i'm digging this book

I picked up a copy of the multi-recommended "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell a couple of days ago. So far, I'm really enjoying it (I'm in mid-chapter 2). I can't recommend the entire book yet, as I'm still reading it, but I do recommend reading the introduction(click to go) and making your own decision (if you're comfortable with that).

cup o' joe

I like coffee. I-like-it-a-lot (insert Forrest Gump dialect). I don't like it thin and watered down (Hello, McDonalds!). I don't like it "black" - I like a little cream and sugar. Ok, so I like more than a little cream, and a lot of sugar. I like my coffee rich and full-bodied, and I like it to go down smooth! I've learned some things about making better coffee:

- you should use non-bleached filters because, well, you don't want bleaching agent residue in your drink.

- you should remove the grounds as soon as the brewing is finished, to avoid "acidic drip". (All you "re-drippers" can have it your way, just warn me first so I can pass.)

- you get a better cup of coffee if you let the whole pot (or how ever much you're making) brew completely before serving. (don't interrupt the process)

- you should stir the finished pot before pouring.

- experiment with how much grounds to use, as each machine and every person has their own preference.

- VERY IMPORTANT: If you must re-heat your coffee in a microwave oven (Sacrilege!), make sure it's free and clear of former food odor/flavor! I did this recently, and ended up with Sausage Jambalaya flavored coffee!

- Finally, don't be afraid to step out and enjoy new things! Try a new roast or blend from time to time. Dare to sample a different brand! My personal favorite is Community, but I do venture away from the local brand from time to time.

May all your coffee be good coffee!

morphing

met·a·mor·pho·sis (mt-môrf-ss)n. A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function. Also called transformation. (italics mine)

paradigm shift: a fundamental change in approach or assumptions.

Brian McLaren said in his book, A New Kind of Christian, that (I'm paraphrasing) the former paradigm often appears to be the enemy of the new in the midst of transition from the one to the other.

I believe I and those who feel they are in such a transition must choose carefully our words as we share our journeys with inquirers. There is a dangerous temptation to become "us" and "them", which is never the heart of God for his body. I'll admit, it takes more effort - and some people are going to hear what they want to hear regardless of how you temper your presentation - but I believe we must be responsible as we walk in a different direction. (I'm not talking about rethinking the "wine" here - but the wineskin)

There have always been and will always be those who resist change. Some resist any change. They absolutely refuse to consider instruments other than a piano or organ as acceptable in church. They may feel that certain church programs are sacred and take personal offense at new ideas/directions that require the conclusion of old ones. Others accept and even embrace certain changes in order to more effectively minister to the body and to the lost, "pushing the envelope" in some areas of practice even though it may offend some. Unfortunately, even they may reject certain new ideas or practices they disagree with. (Did someone say personal preference?)

Consider for a moment the various fellowships and "denominations" that have come into existence over the past several hundred years alone. Many of these movements and those who participated in leading them were considered outcasts and even heretics by the mainstream of their day. Many of these have splintered multiple times over various theological and practical issues, and continue to wrestle with differing views to this day. As I reflect on the various Pentecostal and Charismatic movements initiated and/or springboarded by the Azusa Street Revival celebrating its centennial this year, I consider that many of the men and women who dared to embrace the present-day ministry and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the late 1800's into the mid-1900's were even classified as cultish.

And you're point is?

This: Since the time of Paul and Peter, there have been differing views on New Covenant church practice, and there will continue to be until we all stand before God. I have a feeling we'll all find we blew it on a number of fronts. We can't all be right. Maybe we don't have to be. Maybe the goal is to be righteous, by the grace of God, in Christ. Then, we can be free to follow him, share him, and live in him as we believe he is leading us to do so, while respecting and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ who may disagree with some of our practices. Maybe we can allow those who have placed their trust in Jesus to seek, find and follow his will for their lives - even if they express their faith differently than us. And, when we struggle to trust them, may we learn to trust Him.

risks of openness

I decided months ago to start this blog for the purpose of being "open", honest, real. Sometimes, openness can bite you in the butt. Worse, sometimes it can wound or confuse those you love. Such has proven to be the case with some former posts. The difficulty with writing is that, try as you might, you cannot always convey the heart and/or tone of where you are or where you're coming from. This is especially true when your words are not delicately chosen. Now, I'm not interested in being "politically correct", but I'm also disinterested in causing offense or burning bridges. In light of some recent outside observations shared with me in conversation, I considered several changes to this blog.

One thought was, just shut it down - keep a private journal only. I mean, who really cares what you think or what you're wrestling with. Just delete the whole thing and leave it alone.

Another idea was to go back and edit out any confrontational or critical appearing comments. Just tone everything down and make this a positive blog.

Finally, I decided to do neither of those. I believe that some who have or may read these writings can find comfort and encouragement in knowing that they aren't the only ones wrestling through these type of issues. I think it is better to allow the tension and weight of these wrestlings to be present, and for them to clearly reveal the struggle of those moments in which they were written. I also believe that it is important to revisit and update certain thoughts and ideas from time to time, revealing that life is indeed a journey - not a destination. As I walk through my journey with God and man, as only I can, there will be struggle, there will be mess, there will be anger and frustration. I think it is important that we know these seasons are normal experiences of the journey. I also believe that we must come through and past those places, lest we die there in bitterness of soul.

This also must be shared - that, regardless of our varying philosophies of ministry (and there are many), we who are in Christ are ONE in Him. Let me reiterate: We who are truly in Christ are one in Him! See I Corinthians 12:12 - 13:13. (Yes, I intentionally included chapter 13, as Paul did not send his letters dissected, and his paragraphs on love flow immediately after the paragraphs on the oneness of the body.)

All of this (and more to come, I'm sure) to simply say that my desire is that my heart be fully released into the hands of Christ, and that my life, relationships and ministry are they that build up others into him - not tear down.

I am purposing to do this while continuing to be transparent in my journey, whether struggle, victory, or even defeat be revealed in the process, that those who venture here may find encouragement in their journeys. May God bless you as you follow his dream for your life!