During 1939, as the world burned, America reduced her army from 156,000 to 49,000 men.

Twenty years after “the war to end all wars,” the United States fielded only the thirteenth largest army in the world.

It was larger than that of Portugal but smaller than the fighting force of Bulgaria. Meanwhile, the Japanese Imperial Army could boast of 6,000,000 men under arms in partnership with a navy larger than the combined strength of the United States and Britain. In Europe, Germany had invested six times as much as the United States on arms between 1935 and-1940.

But, the United States had the capacity to produce soldiers and equipment in a hurry.

Barely a year after Pearl Harbor we were fighting in North Africa and busily preparing for the invasion of Europe and the battle that would take the fight all the way to Berlin.

It’s important to note that early in the war our planes were not as maneuverable or as fast as the Japanese Zero. And that the Germans had better planes, tanks and heavy guns throughout the entire duration of hostilities.

Even as late as the invasion of Normandy in the summer of 1944 seasoned German soldiers wrote letters home describing the poor fighting quality of the American and British soldiers, most of whom had never seen battle before D-Day.

Our lack of preparation was more dangerous than it seems on the surface—during the war, Germany developed jet aircraft and medium range ballistic missiles; two technologies the allies only perfected after capturing German technology at war’s end. Had German technology proceeded at a faster clip, we would surely have lost the world to the forces of evil.

Victory came through a combination of high productivity on one side and attrition on the other. The attrition could not have happened without the great increase in productivity. We compensated for our lack of technological prowess by the sheer force of numbers.

We beat both the Germans and Japanese back home on the farm.

We turned automotive factories to the production of tanks and warplanes, ramping the output of war material from near zero in 1940 to 50 percent of total American factory output by mid-1942. The United States went from the weakling on the beach to a hoard of 12 million men and women in uniform by 1945.

Our factories produced over seventy thousand naval vessels and nearly 73,000 aircraft during the conflict. And we changed the world forever when we broke tradition by sending our young women into the factories and munitions plants. It is important to note that these amazing feats were paralleled in the Soviet Union, but we’ll get to that later.

The allies, Great Britain, Russia, the United States (and France) united to beat the axis powers with often inferior equipment and after suffering unimaginable losses at the outset of conflict.

Allied forces, a collection of inexperienced citizen-soldiers, destroyed battle-hardened armies.

Many American troops were farmers who had never traveled a hundred miles from home before being shipped off to fight on another continent. The Allies waged war by tsunami. They simply overwhelmed the enemy with superior numbers on every front.

Sons of the great depression learned to march, with broomsticks for rifles. Automotive factories became arsenals of war. Hope grew proportionately.

Describing his feelings upon learning that the Americans had been dragged into the conflict, Winston Churchill wrote, “…now at this very moment I knew that the United States was in the war, up to the neck and in to the death. So we had won after all!” He said that in 1941, four years prior to the last shot fired. Churchill, perhaps better than any other, understood the power of overwhelming numbers even in the face of a technically superior foe…

So what does all this war talk have to do with church multiplication…?

(This is an excerpt from the first chapter of “How To Multiply Your Church”)

Every wonder why the gospel is growing so fast in developing nations?

A conversation in staff meeting gave me a new insight. We were discussing the loss of a couple of families who find our church not “scholarly” enough in its teaching.

Granted we aren’t very scholarly—used to be but gave it up for a more relational approach. I quit teaching “expository” sermons and now take a “textual” approach. That is I let the text speak for itself, supplying lots of stories but parsing few Greek verbs.

Our discussion was sad in that we genuinely liked the families that left. But it was positive in that we talk to so many people who have moved to the mainland only to have trouble finding a satisfying church.

The problem with people who move away from our church is that they often can’t find a fellowship that is as warm and relational as the one they left—on both the horizontal and vertical plane. We hear complaints that churches “feel more like school than family.”

I think a church should feel more like a family than anything else. Which gets me to the core of all this.

The Bible was written to be digested by semi-literate people several thousand years ago. Much of it appears as letters. Whoever spent 40 minutes discussing a single verb in a letter from a friend?

I think you catch my drift as to scholarship. We need scholars, but we need them to back up preachers talking to common folk. And, this pretty well describes what goes on in countries where the gospel is growing the fastest. Scholarship exists, but not at the front line.

On the front lines of evangelism and church growth around the world there are lots of parables drawn from local culture.

“Out there,” the Bible is cherished as a book of promises made by a loving God, promises that will get you through a drought or help you survive a violent world. It contains instructions for restoring lost relationships and it presents the power to get over your drinking problem. It is a book of healing and a family album to the new family you met when you were born again.

All in all, the Word of God is presented in far simpler terms in places where church is growing fastest. That could be a clue for the rest of us.

Who is this carpenter Joseph?

Today we joke about our friends being nail-benders and wood-butchers, but who was Joseph of Nazareth? And, why was he entrusted with the care and discipling of the Messiah?

Some suspect he died at a young age after fathering several other children through Mary. Other than that, we’ll never know the answers to most of our questions. But we do know one thing–he was entrusted with the job of discipling Jesus of Nazareth during his most formative years on earth.

Consider that Jesus had the capacity to sin else his sacrifice would have been meaningless. A robot’s death on a cross wouldn’t have meant much.

That capacity to sin made Joseph’s job terribly important.

What we do know is that the man carried the task well. Everything turned out as it should have.

I know that Carl and Ruth Moore were called to disciple a little boy named Ralph. Because they did their job I sit writing this to you. I can’t think of disciplemaking without remembering my parents. I know my job is to be a father-figure to younger people as they seek God’s plans.

Jesus would have been thinking of Joseph when he said to “Make disciples of the nations…”

I guess this all leaves me with a single question, “Can you name two or three people you are actively discipling as of this moment?” Doing so is the central issue of the New Testament.

I’m writing from Sydney, Australia where I just finished eight days of teaching and am anxious to get home tomorrow.

Had a great time with some very nice people but one thing caught my attention—I was described as “A much older man.” Truth is, “I am,” or at least I’m in the process.

One of my friends emailed me that these young guys had described me as an old guy on their website. He sent the email as a joke. Well, being the vain person that I am, I went to the site and found some very nice things they had to say about me. If I weren’t so humble I’d send you a link to their site.

The person who wrote the blurb was advertising an evening I would spend with about 30 young guns who are in process of launching new churches. His point was that while there are several strong new church planting movements growing in the world, none have the experience of several generations of churches multiplied. In other words, the “older man” thing was a compliment. I’ve been around the block and learned some things along the way.

While it is true that my bones creak in the mornings it is also true that a certain amount of wisdom comes along with age on your body. Experience is a beautiful thing, which brings me to the sadder part of this little story.

Just prior to jumping on the plane for Oz I was informed that one of my oldest friends and strongest disciples had announced to his wife and church that he was throwing them over for a younger woman. Needless to say, I took that as a personal kick in the gut.

Worse, the guy was scheduled to travel with us on this trip, so the Aussies noticed his absence. In the interest of openness, I shared what had happened as a part of the seminar—I did it with purpose . . .

I wanted those men and women to realize that there will be failures along the way, including moral failures. Also wanted to point out that this man’s sin in no way negates the good he did prior to taking a fall. Finally, I wanted them to know that I know that the sun will still rise tomorrow morning—the world goes on. It is in times like this that the experience of years helps a person to understand both the faithfulness of God and the indestructible nature of his Kingdom.

We’ve been over this bridge before and may cross this way again sometime in the future. But we are not and will not be defeated. My former disciple’s church and family are standing strong. They will prevail. Unfortunately, some outside those immediately involved are offering comfort without requiring repentance. They anger me because they are actually working against repentance. But we’ll get through that as well.

Years can be destructive to our bodies, but in most ways they are good to our hearts. I know because I am “A much older man . . .”

We baptized a whole bunch of people at the beach two days ago.

When we started our church, the ocean was our spot for this important spiritual declaration. We slipped into turning baptisms into a “church event” which eventually cost momentum, etc.

After that we moved baptism indoors so there would be a crowd to cheer for people being baptized. Worked pretty well for a dozen years, then we began getting requests to do outdoor baptisms (we’ve always done a few, especially in MiniChurches).

Last weekend we rented a beach park, threw an “unstructured picnic” with a baptism scheduled for mid afternoon. We were amazed.

Entire families got dunked. We had a few walk-ons from our church who only made up their mind while standing on the sand. Even some onlookers from the beach got baptized. And to top it all off, one guy arrived four hours late begging to be baptized–he’s a member who got stuck on a late flight and drove straght from the airport.

We’re back to the unstructured baptisms at the beach–with zeal! We’ll still baptize people in the building who request it, especially at Christmas and Easter, but we’re full-on for the public committment and the kicks it brings with it. We’ve come full circle.

I’ve been suffering lately.

Two ministry projects got off the ground then stalled after limited growth. One has been going for two years, another for less than a year.

But, six weeks ago one “popped” with surprising growth and held it. The other did the same last week. Very nice. But, what if I’d followed the advice of the person who told me that neither would grow and that they weren’t worth the time, effort and money we poured into them?

Well, for one thing, a lot of people would have been hurt and disappointed over losing a part of their lives that they found meaningful. It is helpful to focus on who shows up rather than on who doesn’t.

Another loss would have been to see the Lord do his thing in our midst. Patience is a virtue and God seems to really like it–else why does he seem sometimes slow to act? What if we would have thrown in the towel one week before God decided to “add to his church?” We’d have missed his purpose and any further blessings he has in store for us.

This brings me to a larger thesis: “Long tenures are productive.” By that I mean sticking to a project or position long enough that you are still standing there when the heavens start to rain blessings.

Churches that rotate pastors often seldom grow. People who try to time the stock markets seldom profit from them. Everything worthwhile takes time. Not just intense time, but time over time.

Read a great book yesterday!

It was one of those reads that sneaks up on you then kicks you right where you sit down—but in a good and positive way.

My friend Jimi Calhoun wrote “A Story Of Rhythm & Grace” which intends to import God’s values of live, acceptance and inclusion from the world or Rock & Roll into the church.

Importing biblical values from the world of Rock seems like a difficult task until you read the book. In many ways the secular arts are more concerned about brotherly love than your average evangelical church—white, black or otherwise.

Jimi played with most of the great names of the 60s and 70s including Stone, Hendrix, Dr. John and even John Lennon. He tells their story and those of many others… like the night he took Mick Jagger into black clubs to listen to the music. The important thing about that story is that Jagger was never “out of his element.” Here was white rock royalty hanging out with people not only different, but decidedly lower on the totem pole—yet he was there as a friend and a learner.

Jimi is pretty open with his feelings. He tells stories from growing up that will bring tears to most eyes. When you are done with the book you’ll feel frustrated and warm and fuzzy at the same time.

You’ll remember good, perhaps great, friendships you’ve had with people from other cultures which is a definite feel-good. But you’ll understand how your view of the friendship may have differed from theirs. You come away understanding the importance of understanding (of the mutual variety).

I remembered the day my black friends showed up to defend me from a white bully who menaced me after school. And I remembered the day I “remembered” that my best friend at work was black—I had simply seen him as a friend and brother. Those are good memories.

I also remember a friend saying the mountain where I took him snow-skiing was “too white” for him. I first thought he was talking about the snow. I’ve heard people say the same thing about a church I pastored even though we prided ourselves in reaching out to all peoples. The book caused me to re-assess lots of things about our church and ministry.

In the end it caused me to think institutionally and intentionally. Admit it, your church is an institution and as such it can expand its love base. But only if you are intentional about it. Not intentional as in quotas, but intentional as in creating opportunities for understanding what the other person feels.

I am biased because it was written by a friend. But this is a good read!

Got into an interesting discussion the other day.

Our team was talking about the spiritual dynamics of our “down days.” You know, those days when the enemy seems to have stolen all your hope.

Two events came to mind. The first was an afternoon sitting on the back pew in a tiny chapel that was about to become Hope Chapel–Manhattan Beach, California (The church that would eventually move to Hermosa Beach). 

My wife and I were praying desperately in that building that seemed so cavernous. It actually was designed for 66 people, but we’d never sustained a youth group of more than 30. And, we had yet to hold a service.

We were scared, very scared.

In the midst of our pity-party/prayer-session a young man stumbled into the small auditorium. His hair was greasy, and he smelled bad. He was living on the road and asking for money to buy food. We gave him what little we had and never saw him again. But, I believe God sent him to us and our response to him became the key that would open the door in the spirit for hundreds like him to be born again in that tiny chapel. 

In other words, while we were down Jesus sent us a key to unlock the treasure held in our prayers. Had we turned that young man away I doubt that Hope Chapel would have ever amounted to anything.

The second event occurred just a week ago. We’d had a disruption in our relationship with a nearby drug and alchohol treatment center. They’d been allowing clients to visit our services on Fridays until there was a misunderstanding. Several of our staff met with their staff to mend the relationship.

We’ve done well with men from that facility, but poorly with the ladies. Seems no women in our church could catch the vision to reach out to these folks, despite a dozen or so accepting Christ each week.

We went into the meeting feeling pretty down–didn’t look like much hope for the future. But we came out with one of our Women of Hope pastors excited about engaging the ladies from the center.

In the past few days several “middle-class” women have volunteered to give rides and to make disciples as God opens doors. Again, I believe in the midst of our “down days” God presented a key to future blessing.

It is nice that our church reaches out to folks in treatment, but until the people who make up the heart and soul of the church get in the act the ministry is just a toy to brag about. As long as we leave ministry to addicts solely in the hands of former addicts we really aren’t living the love we talk about. All that changed a few days ago.

I believe we’ll now see the ministry to addicts expand, but more importantly I think our church just became more blessable. I think this simple act of love in one of our down moments was a test from the Lord of the Harvest to see if he could trust us with more acreage. This time I think we passed the test. I’m sure we’ve failed a few along the way, but this time I think we passed.

My friend just turned himself in to the government for not paying taxes for ten years.

When asked why he was doing this, he gave a reasonable answer, “I’ve been immature, but God is working in my life and I want to do the mature thing. I’m ready to give you whatever you ask… be it money or jail time. I just want to make things right.”

The very interesting thing is how that straight up answer brought favor from the government. When my friends tax adviser talked to the state a woman said she is working to dismiss any penalties. The reason she gave was his plain-spoken conviction and willingness to make things right.

On the federal level it looks like, after late-penalties, he may be getting a refund. No kidding, a refund!

I’ve been lately praying that God will let me see the brighter side of his work in this world. Those who are spiritually sensitive are too often sensitive enough to be alert to principalities and powers, etc. We need the encouragement of eyes open to the sometimes hidden work of God and his messengers. 

Since praying that way, I’ve been encountering lots of these quiet stories of God at work. It’ll never make the headlines. No one will write books about it. But, this is spiritual reality. God is alive and at work on behalf of those whose hearts are devotedly his.