The language barrier

Charlotte North Carolina, much like many growing cities has seen an influx of different cultures. That influx of culture brings additional languages. There is a need for churches to be able to minister to these individuals. There was a time when we must go abroad in order to need a foreign language in order to witness to people of a different culture. This is no longer the case. I advise all churches that I work with to have at least one greeter that speaks Spanish, one person in their children's ministry that speaks Spanish, and to provide audio dubbed over videos in Spanish. The reason for this is that Hispanic populations are the fastest-growing demographic in North America. There are a group of adults with limited language skills who have children that must translate for them. This often leads to parents either dropping off their children or not wanting the children to leave them in case they need the language skills. We can alleviate that as churches if we provide someone who speaks their primary language. I understand we will never be able to provide a translator for every language however if we understand the area in which the church is placed and we understand the demographics of that area, then there should be no reason we cannot actively engage persons in that community in whatever form of communication is most vital and effective.

We often speak of language as a cultural verbal communication. I believe that there are overlooked languages that the church must learn to speak. These are the languages of technology and action.  The younger generation uses technology as their primary communication tool, they will sit in a room and text one another. They communicate with their friends through updating statuses. The church must learn to communicate with these individuals in this culture. The other language the church must learn to speak is that of action. The church must be actively involved in the culture in which it is placed. If it is not, then any communication it makes with the persons of the community will fall on deaf ears. 

Language and communication are critical for the church to grow not only in the area that I am in but in other areas around the country. This should be a topic of discussion for any church. This should be a topic of discussion for any person in ministry.

Do you ever think about "sacred places"?

I think that the way that we do things now can lead to a loss of the sacred nature of a place and or places. There was a time when churches were hallowed ground. Now the place may be a church this week and a burger joint tomorrow. The large cathedrals have a holy sense to them; they have a history that helps drive into us the sacred nature. You can feel the presence and stand in awe.

Nowadays people live tweet and selfie during church, baptisms come with t-shirts and go-pro camera pic like a ride at Disney or Carowinds, we have made this sacred activity a “I rode Space Mountain” T-shirt moment. As our sacred moments become something else then sacred places become no more.

The pilgrimage has long been a sign of the devout, no longer as important as more and more of our sacred places lose value. The sacrifice of time and funds, planning a preparation, a trip for and about better connection to God, pilgrimages were of such value.

I think in a society of disconnected individual that we need connection, there needs to be a sacred place. If we no longer have them in physical building and locations we need them in art. We need a music that draws people into their personal sacred place. We need dance that fades away the world until we are standing only with the Master. We need spoken word and poetry that elevates us into the act of communion with God. These will be the sacred places for the current and future generations.

Children need our help

As I do bills and balance check books before church I find myself asking what I can do without so children can have food. I understand no charity is perfect and we use that as an excuse not to give. If your like me and you are over weight then clearly we have plenty. Regardless of where we donate we need to help make sure no child is hungry. This one helps kids right here in NC.

What God has called us to is not inside church walls but out in the community letting our light shine.

You cannot tell a child about a God who loves them and leave there belly empty. Please love like Jesus and find a way to help. Here is one in North Carolina.






- MZG

Jesus had a stepdad

Having been a stepfather to a teenage girl and being there even though she is grown, there are a few things I know. Raising teenage girls will make you really consider murdering someone and being a stepdad is hard.

The constant knowing your not really dad. The dreaded words that will come, "you are not my real dad". Walking that thin line of balance. Always afraid you will do to much or too little.

Here are my thoughts for all you step parents out there. Specifically stepdads. There is a crisis in our families in the world today. Too many absentee fathers and mothers. Stepparents are sometimes the only answer and they can be God's gift to the child.

I truly believe Jesus has special heart for the stepdads out there. He himself had one. If you're a stepparent and you think you have it rough, how would you like to have had Jesus as a stepson. Gotta be a lot of pressure. But through out the threats and stress of it all what little we know of Joseph shows he had a communication with God and he led his family based on that. My advice is as stepparents we do the same.

Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."

It does not say if you are the real dad or mom. It says to train the child. Don't ever doubt the importance of the opportunity stepparents have to be godly examples.




- MZG