Author Brian Aaby

Evangelism or Discipleship, the debate.

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Greg Stier, President of Dare 2 Share, a man for whom I have great respect, is branded “an evangelist.”  While I have no doubt he has this gift, one of the things I really appreciate about him, as I have watched him over the last few years, is that He has a great love for the Word, the Church and ALL People.  In Christendom we often see those who are more drawn to Discipleship and others who are more drawn to Evangelism.  Where did this gap come from and why does this separation exist?  It shouldn’t!

Greg, on his blog posted about this same subject. Check that out here.

After I read it, my blood was flowing a little faster, so I commented.  My comments are posted here as a stand-alone blog (slightly edited so as to be a post, rather than a comment).

My hope and prayer is that each Youth Leader (and student) will truly understand that Evangelism and Discipleship are not meant to be divorced.  For years many have separated something that has never been separated in Scripture! As we fall in love with the lost (evangelism) we need and fall deeper in love with the church (and discipleship). Youth Leaders (and unfortunately those who influence them) emphasize more Bible Study, better fellowship, longer worship and further-out missions and then wonder why these very students walk away from the church after high school.

Students who fall in love with the lost during middle-school and high school will carry that love onto their college campus or into their careers. If our emphasis continues to be to get Christian students to programs instead of to people, the trend will continue! The natural outflow of discipleship is living/sharing/breathing The Great Commission (THE Cause, as Greg and Dare 2 Share are rebranding it).

Youth Leaders (and I’d add Parents, Adults, Students) start modeling it! Not by just preaching about it, but by doing it yourself. If you don’t have non-Christian friends (your own age) that you are loving and sharing with, why do you expect your Christian students to fall in love with something you don’t even love? Talk about your failures (missed opportunities), praise God in your successes (the times you were faithful in sharing, leaving the results to the Spirit). Deeper love for the lost leads to deeper love and reliance upon Christ (and vice-versa!).

So, what do you think?

What do you want to do differently in your Discipleship/Evengelism?

Why do you think the gap has been created or exists?

I’d love to hear your rant!

Grace,
Brian

Top Five Tuesday: Things I Want For Free

Brian Aaby 7 Comments

A very intriguing title huh?

Last night Elisabeth and I were talking about a few of the practical things we want/need.  Sometimes we don’t have because we can’t afford. Other times we don’t have because we don’t ask (I think I’ve heard that one before…).  So, the criteria for todays “Top 5” isn’t really a list of the big things we want/need (like a new roof or new fence), but the little practical things that we want/hope for and may get for free just because of the great readers out there who want to help us!

I somewhat joke, but I somewhat don’t.  If you are gifted in an area that you could help us with one of these things, we’d be so excited (and thankful), and may even have you and your family over for dinner or something…

Without further ado, the list:

I don't know why Elisabeth wants it replaced?

I don't know why Elisabeth wants it replaced?

Five: The Fan. We have a light fixture/fan hanging above our kitchen table that Elisabeth has despised since we moved in. Well, a couple years ago she purchased a nice replacement.  It sits in our garage.  An electrician I am not.

Four: QuickBooks or Quicken Tutorial. A CFO I am not… oh wait, I guess I am.  I am often introduced as the “Founder and President of Youthmark.”  Typically a joke occurs afterwards, “Yes, I am the CEO, CFO, but I am also the Custodian.”  Okay, getting back to the matter at hand.  I own a company, but I am not great at “the books” side of things yet.  Anyone out there want to spend a couple hours giving me the quick tutorial on the ins and outs of some financial software?  We’ll bust out the old-school monopoly and play with some of that money!

Three: Video Fun. I am not a filmmaker (I know, this surprises you). I am fully aware that better marketing for Youthmark will require having videos (online and to be sent out) and I even have the ideas for a couple videos I want produced.  The problem, better marketing typically means more money.  My hope is that I might find someone who has talent, passion, time and the equipment (I have a great camera, but we need great sound technologies too) to help me produce a couple videos to begin the process.  It doesn’t hurt to ask right?

She's screaming!

Two: The SCREAMING, SCREECHING, WHINEY Avalon. A mechanic I am not.  However, I have learned that aut0-shops like to have you pay WAY more than you need to for a job that takes the twist of a screw-driver.  Elisabeth’s car apparently has a loose belt.  I’m a car-idiot.  Anyone know how to get a belt to not make the most obnoxious noise west of Dumb and Dummer stop? It really only makes it when the car is cold when you sit in a public parking lot where everyone around can see you clearly.

The shower-situation upstairs...

One: The Faucet. We’re certainly not a Bed-n-Breakfast, but we do have our fair-share of house guests.  A recent dilemma has arisen.  Our main-hall bathroom (where our kids and guests bathe) has a faulty (stripped) faucet.  When we turn the thing on we have no idea what temperature the water will be.  Turn to the left and it may get hotter… but it could turn to freezing cold.  Turn it to the right and your water pressure could go down to a trickle or you could feel like you’re being pounded by Snoqualmie Falls.  Not good.  I’m not a plumber, I don’t even play one on TV.  However, I don’t want to hire a plumber for a job that maybe, someone else could do for a meal on us?

So, there ya go, the top 5 practical things I want for free (at least I think they are practical).

We’re now taking applications!

Grace,
Brian

Monday Morning Quarterback

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A recent pic from our church

Great times yesterday being able to deliver God’s Word to the flock at Faith.  For those interested, you can click here to get to the sermon.  I commented to a few people that I really enjoyed being able to preach and really discovered that I had missed it more than I had thought.  Though I have had the opportunity to speak quite a bit (camps, retreats, youth group, Youthmark, etc.) in the last year and a half, it had been since August of 2008 that I had preached in a Sunday Morning service (shortly after starting Youthmark I went back to Boulevard Park to preach).

My wife said of yesterday, “that may have been among the best, if not the best sermon you’ve done.”  Wow, that made my day! Such encouraging words!

Ultimately a sermon is only “the best” if the recipients and the deliverer have gleaned from God’s Word, allowed the Spirit to convict/move and then they all become doers of it.  So, no Monday Morning Quarterback here, it’s time to go live it out instead of just analyzing it!

Grace,

Brian

Engaging the iCulture

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

The iPod.

The iPhone.

iTunes.

iEtc.  (okay, made that one up)…

We live in a high-paced, selfish society.  A culture that typically puts “i” first.   Well, tomorrow “i” have the opportunity to present a message entitled, “Engaging the iCulture.”  My hope is to put Christ first in everything that is said.  The passage is 2 Cor. 5:17-21.

If you live in the greater “East Hill” area (Kent/Renton/Maple Valley/Auburn) and don’t have a church you call “home,” I’d love to have you come check out Faith tomorrow.  Services at 9 and 10:45.

Regardless of your attendance… if you are in Christ, you are new Creation called to be an ambassador of/for Christ, called to reach this iCulture!  Let’s do it! Amen?

Grace,
Brian

CONTEST: New Year Resolutions Aab-Lib

Brian Aaby 9 Comments

These usually produce some hilarity, so let’s see what happens as we begin 2010!

You’ll need to have a piece of paper or an open word document.  First, go through the numbered list below and give your creative words for each specific word-type (just like Mad-Libs).  Then, after you have created your list, copy the story below and add your words that correspond with the numbers in the story (erase the numbers obviously).

Insert this in as a “comment” and it’ll post.  Be patient if it doesn’t post as a comment right away, in some cases I’ll need to approve you as a commenter.   After some time I’ll list those cracked me up the most and then pick a winner based off those.  The winner gets a great White-Elephant gift to give away next year.

DO NOT READ THE STORY FIRST!!! Fill in these words first (note: it is usually obvious to read the ones that people read ahead first).

1. adjective

2. measurement of time

3. verb ending in “ing”

4. Plural noun

5. past tense verb

6. A number

7. a number

8. verb ending with “ing”

9. Noun

10. verb

11. noun

12. adjective

13. a number

14. adjective

15. a place

16. a food

17. a liquid

18. body part

19. A common friend you and I might have (or a famous person if you can’t think of a common friend)

20. plural noun

Brian’s New Year Resolutions, 2010.

I cannot believe another (1) year has come to an end. It seems like it was just a (2) or two ago I was making my 2009 resolution to stop (3).  Well, 12 (4) have in fact (5) by and it is now time for me to commit to my 2010 New Year Resolutions.

I came into the year weighing (6) pounds.  My goal is to lose at least (7) pounds.  I plan to do this by (8) right and getting plenty of cardio-(9).  My favorite kind of cardio exercise is to (10) my (11).  If my (12) math is correct, I should end the year weighing in at (13) pounds.

The exercise will often depend upon the (14) (15)weather. However, what I can control is what I eat.  So no more (16) for me.  Well, maybe once or twice this year, but only if I can drink (17) with it!

So, that’s my resolution! What about you?  Rumor has it that you were going to give up cracking your (18). I know that (19) has been a horrible influence on you, I mean, with his/her habit of smoking (20) and all!  Well, I hope it works!

******************

Okay, can’t wait to read these things! Check back often!

Grace,

Brian

********In the Running*********

The following folk are in the running because of the entire Aab-Lib, however, I did list one line that cracked me up the most…

“Rumor has it that you were going to give up cracking your eye. I know that Elisabeth has been a horrible influence on you, I mean, with her habit of smoking children and all! Well, I hope it works!”  ~Jessica

“My favorite kind of cardio exercise is to squat my cough drop.” ~Brad Hostak

“My favorite kind of cardio exercise is to barter my cubicle…. (and) …Aaron Bauer has been a horrible influence on you, I mean, with his habit of smoking candelabras” ~the wifey

“The exercise will often depend upon the Ferocious Black Lake weather…(and)… but only if I can drink Tears with it!” ~Richard Judd

“I cannot believe another SEXY year has come to an end” ~Jason

“I plan to do this by Hockey Pucking right” ~Aaron

********** THE WINNER **********

“My favorite kind of cardio exercise is to squat my cough drop.” ~Brad Hostak

I cannot wait to start squatting my cough drop!  Congrats Brad, great Aab-lib!  Next time I see you, you shall get your great White Elephant gift!  Be afraid excited!

Top Five Tuesday: 2009 Praise Songs

Brian Aaby 4 Comments

Whew, I knew you worried that my blogging hiatus would extend over two Tuesdays… Fret no longer, I’m back for the final Top 5 Tuesday of 2009.

As I prepare for preaching this coming Sunday, I have been listening to a variety of tunes as I study the Word.  As my iTunes “Genius” plays random selections from my playlist I have found myself worshipping in song and study, a pretty sweet combo!  Anyway, it gave me a top 5 idea… My top 5 songs I enjoyed singing in worship settings this last year.

The Criteria… these are all songs that I have sung in worship services this year.  I also included a “preview” of one that I think will make a similar list next year, because I plan on having Joe Poppino lead it at our Spring Retreats this year (I have yet to hear it done live in a service so I can’t include it in this top 5).

This is a list you may want to come back to a few times today, listen to one or two songs and then come back later; I linked them all through Youtube.

Without further ado… the list!

Sneak Peak at 2010: Hillsong United’s King of All Days. I’m listening to this one 2-3 times a day right now, better slow down before I get tired of it!

Honorable Mentions: I have seen him live and he made the top 5 as well, but Charlie Hall’s Center makes the HM list with ease.  Great concept/calling! In addition, Hillsong United’s The Stand. This done in conjunction with Mighty To Save is quite the combo!

Five: Jeremy Riddle’s Sweetly Broken. Reflective, contemplative and certainly a call to a gracious life.

Four: Kristian Stanfill’s Jesus Paid it All. Yep, that old hymn with a new build up and chorus.  The old-hymn, reminding us of the new life we have because of His death!

Three: Charlie Hall’s All We Need. Though this is a few years old, I had never heard it until the end of 2008 (at a winter retreat I was speaking at). Pretty simple message, catchy tune.

Two: Tim Hughes’ God of Justice. This was one of our closing songs at the retreats and is super-motivating in terms of the call, “we must go.”  What an honor to be called by God to share the most wonderful news ever!

One: Hillsong United’s Mighty To Save. It was certainly done a lot at churches and to be honest I might be a little tired of it right now, but really, over the course of the year, it stands out as the one that really caused me to think, pray, worship and drew me to His Word!

What do you think?  You have some songs that should make our “playlist” for 2010?

Grace,
Brian

Gearing Up!

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As my writing deadline (Dec. 15) quickly approached and just as quickly appeared in my rear-view mirror, I began to cut out some “extras” in my life.  One of these was biking.  From Dec. 4 to Dec. 23 I did not ride my bike at all.

Not me.

Last Thursday, Dec. 24 I jumped back on my bike with the intent of easing back into shape.  My normal 13.5 mile jaunt would be cut down to approximately four, so that I could slowly get back into shape without hurting my body.  This was my intent.

It has been a long while since I preached in a church.  I’ve had ample opportunities to speak (camps, Young Life, retreats, guest speaking at Youth Groups and several Youthmark functions); however, filling the pulpit is different.

Back to the biking.  With the first hill, I could already feel the effects of having not biked for three weeks.  Not only did the scale proclaim the increase in weight, my legs and lungs were complaining with each push of the pedal.  By the time I reached the one-mile mark, I was ready to turn around and be satisfied with a two re-entry ride.  However, I pressed on.

About a month ago our new Lead Pastor at Faith called me and asked me to consider preaching on January 3, 2010.  What an honor.  While serving at Boulevard Park I preached about once month, so it really became part of my routine.  Every now and then I have missed that part of the routine.

Last Thursday, on the ride, I kept going and the muscles kept aching.  For some reason the scenery wasn’t as pretty, the trail seemed longer and everything appeared to be moving a lot slower…hmm, wonder why?  At the next most natural stopping point (two miles into the ride) I seriously considered turning around, namely because I was starting to feel a little queazy.  However, I didn’t stop, I kept going.

As I approached the 3 mile mark I was feeling rather gross, but had only one big hill to climb to reach my real goal; well that “gross feeling” paled in comparison to the feeling I had by the time I reached the top.  Be proud, I did hold back and never did toss my cookies.  Though the ride back was slow, I did make it 6.25 miles… 1/2 of my normal “in shape” ride.

I’m taking a different approach with preaching.  Though I may not be “in shape” to preach, having not filled a pulpit in over a year.  I’m easing in.  Within the hour I’ll be done with my outline; I’ve been studying consistently and will continue to throughout the week.  I don’t feel winded, I don’t feel achy and I am looking forward to that next hill.

I’m back on the bike (each ride feeling stronger), and now I get to climb back on the proverbial pulpit bike!  Can’t wait for Sunday!

Grace,

Brian

One Year Differences

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Thought this would be a fun comparison…

Pics from Christmas Day last year compared to similar pics this year…

Top of the stairs... we were holding Will in 2008

The Christmas morning tradition, waiting for stockings!

2008 at the Edgewater

at the Edgewater 2009

8 Month old Will!

Will at 20 months!

Grace,

Brian

Pride.

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As I said in a previous post, I love/hate discipline.

About a week ago I got to the point where I was so frustrated with my circumstances.  I had a self-imposed (and somewhat Publishing-imposed) Dec. 15 deadline for Story, the new Mission Prep Workbook.  Well, that date quickly passed me by and I was still nowhere near the finish line on Story.

As I read the Scriptures I see time after time where man (or woman), hide and blame. Hide from God or others we’ve offended/sinned against and then blame others for our sin/circumstance.  This has been my temptation (and unfortunately my fallback).  There are reasons I didn’t get the writing done on time.  Legit places for me to place my blame and hide from my own shame.  However, the bottom line is this: I will continue to be sinned against.  I will continue to have circumstances get in the way of my own agenda.  And the flip side is unfortunately true as well–I will continue to sin against others and mess up the agenda for someone else (a quick reading of Romans 6-8 will tell you that this is not an excuse to keep on sinning).

Pride stinks. At the risk of offending others, I’ll say it.  Pride Sucks.  However, I am full of it. (yes, you have known that I was “full of it”), so much so, that instead of writing in that post, “because I missed my writing deadline,” I said, “I have to finish some ‘projects.'”  How silly.  Was I trying to fool myself?  Ha.

So, rather than sulking, I bunkered down and did what I could to compete the process of the writing.  I did my best to strip back everything that was not necessary so that I could concentrate on 3 things: God, Family and Work.  Biking, blogging, Facebook time, Fantasy Hoops and watching ballgames… GONE.  More time in prayer, study, prioritizing (as best I could) time with family and disciplined time of writing became my priorities.  Not to say that these three aren’t still my priority, they still are, however the margin for “others” returns a bit now.  This excites me.

Side Note: My family is such a blessing to me.  They are/were so supportive of me in this time of completion.  A special “shout out” to Elisabeth is due.  She carried/carries so much of the load during this time.  She is such a supportive Mommy to the kids and wife to me!  I love you Elisabeth, I am truly thankful to God for you!

The content of Story is now complete (yesterday at noon).  There is still much to do for the completion of the total project, but I will now take a good day and half to not do much on it!

Today I look forward to the following:

Blog post: Check

Start Christmas shopping: leaving as I hit “Publish” on this.

Bike Ride: First one in 3 weeks… (good news, only 4 pounds heavier than I was at the beginning of December)

Lots and lots of Family Time!!!!!!

Christmas Eve service!… If you don’t have a church to attend, hit me up, we’ll take you with us to ours!

I do love/hate discipline…And it’s fair to say, I hate Pride!

Stocking stuffers, here I come!

Grace,
Brian