So I know it has been dark around here lately, but I have at least one good reason for the lack of postage over the last couple of weeks. As many of you know, we experienced significant power outages here in Tulsa last week because of an ice storm. Megan and I were luckier than most people. Our power was only out for 3 days, while there are some people I know who are now on day 9 of no power.
The three powerless days made me realize how dependent our society is on electricity. I brought my laptop to Panera one day last week and discovered there were about 50 or so other people that had the exact same idea. It is interesting to me how quickly people search for a place to "plug in" when the option is not available at home. I find myself always needing to be entertained. Rather than taking the advice of the Psalmist who wrote, "Be still and know that He is God", I seek to fill my schedule with things to do. All the electronic resources that we have at our disposal are great, but I think it is easy to become to dependent upon them. The lack of power made me realize how dependent I can really be.
I kind of see my days without power as a bit of a fast. It is a cool mystery to me that God would choose to speak to us when we deny ourselves of something we are used to. I know a lot of people want to hear from God, but find it difficult to hear his voice. I wonder if we would more consistently "fast" from some of our distractions in our lives that we would in fact hear from God more clearly.
There is my rambling for the night... Look for a future post on my thoughts after watching the movie "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry."
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
The Most Annoying Thing to Spend Money On
Over the course of the past month or so, Megan and I have had to spend a little over $1000 on auto repair. For some reason I hate spending money on fixing our cars. Megan tries to comfort me by saying that we should be thankful that we have the money to fix the cars, which is a good point but it still irks me. It is really annoying to spend money on something I do not choose to spend it on.
What do you hate spending money on?
What do you hate spending money on?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
A Weekend With Dr. Ben Witherington
This weekend Dr. Ben Witherington was in town to speak at my church. If you are not familiar with Witherington, he is considered to be one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. On Saturday he taught from 10:00-3:00 on issues related to the birth of Jesus. He showed several different chuncks of the movie The Nativity Story while at the same time weaving in insights about the story from Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. While I enjoyed his teachings, something else was the highlight of the afternoon for me. During the scene of the movie in which Mary gives birth to Jesus, I noticed an older man who was probably in his 80s that began to weep. Normally I would think it was somewhat cheesy for someone to cry during a film like this, but not this time. It was a very powerful moment for me because I began to think about how big of an impact Jesus must have had in him over the course of the life. It excites me to think of the richness and depth my relationship with the Lord could be by the time I reach that age.
With all the said, the best part of the weekend was getting to go to lunch with Dr. Witherington today. Megan and I are friends with our Senior Pastor's daugher and son-in-law. Wade (our pastor) knows of my interest in attending seminary, so he was kind enough to invite us to lunch with them. Our lunch conversation covered a variety of different topics. We talked about everything from sports to politics to his experiences on various TV programs.
At one point, I asked him what his opinion was of the Emerging Church. He actually had quite a few good things to say. The first person he brought up was Rob Bell. While he has some concerns about some of his theology, he is impressed with how creative he is in his teachings. He also likes the ecumenical nature of the Emerging Church is. One other thing that excites him about it is the youthful leadership. He seemed to have only a few major concerns. The first was a slip by some in biblical sexual ethics. Secondly, he worries about a lack of accountability for many of these churches. He thinks it is necessary for churches to have accountability beyond their own members. A final point of concern to him is the devaluing of orthodoxy by some. Other than Rob Bell we did not discuss specific individuals. One thing that we both agreed on is that the Emerging Church is something that can be very difficult to define.
Overall, it was an excellent weekend. If I end up choosing to attend Asbury for seminary, I am excited to take some classes from him.
With all the said, the best part of the weekend was getting to go to lunch with Dr. Witherington today. Megan and I are friends with our Senior Pastor's daugher and son-in-law. Wade (our pastor) knows of my interest in attending seminary, so he was kind enough to invite us to lunch with them. Our lunch conversation covered a variety of different topics. We talked about everything from sports to politics to his experiences on various TV programs.
At one point, I asked him what his opinion was of the Emerging Church. He actually had quite a few good things to say. The first person he brought up was Rob Bell. While he has some concerns about some of his theology, he is impressed with how creative he is in his teachings. He also likes the ecumenical nature of the Emerging Church is. One other thing that excites him about it is the youthful leadership. He seemed to have only a few major concerns. The first was a slip by some in biblical sexual ethics. Secondly, he worries about a lack of accountability for many of these churches. He thinks it is necessary for churches to have accountability beyond their own members. A final point of concern to him is the devaluing of orthodoxy by some. Other than Rob Bell we did not discuss specific individuals. One thing that we both agreed on is that the Emerging Church is something that can be very difficult to define.
Overall, it was an excellent weekend. If I end up choosing to attend Asbury for seminary, I am excited to take some classes from him.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Tell Better Stories
One of the advantages of long car trips over the holidays is that it gives me the opportunity to catch up on podcasts. The one that I listen to most faithfully is the Mars Hill Bible Church weekly sermons. I must admit that I kind of have a man crush on their teaching pastor Rob Bell. While I really his sermons, I actually want to give some thoughts on a recent talk that Don Miller gave at the church. You can download the actual talk here.
In the talk Miller discusses viewing our lives as stories. He asks the question, "What type of story is your life telling?" I found this to be a very thought provoking question. He talked about the power that storytelling can have in our lives. Good books and movies can captivate our attention with their storylines. People love good stories.
Miller challenged the listeners to think about what type of story they are telling with their lives. He believes that one of the best evangelistic techniques a Christian can have is by telling a good story with their life. I think this is really true. We are usually take interest in people who are telling good stories with their lives. He says that one of the ways to tell if you are telling a good story with your life is to ask the question what dreams would die and what things would not happen if you were to die.
I found this talk to be extremely challenging. I think that so often I choose to settle into the easy uneventful story, rather than allowing my life to tell a great story. Even as I choose to do ministry full time, it seems really easy to fall into a life that is a simple and predictable story. I pray that I will continue to be challenged to think about how I can tell better stories with my life.
In the talk Miller discusses viewing our lives as stories. He asks the question, "What type of story is your life telling?" I found this to be a very thought provoking question. He talked about the power that storytelling can have in our lives. Good books and movies can captivate our attention with their storylines. People love good stories.
Miller challenged the listeners to think about what type of story they are telling with their lives. He believes that one of the best evangelistic techniques a Christian can have is by telling a good story with their life. I think this is really true. We are usually take interest in people who are telling good stories with their lives. He says that one of the ways to tell if you are telling a good story with your life is to ask the question what dreams would die and what things would not happen if you were to die.
I found this talk to be extremely challenging. I think that so often I choose to settle into the easy uneventful story, rather than allowing my life to tell a great story. Even as I choose to do ministry full time, it seems really easy to fall into a life that is a simple and predictable story. I pray that I will continue to be challenged to think about how I can tell better stories with my life.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Happy Happy Birthday
So today is my 24th birthday. I must admit 24 sounds a whole lot older than 23. I think part of it is because I have made the transition from early 20s to mid 20s. In honor of my 24th birthday, I have decided to make a list of 24 things I hope to do before I turn 25. Some of these will be more tangible than others...
1. Love my wife more.
2. Read more books.
3. Spend more time investing in the lives of my students.
4. Go skiing!
5. Improve the golf game.
6. Start doing more writing...whether that be blogging, articles, or something else.
7. Figure out the whole going to seminary thing.
8. Work out more consistently
9. Continue to be disciplined in saving money.
10. Have more opportunities to speak
11. Serve/volunteer somewhere on a consistent basis
12. Manage my time more effectively
13. Go to a STL Cardinals game.
14. Be more encouraging of others
15. Have a better understanding of who I am and what God is calling me to do.
Okay so 24 is a lot...I think the list will stop here for now.
1. Love my wife more.
2. Read more books.
3. Spend more time investing in the lives of my students.
4. Go skiing!
5. Improve the golf game.
6. Start doing more writing...whether that be blogging, articles, or something else.
7. Figure out the whole going to seminary thing.
8. Work out more consistently
9. Continue to be disciplined in saving money.
10. Have more opportunities to speak
11. Serve/volunteer somewhere on a consistent basis
12. Manage my time more effectively
13. Go to a STL Cardinals game.
14. Be more encouraging of others
15. Have a better understanding of who I am and what God is calling me to do.
Okay so 24 is a lot...I think the list will stop here for now.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Engaging The Soul of Youth Culture 1
Mueller titles this chapter, "Reality Bytes: Snapshots of a Crying and Dying Culture." His goal in this chapter seems to display how off we can be about the culture of today's youth.
He states that we have caused many problems by our "inability or unwillingness to hear the nuances of their unique worldview and experience before attempting to answer their cries" (19). He goes on to say that because of our unwillingness to listen they have become a generation full of unmet needs that are "crying out to have their God-shaped emptiness filled" (23).
He goes on to note that people that do marketing have done a better job of speaking to today's kids than the church has done. The media has become the number 1 influence in kid's lives today and has been successful in "providing emerging generations with 'maps of reality' to guide them into adulthood" (27). He then says that, "popular culture give them purpose because it has listened to them" (27).
He points out that the problem with kids trying to fill their emptiness with various forms of media is that, "From a biblical perspective we know that unless media (or any other institution) points to redemption in Christ, it's only a rabbit chase" (28). He closes the chapter by emphasizing that if we want to provide spiritual wholeness, we must be willing to first listen.
A few of my own thoughts and a question:
1. Most adults do a terrible job of realizing the validity of what kids think and feel. Their place in life is often just viewed as a phase that will pass. If we continue to look at this stage of life as just a phase and not seek to meet the needs of each individual student, we will fail to connect with an entire generation. Many teens have been deeply wounded whether we want to realize it or not.
2. It is interesting that the church seems to fail to meet the God-shaped emptiness Mueller describes. I think often we seek to use the techniques of the media, but are not able to do it as well. This creates shallow empty experiences for the student. I hear many students who say that there is not much substance going on in their youth group. Plenty of fun, but the emptiness continues.
3. I think we have to teach kids how to think theologically about the media that is being presented to them. If we do not, it will continue to have quite a bit of control of their lives.
Q1: How do we expose older generations to the hurts of today's youth? How do we begin to allow them to see the validity of the pain teens can experience? Once this happens, we must be able to show how they can trust Jesus with these hurts.
He states that we have caused many problems by our "inability or unwillingness to hear the nuances of their unique worldview and experience before attempting to answer their cries" (19). He goes on to say that because of our unwillingness to listen they have become a generation full of unmet needs that are "crying out to have their God-shaped emptiness filled" (23).
He goes on to note that people that do marketing have done a better job of speaking to today's kids than the church has done. The media has become the number 1 influence in kid's lives today and has been successful in "providing emerging generations with 'maps of reality' to guide them into adulthood" (27). He then says that, "popular culture give them purpose because it has listened to them" (27).
He points out that the problem with kids trying to fill their emptiness with various forms of media is that, "From a biblical perspective we know that unless media (or any other institution) points to redemption in Christ, it's only a rabbit chase" (28). He closes the chapter by emphasizing that if we want to provide spiritual wholeness, we must be willing to first listen.
A few of my own thoughts and a question:
1. Most adults do a terrible job of realizing the validity of what kids think and feel. Their place in life is often just viewed as a phase that will pass. If we continue to look at this stage of life as just a phase and not seek to meet the needs of each individual student, we will fail to connect with an entire generation. Many teens have been deeply wounded whether we want to realize it or not.
2. It is interesting that the church seems to fail to meet the God-shaped emptiness Mueller describes. I think often we seek to use the techniques of the media, but are not able to do it as well. This creates shallow empty experiences for the student. I hear many students who say that there is not much substance going on in their youth group. Plenty of fun, but the emptiness continues.
3. I think we have to teach kids how to think theologically about the media that is being presented to them. If we do not, it will continue to have quite a bit of control of their lives.
Q1: How do we expose older generations to the hurts of today's youth? How do we begin to allow them to see the validity of the pain teens can experience? Once this happens, we must be able to show how they can trust Jesus with these hurts.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Retreat Retreat
This past weekend I helped plan and lead a retreat for the 7th grade boys and their dads at our school. They have always used the theme "Boot Camp" for the weekend. I am not one to get all pumped up about this type of imagery, but I never felt that it was over the top. The retreat was one of those things that I was not particularly excited about beforehand, but once there I really enjoyed it.
The highlight of the weekend for me was Sunday morning when I had the opportunity to lead a session with the dads that I called "Understanding Youth Culture." I began by discussing various aspects of youth culture hoping that the dads would begin to have a greater understanding of what is happening in their children's world. A lot of the information I used came from Walt Mueller's seminars at the NYWC. I really like what that man has to say.
After covering that material, I began to give advice on how they could better relate to their sons. Most importantly we discussed how to help adolescent faith grow. Most of the information for this portion I got from Chap Clark's book Disconnected: Parenting Teens in a MySpace World. I must admit that at times I felt somewhat awkward giving parenting tips when I myself am not a parent yet. I do not want to come across as being critical when I have yet to walk through their shoes. With that being said, I think I was able to present the material with humility and not come across as some inexperienced know it all.
After the session, several of the dads commented on how much they appreciated what I had to say. There were even a few dads who mentioned buying the book. It is encouraging to me to see parents that want to be involved in the spiritual mentoring and discipleship of their kids. I know I have not been doing youth ministry for long, but it is becoming more and more apparent the necessity of parents being involved in the lives of their children for spiritual growth to take place. May God grant wisdom to this generation's parents.
The highlight of the weekend for me was Sunday morning when I had the opportunity to lead a session with the dads that I called "Understanding Youth Culture." I began by discussing various aspects of youth culture hoping that the dads would begin to have a greater understanding of what is happening in their children's world. A lot of the information I used came from Walt Mueller's seminars at the NYWC. I really like what that man has to say.
After covering that material, I began to give advice on how they could better relate to their sons. Most importantly we discussed how to help adolescent faith grow. Most of the information for this portion I got from Chap Clark's book Disconnected: Parenting Teens in a MySpace World. I must admit that at times I felt somewhat awkward giving parenting tips when I myself am not a parent yet. I do not want to come across as being critical when I have yet to walk through their shoes. With that being said, I think I was able to present the material with humility and not come across as some inexperienced know it all.
After the session, several of the dads commented on how much they appreciated what I had to say. There were even a few dads who mentioned buying the book. It is encouraging to me to see parents that want to be involved in the spiritual mentoring and discipleship of their kids. I know I have not been doing youth ministry for long, but it is becoming more and more apparent the necessity of parents being involved in the lives of their children for spiritual growth to take place. May God grant wisdom to this generation's parents.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Overwhelmed
The only bad thing about going to a conference like I did last weekend, is that often when you return you can feel behind. I most definitely feel behind right now. I have a stack of things that I should have already graded, but have not yet. At some point I would like to get ahead in lesson planning, but that has not happened yet either. Another big stresser is that this weekend I am helping lead a retreat for the 7th grade boys and their dads.
I also feel overwhelmed right now about trying to figure out the future. Meg and I are not sure about the right timing for us to move so that I can go to seminary. I seem to have a lot on my mind, but not much time to think about it.
I think I am realizing how very little I actually trust God. At the conference Chap Clark made the statement that any sin or problem that we are experiencing in our life has to do with our inability to trust God. For example, if an individual is worrying about something it is because they do not trust that God really has it under control. It is very rare that I put complete trust in God. I need to learn that I can trust in the promises of God.
These are my thoughts for the evening...
I also feel overwhelmed right now about trying to figure out the future. Meg and I are not sure about the right timing for us to move so that I can go to seminary. I seem to have a lot on my mind, but not much time to think about it.
I think I am realizing how very little I actually trust God. At the conference Chap Clark made the statement that any sin or problem that we are experiencing in our life has to do with our inability to trust God. For example, if an individual is worrying about something it is because they do not trust that God really has it under control. It is very rare that I put complete trust in God. I need to learn that I can trust in the promises of God.
These are my thoughts for the evening...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
I'm back...
This past weekend I attended the National Youth Workers Convention in St. Louis. Being there inspired me to take another shot at this whole blogging thing. I don't think anyone actually reads this thing, but it at least helps me organize my thoughts! Hopefully, I will get more into it this time...
I had a really good time at the conference and had the opportunity to attend some very interesting seminars. I especially enjoyed hearing Chap Clark, Duffy Robbins, and Walt Mueller. I will attempt to summarize some of the discussions in future blogs.
I just started reading Walt Meuler's book Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture. I plan on trying to summarize each chapter on this.
That's all for now...
I had a really good time at the conference and had the opportunity to attend some very interesting seminars. I especially enjoyed hearing Chap Clark, Duffy Robbins, and Walt Mueller. I will attempt to summarize some of the discussions in future blogs.
I just started reading Walt Meuler's book Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture. I plan on trying to summarize each chapter on this.
That's all for now...
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
My day at the PGA
So on Monday I went to a practice round for the PGA championship. We got there at 7:00am right when the gates opened. I walked over to the first hole you see when you walk into Southern Hills, and lo and behold guess who was there....
Yup, Eldrick Tiger Woods. In fact I could have reached out and touched him if I wanted to get kicked out for the rest of the day. It was interesting seeing people follow him around all day.
I began to think about our society's obsession with celebrities. People buy magazines to get the latest information about celebrity love lives. We go crazy over Oprah, Tom Cruise, Tiger Woods, and many many more. I think this reflects our hunger for something bigger than ourselves. It excites us when we are able to interact with individuals that are larger than life.
It is interesting that we settle for these celebrities when we have the opportunity to be in relationship with the one who created the celebrities. I pray that more and more I and others would grasp that our need for transcendence can be satisfied in God.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Hmm
I now have quite a bit of respect for people who are able to blog on a consistent basis. It is amazing how quickly time has gone by since my last post. I have not been particularly busy, so there really is no good excuse. I have been up to a few things though....
-I go back to work 3 weeks from today. The summer has gone by incredibly fast. I have been trying to do some work to get prepared for the upcoming year.
-Since my last post I have also caught the golf bug. I played twice in three days last week and absolutely loved it. The only unfortunate thing about it is that golf is an expensive hobby to carry out.
-I am almost done with the Jim Wallis books. It has been really good to think through issues related to faith and politics. I am somewhat embarassed by the lack of knowledge I have about anything political. I decided after last November's election I would never be uninformed going into an election again. I think that I have a responsibility to be politically informed.
I think that is all I have to say for now. I hope to write again soon.
-I go back to work 3 weeks from today. The summer has gone by incredibly fast. I have been trying to do some work to get prepared for the upcoming year.
-Since my last post I have also caught the golf bug. I played twice in three days last week and absolutely loved it. The only unfortunate thing about it is that golf is an expensive hobby to carry out.
-I am almost done with the Jim Wallis books. It has been really good to think through issues related to faith and politics. I am somewhat embarassed by the lack of knowledge I have about anything political. I decided after last November's election I would never be uninformed going into an election again. I think that I have a responsibility to be politically informed.
I think that is all I have to say for now. I hope to write again soon.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Mark 2 Post 1
Well I have began my attempt to read through the entire NT by starting in the book of Mark. I know it's not the first book, but it is what I chose!
I wanted to spend some time writing about one passage in particular. There are two things that really struck me about the passage. I think I will discuss one today and the other sometime in the next couple of days.
The passage is Luke 2:13-17. These verses tell the story of when Jesus asks Levi to follow him. Shortly after this, Jesus decides to eat dinner with Levi, his disciples, some tax collectors, and "sinners." The Pharisees get all fired up about who Jesus was eating his dinner with. The Pharisees ask why he is doing that. Jesus responds by saying: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Honestly, I think that many Christians today share the same thoughts as the Pharisees on this. It is really easy to squirm or question someone who chooses to spend a lot of time with "sinners." We use verses that talk about not being yoked with unbelievers as reasoning to avoid these situations or challenge those that do spend their time with "sinners."
When we debate about whether or not to spend time with "sinners" or non-Christians, we subtly can begin to become puffed up in our own self-righteousness.
Jesus says it is the sick that need the doctor. He came to call the sinners, not the righteous. What does this say about the type of attitude that we should have about ourselves and others? We to our sinners.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
I wanted to spend some time writing about one passage in particular. There are two things that really struck me about the passage. I think I will discuss one today and the other sometime in the next couple of days.
The passage is Luke 2:13-17. These verses tell the story of when Jesus asks Levi to follow him. Shortly after this, Jesus decides to eat dinner with Levi, his disciples, some tax collectors, and "sinners." The Pharisees get all fired up about who Jesus was eating his dinner with. The Pharisees ask why he is doing that. Jesus responds by saying: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Honestly, I think that many Christians today share the same thoughts as the Pharisees on this. It is really easy to squirm or question someone who chooses to spend a lot of time with "sinners." We use verses that talk about not being yoked with unbelievers as reasoning to avoid these situations or challenge those that do spend their time with "sinners."
When we debate about whether or not to spend time with "sinners" or non-Christians, we subtly can begin to become puffed up in our own self-righteousness.
Jesus says it is the sick that need the doctor. He came to call the sinners, not the righteous. What does this say about the type of attitude that we should have about ourselves and others? We to our sinners.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
A few thoughts from the past weekend...
1. Another sign of how I am getting old: Megan and I went mattress shopping on Saturday. The mattress we had was 14 years old, so we figured it was about time for an upgrade. We found a good one and purchased it. I picked it up today, so it will get a test drive tonight!
2. We had a great weekend with some of our friends here in the apartment. It is exciting to have people to live life with. I am more convinced everyday that God created us to live in community. We need others desperately.
3. I have decided that I want to read the entire New Testament before school starts back up. I feel like that sometimes I spend a lot of time reading books, but not enough time reading the book. I hope the Lord will bring fresh insight as I read His Word.
Thanks for listening...
1. Another sign of how I am getting old: Megan and I went mattress shopping on Saturday. The mattress we had was 14 years old, so we figured it was about time for an upgrade. We found a good one and purchased it. I picked it up today, so it will get a test drive tonight!
2. We had a great weekend with some of our friends here in the apartment. It is exciting to have people to live life with. I am more convinced everyday that God created us to live in community. We need others desperately.
3. I have decided that I want to read the entire New Testament before school starts back up. I feel like that sometimes I spend a lot of time reading books, but not enough time reading the book. I hope the Lord will bring fresh insight as I read His Word.
Thanks for listening...
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Widows in India
I saw this story on the front page of CNN.com today:
http://http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/05/damon.india.widows/index.html
It is sad to think that something like this happens. I was especially shocked by the lack of care that family shows to one another. One of the good things about American culture is that generally speaking most Americans do a good job of taking care of members of their family. Of course there will be exceptions, but not many adult children would leave their elderly mother to fend for themselves.
The area in which I think we often fail is taking care of those that are not family members. It is really easy to stroll through life without feeling any responsibility to those are who in need. This cannot be!
In light of this story, I find the words of James to be especially challenging when he wrote: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
http://http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/05/damon.india.widows/index.html
It is sad to think that something like this happens. I was especially shocked by the lack of care that family shows to one another. One of the good things about American culture is that generally speaking most Americans do a good job of taking care of members of their family. Of course there will be exceptions, but not many adult children would leave their elderly mother to fend for themselves.
The area in which I think we often fail is taking care of those that are not family members. It is really easy to stroll through life without feeling any responsibility to those are who in need. This cannot be!
In light of this story, I find the words of James to be especially challenging when he wrote: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
"Outreach" Ministry
Our Sunday School class at Church is struggling through what it looks like for us to be involved in ministry/outreach/service etc. The struggle is not apathy towards service among the members of the class, rather it is not knowing where or how to serve. We want to be involved somewhere on a continual basis, but are finding it difficult to find a good fit.
Let me give an example. Last night myself and a couple other guys went to play basketball at the Salvatian Army facility here in Tulsa. We had been in contact with the man who runs the center and he had suggested this might be a good way for us to get involved. Upon arrival, I quickly realized that I was definitely in over my head as far as Basketball talent goes. I had no business being on the court with those guys! As we drove back across town we discussed whether or not this would be a good opportunity for our class. We came to the decision that it might not be the best fit for our class comprised of mainly white middle class people.
The more I think about it, the more uncomfortable I am using terms like "outreach" or "service projects." It seems that by doing this we are creating two different worlds. One world which think it's superior and has something to offer to the other world that is in great need of the first world's help. The reality of two worlds was especially apparent last night. The three of us were the only white people in the gym last night. If our whole class showed up it may do more harm than good. This two world type of thinking is not healthy. I do not think many of those guys would apreciate a group of white people who showed up to play ball as a service project.
I think problems arise when we as Christians view service as something we do. Often it is treated as though it is something to be checked off a Christian check list. Ultimately, service cannot just be something that we do it must be a reflection of who we are. Being a servant needs to be a part of our character. All of this gives me lots of questions about how the local church can carry out ministry. Many more questions that can be dealt with today!
I hope that our class can catch this vision. I hope we can follow the example of Jesus who was committed to serving others in everything that he did. Jesus did not do service, he was a servant.
Let me give an example. Last night myself and a couple other guys went to play basketball at the Salvatian Army facility here in Tulsa. We had been in contact with the man who runs the center and he had suggested this might be a good way for us to get involved. Upon arrival, I quickly realized that I was definitely in over my head as far as Basketball talent goes. I had no business being on the court with those guys! As we drove back across town we discussed whether or not this would be a good opportunity for our class. We came to the decision that it might not be the best fit for our class comprised of mainly white middle class people.
The more I think about it, the more uncomfortable I am using terms like "outreach" or "service projects." It seems that by doing this we are creating two different worlds. One world which think it's superior and has something to offer to the other world that is in great need of the first world's help. The reality of two worlds was especially apparent last night. The three of us were the only white people in the gym last night. If our whole class showed up it may do more harm than good. This two world type of thinking is not healthy. I do not think many of those guys would apreciate a group of white people who showed up to play ball as a service project.
I think problems arise when we as Christians view service as something we do. Often it is treated as though it is something to be checked off a Christian check list. Ultimately, service cannot just be something that we do it must be a reflection of who we are. Being a servant needs to be a part of our character. All of this gives me lots of questions about how the local church can carry out ministry. Many more questions that can be dealt with today!
I hope that our class can catch this vision. I hope we can follow the example of Jesus who was committed to serving others in everything that he did. Jesus did not do service, he was a servant.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Proverbs 29:18
Proverbs 29:18 says, "Without a vision, the people will perish."
I have labored through many a meeting in which its purpose is centered on establishing a vision for the group. As an RA, we discussed our vision for the Residence Hall. When I was involved in Student Ministries in college, we discussed our vision for getting people involved in ministry. As a leader in my Sunday School Class, we have spent time discussing our vision for the class.
I have never enjoyed attending meetings of this nature. I have often thought that it was foolish to try and plan for the future when you do not know what lies ahead. Generally, I am the type of person who likes to figure things out as I go along. Where I end up is where I end up!
I think my view of this is beginning to change. I feel like I am struggling through a season of life in which I lack vision for where I am going. This lack of vision is taking place on many levels:
-For several years I have been planning on attending Seminary. I still have the desire to do so, but I struggle to know what I would want to do with the degree. I lack vision for where I will end up.
-Along with this, Megan and I are asking God to give us vision about what our niche in the Body of Christ will be.
-I lack vision for what to do with my time until school starts back up.
These are just a few of the ways in which I am experiencing this lacking feeling. Despite all of this, I feel like I am in a pretty good place. I am hopeful that the Lord will begin to make things clear.
May the Lord bless his people with a vision of how they are to follow Him.
I have labored through many a meeting in which its purpose is centered on establishing a vision for the group. As an RA, we discussed our vision for the Residence Hall. When I was involved in Student Ministries in college, we discussed our vision for getting people involved in ministry. As a leader in my Sunday School Class, we have spent time discussing our vision for the class.
I have never enjoyed attending meetings of this nature. I have often thought that it was foolish to try and plan for the future when you do not know what lies ahead. Generally, I am the type of person who likes to figure things out as I go along. Where I end up is where I end up!
I think my view of this is beginning to change. I feel like I am struggling through a season of life in which I lack vision for where I am going. This lack of vision is taking place on many levels:
-For several years I have been planning on attending Seminary. I still have the desire to do so, but I struggle to know what I would want to do with the degree. I lack vision for where I will end up.
-Along with this, Megan and I are asking God to give us vision about what our niche in the Body of Christ will be.
-I lack vision for what to do with my time until school starts back up.
These are just a few of the ways in which I am experiencing this lacking feeling. Despite all of this, I feel like I am in a pretty good place. I am hopeful that the Lord will begin to make things clear.
May the Lord bless his people with a vision of how they are to follow Him.
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