Fasting for Spiritual Break Through

With the start of 2008 I fill compelled to use the spiritual discipline of fasting more frequently in my faith journey. To start this endeavor I dusted of the book Fasting for Spiritual Break Through, that has sat on my bookshelf for years, and read the first chapter. Using Isaiah 58:6-8, author Elmer L. Towns, finds nine different reasons why God’s people should. The text reads (numbers added are mine)…

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen to (1) loose the chains of injustice and (2) untie the cords of the yoke, (3) to set the oppressed free and (4) break every yoke? Is it not to (5) share your food with the hungry v and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then (6) your light will break forth like the dawn, and(7) your healing will quickly appear; then (8) your righteousness will go before you, and (9) the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. "

Towns goes on in the next nine chapters to describe nine types of fasting. It is my goal to read one chapter a week and participate in the described fast.

Check it Out

I just read a great blog about alcohol by Andrew Jones called We Baptists Do Not Drink ( . . . in front of each other). The best line was, "Now that makes me wonder - Why is everything literal in hell but figurative in heaven? Can someone tell me that?"

The Principal of Progress

Progressive…I hear that word a lot in ministry talk. I like dictionary.com’s definition, “favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are.” I would consider myself a “progressive” guy, thought I doubt if anyone in ministry would say they were not. A possible leadership principle may have emerged last week when the guys from Church Development Fund came to town. As I have blogged before, they recommended us replacing the pews in our sanctuary with removable chairs. They said we could likely fit more people into chairs than pew. But they also added, “If it does nothing else, it will communicate a more progressive atmosphere.” Also, “If you ever move to a second service it may be easier for people toe accept the change.”

This logic got me thinking. Should a ministry team utilize every opportunity to make progress? Something is telling me the answer is no. Progress isn’t cheap. Progress may step on the toes of stewardship. Progress could exacerbate creative energies. The pursuit of progress in-and-of-itself is not a biblical value.

But the harsh reality is that we live in shallow world. People are not ready to make needed changes without years of being prepped for progress. People will spend hundreds of dollars to feel like they are making progress. A lack of progress will turn away creative people. The pursuit of progressing the Gospel’s Mission is very much biblical. Therefore, I am not willing to let go of the possibility of the Progress Principal.

I am forming a mental list of ways my church/youth ministry has passed up opportunities of progress (which will never be posted on the net). I am also looking limitations to this principle, ie. when not to progress. Outside input would be appreciated.

Church Development Fund, Inc

Tom Warner and Chris Davenport from the Church Development Fund, Inc. came to Francesville to give our church leaders advice on ways to use our facilities better. It was a very encouraging meeting. One of the suggestions they made was to replace the pews in the sanctuary with chairs before the possible move to a second service. This ideas was so simple, I’m truly embarrassed for not thinking of this idea before. They pretty much said that modifying the current structure would not be advised. That’s not to say we wouldn’t but that was simply their suggestion.

Anti-Emergent

I just watched a six part video teaching on youtube by Mr. Roger Oakland who has just come out with a book to “expose” the Emergent Church. What does he think about emergent leaders? How doe the words false teacher, secularist, humanist, universalist, liberal, anti-christ, and non-bible-believers sound? What I found shocking was his inability to say one positive aspect about this movement. Not one! How can a group of Christians (as misguided as they might be), that draw some inspiration from scripture, who follow some example of Christ make no positive contribution to the Kingdom/Church what-so-ever? It was if the Emergent Church was equal to Satanic worship.

What I learned from Oakland, as with many anti-emergent critics, is their emphatic assumption that the Holy Scriptures are not authoritative. It’s as if they believe the Scriptures have been forgotten and have no place in this “new” Christian expression.

I left this comment on the last video, “Thank you for posting these teachings. They were very insightful. After watching all six parts I am reminded of the words of a wise man, "Leave these men alone!...For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God (Acts 5:38, 39). May the Peace of Christ be with Mr. Oakland, GNNHemet, and to all who watch these videos.” I wonder what response it will receive.

The Golden Compass

Rae and I watched the movie The Golden Compass in the theater last night. The preview alone caught my interest. It looked like a fantasy, “good vs. evil’ type of movie that is typically right up my ally. As the movie’s opening drew closer, Christian media began to criticize it before it was released. The Catholic League, not officially associated with the Catholic Church, condemned it in fear that the movie would hook kids into read the books of Philip Pullman (a self-proclaimed atheist). This controversy provided enough motivation for this youth minister to buy a ticket and form my own conclusion.

After watching the movie, I can honestly say that I would have never connected atheism to this movie unless someone had told me in advance. But since we have all been forewarned, I can see why some people will have problems with the movie. It talks about finding another Truth, questioning authority, and repressive ideologies. I am sure that most will find these themes to be an attack on Faith. But I saw it much differently. As a Christian who is aware of the “emerging” culture that we live in, I found God’s finger prints all over this film. Truth, questioning authority, and understanding repressive ideologies are some of the basic values of emerging Christianity. These issues are at the heart of finding new/forgotten aspects of God and new focal points for the Christian faith. Therefore, I suggest people look for God while watching this movie, instead for attacks on God. As for the kids...the PG13 rating says it all, keep the little ones at home. As far as the 13 and over crowd, it opens a great conversation about faith, God, truth, authority, and ideals. As for the books at could be purcased for kids, it wold be wise for parents to read before letting their kids do so. I have no doubt Pullman is an athesist. Athesim, dispite what they say, is a form of faith for which people of faith can still find God in their teaching.

Good Bye Sweet Friend

In an unforeseen and unfortunate turn of events, a travesty has just occurred. I may never be the same. While “caping” up my guitar with my Kyser capo,” the tension grew too great as her spring-loaded bar snapped thus ending her glorious life. She was better known as the “Freedom Capo.” Purchased in a crappy music store in Crawfordsville, IN over six years ago, she was not my first choice to purchase. Had her brother (the traditional black) been available I would have purchased him but fait prevented that from happening. The Universe brought her red, white, and blue color scheme into my life. We danced. We sang. We worshipped. We grew togther as musicians. Our time together was magical. We lead hundreds, maybe even thousands of songs before God and His people. There will never be another one like you. God bless your metallic soul. May you reign in the music accessories section of heaven forever and ever.

Advent.

The good people at the Mars Hill Bible Church put together an online resource to lead people through the season of Advent. Advent is an ancient spiritual practice that leads people to the celebration of Christmas. Yet for some reason, my Christian tradition has neglected this practice. I have given little attention to Advent which makes this resource very helpful to make this Christmas season more focused on the faith instead of the frantic nature of what we call Christmas. Check it out.

Courier Artical (Nov. 26, 2007)

With Thanksgiving behind us the Wednesday Night youth program will resume to it’s normal schedule. We have just three remaining youth meetings before Christmas break begins. It’s hard to believe that 2007 is nearly over.
Just to let you know, I am on the calendar to preach on December 16. Jim Ketchen will be very busy that week with his son’s wedding. Jim asked if I would preach in his place. I agreed to do so. I’m never postive what my sermons will be about but I think my teaching will be on humility. The Christmas story is the most humble of stories ever told. God removed himself from heaven to be born in a barn for the welfare of all mankind. There is nothing more humble than that. Yet the holiday we celebrate is anything but humble. Immodest shopping budgets, a blitz of Christmas functions to attend, and a load of unneeded stress all lead to the possibility that a “humble” Christmas might be impossible. With Christmas gifts already purchased and most Christmas events already scheduled, it maybe too late to have a “humble” Christmas this year. Therefore, teaching will have the Christmas of 2008 in mind. I hope you can be there. Please keep me in your prayers. And if you have anything to add to the subject of humility and Christmas, please share. I would love to share your perspective.

Things to Keep in Mind for Hunting '08

The shotgun season for deer hunting has come and gone. Because I still have a doe tag to fill out I went out a few times since my buck but came up empty. I can still fill it out during the muzzle loading season but I have yet to fire my gun. I’m not sure if I should or will hunt deer any more this year.

Here are a few things I should keep in mind for next year:
• It might be better to hunt for does on another property instead of the Delph’s. That woods is next to a field that is always plowed before the hunting season. Look for new spot next to a food source.
• Buy a blind to hunt in. The hunt in KY made me a little fearful of tree stands. I’m still comfortable with ladder stands. A blind would offer more flexibility to hunt different places plus others could hunt with me.
• Do some tree trimming. Both the stands I hunted out of needed to have a few small trees and limbs removed to improve visibility.
• Do some target shooting in the summer/early fall. I need to find the range of my guns.

By the way, I made deer sausage for the first time. How redneck is that. Hummm…deer sausage.

Smoky Moutain Trail Journal Day 5

"Why Not Me?"

Lori Miller is a woman in our community who has struggled with mulitpule rounds of cancer since the time I have been here in Francesville. Lori recently published “Why Not Me?: A Story of God’s Goodness Through One Woman’s Struggle with Cancer.” Cancer has made little impacted on my life. No one in my family has been affected by it. Therefore, it is difficult for me to understand the toll cancer can have a person and there family. Lori’s book helped this youth minister understand this struggle better. I am a better minister for reading her book.

A Rewarding Day

On the day known as “Black Friday” the important women of my life went out shopping. I however, went hunting. After four missed shots about to other deer, my fifth shot finally connected on a seven point buck. He is nothing to boast about other hunters. In fact, some would question me for shooting a deer with such a small rack. But I don’t hunt for trophies…I hunt for the enjoyment for the small successes. Also, I am pleased to say that I processed this deer myself, which is a first. I shot him at 8:00am and he was in my freezer at 1:30 am that night. It made a long day but it was very rewarding.

Courier Article

Another round of the Indiana Christian Youth Convention has come and gone and I am proud that the student ministry of the First Christ Church participated in this event. A total of fifteen from the church, eleven students and four adults, went to Anderson, IN to join another thousand students for a weekend of worship, teaching, and being connected with each other. Attendees from this convention came from all corners of our state. (I think I even saw some church vans from Kentucky & Ohio.) The convention talent came from all over the country: Texas, Missouri, and California. This event was well organized and a worthy investment of time and resources to have our students involved.

I am sure that the congregation of FCC would like to know that one of it’s own, Charlie Ketchen, played a key role in this year convention. Charlie warmed the crowded up for each main session by providing a comedic element to the program. Despite his very alarming/disturbing cut off blue jean shorts and the “I’m a redneck from Francesville” reference (sarcasm should have been implied while reading the previous statement and if you didn’t, visit www.fccyouth.net to see the pictures…you’ll understand then), FCC should be proud of its young “Timothy”. He did a great job.

As always, I am very grateful for the support of the FCC to make is event avable to our students First and foremost, I am thankful to the adults that sacrificed their weekend to be with us: Rae Boehning, Tina Davis, and Jake Schlatter. I couldn’t have asked for a better group. Likewise, I am thankful to all the contributors of the church’s youth fund. Your finical contribution helped pay for some of our sponsor’s expenses, lodging, and a round of pizza for us to enjoy as we relaxed at the hotel for a few hours before we went to another session. Your contributions are an important part of our youth ministry to which I am very grateful. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Swing and a Miss

The most embarrassing thing a hunter can say is, “I missed.” Well, not only did I miss once but three times. The evening hunt was uneventful until I heard a doe calling in the woods. Three deer eventual came onto the field to cross. It’s hard to judge the distance: any were from 80 to 125 yards…maybe. They were a long ways away for an open sighted shotgun. I tried three times, I though I connected with the second, but I missed. Every time I took aimed, I lost the target in my view. They simply disappear from my sight. Now I know why guys put scopes on their shotguns. Chalk it up as a learning experience. Buy your own gun with a scope on it.

Two Passes

No shots were fired this morning but I had an enjoyable hunt. Deer where running around me. A herd of six does walked past me. I passed on taking a shot. A small four point buck was making a rub. He was close but he was in the brush thus making him next to impossible to see. I had a head shot but I passed as well. Im in for lunch then I’ll head back into the woods. Good times.

Your Story

Twice I’ve listened the online teaching from Don Miller spoken at the Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids. Miller’s message was about story. (Check it out the Mars Hill message on Nov.11) Here’s the just: if you life were movie would people watch it? People do not watch movies were the main character is self-seeking, selfish, shallow, and uninspiring. They identify with a person of selflessness and person of depth. God has given us a pen filled with blood so that we can write out a story that honors Him. This makes me think, what story I am telling? How about you?

http://www.marshill.org/teaching/index.php

A Bad Baptism?

The opening chapter of A Search of What Makes Sense: Finding Faith gave me much to think about as a youth minister. McLaren, as do many others, contends that everyone has faith including an atheist. You either have good faith, bad faith, or a “leap of faith.” His description of bad faith connected with my belief that baptizing students to soon is unbiblical and unhealthy. According to McLaren, bad faith… (The additional comments are mine as it relates to youth ministry.)

…is based on pressure and coercion. In our desire to see young people embrace faith, it is possible that some are pressured into the baptistery by their parents, grandparents, and spiritual mentors? I am confident that this is unintentional but I belief it is a legitimate factor.

•…is the result of social or psychological need for belonging. Most the students I have baptized are in their early stages of adolescences; whose craving to belonging to anything may surpass the desire to follow Christ. Have you noticed that amount of attention a kid gets after a baptism? People wait in line to shake their hand or give a hug. Some parents even through parties. Maybe they say yes to being baptized because of the attention they will receive.

•…appeals to self-interest and base motives. The fear of hell is often a leading contributor for a student to “make a decision for Christ.” Baptism is often taught as a theological loop hole to avoid hell. Bottom line…”I want to be baptized so I don’t go to hell.” That’s not a commitment to Jesus Christ.

•...is apathetic. Is there a better word that describes the faith of so many Christians? Apathetic is defined as: having or showing little or no emotion and not interested or concerned; indifferent or unresponsive. Sadly to say, this describes most of my baptized students. The biblical example of baptism assumes a change has take place a person’s life. Though I believe that it can have that same effect today, most people do not become passionate intentional followers of Christ until later on in life, well past baptism.

•…is a step backward. “Better safe than sorry” is the term I have often heard (and makes me sick to my stomach as to what that actually means.) Could a premature baptism do harm? Is there such a thing as a bad baptism for a teenager? That’s a question I would bet few Christian Church leaders have never asked! I can think of three disadvantages off the top of my head: a false assurance of salvation (to all parties involved), a nonexistent praxis of faith, and unrealistic expectations of a “Christian” kid that who is not really a follower of Jesus.

These are compelling thoughts that I believe more youth ministers should talk about. I hope someone who reads this will leave a comment and tell me what they agree with but more importantly…what they don’t agree. These thoughts could have major implication on what we do as youth ministers.

Courier Article

An opportunity presented itself for me to me to join my Father and youngest brother on a hunting trip in the commonwealth of Kentucky. Having a handful of vacation days left, I took a day off this Sunday to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors. The weather was beautiful and the visit with family was memorable. For those outdoor persons interested in my hunt; I didn’t even see a deer let alone get one. I hope to have better luck here in Indiana.

The holiday season is upon us and I am looking forward to it. But the youth minister within me, however, has a twitch of sadness. This is the season when our youth ministry tends to slow down. We meet less often in the later part of the Fall but I guess that overcompensates for the busy early Fall schedule.

As I look back on the past three months I am very pleased what has taken place. Youth leaders are energetic and willing to take on responsibilities. Students have shown a renewed spirit of participation in youth events. Numerous activities such as parties, 5th Quarters, the Fall Festival, and Fun Nights have been very successful.

So as we enter into this Thanksgiving season, I am very grateful to God for what has taken place in the start of this school year. I am thankful for a group of great students and committed volunteers. I am thankful to be apart of a church that provides space and resources to minister to young people. I am thankful.

I hope you enjoy this Thanksgiving season. We have much to be thankful for.

A "Think Green" Funny

I am all about the stewardship of God’s creation but this “green” thing can be pretty funny. Last Friday morning I was watching the Today show on NBC when they ran a heart warming story of the acquisition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree in New York City. This is the tree that has thousands of ornamental lights strapped on it and will likely be turned into mulch a few months from now. As the piece came to an end, Matt Lauer said (be careful or you will miss it), “This tree was cut down by hand to save electricity.” That’s funny.