I made a commitment this year to my students that I would read every Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) at least once a month outside of my studies for school and church. I have already finished Matthew, Mark, and John this month. And, I am currently working through Luke right now. After I finish Luke, I will try to read Acts to listen to what Luke was trying to do with his two volumes.
January's Gospel Thoughts:
1) I am shocked at Jesus' ability to say what he wanted to say but in a way that was forceful and hidden.
2) It is interesting to hear the Sermon on the Mount through new eyes and within its context.
3) I love hearing the urgency to write the story by Mark, the love-lens of John, and the Jewish bias of Matthew.
4) Luke is the longest of the Gospels on audiobook (2 hours, 41 minutes, and 15 seconds.)
5) Mark is by far the shortest book on audiobook (1 hour, 34 minutes, and 37 seconds.)
I was at a unity prayer service in Nashville a few days ago. The speaker told a story about a music teacher who was trying to pick out a piano for use in a college. For two hours, the teacher tuned and played the pianos. However, he did not tune the pianos to each other (otherwise they would be off by the end.) He tuned the pianos to a tuner. The speaker said that the only way our lives with be unified will be for us to not tune our lives on the churches but to Christ. I pray that I will do this during this year and the rest of my life.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Shaping of Things to Come
Two months ago, I finished a book that will become one of the formative texts for a number of Christian movements. As I mentioned in my previous post, the church (institutional) has often measured their worth and commitment by the values that are based on Ego as the worldview. at youth ministry conferences, we ask numbers, budget, and programs. We ask about baptism and study methods. And, the people who speak at the events are people who have found "success" by using this program. Thus, the program is validated by the tangible results.
If the cross should be our worldview, what should be our standard or markers of validation? In other words, what are markers that would show that we are faithfully following Jesus?
I believe that we must take on a new vision of what are churches should look like. Often when Jesus told people what it would mean to follow him (i.e. eat his flesh, drink his blood, not be drink, etc.), the people would leave because of it. Maybe our churches should not be getting bigger, but they should be getting smaller. Maybe the marker we are seeing of "growth" is the fact that we are really not teaching people how to be disciples of Jesus.
Maybe we need to form communities that take very seriously the call to hold each other accountable, to bear one another's burdens, to love in and out, to praise God in assembly and in life, to bear witness that the Good News of the ability to be a part of God's Kingdom in the World (NOW and later) is available as a gift, and to learn daily what it means to take up our crosses and follow Jesus.
And, yes, I do believe that our current system does not do these things well. It has hints of all of them.
So, may the Spirit of God, who also rested on Jesus, rest on us. And, my that Spirit do things through us that we would not have thought possible. When it happens, may we give glory to God who does so much more than we could even think. And, it will ONLY be through Him that anything happens.
If the cross should be our worldview, what should be our standard or markers of validation? In other words, what are markers that would show that we are faithfully following Jesus?
I believe that we must take on a new vision of what are churches should look like. Often when Jesus told people what it would mean to follow him (i.e. eat his flesh, drink his blood, not be drink, etc.), the people would leave because of it. Maybe our churches should not be getting bigger, but they should be getting smaller. Maybe the marker we are seeing of "growth" is the fact that we are really not teaching people how to be disciples of Jesus.
Maybe we need to form communities that take very seriously the call to hold each other accountable, to bear one another's burdens, to love in and out, to praise God in assembly and in life, to bear witness that the Good News of the ability to be a part of God's Kingdom in the World (NOW and later) is available as a gift, and to learn daily what it means to take up our crosses and follow Jesus.
And, yes, I do believe that our current system does not do these things well. It has hints of all of them.
So, may the Spirit of God, who also rested on Jesus, rest on us. And, my that Spirit do things through us that we would not have thought possible. When it happens, may we give glory to God who does so much more than we could even think. And, it will ONLY be through Him that anything happens.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Morals and Ethics... and Youth Ministry
I got to present a minor lesson at my Life Group last night. I talked about worldviews and their subsequent values. I asked everyone to give me the values of American society. They listed the normal ones: money, success, health, our land, power, individual freedom, and individualism. So, I asked what that means the American worldview is... Ego. I am my own maker. I am the most important. I am the top. Typical American values spawn from an egocentric view of the world. And, being an American, I can say that the culture tempts me to follow that route of selfishness.
But, there is another way...
In Philippians, Paul advocates a number of changes. He asks for a change of mindset, of commitment, of attitude, and in the first two chapters he advocates for a change in worldview. If America's (and Rome's) worldview was centered on Ego, the Christian worldview is centered on the Cross. From the view of the Cross, we can say, "To live is Christ; to die is gain." Our values are those of love, sacrifice, service, and humility.
As one of the people in the Life Group said, "They are the exact opposite of one another!"
However, I want to ask, "Which of these two worldviews (Ego or Cross) do we model our churches after?"
Do you focus on numbers and success rates of baptism? Do you serve for the sake of serving (and not to add someone to the church?) Do you sacrifice for people who cannot and could not pay you back? Would you be willing to take the fall for something you did not do? Would you be willing to allow someone else to take the credit for something you did? Do you love with an agenda? Or, do you love because that is your worldview? Do you serve because you do it by instinct?
Maybe we need to take to action what Jesus said, "If you do good to those who do good to you, what good is it? Do not even the tax collectors do that? If you love those who love you, what good is it? Don't even the sinners do that? No, I tell you. Love those who hate you, and do good to those who persecute you." If your worldview is the Cross, this is your heart.
But, there is another way...
In Philippians, Paul advocates a number of changes. He asks for a change of mindset, of commitment, of attitude, and in the first two chapters he advocates for a change in worldview. If America's (and Rome's) worldview was centered on Ego, the Christian worldview is centered on the Cross. From the view of the Cross, we can say, "To live is Christ; to die is gain." Our values are those of love, sacrifice, service, and humility.
As one of the people in the Life Group said, "They are the exact opposite of one another!"
However, I want to ask, "Which of these two worldviews (Ego or Cross) do we model our churches after?"
Do you focus on numbers and success rates of baptism? Do you serve for the sake of serving (and not to add someone to the church?) Do you sacrifice for people who cannot and could not pay you back? Would you be willing to take the fall for something you did not do? Would you be willing to allow someone else to take the credit for something you did? Do you love with an agenda? Or, do you love because that is your worldview? Do you serve because you do it by instinct?
Maybe we need to take to action what Jesus said, "If you do good to those who do good to you, what good is it? Do not even the tax collectors do that? If you love those who love you, what good is it? Don't even the sinners do that? No, I tell you. Love those who hate you, and do good to those who persecute you." If your worldview is the Cross, this is your heart.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
NCYM Take-Aways Part 3
The final day of the conference was apparently for the youth ministry endurance champions, the people who live close to Atlanta, or the hardcore youth ministers. I do not know which of these I am, but I stayed. Chap Clark was supposed to be the keynote for the morning, but he dropped out at the last minute (I do not know why...) I slept in at my childhood home in Atlanta. When I got up, I talked and ate with my parents, and I headed for the hotel.
Because Chap was not there, NCYM got Reggie Joiner from North Point to fill in. As an Atlanta native, I have been blessed to participate in many of the ministries that North Point Community Church offers to the area. I made it to Reggie's super-session, which was an incredible blessing. I am not a youth minister who models his ministry after the big ministries (like North Point, Willow Creek, or Saddleback), but Reggie talked about viewing your family ministry with children as a holistic experience. Each age group can focus on different aspects of your purpose more effectively.
Because I showed up late, I skipped the practical part of Reggie's super-session (Logan got the notes.) And, I wondered over to Walling's last missional class discussion. If you have heard the word missional before, you understand that there are many pluses and minuses to this new form of Christ followers. Walling talked about my biggest deal with the missional movement, and he explained it in a way that actually made sense. Again, this will show up more later.
The night keynote was McLaughlin, Walling, and Buddy Bell having a group discussion about the weekend. I respect them all, and I have used all three of their materials in some way or other. Because Don had the most radical talk at the conference, they grilled him a little more than each other. But, I guess that is what happens to prophets.
Overall, I came out of this conference with my sponge full of how God can and will work in the world and in ministry. All in all, this conference basically said that I need to change my mindset about ministry. The disadvantage of that kind of conference is that it has only a few practical implementations for program. But, the advantage is that the mindset can in fact change the world... (which is the option I will take every time.)
Because Chap was not there, NCYM got Reggie Joiner from North Point to fill in. As an Atlanta native, I have been blessed to participate in many of the ministries that North Point Community Church offers to the area. I made it to Reggie's super-session, which was an incredible blessing. I am not a youth minister who models his ministry after the big ministries (like North Point, Willow Creek, or Saddleback), but Reggie talked about viewing your family ministry with children as a holistic experience. Each age group can focus on different aspects of your purpose more effectively.
Because I showed up late, I skipped the practical part of Reggie's super-session (Logan got the notes.) And, I wondered over to Walling's last missional class discussion. If you have heard the word missional before, you understand that there are many pluses and minuses to this new form of Christ followers. Walling talked about my biggest deal with the missional movement, and he explained it in a way that actually made sense. Again, this will show up more later.
The night keynote was McLaughlin, Walling, and Buddy Bell having a group discussion about the weekend. I respect them all, and I have used all three of their materials in some way or other. Because Don had the most radical talk at the conference, they grilled him a little more than each other. But, I guess that is what happens to prophets.
Overall, I came out of this conference with my sponge full of how God can and will work in the world and in ministry. All in all, this conference basically said that I need to change my mindset about ministry. The disadvantage of that kind of conference is that it has only a few practical implementations for program. But, the advantage is that the mindset can in fact change the world... (which is the option I will take every time.)
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
NCYM Take-Aways Part 2
The author of Contemplative Youth Ministry, Mark Yaconelli, spoke the second day. I had read the book before the conference, and he basically put a face and a little flesh to his book in his keynote talk. Honestly, the best part of Mark's trip to NCYM was his super-session. We got to ask him questions, listen to a little more practice, and participate in a few exercises. In a world that is constantly moving and growing, God says to be still and know He is there. And, we did.
After the super-session, I finally took a break. I just sat down and watched people. My wife and I are people watchers by nature, and it was great to see the faces and sad to see the hurt on people. Honestly, you can see and feel the hurt people are going through if you just look at them. Look at their shoulders, look at their eyes, look how they are walking, look at how they are moving, etc.
The last session I attended was Walling's missional class again. Sometimes, you must laugh to keep yourself from crying. We are so far from where we should be, but God keeps using us. That last statement is as much an indictment on us as it is a statement of God's power. As Walling moved through the issues that come with a church leader struggling with this new philosophy of mission, I slowly came to the realization that my students speak this language, but they do not know what it is.
At night, my brother in Christ and friend, Don McLaughlin, spoke. He stepped on everyone's toes. Knowing Don, he was stepping on his own as well. I must admit that I agree with him. The way in which churches are trying to reach people with Christ, trying to guide those in Christ, and trying to give people hope ARE NOT WORKING. Quote me on this: If our churches are more concerned with life after death as the only benefit and hope of Christianity, we should not be surprised that people wait until they are on their death beds to turn to Christ. We have two options: 1) Stick with the current system, scare people into believing they could die at any moment, and reap a reward birthed in fear (and not love) or 2) Change our system, reevaluate what we have to offer, and passionately rip into the world with a heart of respect and love.
Jesus said that his disciples would break down the gates of Hell, and in all honesty we are scared to death of Hell now. I want to raise a generation of students who desire to be Christ (literally) everyday and in every situation. I want Satan to have to start killing us off because we are tearing his kingdom down and building a new one. I want the fire of the early church who were willing to die for Christ. I want to live faithfully and not safely. (But, I do not know how...)
After the super-session, I finally took a break. I just sat down and watched people. My wife and I are people watchers by nature, and it was great to see the faces and sad to see the hurt on people. Honestly, you can see and feel the hurt people are going through if you just look at them. Look at their shoulders, look at their eyes, look how they are walking, look at how they are moving, etc.
The last session I attended was Walling's missional class again. Sometimes, you must laugh to keep yourself from crying. We are so far from where we should be, but God keeps using us. That last statement is as much an indictment on us as it is a statement of God's power. As Walling moved through the issues that come with a church leader struggling with this new philosophy of mission, I slowly came to the realization that my students speak this language, but they do not know what it is.
At night, my brother in Christ and friend, Don McLaughlin, spoke. He stepped on everyone's toes. Knowing Don, he was stepping on his own as well. I must admit that I agree with him. The way in which churches are trying to reach people with Christ, trying to guide those in Christ, and trying to give people hope ARE NOT WORKING. Quote me on this: If our churches are more concerned with life after death as the only benefit and hope of Christianity, we should not be surprised that people wait until they are on their death beds to turn to Christ. We have two options: 1) Stick with the current system, scare people into believing they could die at any moment, and reap a reward birthed in fear (and not love) or 2) Change our system, reevaluate what we have to offer, and passionately rip into the world with a heart of respect and love.
Jesus said that his disciples would break down the gates of Hell, and in all honesty we are scared to death of Hell now. I want to raise a generation of students who desire to be Christ (literally) everyday and in every situation. I want Satan to have to start killing us off because we are tearing his kingdom down and building a new one. I want the fire of the early church who were willing to die for Christ. I want to live faithfully and not safely. (But, I do not know how...)
Monday, January 7, 2008
NCYM Take-Aways Part 1
I traveled all morning on Thursday, Jan 4th, to attend the conference. My wife had the day off, so the day started slow. I went to sleep on Wednesday with the intention of waking up in time to reach Shane Claiborne's lesson in the morning, but I left late. And, as always, this was a blessing. I value Shane's message of authentic and radical following, but I love my wife. It was good to slow down that morning and take my time to get ready. Then, I began the four hour drive to Atlanta from Nashville. I have been listening to Inspired By Media's audio Bible for the past few days. And, on this trip, I listened to John for the first 2 hours. I had to pull over twice because I was so moved by the words and life of my Savior. After I listened to John, I turned off the radio for the remaining two hours. And, I tried to remember what I had just heard.
I showed up to the Airport Hilton (which is not in the best area of Atlanta - I am an ATL native) for the last 30 minutes of Claiborne's message. His message was a recap of Irresistible Revolution. Luckily, I have read the book. I did, however, find it ironic that we youth ministers were listening to someone talk about doing thing that we could have done two blocks from our hotel. (This is as much an indictment on myself as to everyone else.) Shane's super-session helped put a little flesh on the implications for youth ministry, but I wish it was that easy...
I stopped by Don McLaughlin's class on the purity talk. In essence, he said what all youth ministers know, "what we are doing is not working..." So, he advocated a different approach that involves placing desires in their correct context. As with anything that is sex related, it makes sense, but it is hard to apply for teenagers. However, it is better than the "kiss everything goodbye" or "showing love waits" stuff.
God directed me to Chris Seidman's next class. He talked about the relationship between the Spirit, water, and baptism. In confession, I have struggled for the past few years with teaching baptism to a pluralistic generation, Chris offered the lesson as a picture (which helps.) I would put more flesh to this statement, but I am teaching about it on Sunday and don't want to spoil anything for the students.
The last class I went to was Jeff Walling's missional discussion. I have now read four books that deal with the missional discussion, so I was shocked to see this class at NCYM. I will not comment on this class as much as I desire, but my thoughts will show up later. Overall, it was a great class.
At dinner, I realized that one of the many reasons for these conferences is to let fellow youth ministers be present with one another. One of the great blessings of this conference was the ability to check up with my friends.
I showed up to the Airport Hilton (which is not in the best area of Atlanta - I am an ATL native) for the last 30 minutes of Claiborne's message. His message was a recap of Irresistible Revolution. Luckily, I have read the book. I did, however, find it ironic that we youth ministers were listening to someone talk about doing thing that we could have done two blocks from our hotel. (This is as much an indictment on myself as to everyone else.) Shane's super-session helped put a little flesh on the implications for youth ministry, but I wish it was that easy...
I stopped by Don McLaughlin's class on the purity talk. In essence, he said what all youth ministers know, "what we are doing is not working..." So, he advocated a different approach that involves placing desires in their correct context. As with anything that is sex related, it makes sense, but it is hard to apply for teenagers. However, it is better than the "kiss everything goodbye" or "showing love waits" stuff.
God directed me to Chris Seidman's next class. He talked about the relationship between the Spirit, water, and baptism. In confession, I have struggled for the past few years with teaching baptism to a pluralistic generation, Chris offered the lesson as a picture (which helps.) I would put more flesh to this statement, but I am teaching about it on Sunday and don't want to spoil anything for the students.
The last class I went to was Jeff Walling's missional discussion. I have now read four books that deal with the missional discussion, so I was shocked to see this class at NCYM. I will not comment on this class as much as I desire, but my thoughts will show up later. Overall, it was a great class.
At dinner, I realized that one of the many reasons for these conferences is to let fellow youth ministers be present with one another. One of the great blessings of this conference was the ability to check up with my friends.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
More Than "Bodies Revealed"
While Melissa and I were in Sacramento, CA for Christmas, we went to an exhibit called Bodies Revealed for one of the days. This exhibition is a portrayal of the human body in a marvelous way. It shows the human bodies skeletal system, the circulatory system, the reproductive system, and the respiratory system. While this all may sound boring, the interesting aspect of it is the fact that every exhibit was a REAL human body. The exhibition has taken volunteers from two different areas in the world, and they have plasticized and dissected them to show the human body in its full form. All of the real bodies showed how intricate and amazing the human body is.
There was a full skeleton. One exhibit showed every vein within the human body from the toes to the head. There were babies (who all had died naturally in the mother's womb) from 6 weeks to 24 weeks after conception. There were lungs with cancer and enlarged hearts. I walked out stunned.
The human body is unique (and that word cannot capture it.) It is amazing. It is beautiful. Every aspect of the human body relies on each other part working effectively. The brain relies on the heart and blood flow. The stomach needs muscles to move and process food. The bones need one certain element in order to be hard otherwise they would be jelly. I can honestly say that I was reminded in a powerful way that God is amazing. This exhibit gave me a new understanding of God "knitting us in our mother's womb." I can honestly say that I found more than just a human body revealed in this place. God was evident.
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