TheMissionalPosition.com

Sermon : Imago Dei

2010-04-13T12:41:00.007-05:00

Here is a recent sermon I had the opportunity to preach at The Exchange in Hutto, TX.

IMAGE - Session 3 - Image of God from The Exchange on Vimeo.

Of Gentleness and Thievery

2009-05-14T01:17:00.001-05:00

"There is nothing stronger than gentleness." - Abraham Lincoln

This is true of Jesus, I pray it becomes more true for me on a daily basis.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit but not one we often try to cultivate and not one that is considered masculine aka manly.

Can I take criticism, unfair, unkind remarks without lashing out or losing my temper?
Can I turn the anger of others to calm with my demeanor?
Do I abuse my authority or mistreat those I under my authority?

Jesus exemplified gentleness at his own trial. He had the authority to end the charade. He had the power to destroy his adversaries. He had the right to put a stop to the proceedings or even turn the tables on his accusers. He had the means to enact revenge. Instead he showed the strength to endure it all without a hint of malice or thought of retribution. He remained calm, his gentleness was his great strength.

I see gentleness as a humble kindness stemming from inner strength and inner peace that comes from Christ. It starts with controlling one's temper but goes much deeper to include having such an inner confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit that you realize your temper, your tongue, none of it is yours to loose any longer.

The thing is I am not there yet, so often I still feel ownership of that which I no longer own. I reclaim possession of that which is no longer rightfully mine. I am weak...

Killing Cockroaches: A Review -- Scattered musings on a book on leadership

2009-03-03T11:45:00.004-06:00

Tony Morgan has written a new book or a compilation of thoughts really that fall into the category of "scattered musings on leadership." Many are thoughts that first appeared on his blog TonyMorganLive.com

Tony is not just an author that writes about leadership, Tony is a practitioner with a proven track record, first at Sears (read the book), then as a City Manager (see video below), as well as Granger CC and currently at NewSpring Church.

I am fortunate to have fast, cat like reflexes when it comes to Twitter and got an advanced copy to read and review.

And so now I give you my "scattered musings on Killing Cockroaches."

After reading Killing Cockroaches I realized Tony Morgan is the William Shakespeare of Leadership gurus. "Shakespeare?," you say. They are both guys you're gonna pull off the shelf from time to time. Shakespeare for when you want a timeless classic and Tony when you want timeless wisdom on leadership. Killing Cockroaches will be a book that you will go back to again and again as a sort of reference guide. Have a question about effective communication, pull the book. Have a question about church marketing, pull the book. Have a question about team building or staffing issues, pull the book. Now let me tell you some of the reasons I enjoyed and highly recommend "Killing Cockroaches: and other scattered musings on leadership"

Anecdotal – Tony uses real life stories that paint a picture of effective leadership and help illustrate the principles he talks about. Real world experience meets real leadership wisdom.

Helpful – Killing Cockroaches is immediately helpful as you begin to find that you gravitate back to certain chapters that you know you need to implement immediately.

Humorous – Ok, I love leadership and I love leadership guru’s in all shapes and sizes but when is the last time Peter Drucker or John C. Maxwell made milk come out of your nose from laughing at something they said in one of their books. "Doves scare me." Me too Tony, me too!

Inspirational – everything in the book is about how to lead a more effective ministry to bring about life change that only comes through a relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t matter if it's a rant about Country music, a deeper look in to the practices of Google, or a study of ‘Red Letter Words” it is all with the sole purpose of pointing people to Jesus.

Multiple Personalities – Uncle Dean is dating Elizabeth Shue (Don’t know what I am talking about? Read the book.)

Multiple Voices – Tony includes interviews with leaders ranging from Steven Furtick to Guy Kawasaki.

Practical – you can apply the principles in the book immediately.

Thought Provoking – Tony uses lots of questions like “is your church service compelling?”, “what are you doing to avoid complexity creep?” (don’t know what that is? I suggest you read the book) and "how can we help them hear the message?"

So go buy the book if you have any interest at all in becoming a better leader or in developing a singular and laser sharp focus "to point people to Jesus."

And if my stellar and informative prose have not convinced you to check out the book then watch this awesomely funny video intro and you will be sold:

TrainFriday: a tweet-up to bless other people

2009-02-06T00:53:00.006-06:00

Train Friday Kids Video from Shawn McEntyre on Vimeo.

In the morning I will be driving to Dallas to Tweet Up with some friends I met at CTCDallas awhile back. We will be riding the train from Dallas to Fort Worth for some fun, techie talk, Flip Videography, etc but first we will stop of Children's Medical Center to give-away as many $5 McDonald's gift cards to the kids and their families as we can. Please check out the website for Train Friday and if you twitter then follow the hashtag #trainfriday.

On Being a Dad: 01.28.09 : Perspective

2009-01-28T23:47:00.006-06:00

It's always about perspective isn't it? Well maybe the answer to that question depends on your perspective. As a father of an active 2 year old warrior for Jesus, mommy loving, Tigger emulating bouncing boy I am often floored by what God teaches me through him. Today as he often does, Elijah begged me to let him turn on the lights. Now to be more specific anytime we are in one of the bedrooms or the living room and I pick Elijah up he wants to pull the 2 chords dangling from the ceiling fan. I will pick him up and suddenly this new height perspective (those that know me are inserting short jokes at this very moment) causes a flood of new desires and goals to enter into Elijah's lexicon of activities.

No longer is he content to just play with his big block lego's, Noah's ark, or Hotwheels. He wants to "tuwn on lights, daddy, tuwn on lights!" Or he wants to reach for something previously hidden from his view that sits atop the entertainment center. He wants to reach for, take hold, or engage in activities that previously were not at his disposal and not even on his radar as an option for consideration.

I realize me taking him in my arms and lifting him up is just like my time spent with God. Often times I am just down here minding my own business or other times I cry out to Jesus to lift me up but either way I am down in my limit perspective. Left on my own I am incredibly short-sighted, easily amused (at least for a little while) and really just living in a childish, limited reality. It is those times that God my Father lifts me up to be apart of something bigger, deeper, more meaningful that my perspective is changed, even shattered and I realize the incrible and wonderous opportunities that open up when I join God and am allowed to see from his perspective. These times also make me feel small, they show me that I have been "too easily amused, too easily satisfied, and sometimes too willing to settle, give-in, or give-up."

It took looking at things from my 2 years old limited perspective for God to remind me of my limited, short-sighted perspective. Sometimes life is a mess all around me but if I would just lift my voice up to God, cry out to Jesus to pick me up and help me see things from His vantage point my whole life and my whole world change in those moments. Come to Him with the faith of little child but stay for the grown-up perspective.

God's kingdom is like a mustard seed. His ways are higher than my ways, higher as in they blow mine out of the water and they blow my mind. His thoughts are not my thoughts, compared to the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe I can comprehend God's thoughts and actions about as well a as a 2 year old can comprehend the danger and wonder and power of the electricity courseing through the unseen wires that come to the ceiling fan of the chords he want to pull. But man is that power there doing its job and wow what an impact it would make if he got ahold of it somehow by accident. From God, the Father of Lights, comes every good and perfect gift and in Him there is no darkness, no shadow, only pure unadulterated light. How majestic? How awesome.

That is why He is God and that is why though I can not comprehend it all and I know like sticking my finger in light socket--IT"S GONNA JACK ME UP! I want more of God's perspective and less of the lowdown, short-sighted, limited-eye view that I get when left to my own. It took my 2 year old to remind me of that tonight. Come on God, lift me up out of this and show me what I am missing! That is my prayer. Jack my jaw for Jesus!

Incarnational = Presence in Pain

2009-01-21T14:07:00.006-06:00

Two of the words that drive me in ministry phylisophically, relationally and methodalogically are Incarnational and Missional.

These past two weeks in ministry, from a Productivity stand point I have had a lot of interuptions. But to call them that at all misses the whole point of what ministry is all about: Ministry is about relationships and connecting people to the presence of the Kingdom of God with their present reality.

Last Saturday we had a funeral. Sunday I spent an hour at the home a church member hours after his wife passed away, comforting him and his daughter. Later that evening another of his daughters entered the hospital due to overwhelming stress brought on by her sense of personal loss. The next day the husband himself was rushed to the ER where he was experiencing a multitude of symptoms. Since then 2 other church members have enter the hospital and our church family will have yet another funeral this Saturday, to celebrate the life of a godly wife, mother and lady.

To be honest as a pastor I feel pretty inadequate during these times. All I can do is offer my presense, extend my thoughts and prayers to them and their family members. I have come to realize making so many of these visits over the last several days that surpisingly, that is enough. I know no amount of talking theology or spouting platitudes or worse cliche's will help so I really struggle with what I should say. Amazingly, on one hand I don't have to say much, and on the other, as long as I use common sense, whatever I do say is enough.

Its all about presence: Just being there shows you care. If they are a family in your congregation your teaching and previous oppurtunities to shape their theology will already provide them the comfort and persective they need in these times of crisis, pain, and loss. This is not the time to teach but rather the time to see teaching applied to their life. The power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people of faith is amazing to me. I could not imagine being married to someone for 57 years and then suddenly be without them.

I am only 34 and it's ridiculous for me to think I could relate or emphathize but in the smallest of ways. What I can do is be there, be present in the pain. I have literally had the priviledge to be the presence of Jesus in people's lives this week to remind them that He loves them, He is in control, He knows our pain and suffering, and He has even secured salvation and a place in eternity for their loved ones. I find that to be such an honor because I certianly could not do that in my own strength.

I have heard amazing inspiring stories this week. Funny stories that have made me laugh and helped the family member's laugh. I have heard stories of love and devotion too. Stories of faithfulness to each other, to Christ, and to His church. The healing power of presence and the the practice of listening this week has overwhelmed me as someone who is wholly inadequate to help heal anyone of such deep emotional pain. Yet through the power of the Holy Spirit and the presence of Jesus I have been humbled to see those things happen through me to effect other people. I am humbled and honored to serve such faithfull people and much more so to serve such and incredible God that could, let alone would, use me in such a way!

[photo attribution]

THE BLOG: Re:Forming Re:Vamping Re:Designing Re:Thinking

2009-01-15T00:41:00.005-06:00

I have been thinking a lot about the blog since Church Tech Camp: Dallas. I sat in some breakout sessions with John Saddington on Missional Blogging. John blogs here and here. John is on staff at Northpoint. One of the things John challenged me to do is to focus in on my passions and blog about those things. Also he challenged me to categorize those 2-3 passions into no more than 8 sub categories.

Here is what I am thinking:

3 Big Passions:
Family
Leadership
Missional Ministry

Categories I will try to stick to on the blog:
1. Missional Family
2. Missional Leadership
3. Missional Student Ministry
4. Social Media Technology as Missional Ministry
5. Music/Film as it helps connect people to the Heart of God
6. Pop Culture and Cultural Trends as Missional Endeavors
7. Humor (this was way to friggin' funny to not share with people)
8. Productivity

Please watch, critique, encourage, advise, as I continue to make changes. Come back often comment, engage, interact, and befriend. I hope to make a platform change, redesign, and relaunch in the very near future.

Twitter Funnies: Humorous Tweets I Have Favorited

2009-01-14T13:15:00.006-06:00

THE FUNNIEST (or MOST UNFORTUNATE) TWITTER-TYPO YET:
@timastevens Just finished blowing my for the third time since last night. 6:21 PM Jan 10th from TweetDeck
@timastevens Uh, typo. Insert word "driveway." Blowing my driveway. 6:21 PM Jan 10th from TweetDeck

MY OTHER "FAVORITED" FUNNIES:
@Fernihough i have a target on my face this week that reads "irritate me. please."

@hotdogsladies Oh, Google. You know I meant to type "Angus Young." Jeez, one dropped consonant, and now I have to go bleach my corneas for an hour.

@russware The glove compartment isn't accurately named And everybody knows it

@NotHenryRollins My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud

@DougFields At no point during my years in seminary was I ever prepared to negotiate arguments with facility staff over the price we charge for coffee.

@tomcottar instead of McCain or Obama...vote Optimus Prime.

@mhenslee Watching Wade Philips mumble...umm mmm we stunk ummm romo choked hmm mmm we're overated ummm hmmm I wanna coach oakland mmm umm hmm.

@dooce The server at Chili's brought me four mugs of Diet Coke, and I was so happy about this that for a second I finally understood Sarah Palin.

@claytonchancy How fun would life be if you could tickle yourself?

@mattmcgill New song SCREAM by chris cornell ought to be called princess, bubble gum, ponies.

@mhenslee I'd thank @officialpeta for following me here on twitter...but it will have to be after I finish this double-bacon-cheeseburger.

FUNNIEST STREAM:
@larryboatright just spilled a dr pepper on my crotch 12:34 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from Hahlo
@larryboatright no people, I did not poop my pants. It's dr pepper, isn't it obvious?? 1:16 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from Hahlo
@larryboatright I bumped Kevin and made him spill his coffee on his MacBook pro. I am a goon. Pray it still works 4:27 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from Hahlo
@larryboatright kevin's laptop has gone to be with the Lord.7:15 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from Hahlo
@thekevincouch Larry killed my laptop with my first love.......coffee 9:00 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from Twittelator

Larry had previously spilled water and Dr. Pepper on his crotch 2 other times but unfortunately I didn't have the foresight to start "favoriting" the trend back then.

[This post originated as a response to: This blog entry The Funniest Tweets I've Seen on Twitter--So Far]

Church Tech Camp Dallas Opening Session

2009-01-08T09:16:00.008-06:00

John Saddington from Northpoint/Buckhead is speaking about passion, networking, loving Jesus, and leaving with something practical to do.

Psalm 8: We have been given an amazing opportunity and responsibility to be apart of the ministry that God is doing online.

God has put everything under our feet, including the internet and technology in general.

DIGITAL PASTOR

If you are using the internet: facebook, twitter, blogging, email, etc then you are a digital pastor.

technology is helping us spread the gospel, start conversations about the gospel, minister to people online.

I use Myspace, Facebook, Gtalk, Twitter, and the Blog.

Great question someone asked: "what is the ultimate goal, personal contact or personal growth."

TECHNO-EVANGILST new term for what guys are doing online to reach people with the gospel.

Websites I am hearing repeated at #ctcdallas:
MOZES free text messaging service to send group texts.

ROOV a way to conect with church members through facebook

PollEverywhere

twitter of course [find me on twitter here]

plurk a social journal for your life [me on plurk here]

3 Videos to Watch Today

2009-01-06T01:42:00.004-06:00

This video is just plain awesome funny, made by some of the Digerati Team at Lifechurch.tv :

Wicked Mustaches from kevin ely on Vimeo.

Russell Crowe appears to be dressing the part of Mad Max while talking to Crocodile Dundee about becoming a pastor in this rather funny advertisement for a Bible College in Australia!

Here watch Bruce Lee play ping-pong with nunchucks. (I taught him everything he knew.)

(this last video I found here)

Icebreakers for Breaking the Ice with Students when the Ice needs to be Broken

2009-01-06T00:59:00.003-06:00

or Questions to Ask Students as Conversation Starters:

In student ministry there can sometimes be a tension between you as a strange adult and the teenagers you are called to reach. Some situations lend themselves to being less awkward than others. In student ministry it has always been my habit to frequent school lunches, band concerts, sporting events, and other extra-curricular events. Nothing can be more daunting the high school cafeteria as a youth worker, if the schools even allow you in. These questions really help break the ice and get kids talking and help you avoid that awkward silence.

First one of my main stand-by’s is a generic “favorites” question:
“What is your favorite…?” (I switch it up all the time: movie, band, book, song, sport, athlete, cheese, food, candy, website, form of torture, word for snow [if they are eskimo, cause eskimo's have 29 different words for snow] etc, etc)

“If you could go anywhere in the world and money wasn’t issue, where would you go and what would you do?”

You can turn this in a spiritual direction too but of course don’t have to. It lends itself to talking about missions, lifestyles, poverty, helping/serving others, etc.

What is something that really makes you mad?

or When was the last time you got really angry about something? (sounds like a weird question but you would be surprised how kids will open up and the oppurtunities it gives you to take things in a spiritual direction.)

I used to ask kids “Do you twitter?” but after several took it to mean something completely inappropriate and the police got involved, I don’t so much use that question anymore!!!

How can I pray for you?

–you would be surprised how well this works, even with wait staff at restaurants will spill there guts with knowing little more about whether you drink tea or coke and that you like ranch on the side. Kids will open up too. I rarely lead with this one of course but I find I use it more with kids that are not in my youth group than those that are. It can make a great impression on the student the next time you see them to let them know you prayed for them and ask how it worked out. They will be astounded that you cared enough to remember let alone pray about it.

I also often ask kids if they have a myspace or a facebook? and A new one I am thinking about trying out is asking kids if they have ever googled their own name?

This originated as a comment on my friend and fellow co-laborer in Student Ministry Ryan Weaver at his blog Terminal Confession.

Irish Kids Say the Darndest Things: The Christmas Story

2008-12-17T16:53:00.002-06:00

Here is a clip from youtube that my mom actually emailed me. I couldn't believe it. This is priceless. They have taken the recording of a little Irish girl named Nancy and put her audio recording to animation. This is a must see and hear. It's great to hear her ideas that are clearly "injected" into the story. It is clearly from a Catholic perspective and pay attention to "mean kids" segment and why they are mean, starting about 44 seconds in. The brogue is think so turn up the volume, tune out the distractions, its a great little piece of audio-visual greatness.

Be sure to check out the youtube channel of Monster Distributes because they have other great videos as well, including The Story of St. Patrick, The Story of Lazarus, and The Death of Jesus.

Men, Beware the Doghouse

2008-12-08T11:20:00.002-06:00

Ok, this is actually an ad (so consider yourself warned) but it is extremely funny. Most men will see the humor in it and sadly many will be able to relate from personal experience. Think about a thoughtful gift this Christmas for everyone on your list. And Husbands: Beware the Doghouse.

Welcome to Leadership: Your Monkey Butt is Showing!

2008-11-18T17:19:00.002-06:00

I have a friend who has recently taken on a volunteer leadership role at church and sadly after barely over a month on the job has been facing a harsh and brutal spirit of criticism from a few people. They are playing the "take-our-ball-and-go-home" game. And with some editing for anonymity I thought I would share it on my blog for all of those of us in ministry and/or in leadership that need encouragement in times of criticism.

Recently I attended a conference where one of the speakers said something that I needed to be reminded of. The thought was good and true. It resonated with my soul at that moment so much that I wrote it down and sent out a Tweet immediately. You may or may not have seen it so I wanted to share it with you now.

"Leadership is a commitment to be misunderstood."
It is true but yet it is one of those truths that even when you believe it, it is not necessarily a comfort. But what you can take comfort in is that God has given you a vision and if it is His vision then you can stick to it and rest in that alone...

...I am saying even if you are frustrated, misunderstood, and on and on, just don't give up. Remain above reproach and then the detractors have nothing valid to say. They will either come around and get on board or they won't but leadership is not about making everyone happy and giving into every opinion.

The speaker went on to say a couple of other things too:
On Criticism--if it's true = respond and change
--if it's not true = don't stoop to consider it

He also quoted this African proverb:
The higher the monkey climbs up a tree,
the more people that can see his (hiney).

I am not sure what that means but I think it means in leadership people are gonna take aim at your backside, or they can see your flaws or weaknesses. Something along those lines. I think that is just to remind us that sometimes people only take time to see the negative and those people will always be detractors unless they change their perspective. [Especially if they are not climbing with you, as a leader you need people climbing with you, but also realize some will only go so high. If your vision calls you to climb higher, others will always be left behind.]

Psalm 42:5 "Why are you downcast, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance."

II Timothy 1:13 "Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

So all that to say, welcome to leadership.
Hope in God, and HOLD FAST.

Michael

Advent Conspiracy

2008-11-17T14:35:00.002-06:00

I heard about this movement from Donald Miller this past weekend at LeadNow and then today in a completely unrelated experience involving social media networking I was lead to this video that reveals the heart and vision of Advent Conspiracy. Go check it out and see if your family, small group, church or even business would like to get behind it.

[RT: RonEdmonson]

Senior Adult Hip Hop Choir

2008-11-12T23:22:00.006-06:00

Senior Adult Choir Hip Hop

JOY: Java-Others-You

2008-11-12T17:15:00.004-06:00

This video asks (and answers) the question "What if St.Arbucks marketed itself like the church?"

[I forget where i originally ran across this so I just want to give credit where credit is due, wherever and to whomever that may be. It wasn't me just so you know.]

But this leads me to a question about my local body that I would like to pose to you. Just yesterday we had a lady FLIPPING out because someone took a cup of coffee into the church auditorium/sanctuary. Now someone called the office today and wants us to put signs up banning drinks from the church service. What would you tell this person and how would you handle this situation?

I want to go to Heaven...

2008-11-10T22:23:00.003-06:00

This line has been around for awhile at least...but it reoccurred recently while listening to the new disc by The Streets 'Everything is Borrowed.' The song title is 'Heaven for the Weather' and the whole line is:
"I wanna go to heaven for the weather, hell for the company"

Now there are all kinds of folks with similar sentiments to this lyric. What do you think is the missional response to someone that feels this way. To be honest I am a Christian and I feel this way sometimes in that I would much rather be around unchurched people than "church people". I would rather be around the irreligious than the religious.

Missionally speaking we are called to represent the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. How do we do it in such away that draws people towards it rather than drives them away?

That's Terrific Sal

2008-10-02T01:32:00.003-05:00

Today I have two videos that have made the blog circuit so you may have already seen them, if not enjoy and pass on the hilarity to your cyber friends and neighbors.

The first thing to note is that the music is catchy, fun and it surprised me with the ska/reggae beat and a pretty sweet baseline. This is definetely from the early 70's, take note of the fly away collars.

Second, note the vocalization is still more church ensemble than rock or ska band, so it lends alot to the creation of the cheesiness. Not to mention the matching outfits.

Third, note the guitarist and his uncomfortable use of the "sex face" as he plays added to the fact that he is way to cozy with throwing his hip thrusts into his guitar. I was gonna describe the guitar as a Sunburst pattern but then I realized it was actually blushing.

Fourth, of course last but not least note the lyrics, at one point he actually says "Jesus came and found me, and He touched me down inside..." and wait for it, wait for it the rest of that line is too good to spoil here. So click play and be prepared to watch this over and over again for the next few days.

[ HT: Ed]

This second video just goes to show we really have to ask the right questions about being relevant to the culture, because at one time I am sure this group sincerely thought they were being relevant and cutting edge, never knowing they would end up a viral video punchline reinforcing every cheesy Christian stereotype available.

[HT: SK]

It was so bad and SO viral that it ended up on The Soup , see here and also PopTub, here.

Moby on Brittney, Fame, and Insecurity

2008-06-27T11:10:00.005-05:00

I found this video on yahoo, of Moby being interviewed by fans and he makes a great statement about fame and the human condition. Watch and share your thoughts.
[updated: sorry you have to watch the commercial first]

Fat Guys in a little suit (sorta)

2008-04-15T13:22:00.002-05:00

Hey I found this on my computer and had forgotten all about it. It was after one of the greatest 5th quarters of all time. We had over 100 students show up to wrassle and joust, play games and watch videos in the Attic, and eat tons and tons of horribly-bad-for-you food. At the end of the night when everything was wrapping up our pastor and our mission team leader decided to try their hand at the Sumo Suits. So now here it is submitted for your viewing pleasure.

Untitled from michael mcminn on Vimeo.

PS. I posted this on a cool new site called Vimeo, I like it much better than youtube or any other video posting site I have found so far. Go Check it out if you have your own personal videos to post.

Spaghetti Grows on Trees

2008-04-01T14:32:00.003-05:00

A Video in Honor of National Atheists Day

See who falls for this one, a classic April Fools joke of the highest order. Anytime you can fool someone AND do it with a BBC style British accent, you have taken it to the next level.

Mr. Smith goes to Church

2008-04-01T14:03:00.005-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to attend Uptown Fellowship, the contemporary service of Church of the Incarnation in North Dallas. COTI is an Episcopal congregation and the liturgy was something very foreign to this southern fried baptist boy. I have two former Dallas Baptist classmates that are involved there. One in leading worship and the other more recently just began attending. I really enjoyed the worship experience as a whole and thought I would share and reflect here with you.

I did learn that the Sunday after Easter, in liturgical circles, has come to be known as Low Sunday. Becuase it follows immediately on the heels of Easter Sunday which has experienced so much build up through the season of Lent, this Sunday has come to be known as Low Sunday because the Gospel reading and homily always relate to the story of Doubting Thomas. The speaker also joked that it was Low Sunday or 'Cannonball Sunday' because of the drop in attendance compared to Easter Sunday. The joke is because attendance is so sparse you can fire a cannonball into the congregation without fear of hitting anyone.

Here are my observations:
1. Everyone was warm and friendly, I felt welcomed and comfortable. They did nothing to acknowledge guests or visitors, nor did they do anything to identify members. No name tags, no awkward welcome where the guests remain seated and members stand to greet them, or vice versa. While some would think this was a bad move I liked it. The only time I felt out of place or awkward was when I had an internal concern in those "what to do next" situations. Which I will address in the next point. Finally, as far as welcome, greeting, etc, at one point we all turned to those around us greeting each other with "Peace be with you."

2. As the service progressed there were a few times I wished they had at least briefly explained the flow of the liturgy. Of course, then it could be said that would interrupt the flow of the liturgy itself. But my discomfort was most apparent when it came time to participate in communion. From my background I am used to remaining seated as the tray is passed down each aisle. In this more liturgical setting you rise and approach the front single file to receive the sacraments. I was really freaked out when the first group went up on stage around the altar and "had several moves" to perform. I was thinking to myself, I am going to look like an idiot. Well turns out they were the servers/helpers (this was not explained, so I am making an educated guess) because the rest of us did not go up on stage but merely up the aisle to the priest/rector.

3. To me this took away from the experience of what Holy Communion, or the Lord's Supper, is all about. I am partly to blame, maybe I just should have relaxed more and not been so worried about "making a mistake" or even "looking dumb." But I think some simple instructions would alleviate this for newcomers and even give those who partake weekly more of a verbal reminder of what HC/LS is really all about. In the Baptist tradition we partake of the LS about once every quarter. This has always seemed too long of an interval but I know I truly look forward to it and when we partake it is the central part of the worship experience that week and usually the entire message and service focus in on the meaning. The meaning seemed lost in the ritual, and to be fair, in my own insecurity about "how to" in this new setting. I was glad that at least from seminary and other experience I knew about the practice of intinction. This is the practice of dipping the consecrated bread into the wine, rather than drinking from the same cup as everyone else (granted the holder wipes the cup each time and others had already drank directly from the cup but it sure made me feel better. I am not much of a germ-a-phobe overall but drinking after others gives me the willies.)

4. The music was contemporary and the dress of everyone present was casual. They used two large flat screens to either side of the platform to display lyrics, prayers, and responsive readings. These seem to be the three main elements that made Uptown Fellowship different, I think they would even say Emerging, than their parent services at Church of the Incarnation. And other than the HC/LS the screens really helped me as a newbie enjoy and follow along as a participant in worship rather than a confused outsider. The music was impressive as well. I didn't know quite what to expect but the songs were recognizable to me by the likes of Crowder, Tomlin, and even Agnus Dei by Michael W. Smith. They were contemporary yet the band was simple, acoustic guitar, a trap set, piano and upright bass. The piano, limited sounds of the smaller trap set, and especially upright bass just really made the music warm and deep as opposed to having just a straight-ahead rock sound.

5. The message was delivered by a women. I will leave the theological debate for other bloggers who seem devoted to those things. I will admit, however, that due to my background I made a conscious effort to listen and focus on the message rather than the medium. The message was on Thomas and his doubt the week after the Resurrection. The message was well delivered, applicable to our daily lives, and held my attention.

Overall, given the chance I would consider visiting again to broaded my experience and perspective. It is always difficult and sometimes unfair or misleading to base everything on one visit. Although the reality is for many others, churched or unchurched, the first impression is the only impression you get to make.

Go to Uptown's Flickr page to see the sets from their series called Theology Live, a very well attended series of theological lectures at local north Dallas pubs.

Pray for Juarez, Mexico

2008-03-31T13:02:00.005-05:00

Just minutes ago I got incredibly sad and disturbing phone call. The call was to inform me that our annual summer mission trip to Juarez, Mexico has been canceled. I thought it was a joke or mistake until the news over the phone sank in and I realized they were serious. Drug Cartel violence has broken out in Juarez and the article I just read says as many as 30 people were murdered on Easter weekend alone. Please pray for the city, people, and churches of Juarez.

In the relationship our church has established with the city of 6 million across the border from El Paso, TX we have helped a thriving church planting movement that has been a blessing and encouragement to me every time I have gone over. We generally go once during the Christmas break and again during the summer. We know many churches and pastors in Juarez and I would ask you to pray for them during this time.

Pray for all the citizens of Juarez.
Pray for any tourists that maybe trying to get out safely.
Pray for the pastors of Juarez and their congregations.
Pray for the city, state and Mexican national government officials.
Pray for the police and military.
Pray for the hearts and minds of the criminals.

Call me or email if you would like to know specific pastors and churches to pray for. It may be over protective but I don't want to expose any of them to become targets by listing them here for all to see.

Some Stuff from Around the Web

2008-03-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

Deadly Viper "is a movement designed to help leaders finish strong and live a life with no regrets." " Whether you are an executive at a large company, a daring entrepreneur, a gifted salesman, or serving at a non profit or ministry, Deadly Viper is for you." "Deadly Viper facilitates conversations between leaders, staff members, small groups, teams, colleagues and friends." (all quotes from the website) The Deadly Viper bloggers are Jud Wilhite, Mike Foster and Anne Jackson.

The XXX Church guys have been engaged in the Porn Debate for awhile now but they appeared on Nightline. Watch the debates online here.

Just made the switch from being controlled by the man (i.e. microsoft office products) to downloading the free and incredible OpenOffice suite of products. And if you are into graphic design on a budget check out GimpShop a freeware alternative to Adobe Illustrator.

Web 2.0 stuff you should be aware of and using if you are not:
Twitter! a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?
Jott...converts your voice into emails, text messages, reminders, lists and appointments
Utterz share & discuss your news instantly (voice, video, pix & txt from your cell to your blog and social network instantly)
for more Web 2.0 applications and sites go here.

Viddler.com and Blip.tv are sites you need to check out if you are a video content creator, aspiring internet video director or video blogger. Go ahead get famous if that's for you.

Ethur is a website for an initiative that "exists to create spiritually focused projects that change culture." So go, check it out, do good, and create a spiritually focused project that changes culture.

Timothy Keller videos here, here and here - here.

Project RedNow ...is an experiment in the art of wonder.

The Movie Box is your one stop shop for any an all upcoming or current movie trailers, wanna see a movie trailer, look no further.

And last but not least, I will leave the theological commentary to my many brothers out there that are willing or already have jumped on this, but this is odd and humorous at the same time...
Ed Young, Jr. impersonates Joel Osteen

Elijah (testing the pilot of a new sitcom)

2008-03-20T15:51:00.002-05:00

This is long overdue. I have created three separate accounts attempting to upload videos of my son Elijah to youtube for all to see. 3rd times a charm right? if this is successful then assume there will be more to follow. Much more, since this is now 19 months overdue.

"I have to be perfect..." and 8 other ministry family heresies.

2008-03-20T01:21:00.003-05:00

In doing some spring cleaning I came across a great little book and I felt a strong desire to share with my fellow compatriots in ministry and parenting. Timothy L. Sanford, M.A. (and MK, missionary kid, for the uninitiated) wrote a helpful and healing book called I Have to Be Perfect (and Other Parsonage Heresies): The Preachers Kids Manual of the Holy Heresies You May Have Grown Up With and How to Find Your Way Back to the Truth.

Now that is a mouthful but let me tell you being a pastor myself and also being married to a PK this book is great on two levels. First it brought some needed clarification in my life and better understanding for me of my wife and where she has come from. Second it is a great warning and helpful guide in helping me be a better father to Elijah and husband to Becky. After all my greater calling is to them as my family over and above my calling to the church. An added bonus is that when we served in Colorado we actually went to a conference lead by Timothy L. Sanford at Horn Creek specifically for PK/MK's over this topic.

Without sharing more than she would like or more than you need to know, Becky and her family did not have an overall enjoyable experience during her dad's years in ministry and there is family baggage to prove it. But this book's insights are worth sharing and contemplating, for discussion and expounding.

I want to share the myth's Tim points out and leave it at that for now. We will see if this generates a need for more from the book down the road.

The Four Holy Heresies about Myself:
1. I have to be perfect
2. I should already know
3. I am here for others
4. I'm different

The Four Holy Heresies about the World:
1. I can't trust anyone
2. I can ruin my dad's ministry
3. Other people's needs are more important than my own
4. I am damned if I do and damned if I don't

The Holy Heresy about God:
1. God is disappointed with me

Ask yourself as a parent in ministry do you allow yourself, other staff members, or church members to perpetuate any of these myths to your spouse or children? What do you do as a parent in ministry to put your family above your job? To protect them from neglect or misguided ministry principles?

To end I would like to make a note that the book is not bitter, nor does the author have an ax to grind. The book is informative, consoling, and embraces forgiveness as a means of transformation and restoration for those who feel abused or hurt by "growing up in the ministry."

ER offers a harsh critique of liberal theology?

2008-03-13T17:33:00.003-05:00

[HT: GLP]

Daryl Hall Cool, Again?

2008-03-13T16:34:00.003-05:00

Saw this on yahoo news: Famous 80's Musician is Totally Hip Again

Ok, my only question is when wasn't Daryl Hall cool?

In another music note also on Yahoo: The Worlds Cheesiest Love Songs Playlist

Crank this in your office and see how long it takes for someone to hurl a stapler at your head, or even worse cause you be the first ever office person to be given a swirly since middle school.

Top 5/Bottom 5 Candies

2008-03-13T14:03:00.009-05:00

I have decided to create a new installment to my blog and am open for suggestions but wanted to start with this one on candy. Everyone had their favorite candies as a kid and even now, but what about the candies that were a complete and utter whip. You know there were the greatest and then their were the ones that were just a beat down. This does not contain candy bars that will be separate and specific Top 5/Bottom 5 for the future.

Bottom 5
1. Necco Wafers: These seem to be the first candy ever invented (though I have not done conclusive research) because they appear to have been invented before anyone thought of the idea that candy should taste good.

2. Wax Lips/Wax Bottles:

Isn't this really a form of punishment, make a kid suffer the horrible taste of wax for a slight sensation of momentary liquid flavoring. The reward is definitely not worth the effort.

3. Fun Dip: Why by this messy, boring candy when you can just eat a sugar packet or pour sugar into your mouth straight from the dispenser if that is what you are craving??? (or only slightly better Pixie Stix)
4. Black Licorice: This actually may be one of the first forms of candy but come on, it tastes like medicine!
5. Rainbow Coconut Bar/3 Color Coconut Bar: Just plain gross, a mean sadistic trick to make kids think coconut is candy.Honorable Mentions:
Candy Buttons (also by Necco) just plain lame and sometimes called Dots on Paper (seriously?!), Now & Laters (I know I will catch some flack for this but they are the evil twin of their much better counterpart Starburst--only N&L's make your teeth stick together so you can not get your mouth back open)
Sugar Daddys (or the lesser none, Slo Poke, these are again an example of a candy that requires too much effort and not enough reward, unless you like having to pry your jaws apart with a crow bar. And their counterpart, aptly named Sugar Babies, are the same great flavor without the extended period of lockjaw.)
Candy Corn: Seriously???
Hard Stick Gum that came in novelty cards packs. Just plain gross.

Danger Alert: Deadly or at least Injurious Candy worth mentioning--AstroPop
The original Astropop was a cone shaped hard candy sucker that was Red, Green and Yellow and the pointy end faced up and the candy widened at the bottom towards the end of the stick. As you licked the original AstroPop the point became a razor sharp, needle point dagger of death that you could use to stab your little sister or poke your own eye out. Unfortunately they have corrected this and I was unable to find a picture of the original version of this candy, but imagine the above picture (top of blog) inverted to where the pointy end is up.

Top 5
Honorable Mentions:
Bit O'Honey: They may be too sticky for some but they are a great one of a kind flavor, that I enjoy.
Lemonheads: When you want something sour there is only one choice.
Nerds and Smarties: Small, tangy, sugary sweet, packaged in small amounts so you don't wig out on an over the top sugar rush.

5. Rolos: Easy. Caramel, chocolate, bite size. Greatness

4. Pop Rocks: If these don't make you smile and scream fun then you must be a Nazi or a Catholic School Headmistress.

3. Goo Goo Clusters Supreme: This is strictly a Southern treat. Milk Chocolate, Pecans, Caramel and Marshmellow. Of if you prefer, Original, which replaces Pecans with Peanuts.2. Starburst: If it is not evident by my previous choices I am a chocolate lover but when it comes to fruity goodness Starburst can't be beat. They are softer and easy to chew than most fruit candies and they pack a powerfully strong flavor in each bite size candy.
1. Peanut M&M's: Chocolate covered peanuts in a hard candy shell. Pure Genius. And truth in advertising: They do not melt in your hands, but the ad says nothing about the color sweating. But for those who want to complain all I have to say is "They come in a bag!" Eat 'em as you go.

Video Clips for Messages

2008-03-13T10:54:00.004-05:00

I am always looking for video clips to use in our Wednesday night outreach service or occasionally to use as an illustration for out Sunday School program or to go along with a small group lesson. I thought I would share some sources that have repeatedly served up some quality videos that you can use or, if you have the capabilities, choose to make your own version.

First lets begin with some channels on Youtube:
Watermark Church (Dallas) Creators of the forever memorable Offering Linebacker, but for impact I truly LOVE their Signs video.

Watermark Student Ministry which hosts over 70 videos
my personal favorites include Wake Up Clown and Passionately Ninja and the Lettuce Commercial series (spoofed off of the SNL Digital Short)

I originally found these two GENIUS GEMS on the Gateway Church Student Ministry vodcast, but that since has disappeared from Itunes so I found them on Youtube...if you haven't you must see and use these two nuggets of audio/visual AWESOMENESS.
David and Goliath
Noah Builds an Ark

I showed this over a year ago and I have at least one student per Wednesday, usually more, beg, seriously beg (in the sniveling, groveling, grabbing of my pants leg sense of the word) to see this each and every week its a hit:
Hotel, Hotel from none other than the PDYM guys.

and also from them produced for the PDWorshipConference, Filled with the Spirit

For some very odd reason the Skit Guys do not have their own YouTube channel but they have some great clips posted there if you search them. But you can go here to see the guy who has produced several videos for them, which includes The Workplace series, and others. Including this one I had never seen before, No Code Baby, spoofing the Da Vince Code AND Vanilla Ice. Why didn't I know about this when it was relevant.

Another great source is Keypoint Church on Youtube, and if you search them on Itunes podcasts you can download even more.

Some videos are just plain scary like this Church Produced Crossdressing Video???

Sometimes you don't need a video to make a point, you just want something humorous and energetic to kick-off the night. So here are some other choices:
Freestyle Walking (at 4 minutes in there is a word you may find inappropriate, or search free style walking to find your own favorite version, or make your own.)
Rhett and Link's Channel
(including my favorites: Unicorn Rap, Cornhole Song, Don Imus Song, Facebook Song, Addicted to Lost Commercial, the list goes on)
Many of you know of Ask a Ninja but what about Hope is Emo, Part 7 could be my favorite, and the theme song is great, produced by the same peeps. You can also download HopeisEmo from Itunes podcasts.

Just for Fun:
the Minisode Network Channel takes your favorite old shows like Voltron, What's Happening?, and the Facts of Life and distills them into short 5 minute episodes.
And for fans of NPR and/or David Sedaris

For Your Enjoyment (Kosher, yet rated PG)

2008-02-12T15:06:00.000-06:00

I have not blogged in quite sometime. I have been very busy, lots of irons in the fire and plans to renew my blog are in the works but for now here is something I found entertaining and I hope you do too.

As a youth pastor and student of culture I occasionally catch some videos on MTV, VH1, BET and CMT. The reality is you can check in about every 6 months before the rotation has changed that much. I have seen a couple of Soulja Boy songs (which this is a spoof of) and if ever there was a video that needed spoofing. This is much better than the mindless, pointless, artless and soulless original it mocks.

Some Christmas Cheer!

2007-12-13T14:31:00.000-06:00

Just to make you smile:

On Marraige and Divorce

2007-12-05T10:47:00.000-06:00

Marriage saves lives, while divorce harms the environment:

We could all extol the benefits of marriage and the consequences of divorce but I was surpsised today by these two articles that appeared side by side on Yahoo's front page this morning. One article says that not only is divorce bad, it is bad for the environment! Then right below that was a link to an ABC video (from Good Morning America, video is on the top right conrner) and a news article about how a wedding ring saved a man's life by deflecting a bullet.

I love the quote from the guy who was shot when he said "I know being married was a good thing, I just didn't know it was that good." And his wife follows up with "I think its a good lesson for men out there to learn: That its a good idea to wear that ring--it could come in handy sometime."

Here is a great quote on marriage from Alfred Adler:
"We only regard those unions as real examples of love and real marriages in which a fixed and unalterable decision has been taken. If men or women contemplate an escape, they do not collect all their powers for the task. In none of the serious and important tasks of life do we arrange such a "getaway." We cannot love and be limited."

or the more pessimistic view stated by Socrates always makes me laugh:
"My advice to you is to get married. If you find a good wife, you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher."

And for the simply humorous from Rita Rudner:
"I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry."

For the pragmatic:
"I got gaps; you got gaps; we fill each other's gaps." --Rocky Balboa

Reveal

2007-10-24T13:49:00.000-05:00

If you are in church leadership you need to watch this video called Reveal created by Willow Creek based on research they have done in 31 congregations across the country totaling over 20,000 people. They started asking questions not just based on numbers and participation but deeper questions about their success rate at creating disciples and helping church members develop intimacy with Christ as exampled by people who categorized their relationship with Christ as their top priority and lived as people that demonstrated both a heart for God and a heart for people.

This is a teaser video found on youtube, to see the extended 13 minute video go here. (Which I recommend)

Ask Anything

2007-10-22T09:08:00.000-05:00

Pastor Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church in Seattle have created a website called Ask Anything. At the ask anything site you can ask your questions and/or vote on your favorite questions that you would like to see Mark answer. At the end of the year they will calculate the top 9 questions and he will preach a series based on those questions. I think this is an interesting and creative way to "stump the pastor" as it has been called for years.

As the Student Pastor at my church I have been curious ever since I read in one of Mark's books where he stated that Mars Hill would never have a youth group but then said he changed his mind and create a student ministry at Mars Hill. So I asked him my question. I wanted to share with you the opportunity to ask your own question but, even-more-so, selfishly ask you to vote for my question.

In recent months there has been much discussion on whether or not student ministry in the American Church is successful, necessary, or even biblical. Therefore I wanted to know why and how a pastor like Mark Driscoll known for his reformed and conservative theological views would change his mind on this issue. If you are curious as well, maybe you are a youth pastor yourself, consider voting for my question up to 10 times a day.

College Coach attacks media, defends good kid

2007-09-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

Wow! I really don't know what to say. This video is powerful and impressive.

The Gospel in 6 Minutes

2007-09-13T11:54:00.000-05:00

The Gospel in 6 Minutes is a presentation created by John Piper and his Desiring God Ministries. This is multifaceted in its scope and use, text, audio, and video all accessible on the web. The presentation is clear, precise and succinct.

[Thanks to the Rabbi for pointing me here first.]

How an email message travels around the world

2007-08-30T16:09:00.000-05:00

Gmail asked Gmail account holders to help them imagine how an email message travels around the world. All it took was a video camera, the Gmail M-velope ( ), and some creativity. Someone sifted through all the entries and compiled a final version of the collaborative effort. Here it is, along with a link to all the submissions on Youtube.

11 Guys At The Playground

2007-08-30T15:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Bob Sturm of BAD Radio on 1310 the Ticket for this one. They talked about this video on the Ticket today and I knew I had to check it out. If you ever played a pick-up game at your neighborhood court, local gym, even in church league then you have at one point in time run into everyone of these guys. Enjoy the video.

11 Guys At The Playground - Watch more free videos

Band of Horses

2007-08-30T11:39:00.001-05:00

If you don't know Band of Horses, well then you don't know bands or horses and that just makes me a sad, sad audio-equistrian-o-phile. So do me and you and Band of Horses a favor and go to their myspace where you can download their new single, hear other tunes, and pre-order their new disc about to be released on Subpop.

Gotta Love the French!

2007-08-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

French Army Knife

Implications?

2007-08-29T18:08:00.000-05:00

Watch this video of Malcolm Gladwell, auther of The Tipping Point and Blink. Then discuss if you believe his talk has any implications for church life and missional living.

Fun with Youtube

2007-08-29T00:06:00.000-05:00

I found these on Youtube and I believe I should subject you to them as well. Enjoy?:

Superfriends vs. Friends

Ghetto Man Roasts the Superfriends

[Note: This is a clip from a show that did not last very long (for obvious reasons) but some of the others are worth checking out as well.

Check out this if you are interested in spoofs of the famously overdone "Wassup" commercials for Bud. There is Jewish Wassup, Superfriends Wassup and Transformers Wassup to name a few.

Johnny Burnette performing "Lonesome Train" (every day is better with a little Rockabilly)

Introduce yourself to James McMurtry if you haven't already with the video for "Levelland" and then do yourself a real favor and go hear his song about Texoma (North Texas/Southern Oklahoma) called "Choctaw Bingo." (Warning: 'Choctaw' contains naughty language). While you are at it check out The Notorious Cherry Bombs, Robert Earl Keen, and Townes Van Zandt (through this tribute from Emmylou Harris, Willie, and Steve Earl playing Townes' songs on Austin City Limits).

I will leave you with an incredible clip from a documentary about Gram Parsons. If you don't know Gram Parsons then that just breaks my heart. So here you go:

D.A. Carson's Personal(?) Blog

2007-08-27T10:53:00.000-05:00

You really really need to check out this blog: The Secret Diary of D.A. Carson. Check it out if you know who D.A. Carson is. IF not it still applies if you know such figures as Paige Patterson or John Piper, or if you study the New Testament, or ever went to Bible College or Seminary.

Trust me it's just for grins and giggles but we need those sometimes. Or at least I do.

Listen to your iTunes Library anywhere?

2007-08-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

Does that sound crazy? Probably not. You are thinking, duh, that is what your iPod is for. But what if you are like me? What if you have an 80 gig iPod and yet that holds less than half of your actual (thus far) digitized music library? If you are like me and have way to much music digital or otherwise for you own good (and more than your wife thinks is reasonable), you look for ways to carry as much as possible without having to drive a U-hual everywhere you go.

Enter sites like AnywhereFM and Simplify Media. They are a welcome edition to my assortment of tools and gadgets that allow me to constantly play to soundtrack of my life in the background or forefront of my existence. Depends on what the moment calls for.

I am currently trying Anywhere FM at work and Simplify Media at home. Both work basically the same way. Create an account. Download there software to upload your music. Upload your music. Connect and listen. Simple. Effective. Free. They both include the feature of inviting and connecting with friends libraries to hear their music as well.

Look forward to hearing from those of you out there that are possibly using similar tools or these options to listen online.

On another note, anyone using a Slingbox yet? I would love to hear about your experience and thoughts on this device!

The Bible Web 2.0 Style

2007-08-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

In looking online for resources and bible study tools I recently have come across YouVersion.com. Billing itself as "a free online bible like no other" it promises to integrate scripture (multiple versions), community, and collaboration (user-contributed content) to create this interactive opportunity. You can read about it on the YouVersion Blog and check out the tour. In case you are wondering who is behind it: LifeChurch.tv

Check it out and then discuss your thoughts here.

Here are some of my questions that the YouVersion website may or may not address. (I will have to fully examine all the content over time.)

Initially it is a cool idea but my thoughts/questions/concerns are:
Who ultimately controls the content? Will debate be allowed and to what degree? Is it a sight where opposing viewpoints will be allowed Arminianism vs. Calvinism, Pre-mil vs Amil, etc?
What about Jewish, Mormon and Atheist thought, will absolutely anyone be able to contribute their thoughts and material on the bible.

I am just curious. What are your thoughts? I look forward to the beta launch and getting to see the early stages of this new collaborative process.

Insound is a great source for good music...

2007-07-31T14:18:00.000-05:00

I subscribe to Insounds weekly email list and have found it to be one of my top sources for good, quality, indie rock. And since I have been leading a busy summer in youth ministry and woefully neglected my blog I wanted to share this quick post from Insound to hopefully help you find some good music that you too may have overlooked or missed out on while surviving the sweltering sweatiness of the summer or even just stuck in the daily grind of a job where your only difference between summer and winter is whether you were a cotton blazer or wool.

INSOUND'S TOP TEN OF 2007 (THAT WE FORGOT LAST WEEK)

Wow, we sure started a controversy with our Top Ten Records of 2007 (so far) list . We received calls and e-mails from around the globe (and around the office) demanding us to explain why we failed to put ________’s album on the list. And we responded with, “sorry we suck so much.” But thinking about it some more, you definitely did have some good suggestions. So we’re going to try this again. We bring you Insound’s Top Ten Records of 2007 (that we forgot about last week) . Zach Hill, a drum roll please:

I. The National - The Boxer

II. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

III. Richard Swift - Dressed Up For The Letdown

IV. Battles - Mirrored

V. Gui Boratto - Chromophobia

VI. Times New Viking - Paisley Reich

VII. Blues Control - Blues Control

VIII. Elliott Smith - New Moon

IX. Arthur & Yu - In Camera

X. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Is Is

Are we cool with each other, again?

COUPON CODE: toptenforgot (10% off any of these albums till August 8th.)

Where your faith on your sleeve?

2007-06-28T15:51:00.001-05:00

I don't normally dig "Christian" shirts, or "Christian" oven mits, or whatever the latest CBA marketing gimmicks are but occassionally there comes along someone serious about their faith and their art equally. Here are 3 clothing companies out there that I have come to believe in think are worth sharing.

Micah (online here and at myspace)

We are an independent clothing line. This is our myspace. Our hope is that through our clothing we can bring joy to a hurting world. We are Christians, but we don’t want to just be labeled a ‘Christian company,’ we want to live like one. We hope for the future. We hope you will join us in our efforts.

Jedidiah (see them here and at myspace)

Jedidiah....a passion for people, branding hope for the world

In 2001, the concept of a clothing brand that would be rooted in love became a reality for a small group of people in southern California. Burdened by what seemed to be an endless onslaught of lifestyle alternatives that promote self-gratification, greed and addiction. Jedidiah embarked on a path of trying to touch the hearts of people through clothing. We feel that serving others is more fulfilling to the human heart than serving yourself.

Prophetik (find them here and at myspace)

Wearable Philosophy
There is a war at hand between the balance of the needs of the individual and the needs of the community…between freedom and order….between passions and principles…between selfish desires and stewardship…short term verses long term.

(* Each picture and quote taken from the designers website and/or myspace)

How to be trendy again!

2007-06-28T15:40:00.000-05:00

In case you are like me and don't really love the east coast or the left coast but think they are a great place to visit occasionally here are some tees that will help you with your hipster street cred if you get them before your trendy buddies. You can purchase them here.

Summer lovin, havin' a blast!

2007-06-28T03:44:00.000-05:00

Well ministry in the summer for a youth pastor is always crazy busy but when I realized I had not contributed to my blog in over a month I was aghast. I think I was aghast anyway, I am not sure what that means really.

While I do hope to return to some more regularity in my postings I know the summer is still activity laden and its prime time to hang with students outside rather than peck away at a dimly lit keyboard inside.

This summer has already brought great highs and lows in ministry. Here are some highlights:

At VBS, where I lead the closing ceremonies each night and presented the gospel on Thursday night we saw around 25 children saved by grace and acknowledge Jesus as leader and friend; two teenagers as well.

Immediately after VBS we set sail for Colorado, Woodland Park to be exact, for youth camp. Where we suffered in temperatures fluctuating between the high 30's at night and low 70's during the day. We saw students experience regeneration while others experienced restoration and healing. I am so proud of what God the Father did in the life of his children at Quaker Ridge. And I am amazed and broken more than ever at what teenagers are going through and what burdens they are often carrying alone attempting to deal with and live with.

On top of that I got to preach on Fathers Day while our pastor was on vacation. It was awesome as I was delirious with sleep deprivation from camp and the drive back from Colorado. But it was also perfect since it was my first Fathers Day as a father. I had the perfect sermon seeing as how I am the perfect dad and Eli at 10 months is still the perfect son.

On top of that I faced one of the most difficult crisis' and hurts of my whole entire ministry career. While some things are easier to deal with than others I believe restoration, protection, healing and forgiveness will be the outcome of what otherwise could have caused great devastation of lives for some. Of course I will not go into detail here but personally my wife and I experienced: hurt, betrayal, embarrassment, bewilderment, despair, stress, and frustration, among other things. No one ever really sees the consequences of their actions on everyone else until it is much too late.

We had a work day at church like no other. You may know how every church that has been around awhile seems to collect church members stuff that they can't get rid of any other way. Somehow it ends up at the church. We cleaned out at least 4 packed rooms of just 30 years or more of accumulated junk. We finished a major component in the remodeling of our student ministry area. We cleaned, we hammered and we ate pizza and it was the most fun I have had doing manual labor with friends in a very long time.

Eli is growing like a weed. Like a weed that weighs like a 25lb sack of 'taters. He is crawling all over the house faster than a jack rabbit on acid. He pulls up and walks his way up down any furniture in the house that has sharp edges, glass doors, hard pointy corners or handles. He yells to drown out any other possible noise that might be in 5 block radius. He poops in such a way that all bugs and small varmints in the vicinity are temporarily stunned into unconsciousness. He loves the bath more than life itself and at this point seems to be leaning towards a career in either piracy or marine biology.

It is nearly July in Texas and I can't think of a day without rain so far this summer. My yard looks like the Serengeti plain (with out the Zebras or is it Zebri?) Our 3 year old Schnauzer Sammey is afraid of the rain and is apparently on a peep and poo strike until further notice. She absolutely refuses to go outside in the rain but is at least being a sport about it and is not doing her business inside either. It is only a matter of hours before her eyes pop out of her head, her kidneys and bowels explode and we loose our security deposit on our house forever.

It has nearly rained out every outdoor student ministry event on the summer calendar thus far. The rain seems to have no end in sight either. And first and foremost I have truly become convinced weathermen/meteorologists are lying through their teeth each and every time some one points a camera toward them. They have absolutely NO freakin' idea of what the weather is going to do more than a few hours at most before it does it.

Still ahead, Mexico Mission trip, plans for Russia and/or Spain, a boatload of $10 Tuesdays, Wednesday night messages, Lake days, movies, dirty diapers and late night typing sessions to rant and rave about all that goes on in around my tiny little brian.

Lust Control

2007-05-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

My friend that Rabbi posted today on Fighting Lust with some links to the Irish Calvinist and a great resource from John Piper. I will direct you there for the serious side of the discussion and some valuable tools he has already listed. But it did remind me of an infamous underground Christian punk band with secret identities, ski masks, and a penchant for the taboo. Luckily the church has come along way since the days of Lust Control and now discussions about sexuality and sex are handled openly and biblically. (in most cases) Thanks in part to this new attitude the identities of the group are no longer a secret either. In fact to my surprise they even have a myspace though they no longer perform or record.

One of their most memorable songs was "The Big M." I'll give you one guess what that one is about. Check out their music and check out the Rabbi's thoughts on the subject.

Coffee Cup Quote Too Hot for Women to Stomach

2007-05-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

See the full article here about a women offended by what she considered an inflammatory quote on her Starbucks cup. Go to the article to see the full quote from the cup and the entire article including comments by other readers both pro and con. But here is the snippet of the quote that I wanted to point out:

"As cognitive beings, why would we ask something that may well be a figment of our imaginations for guidance? Why not search inside ourselves for the power to overcome?" a snippet of the quote from the cup...

Doesn't the author of this quote contradict himself in these two sentences. He seems incensed that people would ask a figment of their imagination for guidance. In his view God is a product of their on mind. Yet the answer he offers is to search insides ones self for answers! So really he is accusing those who pray of doing the very thing he then instructs them to do, am I right?

Marvel vs. PC (Mac/PC Parody)

2007-05-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

A while back I posted a blog listing some great videos on YouTube. Including the parody of Mac vs. PC sereis called Christian vs. Christfollower.

I found these new videos at Youtube and just had to share them. In a parody of the incredibly funny and popular Mac vs PC commercials someone has created a set of Marvel vs DC parodies with Spiderman and Superman discussing the comic companies upcoming movie productions (or lack of in one case.) I am including links to videos 1, 2, and 4 and posting video three here on the site. Video three is the funniest in my opinion. Now there is also this response to the first four including Batman.

Sun Sings Praise to God 2

2007-04-23T14:44:00.001-05:00

My good friend Dave Samples posted a good question and one that I thinks deserves a good answer here on the blog for all to read. Dave commented on post 1 of this issue "hmmmm....but is it contemporary or traditional?

I think this question is answered in God's own design plans for the sun that we can observe in our solar system. The scientists reporting on the study say that the sound waves work in the same way guitar strings and standing pipe organs work. So God in His divine sovereignty and foreknowledge has settled the 'worship wars' before the foundations of the world. God created the sun to worship Him in such a way that it sounds like guitar and pipe organ. He apparently likes both! Who knew? Now we know.

All can rest easy knowing Builders that want organ pipes bellowing out the dirges of the hymnal are on the same footing as us pesky Busters that prefer our melodies to be plucked rather than plinked, strummed rather than stroked. Boomers get the best of both worlds (I guess) with their preference for synthesizers that can imitate the sounds of both instruments on ditties like "Jehovah Jira My Provider" and "I will enter His gates." Now I need to find a cosmological justification for two turntables and a microphone.

All that remains to be answered now is "What sound waves seem to be emanating from Uranus?"

Sun Sings Praise to God

2007-04-20T09:18:00.000-05:00

Astronomers have discovered something the Bible has told us for thousands of years. The sun plays heavenly symphonic music created by sound waves at frequencies below the level at which humans can hear. It is sweet music made and played for God and God alone. All creation worships the Lord.

And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. Deuteronomy 4:19

Psalm 148

1Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!

3Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!

5Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
6And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.^[a]

7Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!

11Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!

13Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!

Dallas Cowboys 2007 Schedule Announced

2007-04-11T17:19:00.000-05:00

2007 COWBOYS SCHEDULE:

Date	Opponent	Time
Sept. 9	vs. New York Giants	7:15 p.m.
Sept. 16	at Miami	3:05 p.m.
Sept. 23	at Chicago	7:15 p.m.
Sept. 30	vs. St. Louis	Noon
Oct. 8	at Buffalo	7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14	vs. New England	3:15 p.m.
Oct. 21	vs. Minnesota	Noon
Oct. 28	BYE	--
Nov. 4	at Philadelphia	7:15 p.m.
Nov. 11	at New York Giants	3:15 p.m.
Nov. 18	vs. Washington	Noon
Nov. 22	vs. New York Jets	3:15 p.m.
Nov. 29	vs. Green Bay	7:15 p.m.
Dec. 9	at Detroit	Noon
Dec. 16	Philadelphia	3:15 p.m.
Dec. 22	at Carolina	7:15 p.m.
Dec. 30	at Washington	Noon

56 Days

2007-04-11T17:13:00.001-05:00

I have not blogged in a while and here is part of the reason why:

A few months ago we lost our internet connection at the church office. Literally we went to lunch, and when we returned we could not connect to the internet. This happened on occasion and while an inconvenience it was not an immediate problem. However the next day the connection still had not returned and we decided it was time to call our internet provider. A local guy with one name like Cher or Bono, which should have been a clue in-and-of-itself. So we called Spirit who informed us he had gone out of business and taken down his equipment Wednesday around noon. THANKS for the advanced warning!

Anyway 56 days later we are back on line and now once again have high speed internet, via radio waves here at the church again. I never realized just how dependent I had become and used the time to reflect on that fact. I would be sitting at my desk and for the first two weeks it seemed like I would turn to "look something up", email someone, etc, about 20 times an hour.

56 days later I can once again blog, google something or someone, communicate through email, IMDB something or someone (who was that guy that played in that movie?) download and though it was nice to take a break from constant internet activity, total abstinence is not for me.

Of course I have internet at home but I tend to do the bulk of my internet usage at the office. At home I used it to check email, download music, update my ipod and podcasts, and watch some missed episodes of Scrubs. For the most part I want home to be a place where I spend time with my family, a place where I don't work on work, a place where I play with the dog, watch Eli as he is growing up making new daily discoveries like learning to clap, and learning to "Hulk Out" as we have come to call it.

56 days later I am back checking my google reader and my myspace and creating a facebook account. I can not believe I survived and while it set me back some in planning and preparation it was nice to take a break. It is equally nice to be back.

Buzz of the Week: Apple TV

2007-03-29T00:08:00.001-05:00

Here’s what you need to know about the new Apple TV.

Apple released their Apple TV device which is anticipated to revolutionize the downloadable media industry by merging computer activity with couch potato time.

• Connects computers (Mac and PC) to televisions

• Essentially an iPod for your TV; copies computer files to the device

• Copies one computer’s movies, photos, TV shows, videoclips and music

• Can also stream media from five other computers without copying

• Works with both wired and wireless networks

• Only works with iTunes media–meaning you can’t use it to watch YouTube videos on your TV, as Netgear’s new EVA8000 box does

• Only works with widescreen TVs

• Holds 50 hours of video

• If you pause a movie, TV show or song on your iPod, Apple TV remembers your place when you continue watching/listening on your TV

Now if only they could solve finding our remote, we'd be all set...

Now THE BIG QUESTION is how do you see this being used in the local church?

(via The Intelligence Group)

Spurgeon on Youth

2007-03-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

"In an election the first votes recorded count all the day long, and they encourage the party all through the anxious hours of polling. When men give in their names for Jesus and his cause in the morning of their lives, their whole existence influences their time, and their encouragement to the good cause is lifelong." Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9 (ESV)

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV)

Before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

Make Your Life Count For Lasting Things!

On Being a Dad: 03.27.07

2007-03-27T17:50:00.001-05:00

Some recent highlights of fathering a son who is created in the image of God and is Wild at Heart.

He has only cried twice in the bath, the first time he cried was the third time he had a bath, so we don't know if he was freaked out or what, but the only other time he cried because he was mad that we took him out too soon. He was not done playing!

He discovered how to splash water by about the 4th bath and has loved splashing and stomping ever since.

He has two teeth that he is not afraid to use.

He has learned how to clap.

He has the thighs of a fullback and the arm strength of a linebacker.

He already knows that remote controls are to be controlled by the men of the house.

He recently discovered his "junk" in the bath tub.

He loves the outdoors.

He loves dogs.

He loves life as evidenced by his hysterical laughter, his incredible range of eyebrow control to show a wide range of contemplation and emotion, and his ever increasing ability to "get loud."

He wears these little red sunglasses, and unlike most kids, he doesn't try to take them off. He knows they say something about being manly and outdoorsy.

He has not yet had a food that he has not liked, rice cereal, oatmeal, peas, carrots, squash, bananas, green beans. He says he is ready to move on to Steak, Tex-Mex, and Coca-Cola.

He is already developing his hunting and tracking skills. I hold him in the superman position down by my waist and he chases Sammey, our Schnauzer, around the house and backyard.

Student Ministry 101 (Examining Your Student Ministry)

2007-03-26T18:10:00.001-05:00

Someone recently asked me the purpose of my blog. While most things I do, I do with purpose, my blog has more or less been a scatter shot, stream of conscience type of rambling event. As my career and calling revolves around Student Ministry, I tend to use this blog as a place to process and 'put out there' those ideas, thoughts, readings, happenings, and ideas that fall outside of student ministry. In a way, a place I go to get away from Student Ministry to connect with a wider audience. However, I have decided that several people that read my blog and I connect with through this medium are also interested in, involved in, and living in the trenches of ministry both as laypeople, pastors, and student ministers. On top of that, many are parents of tweens and teens. So in the future I plan on having more content posted here regarding Student Ministry.

So I start here with Dr. Johnny L. Derouen, SWBTS Professor of Student Ministry, and his questions for "Examining Your Youth Ministry."

5 Questions:

1. What does God want of our students?

2. Why do you follow Jesus?

3. What is your student's purpose on this planet?

4. Is God trustworthy?

5. What is your most valuable possession?

How does he answer these:

1. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33 (ESV)

God wants their everything.

2. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. I Cor. 15:16 (ESV)

Follow Jesus because He is our only hope.

3. And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as
yourself." Luke 10:27 (ESV)

Build your life on and around Jesus.

4. Yes, God is trustworthy so prepare them that discipleship is a life long journey, a process. Move them beyond (ween them off of) the quiet time books and equip them to study the Bible.

Equip them to walk for a lifetime.

5. Your time is the only thing that is yours to give and you can not save it.

Don't waste your life.

Who knew...

2007-03-22T17:08:00.000-05:00

...index cards could be this much fun.

This is my new favorite blog. This girl is genius!

An oldy but a goody

2007-03-21T01:44:00.000-05:00

I Like Big Bibles:

Video Venue

2007-03-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

As you know I am a big fan of great music. I like classic country, alt country, indie rock, punk, rock n roll, opera, even a little classical or hip hop when the mood strikes. My wife considers me a rock snob to some degree, and I would probably have to agree with her. Everything from Shuggy Otis to Modest Mouse, Gram Parsons to Grandmaster Flash. So though these are not obscure I wanted to drop some music videos on you today. I think these are some of the best (and or most innovative) videos around. Best is subjective but for me it means they don't get old.

R.E.M. -- Imitation of Life

Weezer -- Buddy Holly

Beastie Boys -- Sabotage (not innovative but so much fun, file under guilty pleasure)

Coldplay -- Yellow (correct me if I am wrong but isn't this one continuous shot unedited)

Duran Duran -- Wild Boys (The first music video I ever saw.)

For 5 recent ones try these:
Mates of State -- Fraud in the 80's
Cold War Kids -- Hang Me Out to Dry
Peter, Bjorn and John -- Objects of My Affection and Young Folks
Gnarls Barkley -- Smiley Faces

For 5 more obscure classics:
Bob Dylan -- Subterranean Homesick Blues
Townes Van Zandt -- Pancho and Lefty
Son House -- John the Revelator (proof you can find almost anything on youtube.com)
Sam Cooke -- You Send Me (danced to this at our wedding)
Dizzy Gillespie & Louis Armstrong -- Umbrella Man

80's Bonus:
Stryper -- Soldiers Under Command
Grand Master Flash -- The Message
Did you forget B.A. Baracus hates to fly?

Cussing Pastors, Blue Language, and the Dirty Word

2007-03-20T03:12:00.001-05:00

There has been an ongoing debate in my mind for quiet sometime about language. What exactly is crude language, coarse jesting, and foul language? What constitutes cussing? There is most definitely a Biblical mandate for "watching your language." So how do I as a Chirst follower, father, husband, pastor and gen-Xer determine what is and is not appropriate language? Is it hypocritical for me or just prudent to use different vocabulary with different groups of people?

Don't get me wrong! I am not advocating anything here I am just pondering (to some they will see no difference I am sure.) I have grown up among my peers, Christian or not, to find "sucks," "crap, crappy," "freaking, freakin'," and then maybe a few others to be acceptable. However, most people in older generations might have problems with some or all of these words. I admit I have used them from time to time in preaching to students. To say things like "I know sometimes you feel like life sucks" or "Maybe you believe that Jesus does not care about the crappy deal you got when your parents split up." I have been in ministry 14 years and I can honestly say I have had only one complaint. But I do not gage orthodoxy or orthopraxy based on complaints, whether many or few.

What are you thoughts?

For further threads on examining this Biblically and culturally look at some of these articles and sights. There is much that I have found helpful in thinking through these things. My biggest question is who or what makes a dirty word dirty in the first place? What is profane?

There is the continuing debate about Mark Driscoll, known by some as 'the Cussing Pastor.' Latest that I know of in the attack on Driscoll is John McArthur.

Others that have discussed Mark Driscoll are Tim Challies and Phil Johnson. For me the larger question is "Does Driscoll preach Christ and Him crucified?" In writing, in sermon, and in his blog Driscoll confesses his tongue can be a problem, he is repentant and claims he is trying to do better. He claims he has men (elders) who hold him accountable. Do we need bloggers and other preachers to judge his heart and his motives when they have no personal knowledge or contact with him when oiher qualified men do, such as Piper and C.J. Mahaney. Of course Piper recently slipped, and then apologized.

Dr. Peter J. Leithart, professor at New Saint Andrews College, has several outstanding posts on coarse language, etc. Including Skubalon which is the greek word Paul uses that some claim can be translated with a word stronger than crap, vulgar languag e, how Christians should talk about sex, and obscenity.

I hope this will be a lively and biblical discussion! Speaking of biblical here is the main passages to consult: Ephesians 5:1-12.

Is there Baseball in Heaven? a joke

2007-03-17T00:03:00.001-05:00

Ok I rarely ever forward emails, almost never. And I have never posted

a joke or cutesy story on my blog but I got this Baseball

Joke from my daily email from MIKEY'S FUNNIES is brought to you by...

Mike Atkinson @ http://www.uneekNet.com ... helping organizations succeed on the web. Since OPENING DAY is fast approaching I wanted to share some baseball cheer.

Two 90-year-old men, Moe and Joe, have been friends all of their lives.

When it's clear that Joe is dying, Moe visits him every day. One day

Moe says, "Joe, we both loved baseball all our lives, and we played minor

league ball together for so many years. Please do me one favor: when

you get to Heaven, somehow you must let me know if there's baseball

there."

Joe looks up at Moe from his deathbed, "Moe, you've been my best friend

for many years. If it's at all possible, I'll do this favor for you."

Shortly after that, Joe passes on.

At midnight a couple of nights later, Moe is awakened from a sound

sleep by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to him,

"Moe, Moe."

"Who is it?" asks Moe, sitting up suddenly. "Who is it?"

"Moe -- it's me, Joe."

"You're not Joe. Joe just died."

"I'm telling you, it's me, Joe," insists the voice.

"Joe! Where are you?"

"In Heaven," replies Joe. "I have some really good news and a little

bad news."

"Tell me the good news first," says Moe.

"The good news," Joe says, "is that there's baseball in Heaven. Better

yet, all of our old buddies who died before us are here, too. Better

than that, we're all young again. Better still, it's always springtime,

and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play baseball all

we want, and we never get tired."

"That's fantastic," says Moe. "It's beyond my wildest dreams! So

what's the bad news?"

"You're pitching Tuesday."

Technorati Tags: baseball, jokes, MLB, heaven, texas rangers, michael young, short stop, opening day, funnies, haha,

An Open Letter to SWBTS Trustees by Marty Duren

2007-03-15T02:29:00.001-05:00

If you are a Texas Baptist, Southern Baptist, concerned with Baptists, and/or alumni of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary you should read the open letter pastor Marty Duren has posted at his blogsite, SBC Outpost.

Get the word out to your friends and colleagues in Baptist life in ministry, in leadership, and foward them this letter or link to it. It is an important call to right several wrongs and hold accountable our leaders in the Convention.

I am a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and I have a connection there still with Professors. I just long for our leaders to be held accountable for their actions but also for them be held accountable when their leadership becomes divisive and dismissive on issues of preference and conscience. There are plenty of clearly defined doctrines and distinctives in Scripture that are related to salvation and ethics. Where doctrine and practice are less clear, or where Scripture is all together silent, I choose to let the Holy Spirit guide men's conscience.

On this topic here are some other blogs that I go to for a balanced, respectful, truthful, and thoughtful approach to Southern Baptist life.

Steve McCoy the Reformissionary and most recently his post strongly titled "Reasons Why I Hate Us."

Joe Thorn

Wade Burleson

And here are my concerns with the direction of the SBC right now:

1. inerrancy of scripture vs. sufficiency of scripture (alcohol)

2. complementarians vs. egalitarians (Klouda)

3. cessationists vs. non-cessationists (McKissic IMB/NAMB appointments)

4. the debate over ‘proper’ baptism leaning towards Landmarkism (IMB/NAMB)

5. the debate over Calvinism (While I was at Southwestern one professor
regrettably wrote in the Baptist Standard that “the God of Calvinism
resembled Allah more than the God of the Bible.”)

I wonder if it is only a matter of time before some try to force a particular eschatology, political party, sandwich meat, Bible translation, or whatever on us as the Convention standard. It used to not be so wearisome to be a Southern Baptist. It used to be a blessing, while it still is, more and more days it is feeling like a burden.

We said goodbye to a friend today (03.10.07)

2007-03-11T01:49:00.001-06:00

Brick James went to be with Jesus in Heaven last Sunday about this time (around 1AM one week ago today.) We had an incredible memorial service today to pay tribute to his life and ministry. Most of all we came together to mourn our loss, support each other, and give God the glory for a "life well lived."

Brick fought the good fight and he finished well. Married almost 30 years, serving in ministry 25 of those, battling cancer the last 7. He was an encouragement to me and to obviously so many as some 400 people filled the auditorium of Pottsboro High School to celebrate his life.

I don't worship Brick, I don't idolize Brick, but I did admire him, trust him, and love him. He knew and walked with Jesus and it was evident in his ministry, his marriage, his daughters and his love for the outdoors and most importantly for the wounded, hurting and incomplete of this world. He worked diligently to see that others had an opportunity to meet the Savior Jesus that Brick knew, loved and served.

I will share a few words I shared at the funeral.

Brick was a real man in a day when we don't see to many of those anymore. The world's ideal man is a self made man but Brick was a real man because he was a God made man. He was being sanctified while still here on earth.

For two short years while on staff together I got to witness the results of his sanctification process and his transformation in three ways. He was a good father because he tried to emulate His perfect father in Heaven. Brick loved his daughters and was devoted to his wife.

Brick loved Jesus his savior and he worked with joy ministering to those in our community and in our church that needed to know the Saving Grace of Jesus. He was a lover of the unloved, a missionary in his own back yard. He loved to see our church reach out to the community in anyway we could, especially to the children.

Brick ministered in the power of the comforter, the Holy Spirit. He was a counselor to the hurting and countless people credit Brick with saving them physically from the edge of darkness, leading them spiritually to the Light and Hope of the world, and many more for helping them piece their children, marriages, and selves back together.

I am thankful to God in Heaven where Brick now worships. Thank you that you allowed me to know Brick. Thank you that you have completely and totally healed Brick from cancer. Thank you that you used him in so many lives to bring about your kingdom purposes. Thank you that there is a legacy for his wife and daughters and friends to cherish.

Theological Manure

2007-03-08T17:39:00.001-06:00

I know you have come to see my blog as a bastion of scholarship, deep deep spiritual encounters, and theological discourse but today I wanted to keep it light yet informative. Here are two videos from guys that unfortunately have infiltrated the world of Christianity and claim to be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ when in fact they are to put it nicely "full of crap" and preach a different gospel. These men are charlatans, con-men, frauds, heretics and what-have-you. So please enjoy these video send ups of their bogus "ministries" and also consider yourself warned if for some reason you would ever find yourself sleep deprived and channel surfing only to end up watching 'Christian Television' wondering "Is this an episode of the twilight zone?" No it is just horrible theology, bad breath, Italian suits, and helmet hair.

Warning: May cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, extreme anger or frustration, righteous indignation in the theologically sound. May cause loss of faith, loss of money, lack of healing, spiritual abuse in the hurting and helpless. May cause serious future judgment and accountability in the practitioners of such charades.

Now Watch:

Benny Hinn

Tootin' Tilton

This last video has been around in various forms for over a decade. I remember as a teenager being shown a similar video to this one on VHS by my youth pastor around 1991 (approx.). At that time it was a copy of a copy of a copy (ad infinitum). It was very poor quality. The reality is now when you go to your tube there used to be several more but now when you search it says they have been removed due to the copyright claim Tilton has made on the video images of himself?' My question is 'why would he copyright videos of himself farting. What a sick twisted soul!

American Teen Fighting World Wide Slavery

2007-03-01T17:53:00.000-06:00

Zach Hunter is a teenager and a modern day Abolitionist. He is 15 years old and he is fighting modern day slavery, he has founded Loose Change to Loosen Chains, and he has written a book "Be the Change."

Here is a video along with links to see this amazing story. I hope it inspires you, encourages you, and challenges you.

Links:

See he him on both CNN and CBN news.

Help make an Amazing Change.

More resources and info for individuals, families, youth groups and churches.

Titanic Crew Discovers Jesus' DNA in Family Tomb?

2007-02-26T21:54:00.000-06:00

Well apparently James Cameron, director of Titanic, has now directed a documentary on the alleged discovery of Jesus' Family Tomb. The whole thing is silly when you take a few minutes to look at their arguments and evidence (if you can call it that with a straight face.) I will make a few comments but mostly just need to direct you to much wiser and more scholarly men than myself who each discuss this issue from their respective fields of expertise.

See scholarly responses from Darrel Bock, Ben Witherington, and Scot McKnight. See Bock and Witherington who both quote the same statistician on how common the names were in Jesus family and found in the tomb, proving nothing more than alot of people had those names. It would be similar to me walking into any cemetary here in Texas and finding a tombstone that read Kim Smith or John Jones. I would be silly to think it was the Jones or Smith I knew.

See also Gene Edward Vieth, and his second comment and then Andy Rowell. While these men are both scholars they offer some comment but link to several other sources as well.

Here are my comments but remember I am just a youth pastor what I know is based only on the Bible, a sophmoric sense of humor, and copious notes taken watching several seasons of CSI. CSI:Las Vegas mind you, not the annoyingly mello-dramatic Miami version with David whats-his-name.

1. Location, Location, Location: Jesus would not have been "buried" away from his home town and family members. Everyone goes home to be buried. Unless you have some complex agenda that forces you to make sketchy arguments and illogical leaps to defend your bogus argument.

2. The DaVinci Code: Did we not just have this whole Jesus was never married argument about 6 months ago? Go rehash all those slam dunks just to remind you that not only did the Titanic sink but so did this whole Jesus got married schtick.

3. The DNA Evidence: Gil Grissom will tell you or anyone on his CSI team, or any 5th grader that has a lick of sense will tell you how absurd this is! Where did you get the 'original DNA sample' to compare the DNA found in this tomb. I guess thousands of years before we knew anything about DNA the Roman soldiers swabbed the inside of Jesus mouth to take a DNA sample just for posterities sake? I suppose that sample has just been siting in a Roman warehouse somewhere, filed away, waiting for the day and age we were caught up technologically to have something to compare it too. I am sorry it just takes much more 'blind faith' to be an atheist than it does to use common sense, historical accuracy, and Biblical authority and believe Christianity.

4. The Stolen Body Theory: Had Jesus been relocated to another tomb/burial site, the disciples would have been the ones who had to do it. They all were martyred/murdered for their belief that Jesus was resurrected and unwillingness to recant this account. Maybe one or two men might be willing to die for a lie they know to be false, but not eleven. There is no way all eleven men would have been willing to live a life of persecution and die a torturous death for a hoax they themselves knew to be false.

Just to let you know I of take the arguments and concerns of athiest, agnostics, and middle schoolers all equally serious. The case presented in this 'documentary' is can not be taken serious however and is a sad excuse for research and scholarship.

Baptist Bridge Builder

2007-02-24T02:50:00.000-06:00

I want to quote to you below an article that blew me a way. It is good to know that their are men like this in leadership in the Southern Baptist Convention. I recently posted on the "controversy" created by the rants of a mad Missourian. This article by Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway, is a great testimony to the fact that many of the concerns of a younger generation of Southern Baptist's still can have much to hope for in regard to the future of the convention.

On Building Bridges

Written by Thom S. Rainer

NASHVILLE, Tenn., 2/19/07 -- When my three grown sons were small children, we would often play with a wooden train. Because they were so young, the boys would sometimes construct a track that ended up becoming two separate sections. The train could not continue to run because it would fall off the track. It was at that point that one of them would request with excitement: "Daddy, build me a bridge."

And so I would. The train could then run smoothly.

I am a part of a denomination that has many tracks but few bridges. And if we don’t start building some bridges quickly, God’s hand of blessing may move beyond us.

Let me share with you an example of recent days. I spoke last week at the Baptist Identity Conference at Union University in Jackson, Tenn. From an outsider’s perspective, one might conclude that the crowd was like-minded. After all, it was a gathering of mostly Southern Baptists.

But I knew better. Present were five-point Calvinists and others who would not affirm all five points. Also in attendance were cessationists and non-cessationists, people with differing views of women in ministry, bloggers, and print-media writers. There were some who thought leaving "Baptist" out of a church’s name was wrong; and there were others had already taken the denominational label out of their church’s name. The views on eschatology held by the attendees were many.

It was a diverse group of Southern Baptists indeed.

I spoke to many people before and after my formal presentation. One person commented to me, "Dr. Rainer, I better leave you before people start wondering why we are speaking with each other." Admittedly, his comment was meant to be humorous. But it did have a sting of truth in it. The labels had already been applied. The sides had been chosen. And you had better be careful about the side you chose or the people with whom you associated.

I reject that line of thinking.

As far as I knew, everyone at that conference was my brother or sister in Christ. As far as I knew, everyone was a Bible believer. I refuse to let labels keep me from building bridges.

My six years as a seminary student were difficult. Though I met many godly men and women and professors, I also witnessed firsthand much aberrant theology. I was and still am a firm supporter of the conservative resurgence. I knew we could not continue down the path we were headed.

But it seems as if we just can’t stop fighting even though the battle for the Bible is over and won.

I understand the risk I am taking by writing these words. But silence is not an option. I must be about building bridges.

Please understand that I have no illusion that my words will start a revolution or that many will listen. But I can only be held accountable before God for my own actions.

I choose to build bridges.

Though I am a fallible and sinful person, I will seek God’s power to stay true to the following:

1. I stand firm on the inerrant Word of God. I support without reservation the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.

2. Though I may disagree with some on secondary and tertiary issues, I will not let those points of disagreement tear down bridges of relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. I will seek to join with those who will work together on the common causes of missions, evangelism and the health of the local church.

4. I will seek God’s will in prayer before I write or speak a word of disagreement against another brother or sister in Christ or even a non-Christian. I will seek to see the plank in my own eye before pointing out the splinter in another person’s eye. I will follow the truths of Matthew 18 when I feel that I need to confront a brother or sister in Christ.

5. I will spend more time rejoicing in the Lord (Phil 4:4).

6. I will seek God’s power to have a more gentle and Christlike spirit (Phil 4:5).

7. I will pray that the lost and the unchurched world will know me by my Christlike love.

Such is my commitment.

If God so leads, I invite you to join me in building bridges.

Thank you Dr. Rainer for giving credence to the view that there is room for theological diversity among Southern Baptists and we can still have fellowship and cooperation while disagreeing on the non-essentials. I will join you in building bridges. And I must confess and repent that sometimes in my youth and zeal and immaturity, instead of building, I am the one running with the match. Thank you for your words and example.

TwentySomthings (or actually 18-34 year olds)

2007-02-24T00:54:00.000-06:00

Lifeway recently conducted a study of Twentysomethings and here are their conclusion as I summarize below. Go here for the full article.

Twenty Something care about:
1. Connection: Community with other young adults is extremely important in their lives.
(73% of church members and 47% of non-affiliated)

2. Authentic Answers: They desire to participate in Bible study that minimizes finding pat answers in the exploration of Scripture.

3. Social Action: A high-ranking priority is the opportunity to meet the needs of others on a regular basis. (66% of church members, 47% of non-affiliated)

For some awesome articles on reaching TwentySomethings check out the resources at Church Planting Village. They have 24 incredible articles on reaching 20somethings. Also check out several good articles on the changing landscape of ministry as this new generation shapes the look of the church at the North American Mission Board website.

And check out Barna's research from last fall on Twentysomethings. (On a personal note, Barna's polls tend to include only the East and West Coast population to the exclusion of Middle America. But in actuality take every study with a grain of salt.)

SBC "Controversy" Over the Emerging Church

2007-02-21T17:26:00.000-06:00

Ok, other bloggers are already on top of this so I will save my comments for later. For now I will just direct you to Marty Duren's post about Missouri Baptist Roger Doran. Roger Doran seems to be an alarmist with bad facts and broad brush strokes trying to stir up the convention with a statement presented to Lifeway via the SBC executive committee.

For specifics about who Doran is and to determine whether he has any credibility at all I suggest you read the "truth about Roger Doran." See Joe Thorns commentary on the guilt by association angle present in Doran's remarks.

What kills me about all this is as a Southern Baptist I know we have a powerful network of cooperation and incredible resources to proclaim the gospel and see people transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, yet consistently we find ourselves busy proclaiming what hairs to split instead. I do not believe (maybe too naively) that Roger Doran has much sway with anyone but what I do fear is that there are some in leadership of the SBC who will take up his torch who do have wield power.

I consider myself to be on the side of the conservative resurgence and would whole heartedly align myself as such. However, in recent years I have wanted to ask the leaders of the movement if they realize they won. They accomplished what they set out to accomplish yet it appears to me they still look for fights and act as if they are ever trying to find ways to narrow the theological framework to a stifling degree. This concerns me because while there are those out there that say this is not going to happen I still find convention leaders drawing lines in the sand on issues like alcohol, women in ministry, Calvinism, tongues, baptism, etc. that push more and more people to take sides on issues that should be able to coexist within the larger body of what it truly means to be Southern Baptist.

Is there a term for someone who is obsessed with being "the most conservative." I fear it is an almost intoxicating desire to be right on every issue across the board, when in reality some views are debatable. This syndrome drives people to believe you are not like Jesus if you are not like them in every way. I am not saying theology is not important. I am saying there should be room for debate, room for different positions with in the conference. At this time I believe their is this breathing room within the SBC but I also feel that their are those in leadership that are still trying to constrict the convention ever tighter.

From Around the Web

2007-02-21T00:42:00.000-06:00

The Jolly Blogger summarizes some recent studies detailing the beliefs and lifestyles of 18-25 year olds. Or you can see the entire Pew Research Center findings in PDF.

Ben Witherington author of one of my favorite books from college wrote an article in CT about the passing of New Testament scholar and early manuscript expert Bruce Metzger. Then on top of that he blogs twice in one week about the infamous Rob Bell making an appearance at the University of Kentucky, first here and then here. Both great discussions of Bell's thoughts and theology.

Church Marketing Sucks mentions getting people out of the Christian Ghetto which I blogged about recently as well.

Great Audio finds of the week:
Alistair McGrath critiques athiest Richard Dawkins' arguments in the book "The God Delusion."
Ed Stetzer at the Baptist Identity Conference delivered the message "Towards a Missional Convention"

The Orthodoxy Challenge

2007-02-20T20:01:00.000-06:00

In response to the Blasphemy Challenge which I referred to in my last post I created a group at YouTube called The Orthodoxy Challenge. I encourage you to make a video of yourself profession faith in the God of the Bible. I encourage you to make it a Trinitarian confession to revel your position as a Christian in the historical orthodox tradition of the faith, and in direct response to the request of the proponents of the Blasphemy Challenge offering teenagers a free dvd to renounce the existence of the Holy Spirit based on the BC founders flawed and sophomoric interpretation of Mark 3:29, "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

Display your orthodoxy well for the world to see. Here is my request I posted of anyone wishing to post a video or have their confessional statement added to the Orthodoxy Challenge group on Youtube:

This is a sight encouraging Christians to make a simple, short video statement professing their faith in the Triune God of the Bible. Profess you faith and belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is a missional calling to simply show the world where you stand. Please keep it short simple and to the point. Don't preach just PROFESS.

Is this Blasphemy Unpardonable?

2007-02-15T17:11:00.000-06:00

The Blasphemy Challenge is a website created to entice their audience (mostly teenagers) to renounce the God of the Bible by denying the existence of the Holy Spirit based on their interpretation of the "unpardonable sin" in Mark 3:29, "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." For the first 1001 people willing to post their "blasphemy" video on youtube they would send them a DVD.

Watch the video which is an interview of the founder of the movement on Fox News. Then answer some questions and share your comments.

1.) Is this your interpretation of Mark 3:29?

2.) Have these teenagers truly condemned themselves to hell because of their one time statement?

3.) What happens if they want to recant later and profess faith in Christ?

4.) What would you say to them if you had a chance to talk to them one on one?

Online Bible Resource

2007-02-14T18:55:00.000-06:00

The Linked Word Project is a new online Bible via Bob Jones University that allows you to click on words or phrases in scripture to see the pronunciation, origins, and definitions of the original Hebrew and Greek words. It is currently the KJV only.

Bush, Jacksonian Comparisons?

2007-02-14T13:12:00.000-06:00

Here is a quote I found on Andrew Jackson, the 17th U.S. President, on Wikipedia.

Historian Robert Remini has summarized his standing:

Jackson was a much beloved and much hated figure during most of his adult life, and that reaction to him continues to the present day. During many reform periods in American history he has been seen as a hero, and Jacksonian democracy has been extolled as one of the most important advances in the development of popular government. But in the final decades of the twentieth century there has been a dramatic reversal of attitudes. Jacksonians have been tagged as "men on the make," out for their own economic and political advantage, beguiling the electorate with populist "claptrap." Jackson himself has been denounced as a fraud and opportunist who nearly wrecked the credit and currency facilities of this nation, a right-wing reactionary, a defender of slavery, and a vengeful murderer of Native Americans. While some or all of these negative opinions can be argued from a twentieth-century point of view, nevertheless Jackson remains one of the most important spokesmen for majoritarian rule in this country, a president who worried over the abuse of power by the central government and urged greater democracy through direct election for all government officers, and a president who brought into sharp focus the never-ending efforts of privileged elites who seek to use the government for their particular and selfish purposes and in the process endanger liberty and betray American democracy.

I was wondering if anyone else sees the similarities between the accusations listed in Remini's summary and current accusations used against George W.

Amazing Grace Review

2007-02-14T12:56:00.000-06:00

Ben Witherington reviews the new film, Amazing Grace, which recounts the life and battle of William Wilberforce to abolish slavery in England.

And here I again I remind you that C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters is also beig made into a movie.

Embrace the Suck

2007-02-14T12:08:00.000-06:00

That is military slang meaning "the situation is bad, but deal with it." Well this situation is bad but I don't want to deal with it. I have a friend, co-conspirator in ministry, and teacher who is suffering greatly with cancer. He has battled cancer for over 6 years and now has tumors in his brain, spine, and spinal fluid. I have never in my 32 years seen one persons health change so dramatically in literally one weeks time. As a minister I have been going over all the things I have thought to say to people when they have been in similar situtions. None of them are comforting. None of them are helpful. I know my presence was felt and hope that made a difference but I now see the futility in words at a time like this.

This is not a crisis of faith. I know God is in control. I know God is good. I know death is the consequnce of sin entering the human heart from the time of the Fall. I know everyone will face death and my friend Brick is even an example to me in this stage of his life. He can hardly speak, see, hear, or swollow but he still has his quick wit, sharp mind, fond memories, and nurturing spirit. He has impacted so many lives with his lifestyle of living out the Gospel in word and deed over the years. I hope you will pray for his wife and two daughters. Pray for our church family and his counseling clients.

This is a crisis in embracing the suck. It sucks that my friend is dying, it sucks that I can not do anything about it, and it sucks that I feel inadequate to help others through it.

Three Recent Blog Postings To Read

2007-02-10T02:19:00.000-06:00

Here is Alan Hirsh, missional author The Forgotten Ways, blogging about Christendom.

What is a missional author you ask? What is missional? Isn't just emerging, postmodern silly speak? Well I am glad you asked. Check out Bob Roberts blog for clarity on Missional.

And read a blog I posted on the MereMission.org about Thinking Outside the Box, meaning ministry and mission outside/beyond the church walls. Feedback here or there is welcome.

Meet New Dallas Cowboys Head Coach: Wade Phillips

2007-02-08T08:34:00.000-06:00

Meet Wade Phillips (born June 21, 1947 in Orange, Texas) is reported by http://www.ESPN.com to be the current head coach for the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys. He is also a former head coach of the Denver Broncos, where his record was 16-16, and the Buffalo Bills, where he was 29-19 and led the Bills to the playoffs in 2 out of 3 seasons. His winning percentage as a head coach is 56.25. He is considered one of the great defensive minds in football, and served as defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers from 2004-2006. Wade is the son of former NFL coach Bum Phillips. (Source Wikipedia)

Its an early morning decision that I honestly was not prepared for. It is quite a shock, after looking at Wade Phillips early and not moving on him back them he had fallen off my radar. I fully was expecting Jerry Jones to go in another direction, like Ron Rivera or even Lovie Smith.

a must watch video in the ongoing emerging church conversation

2007-02-08T03:05:00.000-06:00

Watch. Discuss. Digest. Dissect. Dissent. Deconstruct. Dialogue.

most of you will find something to disagree with but be constructive and like the 'Emergents' say "we are just having a conversation."

Another C.S. Lewis Movie in the Works!

2007-02-05T22:01:00.000-06:00

No not the next installment of the Chronicles series.

The Screwtape Letters is being made into a movie.

Read the CT article all about it.

I am looking forward to this already.

My Favorite Movies of 2006

2007-01-31T21:08:00.000-06:00

These are the movies that I thought were great this year. I hope you will enjoy the list for what it is. I suggest you use whatever source you deem reliable in determining which movies fit your viewing standards. That being said here are my picks for 2006. They were great art, or they made me laugh, or they made me think:

1. The Departed: Scrosese's excellent take on the classic gangster genre.

2. Munich: Historically compelling, emotionally complex,

3. The Three Burials of Mequiades Estrada: Contemporary look at the code of the Cowboy and keeping a promise.

4. The Proposition: Australian western in the vein of Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven

5. Little Miss Sunshine: Existentialism begets Nihilism begets dark comedy

6. Cars: Voted #1 animated film of 2006, I voted #1 of all time.

7. Lady in the Water: A testament to the need in all of us to connect with stories.

8. V is for Vendetta: Superb adaptation of a graphic novel, a visual gem. (for me marred by ovbious attempt to make a connection to current political climate)

9. Lucky # Slevin: just a guilty pleasure movie for me, how many double crosses can you have in one movie.

Honorable mentions: Superman Returns, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Inside Man.

Ones I Missed: I wanted to but never got around to seeing Children of Men, Flags of our Fathers, Casino Royale, and Babel.

Christianity Today has a list of The 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2006.

Review Sources:

Hollywood Jesus reviews movies with a focus on spiritual relevance.

Metaphilm and Metacritic are two online sources I refer too from time to time.

Matt Mungle is a local radio host and missional Christian who happens to be a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association. I generally tend to find that our taste in film is similar and refer to his reviews often when determining what movie I might like to go see.

Plugged-In Online offers reviews of mucis, films, and games for the Focus on the Family crowd.

Western Church Models vs. Eastern Church Growth

2007-01-31T18:13:00.000-06:00

A great message from the Urbana Conference.

AWW MAN!

2007-01-31T18:06:00.000-06:00

I had created the most awesome Favorite Films of 2006 complete with critic links, pics, amazon links etc. Went to dinner and a student came in and used my computer to check their myspace. I FAILED to save it since it was not complete. Needless to say my blog perfection ALL GONE. Check back tomorrow. I will recreate. I don't know if I will have the energy to make it as fantabulous.

ALWAYS SAVE YOUR WORK!!!!

The Bishop's Freebirds Story

2007-01-31T14:39:00.000-06:00

Recently a friend of mine, church planter, and all around great example of someone living in the Way of Christ in the missional vein got to make (narate) his own Freebirds commercial. You can see it here. Long live the Bishop! Viva la Freebirds!

Todays Sign that the Apocalypse May Be Upon Us!

2007-01-31T12:01:00.000-06:00

The BBC reports Robots could demand voting rights by 2056?!?!

Suburban Sprawl Myths

2007-01-30T17:46:00.000-06:00

5 Myths About Suburbia and Our Car-Happy Culture

By Ted Balaker and Sam Staley

Sunday, January 28, 2007; Page B03

They don't rate up there with cancer and al-Qaeda -- at least not yet -- but suburban sprawl and automobiles are rapidly acquiring a reputation as scourges of modern American society. Sprawl, goes the typical indictment, devours open space, exacerbates global warming and causes pollution, social alienation and even obesity. And cars are the evil co-conspirator -- the driving force, so to speak, behind sprawl.

Yet the anti-suburbs culture has also fostered many myths about sprawl and driving, a few of which deserve to be reconsidered:

1.Americans are addicted to driving.

Actually, Americans aren't addicted to their cars any more than... (read the rest here)

Reformed Pastors Get Remixed!

2007-01-30T14:45:00.000-06:00

John Piper is Bad!

John MacArthur is done with the Heavenly Rap!

Missional Tattoo/Missional Postoffice

2007-01-30T13:37:00.000-06:00

Two examples of living as a missional Christian.

First:

Second:
Missional Post Office

Hipster PDA Shuffle

2007-01-30T13:06:00.000-06:00

Recently I blogged about my continueing efforts to increase Pro.duc.tiv.ity, get things done, and work on my time management skills. One of the things that I failed to mention but has been extremely beneficial is caring my new Hipster PDA.

Well now there is the new Hipster PDA Shuffle. Technology moves so quickly these days I just want to do my part to help you keep up. So in an effort to be helpful here is an instructional video on how you can create, use, and benefit from getting your own Hipster PDA Shuffle. The time to upgrade is now.

HIPSTER PDA SHUFFLE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

Other helpful Hipster PDA organizational links:
Organizing your hipster pda
Hipster PDA Wiki
Hipster PDA Hacks
Hipster PDA DIY Planner Page
Hipster PDA Keychain

Get organized! And you will find you have more time to spend with those you love doing the things you love.

Sin & Genetics - God & Science

2007-01-30T01:36:00.000-06:00

A great little blog on reconciling faith and science when it comes to sin and genetics.

Creed vs. Story

2007-01-29T16:35:00.000-06:00

Go check out Donal Miller on Creed vs. Story. It will cost you $2 to download but what is $2 when it is some good nourishment for the soul. You can also check out his other audio.

While you are at it check out some of Don's other web manifestations & projects:
Burnside Collective
His Blog for Fans
The Ankeny Briefcase

Espresso and Euphony

2007-01-29T16:22:00.000-06:00

Schultz discusses MP3 potential for Starbucks

Pacific Northwest

When Starbucks pulled CD-burning machines out of most stores that were testing them last year, many wondered if the company would replace those machines with technology for filling MP3 players. The chatter got even louder last fall, when Starbucks unveiled its own area on Apple Computer's iTunes Web site.

On Tuesday, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz dropped the word that, "Within 12 months, probably, you're going to be able to walk into a Starbucks and digitally be able to fill up your MP3 player with music.

"Over the next six to18 months you will see us look at it, perhaps test it," he said in a talk in New York presented by the Levin Institute, an independent graduate institute within the State University of New York, and Bloomberg News.

Escape from the Christian Ghetto!

2007-01-29T14:02:00.000-06:00

Please, wake up! Wake up right now! God outside and tell me if you see Christian trees and Christian birds and Christian sky. Is you neighbor across the street using a Christian lawnmower and trimming up his lawn with a Wheat and Tares Weed Whacker

Stop being apart of the ghetto-ization of Christianity. Be in the world but not of it. Instead of creating your own insilation from the world. Most Christians I know are not in or of. They are out of the world and of the ghetto. We must stop building the Christian subculture that allows us to be insulated from pre-Christians, inocculated from relationships with pre-Christians and indoctirnated with Neo-gnostic dualism.

Youtube knock-off:
Godtube.com

Myspace knock-offs:
yourchristianspace.com
shoutlife.com
xianz
hisholyspace

On the one hand I may understand a parents desire to have a "safe alternative" to some internet communities. But ultimately does this work. My guess is not really. It serves to either insulate believers from the culture or entice them away from Christianity altogether. When insulation occurs they may have complete fidelity to the gospel they have no way of communicating the gospel to a world they are utterly disconnected from. On the otherhand legalsim often serves to woek in reverse and entice people towards the "foribidden fruit." Either way we fail and potency of the Gospel is circumvented because Christians either can't relate to the gospel to the culture they are disconnected from or they become so enticed by the lure of the culture that they fail to learn discernment and how to think critically about the culture.

Create art and entertainment for the world, not just for shallow, sheltered consumer Christians.
The Gifted (a Christianization of American Idol)

John chapter 17 gives guidelines for being in the world but not of it. Christians are not "of the world" any more than Christ is. That does not mean that we stand in opposition to the people of the world or that we need God to protect us from the world as if the world itself is evil. Yes, creation itself is fallen but needs, in fact AWAITS, redemption/renewal through Christ. But John 17:15 says we need God to protect us from Satan himself. He has caused humanity and all that God created to fall into a corruptible state. That does not mean that everything is beyond redemption. Just as people are redeemable so is the culture. God created culture and though it is marred by the stain of sin entiring the world, all is not lost.

Seek redemption in all of life. Seek to reconcile all things back to God. He created us for His pleasure but I dare say He created everything for His pleasure rather than ours. Create art, create culture. Don't create a Christian subculture that allows others to compartmentalize God and push Christians into a ghetto of our own making where they can ignore you and dismiss you as irrelevant.