Staff Blogs

Dear Friends,
I had the privilege of traveling to Kenya and Uganda. The events that awaited me at these destinations changed my life. I met several communities that are affected by the HIV virus. Several people invited me into their home and permitted me to photographically document our day together. They also gave me permission to share the photographs with you. As I departed each home, the guest would simply say, ‘Now You Know Africa’. With the photos I share with you that night, I would like to extend the same invitation once given to me… Now You Know Africa! This evening we will have a chance to get to know one another as a community. We will also have a common foundation to dialogue about Africa. There is another guest photographer Scott Stebner, who will be sharing his photo stories of Ethiopia too. We will also screen a film by Sam Kaufman entitled Living with SLIM, which is a documentary of children living with HIV. Jewl Sandoval, and Drea Batteast will present a song in honor of those affected by the HIV epidemic. We will also have the honor of meeting an elite team going to Uganda to serve as home builders for a couple of weeks. All in all, we’re going to have an eventful night with great old friends and potential to make plenty of new ones.

Feb 3rd @ 8:30pm
The Brick Coffee House
attached to Vintage Faith Church
350 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060

call/email me for directions

hope you can make it.

I just got back from being part of the Rethink Conference which happened Thursday-Saturday. It was quite a complex, different and fascinating conference in terms of the amount of speakers they had, keeping things on schedule, and the diversity of topics and the diversity of presentation styles. I had a really wonderful time reconnecting with some people and meeting new people. Got to reconnect with Bobby Shuller and spend a couple hours together and talked about ministry, seminary, theology, the church in Germany, matchbooks and a whole bunch of things. Bobby has started a Sunday morning alternative Gathering so it was fun hearing how things have progressed since we last met. 

For the Rethink Conference each of us had a 20 minute main session time and then had break out sessions. My favorite part was the lunch open forum time. It was a casual time in a very full room and I just opened it up for any question or comment. Not surprisingly, the very first question asked in the open forum time was one I get asked a lot. "What do you think of the categories being developed for the emerging church?"  They were asking about the "Relevants" Revisionists" "Reformists" breakdown that I believe Ed Stetzer first came up with and then Mark Driscoll and others have used in breaking down the variety of those in what is known as the "emerging church". I am often put in the "Relevant" category. You can read about the various ways people are attempting to make sense of the differences in the emerging church world:

here   here  here  and a compilation of summaries  here

   

Between the open forum lunch time and the break out "Think Tank" that I also was part of and as people walked up to me at other times and asked questions, the same patterns of questions I hear quite often were asked.   "What is the difference of emerging and emergent?" is a big one. But one question someone asked me really stuck with me. He said:

"What if you aren't comfortable with the degree of theological open-endedness and ambiguity that often exists in some of the emerging/emergent church world are at and can't find yourself fully agreeing there - yet at the same time what if you aren't comfortable with the staunch Calvinist and strictly Reformed type of emerging churches there are? What if you still are very missional in focus, yet aren't necessarily emergent or necessarily sold-out Reformed/Calvinist?"

It struck a personal chord with me and I honestly felt that is the question that probably summarizes what is behind a lot of the questions I get asked or emailed. What if there are a lot of people caught in this in-between sort of "what if" world?

I have been thinking a lot about that "what if" question since I was asked. It has been consuming my thoughts actually the past 3 days, as I hasn't heard it asked quite like it was. I don't think the answer is that it simply means being in the middle "Relevant" category. The problem (to me) with the "Relevant" category as I have heard it described is that it mainly says that it is all about being "cool" and simply changing methodology of communicating the gospel. That is partially true (changing the methods of communicating the gospel, not the "cool" part as "cool" is very subjective and very surface oriented). It goes beyond that. To me the description of the "Relevant" category doesn't fully mention or focus on the critical importance of what being a missional church is. Being missional means more than just changing how you communicate the gospel or about changing the music and aesthetics but an entire shift in how you go about leading and being the church. The "Relevant" category didn't stress how there is a desire to be understanding the origins and history of various theological systems and to more deeply understand how (and when) doctrines were concluded throughout church history. Or how critical it is to understand how our methodology does stem from our theology (whether we realize it or not) and to seriously understand the implications of that. The "Relevant" category doesn't mention the rethinking and changing of how we flesh out our ecclesiology in terms of leadership structures, evangelism, defining community etc. But at the same time that there is rethinking happening it doesn't mean moving from the historic creeds of the faith and core historic theology of the church.

   

When I was asked in the lunch open forum that very first question of whether I felt the "Relevant" category is where I am at, I said "yes" - I am closest to that one. But not quite in the simplistic and refined way as the definitions have normally been used to describe that category. To be, being "Relevant" (to use that term since it was used in the emerging church breakdowns) means much much more.

I had another lunch meeting during the conference with some staff from a very missional church and as we talked the same thing came up. We talked about those who hold a high view of the inspired Scriptures along with a passionate view and practice of evangelism. We talked about those who want to see the church focusing on justice and mercy and taking action on that, but also seeing conversion growth in the church. We talked about the church being in the world but the church still being holy. We talked about the need for community but not narcissistic community.

If anything, I left the Rethink Conference encouraged from the conversations I had there. And I am wondering if maybe that "what if" question is a really a common question.  It is 2:05 AM. I end up writing these posts late at night after our Sunday night gatherings or other times I am up late. Hope it makes sense.

I get asked or emailed about this often, so thought I would update the status of the "I Like Jesus but not the Church" book. In 2007, the "They Like Jesus but not the Church" book came out which was a book for church leaders addressing some of the common perceptions of Christians and the church from those outside the church (such as the church being homophobic, non-thinking fundamentalists, judgmental, political, arrogantly dismissing all other faiths but theirs etc.).

I am writing a follow up to that book, which was called "I Like Jesus but not the Church" and is a book that is written to the average Christian or someone outside the church open to exploring these issues. So it is somewhat of an apologetics book and an apologetic for the church as well.

A concern I had that was initially raised from a pastor friend of mine who is also an author, said it looked like I was making that statement because it had the title and then my name underneath. The book is actually a strong pro-church book and the goal is to show that the church of Jesus is very important to Jesus and is His bride, despite our faults. So we explored a series of different titles to change it to something that would hopefully still get the point across but not seem as though it was a negative-church book. It was difficult to think of a name because the "They Like Jesus" book title is so similar (and that one for church leadership). We wanted to keep them distinct, although they are very much in sync since one (They Like Jesus) is for church leaders and one (Do you like Jesus?) for the people in the church. So the book got renamed "Do you like Jesus But Not The Church?: Exploring uncomfortable Questions About Christianity and the Church". The release date is yet to be determined, most likely it will be early 2009.

Since the They Like Jesus book came out - the interest has resulted in the creation of a DVD curriculum for teaching a series or a class or used in a small group format. The DVD curriculum comes out next month (February 08). So this past summer Zondervan came to Santa Cruz and filmed it interviewing some of the people in the They Like Jesus book. I also went to Grand Rapids and filmed part of it there. Then I got into the writing of the study booklet Appendix and answers to questions which has some more apologetical answers and biblical discussion on the specific topics "world religions, homosexuality, fundamentalism and the Bible, women in ministry". My friend Margaret Feinberg wrote a bunch of the application questions for the study book and I focused on the Appendix and biblical study part of it. So a bunch of my time went into that, and thus the "Do you like Jesus, but not the Church?" book is now being released later as I am still writing it and wrapping it up.

So.... for those who have asked - that is the latest. I am packing and heading off to be part of the Rethink Conference tonight. Should be very interesting there and I look forward to hear what they other speakers are going to be talking about. I will be talking about the gospel and how Christian sub-culture and Christians can unintentionally create barriers for people hearing the gospel. Yes, I know that it is the Spirit of God who does all the convicting and drawing people to Jesus. But we do have our part, and often our part has been either staying in our non-missional Christian world and hanging out only with our Christian friends..... or it has been losing our witness by non-credible testimony and conforming too much to the world..... or that our approach to evangelism is not effective in our current culture and can even be detrimental. So I hope to give positive examples of churches across America who are seeing great fruit from their missional Spirit-empowered efforts.

Standing Between Me & the Wind

Some of you know that my holiday weekend was one of the most memorably exciting weeks. Some of you also know that it was one of the most heart breaking weeks. There is an amazing characteristic about our human ingredients that will forever astound me. We as humans have the ability to bend with the wind, be the wind, and be broken by the wind. What wind you may ask? The wind of circumstance. In one day, no, in a fraction of a moment our lives can totally change. In less than a second that which was, is no longer. That which we thought could never be, suddenly has made permanence. I will never understand that. I will never get that.

There are so many literary, lyrical, spoken references to this. The bible talks about our voice often. He warns us to set a guard around our mouth. He warns us to not promise or curse someone. He encourages us to praise Him, and to honor with love, our brothers and sisters. He gives us a certain liberty to make a moment happen. That is how creative He is, and that is how much He loves us.

I am working from home today. It is raining off and on and I do not feel it is a safe drive over 17. Therefore, I am at home. At my desk. Reading emails from all of my loved ones and co-workers. I sit here prayingly figuring out how I can do this or that for my upcoming projects. News of the bullet shots around Kenya come up on CNN. Thinking about the condition of the hearts of my church community, and if everyone is ok. Wondering why my brother had to be so cruel on Christmas. Wondering if my mother and my relationship will ever be the same. Wondering if I should move out of state or out of the country…all these things are flying around my mind….

(As I re-read this paragraph and think of some of the other things I write…I must sound pretty crazy/normal. I think I just write when I cannot get it right in my head. I like to write out when I am confused. I like to write when I get a bolt of ideas/thoughts but do not know exactly where they go…makes sense?)

I am part of private proposal review for aid to Africa. I have read over a dozen proposals, and about to embark on another review. I have learned so much about Africa because of a few pdfs’ and a few afternoons of reading them. However, this time I think they will be different. I have seen with my own eyes…

I prayed today! I read my bible this morning! Spent some time with my heavenly Father!

He will not break a crushed blade of grass or put out even a weak flame
Is. 42.3

In my devotional poetry book, I read….

Dear Child of Mine,
As you go through this day, know that I am gently protecting you. I am as near to you as your very breath, as close to you as your heartbeat. I can see the fragile state of your emotions. I know how close to the surface your tender feelings are. I am aware that the wick of your spirit’s inner light is flickering in the winds of your dilemma. But you are my child, and I am on your side today. I will not allow the flame of your spirit to be snuffed out. I will stand between you and the wind. I will hold you in them my love until you are strong again. Don not be troubled or afraid. Do not strive in your own strength, but lean into my love. Be strengthened by my Spirit. Find comfort in my mercy.

Your Shield and Defender,
God

                                                                                                                                    I just got back last night from Houston where I spent a wonderful two days with Lutheran youth leaders from the Lutheran Missouri Synod.

Each year they have a "Symposium" on various subjects and this year I was the speaker and their theme and focus was "Emerging from what?: Exploring Ministry With Young Adults".

Because it was a symposium, the schedule was really interesting as they would have me speak, then they had a Lutheran theologian do a summary and offer some thoughts on what I said. Then another staff would guide those there in discussion about the application to the context they are specifically in. I liked that format, instead of just more of a usual speaker then it ends with maybe some questions. Especially because it was a denominational event, they could really focus on common things they are know.

In the introduction, Terry Dittmer (who leads the Youth Ministry department for the denomination) shared some statistics about teenager and the denomination. How there is less and less Lutheran teens, as with many other denominations who are experiencing the same thing.

It was refreshing being around youth leaders and I am always reminded of how important those who work with youth are. I can't ever say enough about the importance of youth ministry. So, it was fun listening to stories from youth leaders the past 2 days and what it is like serving in a denominational context.  At one point, a conversation I was in turned to Martin Luther who was 29 years old when he nailed the Luther nailed a copy of the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. He had a heart for the Scriptures to be translated into the common language of his day. He wrote music. But then the question came up "What would Martin Luther do and focus on if he was just starting a ministry today?" That question is one I have been thinking about since it came up.

In seriously pondering the scenario, with many younger Lutheran leaders at this symposium and seeing their energy and passion - what if a 29 year old young and zealous Martin Luther was alive today passionate about having young adults know Jesus and the gospel:

• What would be the theological issues would be his concerns and what he would be taking stands for (or against) in today's current theologically diverse landscape?
• Would he write music as he did then using the cultural music genres of his day (he wrote classic hymns such A Mighty Fortress is our God)? Would we see Martin Luther hip hop worship songs? Or Martin Luther rock worship songs? Would he listen to mainly contemporary Christian pop worship music on his iPod?
• Would he find local pubs and as part of his ministry hold "Theology pubs" and drink beer with people while discussing theological topics? (It is common knowledge he did like beer).
• If Martin Luther was a youth pastor today, where would he be getting in trouble in his church? What changes would be want to make to the average church if he was a 29 year old young pastor going into the average church in today's culture?
• Would Luther change the lay out of a church meeting place and take out the pews and when he preached he wouldn't want to preach from behind those large pulpits in some churches?
• Would a 29 year old Luther wear a suit when preaching in today's culture? Would he ever wear a robe? Would he wear jeans in Sunday church meetings?
• If he was a youth pastor, would he be on staff at John MacArthur's church? Would he cause trouble there or fit in there? Would be on staff at Mars Hill Seattle or Mars Hill Grand Rapids and fit in one of them? Where would he choose to go to seminary today?
• Would Luther be taken seriously only being in his late 20's to make major change in established churches today? Would his innovation and desire to make the changes needed to communicate the gospel in our culture today be stifled and not listened to by senior pastors and elders at the local church he would be serving at? 
• Would he stay in the Lutheran denomination? 

Interesting things to ponder. We can never know what would happen and so much of today's church world was shaped by some of his actions and challenges to the existing church of his time. But trying to think of him alive today at age 29, and as a youth or young adult leader in a church - what would he do?

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed being with the staff of the youth department of the Lutheran Missouri Synod and was very impressed with the zealousness they have for seeing emerging generations know the gospel. The youth staff were so incredibly kind and so passionate about what they are doing with youth. At the end, they even gave me a Lutheran Service Book, as I commented on how beautiful some of the readings they were doing were in their morning devotionals. So, thank you for having me there with you and a refreshing and encouraging two days.   

In the midst of all the craziness I've experienced in the last week, I find myself diving into the political unrest of Africa again. The news reports blurbs and Kenya and the horrific crime happening. I close my eyes and remember the roads of Kenya and pray for her. Please pray for her too!

Recipe for Sangria

4 cups red wine
1.5 cups sweet & sour mix
1 cup orange juice
1 cup canned pineapple chunks w/ juice
2 cup triple sec
8 oz. 7-up soda

* ¼ cup or less of sugar to taste (not necessary to add sugar)
* slices of orange/lime/lemon or any fruit that you enjoy (be creative)

Back in November my friend, Cynthia had a dinner party at the house. She cooked a very traditional Mexican meal and I arranged all of our delicious appetizers. While we were at the grocers, we could not figure out what type of beverage to serve. It was to casual for a martini. Nevertheless, the party was not casual enough for a beer. We searched and thought. Thought and searched. Finally, the name Sangria popped into her mind. The best Sangria I ever had, was at my sister-in-law mother’s house. Her name is Sandy Ucci. Oh, my goodness and her sangria is excellent. I immediately phoned her at the grocers and asked for her recipe. She quickly gave it to me over the phone and I ran out to purchase those items while Cynthia finished getting the food items for the party. Operation Sangria was well on it's way.

When I got home, I cleared the kitchen counter to accommodate all the food we had purchased. I arranged a spot near the sink to make the sangria. I suddenly realized that there wasn’t a pitcher large enough in our house to house all the liquid I was about to mix. I searched all of our cupboards and searched in our garage. We always have parties but our punch bowls were not large enough.

I walked into my room and staring back at me was my sunset colored murano glass vase. It measures almost three feet in height and thought it would be perfect to fit all of our sangria. I took it to the kitchen and thoroughly washed it out. And set it in the sink surrounded by ice to keep the vase (now pitcher) chilled.

First, I added the wine. Second, the sweet & sour mix so on and so on. It turned out to be the best cocktail I have ever made. Everyone loved it. I think it is even better than the Sangria at Cha Cha Cha’s.

The original recipe, partially tweaked, is typed out above. I added one more secret ingredient that I am not going to share with you. But take this recipe. Tweak it. Make it your own, and let me know what you added/changed/removed, etc. Maybe in the summer we can all have a sangria contest. What do you think?