Yesterday I put my foot in the hottest baptismal water I have ever experienced. I have now done both extremes: Cold when the heater failed, and reeeaaaallly hot when the heater went berserk. It was funny if you weren't standing in the water, as the video attests. To save embarrassing the other brave souls, this is only my intro, but you will get the idea.
It was way hotter than the hottest hot tub or therapeutic whirlpool I have ever put my foot in. It reminded me of the old Eddie Murphey routine on SNL as he mimicked the godfather of soul doing a song about the "Hot Tub." The most appropriate line in that "song" was, "Haaaayy! Too hot!" You know where to find it.
By the way, another pastor (who baptized four in the firewater) finished after the service, and a large amount of ice had been added to get it to more normal temperature. (And yes, we are getting a thermometer and are adding one more duty to our baptismal committee's responsibilities... "Check the water temp.")
A baptism to remember.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thanks to the Teachers (part 1)
I was reading 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 this morning. It started me thinking about those who have taught me. Here are the first two that came to mind, both from Sunday School.
Mr. Blackwell taught the boys Sunday School class I was in when I was ten. What a man of patience. There were about eight of us that came every Sunday, and assorted others who were members of the every-other-week club or the once-a-month club. I am sure that on some days he felt like our number was ten times reality, but he patiently taught us. He also inspired us to do every thing we could (show up, on time, give, read Bible, study lesson, attend worship) so we could score a higher percentage than the other three classes (one boy’s and two girls) thus becoming the “Banner Class” for the week. (I suppose that today this is seen as engendering unhealthy competition, but it got a lot of us started on developing disciplines that we would need all through life.)
Mr. Scott was the teacher of the older boys class in the High School department. Each Sunday, fifteen or twenty of us would crowd into the room, and this very brave man would actually attempt to lead us. He wasn’t the “man’s man” kind of guy. He was pretty mild-mannered, but we knew that he cared about us. He was more interested in us than he was “getting through the lesson.” Every Sunday, he’d give us five to ten minutes to catch up with each other. We had five different high school represented in our class, so this was important. Many times, Sunday was the only day we saw each other. (I often wonder at teachers who lecture for forty-five minutes to children or teens. I don't know adults that have attention spans that long!) After that talk time, he’d call us back to the topic of the day and we would get it done. The most impactful times, though, were when, in those first five or ten minutes, an issue would surface that needed to be addressed. Pushing the lesson aside, he’d help us get God’s perspective on it. I remember especially when a student from one of our schools had died in a tragic automobile accident. Teaching a bunch of high school guys about death and handling grief was more important than the lesson that day. There were other days when the discussion might not have been so grim, but was just as important. He would gently lead us to see how our thinking often differed from God's, and why God's idea was better.
Sunday School teachers (or small group leaders), for the most part, your students won’t remember what you taught them, but they will remember you, and whether or not they sensed that you cared about them. Life is transferred, not taught.
Mr. Blackwell taught the boys Sunday School class I was in when I was ten. What a man of patience. There were about eight of us that came every Sunday, and assorted others who were members of the every-other-week club or the once-a-month club. I am sure that on some days he felt like our number was ten times reality, but he patiently taught us. He also inspired us to do every thing we could (show up, on time, give, read Bible, study lesson, attend worship) so we could score a higher percentage than the other three classes (one boy’s and two girls) thus becoming the “Banner Class” for the week. (I suppose that today this is seen as engendering unhealthy competition, but it got a lot of us started on developing disciplines that we would need all through life.)
Mr. Scott was the teacher of the older boys class in the High School department. Each Sunday, fifteen or twenty of us would crowd into the room, and this very brave man would actually attempt to lead us. He wasn’t the “man’s man” kind of guy. He was pretty mild-mannered, but we knew that he cared about us. He was more interested in us than he was “getting through the lesson.” Every Sunday, he’d give us five to ten minutes to catch up with each other. We had five different high school represented in our class, so this was important. Many times, Sunday was the only day we saw each other. (I often wonder at teachers who lecture for forty-five minutes to children or teens. I don't know adults that have attention spans that long!) After that talk time, he’d call us back to the topic of the day and we would get it done. The most impactful times, though, were when, in those first five or ten minutes, an issue would surface that needed to be addressed. Pushing the lesson aside, he’d help us get God’s perspective on it. I remember especially when a student from one of our schools had died in a tragic automobile accident. Teaching a bunch of high school guys about death and handling grief was more important than the lesson that day. There were other days when the discussion might not have been so grim, but was just as important. He would gently lead us to see how our thinking often differed from God's, and why God's idea was better.
Sunday School teachers (or small group leaders), for the most part, your students won’t remember what you taught them, but they will remember you, and whether or not they sensed that you cared about them. Life is transferred, not taught.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Christmas and Young Voices
I took these pictures during rehearsals (which give me more flexibility to move around-which I like much better) and then during the performance. The faces tell the story. Enjoy.
Yes moms and dads (but no one else). Email me and I can send you the pictures, if we can figure out who is who.:-)
Yes moms and dads (but no one else). Email me and I can send you the pictures, if we can figure out who is who.:-)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Not a Political Solution
Over the last month or so, I have had lots of political discussions. Not that I enjoy these, or seek these out, like some do, but they are inevitable unless you live under a rock or something. I have talked with folks my age — not “old” but definitely “older.” I have also spoken with some young adults getting ready to vote for the first time. Conversations, and conversationalists, have run the gamut from unbridled idealism to deep cynicism.
If you are like me, you are likely tired of the commercials. I think there should be term limits for Congress, time limits for campaigns – a year before the election seems reasonable, and perhaps a “pull the plug on commercials” about four days before the elections. I am tired of the disingenuous-ness of the commercials from both sides. (By the way, I learned the meaning of “disingenuous” during the Clinton Presidency. I think it had something to do with a girl named Monica.)
I have heard all the promises for the future, and all the criticism of the last eight years. Don’t believe the promises, and recognize that the losses of the last eight years are not result of the decisions of one man, a few persons, party, or whatever. I heard a coach speaking after a resounding loss explain why his team had done so poorly: “It was a team effort.”
I have done some reflecting on past Presidential terms, and have concluded that every one of them has their pluses and minuses. According to my memory (which may not be faultless, but is better than most politicians or corporate executives when having to testify on Capitol Hill) here are some of the things I remember. You may rate them positively or negatively. Your option.
Kennedy (D) : Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam
Johnson (D): War on Poverty, Vietnam Escalation
Nixon (R): Vietnam—eventually getting us out, Watergate
Ford (R): I don’t remember anything
Carter (D): Iran Hostage Crisis, Recession
Reagan (R): “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” Iran/Contra
G. H. Bush (R): First Gulf War
Clinton (D): Great Economy (but the debt was 5 trillion when he left office), First World Trade Center Attack, Missed Osama, Monica, Somalia (Black Hawk Down), Genocide in Rwanda
G. W. Bush: (R): 9/11, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ignoring Darfur, Economy…
I say all that just to point out that no party has a corner on righteousness or wisdom, and no one politician, be he/she President, Cabinet member, or member of Congress, causes anything alone – good or bad. Neither does any person or government have the power to “fix” all the problems of the world.
The solution to our problems is not political. It is spiritual, rooted deep in the hearts not only of the “voted on” but the voters. It doesn’t come down to one election, but how we live, every day. The root of personal and global problems are deep in our hearts, our hearts. We are selfish to our cores, and the Bible identifies that as sin. It is pride. It is thinking, “I am the center of my universe,” or really, “I am the god of my life.” (No you aren't.)
So vote tomorrow. Vote as you believe God is leading you. Trust Him with the results. But remember, it is a heart issue. An issue that only a relationship with Christ can fix.
Bible Verses to Consult: Psalm 146: 3-4, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1-3, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9&10.
If you are like me, you are likely tired of the commercials. I think there should be term limits for Congress, time limits for campaigns – a year before the election seems reasonable, and perhaps a “pull the plug on commercials” about four days before the elections. I am tired of the disingenuous-ness of the commercials from both sides. (By the way, I learned the meaning of “disingenuous” during the Clinton Presidency. I think it had something to do with a girl named Monica.)
I have heard all the promises for the future, and all the criticism of the last eight years. Don’t believe the promises, and recognize that the losses of the last eight years are not result of the decisions of one man, a few persons, party, or whatever. I heard a coach speaking after a resounding loss explain why his team had done so poorly: “It was a team effort.”
I have done some reflecting on past Presidential terms, and have concluded that every one of them has their pluses and minuses. According to my memory (which may not be faultless, but is better than most politicians or corporate executives when having to testify on Capitol Hill) here are some of the things I remember. You may rate them positively or negatively. Your option.
Kennedy (D) : Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam
Johnson (D): War on Poverty, Vietnam Escalation
Nixon (R): Vietnam—eventually getting us out, Watergate
Ford (R): I don’t remember anything
Carter (D): Iran Hostage Crisis, Recession
Reagan (R): “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” Iran/Contra
G. H. Bush (R): First Gulf War
Clinton (D): Great Economy (but the debt was 5 trillion when he left office), First World Trade Center Attack, Missed Osama, Monica, Somalia (Black Hawk Down), Genocide in Rwanda
G. W. Bush: (R): 9/11, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ignoring Darfur, Economy…
I say all that just to point out that no party has a corner on righteousness or wisdom, and no one politician, be he/she President, Cabinet member, or member of Congress, causes anything alone – good or bad. Neither does any person or government have the power to “fix” all the problems of the world.
The solution to our problems is not political. It is spiritual, rooted deep in the hearts not only of the “voted on” but the voters. It doesn’t come down to one election, but how we live, every day. The root of personal and global problems are deep in our hearts, our hearts. We are selfish to our cores, and the Bible identifies that as sin. It is pride. It is thinking, “I am the center of my universe,” or really, “I am the god of my life.” (No you aren't.)
So vote tomorrow. Vote as you believe God is leading you. Trust Him with the results. But remember, it is a heart issue. An issue that only a relationship with Christ can fix.
Bible Verses to Consult: Psalm 146: 3-4, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1-3, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9&10.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
A few weeks ago I was in Romania, getting to visit with some people I have known for awhile. Most I have known since 1999 or 2000. A couple of others I have met since then. When I met them, they were kids, eight, nine or ten years old, and they were all residents at a state-run orphanage. Now they are grown or almost grown. Over the last couple of years, I have discovered a little about what the orphanage was like. To sum it up, without getting hideous, conditions were terrible. There was all kinds of psychological, emotional, physical and sexual abuses, piled on top of the rejection, neglect and abandonment these kids experienced. I used to say to people, “If you can imagine it, it probably happened at that orphanage.” But I have discovered that some things are beyond my imagination on its worst day.
In one conversation, one of these friends let me in, just a little, to some of the pain he experienced while in the orphanage. As we spoke, I prayed that somehow, he would experience the healing work of the Spirit of God through Christ deep down in his soul. I am grateful that he is a believer, because only the Creator can accomplish the “heart-healing” he needs. I encouraged him to talk to some mutual friends there who could help him. I also encouraged him to be careful of growing bitter, because he would be the one to suffer.
Hebrew 12:14-15 says, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…” Bitterness destroys the offended, not the offender. It spills out to people we really want to be close to, when we are under pressure.
This past Sunday night at church, our speaker, Tim Williams, spoke about the “Incredible Power of Forgiveness.” Here are a few salient points and quotes. Sorry that I don’t have attribution for where he was quoting.
“Forgiveness is a choice you make to give up your rights for vengeance and negative thoughts.”
Jesus said, “For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive them, then your Father who is in heaven will not forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:14-15) Jesus is making the point that we should extend grace and forgiveness to others that we want for ourselves. If not, somehow it will cost us.
Tim cited the story about the woman caught in adultery as an example of what Jesus was calling us to. (See John 8:1-11)
Psalm 7:11 “God is a righteous judge, And a God who has indignation every day.”
Tim followed that verse up with, “Forgiveness is not for the offender, but for the offended. It frees the offended and puts the responsibility on God to deal with the offender.” It was then I thought again about those words of caution in Hebrews 12.
My prayer for my Romanian friends, and for all of us, is that we will choose forgiveness. It can set us free.
A few weeks ago I was in Romania, getting to visit with some people I have known for awhile. Most I have known since 1999 or 2000. A couple of others I have met since then. When I met them, they were kids, eight, nine or ten years old, and they were all residents at a state-run orphanage. Now they are grown or almost grown. Over the last couple of years, I have discovered a little about what the orphanage was like. To sum it up, without getting hideous, conditions were terrible. There was all kinds of psychological, emotional, physical and sexual abuses, piled on top of the rejection, neglect and abandonment these kids experienced. I used to say to people, “If you can imagine it, it probably happened at that orphanage.” But I have discovered that some things are beyond my imagination on its worst day.
In one conversation, one of these friends let me in, just a little, to some of the pain he experienced while in the orphanage. As we spoke, I prayed that somehow, he would experience the healing work of the Spirit of God through Christ deep down in his soul. I am grateful that he is a believer, because only the Creator can accomplish the “heart-healing” he needs. I encouraged him to talk to some mutual friends there who could help him. I also encouraged him to be careful of growing bitter, because he would be the one to suffer.
Hebrew 12:14-15 says, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…” Bitterness destroys the offended, not the offender. It spills out to people we really want to be close to, when we are under pressure.
This past Sunday night at church, our speaker, Tim Williams, spoke about the “Incredible Power of Forgiveness.” Here are a few salient points and quotes. Sorry that I don’t have attribution for where he was quoting.
“Forgiveness is a choice you make to give up your rights for vengeance and negative thoughts.”
Jesus said, “For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive them, then your Father who is in heaven will not forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:14-15) Jesus is making the point that we should extend grace and forgiveness to others that we want for ourselves. If not, somehow it will cost us.
Tim cited the story about the woman caught in adultery as an example of what Jesus was calling us to. (See John 8:1-11)
Psalm 7:11 “God is a righteous judge, And a God who has indignation every day.”
Tim followed that verse up with, “Forgiveness is not for the offender, but for the offended. It frees the offended and puts the responsibility on God to deal with the offender.” It was then I thought again about those words of caution in Hebrews 12.
My prayer for my Romanian friends, and for all of us, is that we will choose forgiveness. It can set us free.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Irresistible Cross (Irresistible Quotes #3)
I am continuing with my series of quotes for Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. The first one here, though, really got me to thinking...
“… there is something profoundly unsettling about a church that has no crosses. True, the cross is not always seeker sensitive. It is not comfortable. But it is the cornerstone of our faith, and I fear that when we remove the cross, we remove the central symbol of the nonviolence and grace of our Lover. If we remove the cross, we are in danger of promoting a very cheap grace. Perhaps it should make us uncomfortable. After all, it wasn’t so comfy to get nailed there. (p.106-7)
I remember a conversation I had with a friend when I was in college. He was really turned off with the songs (hymns) we sing in church that talked about the blood. You know, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus..." "There is a fount that's filled with blood drawn from Immanuel's veins... " You know, just reading those words does seem a bit gory, but it reminds me of the terribly high price of my sin. The fact that Jesus Christ was willing to pay that price is incredible. The fact that the Father sent the Son to endure what He endured is even more amazing. As unpleasant as the cross may be, it is central to our redemption.
“… there is something profoundly unsettling about a church that has no crosses. True, the cross is not always seeker sensitive. It is not comfortable. But it is the cornerstone of our faith, and I fear that when we remove the cross, we remove the central symbol of the nonviolence and grace of our Lover. If we remove the cross, we are in danger of promoting a very cheap grace. Perhaps it should make us uncomfortable. After all, it wasn’t so comfy to get nailed there. (p.106-7)
I remember a conversation I had with a friend when I was in college. He was really turned off with the songs (hymns) we sing in church that talked about the blood. You know, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus..." "There is a fount that's filled with blood drawn from Immanuel's veins... " You know, just reading those words does seem a bit gory, but it reminds me of the terribly high price of my sin. The fact that Jesus Christ was willing to pay that price is incredible. The fact that the Father sent the Son to endure what He endured is even more amazing. As unpleasant as the cross may be, it is central to our redemption.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Irresitable Quotes, Part 2
I continue in my postings about The Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne. This first quote really hit me about the way we lead people to follow Jesus and then leave them there: “I came to realize that preachers were telling me to lay my life at the foot of the cross and weren’t giving me anything to pick up.”
[Tom, not Shane: In other words, new believers need to know what to do. I find that a great point. Just expecting people to figure it out on their own leads to people falling back into old ways. Let them know at the beginning that God has some special, life validating thing for them to do, like serving someone who needs it.]
He describes something he calls "Spiritual Bulimia" – [believers] consume large amounts of [spiritual] food but vomit it up before it has a chance to digest. [Ouch!]
“I used to be cool. Then I met Jesus and he wrecked my life.” (p.41)
“We decided to stop complaining about the church we saw, and we set our hearts on becoming the church we dreamed of.” (p.64)
“What would the world look like if we truly believed?” (p.84)
“Cynicism takes very little energy.” (p.100)
[Tom, not Shane: In other words, new believers need to know what to do. I find that a great point. Just expecting people to figure it out on their own leads to people falling back into old ways. Let them know at the beginning that God has some special, life validating thing for them to do, like serving someone who needs it.]
He describes something he calls "Spiritual Bulimia" – [believers] consume large amounts of [spiritual] food but vomit it up before it has a chance to digest. [Ouch!]
“I used to be cool. Then I met Jesus and he wrecked my life.” (p.41)
“We decided to stop complaining about the church we saw, and we set our hearts on becoming the church we dreamed of.” (p.64)
“What would the world look like if we truly believed?” (p.84)
“Cynicism takes very little energy.” (p.100)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Irresistible Quotes, Part 1
Yesterday was the introduction about Shane Claiborne's book, Irresistible Revolution. Here is the first set of quotes.
“There is a pervasive sense that things are not right in the world.”
“…most Christian artists and preachers have remained strangely distant from human suffering.”
“…rarely do we see that the sickness of the world has infected each of us.”
“This thing Jesus called the kingdom of God is emerging across the globe in the most unexpected places, a gentle whisper amid the chaos.”
“…the elephant and the donkey [think political party mascots] are the largest and the most stubborn of animals.”
“…the bear and the bull of Wall street are aggressive…”
“A pastor friend of mine said, ‘Our problem is that we no longer have martyrs. We only have celebrities.”
“Only God is awesome.”
“Dualism has infected the church, a dualism in which folks separate the spiritual from the political or social.”
All that, from the introduction.
To find out more about their community, go to www.thesimpleway.org
“There is a pervasive sense that things are not right in the world.”
“…most Christian artists and preachers have remained strangely distant from human suffering.”
“…rarely do we see that the sickness of the world has infected each of us.”
“This thing Jesus called the kingdom of God is emerging across the globe in the most unexpected places, a gentle whisper amid the chaos.”
“…the elephant and the donkey [think political party mascots] are the largest and the most stubborn of animals.”
“…the bear and the bull of Wall street are aggressive…”
“A pastor friend of mine said, ‘Our problem is that we no longer have martyrs. We only have celebrities.”
“Only God is awesome.”
“Dualism has infected the church, a dualism in which folks separate the spiritual from the political or social.”
All that, from the introduction.
To find out more about their community, go to www.thesimpleway.org
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Irresistible Reasoning and Thinking
I just finished Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. (I'll try to remember to add some links tomorrow. It is late.)
I have to admit I knew this was going to be a tough read from the get go, but it was a good tough. Challenging like crazy, but good challenging. Made me think, and pray, and meditate. Now, before I flip through the book and quote some of the underlined or corner folded down pages, let me just say that this book brings me back to some college days thinking. There was lots of radical thinking going on it the late sixties and early seventies. Some of it was awful. Some of it was thoughtful. Some of it was mournful. Some of it was meaningful. Some of it was biblical.
Thinking, especially thinking critically, is a scary thing, sometimes. It is much more comfortable to just assume that the way we do things is the way they should be done. This kind of assumption often gets Americans in trouble when they travel overseas. (Been there. Done that.) It also can be very uncomfortable for church people, ministers included. We just assume everything we do is rooted in the Bible. Yet, a lot of what we do has less rootage in the Bible than in tradition, comfort, and familiarity. Any believer that thinks their church is tradition-free needs to re-think that position. There are churches that would go ballistic if the Oak, Cherry, or Walnut pulpit were replaced with a shiny Plexiglas model, and vice versa.
Personally, I do not believe that everything we do has to have a biblical root. Some Christians think that there should be no instruments in church, but a pitch pipe is okay. Others think the piano and pipe organ only. Others would say that if it plays music, bring it on. (Funny thing is, I like all those kinds of music). But I digress.
What Irresistible Revolution does is make you think. Sometimes, the thoughts are, “Oh yeah. I can see that.” Other times, the thoughts are, “Woe is me (and us) for I (we) am (are) undone. He makes a strong — very strong — argument for his position, but, (thankfully!) seasons it with grace.
There is much to glean from this book. It should get a wider readership among people my age (58). The young are reading it. (I ask a friend recently out of seminary if he had read it, and he said, “No, but I think I am the only person who hasn’t.” In his age group and circle, he may be.) It will scare a lot of folks in my age group. It will make others mad… real mad… really, really mad! But too many folks are way too comfortable, having not entertained a critical thought in years.
Do I agree with everything he says? No, but I don’t know anyone I agree with on every possible idea or topic. What is important is thinking, getting into the Bible, and praying it through. You may come to different conclusions. But you may find yourself changing as well.
I have to admit I knew this was going to be a tough read from the get go, but it was a good tough. Challenging like crazy, but good challenging. Made me think, and pray, and meditate. Now, before I flip through the book and quote some of the underlined or corner folded down pages, let me just say that this book brings me back to some college days thinking. There was lots of radical thinking going on it the late sixties and early seventies. Some of it was awful. Some of it was thoughtful. Some of it was mournful. Some of it was meaningful. Some of it was biblical.
Thinking, especially thinking critically, is a scary thing, sometimes. It is much more comfortable to just assume that the way we do things is the way they should be done. This kind of assumption often gets Americans in trouble when they travel overseas. (Been there. Done that.) It also can be very uncomfortable for church people, ministers included. We just assume everything we do is rooted in the Bible. Yet, a lot of what we do has less rootage in the Bible than in tradition, comfort, and familiarity. Any believer that thinks their church is tradition-free needs to re-think that position. There are churches that would go ballistic if the Oak, Cherry, or Walnut pulpit were replaced with a shiny Plexiglas model, and vice versa.
Personally, I do not believe that everything we do has to have a biblical root. Some Christians think that there should be no instruments in church, but a pitch pipe is okay. Others think the piano and pipe organ only. Others would say that if it plays music, bring it on. (Funny thing is, I like all those kinds of music). But I digress.
What Irresistible Revolution does is make you think. Sometimes, the thoughts are, “Oh yeah. I can see that.” Other times, the thoughts are, “Woe is me (and us) for I (we) am (are) undone. He makes a strong — very strong — argument for his position, but, (thankfully!) seasons it with grace.
There is much to glean from this book. It should get a wider readership among people my age (58). The young are reading it. (I ask a friend recently out of seminary if he had read it, and he said, “No, but I think I am the only person who hasn’t.” In his age group and circle, he may be.) It will scare a lot of folks in my age group. It will make others mad… real mad… really, really mad! But too many folks are way too comfortable, having not entertained a critical thought in years.
Do I agree with everything he says? No, but I don’t know anyone I agree with on every possible idea or topic. What is important is thinking, getting into the Bible, and praying it through. You may come to different conclusions. But you may find yourself changing as well.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Crazy Love
I just finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Chan pastors Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California.
This book will, hopefully, rattle lots of cages within the ranks of American Christianity—at least it needs to. Radical? Yep. Biblical? Painfully so. There may be some divergence of opinion about his understanding of lukewarm Christians in Revelation 3:14-21, but don't let that side-track you.
This book challenges us to put our lives where our Christian mouths are. It isn't pretty. It isn't easy. But it is worth it. Chan calls us to put ourselves in a place where we have to trust God, the if-God-doesn't-come-through -I-am-toast kind of trust. He lives it and, and his church lives it.
Example (I paraphrase): "Jesus said to 'love your neighbor as yourself.' We decided, then, about a year ago, that it was logical to spend as much on our neighbors as we do ourselves. then our church should give away half of what it takes in."
Now this will resonate with young readers, but it gives great pause to those of us who have been a part of church forever (I am, see profile, late fifty-something, and my earliest memories include church). Most churches struggle to tithe their own income. That is only 10%. But 50%? I personally believe that churches need to tithe their income if they honestly expect their members to do it. I think if we give away to glorify God, then God will see to it that the income is there to sustain the giving away along with sustaining the church.
When I was a seminary student I served a small church in Southeastern Oklahoma on weekends as their youth guy. I remember being in a deacon meeting when one of the men said that "God began blessing our church when we decided that 5% of everything that came in would go to a benevolence fund for the poor." They still gave to other causes and to the denomination (Yes, they were SBC.) But here was a small church, on the corner of two section lines (a "section" is a square mile of land, I learned), situated six miles from "downtown." By the way, "town" had a population of 3200. The whole county's census was around 11,000. It had lots of sections. and plenty of poor people. It was so joyous to be able to give in Jesus' name to someone who needed His touch.
Cage rattled yet? Well, this thing about giving is just an example of a radical, Biblical, really Biblical faith. Check out the book. Pray over what you read.
Also, check out the videos on the crazylovebook website. Some of them are awesome. I haven't looked at them all, but I think you'll enjoy them, and maybe be challenged by them.
This book will, hopefully, rattle lots of cages within the ranks of American Christianity—at least it needs to. Radical? Yep. Biblical? Painfully so. There may be some divergence of opinion about his understanding of lukewarm Christians in Revelation 3:14-21, but don't let that side-track you.
This book challenges us to put our lives where our Christian mouths are. It isn't pretty. It isn't easy. But it is worth it. Chan calls us to put ourselves in a place where we have to trust God, the if-God-doesn't-come-through -I-am-toast kind of trust. He lives it and, and his church lives it.
Example (I paraphrase): "Jesus said to 'love your neighbor as yourself.' We decided, then, about a year ago, that it was logical to spend as much on our neighbors as we do ourselves. then our church should give away half of what it takes in."
Now this will resonate with young readers, but it gives great pause to those of us who have been a part of church forever (I am, see profile, late fifty-something, and my earliest memories include church). Most churches struggle to tithe their own income. That is only 10%. But 50%? I personally believe that churches need to tithe their income if they honestly expect their members to do it. I think if we give away to glorify God, then God will see to it that the income is there to sustain the giving away along with sustaining the church.
When I was a seminary student I served a small church in Southeastern Oklahoma on weekends as their youth guy. I remember being in a deacon meeting when one of the men said that "God began blessing our church when we decided that 5% of everything that came in would go to a benevolence fund for the poor." They still gave to other causes and to the denomination (Yes, they were SBC.) But here was a small church, on the corner of two section lines (a "section" is a square mile of land, I learned), situated six miles from "downtown." By the way, "town" had a population of 3200. The whole county's census was around 11,000. It had lots of sections. and plenty of poor people. It was so joyous to be able to give in Jesus' name to someone who needed His touch.
Cage rattled yet? Well, this thing about giving is just an example of a radical, Biblical, really Biblical faith. Check out the book. Pray over what you read.
Also, check out the videos on the crazylovebook website. Some of them are awesome. I haven't looked at them all, but I think you'll enjoy them, and maybe be challenged by them.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Crazy Radicals
I know. It has been awhile since I posted. Yet, "somehow," as Rat spoke to Pig in last Sunday's edition of Pearls Before Swine (Comics Section) "the world moved on. "
This one has been floating around in my brain for a couple of weeks. I am still not sure it is "done."
I have been thinking about Christ-followers who have figured out that Jesus' word to "Go" was not reserved for a few select people, but for everyone. Most of us, even those in the church, see these people as fanatics, or crazy radicals.
They don’t look like radicals. Yet, they have gotten a vision very different from what most of us see as Christianity. They have figured out that real Christianity is experienced through complete obedience, not just showing up at church once a week. They view life as a mission. Most are neither obnoxious or offensive in what they do. The love they feel for the people of the world is not natural, but put in their hearts through a relationship with their Creator.
Some of them are twenty, thirty and now forty-somethings. Some are "older" adults like myself. Some of them are college age. Some are High School kids. All are doing crazy stuff like spending a summer in service overseas, or in a difficult or remote setting in this country. They read the Bible imperatives about caring for the poor, for orphans, for outsiders. They believe Jesus was talking to them! Imagine.
They are a challenge to me, and at the same time give me hope for the future. They are willing to obey even if it means sacrificing comfort, security, wealth, etc., to impact cultures that range from “different” to “I-cannot-believe-you-are-living-there-like-that.”
They desire to not waste their life pursuing something that they will one day leave behind. Instead, they invest their lives in things eternal.
The Apostle Paul said... “We are fools for Christ’s sake…” 1 Corinthians 4:10
Crazy.
This one has been floating around in my brain for a couple of weeks. I am still not sure it is "done."
I have been thinking about Christ-followers who have figured out that Jesus' word to "Go" was not reserved for a few select people, but for everyone. Most of us, even those in the church, see these people as fanatics, or crazy radicals.
They don’t look like radicals. Yet, they have gotten a vision very different from what most of us see as Christianity. They have figured out that real Christianity is experienced through complete obedience, not just showing up at church once a week. They view life as a mission. Most are neither obnoxious or offensive in what they do. The love they feel for the people of the world is not natural, but put in their hearts through a relationship with their Creator.
Some of them are twenty, thirty and now forty-somethings. Some are "older" adults like myself. Some of them are college age. Some are High School kids. All are doing crazy stuff like spending a summer in service overseas, or in a difficult or remote setting in this country. They read the Bible imperatives about caring for the poor, for orphans, for outsiders. They believe Jesus was talking to them! Imagine.
They are a challenge to me, and at the same time give me hope for the future. They are willing to obey even if it means sacrificing comfort, security, wealth, etc., to impact cultures that range from “different” to “I-cannot-believe-you-are-living-there-like-that.”
They desire to not waste their life pursuing something that they will one day leave behind. Instead, they invest their lives in things eternal.
The Apostle Paul said... “We are fools for Christ’s sake…” 1 Corinthians 4:10
Crazy.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Been Called a Christian Lately?
I was reading a bit today in Crazy Love, by Francis Chan, who is pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, CA. It is pretty telling when you get nailed a couple of times in the forward (Written by Chris Tomlin). Chris cites the scripture passage in Acts 11:26 where believers were first called Christians in Antioch. They were given the name by people who had watched them. Tomlin wonders if anyone could be identified today as a Christian because it was obvious by their actions.
“Christian.” A literal definition I am told means “little Christ.” We don’t know if the people of Antioch meant the term as a compliment or a pejorative — yea or yuck. But still, the believers got the name because they looked like Jesus would have looked.
I wonder if any of us have ever been approached by someone who had observed our lives, either long or short term, who said something like: “I’ve been watching you. You must be a Christian.” I don’t think I have. That is convicting. Part of the church problem is that we church people look, act, smell, think, live the way everyone else does. Sadly, we think that is how it is supposed to be.
“Christian.” A literal definition I am told means “little Christ.” We don’t know if the people of Antioch meant the term as a compliment or a pejorative — yea or yuck. But still, the believers got the name because they looked like Jesus would have looked.
I wonder if any of us have ever been approached by someone who had observed our lives, either long or short term, who said something like: “I’ve been watching you. You must be a Christian.” I don’t think I have. That is convicting. Part of the church problem is that we church people look, act, smell, think, live the way everyone else does. Sadly, we think that is how it is supposed to be.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
KoG
“John Piper often reminds his readers about what we will present to God when we meet him face to face. Will it be our seashell collection? Will it be our low handicap in golf? Even though I like seashells and play golf whenever I get the chance, my point is that these are not to be all-consuming.” Mike Minter in A Western Jesus, page 148.
“Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain, in the Lord.” Apostle Paul in a letter to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“Weariness should come from Kingdom work.” — Mike Minter, page 149.
What does the Kingdom of God look like? In Rick McKinley’s challenging book, This Beautiful Mess, he spends a lot of time on that. He points out that Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is “here,” “near,” and yet it “is to come.” McKinley says it is “already” and “not yet.” The “not yet” part is in Revelation. The already is what we’re supposed to be about. Pastor Rick gives some great examples of what a few of the people in his church are doing to take the Kingdom of God to people. (Read the book. Turn off the screens and take time to read, think and pray. I don’t go for everything in the book, but most of it resonates. Your mileage may vary.)
I want to get a handle on the Biblical idea of “Kingdom of God.” And I want the western church to get it, and I want my church in particular to get it. Yet, I have to admit, catching hold of a Biblical concept of the Kingdom of God (KoG) and not the western re-interpretation of it is downright scary. It is radical.
From time to time, things happen in church life that make me want to rant, “What on earth does that have to do with the Kingdom of God?” The right answer is usually, “nothing.” It has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. It is far and away usually a matter of taste, comfort, tradition or something else that matters little to God. Church in America is more about “my kingdom come, my will be done,” than it is about His Kingdom coming.
My grandfather taught me the concept of “good tired.” It is the feeling you get after working very hard and being nearly exhausted, but because you had been involved helping someone else, something with a higher purpose than self, it was a “good tired.” To echo Minter: “Weariness should come from Kingdom work.”
Kingdom work is work that matters, has eternal impact, changes lives, helps people understand who Jesus is and how He cares for them, even if most churches and church people don’t. A lot of what churches do is good stuff, but it isn’t Kingdom work.
Twenty years ago, I took my first overseas trip for the Kingdom. I have never experienced anything like it. It was like Pentecost. People were asking us to tell them about Jesus. I heard about a church in the area. It was the largest. Most were small. Every Sunday, though, two thousand people would walk (some for miles) to the meeting spot and gather around a tree in the hot African sun, and worship. God often reminds me of that when I am whining about the church building being too cold or too hot. They had nothing else on which to focus.
Are you weary because of Kingdom work, or has church just made you tired?
“Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain, in the Lord.” Apostle Paul in a letter to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“Weariness should come from Kingdom work.” — Mike Minter, page 149.
What does the Kingdom of God look like? In Rick McKinley’s challenging book, This Beautiful Mess, he spends a lot of time on that. He points out that Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is “here,” “near,” and yet it “is to come.” McKinley says it is “already” and “not yet.” The “not yet” part is in Revelation. The already is what we’re supposed to be about. Pastor Rick gives some great examples of what a few of the people in his church are doing to take the Kingdom of God to people. (Read the book. Turn off the screens and take time to read, think and pray. I don’t go for everything in the book, but most of it resonates. Your mileage may vary.)
I want to get a handle on the Biblical idea of “Kingdom of God.” And I want the western church to get it, and I want my church in particular to get it. Yet, I have to admit, catching hold of a Biblical concept of the Kingdom of God (KoG) and not the western re-interpretation of it is downright scary. It is radical.
From time to time, things happen in church life that make me want to rant, “What on earth does that have to do with the Kingdom of God?” The right answer is usually, “nothing.” It has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. It is far and away usually a matter of taste, comfort, tradition or something else that matters little to God. Church in America is more about “my kingdom come, my will be done,” than it is about His Kingdom coming.
My grandfather taught me the concept of “good tired.” It is the feeling you get after working very hard and being nearly exhausted, but because you had been involved helping someone else, something with a higher purpose than self, it was a “good tired.” To echo Minter: “Weariness should come from Kingdom work.”
Kingdom work is work that matters, has eternal impact, changes lives, helps people understand who Jesus is and how He cares for them, even if most churches and church people don’t. A lot of what churches do is good stuff, but it isn’t Kingdom work.
Twenty years ago, I took my first overseas trip for the Kingdom. I have never experienced anything like it. It was like Pentecost. People were asking us to tell them about Jesus. I heard about a church in the area. It was the largest. Most were small. Every Sunday, though, two thousand people would walk (some for miles) to the meeting spot and gather around a tree in the hot African sun, and worship. God often reminds me of that when I am whining about the church building being too cold or too hot. They had nothing else on which to focus.
Are you weary because of Kingdom work, or has church just made you tired?
Friday, July 4, 2008
A Dunwoody 4th
Attended the annual Independence Day parade that runs right in front of my mom's house today.
There was anticipation,
Many were dressed for the occasion
Honor guard
Bands
Old Soldiers
And Remembering those no longer with us.
There was a huge flag
Floats (Many with politicians riding)
There was lots of candy thrown, and the kids loved it!
A birdman from the Hawks made an appearance
And lots of friendly faces.
And a bit of advertising
What a great country we are blessed to live in!
There was anticipation,
Many were dressed for the occasion
Honor guard
Bands
Old Soldiers
And Remembering those no longer with us.
There was a huge flag
Floats (Many with politicians riding)
There was lots of candy thrown, and the kids loved it!
A birdman from the Hawks made an appearance
And lots of friendly faces.
And a bit of advertising
What a great country we are blessed to live in!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Relevant (Signposts of Heaven - Part 2)
“We try so hard to be cool.” That statement from Rick MicKinley’s book, This Beautiful Mess, really hit me. (Multnomah Books)
But you say…
“Hey! We’re relevant. We’ve got screens! We use PowerPoint! Videos!”
“We’ve got a bazillion dollar sound system. People that come to our place never need that sound wave treatment to break up kidney stones. It happens right here every Sunday.” [We don’t have a system like that. Far from it.]
We will never “out-cool” the world or “entertain” as well as the world does it. That isn’t our purpose. (This does not mean, though, that we should make it a goal to be irrelevant! That just makes us ineffective.)
Relevance comes through relationships, not programs or technical doohickeys. It happens when people see Jesus coming through us instead of us telling about Him. He is changing us to be more like Himself, and thus, we are becoming “little Jesus’” wherever we are – or at least we are supposed to be.
Here are some quotes from the book…
“Relevance is a consequence of kingdom living, not a cause.”
“Authentic relationships make us relevant”
“Love given without any other agenda is always relevant.”
Hmmm.
But you say…
“Hey! We’re relevant. We’ve got screens! We use PowerPoint! Videos!”
“We’ve got a bazillion dollar sound system. People that come to our place never need that sound wave treatment to break up kidney stones. It happens right here every Sunday.” [We don’t have a system like that. Far from it.]
We will never “out-cool” the world or “entertain” as well as the world does it. That isn’t our purpose. (This does not mean, though, that we should make it a goal to be irrelevant! That just makes us ineffective.)
Relevance comes through relationships, not programs or technical doohickeys. It happens when people see Jesus coming through us instead of us telling about Him. He is changing us to be more like Himself, and thus, we are becoming “little Jesus’” wherever we are – or at least we are supposed to be.
Here are some quotes from the book…
“Relevance is a consequence of kingdom living, not a cause.”
“Authentic relationships make us relevant”
“Love given without any other agenda is always relevant.”
Hmmm.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Signposts of Heaven - (Part 1) Sent!
Signposts of Heaven – Sent
Been reading Rick McKinley’s book, This Beautiful Mess. I have just finished chapter 7 – “Signposts of Heaven.” [Rick isn’t a SBC guy, but he and his church are having an impact, perhaps a profound one, in a large city in the Northwest part of our country. Some of his practice probably differs from mine, but his Jesus is the same.] There are two things in this chapter that jumped out at me. The first one is the idea of being “sent.” The other one is “relevance” – but that is another blog. Perhaps tomorrow.
Signpost of Heaven – the title comes from the idea that every believer is to live his or her life to point others to the Kingdom of God and Heaven. Pastor Rick says, “Paradoxically, signposts of the kingdom radiate the most beauty when they’re planted in the middle of the most mess.”
Think this way. A light shows up the most when in the greatest darkness.
Hmmm. Think about that for a few moments before reading on.
I have to admit that I plan my life, well… try to plan my life so I avoid the mess and the people of the mess. Yet, every one of us has some mess in our background. You and I should be grateful that God has “redeemed my life from the pit,” as the Psalmist said. (Psalm 103, as an example).
Sent. Even the most nominal evangelical should be able to state Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus said “Go.” He said it to all of us. Every Christ follower is sent. McKinley notes, “In the Bible, the word sent is used more than 650 times, and in a majority of its uses, God is doing the sending.”
Later on in the chapter: “ ‘Going’ implies that we go somewhere new, to someone not like us,”
Most of us just assume he wants us to hang out with people that are pretty much like us. Go to any church. Most of the people there look pretty much like the rest, as far as culture and economic standing go. Jesus wants us to cross a border. It may not be a national or international one. It might be a cultural one. And it might be into a mess. But it can be beautiful.
Who (and whose mess) is He sending you to?
Been reading Rick McKinley’s book, This Beautiful Mess. I have just finished chapter 7 – “Signposts of Heaven.” [Rick isn’t a SBC guy, but he and his church are having an impact, perhaps a profound one, in a large city in the Northwest part of our country. Some of his practice probably differs from mine, but his Jesus is the same.] There are two things in this chapter that jumped out at me. The first one is the idea of being “sent.” The other one is “relevance” – but that is another blog. Perhaps tomorrow.
Signpost of Heaven – the title comes from the idea that every believer is to live his or her life to point others to the Kingdom of God and Heaven. Pastor Rick says, “Paradoxically, signposts of the kingdom radiate the most beauty when they’re planted in the middle of the most mess.”
Think this way. A light shows up the most when in the greatest darkness.
Hmmm. Think about that for a few moments before reading on.
I have to admit that I plan my life, well… try to plan my life so I avoid the mess and the people of the mess. Yet, every one of us has some mess in our background. You and I should be grateful that God has “redeemed my life from the pit,” as the Psalmist said. (Psalm 103, as an example).
Sent. Even the most nominal evangelical should be able to state Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus said “Go.” He said it to all of us. Every Christ follower is sent. McKinley notes, “In the Bible, the word sent is used more than 650 times, and in a majority of its uses, God is doing the sending.”
Later on in the chapter: “ ‘Going’ implies that we go somewhere new, to someone not like us,”
Most of us just assume he wants us to hang out with people that are pretty much like us. Go to any church. Most of the people there look pretty much like the rest, as far as culture and economic standing go. Jesus wants us to cross a border. It may not be a national or international one. It might be a cultural one. And it might be into a mess. But it can be beautiful.
Who (and whose mess) is He sending you to?
Monday, June 30, 2008
If MY People
Some days, the spiritual forecast where I live looks pretty stormy. Our culture seems to be headed to down a moral sewer. But when things often look the darkest, there is a light coming through.
Lots of folks seem to think that "light" is electing the right person or persons. If we do, then everything in this country will get fixed. Not gonna happen. Sorry.
God has another idea. He is waiting for those of us who know Him to get lives, priorities, and perspectives right. People that don't know God act like it. They make choices that go against the wisdom of the One who created everything and holds it all together. But God isn't calling the people who don't follow him to get things right. He calls us.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked way, then from heaven will I hear, forgive them of their sin, and heal their land.”
God says "if MY people..." not "those people." He calls us to humble ourselves. That means admitting that we need Him because we think, choose, and act wrongly on our best day. We're needy! And by the way, it is way better to humble yourself than to wait for God to do it. He can, but we really don't want Him to do that. If we humble ourselves before Him, evidenced by our prayers, and our repentance, that is enough. When enough believers do that, then from heaven will He hear, and heal [our] land. If our nation is not "healed" the blame will not go on the heads of politicians, musicians or movie makers. It will be ours: the God followers.
Call it renewal, revival, making things right, whatever. It means getting rid of any and every thing that messes up our relationship with God, and start focusing on what matters to Him.
I need that in my life.
You probably do too.
Take some time out and spend some time with Him. Get the healing started.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Stainless Steel Store
I have corresponded a number of times this week with a friend in India. So tonight, as I was thinking about a picture to post, India was on my mind. Last year I was with a Medical-Dental team preparing to head out to a "remote area" (that is what the Indians call it, and they are not kidding!). My friend had us stop at what we call "The Stainless Steel Store." I have never seen so much stainless steel in one place in my life. The entire first floor of this store was filled with stainless steel. If you use it in a kitchen, they had it in stainless steel! There were pots and pans of course, and buckets, plates, cups, bowls, platters, trays and utensils.I wish I'd had the money (stuff was very reasonable) and the luggage weight allowance to buy a pile of it. Maybe next time!
No heavy thoughts in this post. Just fun! Click on the pic to get a bigger view.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
An Intermediate Day
This has been one of those days where I feel like I got a lot of things done, but not much accomplished — probably because most of what I did today was intermediate steps to things. I had a great walk this morning, and listened to a podcast or two while walking. But I still have to walk tomorrow. Office work—sitting in front of a computer screen (or screens) and doing a few things in process. Still, when I back up, I realize that what I did may have huge implications for a group of people in India. Other tasks were brought to bear that may lead to great help of a group of people in Eastern Europe. Also fiddled with a few technical doohickeys. After leading a meeting for a few adults, I sat in on choir and orchestra practice, helping with sound and making notes for how the music will run for the guys who'll be running the sound and video stuff come Sunday. Very little today with a "mission accomplished" feel to it, but very important intermediate steps.
I did hear from a few God Travelers today, and that was good. These young guys and gals bless me!
I did hear from a few God Travelers today, and that was good. These young guys and gals bless me!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Character or Talent
I was walking and listening to my iPod yesterday to a several year old interview with Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic in Pasadena, CA. He said some good stuff, but this comment arrested my thinking... “We need to run as fast as our character is deepening, and not as fast as our talents are expanding.”
It is so easy with our technology, educational opportunities, etc., to expand our talents and abilities, as well as gain new skills. However, it is our character that we need to focus on. Am I guarding my heart? (Proverbs 4:23) Am I seeking Him with all my heart? (Matthew 6:33). If I run ahead of my character, my footing becomes dangerous and unreliable. I am setting myself up for a fall.
Lord, keep me from being confident in myself, my abilities, my talents, my strengths. Help me to continue to grow up in you, and for my character to grow deep roots in your character.
It is so easy with our technology, educational opportunities, etc., to expand our talents and abilities, as well as gain new skills. However, it is our character that we need to focus on. Am I guarding my heart? (Proverbs 4:23) Am I seeking Him with all my heart? (Matthew 6:33). If I run ahead of my character, my footing becomes dangerous and unreliable. I am setting myself up for a fall.
Lord, keep me from being confident in myself, my abilities, my talents, my strengths. Help me to continue to grow up in you, and for my character to grow deep roots in your character.
Monday, June 23, 2008
God Travelers
This summer, as every summer, I have seen the departure of several of our young college students to go serve the "One who loves them the most" overseas. Some go for a couple of weeks, some for the bulk of the summer. It is hard to watch them leave, especially those that I have had opportunity to know well. Moms and dads watch them leave with many emotions – excited because their child is serving Father, but grieving because this one they love so much is heading off to places where they (mom and dad) do not know and cannot be. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends feel a degree of the same emotions for many of the same reasons.
Others, even fellow Father and Son followers wonder “why on earth they’d want to do that!” It is simple, really. It starts out of a heart of obedience to the Son’s commands in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-48, John 20:21-22 and Acts 1:8. It grows as they hear others speak of what Father is doing in far away places, and what He is teaching them as they go. Father opens doors of relationship and opportunity to get these young men and women on the field—and they go.
Many of them return with incredible stories of what they saw Father, Son and Spirit do while there were wherever they were. It is a bit like the report of the Seventy followers that Jesus sent out in Luke 10:17. Many of their hearers back home are amazed. They have never seen God do what these God travelers have seen. The travelers, whether they ever go across the border again, will never be the same. They will have a perspective on God, and a perspective on the world that too few of us have. Some will go again, long-term.
Still, it is a bit tough to watch them leave. Yet this is what we have brought them up to do, what we have taught them that the Book says: to obey Father no matter what—no matter where.
Are these God travelers perfect practitioners of the faith? No. Haven’t met anyone who is. They are like you and me, struggling in some areas, victoriously living in others, but they are stepping out (way out, in some cases) of their comfort zones to do what is obviously a clear call in scripture.
The ones that I know who are gone this summer, some in places too sensitive to mention, are in my prayers. So are their parents. (I am fifty-eight and my mom still worries when I head overseas. It is in a parent’s job description.) If you know of some, be sure they are on your prayer list, too.
These God travelers, though young, challenge me to never forget that Jesus said, “Go.”
Others, even fellow Father and Son followers wonder “why on earth they’d want to do that!” It is simple, really. It starts out of a heart of obedience to the Son’s commands in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-48, John 20:21-22 and Acts 1:8. It grows as they hear others speak of what Father is doing in far away places, and what He is teaching them as they go. Father opens doors of relationship and opportunity to get these young men and women on the field—and they go.
Many of them return with incredible stories of what they saw Father, Son and Spirit do while there were wherever they were. It is a bit like the report of the Seventy followers that Jesus sent out in Luke 10:17. Many of their hearers back home are amazed. They have never seen God do what these God travelers have seen. The travelers, whether they ever go across the border again, will never be the same. They will have a perspective on God, and a perspective on the world that too few of us have. Some will go again, long-term.
Still, it is a bit tough to watch them leave. Yet this is what we have brought them up to do, what we have taught them that the Book says: to obey Father no matter what—no matter where.
Are these God travelers perfect practitioners of the faith? No. Haven’t met anyone who is. They are like you and me, struggling in some areas, victoriously living in others, but they are stepping out (way out, in some cases) of their comfort zones to do what is obviously a clear call in scripture.
The ones that I know who are gone this summer, some in places too sensitive to mention, are in my prayers. So are their parents. (I am fifty-eight and my mom still worries when I head overseas. It is in a parent’s job description.) If you know of some, be sure they are on your prayer list, too.
These God travelers, though young, challenge me to never forget that Jesus said, “Go.”
Friday, June 20, 2008
June 15-20 - Another week closer to the end
This has been a rather crazy week, but not a bad one. Monday was spent seeing our two teenagers off to camp, staff meetings, stuff, a bit of exercise and a last meeting with some really great high school guys (who were not able to go to camp). Even though I no longer am a youth pastor, I still enjoy spending time with a small group of them who are doing their best to learn and to be consistent Christ followers. When there is a "bad" day at the office, spending time with young people who love Jesus reminds me why I do church. [Note: following Jesus is easier than doing church. They are not mutually exclusive, but neither are they the same.] Tuesday and Wednesday were good days. Managed to exercise (walk - I just gotta do it) each day. Wednesday afternoon got to renew some friendships with some old friends. Fun! Spent some time at my mom's on Thursday and Friday, helping her get some things done. Back in Augusta to meet the teens as they arrived home from camp.
I really am trying to do more exercise. My flabby body needs it, and so does my heart, lungs, and stress level. It is also a great time to listen to podcasts from some of my favorite speakers - Andy Stanley is at the top of the list, but I have been listening to Perry Noble some as well. Perry is rather earthy sometimes - must be that he was a youth pastor early on - but he has something to say. I also have a few old messages by Jack Taylor and Dave Busby that God used to change my life that I listen to occasionally. Anyway, the latest motivation for exercise (other than the mirror!) is a note from a Christian worker we'll be visiting in September. He noted that the apartment he and his wife live in is 64 steps up. Gotta love Eastern Europe!
Tonight I have been catching up on Carrie's and Eli's blogs, and about to see what Griggs (DIG) has been up to this week.
I'll try to post something "spiritual" in a day or so... but isn't helping your mom "spiritual"? I think so.
The next post may have something to do with Revival - mine, and the one you probably need.
I really am trying to do more exercise. My flabby body needs it, and so does my heart, lungs, and stress level. It is also a great time to listen to podcasts from some of my favorite speakers - Andy Stanley is at the top of the list, but I have been listening to Perry Noble some as well. Perry is rather earthy sometimes - must be that he was a youth pastor early on - but he has something to say. I also have a few old messages by Jack Taylor and Dave Busby that God used to change my life that I listen to occasionally. Anyway, the latest motivation for exercise (other than the mirror!) is a note from a Christian worker we'll be visiting in September. He noted that the apartment he and his wife live in is 64 steps up. Gotta love Eastern Europe!
Tonight I have been catching up on Carrie's and Eli's blogs, and about to see what Griggs (DIG) has been up to this week.
I'll try to post something "spiritual" in a day or so... but isn't helping your mom "spiritual"? I think so.
The next post may have something to do with Revival - mine, and the one you probably need.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
SBC - Regenerate Church Membership Resolution
I have to admit to you at the very start that I missed the debate and the adoption of this resolution on regenerate church membership (Resolution #6). I just cannot sit for sixteen hours in one day. Now that it was adopted, it is already being misunderstood and/or, misquoted. (Gee, what a surprise!)
The resolution as adopted can be read at Baptist Press
It does not give place to a "works" gospel. It does challenge both recalcitrant members and "dip and drop" style membership. I think we do need to repent about this numbers thing. For years, when asked how many members my church had, I have responded with a question, "You want the 'official' or the 'real' numbers?" My follow up to that is how many we have "on paper," followed by how many are "members" of the Sunday School, and then the average number of how many of them actually show up on a given Sunday. That's reality. It may hit us in our "church pride." But that is the real deal.
I have often wondered how you can be a member of an SBC church and not a member of a Sunday School (or small group, if you are in a "simple" kind of church). That is where you connect with other believers (unless your teacher just preaches for an hour), challenge each other, grow, and, reach out. Small groups or Sunday School groups are part and parcel of who we are.
Neither have I understood how you can say, "I'm a believer," and yet live completely contrary to Hebrews 10:24-25, which, among other things, says that we should "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together." I do think the writer of Hebrews had in mind that we be together more often than Christmas, Easter, and perhaps Mother's Day.
I have never understood this "non-resident member" thing. I just don't believe people worship in a place they do not live. Salt in a shaker hundreds of miles away isn't very usable. Neither is a light. I suppose with streaming internet from some churches, it could be a bit more true today than years back.
And, by the way, there is likely no other question that tells you any less about a church than "How many members y'all got?" What if they fight like cats and dogs? What if none of them are new believers? What if none (or only a few) are becoming more like Jesus?
The resolution as adopted can be read at Baptist Press
It does not give place to a "works" gospel. It does challenge both recalcitrant members and "dip and drop" style membership. I think we do need to repent about this numbers thing. For years, when asked how many members my church had, I have responded with a question, "You want the 'official' or the 'real' numbers?" My follow up to that is how many we have "on paper," followed by how many are "members" of the Sunday School, and then the average number of how many of them actually show up on a given Sunday. That's reality. It may hit us in our "church pride." But that is the real deal.
I have often wondered how you can be a member of an SBC church and not a member of a Sunday School (or small group, if you are in a "simple" kind of church). That is where you connect with other believers (unless your teacher just preaches for an hour), challenge each other, grow, and, reach out. Small groups or Sunday School groups are part and parcel of who we are.
Neither have I understood how you can say, "I'm a believer," and yet live completely contrary to Hebrews 10:24-25, which, among other things, says that we should "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together." I do think the writer of Hebrews had in mind that we be together more often than Christmas, Easter, and perhaps Mother's Day.
I have never understood this "non-resident member" thing. I just don't believe people worship in a place they do not live. Salt in a shaker hundreds of miles away isn't very usable. Neither is a light. I suppose with streaming internet from some churches, it could be a bit more true today than years back.
And, by the way, there is likely no other question that tells you any less about a church than "How many members y'all got?" What if they fight like cats and dogs? What if none of them are new believers? What if none (or only a few) are becoming more like Jesus?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wenesday Night - It is history
We had some great music. They were using the same book our choir uses. Thou O, Lord; Through the Fire; songs like that. We adopted some resolutions (which should be reported at Baptist Press). Charles Billingsley was the guest worship leader. That boy does alright.
The best things tonight:
1. Challenge from the Executive Director of the Minnesota/Wisconsin Convention, Leo Endel. Challenged us to remember that it is with both Truth and Grace that we will reach people. He quoted from UnChristian, reminding us of how outsiders see believers. Basically, outsiders are repelled by us. Look at Jesus, and outsiders flocked to Him. [The religious folks? Not so much.] Truth without grace is not gospel, and neither is grace without truth. It is a balance of both.
2. International Mission Board Challenge – More great video from Dr. Rankin’s trip into the jungles of Peru and the Mountains of Ecuador with his 12-year-old grandson. Testimonies came from two young adults who had served two years on an Extreme Team in South America. It seems the IMB is really seeking to encourage young college-age people to invest a semester up to two years to advance the kingdom.
Of course, statistics were given, that do indicate growing impact over the last ten years, and we felt encouraged until those numbers were compared with the incredible lostness that encircles our globe. Who Will Go Tell?
Who?
With that, the benediction was pronounced, and the convention is now history.
We leave our hotel at 5:30 AM to start the trip home.
But let the question linger: “Who will go tell?”
The best things tonight:
1. Challenge from the Executive Director of the Minnesota/Wisconsin Convention, Leo Endel. Challenged us to remember that it is with both Truth and Grace that we will reach people. He quoted from UnChristian, reminding us of how outsiders see believers. Basically, outsiders are repelled by us. Look at Jesus, and outsiders flocked to Him. [The religious folks? Not so much.] Truth without grace is not gospel, and neither is grace without truth. It is a balance of both.
2. International Mission Board Challenge – More great video from Dr. Rankin’s trip into the jungles of Peru and the Mountains of Ecuador with his 12-year-old grandson. Testimonies came from two young adults who had served two years on an Extreme Team in South America. It seems the IMB is really seeking to encourage young college-age people to invest a semester up to two years to advance the kingdom.
Of course, statistics were given, that do indicate growing impact over the last ten years, and we felt encouraged until those numbers were compared with the incredible lostness that encircles our globe. Who Will Go Tell?
Who?
With that, the benediction was pronounced, and the convention is now history.
We leave our hotel at 5:30 AM to start the trip home.
But let the question linger: “Who will go tell?”
Wednesday Morning and Afternoon
Missions
Al Gilbert, pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Winston Salem, NC, preached the Convention Sermon this morning. Near the end of his message, he told this story…
Ms. Bertha Smith (wonderful missionary to China and prayer warrior years ago) came by their apartment (I think while they were in Seminary). Al was away, so she visited with Al’s wife. She laid hands on each of the three children and prayed that God would send them to the mission field. Then she prayed for his wife and the baby she was carrying. A couple of years later, Al’s wife told him that she began to pray the day that Ms. Bertha stopped by…
“Lord, send us anywhere any time, and if not us, send our children.”
[My thought: Could we say that? Would we say that?]
That day Ms. Bertha also said that we need to pray that God would send all our kids to the mission field, with half going overseas and the other half staying home and making the money to support their work.
Today, three of their four children are serving. There’s one staying home to, as Ms. Bertha said, to support them.
Southwestern Luncheon
We attended the alumni luncheon for Southwestern Seminary today. Great food. Some good news, along with the recognition of three distinguished alumni were highlights.. Tom Elliff who will speak for our church on the 22, was one of the folks. He is one of the finest, most consistent men I have known, and I met him when I was doing weekend youth ministry in Atoka, OK while a student during the week in Fort Worth. He came a did a prayer conference for our little church. He is still the same gracious and humble man he was then, and he is such a man of faith and encouragement! Garry Moore, worship pastor at second Baptist Houston was another distinguished alumni.
But the highlight was the awarding of the Distinguished Alumni award to Rev. Eugene Florence. He began as a night student at age 39 in 1943. He had to come at night, because he was a black man. (Now if you do the math, you can figure out that Rev. Florence is 104! He still preaches some, and he may still drive! (That gives me pause.) I wish I could reprint the whole article about him, but it would be long. If I find something, I'll post it.
Fireproof!
April and I got to see a pre-release screening today of Fireproof. It was great. It hits the theaters on September 26. It’s speaks of Covenant Marriage, as it tells the story of one couple’s journey. It will make you laugh (some scenes are hilarious), cry, and there are a couple of heart thumping scenes as well. I say, plan now to see it, and plan who you’ll take to see it. www.fireproofthemovie.com
Al Gilbert, pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Winston Salem, NC, preached the Convention Sermon this morning. Near the end of his message, he told this story…
Ms. Bertha Smith (wonderful missionary to China and prayer warrior years ago) came by their apartment (I think while they were in Seminary). Al was away, so she visited with Al’s wife. She laid hands on each of the three children and prayed that God would send them to the mission field. Then she prayed for his wife and the baby she was carrying. A couple of years later, Al’s wife told him that she began to pray the day that Ms. Bertha stopped by…
“Lord, send us anywhere any time, and if not us, send our children.”
[My thought: Could we say that? Would we say that?]
That day Ms. Bertha also said that we need to pray that God would send all our kids to the mission field, with half going overseas and the other half staying home and making the money to support their work.
Today, three of their four children are serving. There’s one staying home to, as Ms. Bertha said, to support them.
Southwestern Luncheon
We attended the alumni luncheon for Southwestern Seminary today. Great food. Some good news, along with the recognition of three distinguished alumni were highlights.. Tom Elliff who will speak for our church on the 22, was one of the folks. He is one of the finest, most consistent men I have known, and I met him when I was doing weekend youth ministry in Atoka, OK while a student during the week in Fort Worth. He came a did a prayer conference for our little church. He is still the same gracious and humble man he was then, and he is such a man of faith and encouragement! Garry Moore, worship pastor at second Baptist Houston was another distinguished alumni.
But the highlight was the awarding of the Distinguished Alumni award to Rev. Eugene Florence. He began as a night student at age 39 in 1943. He had to come at night, because he was a black man. (Now if you do the math, you can figure out that Rev. Florence is 104! He still preaches some, and he may still drive! (That gives me pause.) I wish I could reprint the whole article about him, but it would be long. If I find something, I'll post it.
Fireproof!
April and I got to see a pre-release screening today of Fireproof. It was great. It hits the theaters on September 26. It’s speaks of Covenant Marriage, as it tells the story of one couple’s journey. It will make you laugh (some scenes are hilarious), cry, and there are a couple of heart thumping scenes as well. I say, plan now to see it, and plan who you’ll take to see it. www.fireproofthemovie.com
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Connecting and Catching Up
Among the 7000+ of us are here, April and I have run into some I expected and some I was surprised (pleasantly!) to run into.
I am not sure how to list them, because I am sure I have them out of chronological order in my head, so I’ll just make the list as best I can…
We met up with Bucky and Stacy Kennedy in the Atlanta Airport between flights. Great to see them. Bucky is doing great, even though he has recently given up an aggravating gall bladder.
We spent a good deal of time with Chris and Tiffany Griggs on Monday evening. It was fun to catch up and fun to laugh with each other again. We met up at the Lottie Moon banquet. While the four of us were visiting, we got to meet up with Guy Hipp. Guy is administrative pastor at Chris’ home church, and years ago, Guy was Chris’ youth pastor. Guy and I knew each other from Reach Out ministries, and we, along with some other churches, did several Christmas retreats together. Chris was a camper on some of those trips.
We ran into Kevin and Mary Anne Steele. Kevin pastors National Hills BC in Augusta, and got back very early Saturday morning from a mission trip to Siberia. He preached Sunday morning, and then was leaving Augusta at nearly the same time April and I were. (They were going through Charlotte, us through Atlanta.)
We have run into John Bryan, Mark Harris, and Rusty Newman – all former pastors. Great to have a chance to catch up a bit. All are doing well.
We saw Bill Marlette briefly during one of the sessions. He says VBS is going well at home. Good job, all of you at home!
As we were heading out to go have supper with Joyce and Roy Scarborough, we ran into Chuck and Dawn Ward. I met Chuck when I was a youth ministry intern in his home church. He was away at college most of the time I was there, and his younger brother was in the youth group. Chuck headed for student ministry, and we roomed together our first year in seminary. Well, actually, we garage-apartment-ed in a place that was, shall we say, small but adequate. We spent some good time after tonight’s session catching up.
We greeted a few others in the hallways, but I won’t name drop any more than I already have. It is fun to catch up with some of these folks.
Mo' later.
I am not sure how to list them, because I am sure I have them out of chronological order in my head, so I’ll just make the list as best I can…
We met up with Bucky and Stacy Kennedy in the Atlanta Airport between flights. Great to see them. Bucky is doing great, even though he has recently given up an aggravating gall bladder.
We spent a good deal of time with Chris and Tiffany Griggs on Monday evening. It was fun to catch up and fun to laugh with each other again. We met up at the Lottie Moon banquet. While the four of us were visiting, we got to meet up with Guy Hipp. Guy is administrative pastor at Chris’ home church, and years ago, Guy was Chris’ youth pastor. Guy and I knew each other from Reach Out ministries, and we, along with some other churches, did several Christmas retreats together. Chris was a camper on some of those trips.
We ran into Kevin and Mary Anne Steele. Kevin pastors National Hills BC in Augusta, and got back very early Saturday morning from a mission trip to Siberia. He preached Sunday morning, and then was leaving Augusta at nearly the same time April and I were. (They were going through Charlotte, us through Atlanta.)
We have run into John Bryan, Mark Harris, and Rusty Newman – all former pastors. Great to have a chance to catch up a bit. All are doing well.
We saw Bill Marlette briefly during one of the sessions. He says VBS is going well at home. Good job, all of you at home!
As we were heading out to go have supper with Joyce and Roy Scarborough, we ran into Chuck and Dawn Ward. I met Chuck when I was a youth ministry intern in his home church. He was away at college most of the time I was there, and his younger brother was in the youth group. Chuck headed for student ministry, and we roomed together our first year in seminary. Well, actually, we garage-apartment-ed in a place that was, shall we say, small but adequate. We spent some good time after tonight’s session catching up.
We greeted a few others in the hallways, but I won’t name drop any more than I already have. It is fun to catch up with some of these folks.
Mo' later.
First Century Roots
So much of what I am hearing (and, so far, this meeting is way more spiritually encouraging and helpful) is to remember the basics of evangelism and missions. I think this would go very deep in how we do church if we were honest. What would happen if we all got really honest, divested ourselves of our “favorite” ministries, programs, activities, or gathering, and took a God-directed evaluative look at whether or not these things were reaching non-believers and/or producing life change in believers? I think it would be very uncomfortable, but it would be very good for us in the long run. I don’t know what things might get dropped from our church schedule, but I am sure that we would see radical change in the way we do a lot of what we do. When we think of roots, we need to go back to the first century. What made a difference then? Read the Book.
You'll want to scroll down to see lots of individual posts from today.
You'll want to scroll down to see lots of individual posts from today.
Business and Election
The Executive Committee made a strong statement today, encouraging churches to do the right thing and protect our innocent from sexual predators. This means notifying authorities, looking honestly at a terrible situation, and to never, in any way, “look the other way” should such happen in a church, whether pastoral staff, leader or volunteer leader. They also are providing churches with multiple resources to be watchful as they protect their people. Good.
Johnny Hunt was elected President today on the first ballot.
I was disappointed for Frank's sake. Lets lift both up to the Lord today.
Johnny Hunt was elected President today on the first ballot.
I was disappointed for Frank's sake. Lets lift both up to the Lord today.
Billy Kim
The Executive Committee recognized Dr. Billy Kim for his work as a world evangelist. I remember sitting in front of the TV in 1973, transfixed as he interpreted for Dr. Billy Graham, as, more than one million people gathered in a plaza in Seoul to hear the gospel. God used Dr. Kim to match the gestures and inflections of Dr. Graham. Now, he pastors a huge church in Korea, and leads the Far East Broadcasting network, operating nine stations, tow of which are high power AM stations broadcasting the Gospel to North Korea, China and Japan. We thank God for such a man.
$1.26 of every $1.00
As part of the morning session, we were shown a short video. It pointed out that for every dollar we Americans earn, we spend $1.26. Jesus said, “You cannot serve two masters. You will hate one and love the other… You cannot serve God and money.” [This is not a new trend.]
Then, Bill Gaither (The Gaither Vocal Band sang several songs for us this AM. Not bad!) told about how he and his wife Gloria still live in the house they started in as school teachers, before they started writing music. He said that “through the joy of giving, you find the joy of living.” Money is a starting place. Your time is another.
Then, Bill Gaither (The Gaither Vocal Band sang several songs for us this AM. Not bad!) told about how he and his wife Gloria still live in the house they started in as school teachers, before they started writing music. He said that “through the joy of giving, you find the joy of living.” Money is a starting place. Your time is another.
Young Guys
I am seeing a few here. I don’t know what the percentage is. It is not as high as I think it ought to be, but it does give me a bit of hope. When we see some on the platform—that will be a good day.
Last night I got to hear J. D. Greer, (by my definition, “a young guy”) who pastors Summit Church in Durham. He gave a brief challenge at the Lottie Moon Dinner. He challenged us in that all of us, preachers, staff, and members, were given the great commission. It is not a commission to a few, but to all, and all of us are to be involved some way.
Last night I got to hear J. D. Greer, (by my definition, “a young guy”) who pastors Summit Church in Durham. He gave a brief challenge at the Lottie Moon Dinner. He challenged us in that all of us, preachers, staff, and members, were given the great commission. It is not a commission to a few, but to all, and all of us are to be involved some way.
Monday, June 9, 2008
GO TELL
April and I had the privilege of attending the Lottie Moon appreciation/kick-off banquet this evening. The theme for this year is Go Tell, and the focus in on South America. Saw some video out-takes from a trip that Dr. Rankin, along with his 12-year-old grandson made into the high country of Peru and Ecuador with the extreme team. They stayed at a village, and they ate monkey and some kind of root every day for several days.
The Challenge is still huge. Young people like those on the Extreme Team are among those who will fulfill the Great Commission. Others will be those from churches who go, even if there are no other workers in the field.
After the dinner, spent some time with several friends - some of who I have not seen in years.
Tomorrow, the Convention gets started.
The Challenge is still huge. Young people like those on the Extreme Team are among those who will fulfill the Great Commission. Others will be those from churches who go, even if there are no other workers in the field.
After the dinner, spent some time with several friends - some of who I have not seen in years.
Tomorrow, the Convention gets started.
Monday Morning at the SBC
Good walk – good breakfast – smooth registration process – good messages in the Pastor’s Conference. This morning’s theme was “Brokenness.”
The last two messages this morning were awesome. George Harris, FBC Kerrville, TX related his story of recovery and depression after a terrible motorcycle accident. On one of many sleepless nights, God made Psalm 116 alive to him. That night, he moved from brokenness to the deepest intimacy of his life with God.
The final morning message was from Ed Litton. He quoted Alan Redpath (I'll try to get this right): “To accomplish an impossible task, God takes and impossible man, and crushes him.”
“Only the incredible within us is credible about us.” – Ed Litton said as he spoke of what non-believers see in Christ followers.
Brokenness is a pre-requisite for God to have total freedom to use our lives.
The hall was reasonably full. The pic below was made during the lunch break.
The afternoon sessions were good. A couple of highlights...
Greetings from Tony Dungee, Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He was introduced by his Pastor, who said “Coach Dungee is the real deal. When we have VBS this summer, he’ll be there, directing the recreation!” I think that is really cool. Someone who could be “too busy” chooses not to be, and lets God use him in the lives of kids.
The last message was by James MacDonald, who spoke on repentance.
“Pride is God-repellent.”
Good preaching.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
In Indy!
Today was a cool day. My church recognized my thirty years service there. I got to pray for one of our students going to spend the summer in Romania. Then April and I slipped out, headed for the Augusta Airport. Amazingly, our flight left on time, connection was made in Atlanta without a problem, and the Taxi ride from the Indy airport to our hotel was easy. We are safely in our room here in Indy.
Soon, we shall go exploring to find my way around this place, and how to get to the convention place. Not sure if we'll make it to any of the Pastor's Conference tonight. We're going to be looking for a place to eat. Tomorrow, the meetings shall begin.
Soon, we shall go exploring to find my way around this place, and how to get to the convention place. Not sure if we'll make it to any of the Pastor's Conference tonight. We're going to be looking for a place to eat. Tomorrow, the meetings shall begin.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Proof! I was at the 1971 SBC
I went back and found some Polaroid pics and scanned them in. I thought they might give you a laugh or two. 
It was the 114th meeting in 1971. That makes this one...
Below: The handsome guy in the middle is me. Notice how "professional" the displays looked.
It was the 114th meeting in 1971. That makes this one...
See how radical we looked!
Preparing for the SBC
I have been a Southern Baptist since I was a child. I'm not haughty about it. I don't think God likes me any better than any other believer because I am a Baptist of the Southern variety. However, I am grateful. This is where I cut my theological teeth. In fact, because I attended a Southern Baptist Seminary (Southwestern), the convention all but paid for my post graduate work. While I was in seminary and needing to eat, I had a job that began my learning about electronic media. It was on that job that I learned "many people think microphone and other cables stretch, and that is why you need to know how to re-solder the plugs." People still think they stretch, and I still solder the occasional plug.
The last, and only other time I attended the SBC meeting was in 1971. Yep. I was a college student, active in lots of National Student Ministry stuff and an active leader at the Baptist Center at UGA. (Go Dawgs!) I ended up being invited to be a part of a student group going to the SBC to let the "adults" know that we were not all a bunch of radical, drug using crazies. There were some of us who really wanted to follow Jesus. "Quit worrying about the hair. We're enjoying it while we have it." (See pic a right. Very little is left.) It was a great time. St. Louis, 1971. It was a business meeting, though. I think the meeting mixes a bit more inspiration with perspiration now. I'll let you know.
The last, and only other time I attended the SBC meeting was in 1971. Yep. I was a college student, active in lots of National Student Ministry stuff and an active leader at the Baptist Center at UGA. (Go Dawgs!) I ended up being invited to be a part of a student group going to the SBC to let the "adults" know that we were not all a bunch of radical, drug using crazies. There were some of us who really wanted to follow Jesus. "Quit worrying about the hair. We're enjoying it while we have it." (See pic a right. Very little is left.) It was a great time. St. Louis, 1971. It was a business meeting, though. I think the meeting mixes a bit more inspiration with perspiration now. I'll let you know.
Friday, June 6, 2008
A Favorite Picture #1
I made this picture last fall, as I was preparing to shoot some action pictures for Curtis Baptist School's Varsity football game. It was invocation time, and the players lined up facing the flag, ready for the National Anthem. A storm was clearing, and all together the scene said "First Things First."
I Have Arrived
I have been thinking about starting one of these for quite awhile. Not because I have anything to say that is all that profound, but I do have some things I like to share from time to time with anyone who would like to read it. Hopefully, some of it will be thought provoking, and some of it will just be fun!
Enjoy!
Tom
Enjoy!
Tom
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