The Naked Gospel - Andrew Farley
Sustainable Youth Ministry - Mark DeVries
Ecclesiastes - God
Engaging Parents as Allies - Wayne Rice
The first day of Catalyst captivated my business mind and my heart for ministry. But there was a missing component on day one. But day two would shine where it is most important – my heart. For the second time in two weeks I heard a message on the parable of the prodigal son. In other words God wasn’t convinced that I really got it the first time. He was right. Fortunately I’m a relatively quick learner; it’s sinking in. The speaker was Reggie Joiner – one of my recent favorite voices in youth ministry, who pioneered the Orange philosophy. He spoke of the differences that exist between the Father and the Older Brother. There were three main points:
1. A loving Father is preoccupied with whoever is missing. While an Older Brother is preoccupied with himself.
2. A loving Father operates out of a context of forgiveness. While an Older Brother operates out of a context of shame.
3. A loving Father throws parties. While an Older Brother throws fits.
The call to be like the Father is critical – particularly with where I came from. Ten years I was a prodigal son. How quickly I shifted to being an elder brother. That was the basis of the previous message I had heard on this parable. And how true it is, that Christianity in the West in many ways conditions prodigal sons to become older brothers. In all the wisdom I’ve gained from this passage over the years, these were some of the best golden nuggets I’ve received from this parable.
To round out my Catalyst West experience, here are some quotes to keep your brains hurting for a little while:
If you want to be more disciplined in your spiritual formation what should you do? [Dallas Willard responds] Do the next right thing that God wants you to do!
The Church should be like a movie preview. Showing great clips of heaven that will draw people to the rest of God. [Jon Tyson]
Christianity is typically presented like a driver’s test – answer correctly to bare minimum and you’re in. That doesn’t mean you know how to drive. And it doesn’t mean you know what it means to be a Christian. [Willard]
Catalyst Day One Golden Nuggets
Just got back from Catalyst West in Los Angeles. A premier conference for pastors and other Christian leaders. The theme this years conference is Unusual Tomorrow. Despite being in LA, these were not emphasis areas for an Unusual Tomorrow:
Catalyst brought in a variety of speakers, touching on a variety of subject matters. Some speakers spoke more directly to my heart and into my influence of ministry. For instance Scott Belsky – founder of Behance – utilized his recent book Making Ideas Happen (strongly recommend) to explain how to execute our creative ideas. Through his research he’s discovered tools that can aid individuals and teams to finish the creative work that’s been started. He cited great examples of how leaders – particularly visionaries – have an abundance of ideas but that rarely come to fruition. If this feels like you, pick up Belsky’s book. It will be a huge asset. There was also Mark Driscoll – pastor in Seattle – who gave eleven items, from Scripture, of how God helps leaders in the church. Check it out – well minus a few details and some quality comedy dished on stage.
Then there were those moments of wisdom. Distinct one-liners that dropped my jaw. I realized that some of these are a sermon in themselves. If you have a minute (which the fact that you’re reading my blog suggests you have a lot of minutes) contemplate each of these separately:
For some – if you think life is meaningless, maybe it’s your life that’s meaningless. Donald Miller]
Jesus Christ is the Senior Pastor (Student Ministries Pastor) of Valley Church. [Driscoll]
People become the character they play in the story they believe. [Donald Miller]
I thrive on relationships. Every decade of my life would tell of the importance of people. Since I am an extravert, I’ve typically found others gravitate towards me, and I to them. So it doesn’t exactly surprise me to discover that I have over 1,000 friends. On Facebook that is. There was a time where I hoped I would one day join the Facebook K-Club, after three and a half years I’ve arrived. But before anyone calls the popularity police, there’s probably a few things I need to admit.
1. Roughly one hundred fifty of my 1,000 have yet to graduate from high school. I think there was a time when that would have been embarrassing, or sketchy, but social networking has removed that like a popped zit. Of course being a youth pastor may have something to do with that. Then consider how nearly a hundred of my friends are over ten years older than I; guess you could say I have a well balanced group of friends.
2. The glamour of 1,000 friends started wearing off pretty quickly when I started to realize how many I haven’t seen in at least a year. As I started trekking through my friends, I became overwhelmed. By the time I got through those with first names starting with “A” and “B”, I had already counted 72. If that were proportional to the rest of the alphabet then 936 of my 1,000 friends, I have not seen in over a year. That would put me in the ranks of lame or online loser. I’m confident that over half of my friends I’ve had a face-to-face interaction in the last year. But that hardly sounds legit. Quite the contrary – what relationship do I really have with these people? Are we really friends or is Facebook playing me for a fool? Maybe those smart Harvard boys should change their social networking site to have layers of relationships. That way I could have my Facebook “friends”, “acquaintances”, and for safe measure – “I have no clue who you are” group.
3. That brings me to my third case in point. You know that not even Facebook should call people friends when you have to look through a person’s entire info page as well as dozens of pictures in order to figure out how in the world you even know them. I had seven of those by the time I got through the “B’s”. Surely someone is thinking – why do you accept complete strangers? I didn’t. With each of my friend requests we had friends in common. Usually there was one interaction. Might have figured it out. Facebook reinvents the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. If someone else knows someone you know, then hip hip hooray we’re friends.
There’s been a lot to think about with this ‘milestone’ on Facebook. As I flipped through all my friends one thought trumped all others. I’m a terrible (Facebook) friend. I need to have a Facebook reunion, where I get together with everyone and see how everyone is doing. Truth is, I don’t like being your Facebook friend. Relationships mean more to me than status and pokes. So I have mixed emotions. Glad that I’ve built relationships over the years, but bummed that so many of them are distant memories.
This past weekend my wife, son, and I went to Kansas City with our good friends. While there we got to spend time with a couple other whom I deeply enjoy. For the first time since high school, I was part of prom; indirectly. It just so happened that the local high school was having their prom in our hotel ballroom. I decided to sneak a picture with a few of the couples.
More importantly, I witnessed my favorite sports team, the Boston Red Sox lose, which now puts me at 0-3 watching them in person. What makes it worse is that those games were either played at the Royals or Twins – neither of which are known to dominate the MLB.
I was once again reminded of how fantastic GPS systems are. Particularly my lovely English woman, Tam Tam. She made Kansas City feel like candyland.
The most interesting part of the family roadtrip to Kansas City might have been coming home to a blue house. Well, more like a blue kitchen. And, when I say a blue kitchen, what I really mean is freshly painted sky blue walls in our kitchen and dining room. Let me give you some context. Since around the time we moved into our house (18 months ago) Kelly has been saying how she would like to change the color of the kitchen. Being the man that I am, her proposal made no sense to me, so my typical answer was “yeah, yeah babe, sounds good”. Ps – a guy typically says that when he either isn’t listening or doesn’t care. Don’t hate me for being honest.
I think my wife had seen enough dark red, so she made the move. I had a heads-up, I’ll give her that much. We even discussed what the color of the kitchen would be. The conversation went something like this: [Kelly} “I’m going to Lowe’s to buy paint, do you have any preference as to what color we paint it?” [Jon] “Nope. Whatever you decide. Your kitchen.”
That was approximately 75 hours prior to coming home to a blue house (or a light blue kitchen, whatever). It caught me by surprise. Looking at the rest of my house, you would have thought she’d be going with a tan, light brown, or forest green. Wrong. Blue. As I wish my wife the best in decorating it to match her choice in color, I’ve concluded that maybe it is time for me to brainstorm what color the man cave should be. By man cave I’m referring to the basement. By the basement I’m referring to the area of our house where we do laundry. So basically what I’m telling me is to sit back and be thankful I have a wife who so enjoys beautifying our home. Good thing painting a kitchen is more like a haircut than a tattoo. You can change it whenever you want. Just let me believe my theory.
I mentioned on my recent post that I would be sharing some of what I believe to be the most misused verses in the Bible. That was supposed to come a day after the recent post. Here we are – more than 24 hours later, and it’s finally showing. Maybe my view of a day is like God’s design of creation. Literal or figurative? Oh for heaven’s sake, I’m just trying to shake things up, without taking myself too seriously. I could say the reason for my long ‘tomorrow’ is that I feel the need to apply the Sabbath to my blog writing too, but that’s not quite accurate either. The truth be told, my family spent the weekend in Kansas City – more on that later.
As I dial back in, there is a realization I’ve had in the context of Christianity that has been discovered in the ten years of me following Christ. While I commend people for (being able to) quoting Bible verses, there seems to be a few that are consistently misused. I have been as guilty as any other. And, if you read the most recent post, what I’m not saying is that the intent is in any way like Satan’s in the desert temptation. These are more innocent. Yet, we need to be careful. We must not be hermeneutical Hercules to avoid such slipups – we must simply read the passage wherein it lies, so that we can gain proper understanding as to what is being mentioned, who it’s being mentioned to, and how it could/should be mentioned henceforth. Get your Bible out, pen and paper ready – it’s time to begin Monday School.
Jeremiah 29:11 – the Israelites are in exile and after seventy years, as is prophesied, God will bring them out of Babylon
Song of Solomon 8:4 – this verse isn’t intended for guys to chase their female crush with the line “God knows my desire, and so it is now time to love each other”
Ephesians 5:22 – I honestly believe this verse scares some people away from having a “Christian” relationship. The idea of a one-way submission fits in mixed-martial arts, but not in a marriage.
Luke 19:9 – there are entire denominations that need to get this one straight. When a parent receives salvation – that doesn’t result in the entire family being saved. Following Christ is a personal decision that each person must make to receive salvation.
The Bible shocked me today. My hair didn’t stand straight up, but I did catch myself wondering how I could have missed this. They probably teach this at seminaries. Actually it’s likely Awana kids have learned this. Yeah I’m a little behind the times. Don’t judge me. While diggin’ into my devo, in the gospel of Saint Matthew, I was searching deep the passage of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. As recorded in Matthew 4, Jesus quotes Old Testament verses as a way of telling Satan no to his schemes. That part I knew full well, which has taught me that Scripture is a vital tool to use against temptations in my life. What I had never read or heard until now was that Satan also quotes the words of God, only he completely misuses it – Matthew 4:6. Do you realize what a big deal that is? Satan, the Father of Lies (John 8:44), has the ability to use the words of God to try leading us into sin. But wait, it actually gets more concerning. If you take that verse out of context, as in yank it from the passage, it’s actually unclear who is actually saying it. In other words, when taken out of context – and us having not studied and memorized the passage – we could begin to build a case on why this verse is actually appropriate. Perhaps we wouldn’t go that far, but I bet I could convince someone with just Matthew 4:6. That’s the danger. We must be cautious not to misuse or take out of context that which God designed to be read and understood in between surrounding verses. Let me give you a couple other examples:
“Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me. “Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked; I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl.” “They will pick up snakes with their hands, and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them.”
Of course these are but a few of the examples – the more peculiar ones. Tomorrow I will be highlighting a few of what I believe to be the most misused verses quoted by Christians. If you’re the overachiever type, start thinking of which verses you believe to be frequently misused – then be prepared to lay it out in tomorrows post. Shalom.
My earliest memory of Jesus being my friend was in Sunday School as a young boy. Growing up that’s who Jesus was to me – my buddy. Jesus as Savior didn’t make much sense, but in my childlike faith, I could comprehend Jesus as friend. That was cozy. Then he and I became even better friends when I discovered he was my “homeboy”. Having just come out of my teen years, the idea of Jesus as my Homeboy was really attracting. I started thinking to myself – this guy is cool; maybe he’ll make me popular. I think it actually worked…at first. Then some buddies and I signed up for the lip sync competition at my college. Let me just say – this wasn’t a Christian lip sync contest. In fact, we were one of only two groups of Christians. While we finished second (one of my great accomplishments in life) and had a blast doing it, there was a price to pay. During our routine there were shouts of “Jesus Freak”, “Bible Beater”, and other terms that I’m not allowed to write as a pastor. It dawned on me – Jesus being my homeboy was no longer the popular thing. As I’ve grown into adulthood Jesus has taken the place of Savior. I love that title. When I read the gospels I see Jesus as the God-Man. After all, that’s who he is. But it’s been harder and harder to see Jesus as my friend. Like, a true friend. I tell students on occasion to talk to others about Jesus like you would talk about any of your friends. I’m not saying that’s bad advice. I stand fully behind that. But if we talk to others about Jesus being our friend, shouldn’t we talk to Jesus in the same way?!?! Here’s how I talk, at times, with my closest friends:
This is where the disconnect comes into play. Why do these seem to be missing in my friendship with Jesus? When I talk with Jesus – I call that praying – I feel terrible when I say something funny; when there’s a hint of pun in my language. Prayer is supposed to be super serious right? I don’t know. I think at times yes, but doesn’t Jesus welcome our humor? Doesn’t he want us to express our questions – of doubt, of confusion, of curiosity? Maybe it’s the reaction of other Christians that I fear. I’m no different though. I’ve been in prayer circles where I’ve frowned upon such speech. Not going to lie, I’ve found myself laughing along a few times too. This is a lesson I’ve learned from my teens. When they pray it’s like they’re talking to Jesus – their Friend and Savior. Though I no longer consider Jesus my homeboy, he is my BFF!
What a luxury it is to have so many family members live around town. Yes, that includes even the in-laws! There are a couple dozen family members residing in the 515. When you consider my wife and my families together, there is little diversity to speak of. With one exception – our church affiliation. First things first, I’m grateful that going to church is something my family values. We haven’t fallen far from the apple tree. Yet it intrigues me how scattered we are in our religious preferences. To my knowledge, between my relatives and I, we attend 6-7 churches in the area. Now that’s diverse city. I suppose I could be thankful that Christianity offers a wide range of worship experiences, doctrines, core principles, and denominations. Problem is these are typically the aspects of family gatherings we’ve chosen to avoid discussing. Maybe that’s starting to change. Just this last weekend I tried swaying my older sister to check out the E-Free Church in her hometown. That idea didn’t go very far, but it allowed me to see what my sister views as important in a church – in her case, having communion offered more regularly. I really enjoy dialoging about church with my family, as well as Scripture, beliefs, etc. I envy Jesus’ time – when the whole branch of family would do church together. Of course you wouldn’t have found Bethlehem Baptist, Emmanuel Lutheran, Pharisee Presbyterian, or Church of the Open Torah, among other churches in the yellow pages. It’s rare these days to find extended families worshipping together. I mean, mine isn’t the only scattered family. Maybe I’m taking a wrong view at this. Consider how in some world religions, you are “trapped” by that belief system. To deviate results in excommunication at the least, perhaps even death. I am not shunned in any family setting for attending the church I attend. Can you imagine being shunned by members of your family? I bet a few of you do. This concern – of a diverse preference of church – makes me long for heaven. The utopia of faith and practice that takes place in heaven is reassuring. To know that I will one day be apart of One Church with all my believing relatives. Even if we’re singing out of hymnals; it’s going to be special.
I’m so guilty. Going into youth ministry there was never a how-to, or a manual on how to behave. I’ve always gone with the flow. Unfortunately the flow – whatever that is – has resulted in a rather embarrassing set of faux pas. Interested in knowing what we youth pastors dis each other on? Check out the video. And please don’t hold these against me. In the words of the great Mr. T – Pity the Fool – yes me.
When it comes to my coffee, there’s only one way to serve it. Baristas – give it to me black. There’s no need to taint the good stuff. And Lord knows I don’t have the budget to add espresso and steamed milk. Coffee isn’t just something I consume; it’s something that consumes me. Take it easy, I’m in the majority – over 50% of you love a cup of joe too – according to recent statistics. Part of my obsession with coffee includes understanding the effect it has on me. I’m not referring to chemically – that’s a given – but rather in regards to my personality. I recently discovered a tool to help us identify our dependence on coffee. Even if you aren’t a coffee drinker, you’re going to enjoy labeling your friends with the Coffee Personality Test [or CPT for short].
The Coffee Personality Test reveals six different types of coffee drinkers. How would you label yourself? Your spouse? Friend? Co-worker?
Coffee Addict * You have ever stolen to support your habit. * You stagger from the bed to the coffee pot every morning. * You say that caffeine “has no effect on you” yet you can’t live without it (they say denial is a sure sign). * You buy your coffee from 7-11 in a Double Gulp.
Coffee Snob * You ask for a taste before buying your coffee, then send it back because it’s not to your liking. * You’ve ever roasted your own beans. * You’ve ever checked out a coffee book from the library (extra points for purchasing online). * You refuse to drink “cafeteria” coffee, and have petitioned your student government to fight for the student body’s right to gourmet coffee. * You bring your own coffee on vacations and buy your host a “proper French press” when visiting
The Binge Drinker * Coincidentally, your coffee pot holds the same volume of liquid as your bladder (to see how the scientists at KSU verified this, please check their research notes). * Your all-night study sessions must take place at any “bottomless cup” type of diner (Denny’s, Village Inn, IHOP, Waffle House). * When offered a social cup of coffee you ask, “What’s the point?”
The ROTC (aka Militant Coffee Drinker) * You shout Hoo-Yah! after a fine cup of coffee. * You have ever killed for coffee after 6 a.m. * You argue that coffee tastes better when brewed in an Army helmet.
The Teenager (aka Latte’s R Us) * You dream of a brand of coffee produced by Hershey’s. * You’ve developed Carpal Tunnel symptoms from spooning sugar into your mug.
The Redneck * You have a mug for a six-fingered hand. * You store your teeth in Folgers overnight so they don’t lose their color.
I discovered CPT from another blogger. I must give credit to the witty minds behind this post. If you’re interested in the expanded version check out the post here.
