Christ’s Team: A 21st Century View of Christianity

2012-03-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

Robert C. Frank

I’m Robert Frank, author of Christ’s Team. I believe that this is one of the most exciting periods in the history of Christianity. The book is intended to help church members understand the important role Christian teamwork plays in our complex, rapidly changing world. It provides a greater appreciation of God’s creative work in the past two thousand years and calls us to be God's assistants in that effort.
The words "team" and "teamwork" are not part of the traditional language of Christianity so it will take some time before we become comfortable with their usage in church. However, if you were going to invite someone to join your church which approach do you think would be most effective? To say, "We would like you to join our church and become a member of the Body of Christ" or "We would like you to join our church and become a member of Christ's Team?"

Christianity and Science

The book describes the close relationship between Christianity and science required for the relief of suffering in the world, a relationship that has led to dramatic improvements in the quality of human life. Science and technology depend on the teamwork and direction taught by Christianity and Christianity depends on science and technology to develop the tools needed to spread the gospel and provide aid to suffering humanity.

Sharing the Good News and Inviting Others

Christ’s Team is a creative approach to 21^st century evangelism. It remains faithful to basic principles taught by most denominations and at the same time reveals new paths for understanding and sharing information about modern Christianity. The book is an easily read overview of the Christ’s Team concept useful for introducing the subject in Christian education programs. Discussion questions as study guides are included in the book, but may also be downloaded free below.

Christ’s Team builds bridges between Christianity and science; Christianity and sports; Christian denominations; and Christians and non-Christians.

I hope you enjoy the book and become

an inspired member of Christ's Team

I would be pleased to hear your thoughts about

serving on Christ's Team. I can be contacted

by email at christsteambook@mchsi.com

“Serving on Christ’s Team” is a great way to tell others

about your participation in this wonderful adventure.

A 21st century way of saying "I'm a Christian"

The free study guides are in booklet form and can

be downloaded and printed using Adobe Reader.

When printing the study guides be sure to set the

orientation on landscape and print on both sides.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE STUDY GUIDES

The Common English Bible as an eBook

2012-02-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

My wife and I read part of the Bible every morning during our devotions. Since the Common English Bible came out only a short time ago, we decided to obtain an ebook version of it and read it electronically on our Kindle. Using wi-fi we were able to download it and begin reading within a couple minutes. Due to improvements in software, searching the ebook version of the Common English Bible is easier than searching some earlier ebook versions of the other Bibles. You simply jump to the table of contents and click on the name of a book of the Bible. It takes you to the beginning of that book where you find a list of chapter numbers. Clicking on the desired number takes you to the beginning of that chapter. Then turning a few pages gets you where you want to be. The speed of all this depends on the kind of ebook reader you are using. Some are faster than others.

The Common English Bible is pleasant reading because it was designed to be read like we normally talk. Taking advantage of modern methods of collaboration, 120 Bible scholars from 22 faith traditions worked as translators for the CEB. In addition, early drafts of the translation were reviewed by 77 reading groups. Most of the mainline denominations were involved. The care that went into making the CEB authoritative is impressive. The Holy Spirit made good use of science for improvements in modern communication and as a result, my wife and I can look forward to many new adventures in Bible reading.
Robert C. Frank
Author of Christ’s Team

Christ's Team: The Sunday Morning Huddle

2012-01-23T14:00:00.013-05:00

One of the practices that Christianity inherited from Judaism is the gathering of members every seven days. Of the other major religions, Islam is the only one that includes that tradition. In our 21st century, rapidly changing, complex world, the Sunday morning gathering still plays a vital role. However, attendance has been gradually falling, particularly in Europe and the United States which traditionally have had high concentrations of Christians. Part of the problem is that churches tend to rely on ancient understandings of these gatherings.

In our modern world, to love someone means to want to help them be as good as they can be. To love God, our Creator, then means to want to assist in making God’s creation as good as it can be. We honor God by our enthusiastic participation in creation, the relief of suffering and improvement of the quality of everyone’s life. Individual effort alone, however, is not very productive. Teamwork is required. The two billion followers of Jesus throughout the world have become Christ’s Team and the Sunday morning gatherings are like the huddle in football. They facilitate coordination of the efforts of the Team and provide opportunities for learning and practice. In the mainline Christian denominations around the world, attendance at the Sunday morning services is considered optional. What kind of football team would you have if the players could decide before each play whether they wanted to join the huddle? Serving on Christ’s Team is the noblest adventure on earth. Isn’t its team effort important?
Robert C. Frank
Author of Christ’s Team

Religions Working Together in Continuing Creation

2012-01-09T09:45:00.002-05:00

The rapid improvement of the quality of human life in our world today provides clear evidence that creation is a continuing process. Members of the Christian, Judaic, and Islamic traditions believe that there is a single source of creation that is called God. Members of the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, while not proclaiming belief in a single source of creation, are clearly searching for an understanding of creation. All major religions have different traditions and have followed different paths, but in their own way they all contribute to the relief of suffering and improvement of life so they all play a role in continuing creation.

With the aid of vastly improved communication in our modern world, there are signs that members of the religions are gradually learning more about each other and are beginning to work together. When natural disasters occur in various parts of the world, such as the earthquakes and tsunamis in Southeast Asia in 2004 and in Japan in 2011, members of the different religions are now co-operating in the rescue and restoration efforts. In many countries where extensive illness and poverty exists, the combined advocacy efforts of the different religions can be used to encourage governments to provide aid. Successful management of the earth will continue to require the teamwork of members of all the major religions to solve the problems encountered. A beautiful world is evolving, but relief of suffering and improvement of the quality of life for everyone will occur more rapidly as members of all religions work together.

Robert C. Frank

Author of Christ’s Team

Christmas, A Time for Teamwork and Happiness

2011-11-29T09:30:00.001-05:00

Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ came to earth to teach humans how to work together. In our modern world, Christians have become Christ’s Team, teaching about God’s grace and helping all people lead happy and productive lives. Christmas, a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus tends to emphasize teamwork and bring family life to a focus. Mothers and fathers spend more time with their children planning and preparing food together, decorating their homes, and attending and participating in Christian events. For families that have learned to function as a team, Christmas is a time of exceptional joy and happiness.

Christmas is also a time for beautiful music. Teamwork is rarely mentioned in connection with music, but choirs, choral unions, orchestras, bands and ensembles are excellent examples of the teamwork required for the presentation of beautiful music. Each individual participant must play their part as well as they can but also be conscious of the fact that beautiful results will only occur if their contribution fits harmoniously with the contributions of the other members.

We live in a gradually evolving, remarkable, world that is a gift of our loving Creator. Christian churches throughout the world serving as Christ’s Team continue their efforts to teach that differences of view are essential, but happiness and achievement depend upon everyone working together harmoniously. Husbands and wives, trumpet players and violinists, and Republicans and Democrats don’t always think alike but they have to work together as teammates to produce the best results.
Robert C. Frank
Author of Christ’s Team

Teamwork: The Way Out of the Wilderness

2011-11-25T11:30:00.001-05:00

There are occasional passages of the Old Testament in the Bible that describe the Israelites spending long periods, even years, wandering in the wilderness. At first thought that seems surprising because even though they were in a strange land, the territory was so small that traveling by foot in almost any direction would permit them to leave any wilderness in at most a few weeks. Apparently the problem was that they hadn’t learned how to move as an organized unit. Everyone probably wanted to go different directions at their own pace. They hadn’t learned to work together and help those who had difficulty traveling.

Jesus Christ, whose birthday we will soon celebrate, taught by his lifestyle and speech that every human life is important and teamwork is vital. It has taken us over two thousand years to internalize those lessons and as a result human history contains many periods of wandering in the wilderness. Jesus was trying to teach us that if the path into the future is unfamiliar then it is important to work together as a team and help those having difficulty.

In our world today many countries, including the U.S., are traveling through unfamiliar financial territory with stock markets surging up one day and down the next. Rather than continuing to fight over what to do, we will get out of the wilderness quicker if a reasonable direction is chosen, even if it isn’t the best, and everyone works together to make it successful. A beautiful world is evolving, but it requires all of us pulling together.
Robert C. Frank
Author of: Christ’s Team

Teamwork in Democratic Governments

2011-10-26T10:30:00.003-04:00

Countries throughout the world are increasingly becoming democracies governed by leaders who serve at the will of the people. This has been made possible by higher literacy rates and more sophisticated methods of communication so people living in each country are much better informed. Ideally it might be expected that those chosen to be leaders in government would participate as a well functioning team knowing what needs to be done and working together to get it done. However, what we are seeing in many countries including the U. S. are democratic governments that are still far from ideal and often lack teamwork.

The central problem seems to be the method by which leaders are chosen. In the current system in the U.S. there are long periods in which the candidates are given the opportunity to publicly criticize each other and the person who convinces the most people that the other candidates are worse gets the position. In an evolving civilization democracies are the best form of government, but the current method of choosing leaders is still fairly primitive because political campaigning never ends and successful teamwork rarely occurs. It seems to me that it is time for some of the great minds of our world to get together and come up with a better way of choosing leaders where the results still reflect the will of the people, but permit those chosen to work together with more effective teamwork. If we can devise ways to travel to the moon we should be able to devise a better democratic way of choosing our leaders.
Robert C. Frank
Author of Christ’s Team

Cursillo: A Little Course in Christianity

2011-10-12T09:39:00.000-04:00

Some years ago our two oldest daughters ask my wife and I to attend weekend retreats called Cursillo that were sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church. After some foot dragging, we finally did, not aware of how much those weekends were going to change the course of our lives. I was deeply moved by the events of the weekend and like any good scientist was obsessed with trying to find out why the weekends had such a profound effect on a regular old church member like me. So I studied the Cursillo movement and finally concluded that the weekends were the finest example of Christian education I had ever seen. Cursillo was originated by some Catholic laymen on the Island of Mallorca off the coast of Spain shortly after World War II and has since spread to many different denominations. The name Cursillo is an abbreviation for Cursillo de Christiandad which translated into English means “A Little Course in Christianity.”

My wife and I were so impressed by the beauty of the Cursillo weekends that we helped bring Via de Cristo, the Lutheran version of Cursillo, to our area and served on many of the teams that presented the weekends during the first ten years. In 1998 we had a chance to go to Mallorca and spend an afternoon with Eduardo Bonnin, one of the founders of Cursillo. If someday, someone asks you to attend a weekend Christian retreat with a Spanish sounding name and it appears to be connected with Cursillo, I encourage you to do it. It will help you understand how much God loves you.

Robert C. Frank

Author of Christ’s Team

Thank God for Science

2011-08-19T09:30:00.002-04:00

Science provides the knowledge required for technology and technology produces tools needed to improve the quality of life. Science isn’t mentioned in the Bible because it evolved in later years. Some people, therefore, may feel that science is not relevant to Christianity. However it is important to remember that science and technology have played vital roles in making the Bible the important book it is today. The effectiveness of the Bible depends on the ability of people to read and share what they have read and that has improved dramatically over the years due to advances in science and technology. In the first two thirds of the history of Christianity, only priests and monks had access and could read the Bible. Today it is readily available in many different versions and languages.

Clearly science and technology can be misused and harmful, but the recorded history of Christianity makes us aware of cases where quotations from the Bible have also been used to persecute people. Scientific research in most countries today is monitored and kept in check by committees that include non-scientists, many trained in Christian ethics. Christianity and science clearly need each other. Science and technology depend on the teamwork and direction taught by Christianity and Christianity depends on science and technology to develop the tools needed to relieve suffering. It is that relationship that is creating a wonderful new world. Since Christianity would be very limited in its ability to spread the gospel without science, shouldn’t science be thought of as part of the work of the Holy Spirit in the 21st century?

Robert C. Frank

Author of Christ’s Team

Christianity and Team Sports

2011-07-20T10:00:00.003-04:00

People from all over the world watched the recent Women's World Cup soccer competition between the United States and Japan. Viewers were easily drawn into it because the winner was not decided until the final kick. Team sports are very popular in our modern world. They are not only a form of entertainment, but continually remind us of some of the most important lessons of our lives. Lessons such as:

We all need challenges. Achievable challenges are needed to acquire skills and experience the joy of accomplishment.
Justice is essential. Everyone must obey the rules in order to provide equal opportunity.
Forgiveness is required. We must learn from our mistakes and failures, but the wounds must be healed quickly by forgiving others and ourselves.
Every team member is important. Each person has a different role to play and those differences must be respected and encouraged.
Accountability is fundamental. The success of any team depends on every member’s full participation.

Christianity has been teaching these lessons for over two thousand years and that is one of the reasons Christ’s Team has grown to involve roughly a third of the population of the world. Weekly worship services have played an important role in its growth because they not only provide inspiration, education, accountability and direction but opportunities to practice what has been learned. Do you think God intended team sports to be part of the kingdom of heaven? Very likely, but they weren’t intended to be carried out at the same time as the weekly worship services.

Robert C. Frank

Author of: Christ’s Team

Are We There Yet? Not Yet.

2011-06-22T12:49:00.003-04:00

We live in a rapidly evolving world which many writers have tried to describe. Rob Bell writes about heaven on Earth where love wins. Brian McLaren describes a new kind of Christianity. Michael Dowd tells of an evolving earthspirit where Christianity and science merge to provide better management of Earth. George Cladis suggests that team-based ministry is the most effective model for leading and organizing Christian ministry in the 21st century. These are but a few of many voices creating a vision of a new era in Christianity. We can begin to see the promised land on the horizon where illness is rare, food and housing plentiful, serious conflict seldom occurs, and smiles and laughter are widespread. It makes us anxious to get there.

However, we are not there yet and there are still many obstacles to overcome. Unrest caused by injustice has spread across the Middle East and Africa. Drug wars and trafficking exploit the lives of vulnerable human beings. Earthquakes have devastated Haiti, Japan, and smaller sections of other countries. Tornadoes appear at unscheduled times and turn beautiful buildings into piles of ruble. Wildfires occur where the land is too dry and floods where there is too much rain. However, there is hope. When Christians work together as a team they become a powerful force for reducing suffering and improving the quality of life. Serving on Christ’s Team is the most noble of human adventures and all of us are needed. Working together we can speed the day when the goal is reached.

Robert C. Frank

Evolution of the Team Concept in Christianity

2011-05-14T16:21:00.001-04:00

The Apostle Paul referred to the followers of Jesus as the Body of Christ because like the human body it was made up of members with different abilities and functions working together. Christians have been teaching basic principles that helped them work together for the past 2000 years, but in spite of teaching a form of teamwork, until recent decades the words “team” and “teamwork” were rarely used in the Christian context.

It is believed that the first application of the word “teamwork” to humans working together may have occurred in the late 19^th century. As sports, such as baseball and football became popular in the 20^th century, those serving on each side were called teams because success depended upon their ability to combine their efforts. Gradually organizations in business and science and technology began to refer to groups of people working on specific projects as teams.

Among the few who saw the importance of identifying teamwork with Christianity were Philip Van Auken, author of Managing Ministry in Christian Organizations: A Team Approach published in 1989, George Cladis, author of Leading the Team-Based Church in 1999, Wayne Cordeiro, author of Doing Church as a Team in 2004, and Jim Putman, author of Church as a Team Sport in 2008. The team concept is important because it requires carefully defined and understood goals and reminds those participating that success depends upon how well they work together. The words “team” and “teamwork” can therefore be expected to eventually become part of the everyday language of modern Christianity.

Robert C. Frank

Christianity and the Future

2011-04-21T23:34:00.007-04:00

Our modern world is very complicated, suggesting to some that eventually computers will take over. However, if you look carefully there is also evidence that a beautiful world of human beings is gradually evolving. On page 381 of his book, God: the World’s Future, Ted Peters expressed his view of life on Earth in the future this way:

“I believe we can say prophetically that there is a new world coming that will be, among other things:

organized as a single, worldwide, planetary society;
united in devotion to the will of God;
sustainable within the biological carrying capacity of the planet and harmonized with the principles of the ecosphere;
organized politically so as to preserve the just rights and voluntary contributions of individuals;
organized economically so as to guarantee the basic survival needs of each person;
organized socially so that dignity and freedom are respected and protected in every quarter;
dedicated to advancing the quality of life in behalf of future generations.”

Such a world is emerging and since the rate of creation depends on past accomplishments and the number of people involved, improvements are being made at an ever increasing rate, as if in a shrinking time frame. Our immediate goal must be to concentrate on working together as a team if we are to become effective managers of this space colony called Earth. I believe that Christianity has a key role to play and with the aid of science will eventually make Ted Peters’ vision a reality.

Robert C. Frank

Our Christian Education Responsibilities

2011-04-21T23:34:00.006-04:00

As Jesus was making his final departure from his followers he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”(Mt 28:19-20) Looking back from the 21^st Century we can see that his command had a profound effect on our world. While the history of Christianity includes many struggles and failures, Christians have often led the way in efforts to create an advanced civilization.

Try to imagine if you can what our world would be like if all the influence that Christianity has had on humankind was removed. I think it would be very primitive. There would be no churches in the towns and cities of the world advocating for the sick and poor. There would be no one to tell us of God’s grace so everyone would have to fight for their right to live. Stealing and killing would occur more frequently. Instead of the seven day cycle of rest and inspiration, every day would be the same.

It is naive to think that we Christians have all the answers. We don’t. So we must continue to learn from our Bibles and God’s work in the world around us and share what we have learned with others. There are still pockets of conflict on Earth and aid is required for those who are ill or living in poverty. There is much work for Christ’s Team.

Robert C. Frank

The Vital Role of Forgiveness in Teamwork

2011-04-21T23:33:00.007-04:00

Many years ago when I was teaching physics at Augustana College, one of the students in my class was Ken Anderson who later became a star quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals football team. The story is told that with only a few seconds left in one of the games, Ken threw a game winning pass right into the arms of one of his receivers in the end zone who promptly dropped it.

A reporter later asked Ken if he sharply criticized the player for dropping the ball. Ken said, “No, I didn’t and I would hope he would be as charitable to me the next time I throw it over his head.” Team sports teach us a great deal about forgiveness. In order to play successfully in a team sport you have to stay focused on what is happening at the present time and can’t be burdened by the baggage of yesterday’s failures.

To be successful in team sports, it is vitally important to learn from our failures, practice getting it right and then move on. Christianity teaches that the same applies to all of us in our daily lives. Not only do we have to forgive ourselves, but we have to be charitable to others who have done things that have been harmful to us. If we are going to be successful members of Christ’s Team improving the quality of life for everyone, we need to practice forgiving ourselves and others. The forgiveness that we receive from God through the death and resurrection of Jesus makes that possible.

Peace is found in prayer.
Robert C. Frank

Christianity's Goal

2011-04-21T23:33:00.006-04:00

Christians have been teaching basic principles that have helped people work together for the past 2000 years, but until recent decades the words “team” and “teamwork” were rarely used in the Christian context. The team concept is a powerful concept because it requires carefully defined and understood goals. In the case of Christianity, the goal has not been as clearly understood as it needs to be for effective teamwork. Most Christians, if asked what the goal of Christianity is, would likely say “personal salvation.” That goal, however, tends to focus on the individual and can even be divisive instead of team building. To outsiders the history of Christianity often appears to be a history of conflicting denominational views over who is qualified to get into heaven.

There is another goal that emerges when studying the Bible and the history of Christianity that tends to be more unifying. That goal is assisting God with continuing creation. The vast improvements in communication, transportation and human health remind us again that creation is a continuing process. With the aid of science, Christians have and can continue to play a vital role in continuing creation and improving the quality of life for all. It seems to me that seeking forgiveness and living in God’s grace we are free to work together as Christ’s Team to create a better world and can leave our destiny after death to faith in our loving Creator. In any case the future of Christianity in our complex world will surely depend upon how clearly it can define and understand its goal.

Robert C. Frank

Christianity in a World Being Created

2011-04-21T23:32:00.001-04:00

We live in a rapidly changing world that has resulted in an information explosion. Christian outreach that was effective in earlier stages of cultural development and still works well in underdeveloped countries has lost some of its effectiveness in cultures where members are exposed to a growing awareness of the large number of biblical interpretations and questions raised by scientific research.

As a result a complicated 21^st century Christianity is embedded in an even more complicated mosaic of world humanity. Nevertheless, there is a remarkable view of Christianity that emerges out of that complicated background if you stare long enough.

The focal point for seeing this view is the idea that the followers of Jesus, as the Body of Christ, have become Christ’s Team assisting God with creation on Earth. Focusing on that idea makes it possible for Christians to summarize their understanding of Christianity by saying “We are members of Christ’s Team continuing God’s creation on Earth under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to teach people about God’s grace and continue to reduce suffering, helping all people lead happy and productive lives.”

That view also weaves science and Christianity together in a partnership. Christianity needs the communication improvements created by science and modern science requires teamwork taught by Christianity. Christianity has been teaching teamwork in the form of respect, love and grace for a very long time. Creation continues and a beautiful world is evolving, but it will require the diligent teamwork of all of us.

Wisdom is found in prayer.
Robert C. Frank

The Earth's Vegetation

2011-04-21T23:31:00.005-04:00

As I was looking at the trees behind my house the other day I was reminded of the wonderful poem called “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer that I learned at a child. The first few verses go something like this:

“I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast.
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray.”

Now as an adult I see trees with a physicist’s eyes. I see the leaves reaching into the sky to absorb energy from the sun. The tree’s roots reach deep into the soil to absorb nutrients, drawing the liquids up the trunk through tiny capillary tubes. I think of the enormous stresses at the places where the large limbs are attached to the trunk. When I hold my arms straight out like that even for a few minutes my shoulders ache. Clearly every tree is a miracle. Kilmer’s poem ends:

“Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.”

Many of the remarkable features of trees are repeated in all vegetation on Earth. God gave us the miracle of vegetation not only for shade and food, but to control the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air we breathe. Christ’s Team is challenged to learn to manage vegetation with great wisdom to preserve the quality of life on Earth.

Wisdom is found in prayer.
Robert C. Frank

Teamwork and Feedback

2011-04-21T23:31:00.004-04:00

Many years ago I learned an important lesson studying electronics in the Navy. When they wanted to turn a radar antenna they had to apply an electric signal telling the antenna to turn, but it was also necessary to get an electrical feedback signal indicating how far the antenna had already turned in order to gently bring it to a stop. I remember that the amount of feedback had to be carefully adjusted or the antenna would jerk back and forth. With just the right amount of feedback the antenna turned smoothly.

Teamwork involves a number of people working together toward a specific goal. To be effective, teams also need feedback, but getting just the right amount isn’t always easy. In our modern world, communication is so good that it is easy to get too much feedback. If the quarterback of a football team had to deal with the opinions of the crowd before each play, football would get pretty jerky.

Today in democratic governments, such as ours, leaders receive an overwhelming amount of feedback. Free speech is important, informed opinions precious and accurate data vital, but gifted leaders are required who are able to courageously sift through all the information and judiciously apply what is important. We are currently going through a period when learning how to deal with feedback overload in government is part of continuing creation. As a result, democracy will tend to be a bit jerky for awhile.

Wisdom is found in prayer.
Robert C. Frank

Creation Viewed from the Hubble

2011-04-21T23:30:00.003-04:00

I recently had an opportunity to see the three dimensional movie about repair work on the Hubble telescope that is making the rounds of the IMAX theatres. The photography is spectacular and provides three exceptional views of creation.

Since the Hubble is in orbit only about 346 miles above the surface of the Earth, it provides an astronaut’s view of our planet rarely seen. In the movie Earth is seen in the background since the pictures are mainly of the astronauts repairing the telescope, but still it is a remarkable view. What an awesome planet God put us on and it deserves our utmost respect.

There are larger telescopes on Earth than the Hubble but its location outside most of the atmosphere gives it viewing capabilities that the other telescopes don’t have. The views of the universe achieved through the Hubble and seen in the movie provide an incredible spiritual view of creation. Most people who see the movie are deeply moved.

When we see the astronauts working on the telescope, we are reminded again that these special views of our universe were made possible by exceptional human teamwork. Two thousand years ago Jesus Christ came as a servant leader to teach human beings the benefits of teamwork and the followers of Jesus have been working ever since to continue creation. The Hubble telescope and its astounding views of the universe are products of humans working together as a team. Don’t miss the movie at your local IMAX theatre.

Peace is found in prayer
Robert C. Frank

Prayer: It's Wireless

2011-04-21T23:29:00.005-04:00

Without a connection to God, the source of our existence, our lives are like boats without rudders in a restless sea. We live our lives with fuzzy and ever changing goals. Countless pages have been written about prayer and yet we still have much to learn. God doesn’t answer prayer in a loud baritone voice, or by email or Facebook, but in the subtle events of daily life.

Among the benefits of prayer is greater calmness because every little challenge doesn’t become a major crisis. Reacting to events in our lives with God’s wisdom improves our effectiveness. Courage provided by prayer permits us to face life realistically. Anxiety and anger are reduced because we tend to see those around us as loving people. Relationships with God and other people are healed more easily relieving us of the burdens of guilt and old grudges. Thus we are able to lead happier, healthier, and more efficient lives.

In a way, the gift of prayer is like a treasure that isn’t often recognized. Many feel that prayer is worthless because they expect it to produce quick solutions to life’s problems. They don’t understand how the treasure is to be used. Prayer opens each individual to an awareness of the presence of God and that tends to quiet the emotional storms, soften the days of depression, and provide courage and hope when life is restricted thus making our lives more productive.

Peace is found in prayer,
Robert C. Frank

What a Team We Were Then

2011-04-21T23:29:00.004-04:00

I watched a documentary about World War II on television a few nights ago and even though I lived through it and participated briefly in military service near the end, it seemed almost unreal, like a dream. It is hard to believe that virtually the entire world was involved in that strange war. One thing that stands out in my mind, however, was the remarkable teamwork that existed in our country at that time. We all knew what the goal was and worked together diligently to achieve that goal.

What an awesome team we were then. Even when the war was over we were such a great team that we helped rebuild the countries of those who had been our enemies.

After World War II we became engaged in a cold war race to the moon. We formed a new team for the race into space and it too was an awesome team. We knew what our goal was and enjoyed working together to achieve that goal. Our teamwork finally made the impossible possible when we landed humans on the moon in 1969.

Christians throughout the world are dedicated to relieving suffering, increasing effective living and providing better management of the Earth. As Christ’s Team their goal is to create a world where every human being can achieve their maximum potential. It is another case of an impossible task that can be made possible through teamwork if we can get the team focused on the goal.

Peace is found in prayer.
Robert C. Frank

Dealing With Natural Disasters

2011-04-21T23:28:00.006-04:00

The extensive damage and loss of life created by the recent earthquake in Haiti has reminded us again that our beautiful blue planet has awesome capabilities for supporting human life, but it is not perfect. Occasionally the solid plates forming the Earth’s crust beneath our feet need to move to relieve the stresses and that can produce catastrophic damage. Since natural disasters destroy the lives and property of the innocent as well as the chronic wrong doers, it is difficult to believe that they are part of God’s plan. Rather, it suggests that creation isn’t finished and that God needs us to assist with the process. We may not be able to control the winds or earth movement, but we can learn how to protect human lives and restore damaged property.

Modern communication systems provide improved early warning, but still need fine tuning. Governments working together using science and technology provide medical aid for the injured, burial of the dead and partial restoration of living facilities, but there is still much to learn to increase efficiency. The cleanup of the destruction and rebuilding of homes and lives takes much longer. Christian organizations that are part of Christ’s Team have permanent bases in almost every country in the world and are usually among the first to arrive at a disaster site and the last to leave. Christ’s Team is there to help rebuild when others have left, but needs the involvement of more of its Team members.

Peace is found in prayer,
Robert C. Frank

We Are One in the Spirit

2011-04-21T23:28:00.005-04:00

Our home is a block from 31st Avenue, often called “church row.” A Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, and Lutheran church are all lined up short distances apart on church row. For nearly thirty years these churches have been celebrating Thanksgiving together on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. As the years went by they were joined by a Jewish Synagogue, a Presbyterian church and a second Baptist church that were a little farther away.

Thanksgiving is approaching again and everyone looks forward to the event because the service involves contributions from the rich traditions of the different denominations. All of the choirs contribute their special music. The offering is in the form of imperishable food to restock the Food Bank used to help needy families in the area. Attendance has now reached the point where only the larger churches are able to host it. Other churches assist with refreshments.

It is just one of many examples of ways for members of Christ’s Team to share experiences and learn from each other. It reminds us of words from Peter Scholtes wonderful song They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love.

“We are one in the Spirit, We are one in the Lord.
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Christ’s Team consists of many denominations but one Spirit. A team effort is always stronger than the sum of the individual efforts.

Peace is found in prayer,
Robert C. Frank

Benefits of Volunteering

2011-04-21T23:27:00.007-04:00

We are going through a period when people are beginning to spend more of their free time volunteering to help with projects that supply the needs of the less fortunate. All of us were told when we were young that we were going to have to get jobs to financially support ourselves for the rest of our lives. That gave working for money a special dignity. However, working on projects without pay also has a special dignity, especially if it aids people with unusual needs.

Aside from just feeling good about helping others, there are often other benefits. First of all you can develop close friendships with inspiring people. Secondly you can learn new skills that may be helpful in your life. Working as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, for example, you can learn from experts how to build houses, install plumbing, and do electrical wiring. Thirdly, if you are currently unemployed you can sometimes work with people who may eventually be able to offer you employment. Furthermore volunteers can often choose the hours they want to work.

Christian churches are excellent sources of information about volunteer opportunities. Not only are there many jobs to be done around the church, but congregations also have information about the needs of the community. Their lists include hospitals, blood banks, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and others. Christ’s Team needs volunteers in many different areas to make the world a better place to live.

Peace is found in prayer,
Robert C. Frank

It Is a Matter of Viewpoint

2011-04-21T23:27:00.006-04:00

There is an old ethnic joke that has many variations but often represents an all too common viewpoint. In the Scandinavian tradition it goes like this. Sven says to his old friend, “Ole, some times I think that the whole world is going to the dogs except you and me and there are days when I think you are going too.” Communication is so good today that almost every bad event in the world is carefully documented. Adding to the negative perspective, TV viewing is filled with movie previews showing cities being blown up and autos flying in all directions.

When I go to the local supermarket I get a different view of the world. Not only am I impressed with the huge selection of food and supplies available to make us healthy and happy, but I am also impressed with how polite people are to each other: visitors as well as employees. I see many loving people there.

I am aware that there are still many people in the world who are suffering from illness, poverty, and natural disasters but Christ’s Team is working hard to change that. Visit any church on a Sunday morning and pick up a copy of their newsletter. They list the many things they are doing to aid people not only in the local community, but all around the world. Christ’s Team needs you. Join a church. The world will get better.

Peace is found in prayer,
Robert C. Frank

Challenges Are Needed for Happiness

2011-04-21T23:26:00.006-04:00

Creation involves overcoming obstacles and if we are to be God’s creation assistants it means constantly facing new challenges. As citizens of the United States, we are currently struggling to provide adequate health care for everyone in our country while at the same time trying to help stabilize governments in another part of the world, both substantial challenges.

In our personal lives, challenges are necessary for happiness for the following reasons: (1) They provide purpose and direction for our lives. (2) They develop our skills and we experience the joy of accomplishment. (3) They help us learn to work with other people in team relationships and we get to enjoy the fellowship. Whether our challenge for the day is learning to use new computer software, balancing our finances, getting needed exercise, planning a party, cleaning the kitchen, rearranging the living room, or carrying out a work project on the job, happiness occurs when such challenges are pursued using principles taught by Jesus.

First of all we need to pray for God’s wisdom and always try to keep challenges in perspective. It may not look that way, but in most cases the challenges of our lives are shared with other people so solutions will occur when we work effectively with them. Teamwork is important. Sometimes solutions take time so patience is necessary. Members of Christ’s Team lead happy and productive lives when they rely on and are grateful for the resources God has provided for them.

Peace is found in prayer.
Robert C. Frank

Spiritual Direction

2011-04-21T23:26:00.005-04:00

The spiritual journey of each human being is different since it depends on their individual capabilities or spiritual gifts, education, cultural background, and religious experiences. For most people the journey receives minimal guidance through prayer and attendance at worship services. Some people, however, are able to receive additional guidance from a spiritual director.

A spiritual director is a person, usually with special training, who becomes a spiritual companion to another for awhile. They meet on a regular basis, perhaps once a month. Most of the time, the spiritual director simply listens to the story of the other person and only occasionally engages in conversation. Their role is not so much to tell the person what their spiritual life should be as it is to help them discover it for themselves. The spiritual director is in essence holding a mirror to help the person observe their spiritual life as a member of Christ’s Team more clearly.

The responsibilities of pastors of modern congregations are usually so great that time available for spiritual direction is very limited. Thus there is a need for others who are willing to receive the special training and serve in that capacity. I was fortunate to have had Sister Audrey, a Benedictine nun, serve as a spiritual director for me for about a year. Our conversations were a great help to me in understanding my role as a follower of Jesus.
Additional information about spiritual direction can be found on the Internet.

Peace is found in prayer,
Robert C. Frank

Study Guides

2011-04-20T23:36:00.003-04:00