “fulfillment” is quite shallow. The dream of the suburban dream is a mirage.

I wonder how many suburban churches actually preach and live the liberating power of the Gospel?! Suburbs are indeed a mission-field. More Americans now live in suburbs than in urban and rural areas combined, but I wonder if it might also be said that American suburbs contain some of the largest and yet weakest churches anywhere in the world? How can this be? Because we have come to import and practice consumerism into every area of life and churches have been all too willing to capitulate.

What if a church bucked this trend? Not just to be contrarian but Gospel-saturated, Christ-glorifying? What if a church did not offer tennis courts but the Word preached and opportunities for discipleship and growth? What if people marinated in such an environment until they understood that the water cooler is the new version of the town well and God prepares divine appointments, even there? What if people saw their “work” as ministry and their possessions as tools?

Please join me in praying that Church of the Cross might have just such an impact. Please pray that we would have the wisdom and discernment, humility and boldness to preach the Gospel in the midst of a consumer-centered suburban environment.

• Read The Suburban Christian: Finding Spiritual Vitality In The Land of Plenty by Albert Hsu
• Read Death By Suburb: How To Keep The Suburbs From Killing Your Soul by Dave L. Goetz
• Read Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger

You don’t have to name names, but would you say that your church has a clear, straightforward, unified process of making disciples (i.e., moving people through various stages of spiritual growth?)? If you attend a church with A LOT of programs, as I know some of you do, how many of those programs are essential and are the existing programs unified? Would you be upset if some programs were cut with the understanding that leadership is doing so with the hopes of becoming more effective?

So many questions swirling around in my mind about how to implement some of these things, so I thought, today I’d just open it up for discussion. What do you think? What have you seen? What has impressed you? What has not? Do churches need to simplify? If so, how? What does this mean for a brand new church (besides focus and being willing to say no to some ideas that might be good but not essential)?

• Read Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer
• Read Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process For Making Disciples by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger
• Read Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century by Aubrey Malphurs
• Read 44 Questions for Church Planters by Lyle E. Schaller

This has often created an internal tension of sorts. Once I came to grips with the “call to ministry,” my wife and I spent three years in Louisville, KY at “the” Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Though I had a terrific seminary experience, it often came with “Southern Baptist” trappings I didn’t necessarily sign up for. I was often presented with ideals of what a minister should look like that I didn’t necessarily feel I felt.

This experience created in me a running inner dialogue of trying to understand exactly what Paul meant when he said that he had become “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Is it possible to truly be yourself, understanding that nearly everyone has a different expectation and presupposition of what a pastor should be?

The pastors I’ve often found to be most effective have also been the most authentic. What I mean by that is that there is no aura about them of trying to fit an image or be someone they are not. Yet, it seems that churches are often not interested in “authenticity,” but a fixed image of what a “pastor should be.” Or, on the other end of the extreme, “authenticity” trumps accountability and we have “pastors” flaunting their liberty and “individuality” to the detriment of others. Surely there must be a balance!

The reality is that established churches often have a pre-formed mold into which they expect new pastoral candidates to fit. If they don’t, it’s sometimes viewed as a question of maturity when it should be viewed as an issue of personal (even if its corporate) preference. In opposition to this, some young men have opted to plant churches, so that they could “be themselves” without any preconceptions. But churches should rarely if ever be planted out of opposition to something (so please hold me accountable if you sense this spirit in me).

I once heard a pastor urging young(er) pastors to seek to be a sanctified version of themselves rather than a watered-down version of someone or something (including just an image) else. Indeed, this is a balance not easy to achieve. The issue seems to be one of understanding the culture into which you have been called to minister, honoring the Gospel, and when acceptable, that culture’s expectations and understanding when (and asking forgiveness) for when you might infringe upon another’s conscience. Pastors of all people should strive to consider others as more significant than themselves (Philippians 2:1-3).

It would be both naive and foolish of me to believe that I could find this balance between authenticity and accessibility by myself. Left to myself, I will always defer to my own personal preferences. That is why it is utterly important to stop and listen and to be willing to understand and bridge gaps that might otherwise be present. For example, left to myself, I have no interest in sports. But if I am going to strive to be “all things to all people,” it seems to me that I should at least seek to be conversational in a topic that otherwise wouldn’t interest me. After all, this does not negate or diminish my own interests or personality, but it it is a practical way that I can be all things to people whose interests might not otherwise interest me.

It doesn’t seem to me that this means that I need to import the conscience-levels of others, but that I do need to learn to be discerning and respect these issues when possible, all the while using them as teaching opportunities, pointing to the truly radically freeing nature of the Gospel (though not to licentiousness). Complicated issues indeed. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

• Read Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
• Read Confessions of a Reformission Rev. by Mark Driscoll
• Read Brothers, We Are Not Professionals by John Piper
• Read Al Mohler’s piece “Has God Called You? Discerning The Call To Preach”

It interests me to know end that people think this habit of mine odd, even “dorky” as I have recently been told. What this really tells me is that it is not what the “average” person does. Now please don’t get me wrong, by that statement I am not in the slightest claiming to be “above average” in any way, shape or form. Instead, what I am saying is that many people find my choice of socks odd to say the least.

I find this odd. Why not wear socks that, at least to a small degree, compliment (or is that complement) the rest of your outfit? After all, we wear clothes, not just to cover our nakedness, but to be noticed, right? When we’re completely honest, we must admit that even our most “tasteful” clothing is designed to draw attention. Even “understated” outfits are still making a statement. They’re just making it a bit quieter. But it’s still loud and clear.

Some of you will certainly cry foul here and say that I am making a mountain out of a molehill here. You are certainly entitled to your opinion (even though you’re wrong). However, I think the real issue here is that we are often made uncomfortable by people who do not find their approval in other people. Again, just for clarification’s sake, I’m not really putting myself in that category, just noting that such category exists. Every once in a while, we meet people who are so unmoved by peer pressure that it creates in us a disquiet; an uneasiness. Who knew Argyle socks with shorts could create such meditations, right?

The comments I get when I wear Argyle socks with shorts (and believe me, I do get comments) remind me that it is not ultimately man that I am to fear. As Jesus Himself reminds me (and you) in Matthew 10:28, I should not “not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

If i seems that my sock choice makes people sometimes uncomfortable, I wonder if its not because those people would never wear such a fashion choice. This, of course, leads me to wonder why they would not wear such a thing. It is certainly possible that my choices are simply universal bad taste, but is it not also possible that my socks reveal a weakness of soul in others? Is it not possible that my choice of socks reminds people that our ultimate judge is not man but God?

Then again there’s the possibility that I’m just looking to defend my socks.

Read When People Are Big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch

It was not a large venue, nor was it terribly crowded. But there were enough people there that my “parent senses” kicked in and I kept a close watch on the boys, while letting them wander a bit, especially Miles, our oldest. Though we gave him some freedom to make his way all the way up to the stage and go sit down by himself, I had a close watch on him the entire time. I tracked his every move, making sure he was safe, didn’t have go to the bathroom, all those types of things. In short, I was watching out for him.

It was interesting to watch because, though he did wander a bit, once in a while, I would catch him peeking back to where Kristi and I were standing, just to get his bearings and make sure he was still being watched. As long as he could see us, he had a sense of security to expand his horizons a bit. Once, I even caught him walking backwards a bit, around some people to catch a glimpse of us.

All the while, we had the three youngest right by us. Owen, our second son actually sat down at my feet next to Eli, our youngest. But Owen sat quite close, somethings actually sitting on my foot, just at the tip, so that he could feel it and know that it was there, sometimes putting his hand on the top of my foot as he leaned back. Carson, our third boy, would sometimes stand and look around a bit, but after a bit of this, he would look up and simply raise his arms. He didn’t have to ask, and I probably could not have heard him above the music. It was simply understood; he had no questions: I would pick him up and hold him close.

Having children is one of the most sanctifying things that has ever happened to me. I am continually amazed at how simple things like that concert expand my view and deepen my understanding of God’s love. Sometimes I wander a bit, but I can only do so because I know that He is watching over me. He is my refuge and strength, a very present help (Psalm 46:1). Other times, I just need to be still knowing that He is near (Psalm 46:10). There is nowhere for me to go, I need to feel His presence. And still other times, I simply need to be held near, I need the safety of the strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) knowing that no one can snatch me from the hand (John 10:28) of my Abba Father (Romans 8:15).

• Visit the official Ever Stays Red website
• Read Knowing God by J.I. Packer
• Read The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson

Sadly, many churches have this exact same mindset and it doesn’t take many steps down the church planting path to be made aware of this. Many churches become just as territorial as gangs and armies. The idea of a church plant becomes anathema because the new church will, by default infringe on another church’s “territory.” Unless you’re planting in the wilds of Alaska, chances are that you will be somewhat near another church. Your very presence will challenge existing churches in the area to question whether they are about territory or the Kingdom of God.

One of the points that Ed Stetzer makes in his book Planting Missional Churches is that church planting helps to encourage kingdom-mindedness in other local churches. Research repeatedly shows that new churches are the best way to reach communities and more specifically, the unchurched. If this is true, established churches should welcome and even encourage new churches, even with the understanding that with the establishment of a new church, established churches might lose a few members.

Established churches are immediately faced with the pressing question of whether they will be about territory or the kingdom. Are we willing to lose a few members that the Kingdom may gain or will we choose to protect our territory, our turf, our claim on the land?

Now, I’m not necessarily suggesting that you go plant a church right next door to an existing church and cry “Kingdom!”But I am humbly suggesting that existing churches re-examine their emphasis. The perfect test is to ask what your reaction would be if you heard that a new church was being planted in the same city. Is your reaction one of excitement or resentment? That simple test reveals quite a bit.

All of this, of course, plays into the fact that churches have bought into the “business” mindset and model. We have come to believe that the only gauges of success or failure are numbers. If more people are present, we are doing something right. If we lose people, something is wrong and if they go to another church, that’s just competition! But kingdom life is not about a “fair market” and it is not about competition but cooperation for the Kingdom. The question is rarely one of what is best for the kingdom but what is best for our individual church.

I wish that I could say this was all hypothetical but as you can imagine, we’ve already experienced frowns and suspicious questions when people find out we’ve moved to the area to plant a new church. What a reminder and challenge to be more about the kingdom than territory. I pray that this lesson is not soon forgotten.

• Read Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer
• Read Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process For Making Disciples by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger
• Read Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century by Aubrey Malphurs
• Read 44 Questions for Church Planters by Lyle E. Schaller

Leaving everything and everyone you thought was “comfortable” (even if not always easy), for unknown people and places is, admittedly a bit disconcerting. I suppose knowing that we’re going back to family and some familiar surroundings ought to make it easier, but I still can’t help but think of God’s initial call to Abram, soon to be Abraham in Genesis 12:1:

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not comparing my situation to Abram’s, it simply gives me moment to pause. We often speak of “stepping out in faith,” without often really considering what that phrase means. Far too often, I’ve seen this sentiment used to defend what we might otherwise simply label as bad decisions: quitting a job at an inopportune time, purchasing something there’s no money for, etc. As you can imagine, our situation has been one of intense and immense prayer and seeking counsel.

How do we know when we’re “stepping out in faith” or being foolish? It doesn’t take long to realize that, from the average viewpoint, our decision to leave a great church family to begin a brand new church in Arizona, to leave regular provision for none, is a rather foolish decision. So why did we do it? One of the problems in discerning situations like these is that, at some point, on some level, the decision reached is somewhat subjective.

Of course, we must search the Scriptures. There will be some instances that speak directly to our situation: avoid drunkenness, unnecessary debt, lust and the like. But in many instances, our choice in a matter, no matter the choice, might not be sin. The next step is seeking counsel from godly people (Proverbs 11:14, etc.). It is quite often the case that many eyes will see details we initially miss. Many minds will understand implications we overlook.

But, sometimes, even after searching the Scriptures and seeking counsel (it should not go unsaid that prayer is a prerequisite throughout this entire process), we are left with a decision to make. As one pastor counseled as Kristi and I were searching for our full-time pastorate: “You just choose.” This isn’t to make light of the decision or its ramifications, but quite often, we find ourselves static because we’re waiting for a lightning bolt spelling “DO THIS” that’s never going to come.

Either way, if we’re not in sin (and besides God, only we know our own hearts and motives), if we believe that God works “all things” together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), we will be blessed. Sometimes it will be a “comfortable” blessing (i.e., things will go well), or it will be an “uncomfortable” blessing (i.e. we will be refined). But either way, God is working the situation for His glory and our good. The two always go together.

I worry that the way many well-intentioned Christians seek “God’s Will” for their lives amounts to little more than a sanctified version of the Ouija Board. We sort of close our eyes and wait for “a peace about it.” Yet, a stroll down the halls of Hebrews 11 reveals men and women of action; men and women who received both comfortable and uncomfortable blessings from God. Our problem is that we want to know ahead of time which blessing it will be when the real question is whether or not we trust God enough to take the next step.

• Read Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues With Timeless Truth by Al Mohler
• Read The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies

See what I hear at Last.fm.

Sign up for eMusic, find lots of DRM-free downloads and help me earn free downloads in the process. Everyone wins!

While you’re out there exploring, you’ll need some music to listen to. Please consider subscribing to our podcast, the Habañero Hour at iTunes. Be our friend at Facebook, Myspace or last.fm.

Follow me on Twitter.

Read Christianity Today’s review of Wall-E.

Read about John McCain’s meeting with Billy and Franklin Graham.

Browse this list of seven problems with the new iPhone.

Read this piece which claims that the average person eats 23 pounds of pizza every year!

It’s June which means it’s time to review the best albums of the first half of the year! Never too early to start those “best of” lists! Browse mlive’s favorite albums of the year so far

Read about the man who auctioned off his entire life but was disappointed with the fetching price. Aren’t we all?

Read as the Chicago Tribune samples summer music festivals.

Read this review of the new collection from David Sedaris, which notes that: “With his sixth book of daffy personal essays, David Sedaris is starting to seem like the odd, amusing man who, despite his absurdist flourishes, has told you all of his best stories several cocktail parties ago.”

Read as The Independent declares the live album dead.

Read this piece considering rock n’ roll’s worst marketing strategies ever.

Consider the effectiveness of foil helmets.

Help this guy fight the ninjas that killed his family.

Hear Chris Tomlin’s new single “Jesus Messiah.”

Watch Paz’s dinner-time version of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Ponder: PCA or “Baptist”?

Browse this list of “13 FriendFeed Tools For Twitter Refugees.”

Read about Coldplay having the most downloaded album in history.

Read about evangelicals discussing their support of McCain.

Visit Noisetrade, where you can get albums by Derek McCracken, Sandra Webb, Alli Rogers, and others for free by referring three friends, or you can pay what you want.

Read about Shannen Doherty’s return to 90210.

Read about the “man” who recently gave birth in OR. Of course it was OR, did you expect CA?

Read about recent projections that the world population will hit 7 billion by 2012.

Read this unfortunate but important reminder that churches need to guard against sex offenders.

Browse pieces in NPR’s series “The E-Mail Age.”

Are you celebrating “The Pauline Year“?

Read about consumer and “first responders” disagreeing on top safety matters.

Read about the increasing number of “religious Americans” who believe that their faith is not the only way. How special. As long as it gets you through those dark nights, right?

Read CNN’s piece on “Jesus For President,” which includes a scary picture of Shane Claiborne, though I have always wanted dreads myself.

Browse this list of “Rock’s Biggest Talent Squanderers.” No, Ryan Adams is not on the list.

Read this piece arguing that more bands should consider breaking up earlier.

Browse/Listen to NPR’s “Songs to Drive By,” a mixtape for road trips.

Browse this list of 100 addictive music sites.