Brent Thomas

Lessons Learned

2010-03-07T04:40:00.004-06:00

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Enroute, Jeff has been plucking away on his laptop like a madman, shuffling through his detailed notes, and trying to commit our already fading memories to writing. Jeff is a master at observation and analysis. I’m confident he’ll bring order and clarity to the jungle book of experiences we’ve had.

I think I can speak for both of us in saying that this trip had more of a personal impact on us than we anticipated.

For myself, I learned that my evangelistic zeal is too easily dampened. We have lots of excuses, many good ones, why we don’t open our mouths and share our testimonies more freely. Through our silence we are no longer students of the Great Commission, learning and sharpening our witness in ways that can only be done through practice.

This trip made me realize that we can’t really ‘workshop’ or ‘seminar’ our way to doing evangelism. We really just have to do it; share our testimonies with anything that moves, look for that “man of peace” who will engage us. This is Jesus' way of evangelism training. Evangelism seminars are very helpful, we need them. And we also need to obediently follow the Spirit as He shapes in us evangelistic lifestyles.

I’ve found that I’m about three steps removed from the experience of Paul, and Peter, and the other post-resurrection disciples. Their experiences seem other-worldly and surreal. You see, the apostles used a word that we rarely use to describe each other: Boldness.

We admire other Christians for their prayerfulness, or their service, or their kindness, or their gentleness, or their compassion. But rarely do we admire Boldness. When was the last time I described myself as prison-bound, Muslim-confronting, hunt-people-down-every-day, hot-blooded bold about the Gospel? People describe me as being Bald, but not Bold (sorry, I couldn’t resist a bad bald joke!).

Seriously though, we “evangelicals” think that a brother in Christ probably did something wrong if he offended someone by sharing his faith. If an unbeliever is offended by our testimony, we want to apologize for it! There’s something seriously wrong here. Of course if a well-intentioned brother is tactless and unloving as he shares about Jesus' love, that's an incongruity that should be addressed. Even in those cases, though, we should be glad that the gospel goes forward, whether in "pretense or in truth" (Phil. 1).

If you do a search of the word “bold” and its derivatives in the New Testament. You’ll find that its a very important word. The apostles were bold. Jesus promised Spirit-filled boldness. They got stoned and beat up for being bold. Other Christians betrayed them because of their boldness. They prayed for boldness. And they asked for even more boldness!

Another take-away from this trip is that the American church has a lot to learn from our brothers and sisters overseas. In fact, we should seriously consider asking some of these Uzbeks, and Kazakhs, and Tajiks to come over here and tell us what we desperately need to hear. So let’s drop any paternalistic notion that missions is a one-way street to non-Americans. We have as much to learn from believers in other countries as they can learn from us. They’re truly our partners and it would be a good idea if they came over here and kicked us in our...back pews. Those Ninjas have a few things to teach us “grasshoppers”.

Jesus promised that the Gates of Hell will not prevail against the church. If I remember correctly, there was only instance during His life that Jesus indicated that the Gates of Hell were seriously threatened. It was when the disciples went out boldly witnessing, two by two, and Jesus said, “I was watching Satan fall from the heavens like lightning” (Luke 10:18). So, if we think that the Prince of the World has too much sway over our culture, we know there is at least one thing we can do to bring him down...Spirit emboldened witnessing.

Lets pray and work for lightning to fall in our part of the world.

Burgers With V. and J.

2010-03-06T05:12:00.004-06:00

Thursday, March 4^th

For their protection, I cannot tell you where these 2 guys are from. They live in a place where Islam is radicalized and Christians are being mobilized.

Over a Thursday night re-entry meal of burgers and hot dogs I sat mesmerized for over an hour as they shared their lives and their lifestyles. I can’t tell you their real names, so let’s just call them V. and J. V. knew some English so he did most of the talking.

V. shared how he had carried on a witnessing relationship with a local mullah. The mullah agreed with V. that he needed Jesus. And he knew that his sins had not been removed. He said he lived with his sins daily and that he realized he needed a savior. But he explained to V. that his family had problems and the salary was very good for being a mullah. The mullah moved to a large house and V. lost track of him.

Struggling to find the right English words, V. recounted for us his encounters at the mosque. Yes, they sometimes go to the mosques to talk about the Lord with people. V. said, “I prefer to talk with the radical Muslims instead of the nominal Muslims. We don’t try to bring down Mohammed. By using the Koran itself, we lift up Christ higher than Mohammed.”

I asked V., what accounts for so many converts to Christianity? (in one area, 35 out of 100 witnessing exposures were led to Christ). He said, “People see dreams. Dreams of a man in a white robe. All of this happens before we have a conversation with them.” One man had recurring dreams of this kind so he went to a church. He became a Christian and the dreams stopped. Others have experienced miracles in their lives.

We talked further about the strategy that these church planters use to reach people: The Four Fields Approach.

Field #1: Entry

a. Do prayer walks.

b. Share your testimony and find a “man of peace” (Luke 10:5-6); that is, someone who is open to a relationship with you.

Field #2: Evangelism.

In the context of a friendship, continue to share basic Christian truths with your new friend.

Field #3: Discipleship.

Cover essential Christian practices and truths. Encourage them to reach their friends, following your example of ‘Entry’ and ‘Evangelism’.

Field #4: Plant a Small Group (house church).

We asked S. (the director) how he and the other church planters stay motivated, since evangelism in such hostile environments must be draining. “One thing I’ve learned,” he said, “is that my motives must be pure, and that I am sharing my faith totally for the glory of God.” He continued, “Evangelism isn’t natural for me. I used to shy away from sharing my faith because of fear, especially with Muslims,. Now, my personal focus is to worship God. Now I eagerly share my faith daily.”

If you are still reading this post, pray now for these brothers and sisters in Christ in the same way that Paul requested the prayers of the Ephesian believers (Eph. 6:19-20): “...and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.”

NINJA

2010-03-04T10:23:00.005-06:00

Wednesday, March 3

After my first decent night’s sleep in over a week, we enjoyed a second face-time with S. over instant coffee, a "sausage" and 3 eggs sunny side up (really a bologna omelet), toast, and jam. I’ve found that knowing the language here doesn’t mean that a person can communicate with waiters or shop owners any better than we can. However, we got something close to what S. ordered for us.

S. delved into a preview of the material that he would share at the conference later this morning. He wanted to address a problem: 2nd, 3rd, and ensuing generations of small groups stop reproducing and evangelizing. S. introduced a strategy that a friend from Japan is employing: NINJA Groups. A NINJA Group is a group of no more than 3 people and a leader who agree to pursue some intense disciplines every week; such as, engage in evangelism (or service), read 25
chapters in the Bible, report back to the NINJA group with total transparency.

The purpose of the NINJA groups is to preserve the original DNA of passion and service for the Lord with key leaders.

After breakfast we headed out to the conference and I gave my 30 minute devotional to the gang from Jn. 16, through an interpreter. You would love to meet this guy (my interpreter). He has such a cheery disposition. I’d especially like to get to know him better in the future. People who know both Russian and English said that the interpreter’s version of my talk was better than mine (they laughed so I think they were kidding). Really funny, guys.

After an early lunch, the group broke into 2 discussion groups (Turkic language and Russian). We walked a few cold blocks back to the hotel. My cold is letting up a bit and is allowing me to sleep, so I napped while Jeff and S. went weight-lifting.

I found out later that Jeff tugged on weights while S. was giving his testimony to someone at the gym. We don’t know if this was the same guy that S. told us is a male stripper (I assume S. means that he’s not the kind of stripper that removes paint, but I refuse to conjure any other images in my Pastoral mind). I think the Kazakh word for that is YUCK!

After Jeff’s and S.’s new afternoon ministry time, that I’ve dubbed Weights and Witnessing, we went out to eat with the church planter boys at Chuck’s Roadhouse BBQ (actually Chuck’s was what I dreamed about during my naptime). Instead (back to reality), we ate supper at a restaurant that could have boasted "the Best Pork Kabobs east of the Caspian Sea". At least that would have been my marketing plan for their lip-smacking kabobs.

The rest of the evening was ours and we spent about an hour and a half of it trying to get my last posting loaded onto the Blog (the internet is running slow, unlike our intestines). I haven’t yet seen what they have on TV here so I did some channel surfing while waiting on the internet.

Some TV programs here are rip-offs of American programs. I’m so proud that the very best of American programming (aka, Reality Shows) are of such high quality that other countries can’t wait to copy them! (I’m piling on the sarcasm here).

Well, we had 10 gift bars of this awesome Kazakh chocolate to bring home before Jeff (like Satan) tempted me to share one with him. Now there are 9 (sorry, Missions Team that bar was intended for you!).

Seriously, it’s an honor to spend time with these church planters. They are earnest about evangelism and multiplication. They do it, they pray over it, they measure it, and they mean it. This calls me back to my authentic Xian roots.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is our last full day here. S. will meet us at the restaurant at 7:30am. We’ll connect with an American from Iowa for lunch, after the morning sessions. I think we’re supposed to do some bowling in the afternoon.

Prying Eyes

2010-03-03T07:06:00.003-06:00

I apologize for not posting for a while. Between a hectic schedule, traveling to Almaty, and nursing a bad cold, anything I would have written would have been unintelligible. Plus, now we're wrestling with painfully slow internet service making it difficult to add a post to my blog.

Sunday morning we had ch. at a new facility. Their grand opening at a new location. Even with that, the flock attracted 3 new guests. I found that is a common occurrence since AB came to town. They used every chair in the place and we said goodbye to several wonderful people we met in Astana.
I have pictures but I'm cautious to post them here. I've found that the cryptic messages I get from certain regions in the world are truly justified.

In fact, although I don't think I've violated any protocol in any previous posts, from now on I'll practice, "better safe than sorry", or, "loose lips sink ships."

During our travels I've found...
-Its not unusual that staff hours would be devoted to using novel encryption programs to keep sensitive information from prying eyes.
-Workers lower their talk to a whisper or use substitute terms when other ears are near.
-Good, energetic ch. planters are dropped from a Xn agency without explanation because the guy in charge suspects that the planter has an undercover disciple.
-Licenses are strange things around these parts. Some dude in some office somewhere can make you reverse course pretty quickly...and the victim apparently has little say in the matter.
-I can't take pictures of people's faces. I can only take them of their hats (see pic). Actually, Jeff kept making a big deal out of the women's fur hats that I just had to take a picture of one. Fur hats are fantastic...and enticing. I used all of my will power to keep my hand from reaching up and rubbing them!

L. greeted us in Almaty. We ate a late Monday lunch at a little local dive across from the Jepperson Hotel. I don't care to go back there because I had to dismiss myself because of the 'revenge of Genghis Khan' (if you know what I mean).

We met S. for breakfast on Tuesday and proceeded to the conference. Jeff opened the day with a rousing message on 'The Power of the Word". The guy is a Bble fiend...Scriptures jabbing out all over the place! Great job, Jeff!

After a great wrship time, several area guys gave reports on their successes with seeing people respond to the "message" (how's that for cryptic?).

Then S. gave some pointers, from the Mslm holy book, on how to use it to convince a person of that inclination to incline another way (wow, talk about a cryptic sentence! I should write the next Bourne movie!).

We had a great meal with S. and his lovely wife, who looks like a sheik's princess.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, we'll get more face time with S. And I give my Devo to you-know-who at the you-know-what about the Holy (blank) Who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. For my next post you'll need to eat a lot of Malto Meal so you can order the special decoder ring to decode what I write.

And, to the wacked out guy with prying eyes sitting at a dated computer in some crowded cubicle in a covert government building trying to figure out what I just said in this post...get a life! Loosen up and find a non-voyeuristic job! (I know its government policy around here to monitor radical activity in order to keep the peace...I understand that. It still doesn't help me like it when my brothers go to jail for it).

Don't Eat at Short Tables

2010-02-26T18:31:00.004-06:00

We enjoyed a couple of important meetings on Friday. The first was a chicken and mashed potatoes lunch with an update from AB. We postponed the afternoon tour of Astana for a short retreat to the King Hotel to repair some jet-lag. And we met later with B., the local director of the organization.

AB picked us up again at 6pm to drive along Astana's unlined roads to B's house. En-route we met a a young, on-fire Occupational Therapist from Amsterdam who is considering a move from the outreaches of Kazakhstan to join the good work of Green Pastures. When asked, this guy (sorry, my jet-lagged brain is losing names) expressed displeasure with some compromises of the "church" in his home country of the Netherlands. This guy seemed to be the real deal, though, giving it all up to serve God and others in a very foreign country.

AB dropped us at the newer home of B. and A. and their 4 children. B. is the director here. We got acquainted over snacks of nuts and dried fruit before we hustled off to a Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra performance. We found some cool pyramid-shaped building called something like The Center for Peace and Understanding.

The performers, outfitted in classy, fur-lined native dress, performed on dombras and an entire string section. As they played, I thought that the music would provide a fantastic soundtrack for a movie. It really was very professionally done and, surprisingly, pleasing to the ear.

We stepped out of the concert early and headed back for a great meal prepared for us at B.'s. I tried to sit on the floor cushions surrounding a short dinner table. I found that I can still cross my legs! However, by dessert time my right leg was asleep. And by the time I stood up to leave, you couldn't convince me I had a right foot. It took me three tries to slip on my right shoe.

By the way, what's with the painful tingling when a limb "wakes up"? Why can't it just wake up in a painless way instead of shouting, "Hey, dummy, NEVER do that to me again!?"

I don't think my grimaced smile convinced our hosts that I really did have a good time.

Hope in a Concrete Apartment

2010-02-26T17:34:00.004-06:00

Green Pastures never got a review from me in this blog, so let me pause here and do that now. Our first appointment on Thursday morning was a stop at Green Pastures, a humanitarian service for disabled children under the age of 17. Green Pastures regularly handles over 200 cases of autism, head trauma, downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, and more. Yes, all in a 3 room, refurbished apartment!

But, Green Pastures is nothing like its name. Buried on the 2nd floor of a crowded concrete apartment complex we walked through the multi-locked steel plate door (common in KZ) and up some cracked tile steps to a 2+ bedroom apartment. This converted apartment is a beacon of HOPE for parents of disabled kids who have no real help for their struggling children. A small bedroom is their "administrative office" and another bedroom is sparsely outfitted with some rugs, pillows and random items that can help the children here. Another room boasts a donated, but new, powered physical therapy table.

In fact, Hope is one of the organization's names for this agency. Staffed with real professionals, I couldn't believe this talented line-up: a registered Dr. from Astana, an MD from Singapore, other supported physical therapists and support staff from Germany, KZ, and volunteers from the local fellowship. The parents of these patients stubbornly refuse to follow the advice of the majority of medical professionals who routinely shuffle these cases to neglectful government facilities. Or, worse yet, they regularly misdiagnose the condition of these people and prescribe too much of the wrong kind of medication.

Green Pastures' staff members, many of whom find support outside of KZ, build long term relationships with their patients' families in order to bring them to the One who gives true Hope.

Half A World Away

2010-02-25T10:53:00.007-06:00

We finished up in the Orakoy, waterfront, district in Istanbul (see pic) and shuttled off to catch a plane to Astana.

Now we're officially, and exactly' 12 time zones away from Ames...Halfway Around the World! When I was a kid, there was a saying that if you drilled a hole down far enough and crawl through it, you'd end up in China. None of my friends at the time knew there was another country to the west of China, or what it was called. I'm there now, and its called Kazakhstan (land of the Kazakhs).

The 5+ hour flight over 4 time zones from Istanbul was uneventful, except for the fact that we checked in around 6:30am at the King Hotel amid flurries of snow. My travels are starting to remind me of a bad Jr. High retreat...no sleep and strange food.

The King Hotel is spacious compared to the closet (called a double room) we stayed in at the Erboy Hotel (actually I really liked the Erboy. Mahmed, a waiter in the hotel's restaurant, really made us feel welcome).

The trip from the Astana Airport (modern, with typically unsmiling passport agents) featured a quick tour of this Boom Town of Central Asia. Our taxi driver drove at double the speed limit but would interrupt his tour guide chatter to suddenly slow down. Then he would speed up again. He explained that there were speed traps along the route and he would slow down just as he passed them, only to build his Mercedes up to ramming speed once again. Somebody ought to write a book on impractical government ideas.

We passed all kinds of new buildings; most notably a gold crowned mosque, built by some Saudi sheik. Scattered along this route my jet-lagged brain remembers slurred descriptions of embassies, oil ministry buildings, a new soccer stadium, and a bicycle track. Although who knows what we really passed at 120km/hour?

We slept til noon. and had breakfast (or lunch?) at 1pm Kazakh time, after which I tried to catch up with my emails and take a quick nap. AB met us at the hotel at 4pm to grab a cup of coffee with one of his partners, referred to here as M. (sorry for the name abbreviations but the Kazakh's are snoopy about partners like this, if you know what I mean ;-).

M. runs a real retail business that helps people learn English and find connections with you-know-who. We enjoyed an interesting conversation with this servant.

Then we hustled a few blocks over to AB's 4th floor apartment in his Volkswagon SUV where we dropped some gifts on him, like Slim Jims, taco seasoning, and a chunk of cash donated for AB's van repair/purchase fund from some caring Ames people. His kids are totally delightful and you can tell immediately that they have had a lot of love...all 5 of them!

Others of our particular persuasion showed up for some tea and desserts. Then we (actually, They)sang two songs in Russian. What a great group! Medical people, students, fellow workers, new people, professional people all joined together. This was their first night for this type of meeting so they let us Americanos join in their 2-Truths-And-A-Lie Game. Most of them are conversant in English and Russian, so we all had some good laughs. They then worked on signing people up or organizing something, although I'm not sure what it was?

AB dropped us off at a popular Kabob place where I downed some lamb-kabobs (not my favorite) and some mashed potatoes. We walked 15 minutes in sub-zero cold to get back to the King Hotel.

Tomorrow, we'll meet up with more partners and get a tour along with a concert!

Days 3 & 4 in Istanbul

2010-02-23T10:32:00.007-06:00

Jeff and I met with D. and A., veteran "workers" in Turkey. Through their in-the-trenches insights and my casual observations from touring around the old city, we discovered a few things about this place:

1. Essentially everyone is culturally Muslim (obviously).

2. The Muslims proselytize using booklets and spiritual guides in their mosques.

3. They brush their hands back and forth to express something that is denied or dismissed. (its hard to explain this)

4. Even though Constantinople (Istanbul) was the seat of the Christian church for over 1,000 years, any remnants of Christianity was erased. We saw one church (St. Sophia, now a historical monument converted to a mosque) and some Byzantine ruins. The rest is covered over or wiped clean. There are only about 3,500 Christians in this country (Turkey) of 70 million. Jeff and I had a great discussion with D. and A. over plates of fish. "What about the "Lamps" of the Seven Churches of Revelation; have they been removed?" D. explained that there are two believers in one of those cities (Smyrna), and handfuls of the faithful in the others. The city associated with modern day Ephesus, Selcuk, has about 150 practicing Christians. "If the Lamps haven't been removed, they are only dimly lit." A "church" here in Turkey is comprised of perhaps 8 people and a lay leader. Some of these pastors are the fruit of D. and A.'s work in the 80's and 90's.

5. Honor and Shame run deep here. B. reminded us that this is a Shame-based culture.

6. The people are generally noble (proud) and they don't want a hand out. A friendly Turk helped us get the right ferry token and I wanted to pay for his token also (only $1), he wouldn't take it. This is understandable, but we even tried to tip the taxi driver more and he wouldn't take it!

7. I've seen people selling packages of Kleenex, but no beggars.

8. There is no persecution here but there is certainly harassment. Each person is assigned an identification card that states one's religion. One Christian young girl applied several times for a driver's license. Her request was rejected each time because her identification card indicated that she was a Christian. A friend of hers inquired with the agency's supervisor who upheld the denial for a license based on her religion. D. and A. said that Christians lose jobs or are denied work because of their faith. There is no overt persecution, but the Turkish government does make it hard to proclaim Jesus.

9. Years ago, the Turkish government legitimized churches that own a building (usually decrepit older structures). Most of those churches are the old brands of orthodoxy. The real hurdle here is that any other church without a building is not legitimate. Protestantism is viewed as a kind of cult.

10. The Grand Bazaar is...bazaar! (see pic) This underground Turkish flea market features hundreds of meters of windy, shop-lined walkways. Vendors aggressively hawked and bartered their wares, everything from jeans and perfume to scarves, rugs, and jewelry. Rather than allowing myself to get annoyed by these persistent salesmen, I decided to go on the offensive, and it was fun! One teen tried to get me to come into his shop to sell me some jeans. He had the fashionable jeans with factory stress marks (holes) in the legs. I asked him why I would want to buy jeans with holes? He laughed, kind of.

Next stop: catch the red-eye to Astana, Kazakhstan.

A Conversation with B.

2010-02-22T10:55:00.010-06:00

B.'s story:
Chapter One: Move an 18 year old Turkish Muslim woman half way around the world to Iowa.
Chapter Two: Bring her to Christ through a believing cousin.
Chapter Three: Nurture her faith through a college ministry.
Chapter Four: Call her to full time ministry.
Chapter Five: Move her back home to Turkey to reach her people.

But B's story reads more like a romance novel than a history book. Its a story of how God drew and wooed a tender heart to Himself.
Since most Turks aren't very welcoming to the Christian faithful(that's an understatement), I can't mention B's name in this post. But I can tell you that B. is a fireball; outgoing and zealous for her people to know and love Jesus just as much as she does.

She's zealous and jealous. Jealous for the emerging Turkish church to be pure and to not be swayed away from Jesus. I silently prayed for B. as we were sipping strong Turkish cay (tea) at Camlica Peak (see pic). Sitting nearby were women who proclaimed their faith with a head scarf. And if it is worn in a particular way, those scarves become Badges proclaiming their devotion to a certain political/religious sect (kind of like female gang signs? Is there such a thing as a Turkish Home-girl? Is this what it means to be from the 'hood'? (I digress).

B. doesn't have a badge. Her outward distinctions are a contagious smile, exaggerated hand motions with occasional soft hand claps, and a meditative "amen" (pronounced 'ah-main') used to humbly acknowledge a compliment thrown her way.

As I left B. I wondered, "What can one fragile young woman do in a major city of 15 million Muslims (Istanbul)?" This city is a huge megalopolis (yes, this is a real word. I don't know what it means, but its a pure-dee real word). This place with lots of buildings and people strategically rests at the connecting point of Europe and Asia."

Actually, B. also wonders what good one person can do. She dismisses any suggestion that her small team is out-manned by millions of Muslims. With a small shake of her head and an earnest, determined spirit she says, "I am hopeful that God will do great things. I need to be patient and love the Turkish people."

After a taxi ride back down brick streets to the 'feribot' (ferry) and a quick exchange of hugs, it was like God had used B. to man-slap into me a more determined spirit (I don't want to be sexist here ladies, but a man-slap is usually harder than a lady-slap).

So, thanks for the unintentional rebuke, B. I evidently needed it.

Tomorrow, Tuesday: the Grand Bazaar (some kind of underground shopping mall where vendors get really mad at you for not buying their stuff), the Blue Mosque, and another place that is unpronounceable (like everything else around here).

A Conversation with Tolga

2010-02-22T00:49:00.002-06:00

I half dozed through the wailing call to 6am prayer in Istanbul. I was reminded of yesterday's conversation with a rug dealer, Tolga, who earnestly expressed his displeasure with blending politics and religion. Tolga reminds me of my nephew Levi, long black hair with a Genghis Khan kind of look. In fact, Tolga said that Mr. Khan was his ancestor, and that the American Indians were also of his expansive lineage and would play a key role in the end of the world.
Tolga is from the biblical town of Ephesus, farther south in Turkey. Not having a rug sale yet that day, he invited us into the back of his shop for tea. I think Jeff, my travel buddy, thought I was permanently jet-lagged for agreeing to sip tea with a stranger. Anyway, we sipped and talked.
Tolga lost his father when he was 17. He traveled to Japan with a "friend" who left him homeless there for 3 months. He made it back home, but somewhere in his story, a 70 year old American missionary to Turkey started working with him (since 2005) to bring him from his blended brand of Islamic/Indian folklore to Jesus.
Tolga isn't a Jesus-follower yet. But, I can't help but think that our chance meeting on the streets in the old city is a part of God's plant/water/reap strategy.
When Tolga found out that we are Christians, he called his American missionary friend, Daryl Richman (sp.), in California. This dear Christian missionary briefly filled me in on Tolga and asked me to read something encouraging about the Christian life to him. Jeff recommended the book of Ephesians, since Tolga is from Ephesus, and I read aloud. The passage is about how Tolga's elders in the first century were reminded by Paul that they were disobedient. But, by God's infinite mercy, He led them to His grace in Christ.
We barely escaped Tolga's shop without buying a rug. Hopefully, more on Tolga in a future post.
Next stop...Berna at the ferry landing in Uskudar.

From Apathy to Paralysis

2009-10-08T16:46:00.004-05:00

A youth ministry buddy of mine, Tyler Parsons, polled high school students in his youth ministry. These questions really got me a thinkin'. Here's what Tyler found out...

Things we’ve heard/read/been taught but not sure we believe them or questions we have:
-All the stories (i.e. Jonah, Daniel, Noah, Moses) – did all that stuff actually happen or are they just illustrations?
-“Baldy” and the bears – 2 Kings 2 when bears maul the youth…God wouldn’t do that.
-If Jesus turned water to wine and gave sight to the blind why doesn’t that stuff happen anymore?
-Another student commented: maybe it does happen just works differently now…(i.e. doctors/medicine/etc.)
-Predestination…?
-Can God be surprised?
-Why do we pray? Does it make any difference?
-If God is love, is love God?
-KJV…? Why all the different versions/translations of the Bible?
-Weren’t some things lost or misunderstood in translation?
-Limbo…? Do people really believe that? Is it real? In the Bible?
-Genesis 1:26 – plural reference to God?
-How do we know which religion or denomination is right? How can we know that we are?
-Does the Bible change over time?
-Tattoos & Piercings
-Women with long hair/short hair?
-Jesus drank wine, why do Christians say alcohol is bad?
-God and the problem of human suffering/evil
-Can a person have an addiction and still be a Christian?
-Why do some people get “cured” from their addictions and others don’t? are they “better” Christians?

These questions point out for me a new awareness.
I've always known that students have a lot of questions. That's healthy. But what I'm becoming more aware of is the number, intensity, and scope of their questions/doubts about God and the Bible. The questions from Tyler's group carry all kinds of assumptions about life, authority, and truth from all kinds of mental frameworks. These questions reveal sophistication. And not only that, its truly overwhelming to think of these questions as the tip of an iceberg of questions/doubts that students wonder about every week. Plus, these students' questions seem to convey elements of genuine doubt. Overwhelming!
I don't know about everyone else, but when I'm overwhelmed I become paralyzed. Maybe our students aren't apathetic. Maybe they are Spiritually PARALYZED! Paralysis looks a lot like Apathy. You don't see much movement in either case. But I think the treatment for Spiritual Paralysis might be more challenging.
With apathy, the student doesn't want to move. In the case of paralysis, the student might WANT to move forward spiritually, but she CAN'T.
So, I'll leave you with this question, if our students are paralyzed, how can we help them?

I Stink at Some Things

2009-07-11T22:26:00.004-05:00

Sue sent this blog link to me with some comments (below): http://www.techherding.com/2009/04/celebrate-what-you-suck-at/

"For far too long the Christian community fell into that ridiculous trap at yearly evaluation time by elders where the laser was focused on weaknesses under the guise that we are supposed to be "balanced". God never created us "balanced", i.e., with the potential to be good at everything.

"That's one big lie from the pit...we end up spending all our energy on things He created other people to shine at and only have time to function in a substandard way within our own strengths because we've run out of time to focus on improving our strengths. Did that make sense?"

It sure did! I married a great gal, huh?

Get Ready for your Egg Roll Competition

2009-03-31T14:40:00.001-05:00

I strongly encourage you to begin this fantastic Easter tradition for all ages. Let me know if you do it this year: http://brentthomaslive.blogspot.com/2008/04/thomas-egg-roll-competition-2008.html

Could This Be True?

2009-03-16T13:35:00.002-05:00

The Christian Science Monitor posted an article predicting the demise of Evangelical Christianity. One directive I gain from this article it that we need to be more Spirit-Directed and perhaps less "Strategy-Directed".
I'm curious to see what you think about the article: http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0310/p09s01-coop.html
(sorry, for some reason blogspot wouldn't let me embed this link)

Who is Fighting for Your Heart?

2009-02-11T00:15:00.003-06:00

"How many of you have someone who is fighting for your heart?" Only a few raised their hands. There was an awkward silence.
This was a question I asked a group of high school students in a seminar I led at the Impact Conference. Although the response didn't surprise me, it did sadden me. For me, the group's response seemed to underscore their collective loneliness. At the time I wished I had a hundred arms to reach out and give each kid a hug.
How can we hope to walk through life in a meaningful way and never be able to point to someone who has chosen to be our strong ally?

What Frustrates You About Youth Ministry?

2009-01-23T11:54:00.004-06:00

I think the group of youth workers I meet with are awesome. We asked each other to respond to the question, "What frustrates you about Youth Ministry?" The answers revealed a group of young men who really care about kids and who get mad when kids aren't treated right.
What Frustrates Us...
Church board discussions where they talk about the thermostat in the gym rather than how we can reach the unchurched.
Getting a phone call before every event by the same parent asking, “What time is it?”
Kids who don’t come because they have a relational problem with other kids.
Loving a needy kid.
Parents’ bad influence of kids.
“Country Club Christians”.
Being without a senior pastor.
Church parents who tell daughter, “You’re at church too much.”
Sponsors who call 2 minutes before the event to say they won’t be there.
Parents who wrongly believe their kids are perfect.
I’ve been constipated for about 3 days.
Sr. high kids with no passion; bad attitudes.
Getting the leadership to listen to me.
Getting the parents to catch our vision.
When one kid doesn’t come and then the other kids don’t come because others don’t come.
Eighteen year old boys whose mothers do all the work for them.
Elders and deacons who don’t get on board.
Not being taken seriously by the elders.
Losing a large senior class.
Not feeling like I’ll ever thrive financially in ministry.
Not getting a mental break from ministry.
Leaving a church and find out that no one is caring for your youth group.

Effective Ministry: Don't Build a House in a Graveyard

2009-01-12T06:46:00.005-06:00

A friend of mine said, "Don't build a house in a graveyard." We were talking about church planting. His obvious point was that we should find ministry spots that yield fruit. Don't waste precious resources for no gain.
Jesus modeled and taught his disciples this principle: "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. [11] And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them." Mark 6:10-11 (NIV)
I think this principle can be applied on a large scale (church planting) or on a small scale (individual, personal).
Here's what I need to do to avoid building a house in a graveyard:

Listen to God's Spirit throughout the day. He'll lead you to the right people and situations.
Avoid comfortable endeavors that don't produce fruit.

That's Why I Do It

2009-01-07T05:28:00.004-06:00

Dozens of high school students were clustered in pairs and 3's and 4's with caring youth workers. I walked back and forth between the groups, praying, looking at the intensity of kids dealing with God, and, more importantly for me, filling my soul.
Thomas Young had challenged 900 students to come to Christ on Saturday night at the IMPACT conference. After a year of planning by our team we got to see the fruit. This is why I direct the IMPACT conference...

A youth leader shared that 5 of his 15 students came to Christ at Impact. With a gleam in his eye, this volunteer leader said he will have to "reassess his youth curriculum for this coming semester" ( by the way, who wouldn't want a 30% conversion rate in their ministry?).
A 16 year old girl followed up with me after my breakout seminar...she wants to stop cutting and burning herself. She wants to one day wear a wedding dress without scars showing.
Something hit home with another girl in my breakout; she was in tears talking with a caring adult.
Another kid shared with her leader her struggle with sexual identity issues.
A junior is close to giving Christ his life.

I need to reassure myself more frequently, "This is why I do what I do."

I'm Jaw-Dropping Speechless

2008-12-26T09:49:00.002-06:00

Pastor Jack's blog tells about a couple of astonishing worship services in area churches. How to have an extra-marital affair and a live strip tease to Santa Baby.
I'm speechless.

Mark Your Turf with Meaning

2008-12-22T11:02:00.004-06:00

Recently I moved from the off-site youth offices (aka, "Scranton") to the church (aka, "Corporate"). So I was faced with the decision of what to put on the walls of my office and on my bulletin board. I like to put up things that spur me on. Because I need visible reminders, I mark my 'turf' with meaningful items:

A 35 year-old page from Our Daily Bread about not wasting time. My mom sent it to me when I was in college.
My Open Water Diving Certificate.
Two 20k, Dam to Dam, Race Numbers.
My Personal Mission Statement.
10 Maxims that guided me in youth ministry.
A quote from Thoreau that I copied from my daughter's bulletin board: "Drive a nail home and clinch it so faithfully that you can wake up in the night and think of your work with satisfaction."
Sir Francis Drake's Prayer.
Monthly Ministry "WINS" will be the next items going up on my wall.

I'd like to know how you mark your turf with meaning?

Embrace Ministry Sadness

2008-12-19T20:22:00.005-06:00

When I signed up to do ministry I saw hope and promise for people who find Christ. What no one really told me was how much pain people suffer. And, coming from a healthy home, I couldn't project how much sadness I would carry for others...

Ministry sadness is Jamie (I changed the name). At 19 years old, she had a 15 month old son whom she had to give up to foster care because she couldn't provide for him. The boy's dad lived with Jamie on her minimum wage, part time salary. Then, Jamie got pregnant again from a different guy. This guy then went to prison for who knows what. She was months along in her pregnancy and had no prenatal medical care. Still sleeping around.
Ministry sadness is the freshman guy who has no one to care for him. He smells and has greasy hair because no one has trained him to take care of himself.
Ministry sadness is the adult man in tears because of his financial failure.
Ministry sadness is my frustration for so many who are unresponsive to Jesus, or who reject wisdom, or who are stuck.

How do you overcome ministry sadness?

Sometimes you just have to embrace the sadness. That is, cry.
I'm not designed to carry my ministry sadness alone. And sharing it with others doesn't really relieve it. Only the Comforter's shoulders are broad enough to bear ministry sadness. Only Jesus shed tears of blood.
Remember, we hurt a lot when we care a lot.

What gives you ministry sadness? How do you overcome ministry sadness?

Stuck?

2008-12-14T19:31:00.004-06:00

After watching this popular video I thought...

What am I expecting others to do for me that I'm unwilling to do for myself?
What makes it more appealing to me to remain where I am rather than to move ahead? What gratification do I gain from staying put?
Who am I blaming for my current status?
How do I convey my expectations onto others?

Killing Time with the Fam

2008-12-13T11:35:00.006-06:00

Here are some of the 'funner' things we've done as a family over the Christmas break. Some are traditions, some 'r not...

Take one of the FREE personality or intelligence tests at Testdex. Compare results.
Share a Christmas eve Breakfast. Turk on the TV comedy Scrubs calls this 'Brinner'.
Open one present on Christmas eve and the rest on Christmas morning.
Take a picture of the "present" that Shamus left for us under the Christmas tree.
Play speed Scrabble.
Play Amy Grant's Christmas album and see how long it takes for Shannon to complain.
Catch a movie.
Play Nerts.
Play Upwords.
Play Rummikub.
Read the Christmas Story, of course.
When the kids were little we'd build a fort out of a refrigerator box, build a mattress slide down the stairs, build a fort with blankets and couch cushions, play indoor tackle football with Dad, get bumped onto the couch cushions on the floor.
Cook and bake experimental goodies (usually they're Very Good!).
This year I'd like to deliver some of those experimental goodies to neighbors.

What do you do with your family at Christmas?

See You Whole in Heaven, Christopher

2008-12-06T00:20:00.004-06:00

While Christopher was in his mother's tummy she got a virus. We don't know why, but at that crucial stage Christopher's brain didn't form right. Today, not too long after 24 years of speechlessness, sightlessness, and too many other limitations, we celebrated Christopher's wholeness at his memorial service. I was honored today to bless his caregivers and his parents, Denny and Deb. One lesson I've been learning lately: the closer we get to human need, the closer we get to Jesus. "Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.' Matthew 25:40 (NCV)

And...my daughter Shannon is 24. She was born a couple of months after Christopher. Shannon's serving Jesus and growing in life in Iowa City. I'm humbled, puzzled, glad, and sad.

Oh...and I do so wish that Denny could have fulfilled his dream to study Greek with his firstborn son. Maybe someday...

What I Learned NOT to Do in Youth Ministry

2008-12-03T10:27:00.004-06:00

Here are the results of an off the cuff survey of Youth Pastors.
What I learned NOT to do in Youth Ministry. I learned...

Not to send 5 guys down a zip line in one harness.
When re-enacting the crucifixion with a nail and hammer, don't assume the female volunteer will move her hand.
No matter how responsible teens seem to be, don't leave them unsupervised.
If guys go outside to make snow angels, make them wear shorts.
Not to take myself too seriously.
Not to gossip.
That I should not back up on an interstate entrance ramp with a van load of teens.
Not to read emails in the wrong place.
Don't doubt the janitor dude.
Jump at the same time onto the Blob.
Don't let teens play the Salt Game that can send them to the emergency room.
Not to interrupt parents before they tell their whole story.
To be careful with what I tell my mother.
Not to do the Birthday Spanking Gauntlet.
To keep my mouth shut.
To never shut off all the lights.
Not to take the van load of teens to Hooters.

What's a Leader's Job?

2008-05-29T00:10:00.004-05:00

For the sake of simplicity, I forced myself to boil down the bare essentials of what I think a leader absolutely has to do to serve others well...

· Pray… "Get on your knees and fight like a man!”
· Motivate (vision)… “Don’t underestimate the power of a Story.”
· Mobilize (gifted placement)… “Serve from your Strengths.”
· Mentor (train/coach)… “You can only EXPECT what you have EXPLAINED."
· Measure (track results)… "INSPECT what you EXPECT!”

I like memorable slogans so I added those.
I think that effective leaders intentionally and rhythmically cycle between these essentials.

Random Stuff

2008-05-11T22:00:00.003-05:00

Here's some more random stuff that I found mildly interesting...

Bobby Gruenewald at LifeChurch.tv shared a couple of fun links. It's no fun to be branded. But I think we carry brands more than we'd like to think:

A blog devoted to Stuff that White People Like.
A blog devoted to Stuff Christians like.

Ever heard of mind-mapping? Here’s how to mind-map a meeting.

Media I've Run Across

2008-05-09T22:23:00.004-05:00

I am so random...

A great time-waster is Facebook Lexicon. How many times do people mention a given word in a week on Facebook? Check out Facebook Lexicon. For upward trends type in Craigslist, or gas. For yearly cyclical trends enter depression, or Easter, or Bible study.

Cult of Sincerity is a full length secular indie movie about POMO; thoughtful, clever, witty, a prophetic message About 20-somethings, By 20-somethings, and To 20-somethings. ALL people from 15 to 30 yrs. old MUST watch this flick and discuss it! My 7-word review..."a critique of the post-modern ethos".

I can’t believe re-shaped 38^th Parallel is now The Ministry of Magic contributing to the wizard rock scene. I love ‘The Bravest Man I Ever Knew’. I get a buzz from these former youth group members (TLC! woot!). The great British accent by Mark Jennings gave me a flashback to his high school All-State Improvisation performance!

Oprah's Spirituality

2008-04-10T19:41:00.002-05:00

Fortunately, not too many teens watch Oprah. Here is her audience's demographic.
I shouldn't be surprised at how Oprah is pushing her spiritual views as gospel truth. Here's one of the compilations of her "religion" on You Tube.

Spiritual Obfuscation: No Clear Way to Heaven

2008-04-08T21:16:00.006-05:00

Scot McKnight, whom I deeply respect, posted a letter from a youth pastor who actually believes the Pomo drivel . He had no clear answer to an elder's simple question, "How do I get to Heaven?"
One question: What the HECK?

What's wrong with just guiding a kid to any choice of dozens of passages regarding salvation and clearly telling him Repent and Believe?
We've got enough confused teens. Why unnecessarily confuse them spiritually?
What happened to the simplicity of childlike faith?

Scan the comments on McKnight's post and you'll see Tony Jones writing, "Tell him that 15 year olds don’t ask questions like that. And tell him that you won’t answer hypothetical questions. Then ask him if he’s projecting, and it’s actually *he* who wants to know how to get to heaven."
A sophomore guy prayed with me to receive Christ last Friday. I'm not naive enough to think that he understood everything. I don't know how much his will was bent toward Jesus. I don't know if he was 50% or 100% sincere. But I do know that if he genuinely repented and believed in Jesus he is heaven bound.
I care too much for kids to confuse them with what Jesus came to clarify.
By the way, if 15 year old kids aren't asking this question, they need to be. Their eternal destiny isn't something to screw around with.

Thomas Egg Roll Competition 2008

2008-04-07T20:38:00.005-05:00

Some family traditions have staying power. We've been doing our Easter Egg Roll competition for about 30 years; most of those years with the Brannans. All ages enjoy it!
How do you do an Easter Egg Roll competition? Four Easy steps:

Pick your own hard boiled egg.
Roll it at your opponents egg on the count of three.
Repeat #2 until a piece of shell falls off of one of the eggs.
The winner gets to move up to the next round.

Of course trash talk starts heating up weeks in advance (so much for Lent). We create competition brackets on a poster, lay down dark bath towels on our dining room table, unfurl the Easter table cloth that everyone signs each year, and we provide prizes for the winner.
The Finale? We take our cracked eggs outside, lay the winners egg on the ground and we pelt the SNOT out of the winning egg until it is demolished! Sweet Revenge!
Phil Young, engaged to a Thomas opponent Jackie Brannan, won the competition for the 2nd year in a row! For you novices, this has Never happened before in the history of the Egg Roll competition. I think Phil is a RINGER, so I'm appealing this "win" to Doug Lewis, Chairman of the International Rules Committee in Cameroon, West Africa. Doug is a missionary and past participant in our Egg Roll.
Rules that apply:
NO Juiced eggs allowed.
No altered eggs allowed.
Handle opponents' eggs gently.
I'll post a video in another post when You Tube isn't down for maintenance.

Karl Rove on Barack and Hillary

2008-04-03T08:56:00.003-05:00

Okay, I'll try to stop the politically oriented posts after this one. My daughter Shannon sent me this insightful interview of political strategist Karl Rove. It's good enough to share with an Obama supporter.
By the way, whether or not I agree with him, I learn so much from the way Karl Rove thinks. How can insightful analysis like this be applied to ministry?

What Do You See As Important Qualities of a Youth Pastor?

2008-04-01T21:59:00.003-05:00

The second question asked of students who used to be in our youth ministry was, "What do you see as important qualities of a Youth Pastor?" Here are some of the responses...

Hair. (very funny)
Relational Skills, by far! Hands down having relational skills as a youth pastor is insanely important. That's how kids can tell if you care about them and that's how they rate a person. Beyond that, being able to teach/being a good communicator would be a really great quality along side relational skills. Genuine, If they're not genuine kids will see right through em. And of course, an all encompassing heart for the Lord. Someone who has the conviction that God has given him the skills and talents to work with youth and someone who has the conviction that he can make and will make an impact of the generations to come. He's gotta believe that this is what he's supposed to be doing. -- Kyle (very WISE answers. I wonder who your dad is?)
...he really takes the time to get to know people and sincerely cares about each and every one of them. Also, someone who is easily approachable, not judging, but readily open to hear about our personal problems. -- Joanna
I think it's important to be able to relate with the kids- to deeply care about them and to be able to ask questions and show their love for them. It's important to have good leadership skills and be encouraging; to build leadership up within the youth. -- Anna
I think he needs to have high goals and the ability to express the goals to others in a way that will excite them to the same end. A good sense of humor but knows when to be serious and when he must lay down the law. -- Evan
They need to be a people person. [Our youth leader] would ALWAYS come say hi to me. Back in [Jr. High], [he] would always make sure that my friends and I got involved with the activities and the other kids. They must be more concerned with connecting with individuals than having tons and tons of kids showing up. -- Allie
...very good relational skills, but also for the students to really have a lot of respect for the youth pastor. If I didn't respect who was talking, I didn't listen much. -- Lydia
RELATIONAL SKILLS!!! No one is going to listen to or care what a youth leader has to say if they don't have any relational skills. -- Rachel
Teaching skills- very important, communication skills, energy-charisma, relational skills, maturity in leadership, creativity. -- Bri
...someone who has a vision to help the youth group grow and mature in their walks with the Lord, but I feel it's really important to be able to impact the group serving. -- Kasey
Obviously leadership is a very important quality as well as teaching, but I think a youth pastor absolutely MUST has good relational skills. As far as high schoolers go, a pastor could have the greatest sermon in the world but if he doesn't ever talk with them, only at them, and doesn't get involved in their lives to show them his interested and that they truly matter to him, they're not going to care or listen. The leaders that are most effective go out of their ways to level with students, try and talk to them individually, and make time for them. And also he can't have favorites, that will be the number one thing that will turn people away from him- he HAS to treat everyone equally. -- Anne
...leadership, teaching, passion for the kids, passion to make disciples. -- Emily
The most important quality has to be his love for God. It has to show, the students have to be able to see that fairly quickly. Second, the pastor has to have a heart for students and be willing to serve them. Another important quality is integrity in what he says and does. He's got to know where God is leading the ministry and if there are a ny obstacles in the way. -- Augusto

"What Impacted You the Most?"

2008-03-31T22:03:00.005-05:00

Wendi Swartz is one of our awesome youth ministry volunteers. Wendi emailed the following question of some former members of our youth ministry, "What impacted you the most going through our ministry?" Here are a few of the responses:

I would say that the relationships have impacted me the most in our ministry; especially my small group. I've learned a lot through these but most importantly, I've had Christian fellowship and people who genuinely care about me and who I can be totally honest with. I don't think that there is anywhere else that I have been able to have that kind of experience - it has been so meaningful in my life. -- Maria
The stories they told and the advice they gave. -- Chelsea
The good fellowship and strong Christian friends. -- Joanna
Challenge and mission trips impacted me the most. The fellowship built within the youth group impacted me the most. I like it when people share testimonies and create accountability relationships. -- Bonnie
The thing that impacted me the most was probably the fellowship. There are a lot of youth groups out there that have good speakers and plenty of ideas for improvement but they lack the friendships and "hang out" time that seem to bring everything together. -- Evan
I think just the way the leaders are so personal... and want to talk to me one on one. It really made an impact on me that they do care about where I am at spiritually and will help me in any way i need it. -- Kelsey
The people. The leaders, my small group leaders, the teachers, the guys and girls in ministry team to look up to when younger, the community and friendships built, the leaders who would spend time to hang out with you over their same age friends. But even cooler is that all those people and relationships were centered around a common uniting Faith. So the people/relationships. Yep. -- Kyle
The things that impacted me the most were my relationships with the leaders and other peers there. The other things that i found to be very important was the depth of the material being presented to me and the creativity of our youth group as a whole. -- Mike
My small group leader, small group, missions trips. -- Bri

Bart Ehrman

2008-03-30T16:01:00.005-05:00

You've got to download this video of the beginning minutes of Bart Ehrman's lecture at Stanford and show it to your church youth. I showed the video to our High School group this morning. They were stunned. Use it as a discussion starter. (use the free programs KeepVid and VLC media player).
If you go to your local bookstore's religion section you will certainly find a title by Bart Ehrman. Dr. Ehrman, Professor of Religious Studies of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was a former floor-mate of mine at Moody Bible Institute. Now Bart seems to enjoy dissuading people from faith in God. Among his more popular works is Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why.
Biblical scholar Ben Witherington gives a recent review of Bart's most recent book, God's Problem.
William Lane Craig has a transcript of his debate with Bart.
You'll also see Bart on TV from time to time as the guest Biblical scholar who knows a lot of stuff.
I think he's popular, in part, because of his evangelical roots; having fallen from the faith. The press loves to do an 'in-your-face' to right wing Christians.
Oh...I thought 2 things were funny in the video:
1. The guy that introduces Bart calls him Dr. Ehrrmaan (pronouncing his name in with a German accent; we would have mocked him at MBI for that).
2. Bart has this wicked laugh when he tells the story of his class of Christian students.
How did Bart lose his faith? Maybe he got hung up on the problem of evil and his research into textual criticism sealed the deal. I don't know.
I didn't know Bart that well at Moody's even though his room was next to mine. He was super smart. I get sad when I think of him and his students and his future. I hope it's okay with him that I pray for him from time to time; wanting the best for him.

Obama

2008-03-29T20:11:00.004-05:00

You know me, I don’t usually get too hyped about political stuff. I try to understand both sides of the argument. But Obama leaves me a bit frayed around the edges.

I’ve observed several aspects of Obama’s church controversy:

1. First of all, the issue itself is a bit of a red herring. There are bigger issues to talk about nationally than Obama’s pastor. The conservatives drone on about issues like this but no one is asking the candidates the hard questions: What about the unchecked irresponsible spending by both parties? The budget deficit? Social Security? Alternative sources of fuel? Defending the rights of those who can’t speak for themselves? Our nation’s moral collapse? Etc.

2. Obama vilified the American church in a recent speech by saying that “the most segregated hour in America is Sunday morning”. But snoop around on the web site of Obama's home church. His church, Trinity United Church of Christ, projects itself as all Black. It is exclusively Afro-centric. Anyone without roots in Africa would not be enticed to attend there. Your see, they are “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian”. Actually, I’m mostly okay with that. Churches should bring the gospel to the people groups in their area that they are called by God to reach. But Trinity needs to wonder if they aren’t being too exclusive against whites and open to charges of racism.

3. Rumor has it that Trinity UCC’s theology of preference is Liberation Theology. In keeping with the UCC denomination, their statement of faith is lame. But since Obama is so doggedly loyal to this church’s pastor I’m getting a clearer impression that Obama’s socialist leanings are very consistent with Liberation Theology.

4. So what about Obama’s dedication to his pastor who publicly chastises, “G_ _ D_ _ _ _ America!” Obama says that this quote was from a collection of Pastor Wright’s worst sermon moments. Maybe that's true. But my concern is with a presidential candidate who continues to align himself closely with a church and a pastor who are FOCUSED on liberation. In particular, liberation from the evil of America’s ‘domination’ of the black race and of all the oppressed peoples of the world. Pastor Wright's anger resembles that of Venezuala’s Hugo Chavez, who called George Bush “Satan” at the UN. Interestingly, Liberation Theology is widely popular in South America. Now it's one thing for a South American dictator to hold these views. It is another matter when an American presidential candidate holds these views.

5. Consequently, I’m beginning to suspect that Obama aligns himself with the failed socialist agenda of the past 100 years. And I bet Obama wants to speed up the forced redistribution of national and global wealth from the White House. But the problem is that socialism threatens to kill the goose that is laying the golden egg. Obama should highlight Christian individual responsibility and seek to level the playing field of opportunity so that the poor have a chance to succeed. He should seek to raise the moral and legal standards in countries who are struggling; so that they can improve themselves. Societies who turn a blind eye to corruption and whose courts are ineffective or unjust will never progress. All the money in the world will not rescue an unrighteous society. America and Western Europe should take note as well. If "righteousness exalts a nation", then what does unrighteousness do to a nation?

"Postmodernism is a Myth Devised by Frustrated Youth Pastors"

2008-03-27T23:21:00.004-05:00

Christian apologist William Lane Craig said something like this at a recent conference, "Post-modernism is a Myth Devised by Frustrated Youth Pastors". I would suspect that Dr. Craig is referring to the Emergent Village folks; Jones, Paggitt, et al. Craig says that the EV folks have misdiagnosed our culture. Craig contends that we have not entered a post-modern culture; rather, we are thoroughly modern. Now more than ever, he insists, we need to provide rational arguments for the Christian faith. We need not resort to vague narratives and stories. Craig should know. He picks debates at packed university venues around the world.

Since I think that 'Billy' is the bomb (Dr. Craig's wife affectionately calls him Billy), I have to sit up and take notice when he makes such a bold statement.

To my best recollection, Craig also indicated that rationalistic, enlightenment hope is alive and well.

I had suspected that Craig's view is a truer assessment of Western culture than the broad label 'post-modern'. We worship science. Like Napolean Dynamite's brother, Kip, we love technology, and we expect medical advancements to save our lives. Inventions have enriched our lives and good old-fashioned Enlightenment empiricism is even applied to the Church (church growth movement?).

I'm not a philosopher, but I think Craig is onto something here.

For Laughs

2008-03-26T05:48:00.003-05:00

Other people post some funny stuff on their blogs.

Mark Arant posted Tim Hawkins.
Ben Witherington posted a really bad Wyoming preacher.
And one of my favorites, The Man Song.

Beta Version of a Ministry and Evangelism Training Model (part 2)

2008-03-22T07:31:00.004-05:00

Now, take these ideas (Service and Contribution) from my last post a step further. Consider Service and Contribution as root elements of a unifying approach for evangelism.
I think everyone is struggling with how to train students to evangelize other students. Our students can be easily labeled as intolerant when they talk about Jesus. Few of them feel effective. Some YP's are literally throwing the old methods out the window (see a great article Tossing Aside the Tract: Why Just About Everything I Learned About Evangelism is Wrong). But once we are tossing out the old models of evangelism as increasingly irrelevant, what do we replace them with? Like others, I've recognized this problem with traditional witnessing methods for years and I've fiddled with my evangelism training models; going so far as to use Brian McLaren's, More Ready Than You Realize (gasp!).
So, assuming that a student is first Living an authentic life in Christ; his next steps toward evangelism can be to Serve the needs of others and then to Contribute by ultimately giving them the message of the Good News.
But I'd like to add one more component. I've noticed that most effective evangelists in our ministry Invite others to our gatherings, and they usually Invite them to follow Jesus too. I don't think that an Invitation necessarily comes before or after any of the other three components of Live, Serve, Contribute So, I'll just throw it at the end.
Now I'll be playing with this 4-step model of evangelism: Live, Serve, Contribute, Invite.
Sonlife ministries' acronym of Live, Love, Lead sums this up too. But "Love" is too generic of a word to be useful. And "Lead" sounds manipulative.
Anyway...I'll be testing this out.

Beta Version of a Ministry and Evangelism Training Model (part 1)

2008-03-22T05:59:00.006-05:00

A youth pastor comrade (Jim Newberry) recently told me that he refashioned his ministry team of students around the theme of "Contribution". He said that he wanted them to find ways to Contribute to the Kingdom work of Christ, by giving spiritual input to others, or by serving in the church nursery, or by leading a game for Jr. Highers...you get the idea.
I think 'Contribution' can be a sensible unifying theme and qualification for this important group of responsive students. By "unifying theme" I mean, "What one thing unifies this mismatched bundle of kids?" and, "Where do I want to lead them?" and, "How can I honor the leadership training examples of Jesus and Paul while also honoring the individuality of these willing teens?"
'Contribution' also sets a bar or standard that qualifies a student to be a member of our ministry team. This year I asked my ministry team students to take on at least one weekly ministry responsibility. I helped to place them based on their gifts. Most students want to Contribute but they don't feel they have the permission or empowerment to do so. Some are leading peer Bible studies. Others are mentoring middle schoolers. It's all good. Now when we gather we can discuss how their ministries are going and how they can sharpen them. They are a tad bit hungrier for ministry principles since they are actually doing ministry.
Add to this idea of Contribution some recent, but not too original, thinking of mine about Serving. I am convinced that our first spiritual inroads into peoples' hearts rest in simply proving we care for them by discovering their needs and Serving them, helping them. Henri Nouwen cracks this idea open in his FANTASTIC little books The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, among others.
The next step is to translate Serve and Contribute into an approach for evangelism. I'll split here and pick this up in my next post.

Birthday Card for Dad

2008-03-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

St. Patrick's Day is my dad's birthday. It's relatively easy to pick out a meaningful card for dad.
Is it as easy for others to pick out a card for me? Maybe that's why I have to remind everyone of my Birthday!? hmmm.
Happy Birthday, Pops.

"Don't Let Someone Rent Space in Your Head"

2008-03-15T06:11:00.005-05:00

I met a dear African American brother, and new pastor/friend Ed, at a meeting last week in San Antonio. As we were killing time on the river walk and the Alamo, we found that we needed directions back to the van. Ed walked over to one of San Antonio's "finest" police officers to get directions. As we headed off toward the van, Ed casually mentioned to me that the officer had made a snide remark laced with racist overtones. After curtly giving Ed his directions, the officer asked snottily, "Anything Else?"
Now, if an officer would say that to me, a white guy, I would dismiss him as a jerk. But when the same thing is said in Texas to a person of color, he's a racist jerk at best. I wanted to go back and insert that guy's night stick...
Before I get too cranked up about this, you need to know that Ed was very cool about it. He shared his encounter with me more out of surprise than spite. As you can imagine, this episode launched me into asking a ton of questions about Ed's feelings and how commonly this occurs, etc.
I asked Ed, "How do you keep things like that from getting to you. Ed's reply was, "I tell my people (in my congregation) 'Don't let people rent space in your head."
Who "rents space" in your head? Why don't you give them an eviction notice?

C'mon Already, It's Only a Vacation!

2008-02-22T05:15:00.005-06:00

I started writing this in the middle of the night to my kids, but I thought I would share it with my one or two blog readers as well.

Hi Family,
I know that we don’t have to explain ourselves to you, but something has plagued me about our trip to Hawaii.
Bottom line, for months I had been hoping for an extended sabbatical from church but the search process for the new youth guy wasn’t letting that happen. So we reassessed and took the long vacation instead. I got permission to get away for 3 weeks. With the cheaper airfares we got, we felt that we both could use the emotional break from the load of ministry and to have the chance to re-calibrate. The downside of using vacation time and resources for this was that we couldn’t include you kids with us. Aligning all of our schedules was also a big barrier to making something like this work for all of us.
Yes, I know each of you would say that mom and I don’t need to have all of our vacation plans work around you all. But on the other hand, stretching the proverb, “Better is a little where there is love than eating steaks where there is strife.” We didn’t have strife on our vacation, but we did have plenty of “steaks” that could have been richer with you to enjoy them with us. Frequently, mom and I would say things like, “Wouldn’t it be hilarious to watch Kyle break into an imitation of the hula dancers?” or, “Shannon would probably say this about now, and it would crack us up.” Or, Megan would love to be in NATURE like this.” Sharing experiences bonds people. I want more shared experiences with you.
Also, my gift of Thomas Welsh-ness made it hard to spend money like we did. We were frugal to a point, but Hawaii isn’t a cheap vacation destination. Yes, we’ve saved for something like this for 10 years and we have the empty-nest freedom to go and do things. Again, I wouldn’t trade our experiences for the world, but I am led by God and conscience to balance the money we spent on ourselves with a more earnest resolve not to make self-directed spending a habit or a focus. I really did return, thinking about the poor more and how empty it would be to have lots of money to simply spend on oneself to accumulate experiences for oneself. This self-orientation simply amplifies the loneliness we try to conceal with money. I’m reminded of how easy it is to plan out our future self-indulgences so that we always have something to look forward to that will hopefully bring some relief to our drab, wintry drudgery.
The dozens (hundreds?) of tents of homeless people on the beach 15 minutes away from one of the world's most luxurious resorts has etched itself into my mind. We found that our resort management won’t refer its guests to any business that would cause people to drive past these homeless encampments. This is understandable from a business image perspective, but it’s really sad to me.

You might think, why is Dad so evaluative about a vacation? Can’t he just enjoy a time away? Yes I can and I did. I just wanted each of you to have a glimpse into my soul. I hope you’re not sick of these Proverbs, but here’s one that started me on this rant:

Proverbs 15:21 (NASB)

Folly is joy to him who lacks sense,

But a man of understanding walks straight.

My Paraphrase:

Screwing around and random activities make the fool happy;

But even the recreation of the wise is purposeful and yields good results.

The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen

2008-02-19T16:16:00.002-06:00

I am re-reading this book. Here's a challenging paragraph:
"Anger in particular seems close to a professional vice in the contemporary ministry. Pastors are angry at their leaders for not leading and at their followers for not following. They are angry at those who do not come to church for not coming and angry at those who do come for coming without enthusiasm. They are angry at their families, who make them feel guilty, and angry at themselves for not being who they want to be. This is not and open, blatant, roaring anger, but and anger hidden behind the smooth word, the smiling face, and the polite handshake. it is a frozen anger, an anger which settles into a biting resentment and slowly paralyzes a generous heart. If there is anything that makes the ministry look grim and dull, it is this dark, insidious anger in the servants of Christ."
All I can say is, "Wow".
Can anyone else relate to Nouwen's description of contemporary ministry?

God and the Oceans

2008-02-12T14:16:00.000-06:00

Sue and I are on vacation near the ocean. As Iowans, being near the ocean gives us a fresher look at God. Over the past few days I've been beat up by the surf and I've sat, watching and listening to the pounding of the waves. So, I was led to ask, "What does the ocean tell me about Us and God?"

When depressed, picture yourself tossed about in the fury of His love; like being thrashed by the waves of the ocean (Psalm 42).
God is mightier than the breakers of the sea (Psalm 93).
He treads on the ocean waves (Job 9).
Fear God who sets limits for the seas (Job 38).
God stirs the sea and calms the sea (Psalm 107).

Here’s my take on the meaning of the oceans in scripture:

The seas represent, to a certain extent, chaos and damage. The seas are somewhat mysterious and hold frightening creatures. The oceans are overwhelming, unpredictable, and untamed. Their brute force is apparent and their power can be unleashed or calmed in an instant. There is nothing that I know of in the Bible that depicts the ocean as a place of opportunity or peace. The oceans evoke feelings of fear and danger.

Even the sounds of the breakers of the ocean speak a mysterious spirit-language of their own; calling to one another (deep calls to deep). Waterfalls echo this chorus. I suspect that the ancient mind would understand these passages as more than simply a personification of nature.

God’s control of the boundaries of the seas is a recurring theme. Even the Genesis epic tells about God establishing the boundaries of the sky and earth and water. But during the great flood, God allowed the waters to breach those boundaries and they overwhelmed creation with their destructive power.

But the Lord is a God who no longer will allow the chaos of the oceans to encroach upon the earth. God holds the ocean in check, protecting man from its turmoil.

Now, transport this ocean motif into the accounts of Jesus who stilled the waves, walked on the sea, found a coin in a fish’s mouth, and commanded a large catch of fish. In the OT it was God Himself who tread on the ocean waves. God alone could still the chaos of the ocean with a whisper, He mastered the creatures of the ocean.

Questions:

Could the instance of Jesus teaching while calmly seated in a boat tell us something about His command over creation?
Why would Jesus teach the parable of the soils from a boat? All of the synoptic accounts record it this way.

Made To Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

2008-02-03T18:23:00.000-06:00

I'm really liking this book! Chip and Dan Heath cut new trails with this freshened exploration of the communication process. Their work is well-researched, interesting, and immediately applicable. The authors use the SUCCESs acronym as the basic outline of their book. Each chapter unpacks the 6 main methods we can use to make ideas stick: Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories. These methods will work with almost any form of communication; advertising, public speaking, writing, sales presentations, vision casting, etc.
Because Made To Stick has a simple outline, don't be fooled into thinking that it is simplistic. There is a lot to ponder here. This text will become another reference work that I'll need to return to again and again in order to sharpen my skills.

The Seven Practices of Effective Ministry, by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, Lane Jones

2008-01-17T20:03:00.000-06:00

The authors make no pretense that their principles for ministry are not derived primarily from the Bible. As with many business success books, 7 Practices weaves a parable that provides a common sense backdrop to the principles. The authors’ baseball narrative does provide a relatively consistent metaphor for these ministry Practices.

The 7 Practices are…

Clarify the win: Define what is important to every level of the organization.
Think steps, not programs: Before you start anything, make sure it takes you where you need to go.
Narrow the focus: Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact.
Teach less for more: Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it.
Listen to outsiders: Focus on who you’re trying to reach, not who you’re trying to keep.
Replace yourself: Learn to hand off what you do.
Work on it: Take time to evaluate your work and to celebrate your wins.

Dumpster Divers

2007-12-02T21:25:00.000-06:00

We had a small group question last Wednesday night at Prime Time that stalled discussion, "Why is it that Christian students vow that they would never ever get a divorce, or commit adultery, or get addicted to alcohol or drugs, etc.; but, in 20 years many of these same people are etched with defeat. What do you think would keep you from being a statistic like so many?"
My short response to my own question relates to our neediness. What if I were to tell you that I could have you eating out of a dumpster in 5 days? I would simply starve you. If we are hungry enough, I think most of us would eat almost anything.
So, one answer to the above question is that we should keep Full. We should become acutely aware of the smallest of pangs in our own soul. We should be desperately earnest to seek the filling of God's Holy Spirit through the Word and Prayer. Likewise, we should be filled by filling others.
I'm reminded of the last half of the Prayer of St. Francis:

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

'Jott' it

2007-12-02T21:08:00.000-06:00

I've enjoyed the the functionality and practicality of Jott. This FREE service allows me to call Jott on my cell phone and speak a message to myself or another designated recipient. Jott then transcribes my voice message and automatically sends the text to the designated email address; usually a reminder to myself. One of my possible recipients is my Blog. You may have seen my poorly worded post (through Jott) a few days ago. Actually, I'm even more amazed by their incredibly accurate voice recognition technology.
Speaking of Technology, I'm currently using Qwest DSL for my phone and ISP. I don't want to pay for cable TV so I haven't taken to plunge into a cable internet provider. I'd like a faster connection and I'm willing to give up my home phone land line. What works for you? Are there no competitors in this industry?

Still kind of amazed.

2007-11-23T08:36:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving week started as we picked up Shannon from the DSM airport. She had a great time during her brief stint with the state department in Belgium. On Wednesday, we successfully connected with our Russian friends Anton and Natalia at the DSM airport for an icy trip to KC. They had thoroughly enjoyed a sun-soaked trip to Disneyworld.
NON-traditional foods accented our traditional American Thanksgiving feast. Guests from India, Alston and Rosalyn, provided Palak Paneer (cooked spinach with chunks of tofu). Natalia cooked up some Russian Borsch (even though we couldn't find fresh beets!) and spread Ekra (orange salmon eggs or caviar) on buttered bread.
My brother's wife decided to call my nephew Brady using Skype. He was sitting shirtless and shortless beside Lake Malawi in Mozambique.
I love this smaller world. I'm still kind of amazed.

The Ungrateful Monkey

2007-11-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

I wrote and read the following "children's story" for our Middle School students. They were a bit shocked by the ending.

The Ungrateful Monkey

Once upon a time there was a little monkey who lived in the jungle. The little monkey was so sad; he had only a few tattered clothes and there was very little to eat. All the other little monkeys could play, but this poor little monkey had a hurt leg. He couldn’t run or climb like all of the other little monkeys. All of the other little monkeys went to school but this little monkey had to stay home to find enough food to keep from getting too hungry.

One day as the little monkey was hunting for food, a giraffe came along. The giraffe said, “Say, little monkey, why are you so sad?” The little monkey cried and told the giraffe that he was so, so hungry.

“Well, said the giraffe, haven’t you noticed that the best fruit is at the top of the trees?”

“I can’t reach the tops of the trees,” said the little monkey, “I’m too short and my leg is hurt so I cannot climb.”

“Here, said the giraffe, “I’ll lift you high so that you can reach the tops of the trees.” So every day the giraffe came along and lifted the little monkey to the tops of the trees so that he wouldn’t be so hungry.

Some time later the little monkey was crying because he couldn’t play with the other children. He tried, but his leg had never healed and it hurt so bad. Along came a parrot and the parrot said, “Say little monkey, why are you so sad?”

The little monkey tearfully replied, “I hurt my leg and I cannot play with the other little monkeys and I can’t reach food without the giraffe.”

“Well, said the Parrot, “Us parrots get hurt all of the time and I know what will heal your leg.” So the parrot joined with all of his parrot friends and they gathered from all of the healing plants of the jungle. They mixed them up and bound them onto his leg.

The parrot said to the little monkey, “You keep this on your leg and it will heal very quickly.”

So in just a few days the little monkey was running and playing with all the other little monkeys. The little monkey no longer needed the giraffe.

Some time later the little monkey was crying because the other little monkeys had made fun of his tattered clothes. A beautiful Peacock came along and said, “Say little monkey, why are you so sad?”

The little monkey cried and told him he only had tattered clothes.

“Well”, said the peacock, “I will clothe you with the best of peacock feathers.”

So the little monkey was transformed. All the other little monkeys admired him for his feathery clothes.

The little monkey proudly strutted about in his beautiful new clothes; he ate everything he wanted and the little monkey could run faster than all the other little monkeys because of his strong legs.

One day the little monkey walked proudly past another little monkey who was crying. The little monkey said to the other little monkey, “Why are you so sad?”

The other little monkey sobbed, “I can’t reach the best fruit at the top of the trees and I’m hungry!”

The little monkey said to the other little monkey,” I have plenty of food to eat and I’m the strongest climber and the fastest runner. If you worked hard like me and if you had stronger and faster legs and if you dressed as beautifully as me then you would have plenty to eat.”

Then the little monkey walked off and left the other little monkey.

aaah, Giordano's

2007-11-05T21:09:00.000-06:00

We landed in Orlando and, while Sue was picking up the rental car, I was browsing the tourist rack. Somehow, while flipping through a coupon book, a subliminal thought was planted firmly in my cerebral cortex, “Must have Giordano’s pizza. Must have Giordano’s pizza.”

So while dining on the best of seafood all week long in Florida, I was privately lusting for Giordano’s pizza. I even double checked our hotel room’s Daytona Beach Yellow Pages listing under ‘PIZZA’. No listing for Giordano’s in Daytona. I re-checked online through Anywho.com but to no avail. I even quizzed the locals in hopes that some enterprising, pizza-savvy investor had somehow quickly constructed a Giordano’s restaurant in Daytona and it didn’t show up on the radar of the ubiquitous Yellow Pages and online directories. Conclusion: No Giordano’s in Daytona. The closest culinary heaven was in Orlando; 70 miles away.

So, as the week wore on, being the good Christian that I am, I graciously deferred to Jonathan, Jessica and others in their selection of sub-par, non-Giordano’s eateries. As you can imagine, the anticipation was quietly building for our return to my pizza Mecca, Orlando.

Finally, as with all addictive behaviors, I was leading my traveling companions to think that Giordano’s wasn’t really that important to me. And, at week’s end, on the ride back to Orlando’s airport I maneuvered myself to ride shotgun with the job of navigator. I now had FULL control over our itinerary back to the Orlando airport. No one would know that I was directing us to Southwest Orlando (the closest Giordano’s) while the airport was located in far East Orlando. Timing was going to be tight, however. We only had about 45 minutes to rush in, eat, and get on the way to meet our flight. “Okay,” I told myself, “if the Giordano’s management is on the ball, we should have enough time.” I reluctantly resigned myself to the fact that I may not have the necessary time to Savor the pizza.

We found the exit and moved through the 3^rd stop light, which had just, for some reason, blacked out. We spotted the Glorious Giordano’s Pizza sign. I was calm on the outside, but giddy on the inside as Sue snagged a parking spot uber close to the restaurant’s front door. We passed a couple just finishing their meal on the front patio. They looked so happy. We walked inside looking for quick service. In a Sherlock Holmsian kind of way, I noticed very few patrons and a full grouping of staff. Quick service should be no problem. However, with my heightened sense of awareness, I also observed that no lights were on in the restaurant. Just at that moment, my world came crashing in as the hostess apologetically announced, “We’re sorry, but the power just went out in the area and we will not be able to serve you.”

With the agility of cloud in the night sky (my family loves to use meaningless metaphors) my mind snapped into action. Now, in problem-solving mode, I asked the hostess, “Surely the gas ovens still work?” My desperation was now exposed as the hostess reassured me that, as soon as the power came back on, we could be served. She gently asked if we would like to be seated. Realizing that waiting was out of the question, my mind shifted into high gear, ultra fast computing mode. My CPU was presenting me with multiple options in a simultaneous blur. I was rapid-fire-sequencing huge amounts of raw data, and alternately assessing the probabilities of each proposed solution. Running from the lowest probability solution to the highest my mind captured the stark reality of our plight. We could:

Option 1: Quickly call the airline and book a later flight.

Option 2: Take our chances and wait for the power to return (Sue nixed this option as too risky)

Option 3: Beg for leftover pizza from other patrons.

We resorted to Option 3. Begging for pizza was not below me. And actually we didn’t really beg. We just stood outside discussing our situation loudly enough for the couple on the patio to hear us. This wonderfully angelic couple offered us their still-in-the-pan lukewarm pizza. We responded with the obligatory, “I’m sorry, we couldn’t take your pizza. Certainly you would want to take it home with you?” They then replied with the culturally-sensitive insistent comeback, “No, really, we ordered too much and we won’t take it to our hotel.” I think that’s what I heard as I was darting back into the restaurant to get a carry out box.

After thanking the couple profusely for the 3 pieces of who-cares-what-was-in-it pizza, we forced 5 bucks into their hands to prove we weren’t beggars. Being the good Christian I am, I didn’t want to overtly disappoint the others by mentioning the fact there were only 3 pieces of pizza but there were 4 of us. As we returned to our car, I may have carefully reminded Sue that she should watch her calories. I thought this ploy might cause her to restrict herself to eating only one piece of the spoils.

Still in a time crunch, we anxiously looked for a quick food restaurant with its light on. You see, the pizza remains were Mine. But, being the good Christian I am, we wanted to find some food for the others. In a low-brow kind of way, we smuggled my prize into Chile’s restaurant under my coat, ordered drinks and some chow for the others. And, being the good Christian I am, I offered to pray quickly before the other food arrived so that some of us could go ahead and eat while some warmth was left in the leftover pizza.

So, with eager trembling hands, I gnawed my way to ecstasy. Engorged on one and a half pieces of that thick crusted delight, and being the good Christian I am, I offered a leftover bite for Jonathan and Jessica to share.

Now, in hindsight, and under the unhindered conviction of God’s Holy Spirit, I feel that I owe a Giordano’s pizza to Jonathan and Jessica. As I told Sue, we need to mail order a shipment of Giordano’s pizza and invite Jonathan and Jessica over for dinner. We will fellowship over pizza and assuage my conscience (and my appetite), being the good Christian I am.

They Don't Get It

2007-10-14T22:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back, I think. I vowed that I wouldn't let my blog go dormant. But, frankly, blogging has been the last thing on my mind since May. My Summer mission trips to NYC and France, vacation, youth pastor search, personal angst, etc., really got me out of sync. And, even more frankly, I've been really dry. So, here goes...

In our search for my ministry “replacement” I’m reminded of something I’ve been aware of for some time. There are those youth pastors who just don’t “get it”. Or else they don’t want to get it. In other words, they don’t understand why they’re failing; whether in their pastor’s eyes or in their board’s or parent’s or student’s eyes. They’re oblivious. I probe and ask these befuddled youth workers who feel victimized by their churches, “What have you done, or not done, to contribute to your church’s lack of confidence in your leadership?”

This is when I hear the one-sided tales of authoritarian pastors, unreasonable parents, unspiritual kids, yada, yada, yada.

Don’t get me wrong. I know ugly church environments exist. And I do give a burdened youth leader the best listening ear that I can. But cluelessness means death in a shepherding ministry.

Though well-intentioned, a blind shepherd can hurt the flock.

President Jimmy Carter Revisited

2007-05-22T07:08:00.000-05:00

In a post some time back I had posted 2 questions that students had asked former President Jimmy Carter during his visit at the University of Iowa in April. Here are the answers:

Guess what President Carter uses for toothpaste? Crest
What one thing would Pres. Carter have done differently during his presidency? Send in one more helicopter to rescue the hostages in Iran. One helicopter experienced mechanical failure and, according to President Carter, another inexplicably turned back. Other accounts state that two helicopters were caught in a sandstorm during Operation Eagle Claw.

Suspended: The Role of Tension; part 2

2007-05-15T07:51:00.000-05:00

Throughout our lives we live in the tension between what was, what is and what is to come. Circumstances present tension, but what about God producing tension? What is the role of tension in the walk of the believer? Does tension produce awareness? Or motivation? Or passion? Or does this tension make us want to walk away?

We need to make sure that the “pull” from the “will be” is greater than the drag from the “once was” and “still is”. How do we add greater weight (pull) to the “will be”?

Buried in the present is the foretaste, the pledge, for what is to come. Seeds of the future reality are imbeded in the believer’s soul.

The suspension between the 3 realities is uncomfortable at best. The sensitive heart cries out for resolution. But no amount of patience resolves the tension. To a greater or lesser degree, the tension is there, straining the soul. Stretching us. Reshaping our identities. Driving us to the realization that who we think we are is not certain or fixed. While struggling, our only certainty is the hope of what will be (1 Peter 1:13).

This is why I am not at home here and now. Indeed we are "aliens" in a foreign land (1Peter 2:10-12).

Suspended: The Role of Tension; part 1

2007-05-13T17:19:00.000-05:00

Eschatologically, we are suspended between what was, what is and what is to come.

Inherent in this suspension is tension. What is the nature of this tension? What are its effects on the believer?

This eschatological tension provides a compelling metaphor for the everyday suspense of our journey with Christ. As we walk with Christ we are keenly aware of the constant tug of what we used to be, what we are now, and what we are becoming (our anticipated future).
One way of examining and learning from the stories of the Bible is to observe how people lived while suspended between realities; ethically, morally, physically, politically, economically, etc.

How did the person/people of God handle this tension?

How did their choices provide a clearer foreshadowing of the future reality?

How did they connect/draw upon their past realities?

How did their perception of past and future realities alter their present decisions/attitudes?

The Survey Says...

2007-05-01T04:45:00.000-05:00

I asked a group of about 20 high school upperclassmen recently, "What brings about spiritual growth in your life?" Here are some of the answers:

"I know that everything has a meaning and a purpose. God is taking me through life. Also I am encouraged when I hear others' testimonies of how God has been faithful to them.
"When I persevere through trials; and those trials brought lessons.
"Being around people and seeing their lifestyles.
"When I can't trust others and have tough times with them I know God is with me.
"When I'm going through dry times I know that God is always there. I measure my spiritual growth by my actions. Even though I'm dry, I'm growing spiritually.
"The reality of spiritual warfare and how to love others better.
"My small group; I rely on them.
"When I have failed trials.

What are the common themes here? What main things spur spiritual growth in students?
1. Trials.
2. Bonds with other believers.

Questions I ask myself: How can my youth ministry programming better reflect students' processes of spiritual growth in these 2 key areas (of trials and relationships)?

My trusty side-kick Jonathan reminded me that these two components were mentioned in Duffy Robbins classic book , The Ministry of Nurture (first published in 1990!). It just so happens I'll see Duffy today!

Recharge Your Ministry Passion

2007-04-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

The number one way to recharge your passion for ministry is to shed the to do lists, chuck the adminis-trivia and hang out with your students/people. Everyone in ministry knows that contacting students is the youth worker's fuel.
Without contacting, our teaching becomes stale and irrelevant, we lose sight of the big picture, our impact diminishes, and we lose empathy and patience for those we disciple.
Here's a pretty good article from Youth Specialties on contacting.
And here's an awesome group of guys who went with Jonathan and me to the Drake Relays. We ended up in the VIP tent and chowed on walking tacos and hot wing chicken strips; and we played some kind of movie title game. My car had a great discussion about God's goodness and the holocaust.

"Really...what makes swear words wrong?" she asked.

2007-04-27T07:54:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know me well, I have a knack for starting a discussion with the obvious and ending it at an unsuspecting place. You think this post is about Swearing; but it's not.
A few of us were talking after Prime Time recently and one girl challenged us with the Question/Statement, "Really...what makes swear words wrong?" After a lively discussion trying to use Scripture to sort this out, no Biblical arguments made sense to this Christian girl. Perhaps out of desperation, I asked her what her goal for herself is. "What does she envision herself becoming?"
I tried to ease her embarrassment as she finally admitted that she had no idea what her future looks like. It dawned on me that we can easily coach or prod kids into a Christian lifestyle but unless that is integrated into their own preferred future, they'll never adopt it.
Another girl, a bright Russian exchange student, chimed in. She had almost given up trying to live the Christian way because, "No one can be perfect, so what's the point? And don't tell me it's for the 'glory of God'. How is God glorified by the death of children or the holocaust?" Then the first girl chimed in again, "And isn't life just God's big test to see what we'll do?" This discussion made me ask some questions...

How many other kids need a clearer future hope? The majority? Or is this a small minority?
How can I give kids a clearer picture of God's vision for His relationship with us and with His world? And how are His purposes best communicated to postmoderns?
If you have ideas or other questions that need to be asked about this, please comment.

My Daughter One-Upped President Jimmy Carter

2007-04-26T16:41:00.000-05:00

Shannon got us some face time with former President Jimmy Carter at a reception before she escorted him onto the University of Iowa Carver Hawkeye Arena stage. My daughter eloquently introduced the 39th president to about 10,000+ onlookers. Although she kind of whipped up her 2 minute presentation that afternoon, she delivered it with conviction and poise.
How does she do it? I remember I was wetting-my-pants nervous when I read a few Bible verses at my college graduation. Of course I'm mildly biased, but here she was, giving a more moving speech in 2 minutes than Jimmy did in 20 minutes! She talked about getting involved. I was about ready to become a democratic activist!
Okay...here's a Presidential Peanut Quiz.

Guess what President Carter uses for toothpaste?
What one thing would Pres. Carter have done differently during his presidency?
How can evangelicals wonder how other evangelicals can vote for a democrat?
How can a 2 minute speech be more moving than a 20 minute talk by a former President?

I'll post the answers and a family pic with President Carter on later post.

Bible Abuse

2007-04-24T19:09:00.000-05:00

One 80 year old veteran Baptist church-goer recently told me that “you can get the Bible to prove just about anything”. This statement was his justification to dismiss the Bible; because it is impossible to understand.

Judging by some of my recent 9th grade Bible Instruction Class students’ glazed expressions, I wonder if they think like this 80 year old. In fact, one of my steepest obstacles with each year’s Bible Instruction Class is to convince the students that studying the Bible is worth it.

But then, what does it mean that Bible study is "worth it”? Unfortunately, to some of us, the Bible is worth something because it is a Pepto-Bismol devotional crutch we use to salve our emotional upsets. Taken in this light, the Bible has value if it makes us feel better. Thus, we gut the Bible of its prescriptive content and moral directives.

I talked recently with a believer who kept searching his Bible and praying for peace before he made a wrong decision. He wanted encouragement from the Bible but not exhortation. His prayer could very well have been, “Lord, make me feel better about my disobedience toward you. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.”

So how do we get kids to want to move beyond Biblical illiteracy?

1. Pray for them.
2. Provide real life applications to increase the practical value of the Bible's message.
3. Your Ideas Welcome Here:

I Attended a Core Training Event

2007-04-22T20:32:00.000-05:00

I've been to well over 100 youth worker training events. I've heard many more good trainers than bad, and The Core 2007, Helping Hurting Kids, ranked pretty darn high. Great content, great presenter (Dave Ambrose of Bridgeway Community Church). The Core omitted most of the nonsensical games and mixers, but included relevant video clips and edgy examples.
The subject matter shifted seamlessly through Understanding Hidden Hurts (session 1), Critical Skills for Tackling the Tough Stuff (session 2) and Successful Response Strategies (session 3).
I lifted some of this stuff as a teaser:

Do you need an effective strategy for responding to a hurting kid? Listen, Invest, Validate, Explore (LIVE).
What must a kid-helper keep in mind when helping a hurting kid? Confidentiality, Enlist Help, Mandatory Reporting, Don't be Stupid.
The Core recommends some online resources: Celebrate Recovery, Be Broken Ministries, RSA Ministries, National Eating Disorders, Mirror Mirror, Help Guide, To Write Love On Her Arms, National Self-Harm Network, Self-Injury, Abuse & Trauma Resource Directory, Teen Health Center, Self-Injury Information and Support, American Association of Suicidology, Kristin Brooks Hope Center, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Middle Schoolers' Questions About Heaven

2007-04-16T20:53:00.000-05:00

I spoke about Heaven at Main Event club recently at church. I overheard what the 8^th grade girls were discussing afterwards:

1. “There are still things that I want to do before I go to heaven.”

2. “I hope we play soccer in heaven.”

Even though I think my talk was pretty good (they paid attention), these girls' unanswered questions made me ask some questions of myself:

How could I have better addressed these girls' questions that I obviously left unanswered?
How can I better anticipate what questions my audience is asking?

I Must Be a Geriatric Rocker

2007-04-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

Last night's Rod Stewart Rockin' in the Round Concert (aka, The RodFather) was Okay! I was pleasantly surprised! Of course I had low expectations of my free concert with scads of Geriatric Rockers; and I don't mean rocking chairs. I pictured withered old Rod-fans lustfully tossing their back braces onto the stage. I was braced for the aged rock star to have to stop halfway through his show to work out some cramps or to pull his belt back up to cover his paunch.
But, hey, I was surprised. It really was a cool stage setup and concert in a Scottish kind of way (Stewart plaid stage curtain, plaid drumset). Also, I didn't realize how many of his songs I had heard before. I actually got out of my seat well after the intermission; and, if you know me, I don't get jarred off my rear very often. But I joined in when the entire crowd sang along to "It's a Heartache, nothing but a heartache...."
Okay. I admit it. It was fun.

Cleaning off the Desk

2007-04-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

I just might use the new Google MY MAPS to plot and advertise our Summer Missions trip to the Big Apple this summer.
Speaking of the Omni-Inventive Google, I tried this out: I simply typed in my home phone number in the Google search bar and POOF! My name and complete directions to my home appeared as quick as a google-wink. This is especially handy for my new friends, predators and stalkers! Fortunately, I was able to click the link and I found directions to delete my number from this invasive service.
Did you know that you could buy a Cessna personal jet for $2.7 million at SAM’S CLUB? (per Consumer Report).
At COSCO you can purchase 6.02 carat diamond earrings for $110,999.99. And COSTCO also sells caskets!! (per Consumer Report).

Barna: Parenting Approach Determines Kids' Devotion to Christ.

2007-04-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

We already know that parents really influence their kids' faith, but what I'm puzzling over is what are the Key approaches that parents employ that make or break their child's faith. Here's Barna's article.

Excerpts from: In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day; ch. 1-2

2007-04-10T19:59:00.000-05:00

Sue and I just started reading Mark Batterson's book before bedtime. We haven't done bedtime readings much in the past but if I find more books like Batterson's, it may become a Thomas tradition.
Taking his cue from the obscure OT passage about Benaiah, son of Jehoiada in 2 Samuel 23, Mark Batterson challenges his readers to become modern day lion chasers. In fact, he calls it a "survival guide for lion chasers."
I thought I'd yank some meaty lines out of the guts of "Lion"...

"Spiritual Maturity is seeing and seizing God-ordained opportunities."
"Unlearning fears and embracing uncertainty requires a counter-intuitive approach to life."
"Most of our problems are not circumstantial. Most of our problems are perceptual. Our biggest problems can be traced back to an inadequate understanding of who God is. Our problems seem really big because our God seems really small. In fact, we reduce God to the size of our biggest problems."
"You know what the greatest tragedy in life is? It is someone whose god gets smaller and smaller with each passing day."

More later...

Interview of Dr. Francis Collins

2007-04-05T19:25:00.000-05:00

The head of the Human Genome Project, Dr. Francis Collins, is interviewed about his coming to faith on Anderson Cooper 360.
Great Stuff!

Also, my daughter Shannon has arranged for Sue and I to join Jimmy Carter for a reception and a Photo Op next Wednesday night! What to wear? What to wear? More info later.

"I slaughtered a llama on the way to work..."

2007-04-04T23:07:00.000-05:00

I skipped out of a ministry night at Prime Time to take Sue and Megan to the My New Orleans Tour of Harry Connick, Jr. and his 11 piece band. As you can see from the ticket, we were in the nose bleed section; right balcony, section 3.

We savored everything; from the New Orleans style set complete with lamposts, ceiling fans and an upright piano to the incredible musicianship. Connick selected the best for his band; the trombonist and drummer were my fav's.

The band started in minor keys and transitioned to upbeat major keys. The jig-like dancing must be a New Orleans thing; different, relaxed and fun. He performed infinite twists on classic tunes that I haven't heard in years; simple songs composed in a very complex, jazzy way:

Working in the Gold Mine
Havin' Fun Down on the Bayou
Hello Dolly
I'll Love You Till the End of Time
Heaven, I'm in Heaven

On Connick's first trip to the front of the stage to converse with the crowd a boy, Mason, came to the front and gave the musician a large bag of Skittles. I was surprised at Connick's sharp sense of humor and we loved him mocking American Idol.

Connick, noticing that the audience was in a mood to laugh at nearly every he said, began to make stupid statements just to hear us laugh, like, "I slaughtered a llama on the way to work and covered myself in its entrails." Silly, but comfortable and fun.

What was my divergent mind thinking during the concert?
How can so much talent reside in just one person?
How much does he end up making from a concert like this; after he pays agents, managers, musicians, etc.?
There's a wedding ring on his finger. I'm surprised he wears it; but kinda glad he does.
Jazz like this feels like a guys' thing. Relaxed and cool and a little off-beat and spontaneous. Like a bunch of guys goofing around.
Fantastic encore with the drummer tapping on the top of the grand piano with Connick, the trombonist and a trumpet joining him at, or on, the piano.

Yes, sir. I'd like to have my truck "fixed"...

2007-04-03T22:15:00.000-05:00

4 things, among others, are bugging me.

Peeve #1. I absolutely detest those artificial things that pozer macho dudes dangle from the trailer hitches of their trucks. I'm not going to go into it because I'm trying to keep this a "G" rated post. But they're disgusting. Every time I see those things I want to ask the driver to get his truck neutered. You can imagine little kids asking their dads, "What's that?" And the dad can answer, "It's Sick." I really don't like our hyper-sexualized culture.

Peeve #2. I can't figure out how to have the dates on my posts dated when I actually post them. As it is now, blogger automatically dates my posts permanently on the date that I create a draft.

Peeve #3. Another blogger peeve...why can't I create a draft and assign a certain date that blogger will automatically post it? Other blog services do this. Am I missing something?

Peeve #4. Why can't I add my own header to my site without knowing computer code?

(I'll probably be proven a real idiot for not knowing how to work blogger).

Sailing Too Close to the Shore, part 2

2007-03-29T19:24:00.000-05:00

You’ve perhaps heard of the movie Donnie Darko. The theme song, Mad World by Gary Jules, talks about easy to reach dreams that can smother us.

And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had

It is so easy to have small dreams and then die in them.

But, we become spiritually alive when we try new things for God. When we sail farther from the “shore” it gets scary but it is a holy kind of scared.

Sailing a bit farther from the shore is…

When obedience takes you out of your comfort zone
When you commit more money to the church beyond what "normal" people would.
When you confide in your accountability partner about a secret sin.
When you tell your dad that you love him.
When you invite neighbors for a cookout.
When you allow your daughter to bring Christ to a dangerous part of the world.
When you, once again, give everything over to Jesus; your friends, your health, your future.

Like Francis Drake prayed, we need God to disturb us! We Americans get too comfortable. Comfort kills. Safety is a corrosion of the soul.

Prayer:

Lord, I confess my faithlessness and the smallness that is its fruit. Disturb me, God. Disturb me.”

Added note…

From The E-Myth Revisited. Here's what Michael Gerber had to say:

"The curtain is your Comfort Zone. And your Comfort Zone has been the false mask you put on...because it was safe when your spirit was not. Your Comfort Zone has been the curtain you have placed in front of your face through which you view the world. Your Comfort Zone has been the tight little cozy planet on which you have lived, knowing all the places to hide because it's so small. Your Comfort Zone has seized you before and it can seize you again, when you're least prepared for it, because it knows what it means to you. Because it knows how much you want to be comfortable. Because it knows what price you are willing to pay for the comfort of being in control. The ultimate price, your life... Comfort overtakes us all when we're least prepared for it. Comfort makes cowards of us all."

Sailing Too Close to the Shore, part 1

2007-03-29T18:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, I’m going Retro now. Back in the the 60’s a melodic quartet hit the top of the charts with California Dreamin’. The song was written on a cold winter’s day in New York City while The Mamas and the Papas were yearning for California sun.

The first two stanzas of the song goes like this…

All the leaves are brown
And the sky is gray
I've been for a walk
On a winter's day
I'd be safe and warm
If I was in L.A.
California dreamin'
On such a winter's day

“To be safe and warm” in Los Angelos would be fun to dream about now as the Iowa temperature is dropping outside.
Our dreams get pretty small compared to God’s dreams for us. We dream about safety and warmth, recreation, comfort and...sunny California.
Now, compare our small dreams to those of Sir Francis Drake who circumnavigated the earth. He is credited with this prayer from 1577: “Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore.”

Someone said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”

Stay tuned for part deux.

Pluralistic Gift

2007-03-27T07:40:00.000-05:00

I’ve gotta get one of these clever items! (just kidding). I'm sure that at the very bottom of my gift list is this display that expresses the equality of all religions. The Bible, Koran, Torah, and more; all leveled.

The product description says it all, “For the first time, the world’s most influential religious texts are brought together and presented on the same level, their coexistence acknowledged and celebrated.”

Never mind that any devoted Christian, Muslim or Jew would vehemently object to the implications of this piece of art.

Never mind that "progressive" thinkers most likely won't apply the same tolerance to politics, economic systems, etc.

Never mind that when I "celebrate coexistence" I implicitly celebrate the un-truths of other religions' core beliefs.

Never mind that when I "celebrate coexistence" I effectually value co-existence more than my other beliefs.

Let me know if I'm off-base on any of my points; and, oh yeah, Happy Festivus!

Questions to ponder:

1. What is good about this artistic expression? What is true about it?

2. What is wrong about it? What is misleading?

3. Really, what is wrong with the idea that all religions' "coexistence" should be "acknowledged and celebrated”?

Tough Times

2007-03-26T16:30:00.000-05:00

My Dad had a really rough week last week. He's having trouble with his kidneys. So we placed him in the hospital. He's doing much better but I would appreciate it if you could throw up some prayers on our behalf. My Dad's an awesome guy and I hate to see him suffer. Isaiah 26:3 has been rolling around in my mind this past week...

"You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

That's My King!

2007-03-16T16:22:00.001-05:00

Mark Barnes added images to S.M. Lockeridge's moving sermon segment entitled "That's My King"

Mind Mapping

2007-03-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

Mind Mapping and Concept Mapping

I was totally unaware of the methods of Mind Mapping and Concept Mapping. Cool stuff. You can use mapping to help with categorizing ideas, brainstorming, planning, etc.

Emotional Hurt

2007-03-15T18:21:00.000-05:00

I’ve suspected for some time that the emotional blows that hurt the most are those that drive us closest to the truth about ourselves.

Me Worship

2007-03-14T22:31:00.001-05:00

I plan to use this video before our worship time at Prime Time next Wednesday. Enjoy!

Emotionally Mature or Just Spiritually Mature?

2007-03-12T02:47:00.000-05:00

Leadership coach Dan Webster says in his Training Course that one cannot be spiritually mature unless one is emotionally mature. In what ways is this true? In what ways is this untrue?

Webster's insight opens a Pandora’s box of issues.

· How can we fulfill our core calling, loving God and loving others, if we are emotionally diminished?

· What does it mean to be emotionally mature?

· If emotional maturity is necessary for spiritual maturity to develop, what hope does a depressed person (or emotionally scarred person) have of becoming spiritually mature?