I've Moved

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Rockets Over The Red

Wow. This is the best fireworks show I've seen, topping Disney World. This video isn't very much of the show, but was about as much as the camera on my phone would handle. Enjoy. By the way, I've about had it with this version of Beta Blogger. I would have posted the video here, but could not identify my atom/site feed. The beta version does not list it on the site feed page, as did the classic version. I discovered this is the frustration of others out there as well. Just a gripe.

Chillin with the Kids

I managed to get over the crud enought to get out of the house for a while. We went ice skating (I forgot how hard this is on the ankles) at the seasonal rink recently opened under the pavilion in downtown Shreveport. We also visited Artspace (sorry, can't find a weblink), a jewel of a gallery on Texas Street. The gallery has local artists as well as an "Eye Twenty" exhibit, which features artists between Shreveport and Monroe. I recently met Robert Trudeau online. He is a local artist and teacher who has several blogs recently featured in the paper. I enjoyed seeing his work online as well as in the gallery. This city has so much going on and we are thankful to be here. Shreveport Robert Trudeau

Turkey Lurkey

Wow! The wife has outdone herself. We just ate lunch and it was delicious--candied yams, stuffing, cranberries, angel biscuits (my mom's recipe), salad, and the world's best turkey--Greenberg Smoked Turkey. I grew up eating Greenberg turkeys in Tyler, TX and was delighted to learn than they are no longer a local favorite, but are shipped nationwide. I have been suffering from the crud for 2 days and have not been able to taste anything. But, after a few shots of saline spray and some good drugs, I was able to keep my taste buds alive throughout most of the meal.Now its time for the tryptophane to kick in.

Bibles for Hunger

This is funny, but comes close to the truth of how we think sometimes.

Preaching to Postmoderns

Joel Gregory has been said to have the "voice of God." He is one of my favorite preachers, though one one not heard much since he stepped down from FBC, Dallas. He left the publishing business (ChiliPepper Magazine) and is now a Professor at Truett Theological Seminary in Waco and, from what I hear, doing a fine job of training preachers of the future. I had him speak at a business luncheon once and he had the audience in the palm of his hand. He has some good things to say about emerging generations and how they process information. Read here. Joel Gregory preaching

Newsweek's Politics of Jesus

I picked up the recent Newsweek about “The Politics of Jesus.” I found the articles on the topic to be a fresh presentation of the movement within evangelicalism to broaden the scope of issues they give their voice to in politics. There are growing numbers of them who see that not much has been done by the religious right for the issues it has held dear and there certainly has been no voice from them on issues such as unjust war, poverty, AIDS, and human rights. I would number myself among those who want the evangelical voice in America to be known for what Jesus talked about most and for what he did with his actions. The quote in the article from evangelical Adam Hamilton sums this idea up nicely, “They’ve (religious right) gone too far . . . lost their focus on the spirit of Jesus and have separated the world into black and white, when the world is much more gray . . . I can’t see Jesus standing with signs at an anti-gay rally. It’s hard to picture that.” Indeed.

I also liked the quote from the pastor at the Willow Creek summit this past summer, at which an interview between Hybels and Bono was shown, who said, “I went in there wondering if Bono was a Christian, and I came out wondering if I was.”

The more we look at Jesus and his politics the more we will see our need to move beyond the things that divide us to the things that are close to the heart of God. I’m excited to consider how the emerging generations I’m working with have the potential to one day give a fresh expression to what Jesus intended with the church. May they be generations known for what they do in the world than what they were against while taking up space awaiting rapture.

evangelicals

A Pre-Insititutional Paul

An article in Slate's list of news today caught my eye. It is titled "The Problem Apostle: How Gary Wills rehabilitates Paul." The article is about Wills' latest book--What Paul Meant--and it led me to add it to my Christmas wish list.

Highland Blessing

We gathered this morning at the Highland Center with folks from other churches to give out 500 Thanksgiving food boxes and a frozen turkey to residents around the Highland Center. As you can see here, the line is long but everyone seemed happy to wait for the end result. It was great to see so many of our youth there, a near miracle for 7am on a Saturday. Way to go Alan! Cody White said they have been doing the distribution for 10 years, increasing it as they go along. I visited with coordinators Sabra Scoggins and Freda Jones after the distribution, who are hoping to see the number of boxes increase to 750 next year.

Obama at Saddleback

Chicago Tribune reports that Barak Obama is speaking at Saddleback Church on Sunday, Dec. 1, World AIDS Day. Who would have guessed? It is good to see one of the leading evangelical, more particularly Southern Baptist, churches giving the AIDS crisis such attention. I am wondering what having Obama there will do for the congregation and the community. I am sure that it can only help both the church and Barak, who is said to be running for President in 2008. The church will be giving AIDS attention and I would think getting respect for this in their community. I would also think that Saddleback attenders will be changed by what they hear and the result could be that even more people will learn what they can do to help those who are suffering with this disease as well as to help find a cure. Obama and Warren are drawing much-needed attention to AIDS. Other megachurch pastors--like Bill Hybels--have also put their leadership behind rallying churches throughout the United States to do more work on this epidemic. Christians are getting involved and that is good, but we need to correct what has taken us so long to get a heart and voice on this isssue. Barak Obama AIDS Saddleback Church

Studio 60

I'm digging Studio 60, getting hooked on it from episode 2. It is about the only show I've seen in a while that deals with evangelicals and their views on issues. The Christian on the show--Amanda Peet--isn't the best representation of evangelicals but comes closest to what I've seen on TV. The current issue is about homosexuality, the conflict between Peet's belief that it is a sin and the views of others on the cast of the studio. Though some of the dialogue is cheesy, both views are presented more than just in sound bites. Peet's character is shown standing on her belief that the Bible states it to be a sin, yet knowing its injunction not to judge others. The show gives the viewer the ability to think about both sides. Matthew Perry's character challenged Peet to consider what difference it makes to a hetero married couple with a gay married couple living two doors down, asking why their love is any less important than the married couples'. I hope the show makes it. Great writing and acting. Studio 60 evangelicals

Wired Teens

Kent Shaffer has a post worth reading on how tech savvy our teens are--great for understanding our emerging generations and how they do life.

Exciting Weekend

This has been a busy weekend. Most of the significant parts of it I caught with my almost worthless camera on my Treo. Friday night was our church 2nd Friday Fellowship. Young Adult 1 (twentysomethings) showed up at our house for Munjoni's Lasagna and a hot game of Bunco. It was great to get to know them better and to see Bunco bring out the best in those I thought were kind and quiet.

The next day I headed out to visit our Middle School group on retreat at Redeemed Ranch just south of Minden, LA. I missed the hayride, fishing, and horseback riding but did get to be a part of worship and the last session of Bible study. It was great to hear them learning about putting on the new self and no longer living for themselves--a hard task for any Middle Schooler, or adult for that matter. I took the one below in the front yard today, as the kids were selling bottlecaps and leftover Halloween candy to passers-by. I didn't want them to do it, as I knew it would cut into a much-needed nap. But, I remembered how fun it was to have a kool-aid stand when I was there age, so I gave in and paused to take joy in this time of their lives, knowing that one day I'll wish for more bottlecap sales tables. We just drove in from Allendale, where our church dedicated three homes we helped build with the Fuller Center for Housing Building Blitz back in September. We had one house that was ours in conjunction with Mt. Canaan Baptist Church and it was special to be with new homeowner Erma Flournoy (See September podcast with her from this blog) and to lay hands on her house to dedicate it to God. She was so excited and it was exciting to see a dream in her life come true. It was also a thrill to consider what doing more of this community transformation can do in this neighborhood and throughout our city.

My Wife and Mrs. Haggard

I'm proud to post a couple of things by Jinny today: Jinny and Mrs. Haggard Jinny's comedy on Sheepslaughcomedy.com Enjoy. Ted Haggard christian comedy

Rain and My Missing Paper

I'm trying to get used to a rainier climate, perhaps even investing in an umbrella. It seems like everywhere we served in Texas was in severe drought condition--broken only by floods of biblical proportion . Maybe I should spend time reflecting on that a bit, but shall move on. It is exciting to see people in our church taking steps to become more intentional about living as good neighbors in their neighborhoods. We have at least 20 who are adopting their streets/blocks to build relationships and a sense of real community. Twenty didn't sound like a lot to me until I started to think through the ripple effect this will have in neighborhoods throughout our city as their inhabitants grow closer together and seek to live in deeper relationships . Randy Frazee's tips from Willow Creek's Keeping Up with the Jones' have been helpful--getting outside more, inviting people to come over, the 10 minute rule, etc. Being neighborly is not hard, but our current mindset of doing life outside of our neighborhoods works against building real community with our closest neighbors. We just need to make some shifts in thinking and be present where we live. ------------------------------------------------ I started this entry on Monday. Today it is quite the opposite in weather--80 degrees today and dry! I am still trying to find out who won what from yesterday's election. I was looking forward to reading my morning paper, but discovered that it wasn't delivered. What a morning to not have a paper! It didn't look like anyone else on my street got them either. I did see on the news that Cedric Glover won our local mayoral race, becoming Shreveport's first black mayor. Being a new resident here, I was not current on the race and did not know one candidate from the other-- and was not able to vote, but it is good to see a good voter turnout and to see history made. Congratulations Cedric. I am preparing for our "Afternoon Encounter" service this afternoon and ran across an article about this week's lectionary readings and preparation for thanksgiving by Peter Gomes on the Christian Century website. Gomes does a fine job of tying Veteran's Day in with it as well. If you see my paper, let me know.

Pics of the Week

I took this from my cell phone as we set up for our Trunk or Treat event on Tuesday. Lauren Winner was in town last night, speaking at Cententary College. The topic last night was from her book, Real Sex. I'll blog about that next, but wanted to get some of these picts up. I took this pic at Jason's Deli. I couldn't bring myself to eat the Africa-shaped crouton in my salad. Ruth Drummond, principle Cellist for the Shrevport Symphony and ever-faithful church member at FBC, played for a luncheon we provided this week at LSU Medical School/Shreveport. We didn't have access to a piano, so she played solo Bach. It was beautiful and the med students appreciated a warm meal and some right brain stimulation. Her husband, Dr. Jerry Drummond, an opthamologist here for 30 or so years, spoke to the students about the value of church and spirituality, as well as inviting them to consider opthamology.

Walking, Part 2

I walked to work again today, walking the kids to school and then over to my office. It was great to have the extra time to chat with them and to talk about things we might not have in the car. My son, for example, saw our church steeple--what he referred to as the "roof thing"--through the trees as we got closer. He knew we were close when he could see it. This opened up a great dialogue about the purpose of steeples and a few comments about the location of heaven. We saw and greeted new neighbors, who looked at us like our car must have broken down. In fact, a church member who saw me walking home the other day asked me if my car had broken down. All this reminds me of how strange walking other than for exercise is in this day of the horsless carriage. I am reading Albert Y. Hsu's book, The Suburban Christian and came across a quote he included from The Week, May 9, 2003,

Americans are walking less than ever, but not necessarily because they're lazy, say health experts. It's because they can't. There are no sidewalks nearby, the school is miles away, and a six-lane highway separates home and stores"

Hsu also quoted from theologian Robert Banks

One of the key victims of the automobile is the experience of local neighborhood. Since people drive to and from their homes, they do not see, greet or talk with each other much anymore; since they go greater distances to shop and relax, the corner store disappears, and the neighborhood park empties, so removing the chief hubs of local neighborhood life.

Have you been on a walk lately?

Jesus in Prison

My brother has a post about the recidivism (is this a word? my spell checker doesn't recognize it) of prisoners and how some ministries, like the Christian Restorative Justice Ministers Association, are making a difference to help change the statistics. His question at the end is stirring and convicting. More folks are needed to help make a difference and you can take the first step by reading the post, posting it and/or forwarding it on to others. The post came on the same day we presented a video to our church to close out a sermon series on "Keeping in Step with Jesus and His Mission." The video was an interview with Bono by Bill Hybels. Bono is a great example of one who speaks up for the "least of these," especially relating to the poor and sick in Africa. You can begin speaking up and out through One.org recidivism prison ministry

Walking to Work

Today was the first day of walking to work. It took me and my two children 12 minutes from our front door to the church/school. It has been raining non-stop here for the last couple of days but it stopped just long enough for us to make the walk today. It is a beautiful walk and just the right distance. I am walking for several reasons: the kids think it is cool (for now), my fat gut needs help, and my intentions to fully inhabit my neighborhood. The third of these reasons comes as a result of how I have been challenging our 8:45 worship congregation to become “Matthews” in their neighborhoods, getting out of their houses and comfort zones to meet their neighbors. I think it is easier for me than those I’m challenging because I am new in my neighborhood and can introduce myself to people as new as opposed to having lived next door to someone for ten years and still haven’t met. One of the strategies we are using is remembered by the acronym for the abbreviation for Matthew’s name:

M—ake a commitment to God for your neighborhood

A—sk a neighbor over to share your dinner table

T—ake the initiative to build relationships with your neighbors

T—throw great parties

I will be blogging about my walks and neighborhood experiences and I hope you will share some of yours as well.

Lauren Winner in Shreveport

Lauren is coming to Centenary and I wanted to give a plug to anyone out there in the area. Here is the info. Hope to see you there. Lauren Winner

Blog Start

A fellow church member is starting his new life of blogging. From the looks of it, he's going to need plenty of posting room. He is Dr. Nate Hutchings, the Chair of the Biology Department at LSU-Shreveport, LA and one of the only people I know who can walk successfully on his hands. I offer him to you, my readers, as a gift to him for his first step in this most important blogosphere of ours. His blog is here and he has a thought-provoking first post which is timely for this campaign season.

One Groovy Chick

Jinny headed out for a gig in Denver yesterday and took a suitcase full of this book she was just published in recently. See the chapter titled, "The Pork Chop." She is on the go more now that we have settled in (mostly) to our new city and home. You go, groovy chick. Jinny Henson

Driving Jack?

I somehow locked myself out of blogger for a while, but I'm back now. I stumbled across this pic recently. Looks a bit like my boy, Jack. Note the speed sign in the back.

What Happens when 500 Baptist Street Preachers Gather

Scary thought, huh. I read this article in my local paper(the link is actually to one not my local paper, but could not find it in the online edition. Sorry about that Shreveport Times) yesterday and couldn't believe what I was reading. 500 street preachers with the Great News Network are out to do what the president of the organization calls a "city invasion." It looks like they are heading to Deep Ellum. Oh boy. I can't imagine how that will go over and wish I could be there to watch the propositional, conquest-you methodology clash with the postmodern, bohemian culture of Deep Ellum. The mindset of this group is clear, as seen in the use of words like "boot camp," and "invasion." I regret thinking of the damage that will be done for the cause of Christ to the churches in the area who understand the Deep Ellum folks and who are trying to overcome just this kind of stereotype of Christians. And yes, the group also will be passing out those goofy $1 million bills, which really are tracts. Yeah, that will be effective. street preaching

Teenagers and Faith

I have read two articles about teenangers and Christian faith today, coming across them by inadvertently as I checked my mail and news. The first one was on Salon.com, dealing with Stephen Baldwin's ministry to teens. The second one was from the NY Times, which I discovered as a topic and link on Bruce Prescott's blog. It is clear that some (not nearly enough) evangelicals today are seeing the mindset of children and teens of today, espc. their indifference to church and Christianity. It is also evident that people like Baldwin and other evangelicals are trying to change the tide of what they see, but their actions seem only to further distance them from the emerging generations. What is scary to me is not the lack of interest in the Christian faith among teens, but how the modern approach from churches to postmodern-influenced generations is sometimes doing more harm than good--i.e.--Baldwin's approach. One purpose of this blog--and of my work in ministry--is to focus on what is the way we can help these emerging generations to get a good glimpse of Jesus and develop in faith. Stay tuned and feel free to share ways you have seen these gen.s connect with Jesus and church.

5 Hours of Misery

When I bought the trampoline, I had no idea what was ahead of me. The box said, "Easy Installation" and I believed it, much to my regret. What good did come out of it was the thinking about Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis trampoline vs. brick wall approach to theology. We also bonded with our next door neighbors who took pity on us and came over to help. We couldn't have done it without them.

The Real Jesus

I am preaching this month in our 8:45 service, with a series I'm calling "Keeping in Step with Jesus and His Mission." We have just completed a major undertaking with building a house as a part of the Fuller Center for Housing Building Blitz here in Shreveport. Our folks are extremely excited about participating in community renewal and we all have a taste to do more. It is my hope to challenge those in attendance, especially younger generations, to keep doing missional things, focusing on Jesus and living his kind of life in our city. As I am preparing for this week's segment of that series--"Foot-Functioning with Jesus"--I will be talking about what Jesus meant by "kingdom," what he was all about in this world and still now. I ran across this Slate article today on different views of Jesus. It's worth a read and gives a good perspective on how Jesus is viewed in our culture.

Two Things I Liked at Willowcreek Today

#1 The front porch represents willow creek's new emphasis on neighborhoods. Randy Frazee launched this Wed. night and it was exciting to hear of their vision for incarnational ministry. Our church will soon be doing more in our neighborhood surrounding the church and I hope to learn more of how WC reorients their ministry to being a connecting church. I attended a breakout on it today and it sounds like what we did back in Trophy Club (hi to those of you who still keep up with my blog). Probably the best sense of community I have exprienced was on Llano street with you guys, growing together as neighbors and family. #2 Pura Vida is what WC is serving in their coffeehouse. Good stuff. Oh, also, Charlie Hall and band just led worship this afternoon with great sounds and lyrics. I saw where Doug Pagitt was leading a breakout on Solomon's Porch, but I didn't see it on the list until it was too late. Donald Miller is up to speak tomorrow! Willow Creek

Three things I liked today at willow creek

The front porch represents wc's new emphasis on neighborhood-based groups. I heard randy frazee launch this last night for the church. I was influenced by his Connecting Church approach several years ago and saw the power of connecting with the folks on my street in Texas.

Thing #2 is that they are using Pura Vida as their coffee choice. Good stuff and good cause.

The small groups confer is going well and I look forward to hearing Donald Miller. Its also good to see that Doug Pagitt is here as well for a breakout.

USA Today and Darfur

I don't usually read USA Today but I'm doing so today while traveling. I was glad to see a full page ad from savedarfur.org and the coverage they have given to the genocide there. I have been keeping up with the news of it over the last year but it is still gut-wrenching to see the pictures and read the accounts of what is happening there. Savedarfur is a great group and a great first step to helping get the word out. save darfur

Coffee Crotch

I obviously had an accident. My coffee dumped (yes this is passive voice) on me during our flight to Chicago. I may be clumsy, but I've got good aim.

Days 3-5 of Building Blitz

As I mentioned in the last post, my house ended up closing this week and I was not able to continue with the building blitz. I hated to not be a part of the excitement, especially the dedication of it on Friday, but I needed to get moved in and finish our last leg of the journey to transition in our new life here in Shreveport. To see a lot of pics from the week, visit our new flickr page. Many of you know the crazy problems we've had with getting this house closed out, but there's more. Yesterday when the movers showed up from Dallas, they started taking furniture out of the truck, beginning with patio furniture. I quickly accused Jinny of buying new stuff while I was unaware and soon discovered that the movers brought the wrong furniture! As someone mentioned, we started looking for the locusts, boils and frogs at this point. To make a long and painful story short, the movers took the wrong trailer back and returned at the end of the day with the right one and we got it unloaded last night. We are happy to be in a place we can call our own (or does the bank think its theirs?) and to now make it a home.

Day 3 of Building Blitz

I was a no show. After many, many weeks of waiting to get into our house, it finally went to closing today and we are homeowners once again. My help with building the house was thus interrupted and I have no pictures or blogs to show. I talked with another church member and he said that most of the work today was inside and things were slowed down some by plumbing difficulties. I hope to get out again before it is finished, but will tending to our own move-in tomorrow and over the weekend. I'm sure I'll have some interesting stories if this move is anything like others we've had.

Pics--Day 2 of Building Blitz

The run-down shotgun houses on one side of the street. They were once pretty, but as one neighbor expressed, they have been rented and paid for many times, but never owned. He was ready to see them and the memories of unhelpful landlords go in place of the new Habitat and Fuller houses. Below is Erma Flournoy, soon-to-be homeowner:

This is from day 2 of the Fuller Center for Housing Building Blitz here in Shreveport, LA. Erma will be living in the house our church is building.

Day 1--Millard Fuller Building Blitz

Here are some picts from today. Ten houses are being built in a neighborhood in Shreveport. Our church is building the one you see here. We started with a slab and by mid afternoon already had exterior and interior walls up, as well as Tyvek sheeting started and trusses getting ready. It has been an incredible experience, getting to meet people from all over the U.S. who have taken off work to come help folks from our church and the soon-to-be homeowner (I'll interview her tomorrow) transform our community. It has also been good to put hands to our faith and make a profound difference in seemingly small tasks. As I was walking back to my car this afternoon, I looked over at the old tenament shotgun-style houses, with broken windows and tilting frames and looked across the street to see brand new homes, representing a brand new future for this old, poverty-ridden neighborhood. I thought about what Jesus would think of this; of how God must be pleased when people of various races, colors and religions come together to build up a community together. I believe this kind of love and cooperation is a part of God's dream for this world and we are most like what He wants us to be when we join hand with our neighbors in this way. What we are doing this week is not a pipe dream, but has become a reality, giving hope for seeing a city transformed by God's love. This is what I think Jesus had in mind when he spoke of Kingdom. More tomorrow.

Millard Fuller This Sunday

Our church is kicking off its Crossroads emphasis (faith impacting culture) this Sunday with Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity. The theme of the week goes back to former pastor Dr. Bill Hull's sermon, Crossroads, which he preached in 1977 and deeply affected the Shreveport community re: the plight of the city racial relations, a male-dominated city, etc. I am new to these parts, but most folks say the sermon could be preached today and still be relevant, as some things haven't changed much. Our church will be building a house in one week as a part of a blitz of erecting 18 houses in a neighborhood here in Shreveport. I have no construction abilities and doubt that they will let me even swing a hammer, but I look forward to doing my part. I will also blog about each day's progress and do some podcasting with helpers, the family receiving the house and hopefully Millard.

Bono and the Saints

Man, he gets around. I was excited to see on CNN that Bono is helping out the New Orleans Saints with their reentry to the Superdome on Monday night, Sept. 18. Green Day will also be a part of this effort and with a new cut of "When the Saints Go Marching In," not only to help the Saints but the efforts to rebuild the city. Yet another reason to love U2 and all they do. Superdome U2 New Orleans

America and Religion

USA Today published an article today about America being more religious than previously thought--by them I guess. They are basing this thinking on a recent study by Baylor University Sociology Dept. Interesting findings on a hesistancy by a great number to embrace "evangelical."

Wikity Wacky

I was preparing for a class on the emerging church and thought I would check wikipedia's definition, which has been hijacked since the last time I looked at it. It is as follows, The emerging church or emergent church is a diverse, controversial movement within Christianity that arose in the late 20th century as a reaction to the perceived influence of modernism in Western Christianity. ^{[citation needed]} Proponents of the emerging church embrace postmodernism and call the movement a "conversation" to emphasize its decentralized nature with contributions from people of a variety of beliefs. ^{[citation needed]} The emerging church seeks to deconstruct and reconstruct Christianity as its mainly Western members live in a postmodern culture.^[1] It's sad that the anti-emergent folks feel the need to create their own definitions and generalize as they do. Here is another article on how wikipedia gets altered with ease. wikipedia emergent church

Yes, It Still Happens

Our local paper broke and ran this story about a white school bus driver who made black students sit at the back of the bus. Story here. The latest news is that they are not firing the driver, but letting her retire in October.

A Morning Covenant

This was Allelon's (Northumbria) morning meditation for today.

Meditation for Day 5 THE METHODIST COVENANT PRAYER I am no longer my own, but Thine. Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for Thee or laid aside for Thee; let me be exalted for Thee, or brought low for Thee; let me be full, let me be empty; let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine, and I am Thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

Heretic's Guide

Just got my copy of A Heretic's Guide to Eternity. I can't wait to read it and will be posting my review here and at Amazon.

Fair Trade Coffee

Speaking of coffee, I recently was a part of a conversation with church members about the kind of coffee we purchase and provide as a church. We currently have those huge silver percolators in halls throughout the church, which produce some substance often referred to as coffee. Our conversation was about the need to have only Fair Trade Coffee. This desire was especially brewing among our group who recently returned from a trip to the mountains of Guatemala, where they saw coffee growing and met farmers. I have thought of offering only fair trade coffee before in other churches where I have served, but have discovered that, even though others in the church like the idea and support the cause, it is the taste that has kept it from happening. And, in Baptist churches, majority coffee taste rules. Does anyone know of a tasty, robust cup certified by Fair Trade? fairtrade coffee

Best Sumatra I've Had

I found this coffee in my new neighborhood in Shreveport, LA. A wise quote was on their website: "I have meausered out my life with coffee spoons." T.S. Eliot

They are based in New Orleans and you will find them at www.pjscoffee.com

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Crocs Forever--literally

It seems that everyone I see these days is shod in a pair of crocs. I like the look, but could never wear the green ones. The good news for those who like them is that they will literally last forever. Read here by Salon.com crocs

"Electric Meat", the Meaning of Life and Separation of Church and State

All of these issues are in an article posted on Salon today of a conversation with skeptics founder Michael Shermer. Shermer is a happy agnostic (seems very pleasant in his responses) and tells of how he went from being a fervent Christian to disbelieving in God. I enjoyed reading his perspective, but can't buy that we humans are just "electric meat" with no meaning in life other than that which we give ourselves. I do agree with his views about religious freedom and the need for a separation of church and state. church-and-state intelligent design evolution

church marketing run amuck

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summer skin

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Young Adults and Church

Where are all of the young adults today? That's a question lots of churches are asking. And, if they are not, they should be, as emerging generations are not finding their way into our churches. At FBC, we have been asking the question and are moving in the direction to make a connection with those who are growing up in a post-church world. I am preparing to teach a course to our membership about the changes in world view and orientation that our society has been going through and I hope to point us toward offering a fresh expression of church for those who are outside of it. Out of Ur is running a piece--Young adults --on this issue and it is worth reading.

Hybels interview with Bono

This session, to me, was the highlight of this year's Leadership Summit. The interview was recorded in Dublin and played at the Summit, mixed in with some great concert footage. Sorry for the messiness of my notes, but here they are:

SESSION 6—BONO

What can I give back to God for the blessings you pour out on me?

Hybels asked Bono what has been most satisfying in this last year of awards and recognition. Bono says that music is still most satisfying; most thrilling. The other reason is the work he is doing on the ONE campaign. Bono said that the poor and most vulnerable are often not treated with the respect of other interest groups. “We want to represent the poor and most vulnerable without coming with our heads bowed and cowed; that the poor deserve an honorable place—the head place—at the table.”

In re: to family: summers are sacrosanct for the family. We go to France and spend that time together.

Re: spiritual activity. Hybels said he learned that it began in his youth group. I never had any problems with Christ; it was Christians . . . I found them to be disinterested politically, culturally. I found it difficult to relax around them. Christians can be very judgmental, judging people on the surface yet never mentioning corporate greed, etc. In the system we have, governed by karma, grace enters the picture. It is hard for humans to grasp grace. I grew up suspicious of Christians but determined to learn more about Christ.

Duality is the mark of great art. I did live in tension between Christian faith and my music. There is a fear of duality in Christianity. The key that great art has with Christianity is that you will know the truth and it will set you free. That’s how I start my day.

I relate more the the blues. They are like the psalms. Oh, God, where are you?

In re: to believing in Jesus as just as a good man doesn’t work. He was either a nutcase or who he said he was. This man went to the cross what he said he was prophesied about; God in human flesh. I am fascinated by a child born in straw poverty.

In 1985—going to Ethiopa with Live Aid with his family—this rang every bell inside my head; went over with my wife and worked in an orphanage, under the wire, just to see what was going on there. To see them trying to stay alive is something I will never forget. How could this be in a world of plenty? People growing up starving to death. If this is the way of the world, we need to overthrow this way.

Hybels: how did this finding take manifestation in your life?

Bono: If I am honest, I tried to put it out of my head. To carry this with you is too much. We were both clear that at some point we would be called upon to revisit these questions that were too big.

What happened to you in the last several years that made you shift gears even more to do even more lobbying? Bono: what else are you going to do with celebrity? It is ridiculous. But, hey, its currency and I’m going to spend it. I have a head for the world’s poor and I’m strategic. God has made me an opportunity. I have a voice.

An idea whose time has come and has a moral force is powerful. Now there is momentum behind it. People are waking up and realizing that the world doesn’t have to be this way.

Hybels: why is the church late to this?

Bono: The church has always been behind the curve, with civil rights, etc I think the church is afraid of politics. The church has been very judgmental, about the AIDS virus in particular. Christ won’t let the church walk away from the AIDS crisis. I was very angry when I read the stat. about 6% of Christians feeling the need to respond to the AIDS crisis. The church started to wake up and ruined it for me (not liking the church).

Love thy neighbor is not advice, it is a command. In the global community, can you say it is not really my concern if it is happing over there? No. If people are starving somewhere in the world, we must do something. The only place Jesus mentions judgment is in re: to taking care of the poor and vulnerable. Your service to the poor and needy defines you in the kingdom. This is what it means to live in the kingdom.

If the Christian church can eradicate malaria, defeat AIDS, . . .

I think the most moving moment is when a friend asked me to stop asking God to bless what you are doing. Find out what God is doing and do it. It is already blessed. That’s what I did with these issues. This generation can be remembered for doing away with poverty—the stupid kind of poverty.

“Thy Kingdom come on earth as in heaven” grabs me because our purpose is to bring heaven to earth not have a pie in the sky mentality. The world is not a happy place for most people living in it.

Hybels: You have the opportunity to preach to 70,000 pastors. What do you have to say to them?

Bono: Open the doors of your church and make them clinics. Make your congregation aware of the ONE campaign. Let’s walk together and stand up for the least of these. Give permission to your leaders to spend your money on the poorest of the poor.

Hybels shared about Hebrews 13:17, of how this is the scariest verse in the Bible in re: to how God will hold church leaders accountable, esp. about the greatest humanitarian crisis of our day—with the AIDS virus. The church cannot idly sit by. Every church should do something. Doing nothing is no longer an option.

What can a church do?

Educate itself (books, tapes, learning groups).

Engage in the alleviation of human suffering.

Sr. Pastors have to travel to continents being ravaged by this disease.

bono AIDS

Leadership Summit Reflections, Part 2

The second day of the Summit was full of good content and I found myself challenged in many different parts of my life and ministry. Listed below are the speakers and what I recorded as meaningful. Friday THE RISKY BUSINESS OF HIRING STARS --—ASHISH NANDA Ashish was fascinating and had much to say about how new staff members come in and go out of an organization. One thing that he mentioned, which hits home with me as a new staff member (I certainly am not saying I am a "star" though) is that hiring a star is like an organ transplant. 90% of work must be done with post-op, socializing and integrating him/her into the system. JIM COLLINS—WHEN BUSINESS THINKING FAILS THE CHURCH Listening to Jim was like drinking from a fire hydrant. I took lots of notes on his topic, but will share just one point in order to spend more time on my thoughts on the interview from Bono. Collins must not have been a professing Christian, since Hybels kept referring to his hope that he is "getting there." Hybels noted that Collins seems to have written his latest Monograph with a more spiritual pen, noting his concern for humanitarian causes and the like, than his other writings and asked why. Collins shared that life is about contribution; that economics are a means to an end. "My mentors planted in me a seed and that I am here for a reason; that I have gifts not to be wasted in this world." BONO--see next post, as it takes up a lot of space Saturday Wayne Cordeiro. I have been familiar with his ministry in Hawaii but this is the first time I've heard him speak. He was very engaging and was authentic about his crash in ministry and personally (the title of his talk was "Dead Man Running") He talked about his burnout in ministry and how God worked through his emotional crash to help him make new bearings in his life to be able to renew his soul and maintain balance. What I learned from Cordeiro is my need schedule rest and ministry to my family first and then place appointments and scheduling as a second step. I must know what drains my tank and what makes it full. I was convicted that I am not filling my tank with enough rest (mainly sleep), and I feel guilty when not working. Bill Hybels closed the Summit with what ended up being an interesting twist for the conference. He said that God told him to speak on the necessity of clarity from the Pastor, using a trumpet in battle as an illustration for sending out a clear signal to those on the battlefield. He gave some examples of leaders who kept their message clear--Winston Churchill's "Never" speech to Great Britain, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s sermon from jail. The interesting twist came when Hybels focused in on the one key message that must be clear from leaders today--Substituionary Atonement. This has been a hot topic in the blogosphere and in theological circles here lately (visit here for a good launching point) and I assume that Hybels felt like he needed to enter the conversation and take a stand. Hybels emphasized how Jesus was absolutelty clear about his message (which was subst. atonement, according to Hybels) and that Pastors must be this way today. He gave an explanation of what the term means and then walked everyone through it from the Garden of Eden to the Crucifixion. I was taken back by Hybels choosing this as his closing talk. There are certainly many other views of atonement widely accepted and taught throughout church history and presented in Christian theology. Why he chose to single out this one and reduce the gospel to one central metaphor puzzled me (perhaps a response to the recent disussions of it in emergent conversations and in Christianity Today?). I also kept thinking of how Jesus' primary message was about the Kingdom of God, speaking much more about its reality and work here on earth rather than teaching about how individuals can go to Heaven. I certainly understand the necessity of speaking about sin and eternity, but this does not seem to be Jesus' primary focus in the Gospels. He was seeking to call people out to make a difference in this world by participating in God's work of redemption of the world and that judgment would come on the basis of how that work was carried out (lots of parables are coming to mind here). When we look at Jesus' words and actions, I see a much bigger, expansive gospel than when only one theory of atonement is presented.

God and Science

Brett Younger, Pastor of Broadway Baptist in Ft. Worth, always has something to share from life experience in his regular column in the Baptist Standard. This week, he takes a good look at the still current issue of God and science in this article.

My Thoughts at the Leadership Summit 06

This post is actually a day late and I have more to write about Bono's interview from today. But, here are my thoughts on the first four sessions.

I am at the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit today with my church—24 of us in all. We were at the Dallas-Rockwall location (Lakepoint Church) Bill Hybels started out the day and did a great job of doing what I think he does best—inspiring leaders. He talked about the lifecycle of leaders and challenged leaders to be intentional about self-leadership development. He also listed skills necessary for ongoing leadership, especially within ministry. He stressed that the passion and heartbeat of a young leader—the kind that leads one to want to change the world—must be shaped and developed.

Hybels closed with a story about the impact of leadership by sharing the story of being in a village in Zambia, one which Willow Creek has adopted all of the 1100 AIDS orphans. The church provides sacks of mealy meal and other staples, providing for their food needs each day. He shared about meeting a woman there who had adopted two of the orphans, carrying food to them by dragging it down the road to her house. Hybels offered to carry the bag on his shoulder and, as he was doing so, he said it struck him how vital the food was for the children, making a difference between life and death for these children. He reminded us all of the stakes of leadership and what does not happen when leaders don’t lead (sorry for those double negatives). It was great to hear of Hybel's new focus on social issues, realizing the leverage he and WCreek have to make a huge difference with poverty, AIDS, and racial reconciliation.

James Meeks, Sr. Pastor of Salem Baptist Church , talked about how every church can grow. I enjoyed his sense of humor and many of his points, but I felt like it was too much about methodology and scientific approach to church growth. To Meeks, a church that is not growing radically in number each year is not fulfilling God’s hopes for it. I agree that churches need to grow, but measuring growth by membership addition and baptisms has shown not to be a true marker for being Christ’s church. Meeks seemed to be more interested in growing the church on its campus rather than in the community.

Andy Stanley’s topic today was “Focused Leadership.” He said the best leadership decision he ever made was to decide to no longer cheat his wife and family on time and focus, but to instead cheat the church. He said he always prayed for God to make up for his time away from home believing he was doing God’s will by building the church. But, he said he had things opposite and that God never commanded anyone to love the church, but to love their wives. He implemented this in his life, going home when his wife and children needed him most (between 4:30-6:00) Stanley believes this value enabled the church to say no to too many things and to build a sustainable approach to ministry. It alleviated the fear of not being able to be all things to all people.

Peg Neuhauser talked about tribal warfare and how to manage conflict in organizations. Good stuff.

I am looking forward to hearing from Bono and other speakers tomorrow.

Leadership Summit

Wall Art

I have a new office and I think it is time to add some new art to my work life. I don't have a window--which is actually a good thing as my daydreaming potential will be reduced--and will need to add some color to brighten up the space. I was thinking of a Kandinsky or perhaps Massie's Four Meditations I am still hunting for just the right one to hang on the wall. Any ideas? What is on your wall?

Emerging Bonos

I had not heard the term "Bono Christians" to describe those who love Jesus but have given up on church, but stainedglass uses it in a recent post. He is right that this way of thinking is pervasive in our society today. It is especially so in the generations x and below.

Community renewal, Pastoral Grit

We are still in transition between the Ft. Worth area and Shreveport and will be for a few weeks. We were at church this morning and heard Mac McCarter a guest preacher from Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal, where he is Coordinator. Our church is partnering with them to build a house in September. I took good notes during his talk, but was most impressed with hearing him say that he has figured that churches in the Shreveport area spend about 20 million/year on building programs/construction and improvements. He wondered out loud if it has really made any difference in the community. Great question and point. He also quoted I'm excited to be in a church who has community renewal as a growing passion and I look forward to seeing church members get involved with other churches/faiths in doing something radically positive in the community. I just read this post from Dr. Bruce Prescott about a megachurch pastor who has shown pastoral grit and courage. I admire his courage, giving a prophetic voice in his community while staying out of the trap of getting the church connected to either political party.

Good Samaritan in Lebanon

Sojourner's quote of the week:

"Seven hundred thousand out of a total Lebanese population of 3.5 million, 20 percent of the population, mostly Shiites, are now being cared for and given refuge by mostly Christian schools, churches, and other humanitarian organizations. This is the story of the Good Samaritan at a mega scale! And to think that this is the outcome of a strategy that meant to rouse anti-Hezbollah feelings among the Lebanese population and government. Talk about a failed strategy! Of course, this has happened so many times before that any thoughtful tactician would have learned the lesson by now, but military muscle is always too hedonistic and narcissistic to listen to the voice of reason and history."

- Dr. Martin Accad, academic dean of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary of Lebanon.

Source: Christianity Today

Dr. Francis Collins

I was on one of my frequent trips back and forth from Shreveport and tuned in to the Diane Rehm show as she was hosting Francis Collins--a medical doctor, research scientist and a professing evangelical Christian--on her show. I had not heard of him before and was intrigued by what he had to say about the current issues of stem cell research, evolution vs. creation, and how Christians interpret the Bible. I appreciated what he had to say as a Christian about not having to take a literal interpretation--e.g. Genesis 1-2--to believe in God as Creator. He stated that to teach a young earth view of the earth and a literal 7 day creation will lead young students to reject Christianity, rendering them unable to take it seriously as they study science and the world around them; that they will turn away from the rest of Scripture and the Christian faith thinking this is the only interpretation. I don't too much about Collins yet and all of his views, but I was thankful to hear a man who is serious about following Christ and who finds no contradiction between his scientific research and beliefs and his Christian faith. Rehm was highlighting his new book, The Language of God, which I look forward to reading soon. Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly also interviewed him here. genome stem cell Creationism

Community and Vocation in Emerging Generations

My morning newspaper had a story in the Life and Arts section about Chris Wiesinger, 25, who recently graduated from Texas A&M and started a bulb(flower) company. What led me to the article was my interest in all things landscaping but as I read on I was fascinated by a 25 year old's desire to drive around to remote parts of the state to dig up bulbs for resale. He is an Aggie, but there seemed to be something here beyond mere aggieness. It turns out that Wiesinger and two other friends from college live together in a cabin out in the country (near Mineola for those of my readers from East Texas). Another partner, Amanda George, lives down the road but is just as involved in the work and community life. The business partners work together and then gather around the dinner table for dinner and friendship each night. The article writer, Ginia Bellafante, writes that,

If the focus seems unusually intense, it is because their interest in gardening is motivated less by aesthetic predilection than by philosophical belief. Wiesinger and his friends said they are all observant Christians who see gardening as a lesson in the politics of personal responsibility and the value of rewards deferred.

Bellafante also finds that Wiesinger's encounter with the poverty in East Texas, which he discovers on bulb hunts, "stirs his philanthropic impulses" and dreams of transforming impoverished communities.

These four exemplify what emerging generations value in life and what kind of community and world they want to live in, one that is based on authentic friendships and conversation, the mixture of work and spirituality/secular and sacred, care for the poor and neglected, and a focus on making the world a better, more beautiful place.

I don’t know if Wiesinger attends church anywhere nor do I know much of anything else about him or this group, but it seems like he has created a community that looks so much like what I believe Jesus intend His followers to be.

emergent

bulbs

Day of Donut

It happened again today. Someone brought a box of donuts and then made all of us in the office feel guilty if we didn't go back to the breakroom to eat one. I did eat one and it stayed stuck in my throat (the taste kept alive by donut burp) all day. This post would be one of the reasons I named my blog "Wondering Thoughts." Sorry. I thought posting about it would remind me to just say no.

We're Moving

We are soon heading to Shreveport, LA where I will serve as Associate Pastor for Emerging Ministries at First Baptist, Shreveport (no, they don't have slot machines in the narthex). The search committee had us over for a visit several weeks ago and then had our whole family there this past weekend to meet and greet and be voted on by the church. I first became intrigued with what this church was doing when I saw the job ad and wanted to see what it was all about; if they were truly interested in creating and influencing emerging generations as a church. What I discovered is a Sr. Pastor--Dr. Greg Hunt--, staff and church who are at a place in the life of their church where they are ready(after some years of crisis and soul-searching as a church) and positioned to do whatever it takes to continue their rich history of ministry by adapting their orientation to reaching out to emerging generations. In my sermon today, I talked about what we are learning about these generations and why they are absent from the church. I referenced Barna's latest book as well Alan Jamieson's A Churchless Faith to establish the problem churches face today in relating to the emerging world around them. I read from Matthew 5:13 (salt and light) and listed three key areas this church will need to major on to be salt and light to the ever-changing world in the days ahead. They are: community-living, a focus on Jesus (not what we attach to him), and a missional/kingdom focus The list can go on, but these three were all I had time for and are central and those that will enable the church to connect with emerging generations. I am impressed with what this church has done in the past and I'm excited about the days ahead. I will be leaving my work as a church planter here in the Trophy Club area now after an informal merger with another new church in our area. I will also depart from my full-time work as Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator at SouthernCare Hospice in Ft. Worth. I have learned countless lessons in the planting(esp. about the major tectonic shift in culture that has taken place since we planted our first church in 1996) as well as working with terminally ill patients and their families. I am thankful to God for our time here and for the many people who have lived in community and mission with us as Highland Community Church.

Anne Lamott Interview

Belief.net interviewed Anne Lamott here. Worth a read. This gives a glimpse of the soul behind such great writing. Anne Lamott suffering Writing

Kimball on fall of Axis

Dan Kimball has been watching--and writing--the development and now collapse of Willow Creek's 20-something worship gathering and community. He gives a good assessment here and brings to attention the challenges that can come to adding a new service. I believe it can be done and that new generations can be reached, but Kimball notes a few challenges, which left unchecked, can lead to collapse. emergent Willow Creek Emergent Worship Dan Kimball

Obama on Faith

I loved Barak Obama's comments at the Call to Renwal conference on the need for Democrats not to disregard faith. The more I hear him speak, the more I like his sensible approach to issues. Obama Call to Renewal Separation of Church and State

Baby Got Book

I saw this Christian rap video today on Salon. Watch only if you have nothing else to do with your next 3 minutes.

Vacation Bible School, a missional beginning

Based on the banners, signs and ads I see on my daily drive, it seems that every church these days has an offering of Vacation Bible School. An article in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram gives a history of VBS. I recall reading about the beginnings of it (proud to say it has a Baptist origin) in a couple of sentences in my church history textbook, but the article today reminded me of how missional an idea it was as Eliza Hawes started it in a beer hall (would the anti-alchohol/Jesus was really drinking grape juice/"we must come out from among them" crowd in the SBC of today do such a thing?) back in 1898. The idea was to bring Jesus to the children(of immigrants) who would never attend her church on the other side of town. I don't know much about Eliza, but she obviously understood the need to take Jesus into her community, modeling an incarnational method much needed still today. Another article on the history of VBS in Christianity Today. Vacation Bible School Eliza Hawes missional

Jesus in the Storm

Corinne Vonaesch Gospel Text for Sunday

A Call for Action

Grace Akallo was abducted from her school in Uganda and was forced to be a child soldier in the LRA. Read about her report to the U.S. House, as reported from World Vision here. If you haven't already signed up to sponsor a child, now is a great time to do so by going here. Uganda LRA World Vision

On the Reading of Books

Great Quote of the Day by Chesterton: "There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and the tired man who wants a book to read." - GK Chesterton

Colbert at his best

I saw this Colbert video about the Ten Commandments posted on willzhead. Absolutely funny but sad. Stephen Colbert ten commandments

Missional Impact

It's half-time between the Mavs and Miami. Things aren't looking so good, as Dallas is showing to be sloppy and missing one shot after another. I'm doing some blogging while waiting for the 3rd quarter to start (I hear Mark Cuban does this at half-time as well!) I saw this while checking my feeds and wanted to share it. I saw this article in Baptist Standard about a church who is making a difference with poverty through Bread for the World. I have never attended the church, but it is easy to see where there heart is and how they are taking Jesus' mission for them seriously as they actively love their neighbors close and far. Making a missional impact is as easy as collecting signatures and adding your voice to support initiatives and legislation to help those in need. poverty Bread for the World ONE.org

Church

I read the following thought about church while reading Secrets in the Dark by Frederich Buechner:

"Our happiness is all mixed up with each other's happiness, our peace with each other's peace. Our own happiness, our own peace can never be complete until we find some way of sharing it with people who, the way things are now, have no happiness and know no peace. Jesus calls us to show this truth forth, live this truth forth. Be the light of the world, he says. Where there are dark places, be the light especially there. Be the salt of the earth. Bring out the true flavor of what it is to be alive truly. Be truly alive. Be life-givers to others. That is what Jesus tells the disciples to be. That is what Jesus tells his church, tells us, to be and do. Love each other. Heal the sick, he says. Raise the dead. Cleanse lepers. Cast out demons. That is what loving each other means. If the church is doing things like that, then it is being what Jesus told it to be. If it is not doing things like that--no matter how many other good and useful things it may be doing instead--then it is not being what Jesus told it to be. It is as simple as that."

I love the call here to be "life-givers to others." Are those who follow Jesus today living out these words as Jesus intended? Ask a person on the street and you will find that there are many other descriptions, none of which get close to "life-givers." I do believe that these same folks you talk with will see Jesus as one, but not so much those who claim to follow. May the church of today be full of life-givers. Frederick Buechner Church

Trinity Sunday

COECKE VAN AELST, Pieter

(b. 1502, Aelst, d. 1556, Bruxelles) Text for this Sunday Trinity

More mission, not more churches

I just read this article by Craig Sherouse from Ethics Daily about the shifting missionary strategy in Africa. The missionaries and churches are seeing that the community is crying out for "water, food, housing and healthcare" more than additional church buildings. I like the idea that more can be done through the existing churches to feed, heal and share Jesus with these folks, but it is possible through the existing churches? Are they able to shift to a missional mindset? Or, is it better to start new churches who understand their missional calling and focus? missional

My Wife in Print

This article about Jinny's relative shot down in France during WWII ran today in our local news.

Spirit

Today is the first Sunday of Pentecost. I attended a service last night and was reminded of the significance of Jesus sending his Spirit to not only be with and upon his followers, but also within them. I have preached from the Pentecost texts more times than I can recall, but this time I was on the listening end of things. The preacher did a great job of explaining the text and applying it for today, even effectively using clips from Star Wars and tying "The Force" in with the Spirit. One thing I left with was contemplating what it meant that we can today walk in this world with the Spirit of Jesus, doing the same things he did and continuing his work in our world. The pastor shared an illustration about Jackie Robinson, who was being harassed and hated by the crowds and other players as the first Black player to begin much-needed integration of baseball. One night in Brooklyn, during intense attack from the crowd after making an error, the ever-popular Short Stop Pee Wee Reese walked over and put his arm around Jackie, showing his love and acceptance, quieting the crowd. The Pastor shared that this is much like how the Spirit comes along beside us and pats us on the back, affirming and loving us one of God's children. This is also, he noted, how God uses people to be vessels of the Spirit into the lives of people who need a touch from Him. The challenge of being missional in our world today is to do that which Jesus left us to do; to share the Good News of God, loving the world in the same radical way Jesus did as He walked this world. He continues to walk in our world when we allow ourselves to be guided and empowered by his Spirit. Pentecost Missional Holy Spirit

Payback

Congrats to Dirk for 50 points. On to Game 6. Story here (and photo)

Rain, Rain, Come Again

Finally it has come. We were already in the drought danger zone and it is not even officially summer yet. It was refreshing to see the rain today.

Buechner by Day

I started to read a new book out by my one of my favorite authors--Frederick Buechner. It is Secrets in the Dark , a collection of his sermons. I usually am able to read through and devour his work, but I'm finding that it is best to read this one one sermon at a time, as a devotional each day. I can't help but stop and think, unable to carry on due to the way he phrases words that grabe my attention and shake me. I first encountered Buechner years ago in college (thanks Dave Jobe if you are reading this) and he has been a favorite ever since. I recently found a website, via zoecarnate.com with links to his works, such as this interview of him by the Door. Frederick Buechner

"So I Have Sent Them"

This week's Gospel reading--John 17:6-19--, especially v.18, is foundational to understanding what it means to be missional. John captures Jesus' farewell address(Chapter 15) to his disciples and his prayer for them as he was about to be on his way to the cross and, as celebrated today, his ascension into heaven. It is important to note that Jesus did not call his followers to any other agenda but to go out into the world (after he explained what that meant) just as he came into their world, as one sent from the Father. In his prayer, Jesus prayed to the Father, "So I have sent them." The sending had already been done. It took place in the spiritual formation that took place in their lives as they walked the dusty roads of their land with Jesus on their way to somewhere Jesus knew God wanted him to be, as they ate and drank together, as they traveled across the Sea of Galilee, during times of healing and compassion provided by Jesus. In this prayer, Jesus was confident that he had already sent them. He also knew that they would need to be reminded that they were sent and that this meant to be on the go. Their temptation, Jesus knew, would have been to be sedentary. These words of Jesus hit home for followers of Jesus today. As I look at my own life and that of the church, especially here in the United States, I see that we would rather call out for the world to come out of the world and into our building. Once they arrive in our buildings, then we can give them a great performance and display of Jesus, at least our image of who Jesus is for our group. I could go on and on about the crazy things churches do to get people to come to us (I saw where a church in Ft. Worth is giving away a car one Sunday). I could also spend some time writing about what Jesus we are displaying and how so many times in our churches it is far from the historical Jesus we find in the gospels. Jesus used the word "sent" and so we must go. But how can a church strike a balance between being a place of worship and a missional community; between gathering and scatttering? I'll focus on that in my next post. missional ascension

Any of these moves look familiar?

Check out this hilarious video --the evolution of dance. The dance is by Judson Laipply, sent by the one Don Feronti, king of the lawnmover dance move. evolution of dance

Bushisms

I just found this daily posting of Bushisms. Yes, there is at least one a day. Some think this is his strategery, but others think it is because he is the decider.

Bored at Bat-Mitzvah

Slate's Deputy Editor, David Plotz, posts on his encounter with the Torah while bored at a bat mitzhah beginning here.

Marketing or Engagement

As a hospice chaplain, I drive around a lot each day to visit patients, logging lots of miles to cover such a large geographic area. I drive past churches and often wonder what impact each one has upon its community. I read the signs they almost all have out front, some of which repulse me (Eternity: Smoking or Non-Smoking) and others with kinder, gentler messages. One thing I have noticed on many of them lately is some message about the DaVinci Code book out now and the movie soon to hit the silver screens in a theater near you. The signs seem to all have the same slick look and are advertising some new 6 week long sermon series. I have even received mail from church marketing companies pressuring me to buy their materials to help save Christianity from heresy. One pastor spotlighted on the news last night is passing out ipods with his latest sermons proving against the DaVinci Code. As I look at all of this, still reeling from the last push from the same people for the Passion of Christ, I wonder how much is just opportunistic marketing and how much of it is real engagement. And, if it is the latter, is it really the kind of engagement that will prove effective in creating dialogue with non-Christians? Or, is it just another goofy church sign, meaningful only to those who put up such signs? Just some wondering thoughts as I drive. DaVinci Code church-marketing

Movements Toward Theocracy

An excerpt from Michelle Goldberg's new book Kindgom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism in America, posted on Salon . Goldberg describes an event at First Baptist Church in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, which represents a growing movement toward Theocracy in America. Scary. separation of church and state Religious Right Theocracy

Public Schools

Summer is almost here and, for Baptists, that means it's time for another proclamation from the SBC on what to be against/boycott for the upcoming year. This always makes for great news to the general public and gives them a heads up about who will be the target. It looks like this year it will be public schools and their teachers. This topic surfaced a couple of years ago and was not able to surface through the other big issues--targeting Jews for evangelism, etc. Here and here is a link on how you can give your voice of support for our public schools and teachers. public schools

More of Hell

Conversation continues about Hell as people read Brian McLaren's The Last Word and the Word After That. I read the book this past year and loved it, though it challenged me greatly. It helped clear up some questions and inconsistencies in my thinking but also led me to begin pursuing some new thoughts. It is good to see the discussion it starts. I have just finished McLaren's The Secret Message of Jesus and will finish a review of it soon. Hell Brian McLaren

From Ripple to Current

I read the following John F. Kennedy quote yesterday in an email from Seth Wispelwey, Faith Outreach Organizer (Texas/Oklahoma) for the One Campaign and Bread for the World, Let no one be discouraged by the belief there is nothing ONE man or ONE woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills - against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence...Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation... It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." It is sometimes easy to lose sight of the "current" that our individual ripples produce and this quote is a great reminder to keep on making a difference, focusing on the seemingly small things we can do for others around us that make a lasting difference throughout the world. ONE.org Bread for the World John F. Kennedy

Monastic Communities, other Groups

Thanks to Rachelle Mee-Chapman for the link to groups emerging in homes, as monastic communities, etc. Our church took on such a form while meeting in homes and I miss the sense of community and the focus on community action rather than attraction and a building (we didn't have these either!). Read the Seattle Times article here.

Unexamined Beliefs

Google's quote of the day: In religion and politics, people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination. - Mark Twain

Darfur is Hungry

I noticed a small article in the back of my morning newspaper this morning about how the U.N. is having to cut back on food for the refugees in Darfur, lowering their calorie intake well below a daily amount for a human body. Here is a similar article and here is how to help. Darfur

Why Bother with Church?

This is a question a lot of Christians are asking, according to a recent poll. ABP News has the story here. I have been thinking about the significance of this finding and how I have encountered the same thinking as a church planter here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I have run into plenty of people out there who are professing followers of Jesus and are happy to live for God apart from attending their local church. Their reasons for not attending are diverse, some of which are legitimate (esp. those that involve being abused/mistreated by the very people who claim to love like Jesus) and others just excuses for not gathering with others. I do believe that the best way to follow Jesus, and the way he intended, is in the kind of community Jesus intended when he commissioned his disciples to be his body in the world. I am currently reading through--and enjoying--Brian McLaren's The Secret Message of Jesus. I just read the following (p.83) , which made me think of the aforementioned ABP article.

In this way, the influence of Jesus may be as strong outside of some religious institutions as inside--and maybe even stronger. This may even help explain why church attendance has been plummeting in Europe and in many parts of the United States. When Christianity sees itself more as a belief system or set of rituals for the select few and less as a way of daily life available to all, it loses the "magic" of the kingdom.

Brian McLaren church attendance

Surfs Up

Surfing at work? Assuage your guilt here. web surfing

Separation of Church and State

Good thoughts and helpful reminder for many of today's issues, Brent Walker on separation of church and state; founding fathers, from Baptist Standard separation of church and state Religion First Amendment

Earth Day

Earth Day has been around a while, but evangelical churches are just recently getting more involved. In the last year, the environment has received more focus and attention from mainstream evangelicals like Rick Warren, et. al. Recent articles about church involvement are from Ethics Daily here and another from Religion and Ethics Newsweekly here. I think many mainline churches have done a good job emphasizing the need for better care for creation, but most evangelical churches I have known have not addressed it. I was once a hearty dispensationalist with a focus so sharp on the return of Christ (too heavenly minded to be any earthly good) and the explosion of this here world that I didn't care much for the world. While I wasn't out dumping chemicals in the stream out back or setting out to burn a bigger hole in the ozone, I wasn't all that concerned about the world because I believed it would be burned up with fire one day soon anyway, without me on it at the time of course. My guilt was more from omission that willful commission (I've always loved being outdoors and never even one to litter). I, for instance, get a sick feeling in my stomach every time I go to my hometown of Tyler (piney woods of East Texas) and see more stands of pine trees cut down to make room for shopping centers and their concrete. My sick feeling has never moved me to be a voice for protecting the trees and what they add to the city and our lives. Now that I live in a land without real trees, I have learned to appreciate each one all the more. I no longer subscribe to such an end times view and find it hard to believe that I cared so little about God's good creation. I have always believed that God intends for humankind to be stewards of creation, but I never put much thought to being proactive about protecting what we have by doing anything from the small--recycling--to the big--helping put pressure on politicians to protect wildlife, forests, our air, etc. I am not sure if I will remember to celebrate Earth Day, but I do intend to thank God for the beauty of His creation around me, treat that which He has entrusted to me with a greater level of responsibility, and be a voice in the world against the things and people who are bent on consumption without renewal. Earth Day Environmentalism

A Pueblo Blessing

I found this blessing this morning while looking for some quotes for my monthly bereavement newsletter: Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree which stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do even if it is a long way from here. Hold on to life even when it is easier letting go. Hold on to my hand even when I have gone away from you. -- Pueblo Blessing

Blackouts and God or the Girl

What a crazy day, with a sweltering, record-breaking heat of 101. I can take that heat throughout the summer, but it is a bit hard to endure without a proper ramp-up. The heat caused rolling blackouts, knocking our power out here at home for a while. It was interesting to listen to TXU's explanations on the radio. One interviewee with TXU made it sound like it was planned. Great planning for a record-breaking day of heat! The power was on in time for me to watch God or the Girl, which I had seen advertised and wasn't sure it would be worth a watch. It turns out to be a pretty good show. Even though I am not a Roman Catholic priest, I could certainly identify with some of the feelings of trying to discern God's call to ministry as a pastor. The show did a great job of showing the crisis of faith that takes place, especially for the guy contemplating doing missionary work in Guatemala. Each of these men seem to have a real calling to ministry and it is a shame that a choice has to be made between God or a girl. I think only one has a girlfriend and a real decision between God or the girl, but the others know that choosing the priesthood means not choosing a mate or family in the future. I am not a Roman Catholic basher (like the fundamentalist protestant in tonight's show) and have the utmost respect for the church and her traditions, but I have never thought the tradition of celibacy made sense. The basis for it is weak and seems to lead to more problems within the church than it avoids. Jinny and I were talking during the show and I commented that, faced with the choice, I would have chosen her (which would not have meant not choosing God, just not the church). I was made for the companionship and love we share in our marriage and family. I am just glad I got God and the girl. God or the Girl priesthood celibacy

Thomas

Corinne Vonaesch, 2001

Atonement Theories

Thanks to Kruse Kronicle for posting about Christainity Today's article on the Atonement. Mark Dever has written a good summary of the various theories throughout Christian history and brings up much to consider about focusing only on the penal-substitution theory. This topic was much in my mind today as I led a Holy Thursday service at a nursing home my hospice works in at times. I wasn't sure of who would show up or what they understood about the Gospel, but I knew they would need to hear about hope, God's love and His presence with them in the loneliness that comes at times in a nursing home. I mentioned our need as humankind for a savior; one to deliver us from our sins. But, I also talked about how God has provided us with a Victor over sickness, oppression and death. I remember when this topic came up in Systematic Theology in seminary and my professor (Dr. Bert Dominy) hesitating from embracing one central theory, but teaching how we can learn and apply something from each of them. This makes the most sense and it fits right in with Dever's "Many-Splendored Atonement." Atonement

No Sign of the Devil

Dena Ross writes about her experience at a Dave Crowder/Third Day concert in New York. Dave Crowder Third Day Invisible Children

No Sign of the Devil

Dena Ross writes about her experience at a Dave Crowder/Third Day concert in New York. Dave Crowder Third Day href="http://technorati.com/tag/Invisible+Children" rel="tag">Invisible Children

Google Quote of the Day

Great quote of the day today on my Google Homepage: The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. - William James

Judas

I missed the National Geographic Channel's look at the new findings on Judas and I feel a bit behind on the topic. I saw that Slate has the following posted on it. Also, even a piece of Judas' clothing was found, as reported here. Judas National Geographic Channel

Helicopters Overhead

I woke up this morning to the sound of helicopters flying overhead. Just for a minute, I thought all those weird prophecies about helicopters in Daniel were coming true over my house. But, it was just the signal(traffic helicopters) that NASCAR weekend has begun here by the Texas Motor Speedway. I believe there are as many as 400,000 mullets/people predicted to be in our area this weekend.

Bible Battles

I guess it has been out a while, but I just happened onto the Bible Battles on the History Channel. It is a fascinating look at the battles recorded in the Bible. The part I watched was about the battles led by Moses, Joshua and Gideon. It was great to see the military strategy behind the Exodus, the battle at Jericho and especially the prowess of Gideon's elite units. What I was confronted with again was the problem I have with the view that God told these men to slaughter entire civilizations of people. There is one point in the show where it shows one Hebrew soldier standing in front of a mother and a little girl, contemplating his task and then following through with it. I have always read this in the OT, but I always skimmed over it as fast as I could, somehow justifying it that these people were given a chance to believe in God but never took it. I still have a problem with it and the show was just a reminder of how horrific an act this was and how it was done in the name of God. As I look at Jesus and how he is the fullest revelation of God we have, I can't see Jesus calling for this barbarism. Other articles of note hitting the press today:

• New finding on Judas. My son was asking a lot of questions about Judas after Sunday School last week. The teacher talked about Judas hanging himself and I found myself doing lots of explaining, trying to end the questions about how hanging can kill you. I reminded them never to play with rope.
• Ice capade? These folks seem to think Jesus walked on ice, not water. It seems it would be easier to believe it really happened.

Jesus Bible Battles Judas

Buechner's Questions for Lent

Caution! These are powerful. onehouse: Frederick Buechner's Questions for Lent

Palm Sunday

Mark 1:1-11 Palm Sunday

Fire Buns

My sides are still raw with pain from laughing at a streaker who just ran across the screen in front of a reporter live from a burning prairie near The Colony. The serious face and tone of the reporter was shattered by a man running by naked as a bluejay, tooting an airhorn. Almost as funny was watching the look on the reporter's face and watching the anchor keep a straight face! Great reporting WFAA!

High School Musical

I saw this article on Slate about the tween and teen craze over High School Musical. It is amazing how huge it has been with my kids and their friends. Even my son, not known to be the signing type, plays the CD over, singing it over, and over, and over . . . High School Musical Disney

Mullet Family

I was browsing through my picture file recently and found the following. I can't remember where I got it, but remember using it to send to someone requesting a picture of our family. I don't know who these folks are, but I'm willing to bet they still have mullets.

"Values" vs. Helping the Poor

A page in my Star-Telegram News this morning had two stories side by side. One article about certain potential Presidential candidates, particularly Mike Huckabee, catering to the religious right for votes in 2008. One of his quotes, which I think I remember in one of those goofy emails people tend to forward around, shows what matters to him and also how out of touch he is with real issues. Huckabee said,

"Let's face it," he recently told a crowd of Christian conservatives in Iowa, which holds the nation's earliest presidential caucuses. "In our lifetimes, we've seen our country go from Leave it to Beaver to Beavis and Butt-Head, from Barney Fife to Barney Frank, from Father Knows Best to television shows where father knows nothing."

On the same page (sorry there is no link here to Star-Telegram, but they did not have an online article of it I could find. The New York Times has it here), there was a picture of John Kerry and a story about what he is emphasizing as a possible emerging candidate for 2008. The line above the article is "With an eye on politics, Edwards makes poverty his cause." I wasn't a fan of Edwards in the last election, but I like what he is standing for; the contrast in emphasis from Huckabee's empty one-liners and what he thinks needs emphasis in America today. I have no idea what other planks there are in Edward's platform, but right now his sounds more stable and useful than those of other candidates. On another note, I was sad to see that Buck Owens died. Mike Huckabee John Edwards 2008 Election

Bad Breath?

I had a seminary professor who was known for his exhortation to future ministers, "Don't let the devil work through your breath." Slate has helps for those who need deliverance.

Brazen Serpent

Sebastien Bourdon

John 3:14-21

lectionary Moses Lent

Eye Ball

Slate's article about Villanova's Allan Ray, giving new meaning to "keeping your eye on the ball." Ouch. Villanova Allan Ray

St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through the belief in the threeness, Through confession of the oneness Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism, Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial, Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension, Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.

I arise today Through the strength of the love of Cherubim, In obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In prayers of patriarchs, In predictions of prophets, In preaching of apostles, In faith of confessors, In innocence of holy virgins, In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, Radiance of moon, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.

I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me: God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me From snares of devils, From temptations of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, Afar and anear, Alone and in multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me abundance of reward. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the threeness, Through confession of the oneness, Of the Creator of Creation.

Tom Fox, Peacemaker

I don't know too much about Tom Fox, but I read about his work in Iraq as a peacemaker and peace activist, ended by his death recently discovered. It was fresh on my mind as I was finishing my preparations for the sermon this week, which is from Mark 8:31-38. I was looking for some fresh insights on Jesus' words to the crowd and the disciples about denying themselves, taking up their crosses and following him. It seems this is what Tom Fox lived out--to the end. I found the following quote from Walter Wink's The Powers that Be (p.97) in my study today that also fits for a look at Fox's work as well as our work as disciples: "When Jesus said, 'Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it'(Luke 17:33), he drew a line in the sand and asked if we would step across--step out of one entire world, into another world, where the spiral of violence is finally broken by those willing to absorb its impact with their own flesh. That new approach to living is nonviolence, Jesus "third way." Tom Fox discipleship nonviolence peacemaker

Bill Buckley on Iraq

William F. Buckley speaks out on Iraq. I found this interesting and telling, as Buckley is one of the most listened to voices and a patriarch of conservative thought. I was first exposed to his writing in college with a short essay about dealing with distractios/noise in a movie theater, how no one would get up and say anything to the management, even though they were all visibly bothered by it. He eventually did and made the point of how many complain but few actually are willing to take a stand. Sounds like he is doing it again and he is worth a listen. William F. Buckley War in Iraq

Onion Rings

I am on the road a lot during the day and my eating habits are not the best in the world. I am one of those people you read about in the medical reports who is addicted to french fries, especially from Jack in the Box. I am trying to eat healthier--more salads, veggies and fruits. This has been difficult to do while on the go and I have not done very well. The other day, while at Sonic(I should have never even driven in there), I decided I would forego the normal order (which I think they know) of burger, fries and some gynormous shake item. I ordered a grilled chicken salad. I was proud of myself yet already thinking of how unfulfilling my lunch would be. My despair ended, though, and then led into a dance of thanksgiving when I opened the salad lid only to find two large onion rings on top of the salad. What grace! I think I will go back today.

Daily Lenten Guide

This is a great tool from Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for daily lenten reflections.

Lent and Protestants

I was having a conversation with a friend today about Ash Wednesday, how we are both celebrating it this year. We have both grown up Baptist and he is now recently a Presbyterian. I was telling him how our church is joining in with other churches in our community to have an Ash Wednesday service tonight, something new for most of the attenders in my church as well as for me as a Baptist pastor. I recall the practice from my short time at a Catholic school mass and from seeing the ashes on my friends, most of whom attended the local Catholic church. I grew up celebrating Advent and Maundy Thursday, but Baptists and other Protestants in general have not embraced the Lenten season(but this is changing--see the article link below). I am looking forward to beginning the season with the service tonight and especially to meeting with people from other churches and backgrounds as we set our focus on repentance and focus for the next 40 days. For a great article on this topic from Slate, visit here. Lent Ash Wednesday

Darfur Worsens

Refugee Crisis Grows as Darfur War Crosses a Border - New York Times Darfur

Pants on Fire

Yes, those are my pants, underwear, socks and shirt being shoveled into a trash bag by our local fire department. It was part of our excitement this week when the dryer caught on fire. Jinny happened to come in just as the smoke was billowing out of the dryer throughout the house. She called 911 and Trophy Club's finest came quickly, but it was too late. My clothes were charcoal. I have asked for an investigation into why it was only my clothes that were burned up in the fire. We are thanking God that this didn't take place in the middle of the night and that no one was hurt and that the only damage was to the clothes (and my hip wardrobe) and the dryer (as you can see at the curbside), both of which can be replaced.

Transfiguration

Raphael's depiction of transfiguration of Jesus--the text for this Sunday, last of Epiphany

The Meaning of Jesus

I just finished The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions and must say it is one of the best books I have read on matters pertaining to who Jesus is and how we can know what we know about him. As can be seen by reading through my archives, N.T. Wright is one of my favorite scholars, but I enjoy reading Borg as well and I loved their dialogue throughout the book. Both writers do a superb job of clarifying their views and it is refreshing to see them be able to respectfully disagree with each other on issues, though they agree on so many as well. I found that having the two present their views in this way helped deepen my understanding not only of their interpretations but also of Jesus. At the end of the book, I felt more fascinated with the person of Jesus than before and also challenged by what I read and with a desire to read on from both authors. Their relationship and pursuit in learning as much about Jesus as possible--whether through history, metaphor or by faith and experience--provides a great example of how to learn from others with whom we disagree through listening to the other person and taking the time to enter into dialogue rather than writing someone off who just sees things through the lens a little differently. I will be thinking more about this one and I will be posting some quotes and questions as well. jesus N.T. Wright Marcus Borg

From My Morning Paper

I read two things of interest in my morning paper: 1.) A great Thomas Jefferson quote: "It is in our lives, and not our words, that our religion must be read." (Photo by Laurie L. Ward, on Star-Telegram Site) 2.) An article on the revival of building sacred spaces into homes. There is a builder just across the lake from us who is doing this. Read Sacred Spaces. Thomas Jefferson sacred space

Solomon's Porch

This is a recent article on Solomon's Porch, which highlights some of the differences in approach from an attractional churches vs. missional churches. I recently read Church Reimagined by Solomon Porch's Pastor--Doug Pagitt--and was challenged by the church's dedication to living as a missional community. emergent missional

Lake Como

Today's Star-Telegram ran an excellent article on the Lake Como community in Ft. Worth. I was interested in it due to the fact that I just started doing a Meals on Wheels route there. It is also the community close by the SouthernCare office where I work as a Chaplain. I never knew about Lake Como until driving through there as a faster way to get to I-30 on my way home each day. One thing I have noticed is the older homes, the number of churches, the history and the poverty. The following article gives the history and is a great view of the changes in an urban community. As I read the part about the fences and walls, put up by the white community, it reminded me of the wall erected by Israel to keep the Palestinians separate. It is easy to look back on history with shame over the building of fences and walls to segregate one from "the other," yet I wonder what "fences" and "walls" are still in place in our communities today.

Catetiquette

In case you are not into the Olympics, visit here with your cat for random data. cats Olympics

Whatever Happened to Prayer of Jabez

Whatever happened to Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez? I do remember something about him leaving Walk Thru the Bible to take an assignment in Africa. Yes, I admit that I read the book and even tried praying the prayer mantra-style each morning, but couldn't get past the Walter Mittyish thought/hope of having my territory expanded to being the next Billy Graham or maybe expanding my finances to become filthy rich. Sojourner's David Batstone has an update on Wilkinson here. Jabez Bruce Wilkinson

Jesus and the Man with Leprosy

lectionary Leper Rembrandt

Google Quote

Loved Google's quote of the day today: "I shall never be ashamed of citing a bad author if the line is good." --Seneca

It was exciting to baptize my son, Jack(seven years old) and to have watched his interest in making his interest in becoming a follower of Jesus public.

Bono's Speech at Natl. Prayer Breakfast

I would have loved to have been at this year's National Prayer Breakfast to hear Bono speak and interact with those in charge. Thanks to Sojourners for posting his "sermon." Bono National Prayer Breakfast U2

Dr. Hook

I was taken back in time today listening to XM Radio ( I promise they aren't paying me to plug them as I do frequently) Channel 7 (70's Hits). Dr. Hook snuck up on me and took me back to my childhood days listening to the radio and skating at the roller rink. Good times. Dr. Hook XM Radio

You Can't Take it With You

Thought-provoking article on what happens to your email/technology when you die. Is there no way to forward it to a heavenly home box?

A Neglected Neighbor

Our church is a missional community here in the suburbs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex area. We have been learning what it means to live as a church incarnationally in our various neighborhoods; what it means to love our neighbor. We recently discovered a very neglected neighbor, reading in the local papers that she--in this case an incorporated city next that is next to ours--is going broke and the residents of it are all pretty much already broke as well. There are 431 residents, most of whom are elderly, living in mobile homes and whose income is well below the poverty level. This community, which still has dirt/gravel roads, was founded with the intent of being an affordable place to live, out in the country. In a matter of a few short years, it was surrounded by the development of major, affluent housing developments. The city cannot afford to pay its bills and, according to local papers is headed for bankruptcy or annexation. We are in the beginning of learning who this neighbor is and how we can be of help. Our first step was to contact the city government to find out if there was any way we could help local residents. We knew that we can't do anything about the debt of the city, but that we could help some of those who had no electricity, food or adequate housing. The city official provided us with the name of a woman with several children whose husband left her in dire straits. We learned about her situation and set out to see how we could be of help, beginning a relationship with her and helping to meet her need. This is the first story of how we are stepping out to be a presence of Christ nearby where we live. It is exciting to see our small church, who has always been good at helping the homeless in the inner city of Ft. Worth or to send money to needy children around the world, now at work in our own area, learning how to be missional in the burbs. missional

It's Happened

Hell

Wendell Berry

I just received my weekly Sojourners email update, which started out with Wendell Berry in its Quote of the Week. I felt it was worth repeating for those of you who read this blog but who may not get Sojourner's info:

"Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy."

Wendell Berry justice

Pinewood Derby

We had Cub Scout pinewood derby today and the competition was stiff. Here is my son's entry--the Bloodmobile (not sure where he got the idea, but we went with it and the vampire theme).

The Pat and Ray Show

Pat Robertson and Ray Nagin should now launch their own religious TV channel. Read Charles Madigan's Chicago Trib article on them here: Chicago Tribune | That's it! It's God's fault

Authority of Scripture

I recently read The Last Word by N.T. Wright. I highly recommend it and his approach to discussing the nature and use of Scripture. Wright's stated intention of the book is to argue "neither for a variety of modernism, nor for a return to premodernism, nor yet for a capitulation to postmodernism, but for what I hope is a way through this entire mess and muddle and forward into a way of living in and for God's world, and within the community of God's people, with Christian and biblical integrity."(p.10) Wright does this quite well, seeking to rise above the "shallow level" of the current debate. As a Baptist, I have certainly seen the fallout from the Bible wars within my own denomination and its negative effects upon those who have been watching. The first step to rise above the current level is to understand that "authority of Scripture" is a "shorthand for God's authority exercised through Scripture." Wright carries this understanding throughout the book, returning to remind the reader that Scripture is not the end of revelation, nor merely just a record of God's revelation. Wright advocates that Scripture has its authority in a "delegated or mediated sense." For Wright, the authority of Scripture is found in it as story more than a guidebook to convey information nor as just an inspirational book for devotional use. It is a story climaxed with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and is intended to shape the life of people just as the story of Israel was to direct the life of Israel. Wright puts it this way, "We read Scripture in order to be refreshed in our memory and understanding of the story within which we ourselves are actors, to be reminded where it has come from and where it is going to, and hence what our part within it ought to be."(p.115) In the book, the reader is presented with a way(by employing a "five-act" hermeneutic) to understand where she is in the story and the responsibility of sharing this story with the world, offering a "picture of God's sovereign and saving plan for the entire cosmos, dramatically inaugurated by Jesus himself, and now to be implemented through the Spirit-led life of the church precisely as the scripture-reading community.(p.114) I recommend this book to you for Wright's thoughtful approach to a sore subject and for his pointing to other "fresh" books that are being written and published to lead the reader out of the current polarizations and predictable positions from modern and postmodern arguments and into "creative and intelligent reflection."

Favorite XM Stations

I have about an hour commute to and from work each day and I am on the road during the day a lot making Chaplain visits. I just got an XM Radio for Christmas and I'm loving the choices in music. My current top 5 favorites: 72--Beyond Jazz 8--The Eighties 7--The Seventies 50--The Loft--Acoustic Rock 122--CNN As much as I like golf, I can't seem to get into the idea of listening to golf in the car, on channel 146--The PGA Tour. Any favorites you have? XM Radio Satellite Radio

Calling

lectionary disciples

World Poverty--10 reasons to address it this year

World Vision has listed 10 great reasons to take on poverty in this next year. There are also some ideas on how you can do it. The challenge seems overwhelming unless you start in your own area. Our church has identified some local poverty needs right here in suburbia and we will seek to make a lasting difference in 2006.

Worth Your TV Time

Read Bruce Feiler's Walking the Bible yet? Even if you haven't, this is worth an hour out of your week for the month. Walking the Bible | PBS Bruce Feiler

Words Above Ground

It was chilling to see and read a letter written by a dying miner, noting his awareness of his impending death just a few breaths away from a self-described painless death. I was glad that he had the paper, pencil(my luck would have been having a pen but it being out of ink!) and state of mind to write and that he did not have to suffer except for the torment of knowing there was nothing you could do to save yourself from the sleep soon approaching. As I read the story, I wondered what I would have written to my loved ones 2 miles above ground. Knowing I had only a short time left, how would I condense my words to be clear, positive and meaningful for each member of my family, knowing they would be cherished and kept for years to come? Wondering about this is a good exercise/life review and it leads me to want to make sure I am saying these words now, while I am still above ground. What would you have written? miners mining tragedy

Pat Robertson--You Knew This Was Coming

Pat Robertson got this one out as quickly as possible. He is getting way too predictable. BREITBART.COM - US Christian broadcaster says Sharon's stroke divine retribution Pat Robertson

Good News at the Alamo

During the Christmas holidays, my family spent Christmas overlooking the Guadalupe River in wonderful Gruene, TX. Gruene is close to New Braunfels, which is just half an hour north of San Antonio/Floresville (where we started our first church and lived for a little over three years). Our children are old enough now to appreciate the Alamo, so we left the Riverwalk to visit this sacred shrine of Texans. It provided a great backdrop for Christmas picts even though it was closed for the holidays.

While in front of the Alamo, I noticed a man(the picture below is not the actual man, but he must have taken the same preaching class) standing on a step in the courtyard, making a lot of noise with his preachy voice while waiving his Bible. I soon realized that he was preaching—a street preacher of sorts. I saw people walking by him, but no one listening and none stopping to pay any attention. He was at best an attractive nuisance, drawing people’s attention enough to make sure he wasn’t a terrorist, but repelling them with his rhetoric all the same. He was not the angry type I’ve encountered on some city cornters, but was somewhat gentle and even unbothered by the rejection of the crowd.

As I thought about his failure to communicate, I considered it to be a great shame that a wonderful message of Good News could be so poorly handled. As best I could tell, the message of the preacher was about Jesus and I think I even heard the word grace, but all of us perceived the man to be a bit crazy and that he cared more about the message and the delivery than those who were walking by him. I wonder what impact he would have if he had taken a different strategy, like volunteering as a tour guide, handing out bottled water on such a warm day, or offering to take pictures of the families like mine posing in front of the Alamo. He could have had more of a chance to get to know his audience and shared the love of Jesus through his service and actions. Maybe he would have been even more effective being at home with his family on Christmas Day or taking food to a next door neighbor who was in need.

I guess I shouldn’t be so hard on this street preacher, for I know that there have too many times I have been him in the pulpit as well as in my neighborhood and family.

Religion in 2006

Take a look ahead at religion in 2006 with Religion and Ethics Newsweekly's Perspective One thing that stuck out to me was E.J. Dionne's comment about the way people walked away from a war on poverty 30 days after Katrina hit. He noted how we as a nation are great at palliative care on the spot when a crisis happens but not long-term with solutions.

Just in Case You are a Nerd

A how to on my google homepage today: How to Be the Life of the Party

Simply Church

Alexander Campbell tells his story of planting a new kind of church here. I like the focus and adaptability of simple and organic church and identified with some of his frustrations.

Toys for Christmas

Some toys I got for Christmas that are still baffling me after reading the instructions: An XM Satellite Radio for my car Panasonic Palm CamCorder (Jinny and I made this our gift for each other, and then some) Oral B 7850 DLX toothbrush

Thoughts on Evangelism Methods

The guys at Radical Congruency have posted some thoughts on how evangelism has been done--what's worked and what hasn't.

Festivus for the Rest of Us

I knew someone somewhere was celebrating it.

Helping the Grieving

Real Live Preacher has a great story on praying with the bereaved/almost-bereaved.

Movie Star at Great Clips

It's official. I get my hair cut with moviestars. I looked over at the man next to me and recognized him to be James Hampton, most recognizable to me from his F-Troop days and from the original Longest Yard. His most recent movie was Sling Blade. I launched out and asked if it was him and he was very nice to visit with me. I remembered reading in our local paper that he had retired and moved back to Texas to be close to family and his roots. I was so star struck that I forgot to get an autograph.

Get One While Supplies Last

Yes, it is for real. The I Watch Joel Osteen lapel pin. Words escape me.

War Against Christmas?

SantaArchy

Advent 4

By Cerezzo Barredo

All I Want For Christmas--Two Front Teeth and a New Mug

Go-ahead for first full face transplants Guardian Unlimited | Science | Go-ahead for first full face transplants

Advent

Ludwig Richter

Incarnation and its applications

I read an article in my local paper with a fresh twist and thought-provoking challenge about the Incarnation. Much is said and sung during this time of year about God coming into our world, but do we really understand what it means for us today? The celebration of Advent helps us look back at the nativity to see when God took on flesh and it leads us to look ahead with preparation for how he will come to us again. But it is also for today and for what it means for Christ to live within and through us as we live on this earth today. I am certainly guilty of not considering enough what it means for God to indwell me; for not living out His presence within me in this world here and now. As said by someone else, it is easy to be so heavenly-minded that we become no earthly good. Considering the incarnation of God in Jesus this season ought to lead us to be earthly good.

Nudity--the new way of Church Growt

When I read the following article, posted by Baptist Press ,I remembered an interesting day in our first church plant years ago in San Antonio. The San Antonio River was flooding and had washed out a nudist emcampment near our church. I received a call in the wee hours of the morning from the police asking if they could evacuate the group to our church. I couldn't help but say yes to see how this would go over the following morning in church, even though I was fearing our Greet One Another portion of the worship service. It turns out that the police made sure they were fully dressed before arriving, but it was quite a weekend hosting them!

Charlie Brown Christmas

Watching Chuck, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Pigpen(was this politically correct back then?), Schroeder, Woodstock, et. al. is a yearly ritual of mine and now I get even more pleasure watching it with my two children. I will never outgrow good Peanuts.

Indigenous Church

Great article on what the church ought to look like by less travelled.

Real Live Preacher

Real Live Preacher has posted a good Q and A on the judgement of God. It is timely as Advent leads us to consider the return of Jesus and His role as Judge.

Chicken Little at American Family Association

I received this letter from the American Family Association today. Don't they have better things to do than run around with such a campaign for Christmas? Wouldn't it be better to exert such energy on living out the message and light of Jesus this season instead of clamoring for rights and demanding that non-Christians observe the holidays as Christians do?

I thought you would be interested in a survey we did. We gathered advertising inserts from 11 different companies placed in two papers on Nov. 27 (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal and Memphis Commercial Appeal.) Combined, the inserts totaled 280 pages. Of the 11 companies, only one—McRae's/Belks—had a reference to "Christmas." They mentioned "Christmas" only two times. The other 10 companies did not mention "Christmas" a single time! While refusing to use "Christmas," they used the term "holiday" a total of 59 times in their 10 inserts. The companies which refused to mention Christmas a single time in their 260 pages of insert promotions were Target, Kroger, Office Max, Walgreens, Sears, Staples, Lowe's, J.C. Penney, Dell and Best Buy. Ask these companies why they banned "Christmas" in their in-store promotions and retail advertising and they will tell you they didn't want to offend anyone. They mean, of course, anyone except Christians. These retailers are willing to use Christmas to secure about 20% of their yearly sales, but they absolutely refuse to mention the Reason for the season.

Christmas Mood Enhancer

A little something to help get in the mood for the season.

The Cost of Ministry

Be healed! First Coast News | Strange & Unusual - Pastor Punched in the Eye, Continues Sermon

World AIDS Day

Visit World Vision's site and take the test. World Vision: World AIDS Day

I am finishing preparations to preach on Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus’ story of the Sheep and the Goats, tomorrow at church. I remembered a story and insight from Jim Wallis’ latest book that tied in with the passage for this week.

Wallis, in his book God’s Politics, comments on how the story of the Sheep and Goats told by Jesus and recorded in Matthew 25, was the passage of Scripture that brought him back to the Christian faith. He tells why this is so and illustrates the story with a poor, Pentecostal woman in his neighborhood—Mary Glover—who would always pray this prayer at the neighborhood center as people were about to arrive to pick up groceries, “Lord, we know you’ll be comin’ through this line today, so Lord, help us to treat you well.”

Wallis notes in the book that this prayer became well known and prayed so much that it ultimately made it into the official prayer book of the World Council of Churches. Ken Medema took the prayer and wrote “Coal Black Jesus,”

I’m just a coal black Jesus with a hole in his shoes, On a D.C. street with no more to lose, Get into the line and there you’ll stand And sing, “Sweet Mother Mary, put some food in my hand.” A coal black Jesus with a hole in his shoes, On a D.C. street with no more to lose, Get into the line and there you’ll stand Saying, “Sweet Mother Mary, put some food in my hand.”

The challenge of this text from Jesus for me is incredible. It is so easy for me to walk right past Jesus, in his "distressing disguise"(Mother Theresa's description), missing him on my way to important things of the day.

Global Perspective

I am finishing Newbigin's The Gospel in a Pluralist Society and have much I want to blog on soon. One quote that stayed with me today that I wanted to share is: "One fact that is certainly new is the acute sense that we are part of one global society more and more dependent on each other. The first photographs beamed back to earth from the moon gave us a vivid sense that our planet is not an inexhaustible area in which there will always be fresh frontiers to cross and free space to occupy, but a small and fragile spacecraft in which we are condemned to live together or else perish together." (p. 157)

How to Select a Thanksgiving Turkey - just in case you were confused

How to Select a Thanksgiving Turkey - eHow.com

Kingdom of Heaven--great movie

I watched Kingdom of Heaven over the weekend and, despite the graphic, head-splitting carnage, thoroughly enjoyed it. If you haven't seen it yet, the story is about the Crusades and of how one Knight(played by Orlando Bloom) who is given the responsibility of protecting Jerusalem against Muslim attack. He sees how Jerusalem belongs to all faiths who have had a part there--Jews, Muslims and Christians. What he ultimately fights for is the right of all to have access within her walls. He, as well as a bishop and others around him, struggle with the hypocrisy of religion, especially that of their own and how it strays from what they knows of Jesus and his ways. How timely a movie, especially as the headlines over the weekend have been of religious intolerance and warfare.

Pomo church planting

I read this article today at Ooze and found it to be helpful in remembering the importance of being before doing. Demographic studies and five year plans are helpful, but the only thing that will make a difference in the community is when the church knows how and is being the church Jesus intended. SeedStories - Articles: Viewing Article

Kyle Lake's Funeral

I attended Kyle Lake's funeral today in Waco and was deeply moved by many things said and observed, particularly the number of people who attended and filled the sanctuary of FBC, Waco. I assume there was an overflow room with a TV, as there was standing room only left. As Jinny and I sat and waited for the service to begin, I kept thinking of how many lives Kyle had touched and affected to draw so many to one place today. Many of them I knew well(it was a blessing in the midst of the grief to see old friends, our youth minister and fellow youth group members) from our days growing up in Tyler, but many I know Kyle had connected with after he left home to attend Baylor and Truett and then to serve at UBC. The theme of comments made from friends and family was of Kyle's spunk in life, his playfulness(and that smile that we will always remember), his passion for Jesus, his desire to see new ways for Jesus' followers to be the church, and his devotion to his wife and children. As one speaker said, he was a "beautiful person, inside and out." I laughed, remembered and gave thanks during the eulogies given, but couldn't quit thinking about the loss and void created by Kyle's untimely, unexplainable death. I rejoiced in the fact that he is now with God and enjoying him now forever, but there is a lingering pain within me in knowing of the hard days ahead for the UBC congregation and for the Lake family, especially Jen and those three little children. May God bless the Lake family and all who mourn the loss of Kyle with constant reminders of His presence, love and compassion. May the things Kyle was passionate about endure in the lives of those who knew him.

What a tragedy

I was saddened to hear the news of Kyle Lake's death today. I have known Kyle for as long as I can remember, growing up in the same church family and hometown. I have always known of his passion for God, which was contagious to everyone around him. He was a great son to his parents, brother to his two older brothers and younger sister, and I am sure he was an excellent husband and father. My prayers go out for his family and church. The story is below: Story Here

Willimon on Religion and Politics

Dr. Willimon has has posted an essay on his blog that has a good ring to it in these interesting days of discussing the mix of religion and politics. The phone call about the change in Baptist churches is telling and descriptive of something becoming more the norm within them. A Peculiar Prophet: Mixing Religion And Politics

Progressional Dialogue

Our church met in homes this past summer before moving into another school. One of the wonderful things about meeting in homes was that the preaching/teaching time was always--really by necessity--interactive and conversational. By the time we moved into the school last month, I had become hooked on what God was doing as people participated in the discussion of the text. I was also reading Doug Pagitt's Preaching Re-Imagined and learning even more about the differences between speaching and progressional dialogue (If you haven't read the book yet, I highly recommend it. I have been preaching for 14 years and this is my first time to present the Scripture without "speaching" other than in a small group format. I agree with Doug that progressional dialogue should not replace other forms of preaching, but it needs to be a standard staple in the diet of the church). I'll blog more on this as we experiment with it in the days ahead.

Wind--my new excuse

Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com

Bono and Bush Talk about the Poor

I just read this and it explains how Bono has stayed on point and in focus on helping the poor. Check it out here: BREITBART.COM - Just The News

Parent/Child Dedication

Our first parent/child dedication service went well. It was exciting for us as a church to celebrate God's gift of children and to see the parents/grandparents/godparents and church make a commitment to raising these children in God's way.

Rob Bell

Yes, I know it is late and I'm still up blogging. This has been a busy week and I have not spent as much time reading through my bloglist and articles that are normally a part of my daily diet. I ran across this one and wanted to share in case you missed it. Find the Big Jesus: An Interview with Pastor Rob Bell--evangelical Christian emerging emergent church leader -- Beliefnet.com

DMN interview with Brian McLaren

The last question and McLaren's answer in this interview are helpful with our church's study of the parables over the last several weeks. We all too often race forward to clarity out of fear of the intrigue. Brian McLaren: Dallas Morning News - Interview with Brian McLaren

Some Thoughts on Worthiness of Planting in Suburbia

The following article presents a good question about the soil of Middle Australia that may well apply to middle and upper classes of America. What do you suburban planters think? Backyard Missionary � Blog Archive � Are the ‘middle’ a waste of time?

Planting For Organic Growth

Our church has recently moved into a new location, one that is within a new neighborhood in far north Ft. Worth, and has not developed a strong sense of community. The school we are now meeting in is the first public building within the community(currently around 1000 households). Our planting core is busy studying our community and how we can be incarnational within it; how we (especially the families in our core who live within the community) can be Jesus followers organically growing there. Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch, in their book The Shaping of Things to Come, give some ways of listening to the context of the community in which a church is planting:

• Observe the organic social rhythms of the host or target community
• Watch for the social patterning
• Ask where the social centers in your community are. Or as Brian Ollman at the millennia Co-Op in Los Angeles says, "Where are the ant trails? And where are they leading?"
• Ask "What is church for this group of people?" and "What will a Jesus-centered faith community look like among this people with their particular culture?"
• Do not import an alien or artificial model of church. Try to help develop one that is truly indigenous to that culture or subculture.
• Keep asking, "What is good news for this community?"

An Ebenezer

This past Sunday we read Jesus’ parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21. At the end of his parable, Jesus talked to the crowd about the cornerstone(himself), how he is the One on whom their faith was to be built; how we are to build our lives on his agenda, not our own nor anyone else's. We ended the service with a time of response, where at one of the prayer stations you were invited to take a stone with you into your week as a reminder of the need to take Jesus into your life and week in your neighborhood, family, workplace, etc. ..

I would love to hear any stories or thoughts about your rock. Has it reminded you that Jesus is the Cornerstone of your life? Have you thought anything new about the need to take Him with you into your home, workplace, neighborhood, etc.

I would love to hear your stories, please respond with your thoughts/a story about what you have done with Jesus.

Incarnational Practices

I ran across this article today and wanted to share it with those of you who read my blog from our church as well as other planters/pastors out there working to lead a church to be incarnational in the local community. Next-Wave Ezine > church & culture

Blog Monkey

Quote of the Day from Google Personalized Home Page. Just when I thought I was making a difference as a blogger, . . . We've heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true. -Robert Wilensky

How to Make Lye

Just whip up a batch with this handy recipe. I get this useless information on my personalized Google homepage. Look out Martha. How to Make Lye - WikiHow

Scaring the Hell Out of Them

I guess it is that time of year. I just received one of several mailers for local "Hell Houses." I'm not sure if this is a phenomenon outside of what used to be the "Bible Belt," but for those not familiar, Hell Houses are like haunted houses, but the scare in these is intended to get them to choose heaven or hell. The flier states that the Hell House is a "tool designed to help people face the reality of eternity by presenting different 'real life' scenes which portray death, demonic control, heaven and hell." The scariest part of this is, as it appears from the content, that Christianity is reduced to making a decision not to go to hell. I can see kids taken through, scared to death, packed into a room where they are invited to make a decision to go to heaven or hell. Who wouldn't choose heaven in such a setting? I wonder what if anything is said about what it means to choose to live for Christ on this earth.

Jesus

I'm reading through The Shaping of Things to Come, Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch, and had to stop a while on this quote: His love of live was infectious. His form of holiness was not the alienating form so often associated with religious types. It was thoroughly redemptive. We have often pondered what kind of holiness was present in Jesus that ordinary people--broken, sinful, mariginalized people--loved to hang around him. They didn't feel condemned by Him. Sadly, these same types don't ordinarily like to hang around church people today. What's the difference." (p.107)

Uniting Church Thinking Missionally

Baptists Today, The Source for Daily Baptist News for You and Your Church

On Sodom and Gomorrah

I keep hearing references to NO and other cities--I guess now it will be Port Arthur--being recipients of God's judgment due to Sodom and Gomorroah-like ways of life. This article from Jim Evans, courtesy of Ethics Daily, gives a closer look at S and G. Welcome to Ethics Daily.com!

100 Minute Bible

Think of the time I will save preaching through the Bible in a year. Speedy but spiritual: British cleric unveils '100-Minute Bible' - Yahoo! News

God and Hurricanes

I was driving home from work today and decided to listen in on Christian talk radio. When I tuned it, he host and callers were discussing the topic of whether or not the hurricane that hit New Orleans was sent from God. The callers I heard suggested that God sent it to NO because of the homosexuality and wickedness of the city. The callers sounded hateful toward the people of NO and even proud of the fact that their God took out the city. The host, Scott Wilder, was not willing to make the same declaration(saying he did not know), but seemed to agree with the callers and even stated that he could not believe that President Bush was willing to rebuild the city; that Bush saying that it was a "great city" made him feel the same way he did when he heard him say Islam is a "great religion." One of the callers mentioned pointed to the timing of the hurricane, just after a gay Southern Decadence parade. I even heard references to Sodom and Gomorrah and voodoo in conjunction with NO. This conversation made me angry, especially in light of the fact that a new storm is coming toward Texas, now a level 5. Will these callers and Wilder talk about the evil of Galveston and Houston, believing that God was out to get these people and cities? What sins of these cities will they believe brought on this storm? And why doesn't God send hurricanes to "sinful" cities inland? Does God hate the sins of New Orleans more than the more sophisticated sins (like materialism, greed, hatred, racism, adultery) of other cities? Who are these people to think the sins of people in NO (by the way, in their minds, was God also judging Biloxi, Gulfport, and other cities along the Gulf?) are worse than their sins or the sins of their inland cities? I pulled up in my driveway, turning off the radio, grieving again that there are some in the Christian community marring our witness to a world so in need of seeing and hearing the Good News of God and of His presence to help in times like these.

Ready for Fall

This heat has been unbearable and oppressive; feels like mid August!

From My Hometown

I was disturbed to see that this is news about a church in my hometown. I am familiar with the church(independent and just to the right of fundamentalist) and their controversial signs are nothing new. This one is just sad. Pastor's sign rubs salt in wounds of downtrodden

Comments on Katrina

Hal Lindsay is still trying to get that date right! These are the latest of embarrassing comments hitting the newswire. Welcome to Ethics Daily.com!

Enjoying Evolution Schmevolution Week

I just watched another night of Evolution Schmevolution week on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The show is one of my favorites and I watch it almost every night, but this week has been interesting and informative for me as a Christian. Tonight, for example, Stewart had a panel made up of a biology professor from Georgia(evolutionist), a rep from Intelligent Design--William Dembski--and introduced as a professor of theology at a Southern Baptist seminary, and the third person a proponent of a metaphysical view of creation. I thought all but the latter did an adequate job of describing his belief in the limited amount of time and the presentations went as they usually do. I thought the Biology professor/evolutionist was very open and welcoming of the other views, even stating his openness to creationism and other views being presented with evolution in the classroom. He said that he presents other views in his class to help his students better understand evolution. So why can't creationists be this accommodating about evolution being taught?