two things

Two things tonight:

First, there seems to be some direction for the church. Still looking, still praying, but things are beginning to gain clarity. We are still not in a place where we feel like we know exactly where God is leading, but things are definitely taking shape. I can't wait for the day that I can sit down and write where we are going to be! Someday soon....

Secondly, here is the video of the redneck slip and slide and the homemade push-powered go cart. Sam and Jack did the paint job themselves.

more homegrown fun

So we had so much fun making our own slip and slide yesterday that we made a go cart today for all of about $10. We took the wheels off some sort of cart that I found and me, Sam, Jack, and Luke went looking for scrap wood at some construction sites. After a trip to Lowes for some hardware, we got busy building. It's a pretty sweet ride with tail fins and a rope for a steering wheel. Isn't this what summers are all about? Making cool stuff and having fun?

I really will post up some pictures tomorrow of the slip and slide and the go cart. Now it's off to bed.

random thoughts

• We made a homemade slip and slide today. It was very redneck and unbelievably fun. I'll put up pictures tomorrow.
  
• I really love IBS. IBS is a method of studying the Bible that I have learned in seminary and it is REALLY fruitful.
  
• More thoughts on where-oh-where this church is supposed to be, but still no real concrete affirmations from the Lord on location. I know that it will be coming soon, but I really would love to be able to say for sure where we are going to be a year from now.
  
• I am excited about my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, and nieces coming at the end of this week for the fourth. As Sam would say, "this is going to be BEAST!" (Apparently this means "really good" in 9 year old boy language.)
  
• I miss all my youth that went on a mission trip today with the new youth pastor. The reality of not being their youth pastor anymore is starting to set in and it makes me sad. They are an awesome group of kids and I love them and am proud of them.
  
• I am going to bed. But not before I stay up and watch a movie. It's a free HBO week for DISH customers and I recorded Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey. Most excellent.
  

Radio in our van

I love how God blesses us in so many small ways! Our van radio went out and we really didn't have the money to fix it. The radio controls the DVD player too, which makes for long car rides back and forth to Georgia without it. We asked around several places and it was going to cost no less than $250 to fix or replace.

After a little discussion, Brandie and I decided to put it on the credit card. I know, I know...Dave Ramsey would not approve. So Brandie took the radio back to the Honda dealership where she had been given the best price. When she walked in, the man who had helped her the other day was there. When Brandie said she was going to have the radio fixed he said to hold on a moment and walked away.

When he returned he was holding a box with a radio the identical make and model as ours. Somehow, he said, they had one just sitting in the back that was not logged into their computers. He had no idea where it came from, and it did not belong to anyone, and he didn't know if it worked, but it was ours if we wanted it!

When she got home I plugged it into the dash and sure enough, we now have music back in our car! Little blessings from a Big God. How cool is that?

Sam and Jack do a McDonalds Rap

Oh, I am so proud of my rapping sons. Maybe they will be famous one day.

The A Team...I love it when a plan comes together!

Just to let everyone know, The A TEAM was absolutely incredible. If you were a fan when you were little, you will not be disappointed in the least bit. I really want to go back and watch it again, right now. I pity the fool that doesn't see it.

As far as Shudder Island goes though, I was very disappointed. Rented it last night and it was just unbelievably depressing, not to mention the "twist" ending wasn't so much a "twist" as it was a "rip" from several other movies. Oh well.

As long as I am reviewing movies, I will go ahead and tell you all that Toy Story 3 was amazing too. Yes, I cried a little, but by far the best bits were with Micheal Keaton as Ken Doll. Brilliant.

OK. no more movie reviews tonight. I have to go and finish a paper that is due tomorrow.

Another Vintage ad

Ummmm....I think that this ad was created for Nicholasville, KY.

part II

So picking up where I left of yesterday:

If a suburban church is to reach the lost, make disciples, and be the diverse group of eclectic people that it was meant to be, then several things have to happen. I want to talk briefly about two of them now.

First, it must intentionally develop community. A week or so ago I wrote about the church being a "contrast society". We as Christians are called to be different, to stand out in contrast to the world. If this is to happen, then it will only happen as a church builds deep community. This takes much intentional work and isn't something that can happen overnight. But the payoff for this investment is the foundation that is necessary for a deep thriving church. I will talk more about what true community entails another day.

Secondly, if a suburban church is to go beyond the superficial, they must be intentional about who is involved. This means intentionally reaching out to those that are not like us, whether that is in age, race, socio-economic status, etc... This does not mean that we weaken the Gospel to accept others. On the contrary, I think by embracing the diversity of the body of Christ, we strengthen how we proclaim the Gospel. But we have to remember that our ideals cannot be modeled after middle class values, our values must be created by the Word of God. So often we mix these things up and begin substituting worldly values for Godly ones.

Well, so much more still to be said, but I am tired. More to come....

oh no...

I have not posted anything for several days. This is unfortunate because I made a bet with a friend that I would post for 21 straight days. I miscounted and I think I only have 19 days in a row. Crap. This means that I may inherent some rabbits for failing on the bet. This is not good...

Well, here goes again. I will start my 21 days of posting over right now. Including today, I have to post everyday until July 11th.

In case there are actually people that are reading this (and I am not convinced that there are) class went really great last week. I am convinced more than ever now of the importance of community. There was a lot of "suburban bashing" from the class participants, and for good reasons mostly. Statistics, research, polls, etc... are fairly clear: Suburban sprawl has weakened community, civic responsibility, involvement in formal and informal organizations (including church), and has contributed to the rise of depression, loneliness, poor health, and many other negative factors in our lives.

It seems like there is this resurgence of interest in urban areas here in the academic world of seminary. Much thought, and many people, are putting time and energy into urban churches and missions, assuming that the suburbs are either taking care of themselves or that they can rot in their self-indulgences. But despite these thoughts and conclusions, I do not think that I am ready to bash on suburbia and completely abandon it as a helpless wasteland of selfishness, greed, and endless supply of Starbucks and strip malls.

There are great things in the suburbs, but most importantly, there are people that need the redeeming power of the Triune God. There are people that are hungry and thirsty for something much deeper than what most suburban churches are offering. If this is to happen, more of the suburban churches need to quit buying into the consumerism model. In this model churches sell themselves as a "brand". If a church isn't your brand, then choose somewhere else. In the past, churches were branded by denominations (which is a form of theological branding). Now they are branded by what they offer: contemporary music, ministries in the arts, great children's programs, solid missions, small group focused, etc...

Oh, how this seems so much like division to me. Yes it makes sense from a marketing standpoint. And if your goal is to get large numbers of people then this works. At least for a time. But if your goal is to make radical followers of Jesus Christ, transformed by the Holy Spirit, and empowered to serve the Kingdom of God, then I am not convinced this model will work well. The communities that are fostered in this model are typically built around common interests, common socio-economic status, or generational preferences. Churches become homogeneous masses. The Body of Christ, as pictured in Scripture, is far from homogeneous. It is diverse and often messy, but the people are held together in all their differences through the resurrected Savior and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Well, I could go on and on about this, but I really have to go now. Maybe I'll write more tomorrow, after all I have 20 more days before I can take a break.

humility

Here is a great quote from a book by Jean Vanier, the founder of the L'Arche communities (L'Arche are Christian communities for the mentally handicapped):

He says, "People come to L'Arche to serve the needy. They only stay if they have discovered that they themselves are needy, and that the good news is announced by Jesus to the poor, not to those who serve the poor."

What more triumphant phrase can be uttered?

"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"

Thanks be to the Father, who sends the Son. Thanks be to the Son, who suffered died, and was raised for our sake. And thanks be to the Holy Spirit, who draws us into perfect unity with Trinity.

Amen!

class started today...

Good day of class, but I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now. The boys and Brandie are leaving tomorrow to go visit a friend, I have assignments due in this class plus my online class. I have chores (although my wonderful wife did mow the yard today). I have work stuff at the church. I need a break, but I don't know when I will get it. Please say a little prayer for me 'cause I am feeling a little discouraged.

Bacon and Pancakes together!

Foxnews.com had a slide slide of vintage advertisements the other day. Some were absolutely hysterical. Here is one though that I think is a fantastic idea, and I really think Homer Simpson would agree:
mmmmmmm...bacon.

Overwhelming love of God

Ever have on e of those moments where the Love of God just simply overwhelms you? I hope you have. If you have not, it is my deepest prayer that you experience it soon.

I am sitting in a Starbucks in Marietta, GA listening to itunes and trying to write a paper for my class next week. A few moments ago the David Crowder song "How He Loves" came on and I was simply struck. Tears filled my eyes and I had to stop writing for a moment. Even as I write this my eyes are filling up again.

Think about it: The Creator of All loves you and me so passionately, so completely, without condition, and completely undeservedly. David Crowder's lyrics say it better than I can. Watch and listen:

Whew...I'm beat

Well, we head home to Kentucky tomorrow. It was fun in GA, but I am ready to be in my own bed. Family was great, meetings about church planting were great, got to play a little; all in all a productive and fun trip.

I still have a lot of work to do before my class next week on Ethics of Community, so I am going to go and read a little before my brain shuts down completely. I have about 400 more pages to read and 5 more pages to write before Monday morning (not to mention 7 hours in the car tomorrow and work on Sunday)...gonna be a loooooong weekend.

Sitting in the hospital waiting room in Newnan, GA

I am sitting in a hospital waiting room in Newnan, GA. Brandie's Grandmother is having surgery on her leg. A few weeks ago she fell and shattered her femur and now one of the wounds from the original surgery has not healed properly. Infection has set in and they have to clean it and remove the infection.

Infection sets in to unhealed wounds. Taking this from the medical to the Spiritual, the truth of this statement doesn’t diminish. Ruminate on that one a little.

Called to Contrast

I am doing some reading for my class next week. The class is called Ethics of Community and is taught by Dr. Christina Pohl, who is one of my favorite professors. Peace and joy simply radiate from her and I can't wait to sit in her class next week and soak up the deep wisdom she will be dispensing. I am sure that I will have some posts later related to the new knowledge of Ethics that I will have.

One of the books that I am reading now refers to the Church as being a contrast-society. We are called, according to the author, not blend in with the world, but to stand starkly out against the world. The Israelites lived this way. Their regulations (directed from YWHW) about eating habits, circumcision, and ritual cleanliness set them apart from the rest of the world. They certainly didn’t try to fit in with culture in order to tell others about the LORD. And in the New Testament, Christ told his followers that they were to be a city on the hill, a light to the darkness. No one was asked to feign darkness so that they could infiltrate culture. They were called to be a contrast of light to the darkness. By this contrast, others would see the goodness of God. (Mat. 5)

The early church understood this. They stood so drastically opposed to the rest of the Roman Empire (and everywhere else) that they were prosecuted and killed. Their behavior was mocked by non-Christians, who could not fathom why the Christians wouldn’t feast with them, go see the games (gladiators), or engage in wanton sex. Throughout history other Christians have done the same. The early reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin, those that fought against slavery and poverty like John Wesley and the early Methodists, Mother Teresa, and many, many more.

While most Christian churches today certainly do not espouse much of the behavior that is accepted outside the church, there is still a deep degree in which the church is seeking to blend in with culture. To be different is seen as elitist and legalistic. So the general conclusion is to imitate what the world finds attractive. A service of worship becomes entertainment and a church a coffee shop. Pastors are pressured to be megastars with nicely gelled hair and hip clothes. Go to any Christian bookstore. What you get in the books, music, and decor, is an imitation of western culture with a Christian spin. Some Christian musicians are advertised as sounding like a secular counterpart: If you like Lady Gaga then you will LOVE (fill in the blank)!

It is time that we stopped imitating the world and began to contrast it. Our lives, lived righteously, need to stand as a light to the rest of the world. We cannot allow our worship services, our homes, our marriages, our children, or anything else to blend in with the world. We cannot withdraw from the world around us, but we can be a light in the darkness and by doing so we will proclaim the goodness of God across the nations! We must be a contrast-society!

Friends

Wow. We had an incredible time with our friends, Jud and Carrie Thompson, tonight. The Thompsons have 5 kids to our 3, and all 8 kids ran around and had a blast. We adults sat around and talked about churches, about our futures, and about the visions that we believe God has given us. It is amazing to see how all of our thoughts have dovetailed together.

Whatever the outcome of our decision is about where to plant a church, reconnecting with our friends has been an incredible blessing. I have known Jud for 22 years now, ever since our freshman year at McEachern High School. I cannot even put into words the joy that filled my heart as I watched our oldest sons (who are only 6 days apart) run around and play together (and the rest of the kids as well). Before we left, we all gathered together, kids and all, and we prayed for blessings, guidance, and wisdom.

I really can't wait to see what God does...

Back in Georgia

Man I love this state. Don't get me wrong, I like Kentucky too, but there is something abut being home in Georgia that just feels good. The air, the pine trees, knowing that there is good BBQ within a 5 minute drive...all these things do my heart good.

We are here to have a meeting tomorrow about our possible church plant in Marietta. Right now, I am not sure at all where God is going to have us plant this Church. The possibilities are Marietta, Gainesville (GA), Athens, and a few other possible places. We are praying, and seeking God's guidance. Things are beginning to clear up, but I'll give some more details later. The meeting tomorrow will help clear things up as well.

Keep praying for us and if you get any insights from the Holy Spirit, let us know!

So sleepy...must write post...

I am very tired and really want to go to bed right now. But because a friend has challenged me to write a post everyday for 21 days, or otherwise he will give me three bunny rabbits, I am putting up a post. So here goes some vital information that all need to know:

1. If you ever decide to make a giant slip-n-slide for a youth group, don't use laundry detergent to make it more slippery. Laundry detergent, I now know, causes sensitive areas to break out in a rash.

2. The trail that God has us on REALLY does twist and turn suddenly. I'll keep you all posted on what that might mean for us later...

3. Throwing your wife a princess party for her birthday is a VERY good idea.

4. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich at Chick-Fil-A goes on sale to the public tomorrow (6-7-10).

5. The Atlanta Braves are in 1st place in the NL East. Go Braves.

7. I am so sleepy I skipped number 6.

8. The God of All is crazy in love with you.

Good night everyone. I am off to sleep.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Wife

We had a princess party today at my house. Tomorrow is my sweet wife's birthday. Me and the boys decorated with pink and let her wear a tiara. This kind of girly stuff just never happens in our house filled with boys, but my wife deserves it!

She really is an amazing woman. I don't know where I would be without her. Watching the Lord work in her life has been amazing. She has such an ability to hear from God, to discern the spiritual world around us, and to sense the movement of the Holy Spirit. She is one of the most compassionate people I know and has the ability to look past sinfulness to see child of God in everyone.

I am blessed beyond measure to have Brandie as my wife. I cannot wait to see how God is going to use her gifts and mine together in ministry. It is an incredible adventure that we are on and I couldn't be blessed with a better hiking partner!

Another way to say "walk the talk"

Something to think about...

"The world can be changed only when the people of God itself changes. It is not possible to liberate others unless freedom radiates within one's own group. It is not possible to preach social repentance to others unless one lives in a community which takes seriously the new society of the reign of God."
-Gerhard Lohfink

Cornerstones

The Cornerstones are a group of older adults that gather together monthly at the church that I work at. They have a potluck luncheon, talk a little, make plans for future outings, and then listen to a speaker. Today I joined them for lunch and had the opportunity to be their speaker.

It was a lot of fun and a little intimidating. For lunch I had about 6 different casseroles, coconut cake, chicken fingers, and an Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade). There were 5 Asbury Seminary graduates in the room, three of them from the 1940’s. What do you say as a 36 year old that any of these folks haven’t already heard? They have lived life and experienced things that I may never experience. They have seen far more than I have and their wisdom is far beyond my own.

I was asked to speak on the subject of God as Father since this was their June gathering and June is when we celebrate Father’s Day. So a little intimidated, I began to share what being a dad has meant to me, how being a dad has helped me understand God’s love a little bit better. I shared about my own father and the security and comfort that I always felt snuggled against his upper arm on those nights I was too scared to sleep by myself. I shared about God the Father and how we get to call Him “Daddy” because of the sacrifice of His Son and the presence of His Spirit dwelling within us. I talked about the comfort of His arms and that nothing can take us away from His embrace. Nothing.

What I shared was nothing that they all had not heard before. It was nothing that was new for me. But it was nice to be reminded how incredible our Heavenly Father is and the depth of His love for us. It really was an honor to get to talk with these adults today.

Plus one of them said that I looked like Don Johnson.

A twist in the trail?

Thank you all so much for praying for us as we seek God’s guidance on planting a church. From the looks of things, the trail that we are on may take a turn up ahead. But it’s hard to tell…the headlamp only shines so far.

I spoke with an old friend and a soon to be Anglican bishop (same person) yesterday and had a great talk with him. I am also having breakfast tomorrow morning with an Anglican priest who also happens to be a friend as well. Things are beginning to gain a little more clarity, but nothing is for sure yet. We are supposed to have a meeting with some folks next Tuesday as well. Keep praying!

Chick-fil-A

It has long been known by theologians, especially those from the South, that two people serve as God’s personal cooks: Frank Gordy, the founder of The Varsity, and Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. Today, Truitt Cathy has provided us with answers to two great theological questions.

First, thanks to the new Spicy Chick-fil-A sandwich that was introduced today, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Wesleyan doctrine of Entire Sanctification is possible. Yes, the Spicy Sandwich is Perfection on a buttered bun, with two pickles. With just the right amount of heat, and all the flavor of the original, it’s slap your mama good.

The second truth is this: We know what will be served at the banqueting table of the Wedding feast of Christ. That’s right, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. With ice cold Coca-cola. And Onion rings from The Varsity. (Those last two items have been on the menu for a while, but I wanted to clarify things for any of those that have not encountered Truth before.)

Yes, just as John Wesley said of his experience at Aldersgate, my heart was strangely warmed today. I am pretty sure it was the Holy Spirit. Or heartburn.