Back in April, I posted on the tragic van accident involving students from my alma mater, Taylor University. The tragedy has taken a bizarre turn, a paperback novel-like case of mistaken identity. It's so weird it can't be true, but it is...read for yourself. I can't imagine.
Taylor's website has a story, with comparison pics here. CNN has a story here. The VanRyn family has a blog, giving their perspective here.
Any Bourne fans out there? Yup, the buzz is starting on the last installment of the Robert Ludlum spy trilogy. I loved the Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy...and can't wait for the Bourne Ultimatum in Summer 2007. Julia Stiles talks about the movie here, IMDB has a page here, and Rotten Tomatoes here. Can't wait...
I just got back from a few hours at the historic Sauder Village with Bekah and Ben. It's a glimpse back to the pioneer days, when NW Ohio was mostly swamp and I-80 was, at best, a pipedream. It was an interesting look into the history of our community.
One of the most intriguing sites was the old train station. A conductor, dressed in the clothes of the day, explained the importance of rail transport...and more importantly, electric telegraph communication. Back in those days, the clerk at the train station was responsible for taking tickets, directing customers, and...most importantly, receiving the telegrams from the wire. It didn't matter whether or not a train was set to depart and 50 people were waiting for tickets for THAT very train...if there was one message coming down the 'line' that needed to get on that train, that one message took priority over those 50 waiting customers.
"Communication is power," I thought to myself. It was just as true in the 19th and early 20th century as it is today. Getting the word to the people is often perceived as more important than people themselves.
Consider the advertising budgets of major corporations...
Consider how many celebrities have 'spokespeople'....or 'public relations' people...
Consider the multi-multi-multi billion dollar cell phone industry...
Consider the blackberry...people are addicted to those things, and the have the sore thumbs to show for it.
Or email...or instant messaging...or wi-fi communication.
Communication is a powerful thing...And I have a hunch that 'how' we use it is critical. I was talking to a young adult active in our VOX community, who doesn't have a cell phone, and he checks email only once a week...on purpose. Being kind of a tech junkie myself, I asked him why he's so guarded when it comes to technology.
His reply: "I just think too much technology is controlling..."
Wise words...our technology, meant to keep us better informed, better connected, more 'in-touch', can actually control us to the point that we ignore the relationship for the sake of the device. The end result: we stop relating with people face to face in order to receive a morse code message from a thousand miles away.
A cautionary tale to a pastor (me) who needs to keep his communication methods in check.
Pat Robertson Can Leg Press a Billion Trillion Pounds!
26 May 2006
Consider this a bonus video of the week! Apparently Pat Robertson is the strongest 74 yr. old conservative Christian TV personality in the history of the world. You've gotta check this out for yourself. His secret: a daily, age defying shake. Now, I'm a fan of healthy living...and the shake looks legit...but...well...just see for yourself.
Listen...Pat seems to be in remarkable shape, but, in the words of Gob of Arrested Development: 'C'mon!' Seriously, my 1 yr old can push 1,000 lbs. on a well oiled track 1 inch and back, using all four limbs. Well, maybe he can't, but seriously, 'c'mon!' Pat, keep up the healthy living...just don't cheat on your leg presses. You're only cheating yourself. (By the way: on his website, he claims to be able to leg press 2,000 lbs.)
It's friday! Yes, that means it's time for the long awaited video of the week. This week's installment: quite probably the worst music video ever. Word of advice: 'don't hassel the hoff' (hat tip to Tim Knipp of The Gathering for this...though I should probably take my hat off and use it to block my vision)
Tony Jones has offerred a second post on the emerging church at Leadership's Blog, Out of Ur. The unifying thread throughout his post is a defense of Chuck Colson's relentless, and fairly uninformed, critique of the emerging church (in sum: we don't care about truth). Tony also addresses some questions posed by commenters from the first installment.
Here we go again...Who should read this post?
Those who are still trying to understand what this 'emerging church' is all about.
I'll put it simply: It's about the church that's emerging, anytime...anywhere.
Those who like Chuck Colson, and are interested in reading what he has to say about the 'EC'
Those who are interested in the role truth plays in faith and in church.
Chuck Colson. Seriously, a smart guy like you shouldn't make so many philosophical faux pas (circular logic, red herring, etc.). Read and adjust...and don't try to connect your declining radio audience with the emerging church's PERCEIVED weak view of truth. It just sounds whiny...
Who should not read this post?
Devoted followers of Chuck Colson, who anxiously await his wisdom with baited breath, and, without discernment, follow his every word. You will just be angry. It's too early in the morning for you to be angry, especially if you haven't had your coffee.
(disclaimer: Chuck Colson has done some amazing things for the kingdom, and I acknowledge and appreciate that. I just think on the issue of the Emerging Church, he's way out in left field, and I sense that he hasn't really taken the time to read or interact with the EC. Chuck: Are you afraid of letting the next generation of leaders take the helm?)
I'll start with the ugly: 4 hour meeting at church last night. Excuse me? Yes, 4 HOURS! Three main topics discussed: budgets, land, and conflict resolution. Enthralling...absolutely riveting stuff.
The bad: My beloved Cubs suck this year...you know it's bad when the Marlins are threatening to sweep the series.
The good: Tonight is the season finale of Lost. Yes, I'm a rabid fan of the show. I love the backstories, the intrigue, and the explorations of deep core themes such as redemption, community, power, sin, consequence, and humanity. Plus, I just wanna know how it's going to turn out!
Lost fans, if you haven't discoverd the LostPedia...you're missing out. A treasure trove of information and speculation on the show awaits.
Our pride and joy, Benjamin, is 1 yr. old today. I can't believe it! Our lil' baby is gone, and Big Ben the Bruiser is here to destroy anything within reach. He's been a bit cranky the past few days due to an unholy amount of teeth forcing their way through his gums, but we can't hold that against him. Plus, how can you be frustrated with a face like this! (cue the 'awwwww')
If you want to send Ben a happy birthday note, you can email him: bigbenmoser [at] gmail [dot] com. Yes, a 1yr old with an email account. It's the new millenium people!
I look back at my life before Ben....I certainly had more control of my time, my sleep, my money, my television. That's all different now, and I'm better for it. Fatherhood has exposed my selfishness, and compelled me to be a better person. Cuteness, laughter, joy, teachable moments...all rolled up in 25 lb. (yeah, he's a biggin') bundle of energy!
I've recently discovered a splendid thing. Pandora is the most innovative online 'radio' station out there. Created by the people behind the Music Genome Project, Pandora lets you have near dictatorial controld over the content on your personalized 'station'. You enter in the artists you like to listen to, they generate songs from those artists and artists with similar sounds. It's a great way to hear only the stuff you want to hear, but allow for some new music to creep in that you might want to check out further. Oh yeah, did I mention that it's free? You can pay a subscription fee to elminate all ads, but I'm cheap...so free it is.
You can also share your 'stations' with anyone. You can check out mine here. This is one box you SHOULD open.
I saw the movie last night. I wasn't really sure what to expect, since the critics took this film behind the woodshed before it opened to the general public.
My bottom line review: thumbs up (not enthusiastically, but 'up' nonetheless)
My cliff notes review: It did a decent job of telling the story in visual format...the characters overall were strong, and the symbolic imagery was powerful.
My full review: I don't consider myself a movie buff...I essentially look for 2 main things in a movie: entertainment and provocation. If I'm entertained or provoked, I consider it worth the time and money. I was entertained with this film...
It didn't knock my socks off, but it was solid. In my opinion, the book is better. I found the book to be much more of a page turner. The movie kept my attention, but I wasn't biting my nails while sitting on the edge of my seat.
The best part was seeing all of the symbols and places visually. That was cool. Also, there's a slight redemptive conversational twist at the end that I don't recall being in the book. Other than that, the movie pretty much stuck to the main points of the story, glossed over a lot of stuff explained in the book, and did a fairly decent job doing it.
That's my review...the movie's nothing spectacular, but worth seeing. My suggestion...read the book first. It's better, and will give you a better understanding of the movie's plot.
Welcome to the first installment of my video of the week! Every Friday, you'll find a video guaranteed to start your weekend off right. Enjoy the farting preacher...
(Personal note: My first Hebrew exam is done, sealed, mailed and is on its way to Boston for grading. I'll celebrate tonight by going to watch the Da Vinci Code. I'll post my thoughts on the movie this weekend.)
This is the first in a four part series I'll be doing on church marketing/promotion for the Relevant Network. This one is fairly introductory, and I'll get into the more nitty gritty in the upcoming installments...
Getting the Word out 1.0: Where's the Easy Button?
So you've decided to stick your neck out there and start a ministry for twentysomethings. Or maybe an established church has hired you to reach that all too unreachable young adult generation. You've developed a core team of leaders and volunteers. You've spent hours upon hours in prayer, reflection and discussion, crafting an innovative vision birthed by God to impact the young adults in your community. You're fired up. You're ready to love, to serve, to embark on this brand new mission to a largely ignored generation.
I, along with a group of about 12 other young adults, found myself in the very same situation. I was hired, roughly nine months ago, by a church to plant, develop and shepherd a young adult ministry. Our little group had the purpose, the vision, the people and the drive … There was only one missing piece: marketing. I know … ugh … cringe … blah. It sounds, dare I say, so businesslike.
Yup, an article on Ginkworld. I love their motto: 'proof evolution is in flux'. Eh? Anyway...here you go.
Jesus is Strange...to the Church (or: Jesus is not Mr. Rogers...and vice-versa)
One of my favorite TV shows as a child was Mr. Rogers. The cardigan sweaters, the sneakers, the singing, the array of happy, jubilant characters…Mr. Rogers had it going on. He was gentle, meek, and mild. He was kind. His mailman was prompt, and his friends courteous. He was a positive force for ‘good’ on TV, and he became to me like a favorite uncle, who would teach me, give me 30 minutes of daily attention, and care about my well being.
Now, having said all that, let me now get to the point. Jesus Christ is NOT Mr. Rogers. Good one, Captain Obvious, you may be thinking. But I’m serious. Jesus has become all too comfortable to today’s church. He’s the religious incarnate of Mister Rogers. He’s an emotional hug...
Having grown up in the rural, evangelical Midwest, I was raised with the limited (very limited) understanding that ‘liturgy’ was something those ‘weird’ churches did, and that it was dry, boring, and irrelevant. Beyond such limited knowledge, I had no idea what ‘hours’ meant (other than a period of time consisting of 60 minutes), or what a ‘daily office’ was (other than a place where you go to work). Little did I know the connection to a global prayer movement that has thrived for centuries.
Even though I have since learned what these terms mean, the idea of using a liturgical prayer book till seemed so foreign to me. What I needed was an easy to read primer on ‘praying with the church’. Thankfully, Scot McKnight delivered with his new book Praying With the Church.
Like McKnight, and countless other evangelicals, I was very familiar with the practice of praying IN the church (spontaneous prayer gatherings, ‘popcorn’ prayer, prayer meetings, etc). But what my prayer life has lacked was an ordered prayer habit WITH the global church. Merging the two forms of prayer together, orchestrates what McKnight calls a “sacred rhythm of prayer”.
This book is perfect for Christians such as me, eager to enrich one’s prayer life, but lacking in instruction on how to pray WITH the church. To those from Anglican, Orthodox, Celtic, Catholic traditions, this book will simply preach to the choir (maybe Scot will follow up with Praying IN the Church for those of liturgical backgrounds!).
After some introductory comments on his personally journey of learning how to pray WITH the church, he reexamines the prayer life of Jesus, who most definitely joined in the fixed prayer schedule of first century Judaism.
With such a foundation laid, he then surveys the major streams of fixed, rhythmic prayer in the church today (Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and the ecumenical Divine Hours). Each chapter is a helpful introduction on how to use the prayer books from each tradition, what each book’s strengths and weaknesses are, and how these books came to be written.
A book on sacred, fixed prayer could easily overwhelm a reader like me. Which book should I choose? There are so many! Fortunately, McKnight is careful to keep his instruction as readable as possible, and he frequently suggests taking this new path of prayer realistically: “Set realistic expectations…avoid the heroic.”
Praying WITH the Church is not meant to be a limiting, mindless ‘prayer prison’, where the Holy Spirit is shut out for the sake of uniformity. Rather, praying with the church is a way to join the global church in guided prayers steeped in the Word of God, in tune with the rhythm of life God has instilled within His creation.
To those evangelical sisters and brothers who are wary of ‘fixed prayer’, McKnight offers a valid point. “no one can dispute the tendency for fixed-hour prayers to slip into mindless, memorized mouthing of words. Whose fault, we need to ask is, that.” I know I have fallen into the same trap in my own, spontaneous prayer life. I find myself almost reciting the same requests, the same praises, without passion or fervor.
What’s my verdict: thumbs up or thumbs down? I give Praying With the Church a wholehearted thumbs up for anyone (especially those from evangelical backgrounds) who is searching for a richer, deeper, prayer life. I’d highly encourage you all to pick up a copy of this book, and then pick up one of the prayer books he recommends. (One of Phyllis Tickle’s volumes of The Divine Hoursis being shipped to me as I write this review.)
Imagine the power of a global church praying together…
(hat tip to Paraclete Press for sending me this book for FREE!)
Last night our church hosted the African Children's Choir. If your church doesn't have them booked for a concert, stop what you're doing right now and beg and plead with your church to have them come and bless you with a performance. The choir consists of children from African, most of whom are orphans, victims of poverty and AIDS. The choir gives them a platform for advocacy, an opportunity to worship, and an education.
Still haven't stopped? Need more convincing? Ok...the concert was amazing for a number of reasons. First, they can sing and dance. And I mean, THEY CAN SING AND DANCE. Their talent is incredible, and is only trumped by their enthusiasm and their love for God. These kids, in spite of their suffering, are powerful examples of the tranforming hope of God. AIDS and poverty do not define these children. They do not squelch their dreams...
You still haven't stopped? Sheesh...I've done all I can do. Go to their website, book them at your church. You won't be sorry. It will be one of the best events of your church's year. Guaranteed. Entertainment, worship, justice, joy, and global fellowship all in one small choir.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms/mums/mothers/mommies out there! You certainly deserve more than one special day a year, but Hallmark and the restaurant industry probably wouldn't be big fans of that. They seem to like their one day a year of rampant commercialization.
Regardless of the 'greeting card-ization of the day', I thought it would be appropriate to give a shout out to some special moms in my life.
1. To Mary, mother of Jesus--Due to the Catholic position on Mary, we Protestants tend to ignore Mary like she's the antichrist herself. (So much of our theology is reactionary, isn't it?). But hey, you faced cultural disapproval, mockery, and I'm sure more than one stink eye from your neighbors in bearing a son, THE SON, before wedlock. You raised him up in a way that's true and right, and you endured watching your boy Jesus suffer and die like a common Jewish criminal. To my non-catholic sisters/brothers: this mom deserves a little more attention people... May all mothers sing your song of joy as they raise God's children.
2. My Mom--Mom, I couldn't have asked for a more loving, caring, devoted mother. You poured yourself into Trav and I...at no small sacrifice to yourself. I'm blessed more than I deserve to have a mother like you.
3. My wife--Bekah...today is your first Mother's day (with Ben out of the womb). I couldn't ask for a more loving, patient, gracious, faithful, devoted partner to raise Ben with. I could go on, but someone else once wrote it better than I ever could:
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31)
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Today, (and every 2nd Sat. of May) is World Fair Trade Day. Check out the link, and see how you can become a more conscientious consumer. For those of us in NW Ohio, fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, and other gifts can be found at the Ten Thousand Villages in Archbold. You can also find a number of fair trade stores online. Google search fair trade...and make sure to look for these logos on the products you buy. As I post this, I'm sipping a glorious cup of fair trade Brazilian coffee. A cup of guilt free justice simply tastes better...To read some great info on 'why' you should buy fair trade and what impact it has, click here.
I've got an article in the May 2006 issue of Next-Wave, an online monthly on church and culture. If you don't subscribe, you're missing out. Good words from good people on important topics. The best part: it's free.
Here's a tease:
Power to the People! How Technology is Changing the Face of Theological Formulation
G.I. Joe was right: “Knowing is half the battle…” Our globe is filled with knowledgeable, talented, undiscovered theologians who have amazing wisdom to speak into the life of the church. The problem is the other ‘half’ of the battle. They don’t have those precious letters following their name: Ph.D. A Ph.D. gives you the academic street cred, the power to be heard.
Until recently, the problem has seemed insurmountable. That is, until technology came to save the day....
Call me Captain Obvious, but I'm sensing a little tension over the upcoming release of the Da Vinci Code Movie. There seem to be 3 main reactions to this movie: 1. Some will simply ignore the movie. These people believe in the truism that 'there's no such thing as bad press'. Thus, to prevent any more attention being drawn to something they oppose, they just simply ignore the whole thing. 2. Some will protest. Alas, many conservatives, will protest the movie. The problem...most will be shouting out of angst, which usually results in noone listening. 3. Some will go see it and discuss. This is the route I choose. Why?
Here's my reasoning:
a. Though I don't agree with the book's content (it is, after all, FICTION), I find the story fascinating. Dan Brown knows how to sell books. His story is a fast paced, page turning thriller...Just remember: he's a fiction writer...not a theologian.
b. I believe in truism in point #1 (there's no such thing as bad press...). I simply believe that the same is true (in this instance)** for this movie.
c. Which brings me to the main reason why I will see the movie: the opportunity to talk about faith, church, and truth in our everyday conversations. How often, off the cuff, in passing, at the water cooler, or in the park, do you get to talk to people about Jesus, Mary, the Church? I'm guessing not too often...usually we are the ones who bring it up in a prepackaged evangelistic sales pitch. The fact that non-Christians are talking about this stuff is a powerful opportunity to have authentic, no strings attached dialogue about many of the things that TRULY matter in life. I'm more excited about the 'outreach' potential of this movie than I am about the impact that The Passion and Narnia had. (in fact, Barna concluded that those two movies had virtually no impact evangelistically...read here). Of course, there are bound to be some who have committed to the Christian faith as a result of these films. My point is that they didn't turn out to be the 'greatest evangelistic opportunity in 100 years' or whatever.
Don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed both The Passion and Narnia. I do appreciate films of faith being offerred in the mainstream. Just remember: Hollywood generally determines who will go to their movies, based on their marketing. How did Hollywood promote The Passion and Narnia? By tapping into the power of the suburban, evangelical church. They didn't market the movie to non-Christians (generally speaking), because Hollywood wants to fill the seats. Therefore, Christians went to see Christian movies.
The Da Vinci Code is being marketed to a non-Christian audience. Thus, non-Christians will flock, in droves to see a movie that centers around a wacked out, fictional, ridiculous version of Jesus and His Church.
That's why I'm going to see it...so that I can enjoy an entertaining story, so I can dialogue with others about Jesus, and so I can see what's up with Tom Hanks' hair...The VOX Community will also be watching the movie, for that very same reason.
Such an opportunity is definitely worth the price of admission...
**I want to emphasize 'this instance'. I in no way believe that events such as the Crusades, the Inquisition, the TV Evangelist Scandals, Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, etc. are in any way 'good' press. It's all in how you respond is the point I'm trying to make. . .
Need to waste some time? Of course you do...Check out this generator blog I just discovered. It's full of road sign generators, newspaper generators, gangsta name generators...and a whole bunch of others.
One of my personal favs: The Dr. Phil Random Quote Generator. It generated this quote for me (I'm sure it's fate): "You don't need sideburns to WEEWEEWEE all the way home." Those, my friends, are words to live by.
So I finally got around to watching Walk the Line (I know, I'm so yesterday). Great flick. I've always been a nominal Cash fan, and it's pretty incredible to see his early years chronicled on film. Here's what was strange about my Walk the Line experience. Did anyone else notice all the crazy parallels between the lives of Johnny Cash and Ray Charles? Good grief! They're basically the same person. Both are initially defined by a primal wound from their childhood (paternal rejection/poor self-esteem for Cash, blindness/prejudice for Ray). Both had brothers die as children in freak accidents. Both got their start singing gospel music. Both fell into addictions. Both had extramarital 'activities'. Both eventually cleaned up their act, with their faith playing a primary role in their deliverance and recovery. Both were groundbreaking in their musical style.
I've been chewing through the May/June 2006 issue of Books and Culture (hat tip: Travis for the hookup subscription). If you haven't checked out this mag, do so. It has an acquired taste, like good wine. It has no flashy images...no paparazzi. It's mostly words (scandalous for a magazine today...I know), and has some great illustrations by Klaus Ernst (a NW Ohio local artist). It simply offers sound cultural critique, theological intrigue, and literary analysis... all through the lens of the Christian worldview.
One of the more interesting articles in the recent issue is on the historical accuracy of the film End of the Spear. The article was written by Kathryn Long, prof at Wheaton, expert on the history of the Waorani people. I personally enjoyed the movie, and appreciated its attempt to make a solid film with a solid message. In the article Long raises some interesting questions on the movie's message and historical validity.
Beyond historical nit-picking, this articles sheds incredible light on the challenges of missiology to an unreached people group, who are illiterate, tribal, and dare I say....naked. The author admits that some sacrifices must be made for the sake of cinema...but she pulls no punches in critiqueing the historical accuracy and conclusions drawn by the creators of the film.
Sorry for the commercial....Books and Culture isn't paying me to promote their mag (although that's not such a bad idea). My advice: ditch the National Enquirer and pick up Books and Culture.
(Completely unrelated blog note: I must say, this blog thing is a ticket to ride. I've received 2 books for free via my Amazon Wish List, and I've just received 3 free books from 3 different publishers, asking me to review them here on the blog. Who says blogging is a pathetic waste of time? I'll work for books!)
1. Many of you have heard or read that the Emergent Village has decided NOT to formulate a doctrinal statement, in spite of our critics' insistance. LeRon Shults explains 'why?' here. You can get Scot McKnight's thoughts (worth the read) on the issue here. Personally, I agree. Creating a doctrinal statement would transform Emergent from a 'conversation' to a 'denomination'. I would venture to say that most 'friends' of Emergent are already a part of a denomination (I am). I certainly don't want two denominations. However, I would be in favor of a creedal statement from the village, affirming the very basic/essential orthodoxy to get some of the fundies off our back.
2. Brian McLaren's thoughts on hell. Check out this online interview. He attempts to clarify and defend (sort of) his positions in light of the heat (pun intended) he's received on the issue. (Side note: Zondervan asked me, and a bunch of other bloggers...to read his newest book, the Secret Messages of Jesus, and write a review on my blog. Free book! Sweet....)
3. Wikipedia on the Emerging Church. A good intro, and interesting to see the definition evolve in an open source environment like wikipedia.
4. Moving from hell to heaven...check out this. It's a post including 2 videos, one of U2 and one of Mercy Me. Mercy Me just earned a whole bunch of points in my book for this. (hat tip: U2 Sermons) Teaser: What is Mercy Me's favorite song about heaven? It's NOT "I Can Only Imagine"
5. Hank Hill on Megachurches. No, seriously...check out this video. (hat tip: Bob Hyat)
6. Finally, one of our VOX worship leaders, Seth Bible, is in studio recording a worship album. Get yourself a pen and paper (I'm seriously waiting...). Got it? Good? Write this name down: S-e-t-h B-i-b-l-e. You'll be hearing a heckuva lot more about this guy in the future. You can check out a few unproduced tracks of the album here.
7. This is why people think we Christians are stupid. Click here, and be prepared to laugh and cry. (hat tip: Evergreen Community)
I must stop at 7...because that's the number of completeness, right? I dunno, somethin' like that...
The brilliant theologian/rapper/fashionista MC Hammer was dead on: "We've got to pray...we've got to pray just to make it today."
Couldn't help myself in a little hammertime, in light of this day, the U.S. National Day of Prayer. I have mixed feelings about this event. Don't get me wrong: I believe that when people pray, amazing things happen.
So what's my deal? Well, call it the anabaptist in me, but I feel so much of these types of events are more of a power play or a political statement than they are humble gatherings of people who want to simply get on their knees and pray. I've never like the idea of 'storming the courthouse'...and too often nationwide events turn into more of a political ploy, a good ol' fashion arm twisting of the government to be sure to listen to us 'christians'.
However, I DO appreciate their theme this year: "America, Honor God." We too often blend our patriotism with our faith and get it backwards: thank the Lord that the theme wasn't "God bless America" (he already has people!).
I'm not a huge fan of their logo, shown here to the left. Maybe only two states are allowed to pray at the same time. Maybe they wanted to bring the flag into the picture to symbolize the national scope, but they didn't want to go too far and make it actually look like our flag. I dunno...
Fortunately, I've been a part of a group of Christian leaders here in Fulton County Ohio who are trying a little something different. Instead of having about a dozen people show up at the courthouse on their lunchbreak, we're gathering as a county wide family of followers of Christ to participate in a concert of prayer this evening. We'll see how it goes...anytime you try to go ecumenical. things get interesting. Regardless, I think it's a step in the right direction. So, my challenge to you all: devote today to prayer, and leave the politics behind. Pray for our nation, for our world, and for it's leaders. Pray that God's will and kingdom be done 'on earth AS IT IS in heaven'...
Sheer genius Rex. Tell the consumers it's their fault, and then also blame it on 'supply and demand fundamentals'. Sheesh! Apparently consumer greed must be remedied and corporate greed must be left alone.
Chalk it up to reason number 101 why my wife and I share a car.
Dan Kimball, pastor of Vintage Faith church led a leadership forum I was a part of during the Fusion Denver conference. He has a wonderful perspective on how outsiders view the Christian faith, and offers much wisdom on how we can best reach the postmodern culture.
1. He offerred the 3 most common misconceptions outsiders had of the early church: cannabalism (communion: eating Christ's body and drinking his blood), incest (referring to one another as brother/sister), atheism (the early Christians had no 'idols' to worship in their churches).
2. "Become citizens of the Kingdom, not citizens of the Bubble"--The typical Christian follows this pattern: a. conversion, b. the new convert hangs out with other Christians, c. the convert hangs out with all Christians, no non Christians, therefore evangelism becomes 'overseas', such as a mission trip, d. the convert becomes a 'Jonah', hating the surrounding culture for its 'sin', and e. that fear of the outside further drives the convert deeper into the Christian bubble. (the graph above is a perfect illustration)
3. He had a PP slide with this quote by Bono: "Christians are hard to tolerate...I don't know how Jesus does it."
We're back from our weekend excursion to Denver. It was a great weekend...great conference, great fellowship, great worship. It was quite surreal returning to our home of over three years. We realized how much that season meant to Bekah and I. We realized how much we miss our friends from there. And we realized how wonderful a city Denver is. The scenery, the weather, the public transit, the culture...
I'll post some snapshots of the seminar with Dan Kimball tomorrow. There was much wisdom to glean... For now, here are some random experiences from the weekend:
--Our rental car: a Chevy Aveo. 4 words: 'tin' 'can' 'on' 'wheels'. --Strangest moment at the Fusion Denver conference: When I first walked in the room, this random woman came up to me, pointed to my nametag (which was on the left side of my chest), and felt compelled to admonish me: "Your nametag goes on the right side, that way when you shake hands people can see your name." What the *(%@! Who are you to tell me where my nametag goes! But I decide to give her the benefit of the doubt, thinking she probably works for the conference and wants to make sure everyone has the best time possible. NOPE...she was a participant just like me. Strange people... --The verdict on Dan Kimball's hair: It's the real deal. He even had a can of his hair gel to show everyone. That gel must be the 8th wonder of the world, because that slope of hair is high and steep. I've never been with a rockabilly pastor before...and I probably never will. --Best board game ever? Settlers of Catan. Now, I've only played it once, but believe you me...it's something special. If you haven't played this game, go out and buy it. (Warning: it may take a small loan...it's not cheap). Apparently the Germans know their board games, because this one is great. It takes what's great about Monopoly, Risk, and Sim City and rolls it up into a beautiful board game.
The views on drewmoser.com are solely my opinions. They are not necessarily the official views of any organization with which I'm affiliated (VOX Ohio, AEMC, Nieu Communities, etc.). There. I've covered my rear.
