Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:18-20

There is nothing like a crisis to help sort out priorities. We often have competing demands, and it can be difficult sometimes to choose; but throw in a life or death scenario and things tend to become crystal clear.

That’s what happened last week. I had two huge projects in the works, commitments that literally define me professionally, but I bailed on both when my mum went back into the hospital.

One, a huge feature article for a Methodist newsletter in Florida, I can probably pick up again once the dust settles.

The other was an invitation to speak at a men’s ministry event in northern Ohio. I had outlined my talk and was in the process of plugging in stories when it became increasingly apparent I wasn’t going to be boarding that plane.

When you are an author there’s an interesting equation. New books lead to speaking gigs and speaking gigs lead to new books. One tends to feed the other until something interrupts the sequence. Then it’s as tough to get things running again as a gas-powered lawnmower that’s been sitting in the shed too long over the winter.

Factor in Covid in addition to my parents’ care and not only have I been in the shed too long I probably need some new parts!

So I wasn’t just excited about speaking I was thinking this would help jumpstart a new sequence of conferences, retreats, consulting and the next new book.

Key Story:

I am going to share one illustration I had planned on using, because I think it’s a good word for all of us in this particular moment – and most especially The Church writ large as it looks to be foundering in so many places, even though the Good News about Jesus is as important for people to hear now as any time in history.

I was going to talk about moving forward rather than looking in the rearview mirror, about listening to the innovative Spirit of God. Not just being a reformed body but “constantly reforming,” being cutting edge.

Rebekah and I recently watched a documentary on Elvis Presley, and specifically his reemergence – his renovation – via the classic 1968 tv special.

Elvis had been cutting edge – a little dangerous to the status quo – when he was starting his career. Then, when he came home from military service, he was suddenly mainstream and he quit pushing the envelope. He put all his effort into maintaining rather than innovating and – essentially – he lost his fire.

Have we as a church – and especially in men’s ministry – become “Saturday matinee lame movie Elvis”? Maybe it’s time we put on our black leather again and made people nervous!

Something to think about – DEREK