view from here...

REALLY love them, for keeps.

2011-04-18T18:27:00.002-05:00

Many traditional approaches to evangelism attempt to talk others into the Kingdom (apologetics). Perhaps a better approach might be to (take them by the hand and) walk them into the Kingdom.

wow. (which no longer contains capitol letters)

2011-04-01T18:41:00.001-05:00

it didn't take long before I travelled the familiar road to NextWave ezine and then on to TallSkinnyKiwi.

...good times.

hello blogosphere.

2011-04-01T18:11:00.002-05:00

just stopping by to read some old posts.

Have a day. 8-|

Everyone wants a hero.

2009-08-31T10:36:00.003-05:00

Today my hero is Lindsey Pond. Lindsey is one of those on my prayer list. I went to her blog today to read and catch up on her situation. All I could find was inspiration. Her words blessed me.

"Life is so NOT about the cake" - Lindsey Pond

Best wishes to Lindsay and Brian on their journey.

Celebrity Communicators

2009-03-28T17:41:00.002-05:00

While recognizing that the vast majority of those engaged in "video venues" have, at their core, a passion for seeing people come to know, love, and follow Jesus, Bob Hyatt cautions in the cover story of this month's Next-Wave Ezine that "video venue franchises - prepackaged church-in-a-box" will lead to fewer and fewer men and women who ever learn to preach or ever get the experience of learning to work with others to discern what God is saying to their local body.

The Apostle Paul once referred to preaching as "foolishness" (and I've done my share of that), but he went on to say it was a tool that God has used to save those who believe (1 Cor 1:21 KJV).

While I can appreciate the quality of the worship experience and depth of training that these churches are able to provide, I insist that it should never become a substitute for the necessity of those who follow Jesus to continue the relational work of living out the gospel before those who are outside the Kingdom.

Focus on Bible Study

2009-01-03T22:33:00.002-06:00

The focus of our Biblical study needs to be on discovering:
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
How?
Why?

We dare not ponder that question without the aid of the Holy Spirit. Genuine revelation only comes through Him. Anything less than revelation is folly. God's treasures are not for collectors, but for stewards.

Christ follower

2009-01-03T20:38:00.006-06:00

Each new year I fall victim to self-evaluation. I don't think that it's part of my spiritual DNA, but more probably a cultural expectation. In my past, I've been guilty of using this ploy to motivate others towards a re-dedication experience, a kind of "spiritual new years resolution" of sorts which seemed genuine and appropriate at the time. Only God knows.

Maybe it's because I chose to follow Christ during the Christmas break of my sophomore year in high school (January 2, 1972) that I perform this annual ritual. Tonight I ponder the difference of my early years of faith with my current journey. The early years were filled with confidence and certainty of the Baptist expression of the Christian faith which was the context of my conversion. My current path is more investigative and less trusting of the traditions of my youth.

On the way, I am ever evaluating my list of essentials (doctrines and practices). Many fellow travellers consider my path too treacherous or a fool's journey of accommodation and compromise. I'm less concerned about their opinion and more interested in an open, honest pursuit of God and His purpose in me.

So today I pause to note these tentative statements of my faith:

1. Like the early believers in Jerusalem, I aim to:

continue steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine
fellowship
breaking bread together
prayer

2. Like modern skeptics, I will allow genuine scholarship to challenge traditional perspectives.

3. Like post-modern individuals, I will endeavour value mystery over certainty.

Finally, I offer this trail map of my current surroundings:

supremacy of Biblical authority for matters of faith and practice - Yes, but void where possible of cultural interpretations and adaptations.
traditional church attendance as evidence of discipleship - No.
Association with non-believers (pre-believers) as indication of lifestyle compromises - No.
Commitment to application - Yes! (over inspiration, edification, illumination, mere information, etc.)

give thanks

2008-11-26T12:10:00.001-06:00

As I prepare for the American tradition of Thanksgiving with my family, I'm mindful of those in the US and elsewhere that are not able to share this kind of celebration because of their poverty. Whether it's someone who is struggling financially in these difficult economic times or someone who has been homeless for sometime or even someone in a developing society who lives their whole life in hunger and poverty, may each of us take the opportunity to be kind to someone in need as part of our celebration.

What's all this Business about...

2008-11-24T11:00:00.004-06:00

...the dominating metaphor that’s typically constructed for the church today is the business corporation. The pastor is the CEO. The clergy and/or staff is upper management. Evangelism is sales and marketing. The congregation is the clientele. And there is competition with other corporations (“churches”) in the same town.

But the corporation metaphor has a major problem. Not only is it glaringly absent from the New Testament, it does violence to the spirit of Christianity.

...In short, the church that’s introduced to us in Scripture is a loving household, not a business. It’s a living organism, not a static organization. It’s the corporate expression of Jesus Christ, not a religious corporation. It’s the community of the King, not a well-oiled hierarchical machine.
As such, when the church is functioning according to its nature, it offers:

interdependence instead of independence

wholeness instead of fragmentation

participation instead of spectatorship

connectedness instead of isolation

solidarity instead of individualism

spontaneity instead of institutionalization

relationship instead of programs

servitude instead of dominance

enrichment instead of insecurity

freedom instead of bondage

community instead of corporation

bonding instead of detachment.

- Frank Viola

Don't cheat yourself, read the rest of the article in Next-Wave...

Frank Viola is an author, conference speaker, and church planter. Visit www.ReimaginingChurch.org for more information.

FB - Blogger - FB - Blogger

2008-11-16T16:51:00.003-06:00

Facebook is seriously cutting into my already diminished blogging time. I must say that I've throughly enjoyed re-connecting with friends, new and old and really old (well, from a long time ago).

Pray for:

Perry (Minnesota)
Craig (Rhode Island)
Matthew (S. Indiana)
Stephen (London)
Randy (Hillcrest High School)

apocalypse soon?

2008-11-05T00:14:00.002-06:00

Now that we have an "antichrist" in power, refresh my memory... is the mark of the beast my IP address? ...no wait... my social security or my driver's license or my random sequence number (draft lottery) or was it my student id in Junior High? Did I miss it?

our only hope

2008-11-04T22:18:00.003-06:00

I sincerely hope we pray as fervently for our new president as we campaigned for our candidate of choice over these last several months. Perhaps we will listen to the voices of our future generations and think creatively with them about that future.

In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will direct your path.

- God

Interesting stats

2008-10-26T09:49:00.002-05:00

40% of age 16-29 are outside the Christian faith.

thing 1 and thing 2

2008-10-23T17:14:00.002-05:00

actually there are 5 things...

5 THINGS WE GOT RIGHT IN THE EMERGING MISSIONAL CHURCH

A Commitment To Reality
A Commitment To An Honest Theology
A Commitment To Love
A Commitment To The Footsteps Of Jesus
A Commitment To Change

- Jonathan Brink

good stuff.

What's that...Batman you say?

2008-10-19T17:27:00.004-05:00

Thanks Bobbie Jo. Find more of her beautiful art at
majorimages.com

... Is that all you got?

2008-10-17T08:15:00.004-05:00

excerpt from an article on Human Trafficking in the e-newsletter A Glimpse of Glory

"What has the BGCT done in response to this issue?
The BGCT has responded in several ways, from forming a resolution condemning human trafficking to holding conferences to raise awareness on the subject"

*now to be fair there are additional resources.

Our Only Hope

2008-10-16T14:06:00.006-05:00

Somewhere between 6pm and 8pm, Central Time, on November 4th, 2008, the eschatology of American evangelicals will become clear.

If John McCain wins and the evangelical becomes delirious or confident that the Golden Days are about to arrive...

Or, alternatively, if Barack Obama wins and the evangelical becomes delirious or confident that the Golden Days are about to arrive...

...if a more Democrat oriented evangelical becomes depressed and hopeless because McCain wins, or if a Republican oriented evangelical becomes depressed or hopeless because Obama wins, those evangelicals are caught in an empire-shaped eschatology of politics.

Where is our hope? ...where does my hope turn when I think of war or poverty or education or racism? Does it focus on November 4? Does it gain its energy from thinking that if we get the right candidate elected our problems will be dissolved? ...participation in the federal election dare not be seen as the lever that turns the eschatological designs God has for this world.

Where is our hope?

Our hope is in God...the church’s mission is not in fact the “church’s” mission but God’s mission...

Our hope is in the gospel of God...the gospel as God’s good news for our world...

Our hope is in the gospel of God that creates God’s people...God’s gospel-shaped work always and forever creates a gospel people...We are tempted to divide the USA into the good and the bad and to forget that the gospel has folks on both sides of political lines. Even more: we are tempted to think that the winners of the election are those who are blessed by God when the blessing of God is on God’s people...

Our hope is in the gospel of God that creates a kind of people that extends God’s gospel to the world...

Our hope is in God’s mission in this world, and that mission transcends what happens November 4th.

- Scot McKnight

Scot McKnight is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University, author, and blogger.

Catch the full article on the October 2008 issue of NEXT-WAVE or read the original article from the September 26, 2008 issue of ChristianityToday.

Service and Worship

2008-10-16T13:08:00.003-05:00

What if He did away with the praise and worship band and all the external stimulants? Would you still find ways to worship? What if there were no more children's programs or church ministries to kids? Would you still find ways to lead your children (or any children) to be disciples of Jesus? If God eliminated all the missions programs and "outreach" initiatives, would you still find ways for the Gospel to be advanced through your life? If there was no more church to receive your tithe, would you still be a fountain of giving and generosity?

What if God really is finished with our systems of service and worship? ...Are we ready to leave it behind and find other ways to serve His purpose of intimacy and relationship?

- Scott Bane

If this quote offends you, you probably won't read the article.

Great Emergence

2008-10-13T23:08:00.006-05:00

oozing out of politics and back into the church

2008-10-13T22:54:00.002-05:00

...With a change of political climate, and the diminished platform and voice of religious fundamentalists has within the political arena, we may see an influx of people coming back from the political dialogue into the ecclesiological one. Perhaps with the same passion they lobbied the political system, those in the religious fundamentalist movement might come into the Church with a renewed sense of recapturing the "nostalgic" vision of what the "Church" is ...

-Spencer Burke

...ooze on over for the full article.

Leadership

2008-10-13T22:23:00.003-05:00

Jesus was a failed leader though it’s critical to point out that Jesus did not aspire to leadership.

-Ruth Tucker

...read the rest of the post

unChristian

2008-10-09T12:43:00.001-05:00

…it's just the name of the book. It's not a "How to" guide.

I wish I could record the looks I'm getting from church goers as I tote this book around with me. Maybe I should print business cards with an explanation to hand out.

Best solution for now...

2008-10-06T17:15:00.001-05:00

Well it looks like email is going to win. There might be occasions when I need mms.

testing

2008-10-06T16:35:00.001-05:00

Get rid of crap

Mobile blogging

2008-10-06T12:48:00.002-05:00

Well. The email option could be used to save the effort and time of logging in, but there's that nasty privacy notice (document!) that just looks tacky. I'd spend more time editing the post to remove it than I think it will be worth.

The text message looks cleaner, but I can't figure out how to add a title. Not that it's critical.

...stay tuned, both of you.

2008-10-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

Now I need to figure out how to add a title...

2008-10-06T12:42:00.001-05:00

Now i'm trying the text message instead....

Message from Bob

2008-10-06T12:02:00.001-05:00

Just testing the email functionality. Maybe it will help with frequency.

This e-mail (including any attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not an intended recipient or an authorized representative of an intended recipient, you are prohibited from using, copying or distributing the information in this e-mail or its attachments. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and delete all copies of this message and any attachments.
Thank you.

postcard from the land of lost socks

2008-10-03T21:24:00.002-05:00

Yup. I've been living C.O.D. for quite a while. For me that means "Conflicting Objectives Disorder." Though time spent at work has slowed down, it's because too many plates are spinning. I really need some serious single-tasking time. My fear is that at the end of the day, something major is going to be left undone.

In addition to work stress, I'm back sharing the teaching responsibilities for an adult Bible Study class and I picked up some child-supervision-in-church opportunities with Sam (my just barely five year old grandson). Plus I have a friend who wants me to start a house church and I've thought about starting an off-campus Bible Study group during the week.

I find the house/cell church idea interesting, but the other individuals involved seem to have different needs or they seem to be at different places in the journey.

For me... I just want to hang out and have some conversations with those who are not "Institutionalized". Make some new friends and see where God takes those relationships. I feel like that's my calling. It just seems clear and natural to me.

it’s not rocket science

2008-07-12T23:22:00.004-05:00

I had this brief discussion with Bob Hyatt...

OK. I read this on his blog. But it fills in the other half of a conversation that I've been having with myself on and off over the last couple of years and mostly on the last couple of months.

Start small. Raise some support, trust God for the rest and get a job at Starbucks if need be. Let your community be what it will be. Refuse to do for the people who come the ministry that they should do for themselves. Concentrate on laying a foundation of community and common core values and let your church grow organically without superimposing a grand “vision” on it.

When we were still in the dream phase of this thing people would ask me- “What will it look like?” I grew to love answering “I have no earthly idea.” All I could say was that if a bunch of cloggers and bluegrass musicians showed up, well… we’d be the clogging church. If a bunch of skate punks showed up, we’d be the skate church. I wasn’t out to niche target-market our community, and so felt great freedom to just sit back and watch what happened. I still feel that freedom…

Like I said, it’s not rocket science.

- Bob Hyatt

Hayden Head

2008-06-10T18:02:00.003-05:00

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

- unknown

Hayden is a caring 4 year old without an enemy. Anyone who has met Hayden falls in love with his sweet demeanor, his laugh, and his hugs. He just wrapped up his first season of honk ball and this is what he is getting to do in his off-season. He came into Cook Children's on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 to have a CT Scan on his stomach and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

Click on his name in the heading to visit his carepage. Please feel free to login and share scripture, prayers, and well wishes.

Hmmm.

2008-05-29T19:28:00.002-05:00

...we all come in to church looking for a personal something. "I want to feel something" or "I want this" or "I want that" rather than "This is about God, and nothing else matters.

- Andy

52

2008-05-29T12:43:00.002-05:00

At 52 my world is a very different place than I had imagined it would be. I've learned a few things about myself. I'm not particularily creative or innovative. I'm not the most talented (at least I'm the best looking). I am analytical (to a fault).

I've learned a few things about parenting. There are no simple guidelines. Just because it worked once doesn't mean it will work again.

I've also learned:

You don't have to drive a sports car like it's a race car.
If it's not funny to everyone, then it's not funny.
"Enough" is usually more than enough.
To err is human. So is to cover it up.
Whenever possible, avoid being institutionalized.
Life is too short to put up with some and too long to put up with others.
There is joy to be found in having nothing to do as a hobby.
Eighteen years is not a long time.

Beware the Emerging Church

2008-05-29T09:17:00.004-05:00

I am proud to pastor a church that invites questions, and embraces the deep complexity of truth found in a life of following Jesus.

- Don Heatley

If you're not subscribed to the Emergent/C newsletter, you're missing out.

will you dig it?

2008-05-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

When a missionary moves in, and the town needs a well, we expect the missionary to dig a well. We are sitting in a mission field but thinking like club members… It may be that we've reached everyone that wants to be just like us. Innovation must push us to move out of mono-culturalism, back to high-intensity people development.

- Reggie McNeal

dechurched

2008-05-24T23:48:00.006-05:00

Interesting.

there is a chance that you may be disillusioned spiritually

- unknown

here's a pastor that get's it...

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

where do we go from here?

2008-05-21T21:44:00.002-05:00

...we need to create emotionally, intellectually and relationally honest environments where seekers can see us up close, tell their stories and ask their sometimes tough questions.

- Todd Hunter

let's pray

2008-05-15T12:12:00.002-05:00

...leaders and churches that are weak in prayer are weak in power.

It is prayer that releases God's power. It is only by this power that anything of eternal value happens.

...perhaps you pray daily, but you sense it's more routine and duty and you need more freshness and fire in your prayer. Or perhaps your faith needs to be increased.

...don't let this become a road to guilt. That's what the enemy wants. Think grace. But get in the game and pray.

- Dan Reiland

"used by permission from Dr. Dan Reiland's free monthly e-newsletter, "The Pastor's Coach," available at www.INJOY.com."

ouch.

Christ Follower

2007-10-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay. Trying to find some time to reinvest. Meanwhile...

Christian vs. Christ Follower

2007-08-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

This is the first of many. You can find it at YouTube and chase the links back to the originator. There are other excellent vids as well. It's worth the journey. This guy reminds me of Drew Sheffler.

into the DEEP

2007-05-17T06:52:00.000-05:00

...rather than focus on people’s weaknesses, there is the move to explore and develop people’s strengths... your focus stops being ‘what is wrong?’, and becomes ‘what is right?’ ...with that in mind, I often wonder if we have made the mistake in our assessments of church, in becoming almost pathological... [in this]‘sickness’ diagnosis, we measure who we are by what we don’t do, and what we are not.

...the Deep Church focus becomes, not about what is wrong and invalid or that which is authorised by existing or new groups, but about the challenge of the shared context we find ourselves in. There is within Deep Church, a desire to recover a confidence in the gospel and scripture, along with the accessing of the spiritual resources of the historical church in non superficial ways, so that we might align ourselves with the work of the Holy Spirit in forming communities, that are living faithfully in discipleship to Jesus, in our contemporary context.

We are not wanting to re-package the past, or be fashion victims of the emerging culture, but rather aspire to an understanding of church embedded in the past, whilst fully engaged in the present. So that within that we might discover and build on what is ‘well’ with the Church Catholic. (not the same as the Catholic Church)
- Jason Clark

Hey C.S.Lewis fans... Wonderful article on Lewis and his passion for Church Unity here. Lot's of rich fodder today from the Emergent/C newsletter. More later.

SERVE!

2007-05-09T13:21:00.000-05:00

Any pastor or teacher who still calls himself/herself a “preacher” is either in love with the terminology of the past or simply doesn’t understand the fullness of the comprehensive call to connect with the culture around us that God so loves.
-Steve Sjogren

Episode 709

2007-04-28T01:15:00.000-05:00

Comedy Central's South Park. I'm not a fan, but I know many of you are. (It happened to come on after the Warriors' basketball game while I was moping about how pitiful the Mavericks were.)

This episode (Christian Hard Rock) was spoofing Christian culture and its music. I'd like to have a copy to show followers how other's often see us and our attitudes, practice, and values. If you took the lyrics out of this context, they might be embraced in many churches.

...thanks to Wikipedia for the synopsis.

Paul Harvey and "The Rest of the Story"

2007-04-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

Got this on email (so you know it has to be true...)

When Minister [name withheld] was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard

Heavenly Father,
We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and
To seek your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says,"Woe to those who call evil good"
But that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium
And reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and
Called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness
And called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists
And called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our children
and called it building self esteem.

We have abused power
And called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's
Possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air with profanity and
Pornography and called it
Freedom of speech and expression.

We have ridiculed the time Honored values of our
Forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God,
And know our hearts today;
Cleanse us from every sin
And set us free.
Amen!"

The email continues

The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest.

In 6 short weeks [name withheld] Church, where [name withheld] is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India , Africa and Korea .

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio Program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.

...the rest of the email (urging us to forward the email to everyone in our address books so that our nation could return to being "one nation under God") was deleted.

Out of the Echo Chamber

2007-04-27T09:12:00.000-05:00

This is an excerpt from the Emergentvillage Newsletter

I have become convinced of two things in this travel. First, we Christians in the West or North (and especially in the United States) live in an echo chamber; it's so hard for us to hear "the voice of the other" over the clamor of our own incessant and redundant broadcasting. Second, we desperately need to hear these voices, for our own good and for the potential of increased partnership in the future.

- Brian McLaren

Brian introduces us to Sherman Kuek, an itinerant minister and an Adjunct Lecturer in Christian Theology at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM). He spends much of his time journeying with his friends in reflecting on faith, life, and culture in a profoundly theological and yet simple way. Sherman blogs on www.ShermanKuek.net.

It is open knowledge that the emerging people are serious about engaging with the dominant culture confronting the Christian gospel (in the West the postmodern culture, and in Asia perhaps the postcolonial ethos). First and foremost, this engagement is about the vulnerability of allowing the dominant culture to challenge the Christian gospel with serious questions regarding the adequacy, accuracy, and even the absolute rightness of the latter.

But it is probably a misunderstanding beyond proportions that these people engaging with culture are actually permitting the culture to redefine the core [of our beliefs]. It is most likely that culture raises questions which shed doubt on the perennial universality of the core, but not necessarily that culture redefines the core.

...it is not uncommon for contextual thinkers to move beyond the boundaries of their own limited traditions... This explains the openness of the emerging people towards the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and their willingness to listen to other ecclesial voices beyond that with which they are familiar. Again, this is not something deemed acceptable to every Christian thinker of every tradition. Some traditions are, by their sheer nature, implicitly closed to conversations which challenge the rudiments of their all-familiar categories.

For him [the contextual thinker], the challenges posed by cultural confrontations do not cause him to pander into a state of intimidation and self-preserving defensiveness, for he looks beyond himself and his restrained traditional familiarity; and behold, a world of endless possibilities is open before him as he gleans from the voices of his many Fathers who once treaded the path on which he now finds himself.

Visit the Emergent Village @ www.emergentvillage.com

500

2007-03-26T19:41:00.000-05:00

...from ChristianityToday blog entitled:
The Future of the Emerging Church

for the first time we’ve had the ability to talk to each other, to be self-conscious about what is happening, and be somewhat intentional. This is very exhilarating.

Author/Scholar/Journalist Phyllis Tickle dialogues her views on the Emerging Church. Good read and lots of good reading in the comments...

Beyond Sunday School

2007-03-22T23:15:00.000-05:00

I'm in one of those places where I'm thinking about reaching and ministry outside the context of the Sunday morning routine.

Telling our community that God loves them and we love them and to prove it we offer age-graded, content oriented Bible study classes... just doesn't get there for those outside the church culture.

I guess I'm back to those nasty words, "authentic, relevant"

...this just in. James was online. D-rell was down for a visit. That was good fun... only someone jacked my mic and I had to type my half of the conversation. Why does it always happen to the arthritic guy?

now it's late and my rant is gone. dang it.

Meet Courtney Perry

2007-03-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

Courtney, a freelance photojournalist from Dallas, recently shared 3 photos/3 stories in the latest Emergent/C newsletter.

Today I share with you three simple images and stories. I revel in finding God in the coincidences, the synchronicities, of life, and these are all just that:

Picture 1: October 2005. Marc Broussard’s soul-wrenching song “Home” was ringing in my ears and heart. I had photographed bedraggled Katrina evacuees pouring into Dallas by the busload a month or so earlier, and that song, which a friend had shared with me long before the deluge, was suddenly ringing loud and clear. I envisioned returning to New Orleans with a family for the first time to document the experience, and perhaps over the next 10 years continuing to document future returns. I mentioned this randomly to a security guard at a facility in Dallas where I was shooting an unrelated assignment one night. It turned out the security guard was originally from New Orleans, and his brother and mother had fled from the storm. The very next day they were all driving back for the first time. I asked if I could join them. They generously said yes.

Picture 2: November 2006. Gainesville, Texas. I won’t bore you with details. The simple fact was that I quite unexpectedly got to photograph sunrise on a lavender farm. Not only did I get to bathe in the beauty of a floral fall sunrise, I ended up making wonderful new friends, It was simply a day when the beauty of nature and humanity shone brightly.

Picture 3: February 2004. I was assigned to photograph an artist at his home on a Wednesday, but the artist asked the reporter and I to come on the previous Monday, saying he thought he would feel better that day. He had COPD and found it strenuous to breathe. He was preparing for an art show later in the year, which was the story we were covering. He showed us photos of his local work, and I couldn’t believe it. One huge piece was hanging in the atrium of a local chain hotel--I had JUST been there for work, and I recalled stopping cold in my tracks when I saw it, and then sitting underneath the billowing art wondering why in the world something so beautiful was in a hotel lobby. He was happy that it had inspired such awe in me. I was honored to be meeting the creator of such incredible art. I photographed him. I left. Very unexpectedly, the gifted artist died later that same day.

Where do you see God in the unexpected?
How do you feel God in the quiet?

These photographs are the property of Courtney Perry and are used with her permission. All other use of these photographs is prohibited. Please respect the rights of the artist and the privacy of the subjects by not copying, printing, posting or using these photographs in any other way.

I recommend a tranquil walk through her photo galleries and those of her husband Chris Hamilton.

We Baptists Do Not Drink ( . . . in front of each other)

2007-03-02T18:20:00.000-06:00

Andrew has an interesting article regarding a topic that has gotten a lot of press in the last few months. Read the article and enjoy the comments. Here's my fav

I've been instructed that when taking a baptist fishing to always invite two. Otherwise the one will drink all of your beer.

- Richard

Good word.

2007-03-02T17:49:00.000-06:00

This just in from Lloyd's blog

...how to be "missional", a term which basically means to meet people where they are at; speak their language, play their music, hang out where they hang out, etc. Para-church organizations send out missionaries who eat the food, dress in the clothes, and become totally immersed in, the culture in which they are working. The American church doesn't usually do this. The American church, sadly, creates its own sub-culture and hopes that the rest of the community around it will change their culture to fit ours. It ain't gonna go down like that

-Lloyd

I don't know Ed

2007-02-27T23:44:00.000-06:00

While reading an article that leads me to believe that he's a conservative SBC individual I read these words:

...missional churches seek to engage their immediate cultures as well as the ethne of the world. Giving to missions or going on short-term mission trips—as important as these are—do not fulfill our missional calling, nor does focusing exclusively on the church and its community while ignoring the rest of the world.

-Ed Stetzer

I don't know Ed... but I believe he has identified a central truth of what it means to follow Jesus. The Church, indeed each follower, needs to find and maintain the balance between local and global missions that God has called her/him to. To value and serve one at the expense of the other is to misunderstand the Heart of God. To value and serve neither is to misrepresent God's heart entirely.

line between secular and sacred

2007-01-27T23:47:00.000-06:00

When you look in the box for most of those that I church with you will find this dualistic pattern of thought. It's a comfortable concept for isolationist who want to withdraw for fear of becoming tainted by contact with outsiders.

but I have come to believe that we need to interact with certain things in culture to better understand people in the world and their underlying desire to be redeemed...
Becoming a cultural redemptive means that we are willing to connect with the expressions of our culture in order to translate the message of the kingdom: a message of freedom and a new start. As I struggle to find the balance, I gain a better understanding of my role in the world as it pertains to the mission of God: a mission that is known for its nearness to culture and its compassion for those who are desperately searching for redemption. read more...

- Brian Orme

I recently heard a Preacher say, "Ask not what your church can do for you, but what you can do for the Kingdom of God." Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world where that was true and everyone in the world knew it?

Hello Blogosphere, I'm back.

2007-01-25T08:12:00.000-06:00

Apologies to all for my absenteeism over the last several months. 2006 became quite an adventure. I'm hoping the things settle down in 2007.

My part of the development project is completed - developed, tested, and deployed! A new challenge sprang up in mid-2006 and at least for now has become a full time job. It will change my responsibilities at work entirely. Challenges abound.

2006 also provided lots of opportunities to re-evaluate and reconstruct my theology of church and ministry. Much of that is still unfolding as I wrestle with cultural issues. More to follow. For now I'll end with this quote from the emergent newsletter that counters one of my greatest criticisms of many institutional churches (i.e. consumer culture)

I believe that EV (emergent village) is worth supporting because it creates a gift-culture community...

indians

2006-11-10T20:30:00.000-06:00

2006-10-30T21:47:00.000-06:00

Scarecrow

Cowboy types

2006-08-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

From my notes:

Ranch Cowboys - Day Workers

Rodeo Cowboys - Bull Riders, Calf Ropers, Barrell Racers

Horse Cowboys - Trail Riders

Cowboys @ Heart - Western wear, C&W music

Country Cowboys - Windshield cowboy

"GoBackers"
"OneTimers"

Best quote:

Are you sick 'n tired of being sick 'n tired?

cowboys

2006-08-27T21:35:00.000-05:00

I attended a "Cowboy Church School" this weekend at Truett Seminary hosted by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. More to follow. For now...

The Code of the West

Live each day with courage.

Take pride in your work.

Always finish what you start.

Do what has to be done.

Be tough, but fair.

When you make a promise, keep it.

Ride for the brand.

Talk less, and say more.

Remember that some things aren't for sale.

Know where to draw the line.

Author Unknown

2006-08-24T23:47:00.000-05:00

a family of pilgrims, committed to faith transformation, within and outside our walls. We invite you to join us and learn more about where God is taking us as we seek to live as people of God in today's world

2006-08-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

Our Beliefs:

We live in a spiritual world where the love of Jesus can be experienced and known.

It is through a community of discipleship groups that we build authentic relationships that promote acceptance and security.

We have the freedom to serve all people in creative ways so that we may introduce them to Jesus.

It is God's desire that we find our purpose and use our talents to make a difference in this world.

God designed us to enjoy life to its fullest. We desire to spend time together in meaningful relationships, having fun.

801 E I-20 † Grand Prairie, TX 75052 † (972) 263-2224

what happens...

2006-08-24T23:04:00.000-05:00

what happens when a gifted Christian’s only experience is in the modern institutional church?

- Frank Viola

... it's a great question

creating safe places

2006-08-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

The group granted us permission to help them connect the dots of their story with the Grand Story. We had created a safe place on their territory where life was lived by their code of conduct. Each night I prayed behind their back and then told them to their face over a morning bagel.

Creating safe places offers nothing new or beyond the model Jesus gave us almost 2,000 years ago. God became flesh and joined the indigenous practices of His culture. Now it's our time to embed the message of Jesus into the emerging culture of our day.

- Fred Peatross

...heretic

2006-08-23T19:38:00.000-05:00

Last time I checked people weren’t rejecting institutional religion because they don’t like the ambience; they’re rejecting it because they don’t relate to the message, the ideas, or the concepts it advances about God and life.

- Spenser Burke

Catch the interview and a couple of reviews of Spenser's book, Heretic's Guide to Eternity...

MIA or The Hamster in the Wheel

2006-08-21T12:57:00.000-05:00

Not that I have a large audience reading my blog. Especially since I've been so busy and haven't posted lately...

Congratulations to James and Laura Bush! 25 years of marriage; new house; new job.

Though we arrived late to the party, we still got to see Stephen and Jen, Sarah, and Chris. Plus we got to see the Edwards briefly: Brent, Sherry, Liesl, and Krista.

It just reminded me of how much time has slipped away and some of the unfinished business that I've undertaken. I've not done a very good job of balancing work, family, and ministry lately.

I'll try to do better...

previously colonized, marginalized or exploited

2006-07-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

previously colonized, marginalized or exploited

- Melvin Bray

... I love those people!

It's a great day. Received an email from Emergent/C today. It contained a link to Melvin's blog. Excellent read. Found myself wishing he lived in the metroplex (D/FW) so I could hang out with him and gain some de-culturalization and perspective.

Here's some things that I learned about Melvin:
He has four blogs. He's a writer (good thing). He's thoughtful, honest, direct, articulate. He gives his life away.

Here's some things that I learned about myself from Melvin:
I'm beige (not by choice, but it has its advantages). I'm priviledged (some in my situation will never get it). I'm colonial (though less now than before; trying to move away from that world view).

I recommend spending some time on his blog and chasing some of his links. I'm looking forward to Life Across the Tracks...

2006-06-30T19:14:00.000-05:00

Jilly Bean

2006-06-30T19:11:00.000-05:00

2006-06-30T19:08:00.000-05:00

I can see 50 from here...

2006-05-26T20:44:00.000-05:00

... really well.

I've been really busy. Busy at work, really, really, busy. Busy at home. Working on the house (gettin' close). Really watching Paul work on the house. (I did build the shed...) Thanks Pablo. Evidently he's a speed framer. Freaky. Now just a little rock, a little A/C, some electric, some texture and paint, carpet.

There's going to be a party.

Just Finished

2006-05-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

The Church and the Dechurched: Mending a Damaged Faith
by Mary Tuomi Hammond

I found it to be a great read. A relentless call to minister to those who have disconnected... I recommend it highly.

African Liaison

2006-04-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

Our friends at Emergent are introducing us to African Liaison and the Amahoro African Gathering in Kampala, Uganda scheduled for May 2007.

Africa has entered what historians and sociologists are calling the Post-Colonial era. The future of this era is uncertain, but there are voices from throughout Africa calling for an era of innovation, of creativity, of justice, of peace, of hope.

What will the church in Post-Colonial Africa look like? What yokes must be thrown off so that the Gospel of the Kingdom can go forth to transform and empower a continent in desperate need of the transformation that Christ offers? What will the church that is emerging in Africa look like? What concrete steps can be taken to bring hope to the suffering people of Africa? These questions, among others, are vital to the future of the church in Africa, questions that must be asked by responsible Christian leaders looking to see their continent transformed.

...It’s our goal to raise $30,000 to pay for 140 African leaders to attend the gathering. The funding will also help underwrite other costs associated with hosting the event and planting the seeds for an on-going network and conversation. Would you consider being a part of this gathering by investing in the future of these emerging African leaders?

Consider supporting global missions by making a contribution in support of their effort.

For More information about African Liaison...

For More information about The Amahoro African Gathering...

To make a contribution to help send African leaders to this world changing event...

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

2006-04-07T01:25:00.000-05:00

Sounds of Unity

2006-04-07T01:14:00.000-05:00

As I'm preparing for The Lamb and Resurrection Sunday I found an article in the April issue of NEXT-WAVE that warmed my soul. Yes,but... Music in Worship Context

Christ lives in the relationships we forge across our many divisions – those of race and class, gender and sexuality, politics and culture. We can hear Christ’s Word together because we are hearing with the ears of the stranger, the ears of the outcast, the ears of those once cut off from Christ but who now find a welcome in Christ’s Body. Christ is our unity, and the many and diverse songs we sing together are what unity sounds like in our sanctuaries and meeting halls.

Ultimately it’s not about music. It’s about Christ.

- Mark Douglass

Comin' to a Garage Near You...

2006-04-07T00:54:00.000-05:00

Rescued from normalcy.

...you decide.

The Tax Man Cometh

2006-04-06T23:11:00.000-05:00

Finished the taxes. TaxAct made it quick and easy.

Thoughts turn to... Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom

Just when you think that the evil/corporate retailer (Best Buy or Circuit City) has you grabbing your ankles...

Steve's DigiCams recommends his trading partners:

Price Range: $1,369.00 - $1,499.99 from 2 Sellers

Digital4Less $1,369.00 + No Tax + $57.92 S&H = $1,426.92!
42nd St Photo$1,499.99 + No Tax + $47.50 S&H = $1,547.49!

...remember that list was estimated at $699 with most retailers in the $750 - $800 range.

The Secret Message of Jesus

2006-04-06T13:35:00.000-05:00

Andrew Careaga provides a review of Brian's new book in this month's edition of NEXT-WAVE

...his message wasn’t merely aimed at conveying information. It sought to convey something more important: the spiritual formation of the hearers.”

- Brian McLaren

Read Andrew's rewiew...

J I N X

2006-04-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

Great shirts:

darrellbarnesjr

2006-04-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

I had to create an account so I could leave a comment. Found this on a blog that I frequent:

exactly.

(thanks, andrew)

SCUMOFTHEEARTH

2006-04-03T22:44:00.000-05:00

I like their values:

We strive to be a church who:

seeks intimacy with God and honest relationships with others

cultivates creativity and uses everyone's gifts

asks questions while seeking Truth

recognizes our need for a Savior

passionately yet respectfully shares the saving love of Christ

demonstrates God's love in our community

...thanks Hampton!

Home Edition

2006-04-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

After a couple years off from teaching a class (with some of that time in the bull pen), I'm back in the starting rotation. Possibly for the last time in a traditional setting.

This time the focus is really on application. If I can't make that work, then it's not worth doing. We just don't need more information.

We'll have to see if it translates into kingdom impact.

On another note, plans are underway to take another run at something like Alpha Community, perhaps under a different name. Anyone interested?

Don't move... change.

2006-03-23T08:53:00.000-06:00

"If a democracy rests on any principle at all, it is the realization that we can create the society we want to live in. If people in this single morning and this single room, if they put their minds to it, you have enough energy, and you have enough creativity to change America."

--Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

(Keynote speech at International Arts Movement's "Artist as Reconcilers" conference, February 23, 2006, Cooper Union University, New York City.)

Four Rules for Irrelevance

2006-03-21T13:09:00.000-06:00

Adapted from material in Mary Toumi Hammond's book, The Church and the Dechurched: Mending a Damaged Faith

1. Don't Think

What does it look like: "We don't question the Bible."
What is the cure: Freedom of genuine thought. Create a safe place for doubt and questions to be examined and explored.

This admonition stifles the development of original and independent thought. Judgments, ideas, and opinions must be suppressed unless they agree with dominant authority figures. One learns to placate in order to avoid conflict and condemnation. Conform outwardly. Keep the peace at any price. This develops a "split self": public self and private self. It is a form of intellectual abuse.

2. Don't Feel

What does it look like: "Praise the Lord anyway."
What is the cure: "Emotional Honesty. Create room in relationships for real life reactions."

Good emotions are happiness, kindness, self-sacrifice, gentleness, joy. Smile always. Keep your chin up. The bad emotions of anger, bitterness, depression, shame, guilt, and pain must be overcome by good. Anger is inappropriate. This rule teaches us to separate our emotions into "good emotions vs. bad emotions." Our feelings, both good and bad, are a gift from God. They help us to know ourselves and deepen our experiences.

3. Don't Talk

What does it look like: "We must follow the vision God has given him for our church."
What is the cure: Join the Conversation. Create a safe place for dialogue and discussion.

This rule is toxic. It stifles the honesty that is required to tackle difficult issues and stunts our spiritual growth. One is stranded, alone, and often treated like an outcast.

4. Don't Trust

What does it look like: "Pick most any church on Sunday Morning."
What is the cure: Forgiveness, Acceptance, Vulnerability.

We must accept forgiveness from God for our sin. We must find ourselves acceptable in His presence. We must learn to trust Him and risk trusting His people. The dangers and consequences are very real. If we commit ourselves in community to grow and learn from one another, then the reward will be life and community as God imagined it.

Violence in the Pulpit

2006-03-17T13:02:00.000-06:00

A sermon is often a violent act,” says Doug Pagitt, a key figure among emerging leaders. “It’s a violence toward the will of the people who have to sit there and take it.”

To treat the sermon as an oratorical performance delivered by a paid and trained professional who claims to speak for God sets up an artificial power imbalance within the congregation, Pagitt says. It's hard for a congregation to practice the priesthood of all believers when the preaching perpetuates an image of the pastor as somehow more authoritative or spiritual than his or her listeners.

In an emerging church culture that values authenticity above all else, such an approach to preaching creates an artificial distance with the congregation.

2006-03-17T12:53:00.000-06:00

A friend once told me that 'unforgiveness is like drinking poison, but expecting the other person to die.' Truly there are too many individuals consumed with anger towards the institutional church. This kind of attitude is not helping anyone, especially those who have it.

- Paul Vieira