I was up to my neck in hot water―literally.  I was laying in my antique, six-foot long, claw foot bath tub, filled to the rim with water as hot as I could stand it. That tub was my favorite place to escape from the pressures of business, ministry and the cares of the world. 

It is there I often have my most intimate discussions with God.  That night I heard myself say, “My soul is convinced, but I know not how….”

The journey of the last few years has included a lot of changes.  Most of those changes have come as bits and pieces of revelation of what the Kingdom of God, and God’s eternal purposes, are really all about.  It started some fifteen years ago when I was pastor of a small church in Rockville, MO.  It grew during a year and a half of seeking God outside of formal connection with a local church.  It gained expression when I helped to start a new, nontraditional church.  It took on a different expression when I moved to Papua New Guinea to serve on the mission field.  It is becoming more defined as I continue to seek the Lord for truth and reality.  I expect it will find its culmination in a legitimate expression of the Body of Christ on the earth in the last days.

That night, more than ever,  I felt my soul convinced that God is expecting something much different than what we experience as 21st century Evangelical Christians.  I know I am about to slay the sacred cow of evangelicalism, but what if Christianity isn’t just about getting a ticket to heaven and trying to live a moral life until we get there?

What if the gospel message could not be summed up in the Four Spiritual Laws or the Roman’s Road to Salvation?  What if it was more than just ‘having your sins forgiven,’ or ‘giving your heart to God,’ or ‘getting saved?’  What if you couldn’t explain the essence of Christianity in a 4″ x 6″ tri fold tract?

My soul is convinced―after several years of frustration, prayer, thought, meditation and seeking­―that what we have come to accept as normal church experience in the past century is not at all what God intended.  I’ll be quick to say that He has used it―as He has always uses imperfect people and means to declare His great power and glory.  However, I am also sure His use of our methods does not necessarily indicate His satisfaction with them.

“My Soul is convinced.…”  I found myself in a quandary.  I am thoroughly convinced of something I am not quite sure how to express or even achieve.  “But I know not how ….”  The knowing of a thing is much different from the doing of a thing.

It is that moment when revelation sweeps away the last excuse for the status quo and you’re left with the stark realization you just can’t do things the same way you used to do them. However, you are not sure what or how to do them differently. 

What, you might ask, am I even talking about?  I think it mostly has to do with the way we do Christianity.  The things we emphasize and the way we present the message. 

It is the emphasis of a ticket to heaven gospel that avoids the requirements of making God the central part of our lives.  In his challenging book The Cost of Discipleship, WWII era German Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, said, “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession….cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”

It is the fact that we place far more importance on the organization of church than the organism of the Body of Christ. The modern, western version of Christianity is about more events and programs and presentations and such.  It should be about Christ; and honestly, with all our protestations, it is not.  The church is often about how can we get more people so we can get more money, to do more things and get a bigger building to get more people―ad nuaseum.

I am disillusioned with the ineffectiveness of a watered-down gospel that is only about having your sins forgiven.  The only requirement is to say a prayer. The gospel is about much more than having your sins forgiven.  Being born again is just the beginning―not the end―of our salvation.  Paul tells us in Romans 8:14, “Those that are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.”  How does that fit in with our easy believism that is preached today?

I am frustrated with a professional clergy and pastoral system that hinders the true expression of the Body of Christ while burning out men and women of God.  It is the fact that most pastors are taught that their key responsibilities are to preach sermons, run the organization and keep people in church (a difficult combination to say the least).  What happened to discipleship―real discipleship where young Christians are raised up to serve the Lord―not just coaxed and coddled to stay in the church. What has happened to developing and mentoring new ministries within the church and allowing them to have space to serve and grow? 

I am embarrassed by the political rhetoric coming out of the religious right.  The anger and hatred being spewed in the name of Jesus bring more harm to the Kingdom of God than just about any other thing.  I’ve been shocked to hear ‘evangelical Christians’   resort to mockery, lies and misinformation to malign the folks they oppose politically.  The truth is, Jesus said, “love your enemies.”  He also said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.”  It is not that Christians should distance themselves from politics―it is that Christians should act like Christians in politics.  What is being expressed by the political/religious right is not the character of Christ.  It is scary to me that so many Christians ae buying into it and calling it the Kingdom of God.  That movement needs to repent.

My soul is not just convinced of what I am against.  Christians should not be known mostly for what they are opposed to, but rather what they stand for. 

I am convinced that the genuine expression of Christianity has a lot more to do with love than we care to imagine.  Not a love that condones or excuses sin.  A love that overcomes sin with forgiveness and grace and resurrection power.  A Christianity that presents Christ, not in anger at unrighteousness, but in love of the unrighteous.

My soul is convinced that a true expression of Christianity has a lot more to do with serving others―even to the point of sacrifice―than it is about being more comfortable as a Christian.  It embraces the truth that “if we suffer with Him we shall also reign with Him.” 

I am convinced that God is wanting to do more in us, and through us than ever before, but the current religious structure we worship keeps Him at a distance. There is a shaking coming to the church.  Some will endure it and some will not.  I want to get rid of the “shakable” now so I will not be greatly moved in the coming days of shaking.

“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake  not only the earth but also heaven.”  Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”  Hebrews 12:25-29

God is shaking things up―let Him do it.  God is changing things

My Soul is Convinced, But I know Not How…

I was up to my neck in hot water―literally.  I was laying in my antique, six-foot-long, claw foot bath tub, filled to the rim with water as hot as I could stand it.  That tub was my favorite place to escape from the pressures of business, ministry and the cares of the world. 

It is there I often have my most intimate discussions with God.  That night I heard myself say, “My soul is convinced, but I know not how….”

The journey of the last few years has included a lot of changes.  Most of those changes have come as bits and pieces of revelation of what the Kingdom of God, and God’s eternal purposes, are really all about.  It started some fifteen years ago when I was pastor of a small church in Rockville, MO.  It grew during a year and a half of seeking God outside of formal connection with a local church.  It gained expression when I helped to start a new, nontraditional church.  It took on a different expression when I moved to Papua New Guinea to serve on the mission field.  It is becoming more defined as I continue to seek the Lord for truth and reality.  I expect it will find its culmination in a legitimate expression of the Body of Christ on the earth in the last days.

That night, more than ever,  I felt my soul convinced that God is expecting something much different than what we experience as 21st century Evangelical Christians.  I know I am about to slay the sacred cow of evangelicalism, but what if Christianity isn’t just about getting a ticket to heaven and trying to live a moral life until we get there?

What if the gospel message could not be summed up in the Four Spiritual Laws or the Roman’s Road to Salvation?  What if it was more than just ‘having your sins forgiven,’ or ‘giving your heart to God,’ or ‘getting saved?’  What if you couldn’t explain the essence of Christianity in a 4″ x 6″ tri-fold tract?

My soul is convinced―after several years of frustration, prayer, thought, meditation and seeking­―that what we have come to accept as normal church experience in the past century is not at all what God intended.  I’ll be quick to say that He has used it―as He has always uses imperfect people and means to declare His great power and glory.  However, I am also sure His use of our methods does not necessarily indicate His satisfaction with them.

“My Soul is convinced.…”  I found myself in a quandary.  I am thoroughly convinced of something I am not quite sure how to express or even achieve.  “But I know not how ….”  The knowing of a thing is much different from the doing of a thing.

It is that moment when revelation sweeps away the last excuse for the status quo and you’re left with the stark realization you just can’t do things the same way you used to do them. However, you are not sure what or how to do them differently. 

What, you might ask, am I even talking about?  I think it mostly has to do with the way we do Christianity.  The things we emphasize and the way we present the message. 

It is the emphasis of a ticket to heaven gospel that avoids the requirements of making God the central part of our lives.  In his challenging book The Cost of Discipleship, WWII era German Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, said, “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession…. heap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”

It is the fact that we place far more importance on the organization of church than the organism of the Body of Christ. The modern, western version of Christianity is about more events and programs and presentations and such.  It should be about Christ; and honestly, with all our protestations, it is not.  Church is often about how can we get more people so we can get more money, to do more things and get a bigger building to get more people―ad nuaseum.

I am disillusioned with the ineffectiveness of a watered-down gospel that is only about having your sins forgiven.  The only requirement is to say a prayer. The gospel is about much more than having your sins forgiven.  Being born again is just the beginning―not the end―of our salvation.  Paul tells us in Romans 8:14, “Those that are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.”  How does that fit in with our easy believism that is preached today?

I am frustrated with a professional clergy and pastoral system that hinders the true expression of the Body of Christ, while burning out men and women of God.  It is the fact that most pastors are taught that their key responsibilities are to preach sermons, run the organization and keep people in church (a difficult combination to say the least).  What happened to discipleship―real discipleship where young Christians are raised up to serve the Lord―not just coaxed and coddled to stay in church.  What has happened to developing and mentoring new ministries within the church and allowing them to have space to serve and grow? 

I am embarrassed by the political rhetoric coming out of the religious right.  The anger and hatred being spewed in the name of Jesus brings more harm to the Kingdom of God than just about any other thing.  I’ve been shocked to hear ‘evangelical Christians’   resort to mockery, lies and misinformation to malign the folks they oppose politically.  The truth is, Jesus said, “love your enemies.”  He also said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.”  It is not that Christians should distance themselves from politics―it is that Christians should act like Christians in politics.  What is being expressed by the political/religious right is not the character of Christ.  It is scary to me that so many Christians ae buying into it and calling it the Kingdom of God.  That movement needs to repent.

My soul is not just convinced of what I am against.  Christians should not be known mostly for what they are opposed to, but rather what they stand for. 

I am convinced that the genuine expression of Christianity has a lot more to do with love than we care to imagine.  Not a love that condones or excuses sin.  A love that overcomes sin with forgiveness and grace and resurrection power.  A Christianity that presents Christ, not in anger at unrighteousness, but in love of the unrighteous.

My soul is convinced that a true expression of Christianity has a lot more to do with serving others―even to the point of sacrifice―than it is about being more comfortable as a Christian.  It embraces the truth that, “if we suffer with Him we shall also reign with Him.” 

I am convinced that God is wanting to do more in us, and through us than ever before, but the current religious structure we worship keeps Him at a distance. There is a shaking coming to the church.  Some will endure it and some will not.  I want to get rid of the “shakable” now so I will not be greatly moved in the coming days of shaking.

“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake  not only the earth, but also heaven.”  Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”  Hebrews 12:25-29

God is changing things―don't be afraid.

God is shaking things up―let Him do it.  

That which remains cannot be shaken.  It you lose it in the shaking, it was never really of eternal worth anyway.  That which remains cannot be shaken.  It you lose it in the shaking, it was never really of eternal worth anyway.  Be blessed.

Life in PNG

We arrived in PNG on Saturday July 19^th, 2014.  It is exciting to be in the South Pacific.  PNG is truly a unique place in the world.  The absolute extremes of culture and diversity are amazing.  Of course there is much need here.  Crime and violence, abuse against women and unemployment are all fueled by illiteracy. 

A recent study revealed:

1.       The median age in PNG is 20. 

2.       40% of the population have no education

3.       About 40% have completed up to 6^th grade.

4.       Less than 20% have finished 7-12th grades

5.       Sexual heath education and STD/AIDS education starts in 7^th grade (do you see a problem?)

6.       PNG has the highest population with AIDS of all of Asia Pacific Countries

7.       Girls 15-19 have 4 times the rate of AIDS as boys in the same age group.

The gospel has made a tremendous impact in PNG and continues to do so, but as Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few."  We encourage you to get involved in the harvest field in PNG in any way your feel led of the Lord.

Many have asked about our daily life here. 

Weather: Currently we are in the winter season which is dry and cool.   This morning I am wearing a long sleeved shirt   Temp low 70s-low 80s. 

Mission Compound and Housing: We have a small furnished 2 bedroom apartment.  Stove fridge, microwave, coffee pot, Sat. TV.  We live on the New Life Training Center compound about 18 miles outside of Port Moresby.  The compound is fenced and gated with 24 hour security  The compound consist of married and single staff housing, dorms for the boys (current population of about 170), the CEO’s house, vocational ed building, kitchen, elementary school and we have a public coffee shop on the highway.  New Life Training Center teaches basic education in the midst of Christian discipleship, vocational training, job skills and has a working farm with pigs, rabbits, wallaby, chickens and a variety of fruit trees and tended gardens, with corn, peanuts, and some other crops for local use.

Church: We also have a chapel on the compound with about 200 in attendance, including the boys, staff and local village people. I will work with the pastor doing services, bible studies and discipleship.

Transportation: I drive a Honda CRV 4WD, a small SUV provided by the Mission.  They drive on the left side of the road-which takes a little getting used to. Mostly roundabouts with very few traffic lights and NO stop signs, very few road rules – defensive driving is a matter of extreme importance.  Driving anywhere after dark is not safe, so we are always home by 6 pm.

My job:  Still a bit unclear.  I will generally drive into the Koki office 4 or 5 days a week.  About a 30 minute drive with road conditions and traffic.  I leave about 7 am, home by 5.  My title is Administrative Manager.  I oversee all the services and staff in Port Moresby including: the Koki headquarters, Haus (house) Ruth, a single women’s hostel, Meri’s (woman’s) safe house, a temporary shelter for abused (or about to be abused) women and the Men’s hostel. I will also provide pastoral care to the men and women in the Koki facilities. Marketing and fundraising will  also fall under my area,  Brooke will counsel the women in Koki a couple of days a week as well as provide administrative services in the realm of grant writing, Human Resources and other duties as needed.

Food: We can get typical food at the modern grocery store but at 1.5 to 2 times the price in America.  We will have to learn how to shop and have already decided to cut out many of the non-essential extras we typically buy in the USA.

Contacting us: We do have cell phones.  Incoming calls are free for us, so you can call our USA based SKYPE NUMBER 417-283-4664 and it should forward to my cell phone.  This should not be an international long distance call for you. You can also contact us via SKYPE and email.  We are also finding that the Internet service VIBER allows us to voice chat for free. You may want to sign up with VIBER to contact us occasionally. For all contact info or in case of emergencies please refer to our numbers on www.stevehighlander.com.

The Clock Started Ticking Today

Monday, April 21, 2014 is a day that will live in infamy (at least for me).  Today we sent off the visa application and related paperwork for the move to PNG.  Literally the clock started ticking for our pending move.

 

I have had many changes in my life over the years, changes like: jobs, careers, spouses, geographical locations.  There was a time when everything that defined me was gone.  However I can truly say that I have yet to have the "life as you know it is about to change" experience that looms on the horizon for us.  We will be selling most of our possessions, leaving jobs and businesses, friends and family and moving to a totally different culture. 

 

People have started asking us "how do you feel about the move?'  I share the following from a perspective of what it means to follow the Lord. 

 

We are excited about this new (ad)venture in our lives.  We are not naïve enough to think there won't be faith issues and problems along the way.  A lot of things have to happen, including raising around $5000 in upfront money for the move.  This includes tickets, and things like medicals, physicals, immunizations, background checks, photos, etc.

 

Another issue is selling our stuff.  The rubber really meets the road when you start to divest of stuff you just knew you had to have 5 years (or more) ago.  One very strange feeling is to have no reason to go shopping.  Typically Brooke and I might make a trip to Wal Mart or, if we are in another town, we usually stop in at a local store or flea market. Now we look at each other and realize we have absolutely no need to buy anything - even if we wanted to.  Honestly as I began to go through things to sell or give away, I haven't had an significant sense of loss or sacrifice.  The thing I will miss the most (of my stuff) is my dog, Sam.  He's been a great friend for 8 years - we're buds.  :(

 

People say things like, "I just can't imagine leaving the USA and living in a developing country."  Leaving the USA is not really an issue for me or Brooke.  I love the USA and, with all its problems, still think it is the best country in the world, however when God calls there is also a grace for the change.  Frankly I am looking forward to living overseas.  I'm sure there are things I will miss, however the trade-off is the significance of the Lord's work.  There are so many needs in developing countries around the world. While we have needs here too, the felt needs are much more urgent in the areas of extreme poverty and hopelessness.  It takes a lot to make a difference in the USA, while every little thing you do can make a difference to someone overseas. 

We are looking forward to be able to concentrate on a single ministry.  I have almost always been a bi-vocational minister.  I have maintained my career in multi-media  areas while I was ministering.  First newspapers, then Cable TV and finally the Internet.  It is really hard at times to give multiple tasks your best.  About the time you want to pour into ministry the job calls, and vive versa.  Accepting the position with City mission will allow us to concentrate more fully on the ministry. 

When people understand the conditions in PNG they sometimes wonder if we shouldn't be scared to go.  Truthfully, the conditions are rough.  The climate is tropical (read that hot and humid) and poverty, violence and crime are significant social issues.  Throw in 67 active volcanoes, earthquakes, typhoons and the largest crocodiles in the world and it is not the safest place on earth.  However we are firmly convinced that if comfort, convenience, security and safety is our first concern we will never doing anything significant for the Lord.  I like to say that the Gospel was wrought in sacrifice and will be perpetuated in sacrifice.  Again we are not naïve, but we know that we have to trust the Lord no matter where we are - missionaries just have to trust a little more.

My biggest thing to overcome is my loathing of hassle.  Making the decisions, getting the paperwork in order, spending time and effort going through stuff and having garage sales, worrying about selling cars and  (possibly the house), are the things that occasionally pop into my mind as reason not to go.  However they are small things and very temporary - after all in a couple of months all those things will over and we will be in PNG. 

I encourage you, my friend to resist the urge to embrace comfort, convenience and security to embark on a spiritual quest of your own.  I have often said that God doesn't live on the edge, He lives 5 feet on the other side of the edge and if you want to see the power of God in significant and consistent ways, you need to be where He is.  We covet your prayers and appreciate any encouragement and support you many give.  May the Lord richly bless you as you seek and serve Him, Steve