tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53939179728554494992024-03-05T07:36:51.789-08:00Ted Vaughn :: BlogA dialog about all things church & culture; especially the relationship between them.Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-56891896161485703232012-05-06T13:17:00.001-07:002012-05-06T13:17:18.046-07:00Letter to Hospitality - Rock Church<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLSYWKhdGeZZ93HqkywwfioanOcZa1H7OQS2ZFzeXJi0z_jULfSN14v7Jq_TZ7G5TMm8RpO5Vl-go1BZaz0joJ4hbWYrLVXEVH0M0haW22BdyA-aPM5Uciecld7PUyn9UEf2P1U4D6qT0/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLSYWKhdGeZZ93HqkywwfioanOcZa1H7OQS2ZFzeXJi0z_jULfSN14v7Jq_TZ7G5TMm8RpO5Vl-go1BZaz0joJ4hbWYrLVXEVH0M0haW22BdyA-aPM5Uciecld7PUyn9UEf2P1U4D6qT0/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I wrote this email to the Hospitality Team at my church. I realized how overlooked they are yet how critical they are. Thought it'd be worth sharing. If you work on the hospitality (aka: usher / greeter /etc...) team at your church - be encouraged. You play an incredible role in your church. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Hospitality Team -</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>I want to take a moment and encourage one of the most important teams at the Rock. Now…I know that every team at the Rock would say they are "one of the most important" - and I'm sure there is some truth to that claim – but in my opinion, Hospitality is, truly, one of the most critical teams at this amazing church. Here is why:</b></i></span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>You shape people's first and last impression of the Rock.</b></i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>You are the glue that holds Sunday together.</b></i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Every Sunday over 13K people see what a healthy and high functioning Rock ministry team looks like.</b></i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Your positive attitude and demonstration of Jesus encourages every other Sunday team, from Production to Security – you interface with everyone.</b></i></span></li>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Important teams doing important work will be attacked. I've never seen that more powerfully than at the Rock. I could tell you some amazing stories of attack – but I don't need to because you all see it already within your own team. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Hospitality is making a difference. You guys matter so much I don't know where to begin. I am blessed every week to walk past you in the lobby, hallways, entrances, exits, etc… and see how professionally and lovingly you do your job. You make the Rock look good….you give this church a loving face….yet you control the masses in a very effective and appropriate way. Most importantly – you set the table for people to have a personal encounter with Jesus every week. Every person that makes a decision for Christ has come in contact with someone from Hospitality. That connection point can either help or hinder people's heart and readiness to deal with themselves. When you see powerful altar calls on Sunday – I want you to remember how important your contribution is to that moment. Miles seals the deal – but a very large team helps plant and water the seeds.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>You do a fantastic job and I appreciate you more than you'll know. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Ted</b></i></span></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-10315108594425310102012-04-04T22:06:00.004-07:002012-04-04T22:25:58.042-07:003 Ways Leaders Foster Healthy Culture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYEhTrXq6B8SaZPfgVFRM17eUZQN_c6YitPo15BqAipJG80DF5tppxmERajxz04zHAvl9nbqmPTD-9McZ5xwin_4YV79HHLQsyNx0qCz5APayXJ-MdwBVHCwZtl7v8BD-z6Ens7fEvC9j/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYEhTrXq6B8SaZPfgVFRM17eUZQN_c6YitPo15BqAipJG80DF5tppxmERajxz04zHAvl9nbqmPTD-9McZ5xwin_4YV79HHLQsyNx0qCz5APayXJ-MdwBVHCwZtl7v8BD-z6Ens7fEvC9j/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727783564200510050" /></a><br /> <div><b style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; ">If you are a leader in your org then you are shaping its culture; whether you intend to or not; want to or not. The best leaders shape their culture intentionally - not accidentally. </b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; "><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; ">Here are 3 things I've recently realized:</b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; "><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; ">1. Authenticity and vulnerability with those you lead will increase their trust in you and willingness to mimic that behavior with each other.</b><br /><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div><span><b>2. Do not create insiders and outsiders with your staff. Everyone you lead should feel like they are on the inside of your department's purpose - a key stakeholder - a partner not employee. </b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>3. Be the #1 encourager - the #1 cheerleader - the most optimistic - and a far better coach than critic. Your staff beat themselves up enough. They need you to build them up, even when you are disciplining or course correcting. </b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-69405073949528363042012-02-09T22:36:00.000-08:002012-02-09T23:25:39.785-08:00Building Trust<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFUh-Q7BuYIufW5_CifgWpvTeDK7YaTQFMBbaiFwOzDlkEvh1bcv4R8HUJPvAL47W44hBEMNoyfon1Y0YcFZeIrYVS3tpORdblntE_MkVCjiNmivKaTVcMopOe6LmgzkPaAVkHM8hDmcs/s1600/Building-Trust.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFUh-Q7BuYIufW5_CifgWpvTeDK7YaTQFMBbaiFwOzDlkEvh1bcv4R8HUJPvAL47W44hBEMNoyfon1Y0YcFZeIrYVS3tpORdblntE_MkVCjiNmivKaTVcMopOe6LmgzkPaAVkHM8hDmcs/s320/Building-Trust.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707404272300760626" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; ">Thousands of books have been written on leadership. In my limited experience, most of the books are redundant and a repackaging of the same fundamentals. This isn't bad - and sometimes the new angle is really helpful - but if you read one book by Jim Collins, Patrick Lencioni, and Ram Charan - you are pretty much there.</span><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; ">Recently I've discovered a simple skill that separates effective leaders from the rest of the pack; and ironically, it's written about very little. </span><span ><b>Effective leaders understand that every interaction is either building or eroding trust and they make intentional decisions to build it</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; ">. This is especially true when meeting with senior leadership. The questions you ask - comments you make - body language - how you express yourself; it all contributes to]trust - which is everything. </span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div><b><span >Often very well-intentioned leaders erode trust.</span></b><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "> They are hard workers - invested - but make tragic mistakes in meetings that mitigate their colleagues and supervisors ability to trust them. When that goes unchanged for 12 months or more - it is time to make a change. Perhaps not a termination - but certainly a reality check about the future. Often this drives the employee out of the organization, which ultimately works to their benefit because they dive into a new tank and are forced to survive and grow; or be eaten. In that new environment they become more self aware and fix the fatal flaws.....and live happily ever after :)</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-33264077892139982282012-01-04T23:47:00.000-08:002012-01-04T23:50:52.724-08:00Manifesto - Rock Church Creative Dept.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ3xTRElUthB0oh4k5cFyHHhvLgPAOLwARwNK2-EwhlOGplvBVoH5gq3l8KgJdeDUDC1yOPpn-BollLJiMjRvkGsZMgmEznrNtObHBxqFExQ6-tzN72wY2UA809zfTuv6b8LWg907HhVA/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ3xTRElUthB0oh4k5cFyHHhvLgPAOLwARwNK2-EwhlOGplvBVoH5gq3l8KgJdeDUDC1yOPpn-BollLJiMjRvkGsZMgmEznrNtObHBxqFExQ6-tzN72wY2UA809zfTuv6b8LWg907HhVA/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694052204663440722" /></a><p class="p1">In 2012 things will feel different. God is doing new things…taking the Rock to new places. New means that several of the systems and structures and values that have carried us through 2011 will NOT be those we require in 2012…so get ready – get engaged – change is coming….again.</p> <p class="p1">In 2012 our interactions will ooze innovation – creativity – dialog – strategy – and support. There will be no room for cynicism – back–biting – complaining – toxic – immaturity. </p> <p class="p1">In 2012 we will continue to take risks – to think differently – to move beyond existing comfort zones of thought and behavior. </p> <p class="p1">In 2012 we will grow more self aware – and even more others aware. We will give and receive feedback and our communication will be marked by truth and kindness.</p> <p class="p1">In 2012 lines of power and authority will flatten. May the best idea win….regardless of who initiates it. </p> <p class="p1">In 2012 we will work harder and smarter. Smarter = more disciplined and focussed.</p> <p class="p1">In 2012 the motivation to excel and deliver will be internal far more than external. Apathy will not be tolerated. </p> <p class="p1">What can you expect? First – everything stated above will be ruthlessly modeled by me and your department heads. If it isn't – you have my permission to appropriately call it out. Second – I am working with our Dept Heads to evaluate Creative department structures in light of where God is taking us (Multi-Site / On-Line Church). Things will likely change in every dept. Finally – development and coaching will be far more intentional than in 2011. Your growth and development is as critical as your productivity and responsibility.</p> <p class="p1">Get ready – 2012 will be as incredible as you choose to make it.</p>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-42024004353870377482012-01-02T23:11:00.000-08:002012-01-02T23:18:12.420-08:00Spiritual Development....what I'm learning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAQfiu5qgJeiPQ7jj5RtLB01Qi2XRluSWq3hvGbs4j2Qhy5tlkFOAbdVqO-VllLYnkjSdxMMSVaWtpXZEeMK5Zap1k-uQvm_KYuKggnDqaTmx98J8fDG7_XsQCYi1CiRTSToMqvjQKsoP/s1600/moby+Dick+ahab+3+low+res.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAQfiu5qgJeiPQ7jj5RtLB01Qi2XRluSWq3hvGbs4j2Qhy5tlkFOAbdVqO-VllLYnkjSdxMMSVaWtpXZEeMK5Zap1k-uQvm_KYuKggnDqaTmx98J8fDG7_XsQCYi1CiRTSToMqvjQKsoP/s320/moby+Dick+ahab+3+low+res.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693301509056152162" /></a><br /> <p class="p1"><span >A few months ago God gave me a "crisis moment." By "crisis moment", I mean a single event that resulted in exposing some areas of weakness, pride, and immaturity that touched all areas of my life; including work, leadership, home, etc… I'm fortunate to work in an environment where good meaning people were willing to walk with me through the situation and give me some needed space to navigate these areas of growth. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span >It was tempting to get lost in the "less than fair or helpful" realities of how my crisis moment played out - but thanks to some significant people in my life, I've been able to occupy a posture of humility and learning as I walk through this "dark night of the soul." Ironically, the leadership magazine I read the most published their October issue with that very title…and I received it just 3 days after things hit the fan. It's fun to see God's timing in even the little things of life. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span >Over the past three months I've taken my health more seriously; reading, writing, reflecting, walking, exercise, sleep, etc… I've found that it's all very holistic…and I've found that when one of these important life-giving activities is compromised, the weakness is not isolated to the particular activity…but insidiously creeps into the rest of life, and before I know it…everything is a off…then more off…then more off; but ironically, I don't really see it because I'm so busy and because the demise is slow enough for me not to notice. This is the progression that ultimately led to my crisis. Like the "frog in the kettle" - the water of my life was slowly turning into a hot boil…and had God not brought a catalytic event into my life, I would probably still be in the water today - just dead. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span >During this season of more intentional reflection and prayer, the things I've been learning can be summarized in three statements. 1) Intellectual growth is not spiritual formation; and if anything can become a barrier to formation. 2) The vision God has called HIs church to is far greater than human strength alone can achieve and my leadership has got to model this for my staff. 3) The two cultural lies that are slowly killing me: 1) busy = important and 2) working harder = being more effective. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span >Two pieces of literature that have been used by God to metaphorically give me insight into my leadership and growth are: 1) <a href="http://www.wisdomportal.com/Technology/TSEliot-TheRock.html"><span class="s1">The Rock (T.S. Elliot)</span></a> and 2) the image of the harpoonist in Moby Dick by Herman Melville.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; ">To unpack the Harpoonist illustration, Melville says, "to ensure the greatest efficiency in the harpoon, the harpoonists of this world must rise to their feet out of idleness and not out of toil." So as the rest of the boat is working furiously trying to keep up with the whale…battling the sea…strong winds…screaming and yelling….the harpoonist is at rest…waiting for their moment to take place. And frankly, if the harpoonist screws up…the rest of the boat might as well have never left the dock. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span >This is a great picture of pastoral leadership. Pastors have to intentionally go against the grain of our frenetic and busy society. We cannot buy the same lies about value and identity that shape our culture. We cannot live by the same rules. In that way pastors (church staff) are subversive…we are against the grain of culture…we are not "seeker sensitive" at all. We are productive - yes…but led by the reigns and bit of culture we are not. And hopefully, when our moment to "throw the harpoon" comes….we are ready, we are effective, we are spot-on. </span></p> <p class="p2"><span >In many ways I struggle with this; who wouldn't. The staff I lead are normally working beyond their capacity and busting their butt because "it's the church." Ironically we pastor and executive leaders not only allow this…we encourage it. GIving myself permission to rest - to not be working at the same frenetic pace as my staff - to leave the office when they cannot - to spend time reading and reflecting when they do not….it all feels quite wrong to me. Now..I understand that it isn't wrong…intellectually. But emotionally I believe I am not of value or helpful to my staff if I am not toiling with them. This is where leadership rubber meets the road. Do we have the convictions and ability as leaders to model something that isn't currently happening? To pave the way towards a better reality that isn't yet realized? To go against the grain of the culture so deeply rooted in the church that it's a wonder we know how to minister to those outside the church? </span></p> <p class="p2"><span >Reflecting on my 2nd point - (vision is too large for human power alone) - this issue of "counter cultural leadership" is probably the single most important element of the Rock being able to go to the next level. Can the leadership of the Rock conduct themselves in such a way as to demonstrate that the vision God has called us to is HIS - not ours to achieve? I suppose in my own way…this is what I'm wrestling with. </span></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-62833610710712180172011-10-10T19:35:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:53:32.595-07:00Slingshot Group<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPUcLcHssGijz0aseiBtBxJyVKO4OZDeJlRICKHhqYgbGg_FOuR7W9xsMbxM1ATdVWU3ZNU4OxjaXKd0RjHlMKSx2g3cE6uBS6Uv5tLu9SeOty_5ZFp_YE7YJPEtOKQpFCK070aMRnCLJ/s1600/slingshot-logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPUcLcHssGijz0aseiBtBxJyVKO4OZDeJlRICKHhqYgbGg_FOuR7W9xsMbxM1ATdVWU3ZNU4OxjaXKd0RjHlMKSx2g3cE6uBS6Uv5tLu9SeOty_5ZFp_YE7YJPEtOKQpFCK070aMRnCLJ/s320/slingshot-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662085052837296354" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Church is hard work...but worth it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In my opinion the local church is one of the hardest organizations on earth to lead well because it is dealing with one of the most complex and important of issues of life - w<span><span></span></span>orship. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Worship is complex because it is so all encompassing and creates significant tension. For instance, worship is simultaneously verb and noun - action and object - theology and culture - traditional and modern. It is where our preferences play out - where our heart strings are most often played - and where God reorientates us towards Him, towards the priorities that actually matter.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">God cares deeply about the worship culture of your church. God wants you, and those you worship with, to have an experience of Him that is not simply intellectual OR emotional....but both intellectual AND emotional. As church leaders (on and off staff) it is our responsibility to shape our worship experiences in ways that allow this to take place. Unfortunately there isn't an instruction booklet...no one-size-fits all solutions - and what God is doing in one church may be culturally and stylistically antithetical to the work He is doing in another.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As for me......I love all of this stuff. Complexity - culture - worship - style - etc... It's not easy...it can often be messy...but the church is where God has called me to spend my career....and I have gladly accepted. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Getting to "mix it up" with churches all over the globe and work to discern what God is saying and doing in their midst is a distinct privilege I will never take for granted; and <a href="http://slingshotgroup.net/">Slingsho</a>t Group is something I hope to be part of for the rest of my life. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; text-align: justify; line-height: 18px; ">If you resonate with any part of this blog, get involved and:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; text-align: justify; line-height: 18px; "></p><ul><li>Like us on <span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border- outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline- vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background- text-decoration: none; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color:#ffffff;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/slingshotgroup"><b>Facebook</b></a></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span">Follow us on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/slingshotgroup"><b><span><span>Twitter</span></span></b></a></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span">Check out our </span><a href="http://www.slingshotgroup.net/index.php"><b>Website</b></a></li></ul><p></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">And if you or anybody you know is struggling with worship change, staffing, design, culture, new call, etc... Please <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tedvaughn">message me</a> on FaceBook because I'd love to be of help. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-77913958968302434412009-09-07T21:43:00.000-07:002011-10-10T19:32:16.350-07:00The Art of the Wok<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJKG5ET1gDbuiU_3g3GQgoQwuzSTvHonjWq6oaSMeXuaoUPM-rPO0WOIb8l2YUSYX06Z4V6RK0wKRswHEau8u6jtTPoxxGjm18T4mQn586ZMFUeTq4ejbS81A40qgQBpjeiKk8jGyMRYy/s1600-h/Wok+Hay.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJKG5ET1gDbuiU_3g3GQgoQwuzSTvHonjWq6oaSMeXuaoUPM-rPO0WOIb8l2YUSYX06Z4V6RK0wKRswHEau8u6jtTPoxxGjm18T4mQn586ZMFUeTq4ejbS81A40qgQBpjeiKk8jGyMRYy/s200/Wok+Hay.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378959651632654658" /></a>I just finished reading Grace Young's elegant story of Cantonese cuisine and the simple but critical tool (aka - WOK) used in its creation. I'm fascinated with food (and wine) and this was my first dip into the complex world of Chinese cuisine. <div><br /></div><div>While reading about the life of a Cantonese chef I was struck by how much patience, dedication, and discipline is needed to excel in an art form that seems, from the outside, to be so simple and straightforward. Get wok hot - add oil - quick saute - serve. One wok - a hot flame (often over 100,000 BTU) and simple ingredients...easy. Not really. The average Cantonese Wok Chef first apprentices for 3 -5 years before ever manning his own station. Once graduated, he achieves the first of 4 levels of wok chef. Each level might take upwards of 5 years to achieve. Most master wok chefs have over 25 years of experience with the same tool, heat, and limited ingredients.</div><div><br /></div><div>Artistic excellence takes time - dedication - and mastery. Whether ceramics, oil, piano, or wok, to contribute good art to the world requires a level of dedication and devotion of time to your craft. The results speak for themselves. In his new book Outliers, Malcom Gladwell suggests that we need roughly 10,000 hours to bring any craft up to a level where success and/or excellence is possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bottom line - fine something you love, have base level competency with, and work your butt off. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-56415478002622106802009-08-29T21:49:00.000-07:002009-08-29T22:12:25.588-07:00For All You Church Leaders Out There:<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This will be short. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the past 4 months I've read 3 books and attended 2 conferences on varying aspects of the missional movement. For me...at the end of the day it boils down to these questions:</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Do we church professionals (aka - pastors, staff, consultants, directors, elders, deacons, committee members, etc...) really want to change how we live?</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Are we willing to make room for "the other"?</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Do we want to engage in conversation with people that believe differently than we do?</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Can we live lives that are poured out to a world that, for the most part, see us as irrelevant at best and intolerant and evil at worst?</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Are we willing to change o</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ur church from the inside out....so that we live the life we call our people to live?</span></i></span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">H</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">ow you answer this will determine the future of the missional movement for the </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">particular church community </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">you are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">leadi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">ng.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">OK - blast me. Tell me how wrong I am. I'm pretty sure I'm overstating this....but the more I read and hear....the more I keep coming back to this.</span></span></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-89227654513756686292009-08-29T20:55:00.000-07:002009-08-29T22:10:01.209-07:00Storytelling In Worship:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLjgJl_T_Vn8dhAeoPKYOFKRhhrumwWgHIjPZgVdYOv8xQJJWMztkIYPgFbKwnx7q8kO9wFHc_A_k7IPoI1locJDjperJiAl0LA38MykowjtNzjAIUIrm7zq36diB6zMnwZTf4nSX1quR/s1600-h/Action+Comics+%231+cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLjgJl_T_Vn8dhAeoPKYOFKRhhrumwWgHIjPZgVdYOv8xQJJWMztkIYPgFbKwnx7q8kO9wFHc_A_k7IPoI1locJDjperJiAl0LA38MykowjtNzjAIUIrm7zq36diB6zMnwZTf4nSX1quR/s200/Action+Comics+%231+cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375602681851271362" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Story is a powerful medium. Culture is created, changed, and memorialized in story. Our lives are often (if not always) remembered in story; much more than facts, trivia, stats, etc.. I've never been to a memorial or grave-side service and heard a loved one share stats about their dearly departed. "Paul was 220, blue eyes, with a birthmark on his right shoulder. He had a GPA of 3.9 in grammar school and his SSN was/is ___-__-___." Stories are how we shape our present by remembering the past. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Jesus was a storyteller and it was through parable (story) He communicated truth and wisdom in ways that connect far beyond the average 3 points and a prayer sermon. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I believe everyone has a profound story. Redemption, grace, victory, loss, mistakes, pain; there are countless stories dwelling within each of us. I also believe those stories are where we find God at work, how we understand what He is up to, and how we participate in His work of redemption and Kingdom Life. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Corporate worship needs to be a place where these stories are regularly shared and engaged.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Shared by the people who have the story and engaged by the larger community they are part of. It will be messy - unpolished - not always timely - but real, honest, and critical to changing the entrenched culture of institution that plagues so many Christian churches in America. This is where clergy and church professionals are critical. Find the stories - encourage people to identify their own stories - equip them to share them well - illuminate the stories by sharing where you see God at work.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Corporate worship is a prophetic venue. What you do in that setting can point to new horizons and challenge existing paradigms. Interview people - let them share their stories with their own words - capture their stories on video - find stories that have little to nothing to do with church programs and/or initiatives - encourage your congregation to become a storytelling people. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And pastors, to quote Mark Lou Branson, "more important than your preaching are your conversations."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', serif;"><br /></span></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-72639941217638359082009-08-01T01:56:00.000-07:002009-08-01T02:33:34.906-07:00Revolutionary Road - A Grand Portrait of Selfishness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pi_tkHfrPFSMy9Zdj-AenQSuhDShaQ-hleL1DxBwWPgz20ngnfnh61HqWIO4D9JFsHU7mcJa0_pSz-hQdwPQNxtYmYdpKV3sG1lOZ4fiZSvJSzvxxcBIsFL_9fs3AHP9_1A5hJU3r5ag/s1600-h/RevolutionaryRoad.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pi_tkHfrPFSMy9Zdj-AenQSuhDShaQ-hleL1DxBwWPgz20ngnfnh61HqWIO4D9JFsHU7mcJa0_pSz-hQdwPQNxtYmYdpKV3sG1lOZ4fiZSvJSzvxxcBIsFL_9fs3AHP9_1A5hJU3r5ag/s200/RevolutionaryRoad.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364921447647973810" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-QSZ4CA1AoNJdaS5Nd5hrr2AeQKeFUZyaQxiTVYMV0cNiFwPkzfEB9ohEZ7XFqh3wYMDKDem9Vs64w17AiKZ-o-gNe0vwCMbNV9SUDIEdaBl7vgWhweT-0JI1GHKb6xbWpQ9F1vLLXYP/s1600-h/Rev+Road.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-QSZ4CA1AoNJdaS5Nd5hrr2AeQKeFUZyaQxiTVYMV0cNiFwPkzfEB9ohEZ7XFqh3wYMDKDem9Vs64w17AiKZ-o-gNe0vwCMbNV9SUDIEdaBl7vgWhweT-0JI1GHKb6xbWpQ9F1vLLXYP/s200/Rev+Road.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364917350641273570" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I just watched this film. I stayed up till 2AM to finish it and am so disturbed that I feel compelled to stay up another 30 minutes to write this blog.</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Acting was amazing. Cinematography was flawless; as was set design, music, and directing. </div><div><br /></div><div>What disturbed me was the story and the profound selfishness so powerfully displayed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Richard Yates originally wrote the novel of same title in 1961 as an indictment of the conformity and desperate clinging to security so prevalent in the suburbs of America. I think the film captures that bleak sense of conformity and the emptiness that can happen when dreams are abandoned and imaginations squelched. I have no doubt that this happens often...especially in suburbia. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately the story goes to such ends to demonstrate one woman's sadness over a dream unrealized that it ultimately descends into a portrait of profound selfishness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sure....life is hard, dreams are unmet, parents often live very sacrificially in order to provide for their children, and many are stuck in jobs that are not life-giving (to say the least). OK - I grant all that as true.....</div><div><br /></div><div>But so is joy - fulfillment - love - goodness - peace - and profound gratitude. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>Gratitude</b></span>....I think that is it...that is what so bothers me. This story demonstrates zero gratitude...and fixates on all that is unrealized. It is as if the wife, in summary, simply said, "my dream of Paris isn't happening....so I give up....and I no longer care or love you. I'm done. I'm picking up my toys and going away." This really irritates me. </div><div><br /></div><div>If we learn anything from Jesus it is that sacrifice and gratitude are pillars of a life lived well. I'm not sure how this best translates to suburbia, to our cultures obsession with security, to our own sense of frustration at work, to our unmet expectations at home, and/or to our unrealized dreams. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do know that if we choose to live our lives as a little Jesus - poured out for our community - sacrificially giving of ourselves.....we will not end up like the lead characters in this script. </div><div><br /></div><div>REVOLUTIONARY ROAD is an incredibly well made film.....it just misses the point...majors on the minors....and unfortunately offers little wisdom for our complex lives.</div></div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-10824787661049843352009-07-24T14:31:00.000-07:002009-07-24T15:33:09.466-07:00Read This Book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq82B_cZiAyrDj_gN4OnsqLi1Frzbg85NQbSBmenRH4jtzsMHSL76n2_bNcmNYt2G9WTP1Zdn4r6-8z7Hnv7AGuTLDo3ND-TDQdI0aFKFfNb7owiIExogw5mxarviV6JWlB1XJDmRsiu4i/s1600-h/MissionalRenaissance.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq82B_cZiAyrDj_gN4OnsqLi1Frzbg85NQbSBmenRH4jtzsMHSL76n2_bNcmNYt2G9WTP1Zdn4r6-8z7Hnv7AGuTLDo3ND-TDQdI0aFKFfNb7owiIExogw5mxarviV6JWlB1XJDmRsiu4i/s200/MissionalRenaissance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362157773711148850" /></a>O<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ne of my first on-ramps into missional thinking was Reggie McNeal's book </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Present Future - Six Tough Questions for the Church</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (http://www.amazon.com/Present-Future-Tough-Questions-Church/dp/0787965685). I was blown away by the candor and honesty of </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">of the questions McNeal was asking and found that they helped articulate my own </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">struggles and questions. Unlike many books being published around</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the same time </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">T</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">h</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">P</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">r</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">s</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">n</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">t</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">F</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">u</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">t</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">u</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">r</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">was practical and helpful while being </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">challenging and provocative. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">McNeal's new book, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Missional Renaissance</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, is another fine example of a practical book that is as helpful as it is challenging and critical. The subtitle summarizes the guts of the book: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Changing the Scorecard for the CHURCH. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">McNeal is attempting to provide new metrics for measuring church health. Personally, I believe this is the most important "next step" for the missional process to take. The missional concept is out there - people are aware of the missional dialog (much of which began with the emerging church dialog) - and there are several examples of churches wrestling with how to course correct in light what God is saying and doing through this powerful movement. Creating new measurements for the local church is critical if we are to hold the course and not fall back into old patterns which yield old outcomes. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the shifts McNeal proposes in his book is that the church move from destination to connector. "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The church is a connector, linking people to the kingdom life that God has for them. When the church thinks it's the destination, it confuses the scorecard and keeps people away from their true destination - LIFE.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" I love this simple language and practical perspective. The church is not the end...it is a means to an end. Church leaders should figure out how to measure the end so that we understand the role and function of the church in achieving that larger outcome. What is it that matters MORE than the growth of our local church? Is there anything else more important? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Read this book. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you are deep into the missional dialog you will appreciate Reggie's comprehensive look at the movement and the practical ways he seeks to create new metrics. If you are new to the conversation, I can't imagine a better book to help get you up to speed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-68952943372129417932009-07-12T14:10:00.000-07:002009-07-12T15:02:10.033-07:00Does Doctrine Get in the Way?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_gUf2noW3BFzBVbLGiX8-Tc8xoqU5H86YVg_v_WeoH9eK0rMmSUJ20BL3j9d1PNYUGU58gSmZpbatcPO9LBfIwk4YZdM_GmJDNocXkBLJc2HBbGOgQTE1IHcHN6GofwfqfG4xETqyhMY/s1600-h/doctrine.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_gUf2noW3BFzBVbLGiX8-Tc8xoqU5H86YVg_v_WeoH9eK0rMmSUJ20BL3j9d1PNYUGU58gSmZpbatcPO9LBfIwk4YZdM_GmJDNocXkBLJc2HBbGOgQTE1IHcHN6GofwfqfG4xETqyhMY/s200/doctrine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357684525845286770" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Doctrine</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (Latin: </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">doctrina</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) is a codification of beliefs or "a body of </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teacher" title="Teacher" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">teachings</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" or "instructions", taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belief_system" title="Belief system" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">belief system</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece" title="Greece" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Greek</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> analogy is the </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology" title="Etymology" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">etymology</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> of </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catechism" title="Catechism" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">catechism</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; line-height: 19px; ">I believe doctrine is important. Thoughtful biblical doctrine is a necessary aspect of true wisdom and authentic faith. The content of our faith is as important as the sincerity of our faith because good intentions alone are not sufficient.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">BUT (and there's always a but)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm concerned that doctrine often gets in the way; In the way of God at work, in the way of our witness, in the way of our worship, and in the way of our experience of God. Here is my thinking:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Evangelical, Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist....any follower of Jesus will likely be part of an institution/structure that brings with it rules, perspectives, thoughts on God and Sacraments. Just ask a Presbyterian to baptize you as an adult if you were already baptized as an infant...and you'll see what I mean. Our "books of order" and regulations are most often attempts to turn biblical gray into black and white. </span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I believe we are prone to legalism and our attempts at being faithful to doctrine can lead us into a bondage that is more human than divine. </span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:small;">Theology is a living thing - maturing, changing, and evolving. Doctrine, like institutions, seek to be fixed and firmly rooted; unchangeable and persevering. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;font-size:small;">Our ability to interface with those outside our faith is seriously damaged when our doctrinal concerns surpass our kingdom concerns. </span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;font-size:small;">Maybe I'm too liberal for my own good. I mean.... I understand that WHO Jesus is matters. He isn't simply a great teacher alone....He is the Son of God. But the more I look at the Gospels, the more I see Jesus sending his disciples out to engage their world in ministry with little doctrinal preparation. I suppose I trust Jesus to reach out to people that are earnestly seeking him....even if they are in some questionable places as far as doctrine is concerned</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">z</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">v</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">g</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">f</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">c</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></div></div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-12470926212471079962009-07-01T07:24:00.000-07:002009-07-01T07:55:08.454-07:00A New Script<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T8liAXlBKCap7Yfc8efVpwLMhfq_UbmyjkBpwUauX_JNedwDTDz1IFLMmRcQ7_YnHmKdDEJIPSTVcorFClZB49KRawGVFYJCNY7KCOotYuYWBLr4a-vIAYcW__ubd4V951Ftn5q3MK4B/s1600-h/BrueggemannW300.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T8liAXlBKCap7Yfc8efVpwLMhfq_UbmyjkBpwUauX_JNedwDTDz1IFLMmRcQ7_YnHmKdDEJIPSTVcorFClZB49KRawGVFYJCNY7KCOotYuYWBLr4a-vIAYcW__ubd4V951Ftn5q3MK4B/s200/BrueggemannW300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353504709606590514" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Walter Bruggemann is a theologian I'm currently knee-deep into. He has an over-arching premise regarding the role of ministry in society/culture that I've been wrestling with. He lays this out over 19 points but I'll summarize it for you in 4:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Everyone lives by a script and we are socialized into that script and it is outside our control.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The dominant script in America is "technological - therapeutic - military - consumerism" and it makes failed promises of happiness and safety. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">It is the task of ministry to de-script that script and present an alternative script whose key character is the irascible, illusive, and sovereign Triune God.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Since most of society is ambivalent and ambiguous about this script, ministry is to also manage that ambivalence in faithful ways through preaching, liturgy, social action, education, justice, and good neighboring of all kinds.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For me, this is really helpful in illuminating the tensions that I often feel regarding church and culture. There are competing and differing scripts at war with one-another....and that war plays out throughout culture. And that war has little to do with "worship style preference" or "quality of our church campus" and everything to do with how followers of Jesus choose to live.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This is how I now see the "principalities and powers" that we, as followers of Jesus, fight against. </span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">They aren't (usually) overt and explicit expressions of evil...but subtle choices to live according to a new narrative - a new script.....and that is TOUGH - full of TENSION - and ultimately demands us to trade in our sensibilities for a life of risk that is radical, provocative, and unsafe.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-52974881583537258022009-06-27T01:37:00.000-07:002009-06-27T02:38:47.376-07:00Jackson & Fawcett:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLTBlwclHv4dPzKyZQYV_bHLm3zu4paXqIt-7_ZDtUNCSTFL1QBoydnONyxi-T98EXmUBzD_t08LmPY03b2IW36lS77gVFonxqkqZ9hVYk5G49EqoM24cL2M8iC7-z5rT2Jwi84ivHJSQ/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLTBlwclHv4dPzKyZQYV_bHLm3zu4paXqIt-7_ZDtUNCSTFL1QBoydnONyxi-T98EXmUBzD_t08LmPY03b2IW36lS77gVFonxqkqZ9hVYk5G49EqoM24cL2M8iC7-z5rT2Jwi84ivHJSQ/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351939501082324018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKz7AsxUpQuwTMjRGRMaDA2aWRuxqrp5SpVJgXLDYOJsFBQHboYvDzkoQpRdcPvqRgAwd6YeUpL0rsFioBgEPAJx1RarSB-DnQLDIwOGdMURto5yEKuP3nEKBjEGbu0u86NjMhK4IaOLC/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 83px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKz7AsxUpQuwTMjRGRMaDA2aWRuxqrp5SpVJgXLDYOJsFBQHboYvDzkoQpRdcPvqRgAwd6YeUpL0rsFioBgEPAJx1RarSB-DnQLDIwOGdMURto5yEKuP3nEKBjEGbu0u86NjMhK4IaOLC/s200/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351939394276694146" /></a><br />Pop culture lost two significant icons this past week. Michael Jackson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_jackson) and Farrah Fawcett (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farrah_Fawcett) have each left a legacy behind them that anyone above the age of 20 understands (to some degree). <div><br /></div><div>I've heard quite a bit of chatter attempting to mitigate our nation's focus on these two iconoclasts. For many, our nation's mourning the loss of these pop-culture figures is a demonstration of shallowness. Surely there are better lives to remember; bigger situations that should command our attention; more compelling news to follow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course that is true. I don't know anyone that would say Michael Jackson's death is as important as Iran's current political struggles...but yet they find themselves going through a sort of grieving...a sense of loss. Charlie's Angels wasn't even a good TV show....and yet Farrah Fawcett is deeply missed and grieved. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think the grief and sense of loss is over the era and emotions that they represent. I'm 37 and grew up listening to M. Jackson and watching (sometimes) Charlie's Angels. When I remember those years - I realize just how old I am...how much the world has changed.....how much I over-romanticize the "good-old-days." It can become easy to get sucked into an emotional catharsis comparing then to now...longing for days gone by. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is some good learning here on many levels. </div><div><ol><li>We are all people who live in and through culture. Culture permeates our existence like air in our lungs. We have no choice - it simply is.</li><li>We all have markers - totem poles - memories that effectively embody or capture what that particular time was about.</li><li>Those markers take on an almost mythological value because of all they represent.</li><li>When our icons, markers, totems, etc... leave us (death, decay, change, etc..) we grieve the loss of what was....the familiar......security. </li></ol><div>The poem I posted earlier asks God to "re-brand" us in Him. I like that idea. Not that brands are bad...or celebrities bad....but that we who follow Jesus are to be identified by something deeper and more profound than our "love and/or connection" to Princess Di, Michael Jackson, or all that they represent. </div><div><br /></div><div>We operate in culture and I love it. We also live according to a reality that is separate from our ever-changing culture. We are in this world but not of this world.....</div><div><br /></div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-77943451766870796852009-06-23T21:55:00.000-07:002009-06-23T22:16:08.567-07:00Re-Brand UsAmazing poem by Walter Bruggemann....my latest-greatest-theologian-super-hero. <div><br /></div><div>Wanted to share it with you.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic; ">You mark us with water,</span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">You scar us with your name,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">You brand us with your vision,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> and we ponder our baptism, your water,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> your name,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> your vision.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">While we ponder, we are otherwise branded.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> Our imagination is consumed by other brands,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> - winning with Nike,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> - pausing with Coca-Cola,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> - knowing and controlling with Microsoft.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Re-brand us,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> transform our minds,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> renew our imagination,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> that we may be more fully who we are marked </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> and hoped to be,</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"> we pray with candor and courage. Amen</span></i>.</div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-21328330089072390832009-06-22T20:38:00.000-07:002009-06-22T21:08:23.694-07:00"the world"Today I was listening to christian talk radio. This is more "duty" than "delight" to be sure, but something I feel compelled to do on occasion so I'm informed and lucid regarding mainstream - non-denominational - evangelical - dispensational thinking. <div><br /></div><div>The host made this statement (and others like it) several times:</div><div><br /></div><div> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i>"the world is boring BUT Jesus is exciting."</i></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><i> "the world is bad BUT Jesus (Jay-zzzusss) is good." "the world is dark BUT Jesus brings the light." </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">I don't get this thinking. </div><div style="text-align: right;">Who and What is the world and why is it boring, bad, and dark? </div><div style="text-align: right;">Is the world that scary place outside the church?</div><div style="text-align: right;">Is it where they show R-rated movies and serve hard liquor? </div><div style="text-align: right;">Is it where Korn and Boy George sing? </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously - can someone tell me what "the world" means and why we posture it as an antithetical to Jesus?</div><div><br /></div><div>I continually find this sort of dualism in popular evangelical teaching. The idea that there is a sacred (Jesus) and a secular (the world) and we can lump just about whatever we want in any direction and make a case as to why it should be there. CCM is sacred because they sing about Jesus. Shawn Colvin is secular because she dropped the F-bomb in a song. Sacred = good Secular = bad.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I reject such thinking</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> As it pertains to art, there is art that stirs you and art that doesn't. There is music played well and music played poorly. There is solid songwriting and there is crap songwriting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I find Jesus in beauty - period. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Regardless of the artist's intention, motive, lifestyle, etc.... Jesus can indwell, work, and move through anything "the world" has to offer. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to integrate my life - not segregate it. I want to be surprised at the far-reaching power of Jesus - not limit Him to places where I find the christian fish symbol. I want to live in the world and take advantage of ALL it has to offer - not hide from it by calling it "secular." </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Am I less of a follower of Jesus for this?</b></span></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-79676023332236942412009-06-17T22:52:00.000-07:002009-06-17T23:07:15.966-07:00Certitude:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I love theologian Walter Bruggemann. While I don't always agree with everything he says, he's so clear and pragmatic about his perspective that I find great challenge and clarity in his words. Here is a quote from a lecture he gave in 2004 </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"We all have a hunger for certitude. The problem is that the gospel is not about certitude but about fidelity. There really isn't ever enough certitude to make us happy or safe enough. We are invited to the way of the cross - not the way of happiness and certainty."</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was in response to a question about certainty and truth. I love that he introduces fidelity into the truth conversation. We're so hung up on truth; absolute - narrative - meta-narrative - etc... Fidelity changes the playing field and introduces a new metric as supreme over the truth debate. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's rather convicting. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Am I living in fidelity to God and the Kingdom He's called me to embrace? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; font-size: small; ">Am I allowing God's meta-narrative to challenge and inform my daily decisions? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, -webkit-fantasy; font-size: small; ">Am I so hung up on truth and certainty about God that it becomes a distraction from the relationship that God invites me to live - one that contains a cross as much as a crown?</span></div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-45740418573493037492009-06-11T23:24:00.000-07:002009-06-11T23:43:01.122-07:00Worship or Mission or Discipleship?"Worship" has been the central organizing reality of the christian church in America over the last 100 years; and in times of Cristendom what more important value could there be than "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever" (Westminster Catechism)? <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Some argue Discipleship should be that central organizing reality.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Missional would claim it is mission.</div><div><br /></div><div>So which is it...or is it just a game of semantics? </div><div><br /></div><div>After all - worship isn't really complete without discipleship and mission. The old..."worship as a lifestyle" phrase tries to capture that. And Discipleship isn't really happening if you aren't serving and worshipping...right? Mission...well, mission isn't sustainable if we're not worshipping...and it's not effective if we aren't growing disciples of Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>But....if ONE WORD has to reign supreme....I'd like to argue that it be mission. Here is my thinking...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Worship has become too synonymous with what we do on Sunday. The idea of living lives of mission Monday - Saturday is too eaisly lost in when worship is at the top. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Discipleship is very holistic sounding....but like worship, mission can be eaisily lost in the shadows of personal growth (bible study - discplines - etc...). </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div>Mission is what the church in America needs to reclaim and elevate in understanding and priority; so that our worship and discipleship are seen in context of mission....just like our theological understanding of God is framed by the "missio-dei" - the sending God. </div><div><br /></div><div>If mission is the central organizing reality of the local gathered church...what changes? </div><div>What re-ordering is needed? </div><div>Do you even agree that the concept of mission (or sent-ness) should be elevated above worship and/or discipleship? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-35615216522161061702009-06-10T20:19:00.001-07:002009-06-10T21:30:40.287-07:00Mustard Seed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6KkBW3o7e4jg1XKQVgzoyKDAYYgOXjuhfFlYTeqo_VHzzNitgKUF8WJ69vc2Ufx8A8hDhZfT7mZsIQgCk2OIXynCerjHc8DNZeVRRfGXslEhCXjC11cu-MP51kTefRE0b9Y-mvAH17C/s1600-h/130162843_473d86938e-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6KkBW3o7e4jg1XKQVgzoyKDAYYgOXjuhfFlYTeqo_VHzzNitgKUF8WJ69vc2Ufx8A8hDhZfT7mZsIQgCk2OIXynCerjHc8DNZeVRRfGXslEhCXjC11cu-MP51kTefRE0b9Y-mvAH17C/s200/130162843_473d86938e-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345920501040244562" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love that Jesus used parables to teach Kingdom truth. It resonates with the artist in me. Parables give truth room to breathe...they aren't linear and literal, but artistic and abstract.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The parable of the mustard seed found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke (and Thomas for any Catholics out there) has been on my mind lately. Here is Luke's telling from 13:18 - 19 (NRSV):</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;line-height: 15pt; "><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#777777;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 20px; font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#777777;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches."</span></i></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;line-height: 15pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 9px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;line-height: 15pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 9px; font-family:Helvetica, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Loads of meaning here...</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-line-height-alt:8.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"></p><ol><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">start small - ends big</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">grows beyond its limits and provides shelter for the birds</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">it was intentionally planted in a garden" (that is crazy given it was a weed)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">counter intuitive given the "cedar of lebanon" image used in the OT</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">hearkens back to Daniel and Ezekiel imagery regarding the coming kingdom of God</span></span></li></ol><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in;mso-text-indent-alt:-.5in;mso-line-height-alt:2.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#666666;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Here is what kicks my buttocks...and why I love this parable so much:</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-line-height-alt:1.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:11.0pt .5in;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"></p><ol><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mustard seeds were outlawed by the religious institution of the day. This can be found in the Torah, Mishnah, and other traditions (both oral and written) dating back to Pharisaic times.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They were outlawed largely because they were out-of-control weeds that would overtake a crop becoming 10 - 15 foot weed-shrubs.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#666666;"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The people hearing Jesus were mostly agrarian and good "law abiding" folk - they understood this stuff.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The weed grows to provide shelter for the birds...which most farmers didn't love...since they ate their seed and crops!!</span></span></li></ol><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', fantasy;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Helvetica, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So here you have Jesus, the rabbi of all rabbis, likening God's Kingdom (aka - the Kingdom of Heaven) to a small </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">seed which grows into a weed and overtakes the garden it has been planted in...ultimately providing shelter for the</span></span><span style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">birds, which were not considered friends since they ate the crops and seeds.</span></span></span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:black;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This is radical stuff baby! Jesus was essentially turning the established house upside down with this parable.</span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am left feeling excited...and unsettled. I like gardens. I like things controlled and predictable....safe and secure.</span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#666666;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And yet...here is Jesus saying that the Kingdom He is bringing will uproot our gardens...and provide shelter for the</span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">people we consider problematic to our garden.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm curious....do hear this as good news...or....?</span></span></span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-16677094566171722652009-06-09T12:37:00.000-07:002009-06-09T13:52:21.163-07:00A Church Going Deep:I just returned to San Diego after spending 5 days with Peninsula Covenant Church in Redwood City, CA. I was out there (*with my family) for a variety of reasons - but my reason for posting this on the blog is simply to identify and celebrate a church that is in the midst of profound change, asking hard questions, taking risks, and wrestling with new realities in ways that encourage my heart. <div><br /></div><div>It's easy for me to become cynical about church and culture. There are so many examples of church communities lost in themselves, blind to the urgent needs of their surrounding communities, and/or so culturally foreign to their surrounding demographics that gathering for church is akin to learning a foreign language. As a worship arts leader I've often felt like "cruise ship entertainment" in these settings....where the prophetic voice of God is limited by the liturgy and church culture instead of being set free and unleashed. And while it is true that several churches are "flirting" with missional thinking and practice - in my experience it has been rare to find church communities with 50+ years of history willing to dive deep and allow missional thinking to soak into its very DNA, reforming it from the inside out. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is what I see happening at PCC - this is why I'm encouraged. They are not simply tagging "missional" onto some local or global ministries - but are wrestling with how their very role and function in their city changes in light of missional theology and values. Here are a few bullets that represent the profound level of change and dialog happening at PCC as I type this:</div><div><ol><li>how do we spend our money?</li><li>how (and why) do we gather for worship? </li><li>how do we "change the scorecard" - so our metrics measure what we value and care about (which needs to be more than butts in seats and dollars)</li><li>how does a "whole church bring a whole gospel to a whole city?"</li><li>how do we change the congregation's expectations and assumptions of why the church and staff exist? Moving from institutional attractionalism to missional empowerment. Moving form doing church (or going to church) to being the church. </li><li>how do those who know Jesus begin to intentionally invest time and relationship into the lives of those who DO NOT know Jesus - not because we have an agenda, but because God has sent us into our world to be with people that do AND DO NOT know Him like we do. </li></ol><div>I was with PCC for 5 days in a worship and arts capacity and these were the questions we wrestled with....even more than "how can the worship music be better" or "how can your song choice complement the message." Not that those aren't valid important questions....they are....and I love those challenges.....BUT - those questions MUST be asked in context of the larger questions listed above. I suppose what I'm really saying is this....</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out PCC. <a href="http://peninsulacovenant.org"> www.peninsulacovenant.org</a> Their compass is pointed in the right direction and even though they see a storm in front of them...they're moving forward. They are demonstrating courage of conviction, have a center of gravity, and are wrestling with the new thing God is doing in their hearts and lives. They are on the move.... and the entire Peninsula Area they inhabit is better because of this church. </div><div><br /></div><div>This video is just a small piece of what I'm talking about....</div></div><div> </div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxXFbAJPLt0UKyYs1sz2g3Jk4wzDVAtZjlaT0qDqazybHqdHryPBVoQed2bne8MUSP9QrtYNKGvd3DWX0hV7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-89746731620098518712009-05-28T21:52:00.000-07:002009-05-28T23:01:09.121-07:00Truth Through Tension<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyjzTCSizdbgqbMl0SYzK5JT0D7TBQQgJkxW5r3uAdhyIaRBBJs9lUV108oDdMvdmNSrrzt_8mZiwGtVPLjmKRgKYctFIvyyw3EjQg1lvq-Y8pAboHx6vQCyOjXOS7hY1vNVo1MxqmzAv/s1600-h/tug-o-war.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyjzTCSizdbgqbMl0SYzK5JT0D7TBQQgJkxW5r3uAdhyIaRBBJs9lUV108oDdMvdmNSrrzt_8mZiwGtVPLjmKRgKYctFIvyyw3EjQg1lvq-Y8pAboHx6vQCyOjXOS7hY1vNVo1MxqmzAv/s200/tug-o-war.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341120761167391506" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I've been watching several YouTube clips by various pastors and christian leaders ripping into the "emerging church" - "post-modernism" - "missional" movements that have been birthed over the last 10 years. If you're not familiar with these terms please take advantage of some wiki links to get a quick thumbnail sketch: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missional">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missional </a> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church </a> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_McLaren">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_McLaren<br /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Bell">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Bell<br /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The central stream of conflict and debate seems to be around the issue of truth. Is there (or isn't there) a universal claim (aka - truth) that is binding on all everywhere? A Meta-Narrative. How does one's cultural context limit their ability to attain or engage with that meta-narrative? Is there a middle ground between the two extremes of complete relativism and objective truth certainty?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Without getting into deep philosophical waters, I'd simply like to offer something I've found to be true in my own experience that this debate over truth has surfaced. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I find Jesus at work in places of tension more often than in places of agreement. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Not to say that Jesus isn't at work in places of agreement, but that He is uniquely found in places of tension where disagreement, struggle, debate, and conflict abound. Counter-intuitive as this may be, I'll offer a few quick thoughts for my reasoning:</span></span></div><div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tension reminds us that we who follow Jesus are diverse WHILE being united. That the diversity of experience, opinion, belief, and understanding in the body of Christ is a gift - not a curse.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tension reveals our inadequacies and demonstrates our need for God.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tension allows us opportunity to listen and learn from people not like us.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tension results in more critical thinking, thoughtful analysis, and better decision making.</span></span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It isn't that agreement is bad or unhelpful.....but that the tension born of disagreement is a gift because Jesus meets us differently and more powerfully in those places.</span></span></div></div>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-1651359573910751732009-05-22T22:41:00.000-07:002009-05-23T00:12:47.710-07:00Creativity, Failure, and the Church<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://forum.belmont.edu/business/Success%20is%2099%25%20Failure%20-%20Honda.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 324px;" src="http://forum.belmont.edu/business/Success%20is%2099%25%20Failure%20-%20Honda.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The video I linked in my earlier post claimed that outside-the-box thinking (aka - creative and/or lateral thinking) is a discipline to be developed more than an opportunistic spark that simply hits on occasion. He posited that there are societal and systemic reasons for the restraint and/or the unleashing of creativity amongst people. I completely agree.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"there is no word in the English language that communicates: <span style="font-weight: bold;">a fully justified venture which, for reasons beyond your control, did not succeed. </span> We simply say mistake - and people see mistakes as problems, barriers to advancement, etc..."<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Erwin McManus (<a href="http://erwinmcmanus.com/podcast/">http://erwinmcmanus.com/podcast/</a>) says:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic;">"there are all different aspects and forms of creativity. It isn't limited to artists. <span style="font-weight: bold;">All of us have creative expression to discover and unleash,</span> and it is how we contribute to bringing God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven."<br /><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div>Every organization wants to succeed; the church included. Often our desire to succeed (or fear of failure - which is a fear of insecurity) inhibits freedom to risk and mitigates lateral/outside-the-box thinking. There never seems to enough time, energy, or willingness to entertain ideas that may be a "fully justified venture" but stand a strong chance of failure. In this reality success will only last as long as the current modus operandi brings it. We see this happening to GM. They are captive to old paradigms and riding them all the way down. Their window to risk, try new things, and learn new paradigms to reach a changing market has closed.<br /><br />I would argue that the paradigm and operating idea of the christian church in America is changing rapidly and our fear of failure, our unfamiliarity with creative thinking, and low tolerance for risk are undermining our ability to adapt and solve new problems. This statement, of course, is a sweeping generalization. There are several churches and Jesus movements across America that are pioneering new territory and thoughtfully trying new and radical ideas; but they are miniscule (in my opinion) compared to the majority that are entrenched and often blind to the realities leading to their demise. If they wait much longer they will follow in way of GM.<br /><br />Working towards a solution - 3 things that will help bring change:<br /><ol><li>Empower (no...require...demand....provoke) your church community to dream. If Erwin is right (earlier quote) then they have a calling and imagination that will be critical to the future...just as much as the dreams and imagination of the staff.</li><li>Change the culture of your leadership by rewarding risk and lateral thinking. We learn more when we fail than when we succeed.<br /></li><li>Take a long and hard look at reality. Get to know the stats about the church in America. Understand the perception that many in your community have of your church. Keep it Real.</li></ol>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-68603802794374531842009-05-22T11:56:00.001-07:002009-05-22T20:43:52.109-07:00Creativity & The BrainGreat (and short) video by Dr. Edward de Bono (http://www.edwdebono.com/) on creative thinking and how our brain functions.<br /><br />I've been thinking quite a bit on creation. Not God's act of...but on our involvement and participation in the process of creating. Do we create - are we creative - how involved are our imaginations in any part of our lives? How would life change if we harnessed our ability to imagine, dream, and create towards those dreams. Artists do this....but they are a slim percentage of the population.<br /><br />Watch this video and leme know your thoughts....I'll be writing more on this tonight.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UjSjZOjNIJg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UjSjZOjNIJg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5393917972855449499.post-35951933493254163002009-05-21T10:32:00.001-07:002009-05-22T21:05:27.897-07:00Cultura: To Cultivate<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1meWTjUjbjOOIZ7_XFHu0CYgOKsOxiqoCLBXNxLvqJQAyf8GIHE1pQXo8QRRX1EOA_raWymDQek9uoLVRVwpFFCfWSIvzD0U8BFuTr_S8herJCTHpWqPHfJb81UxLM8fjm-VB79VnsOmw/s1600-h/cultivate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1meWTjUjbjOOIZ7_XFHu0CYgOKsOxiqoCLBXNxLvqJQAyf8GIHE1pQXo8QRRX1EOA_raWymDQek9uoLVRVwpFFCfWSIvzD0U8BFuTr_S8herJCTHpWqPHfJb81UxLM8fjm-VB79VnsOmw/s320/cultivate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338697905599429154" border="0" /></a></span><!--StartFragment-->This blog should have happened long ago. Many of you have been encouraging me to do something like this for years and I'm grateful for your relentlessness.<br /><br />I am passionate about helping the American Church discover and embrace the diversity of cultures outside its boundaries and often self-imposed limitations. I hold a core belief that God is far larger than any single culture could ever fully express. That through the tapestry of diverse expression we are able to experience and know God more deeply. That the ever expanding cultural diversity and pluralism of America is a gift to the American church, to our theology, and to our ability to see God's Kingdom increasingly realized on earth (as it is in Heaven).<br /><br />My hope is that this blog does a worthy of job of exploring such a huge topic; and make NO mistake about it....culture is a HUGE topic. That single word embraces ethic identity, values, beliefs, stories, mores, political ideas, artistic preferences, tribal realities, etc... My hope is that you'll join me on occasion - that you will chime in with your thoughts, opinions, stories, and that you will enrich this discussion.<br /><br />Culture comes from the Latin "cultura" - stemming from "colere," meaning "to cultivate." That is posture I want those of us who follow Jesus to take towards cultures different than our own. We need to cultivate the good, fan the flame of God who is busy at work within culture, and allow our own perspectives and thoughts on God to be stretched as we see him in new and often challenging ways. God is not limited or threatened by cultural diversity - Jesus was not limited by the cultural realities of His day - Paul was a brilliant student of those cultures he ministered within - and the Christian Gospel has the incarnational power to enrich, empower, and redeem every single culture that has existed (and has yet to exist)!<br /><br />can I get an AMEN ?<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><div style="border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 3px; width: auto; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; text-align: left;font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><!--EndFragment--> </span></div></span>Culturahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01611462697731172168noreply@blogger.com9