live at new city cafe

It has been entirely too long since I last endulged in a bit of self-promotion here on this site (before you say anything, I am aware that blogs in and of themselves are innately self-promotional, but I'm choosing to ignore that fact...just go with me).

With that said...I am going to attempt to tip-toe near the edge of the cliff, telling you just the facts, without faultering and plunging head first into the sea of self-promotion:

Tonight I am going to be in concert at New City Cafe here in Knoxville.

The concert starts at 8:00pm and costs $5.00 at the door.

Okay, I really don't want to slip any further down this slope, so let me give 5 reasons, that have nothing to do with me, why you should get off your hind-end and come to the show tonight...

1) the one and only Heidi Gilson is opening

2) mandolins, violins, accordians, loop tracks...lots of cool instruments

3) with the extra stuff mentioned in #2, there is the increased odds that something or someone will screw up and that always adds a degree of danger

4) Greg "Mr. the Greatest Musician in the World" Adkins (someone actually referred to him as that one time, and I love reminding him of that) is hosting and will be playing with us on a handful of songs.

5) what else are you going to do, go and watch "Santa Clause 3"?

Actually, I wouldn't blame you for going to watch "Santa Clause 3"...that Tim Allen is one funny dude. But you can always go Saturday night. So come on out, if not for me, for yourself. Because I can promise you this much: this will be the most blessed night of music that this world has ever seen, from a man who is closer to the heart of the Lord than any priest or holy man who has ever lived.

Dang it. I was so close.

thoughts on mars hill

After spending last week at the church planting bootcamp known as CPAC assessment, I now know what laboratory mice feel like...and it ain't fun.

But it's over. And that makes me happy a school girl. Exhausted...but happy.

This past Sunday, I attended Mars Hill in Grand Rapids, MI. I was told before hand that 1) the building is hard to find because they aren't into signs, 2) they aren't image driven, thus their building isn't all that cool, and 3) they don't do anything too out of the ordinary as a part of their service.

I took all of that to mean that I should go with relatively low expectations (except for the sermon). So I did. I went expecting very little. Yet even with low expectations, I was still extremely unimpressed. And I really, really liked that.

It was simple...but not 'Mac' simple. 'Mac' simple is hip, still visually appealing, still very much about an image. Mars Hill was just simple.

They were given an old shopping mall as their meeting place. It is big and kinda cool. But they didn't renovate it nearly as much as you'd think. They even had ugly old wood-paneling still on the walls.

The 'Welcome Center'/Cafe area had tables and chairs, but no cool paint on the walls. No signs. No posters. No throw rugs or paintings or light fixtures.

The worship area was an empty warehouse. Boring paint, a simple stage (granted it is a "theatre in the round" set-up). No cool stage lights, just a simple wash. No moving backgrounds for worship, just white words on a black screen. They didn't even use MediaShout or Easy Worship. They use Powerpoint! This is a church of 10,000 and they use Powerpoint. I couldn't believe it.

The music was very good. Quality musicians, quality sound, great songs. And I didn't feel like I was in the presence of rock stars...that was nice.

Rob Bell spoke. It was good. Duh.

And that's it. There's not really anything else to say. It was so much less than what I expected. And because of that, it was so much better.

my fingers hurt

Most of you are probably wondering, "Why do his fingers hurt? It certainly can't be from blogging too much." Well, you are right. It is not from too much blogging. Sorry, by the way, for the lack of posts recently. I've had plenty to write about...but no time to write it.

But back to the point...my fingers hurt.

Those of you who know me well are probably thinking, "So, its not from too much blogging...and there is NO chance that it is from ANY kind of hard work or manual labor." Well, you are right. Although, I see no need to place such emphasis on the words "no" and "any". That's just mean.

No...the reason my fingers hurt is because this past Saturday I took part in the 1st annual Tour de Knoxville Disc Golf Open. Impressed? Don't be. We made the tournament up.

4 courses and 63 holes in 8 hours. We even bought a green jacket at Goodwill to give to the winner.

Who won? Well, unfortunately not me. No, the winner was...and this should be no surprise to those of you who know him...

Mark "The King of all White Man Sports" Nelson

Here are a couple pics from the Green Jacket Ceremony...

Congrats Mark. It was an impressive and dominate performace.

In case any of you are wondering, I finished in third place. The prize? A date with my wife.

Man, that green jacket would've been cool.

(By the way, we are not sold on the name of the tournament, so if you have any ideas...)

three men...one thought

Rob Bell calls it "systemic sin".

When God's people were led by Moses out of Egypt, they not only escaped individual bondage, but systemic bondage. The Jews were enslaved as a people by the entire Egyptian justice system. Today, when we are led by Christ out of our own spiritual Egypt, we are intended to not only to be saved from our individual bondage to sin, but also from the systemic sin. God not only desires to save our souls, but also to redeem our human systems; the way we interact with one another.

Interesting thought. Rob Bell.

N.T. Wright talks about our idea of "justice". Here are some quotes from the first chapter of his book Simply Christian:

"...But the voice goes on, calling us, beckoning us, luring us to think that there might be such a thing as justice, as the world being put to rights, even though we find it so elusive. We are like moths trying to fly to the moon. We all know there's something called justice, but we can't quite get to it."

"The rich use the power of their money to get even richer while the poor, who can't do anything about it, get even poorer. Most of us scratch our heads and wonder why, and then go out and buy another product whose profit goes to the rich company."

"Isn't it odd that it should be like that? Isn't it strange that we should all want things to be put to rights but can't seem to do it? And isn't the oddest thing of all the fact that I, myself, know what I ought to do but often don't do it?"

Finally, Thomas Merton chimes in on the same subject. In his book The Seven Storey Mountain, he recalls the feeling of doom that accompanied the first hints of World War II in the fall of 1939. He writes:

"All this was obscure to most people, and made itself felt only in a mixture of disgust and hopelessness and dread. They did not realize that the world had now become a picture of what the majority of its individuals had made of their own souls. We had given our minds and wills up to be raped and defiled by sin, by hell itself: and now, for our inexorable instruction and reward, the whole thing was to take place all over again before our eyes, physically and morally, in the social order, so that some of us at least might have some conception of what we had done."

That second sentence, "...the world had now become a picture of what the majority of its individuals had made of their own souls", is at the heart of what Merton was trying to say. That we are all connected.

So what is the point of all of this, why am I sharing it with you. Frankly, I'm not sure. All three of these ideas I either read or heard preached within a 36 hour window this week. All three resound in me as being good and right.

In a world that is so individualistic, so compartmentalized, a world where we regularly use phrases like, "That works for you, and this works for me" or "You do your thing, I'll do mine", a world in which people think they can do whatever they want without hurting anyone else; messages of common bonds and interconnectedness are both a challenge and a blessing.

Bell, Wright and Merton...much like the Three Musketeers are standing together, swords in air, shouting in unison, "All for one and one for all!"

unbelievable

Watch this video.



I know that this is old news. You may have seen it, been appalled by it, and moved on months ago. But I just came across it this past week.

And I find something about it absolutely unbelievable.

Not that there exists a group of inbred nutcases somewhere in Iowa that believe hate, racism, picketing funerals, holding signs that read "God Hates You" could ever be God's will. Or even that these people are ignorant enough to call themselves a "church". Unfortunately, I don't find that to be unbelievable at all.

Or that FOX News would create a timeslot and put a "spokeswoman" from that group of people on air to boost their ratings. They're a TV station...that's what they are supposed to do.

No, what had me shaking my head in amazement the first time I watched this clip is the thought that if this woman truly does claim Jesus Christ as Lord (and I am making no claim one way or the other as to whether or not she does...I am only saying "if") IF this woman claims Christ as Lord, then as appalling as her actions seem, her sins require absolutely not one more ounce of grace than my own.

I am in need of no less of the grace of God than this woman for the sins in my life which I either conveniently overlook or consider to be too small and too insignificant to warrant any real repentance.

The same grace covers us both. That is unbelievable.

As off-base and insane as this woman appears, as brain-washed and hateful she her words are, as much pain and suffering as she causes other human beings, as much pain and suffering as she causes the heart of God, IF she truly does bow in submission to Christ...the dirt that her knees are resting upon is no further away from the foot of the cross than the dirt under my own knees.

I can look down with judgment on her. I can point my finger at her glaringly obvious sins. I can list off for you where and how she and her "church" misquote and misuse verses from the Bible to further their own disgusting mission. I can do all of those things. But the truth is, I share with her the same penalty for my sins. And I fall on the same hope and love and mercy and grace.

I love God. And I want what is best for His mission in this world. Because of that, I pray that these morons figure out by the light of the gospel of the grace of God that what they are attempting to accomplish is the exact opposite of what God desires for His children. I pray that they get a glimpse of God that makes them realize the error of their ways, that what they are doing is wicked and wrong and sinful. I pray that they will one day hold a bonfire outside of their church, invite every family of every soldier whose funeral they picketed and burn everyone of their stupid signs, worshipping over the flames. I pray that they will become more Christ-like, that the grace of God would become real to them and take effect over every part of their lives; the way they live, the way they talk and the way they act.

I pray all of those things for that woman and her "church" in Iowa.

...and I pray all of those same things for myself and for my church and for everyone of us who claims Christ as Lord, Savior and Treasure of our lives.

Glory be to God for His stubborn and amazing grace.

church wisdom from the vegas son

Jake grew up in the church. His father was the preacher and his mother led the singing. After graduating highschool, Jake went to bible college and entered the ministry.

Today, Jake works for a construction company in Las Vegas.

Not the path his parents would've chosen. Not the path he would've predicted. But the path he has traveled nonetheless.

Sometimes Jake feels like a failure because he no longer works in a church. Sometimes he actually feels like more of a minister because of it. But truly I'm not writing to comment on Jake's situation. I want neither to glorify it nor condemn it. I simply want to share with you a comment he made to me recently.

Eight weeks ago, his parents started a contemporary service at church and his mother has been leading the worship for it. Last Sunday, an elder made a discouraging comment to her about the fact that the contemporary service hasn't "grown the church" like it was supposed to.

In discussing that comment with him yesterday, Jake said this:

"Programs and services don't grow a church. People excited about Jesus grow a church. Now, programs and services can be good and can help stir that excitement, sure. But we can not rely on them to do the growing of our churches for us. A church grows because its people are excited about Jesus and naturally do what good Christians are supposed to do, namely: talk about and act like Jesus."

I like that. Whether Jake is holding a hammer or a Bible in his hands right now, I don't know. But I do know that those are the words of minister of the Gospel of Christ.

time i have...its patience i lack

This week...

Oh, this week...

How can I explain what this week has been like for me? Hmm. Well, if it were possible...I'd reach through your computer screen right now and sucker punch you square in the gut. That'd be a start.

Let's see:

Car breaks down. Check.
No internet connection. Check.
No cable. Check.
Lose my cell phone. Check.
Betsy comes to her senses and leaves me. Che...wait. No. At least, not yet.

Well, outside of that last one (fingers crossed) all of those have taken place this week. By the way, I'm not even mentioning moving and changing jobs...both of which also happened this week.

So...the first three items on my to do list Monday morning were: 1) get the car towed to the mechanics, 2) call computer services and get our internet up and running, and 3) have Comcast come and hook-up our cable. And after those three, I had multiple other tasks that I needed to get done this week...all of which depended on at least one of those first three items being taken care of.

Very, very LONG story short: after three days in a row of waiting...quite impatiently, today we finally got our internet and cable hooked-up. And after being stood-up by the tow truck people again yesterday, I borrowed a truck, rented a tow dolly and towed my car to the mechanic myself. Granted even that involved (and I'm not exaggerating in the slightest) an hour and a half of waiting at U-HAUL which included listening to a man who barely speaks English try to rent a truck from a man who I'm guessing can barely spell "English"...AND getting to watch an idiot try and unscrew a bolt from a trailer hitch using a blow-torch.

I wish that I was kidding.

Apparently, the first three items on God's to do list for me this week were: 1) wait, 2) wait, and 3) wait. And I'm sure there is supposed to be a lesson there. He was probably trying to teach me patience or something. But all I've really learned is how to cuss soft enough for my Bible College neighbors not to hear, but loud enough for it to still feel good. That...and to never, EVER go back to the Chapman Highway U-HAUL ever again. Seriously, I think the guy with the blow torch was drunk.

Here is the thing, though. A couple weeks ago, Mark...lead guy for our church plant...was having a horrible week. He really felt attacked by Satan. As though Satan was trying to distract him from Crossings and God's call on his life.

After he had told me about everything that had happened to him (it involved things like car accidents and snakes and Comcast Customer Service people), I asked God, "Why is Satan attacking him and not me? Am I not a threat to him as a part of this church plant too? Am I not stepping out in faith far enough? Am I not acting as a part of Your will?"

I wondered aloud to God why Satan was ignoring me.

Oops.

I guess that prayer was answered. And now, here I am blogging at 3:30 in the morning about a week that (I believe) was literally from Hell.

So, moral of the story: be careful what you pray for. And Comcast and U-HAUL are the tools of Satan. The end.

to buy or not to buy

...this is the question:


Should I buy the new Chris Tomlin album or not?

On one hand, I truly appreciate what he has done for the Church. I really do. His gift for writing accessible melodies is undeniable. And he has used that gift to bless the Church time and again with great congregational choruses. Taking a page out of songwriter Andy Gullahorn's playbook, here is my hiaku about Chris Tomlin:

No one has done more
For the Lord
with four chords

And I know that within six months, I am going to have to be familiar with every song on this record because every worship leader at every church in the country is going to be introducing them to their congregations. So I feel like I should probably buy it.

But here is my dilemma:

1). I am too poor to buy every worship CD that the posters inside of Christian Bookstores tell me I should buy. I have to be picky.

2). My worship leading quiver is already over-stocked with gigantic, over-the-top choruses written by Tomlin. Do I really need any more?

3). One word: "Paaar-tay". Seriously, that song put me in a bad mood that took weeks to overcome. I almost gave up leading worship because of it.

4). I figure soon enough Michael W. Smith and Third Day will be on the radio covering the best songs off of this CD and by that time I'll know them by heart...for free.

So...there it is. It's not a big dilemma...but a dilemma it is nonetheless.

Should I buy the new Tomlin CD? I don't know.

(note: by the way, no disunity or denominationalism was intended in the writing of this post...just wanted to make that clear upfront.)

the times...they are a changin'

As I have posted about before, Betsy and I accepted a position with a church plant here in Knoxville. Consequently, this Sunday will be our last at our current church.

And, as if that alone wasn't eventful enough, Betsy and I will also be moving out of our apartment...this weekend.

These are a few of my LEAST favorite things...

...packing

...moving

...unpacking

This move, however, is very much a blessing. Actually, it is just one more in a long series of events, that some would have every right to call "coincidence", but I believe are evidence of God's hand being behind this next chapter of our lives. It is a long story, and I'm not sure I can divulge all the details, so just take my word for it: this move is absolutely a blessing.

But, it will also be quite sad to say good-bye to our apartment. Betsy and I have enjoyed living there the last 2 years. Why? Well, one reason is that picture in the upper right-hand corner. I took it from my deck about a week ago when the fleeting sun put an end to my evening enjoyment of Thomas Merton's Seven Storey Mountain.

I took this picture the next night. I really am going to miss that deck.

Actually, it is kind of a metaphor (albeit a very small one) for the church I am also moving away from. God has used both to reveal Himself to me in new and beautiful ways. And because of that I have grown immeasurably in both places. I have prayed, worshipped, and wrestled with God. I have spent invaluable time with friends. I've worked through many frustrations in both places and I've shared many laughs. I have been humbled. I have been overjoyed. I have learned new things and I have rediscovered old things. Both have shaped me. Both have moved me. Both are as comfortable and as familiar to me as an old friend.

And both are going to be incredibly hard to walk away from.

I thank God for my deck. Yeah, I may have another one in my future. But it will never replace my love for this one.

are you ready for some...church?

(note: This was e-mailed to me yesterday. It is from Acts 29 Network's blog. I thought it was amazing and wanted to share it with you. Enjoy.)

FANTASY CHURCH is a game in which players moderate imaginary denominations based on the real-life performance of churches and pastors, and compete against one another using those churches' statistics to score points. The most recent addition to the long list of fantasy activities (fantasy baseball, fantasy football, fantasy hockey, etc.), it is surely also the most exciting and the most edifying.

So why not form a league today and become President of your very own denomination!

RULES:
Each league will be overseen by a Presbyter who will act as commissioner and will form a league of between 8 and 14 players. At the beginning of the season each league will hold a draft. The Presbyter will provide to the players a list of churches which will serve as the pool of available churches. Players will choose churches from the available pool, taking into account a wide range of factors. Each team will draft a denomination of 8 churches. Each player must draft a denomination consisting of at least 2 Baptist churches, 2 Presbyterian churches, 2 Charismatic churches, 1 non-denominational church and 1 flex church (any denomination).

Each week teams will face off against each other in head-to-head match-ups. The team that collects the greatest number of wins at the end of the season will be declared the winner.

Points will be scored as per the chart below. At the conclusion of each Sunday, the league Presbyter will be responsible for collecting statistics from each church and providing these to the players. The Presbyter will tally the points and declare a winner in each of the games.

SCORING BREAKDOWN:
1. Teaching
Sermon length:
Under 15 minutes: 2 points
15 - 29 minutes: 3 points
30 - 44 minutes: 4 points
45 - 59 minutes: 5 points
60 - 89 minutes: 6 points
over 90 minutes (and people are still present): 10 points

Number of Bible translations used in the sermon:
0: -5 points
1: 10 points
2-4: 1 point
Over 5: -10 points

Original Languages:
1 point for each word provided in the original language
1 Bonus point if pronounced correctly

Sermon was previously preached by Rick Warren or Bill Hybels: -50 points
Sermon was previously preached by John MacArthur or John Piper: -3 points
Sermon was previously preached by Charles Spurgeon: +10 points

Sermon style:
Referring to "The Message" as a translation -100 points
Actually expositing a complete verse +5
Using the verse as a proof text -5
Using the verse as a launching pad -10
Using the verse incorrectly/out of context -15
Not using Scripture at all -100
Preaching about a nursery book -30
Preaching about a song -40
Preaching about a movie -50
Every time the pastor calls Jesus "dude" or "buddy" -50 points
-50 points if the pastor is wearing a Hawaiian shirt or shorts
-25 points if the pastor is sitting down while preaching

Multi-Media:
Sermon available online as free audio download: 2 points
Sermon available as a podcast: 3 points
Sermon available as a Vodcast: 5 points
-2 points each time the PowerPoint falls behind the song or sermon

2. Handouts:
Pastor provides a basic sermon outline: 2 points
Pastor provides a fill-in-the-blanks outline: -5 points
For every bulletin left over: -2 points
For every bulletin short: -1 point
Perfect bulletin count: priceless

3. Worship
Number of songs:
Under 4 songs: 2 points
5-7 songs: 5 points
8-11 songs: 0 points
Over 12 songs: -3 points

Number of instruments used:
Zero: 5 points
One: 2 points
Two to Four: 3 points
Five to Ten: 4 points
more than 10: -5 points

Ratio of hymns to contemporary songs:
1:1 = 4 points
2:1 = 3 points
1:3 = 2 points
1:4 = 1 point
0:1 = -2 points

Other:
-5 points for each time the worship pastor moans, "Mmmmmm. Thank you, Jesus."
-3 points for every time the worship leader says, “Can we get a hand clap for Jesus?”
-2 points for each use of a song currently on the Christian top-40
-4 points for each use of a song on the mainstream top-40
+6 points for each use of a U2 song
-50 points for use of the song "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever"
-10 points for making announcements in the middle of the worship service
+25 points Offers both wine & grape juice at communion

4. Decisions
Conversions:
4 points per conversion (as marked on an official communication card, indicated by a raised hand, or confirmed during an altar call)

Recommitments:
2 points per recommitment (as marked on an official communication card, indicated by a raised hand, or confirmed during an altar call)

Baptisms:
5 points per baptism

Ratio of Offering to Attendance:
Over $50:1 = 4 points
$25:1 = 2 points
$10:1 = 1 points
Under $1:1 = - 4 points (consider contacting the police)

5. Disqualification
A team may be disqualified for the week if either the church sells “You Best Life Now” books in the lobby or the Pastor makes an emotional reference to Joel Osteen!

o blessed fount

(click here to listen or download)

O blessed Fount of goodness and light
O blessed Sovereign, just and so right
O blessed Lord, reign over this life
O blessed God, O blessed King, O blessed Christ

Your mercy, like dew
falls fresh and new every morn
The sun, like Your grace
shines forth its rays, bright and warm

So my heart blooms and opens to You

O blessed Fount of goodness and light
O blessed Sovereign, just and so right
O blessed Lord, reign over this life
O blessed God, O blessed King, O blessed Christ

God, we seek Thee
for we need Thee
because in Thee
is all life and being

O blessed Fount of goodness and light
O blessed Sovereign, just and so right
O blessed Lord, reign over this life
O blessed God, O blessed King, O blessed Christ

Most songs have stories that run deeper than the lyrics and melody. Stories of the inspiration that gave life to the song. I find it important that we share those stories, which is one reason I created this blog.

I wrote this song last March. I had been wanting to write a song that was simple in thought, but rich in poetry (at least by my standards and abilities). I was reading A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy, which is quite heavy in its theology. And because of that, the last few songs I had written were very wordy and informative. They had decent melodies and they even rhymed. But they lacked the rhythm and imagery that makes poetry...poetry.

Well, one morning while walking to my car, I noticed my shoes were soaked. Now, my shoes getting wet or dirty is one of my biggest pet peeves in life. Don't ask me why, because I don't know why. But its true. After my initial rage cooled down, I began to wonder to myself, "what in the heck is up with dew." All day long, I was either sitting at my desk or driving my car, off in my own little world thinking, "It is never there when I get home at night. Yet it is always there when leave in the morning. It doesn't come from rain or snow or sleet or hail...yet it has to be some form of precipitation."

That night, my wife had just gone to bed and I was sitting on the couch still pondering the mystery that is dew. By this point I had moved away from trying to understand the "what" of dew and was now contemplating the "why" of dew. See, we get a lot it here in East Tennessee. And I think that is a big reason why everything is so green and lush. That morning dew, even though it often angers me by getting my shoes wet, is vital to the beauty and abundance of the natural life here in Knoxville. I soon made the leap over to what is vital to the beauty and abundance of our spiritual lives, grabbed my guitar and began writing this song.

It is a simple song of praise to our good and Sovereign God.

want to win $500?

As I have previously mentioned, Betsy and I are going to be part of a church plant that is launching this February here in Knoxville. Last week, the plant's lead team finally settled on a name. However, now we need a logo.

This is where you (...and the $500) come in.

We are having a contest to see who can design the best logo. We are accepting submissions for the next few weeks and the winning entry will receive $500 cash.

Here are a few good things to know:

1) the name of the church is Crossings
2) this is why we choose the name Crossings
3) we are looking for something simple, clean...think Apple computers
4) well...I can't really think of a fourth point, but there is some legal lingo that you might want to peruse. The language is foreign to me, but I'm sure you graphic design people will understand it...so here you go:

JPGs and PDFs (no larger than 1M please) will be accepted for initial concepts, but winning logo will need to be submitted in EPS vector file format which permits usage of elements separately. Submissions must include both color and black and white versions. $500 award will be paid directly to the selected artist, upon which time Crossings will own unlimited usage rights ad infinitum. Award will be paid after delivery of final artwork on CD and usability of said artwork has been confirmed. Any similarity between selected design and other submitted designs is coincidental; only the winning artist will be paid for their submission, regardless of how similar another artist's submission may be. By submitting a design, the submitter agrees to these stipulations in their entirety.

Send your submissions to markrobertnelson@gmail.com. The deadline is October 4th, so you've got a couple weeks to play around. Have fun.

simple math

boredom + iphotobooth + really late at night = this

...and this and this and this and this.

(Is it just me, or does that last guy look like the jerk everybody pretended to like because he was popular but secretly hated in highschool?)

these are a few of my favorite things

...thunderstorms

...sweet tea

...country roads

...empty interstates

...disc golf

...old books

...those sugary, colored mint things at wedding receptions

...fall colors

...the smell of pipe tobacco

...a great melody

...my deck

...sunsets

...watching highschool football

...watching college football

...watching professional football

...Starbucks (a lot of milk, a lot of sugar, a little coffee...perfect)

...my wife's laugh

...grilling any kind of meat

...eating the meat I just grilled

...story songs

...playing games (dominos, cards, darts, foosball...the list goes on)

...Diet Mountain Dew

...playing old, slightly out-of-tune, upright pianos

...smart little kids

...rooting for the under-dog

...spending time with my family

...Tennessee Orange

...a really great quote

...getting up early

...staying up late

...being with my wife and having nothing to do

...cheese

...friends

...realizing I went a whole day without watching tv

...the wisdom of grandparents

...traveling

...remembering awkward moments

...watching deer, birds, rabbits, etc. from my office window

...the sound of lawnmowers

...the smell of rain

...people with accents

...butterscotch anything

...laughter

God, thank you for the all Your little blessings. All that we take for granted, look past, forget, or miss because we are too busy. You have breathed Your life into the world around us. You have made every inch of earth sacred and every moment of life holy. It is we who screw it up. We are the ones bathing in your beauty and grace, yet wondering aloud where You might be. You are here. You are now. And You are good. May we remember that. And may we never cease in giving you thanks and praise.

and the dance goes on

This past Sunday I officially resigned from my position as Worship Minister at church (which, by the way, has nothing to do with my previous post). The reason being I have the opportunity to be a part of a church plant that will be launching this February here in Knoxville.

(note: If you are like me, you are probably thinking to yourself, "Does Knoxville really need another church?" The answer: No. Absolutely not. But I do believe that Knoxville needs another kind of church...and that is what we are striving for with this plant. There is a gaping hole in the Church right now. You could put numbers around it and say it is the 18-35 year olds, but I don't think it is that clearly defined. Simply, there are people who are open to Jesus and faith and spirituality and all that Christianity truly stands for...but who are turned off by everything they perceive about the Church. We are hoping to connect these people.)

Saying good-bye is always hard (and...cue Boyz II Men). Especially when stepping into something so unknown. I never saw myself planting a church. I never saw myself having to raise my own support. I never saw myself doing something that took this much...faith. There are so many unknowns, so many things completely out of my hands. The one thing I do know, however, is that my wife and I have prayed a lot about this and we are confident, not only that we are currently being called to this church plant, but also we are confident that much of what we have experienced and done as a couple thus far in our marriage has been preparing for this move.

This story comes to mind:

My wife and I have a friend who recently began taking swing-dancing classes. She showed up to her first class nervous and unsure of why she was even there in the first place. Immediately the class broke off into pairs, one guy and one girl. Not knowing any of the men in the class, she watched everyone else laughing and pairing up while she stood to the side hoping someone would soon approach her. Sure enough, a young man walked up and asked her if she wanted to dance. She responded, “Okay. But this is my first time here and I have no clue how to swing dance.” He said, “Don’t worry. You’re going do great, trust me.” She then asked him, “How? I don’t know any of the steps.” He replied, “You don’t have to know the steps. Just follow me and enjoy the dance.”

We don’t know why God has led us along each of the steps He has. Some of the steps have felt awkward and uncomfortable, while others have felt so right that we’d have been okay if the dance just ended there. But this dance is bigger than any of us can comprehend. And while we are in many ways unsure of what this next step will become, we trust absolutely the One who is leading.

acoustic guitar for sale

Sometimes I wish I worked at a non-instrumental church. There you just pick up the hymnals and sing. No guitars or drums or complicated sound systems with the potential for distraction. Just our hearts and our voices joining together in word and melody to bring pleasure and honor to God.

Excellence would certainly be an easier pursuit in that environment.

Would it get boring? Yeah. Probably just about as boring as I often think all the hip and rocking worship stuff gets.

I don't know. I just feel like Bon Jovi sometimes.

"No...guys, the chorus needs to be WAY bigger. And the hook has to be more prominent." "Maybe we drop out on the third chorus and have just voices and hand-clapping, then come back in with an even bigger chorus."

It can feel so manufactured and produced...like Monster Worship Ballads.

But despite all of that, I know that leading contemporary worship with a band is no different than leading traditional music at a non-instrumental church. The goal is authenticity. To lead the congregation past "Sunday Morning Sing-a-long Time" and help them wrap their hearts around the Truth expressed in each song. For them to take the words on screen (or in print) and make them the prayer of their hearts. To lift high the Name of Christ, which is the salvation of the world. To adore, fear and be consumed by an awesome God. And to seek a real and holy encounter with Him, through His Holy Spirit, Who takes our songs to the throne of the Father and interprets our tiny, little melodies as songs of worship and praise.

To find our collective and individual joy and identity in making a big deal about God.

That is why I lead worship.

And however we go about doing that...as long as that is the goal...is fine. Guitars and sound systems are not inherently good or bad. They are neutral. And quite frankly, I rather enjoy leading worship using all of that extra stuff. When it is with a band that clicks well together and I'm not constantly thinking, "If I repeat this chorus instead of going to the bridge are they going to follow?" or "I sure hope so-and-so nails the intro hook to the next song." or "Why isn't so-and-so building up to that last chorus?"

When I can focus on actually leading worship instead of a band...well yeah, I absolutely love that.

So, ultimately, do I really want to abandon my trusty acoustic for a more minimalist approach to leading worship?

On days when I break a string in the middle of the first song of the set...yes.

On days when one of the musicians cancels last minute and I'm stuck searching for a drummer at 11:30 on a Saturday night...yes.

On days when the electric player starts the song in 6/8 and the drummer comes in in 4/4...yes.

And on the days when every one of these things happens (as it did yesterday) within the same service...absolutely.

The rest of the time...nah, not so much.

So, please forgive me. I guess I just needed to express my frustrations, give voice to my cynicism and openly pine for greener pastures, in order to get back to the reason of why I do what I do.

Oh...God bless blogs, huh?

my new favorite picture

This picture was in the New York Times:


Yes...if you are wondering...that is rap diva Lil' Kim.

And yes, that is a copy of Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life in her hands.

a question for you:

What is it we are asking for when we call for reform in the Church?

Let's move past ideology for a moment and speak practically. What is it we want?

I hear so many people in and around my age talking about a "different kind of church" or a "different approach to doing church"...my own voice included. But what is this "different" church we are longing for?

Often, I wonder if it doesn't have to do with our age. It seems every revolution is started by disgruntled 20-somethings trying to buck the system. Will we soon grow complacent with the Church, replacing our current idealism for the comfort of our 30's? Maybe.

I also have pondered the possibility that the issues we have with the church exist because we want it to be doing the things we know that we should be doing, but aren't. As individuals, deep down we know that we don't care enough about the poor, so we get upset with the church, as an institution, for not doing more to help them. As individuals, we sense that we don't spend enough time in fellowship with "non-christians", so we claim the church is too inwardly focused.

Maybe when we call for reform in the church the underlying truth is that we are really calling for reform in ourselves. Maybe.

But I do know one thing for sure: we are sincere in our desire to see the Church improve as the Bride of our Christ and the Pillar of Truth in our world. We are authentic in our passion. We want what is best for God, for His kingdom and for His children...and that is a healthy and effective Church.

So, I really am asking...those of you who are sensing, and even vocalizing, a need for something different in the Church...what is it you are wanting to see change? What is it that the Church is currently doing that you believe could and should be done differently?

I am struggling through all of these questions right now and am curious as to what you have to say. Because unless we move from conversation to reality, all of our zeal will be in vain and all of our dreams will fail to come to fruition.

So...what does this "different" church look like?

weekend...i live for the weekend

Will Ferrell, anybody? No? Okay.

Sorry, for not updating in a few days. Its been a busy weekend, and actually blogger has been giving me problems the last couple days. So, I'll just update you quickly on my weekend:

Thursday - I saw The Everybodyfields at Blue Cats. I went with my friend, Greg. The wives let us out of the house for the night. Good show.

Friday - Betsy and I went to see Little Miss Sunshine with a group of friends. Excellent movie. Great story, amazing acting...one of the best movies I've seen in a while.

Saturday - I played disc golf for the first time in my life and loved it. I was horrible, but I loved it. Then Betsy and I had dinner with some friends at their house.

I also had two fantasy football drafts this weekend. I did okay in both. I'm in a total of 3 leagues this year. I know, I know...I'm a dork. But hey, at least it gives some credence to my obsession with ESPN.

Also...on a weird side note...Friday night, I fell asleep with the TV on. And somewhere between consciousness and unconsciousness, I swear I saw a commercial for Esteban Gone Wild: Solid Spruce Top...less in the Caribbean. So, I don't know what that was all about.

attention!

Are you a pastor? A youth minister? A christian with a passion for guitars and the unsaved?

Have you ever wondered, "How can I reach the MTV generation? How can I be relevant and cutting edge?" Well, today is your lucky day.

Hip and Holy Records presents: "The 10 Most Powerful Church Cover Songs"!

This is the greatest collection of "Secular Radio Hits Whose Lyrics Sound Vaguely Christian" ever assembled. And its not the least bit cheesy!

From Creed to U2; Vertical Horizon to R. Kelly...the best in Church Special Musics have been compiled into one easy to find CD. These are the best recordings money can buy, with performances from 7:33 in Athens, GA to Cresent City Community Christian Church of Christ (also known as CCCCCC). You will be blessed by their passion if not by their obvious and total lack of talent.

So, no more boring services with no connection to the "Real World". Buy "The 10 Most Powerful Church Cover Songs" from Hip and Holy Records today for just 6 relatively easy payments of $2.99! Call now. Operators are standing by.

note I: Any reference to an actual church or ministry is purely coincidental and no offense was intended.

note II: Please don't ask me how many of these songs I have personally performed at church. Its pretty embarrassing.

turning the big 1-0-0 and a good story

This is my 100th blog! Hip hip hooray!

I don't really have anything more to say about that.

So...on to the story:

This past Sunday, at church, a man named Wayne gave his testimony. Wayne is about 6'4", 260-270lbs...built like an ox. He is very much the strong, silent type.

Well...he was the strong, silent type.

Earlier this summer, Wayne's wife came home from work late at night and found him laying on the floor, awake but unable to move. He had a stroke and had been lying there for hours. He spent weeks in the hospital and his improvements have come very slowly.

This was Wayne's first Sunday back at church. And I noticed something different about him. It wasn't the fact that he is in a wheelchair, or that only one eye now opens. No, there was something else. His smile was bigger and he had more life in his face than I had ever remembered.

He wheeled forward at the end of the sermon and spoke about the poor state of his spiritual life before his stroke and his renewed vigor for Christ after it. There were few dry eyes in the room. I want to share with you the bit that got me:

"I was strong, healthy and in good shape. There was no reason for this to happen. And the doctors still don't have an answer for why it did. God did this to me. He did it to me because He cares more about my soul than He does my body. My body will mend. Christ will restore it when He comes back. But the soul is eternal. And for that, He needed to get my attention."

Those words, from the crooked mouth of a debilitated man in a wheelchair, were as powerful as anything I have ever heard from the pulpit.

Wayne is no longer strong. But, thank God, he's no longer silent either.

radio spotlight

SUNDAY!

This Sunday morning (August 2oth) at 8:30am, B97.5 will be spotlighting songs off of my cd-Majesty and Meekness on air. So if you live in the Knoxville area...turn off your Ipod and turn on your radio and listen in. If you don't live in Knoxville, you can go to their website by clicking the picture or the link above and listen online.

But remember: that is 8:30am Eastern Time...so plan accordingly (that means you're going to have to get up nice and early, Jake).

dane cook on catholicism

Having grown up Catholic, I think this clip is absolutely hilarious.

The part about Communion...oh my goodness. See, some people simply place their hands out in front of the them to take Communion, but others will literally stick out their tongues and let the priest lay it directly in their mouth. Now, I'm sure they have a good reason; maybe they feel unclean and don't want to desecrate the Body of Christ before they consume it. I don't know. But as a kid, I always looked at them and thought, "What? Weird."

Dane Cook is usually vulgar and horribly offensive...but he nailed it here. Enjoy.

you are there

(click here to listen or download)

When I hurt, I'll cry for You
for I know that You are there
When I break, I'll reach for You
for I know that You are there

And when I fall time and again
Still I'll have faith in my faith in You

Cause when I'm weak, You are strong
And, as always, You are there

This song is not a spectacular song by any stretch of the imagination. I just want to get that out of the way right from the start. It is short (a little over 90 sec.), very simple musically and theologically, and it doesn't say anything that hasn't been said before.

I know all of this. Yet, it is still very dear to my heart.

About 8 months ago, I got a call in the middle of the night. A friend's father had been murdered. He was out of town on a business trip and was walking back to his car with a colleague after eating out. They were mugged, and he was shot and killed.

I obviously had a hard time getting to sleep that night. I was wide awake and trying to somehow reconnect the dots between a loving, sovereign God and a world in which a good man with family and friends who dearly love him can be randomly murdered after eating dinner at Outback. It almost felt as if it had been my own father. I was so sad for my friend. I didn't know what to say or how to say it. And in that moment I wrote this song. It is a simple sentiment of faith.

I wrote it for my friend. I wrote it for myself.

Again, I know it isn't the best song in the world, but it says everything I felt that night and not a word more.

finally, it makes sense...

The upcoming movie Snakes on a Plane obviously provides me with hearty laugh everytime I think of it. However, it also greatly confuses me as to what in the heck Samuel L. Jackson is doing with his career. Deep Blue Sea, SWAT, The Man...and now this.

Come on...this guy used to be cool.

But then I read this Time Magazine article about Samuel L. Jackson being his own biggest fan. In it, I found this insightful blurb:

"I want the movies I'm in to remind me of things I spent Saturday afternoons watching as a kid and then went home and pretended to be in." The Star Wars prequels satisfied his Errol Flynn swordplay fantasies. Shaft let him be the urban John Wayne. Snakes on a Plane, out Aug. 18, fulfills his love of B-movie suspense and his endless desire to watch himself kick a**."

So...while I still think the movie sounds like a horrible idea, I can certaily appreciate a guy who just has an "endless desire to watch himself kick a**". That's just good ole, red-blooded American, right there.

ever feel this way?

God said to Ezekiel:

"My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice." (Ezekiel 33:31-32)

What preacher/worship leader/minister of any of sort hasn't felt this way before? It has to be the greatest fear of those of us who lead God's people; that we would be standing in front of a room full of nodding heads and closed hearts.

As a worship leader, I know I have felt like this from time to time. A friend of mine calls it being a "jukebox". Put a quarter in the slot and listen to the pretty songs come out. Luckily, that is not the case at my current church. But I've been to churches where that really is all they want.

"Just sing the songs and keep us happy."

"A changed heart...what? A changed life?! Get outta here!"

If you feel this way right now, I want to encourage you to remain strong. Stay the course. Because this is what God told Ezekiel next:

"When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them." (Ezekiel 33:33)

So, what did God mean by "all this"? He was referring to something He said a few lines earlier. Read here.

So, let me encourage you: if your congregation doesn't listen to you, they will either die of plagues, fall by the sword or be ravaged by wild animals. Thus saith the Lord. Amen.

my grandfather, my hero

He is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet. And because of that passion, he has never had a boring job.

Sailor. Printer. Fireman. Photographer. Preacher.

He has never had a job that didn’t consume him; a job he didn’t live for; a job about which he wasn’t borderline fanatical; a job he didn’t wear my grandmother’s ears out by talking about constantly.

He never had a job that…well, was just a job. It seems to me, if that happened…he moved on. Packed up his bags, handed the keys to guy behind him, and walked away. He could never exist just to earn a paycheck. He could never spend 45 years of his life working, so that he could retire for the last 20. No. Cause see, my grandfather figured something out: that if you find a way to get paid to do what you love, then you never have to work…and you’ll never want to retire.

Sailor. Printer. Fireman. Photographer. Preacher.

But that list of job titles is one short; the job that, at age 79, he currently holds. That job: a McDonald’s busboy (although, he calls it "Lobby Host"). Not quite as glamorous as the first five is it?

Yeah? Well, try to tell him that.

He is just as passionate about his current employment as he has been about any other job he has ever held. He picks up other people’s trash. Cleans their tables and chairs. Makes sure the ketchup dispenser is full. Sweeps the floor. Empties the trash. But more than that, he greets people as the come in. Talks to them as he wipes off tables. Laughs with them and makes them feel important. He serves them by taking up their trays and emptying them into the trash. He also jokes with and encourages the pimple-faced kids working behind the counter and at the drive-thru. Everyone loves and respects my grandfather at his McDonald’s…and technically, he is the lowest man on the totem pole.

While most people his age worked their whole lives and saved up a nice little nest egg for themselves, moved to Florida upon retirement, and are spending their remaining days walking the beach and picking up seashells. My grandfather always worked at jobs he was passionate about, provided for his family, and never worried about a “nest egg” down the road. Now, to make ends meet, he works as a McDonald’s busboy, serving and brightening the days of everyone who walks in just wanting a quick, cheap meal. And because of (not in spite of) that, he is every bit as happy, every bit as proud, and every bit as passionate as he has ever been. And also because of that…there is a McDonald’s in Bloomington, Il that looks awful lot like the Kingdom of God.

When I think of my grandfather, I don’t associate him with any of those other jobs. He’s not a sailor anymore. Nor is he a printer, a fireman or a photographer. And you know what, I don’t even think of him as a preacher, now. No. In my mind, he is a McDonald’s busboy. Cause to me…that is what makes him most like Jesus.

seriously?

I stumbled upon this CD last night at Best Buy.

The Best of Nelson? Come on.

Can someone explain to me how the same band can be in VH1's Top 40 Greatest One-Hit Wonders countdown AND have a "Best of" CD??

I think this means the ole 20th Century Millenium Collection has officially hit the bottom of the barrel.

Good news, though. If Nelson has a "Best of" CD than that means you and I can't be too far behind.

let's stop the madness

There is a trend that is happening in music today. At first I thought it was just worship leaders who were doing this. But as I looked around, I realized that it is happening in almost every genre of music. It is sometimes subtle, and sometimes not. But regardless it needs to stop. Right now. What am I referring to?

The faux British accent.

Please. You know who you are. Just stop. It doesn't make you sound hip or cool. All it does is make you sound like you are singing in a British accent. And that is just weird, if you think about it.

I heard a CD this past weekend with a worship leader who I know is from down here in the South, and if you didn't know any better you would think he was straight out of Liverpool. I literally laughed out-loud. It was that absurd.

Listen guys, I understand where you are coming from. Chris Martin, Jamie Cullum, Matt Redman, Paul McCartney, the guy from Keane, Thom York, Mr. Belvedere, Martin Smith...they all sound cooler than us. Believe me, I know. I wish I was from England as much as the next guy. Something about that accent makes their melodies seem catchier, their lyrics seem more profound and (most remarkably) their appearance seem more attractive to women. I agree, its not fair. But pretending that you sing with an accent you don't have, is just plain silly. So, don't do it. At least not from stage. If you are singing along to the Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge in your car...than by all means, lay that puppy on thick. Just don't do it from stage.

As a worship leader, as a musician, and as a human being...I motion that we put an end to this goofy and pretentious fad.

Who's with me?

billwolfworship.com

Click HERE and check out my new and improved website.

(My friend Rob Laliberte designed the website and did an absolutely amazing job. Rob is in the band Standing Small. Check their site out and go see them if they are playing anywhere near you. And after the show, find Rob and ask him to design a website for you. You won't be disappointed. Ooo...and after that, call your mom and tell her that you love her, thats always a good thing to do.)

dust to glory

(click here to listen or download)

From dust to glory
From death to dawn
Ashes to beauty
brighter than the sun

You've found me holy
You've found me pure
You call me lovely
You call me Yours

From dust to glory
From dust to glory, I have come

You brought me from my death
and gave me life
Yes, You made me to rise...

From dust to glory
From dust to glory, I have come

I wrote this song while listening to a sermon about death and the after-life. The old adage goes, "From ashes to ashes, from dust to dust." Well, that may be true for the rest of the world. But for those of us who claim Jesus as Christ and God, that simply is not the case. For us, it is dust to glory and ashes to beauty brighter than the sun.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

of all sinners...

...I am the worst.

Okay. Confession time. I know that a blog isn't necessarily the most personal or private forum to confess secret sin. But I need to get this off my chest.

I am a sinner. I am fallen, filthy and in need of grace.

Okay, let me set the scene for you. Right outside my office is a large area that is used for Sunday School classes on Sunday mornings. And in this area, literally inches from my office door, sits a large desk. This desk is cluttered with crayons, markers, children's curriculum, building blocks, coloring books, etc. You know, your average Sunday School material. But there is something else that sits on this desk. Something that, on the outside, looks just as plain and ordinary as the rest of its desktop companions.

A dingy blue Tupperware container.

In fact, I probably walked by this Tupperware container a thousand times before my curiosity got the best of me. But eventually it did. And on that day, I stopped and thought, "You know, everything you could ever want or need for teaching a Sunday School class is sitting out on this desk already. What could they possibly be storing in that there blue container?" So I peaked in. And my life has never been the same.

What I found inside was the most complete and extraordinary bounty of treats and goodies I have ever seen. There was Starbursts, Chewy Sprees, Runts, Twizzlers, Airheads, Dum Dums, Dots, Laffy Taffy, Peanut Butter Cups, Jolly Ranchers, Almond Joys (Almond Joys have nuts), Mounds (Mounds don’t), Nerds, Tootsie Pops, Now and Laters, Caramel Chews, Whoopers, and my all-time favorite as a kid: Bottlecaps. The treasure appeared to be bottomless. I could bury my arm up to my shoulder in sweet, sweet goodness.

So I grabbed a couple Starbursts and a pack of Bottlecaps. "They'll never notice just a few missing", I said to myself. Later I walked by and figured, "Ah, whats a few more, right?"

The next morning as I passed it on the way to my office, I stopped dead in my tracks and stood staring at the Tupperware bin..."Well, I am doing the work of our Lord and I do need my sustenance. So, its only right that I partake from this fountain of sugary blessedness." And so I went...down the slippery slope of petty theft and justification.

I've tried to stop. I really have. But I am weak. "Its a dark room, Bill, and no one's around. Just take one or two treats. No one will ever find out." And here is the worst part, every time the candy gets low, every time I think I'm going to be found out...little candy fairies come and fill it right back up. I'm serious. I have never seen the bottom of that bin, yet I have never seen anyone refill it either.

So, in a way, I am not stealing candy from the kiddies. I'm stealing from the big, corporate suits who have more than enough already. I'm like Robin Hood...except that I'm keeping the goodies for myself and the "big, corporate suits" are actually Karen and Judy, two of the nicest ladies I've ever met.

I am horrible, horrible man. I have justified my actions in every possible way. But the truth remains: I steal candy from helpless little kids almost on a daily basis.

I don't know why I am telling you all of this and effectively blowing my cover. Maybe it is a cry for help. Maybe it is my way of saying that I am tired of living this double life and want to get better. Maybe it is a sign of maturity and growth, the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.

Or maybe...just maybe...it is because as I type this, there is an empty package of Runts sitting on my desk, a hint of artificially flavored candy on my breath, and the weight of guilt and remorse on my soul. Maybe.

Is there any hope for me?

a parable

The Kingdom of God is like...

Matthew 20:16

jesus today

I really know nothing about Robert Smigel, except that he creates sarcastically pointed and irreverent cartoons that air on Saturday Night Live each week in a segment titled "TV Funhouse". My wife tells me that they are also horribly offensive cartoons. But, I guess I'm usually laughing too hard to notice that.

Every once in a while, though, Smigel writes a cartoon that has a bit of heart behind its sarcasm. Jesus Today originally aired on SNL in December '97. It shows Jesus responding to the commercialization of Christmas by Christian Broadcasting. I remember seeing it back then and thinking that it was amazing. I've seen it a few times since then (usually during reruns on E!) and it gets me every time.

Again, I don't know a whole lot about Robert Smigel. But it seems to me that he has figured something out about the heart of Jesus that the guys who get paid to talk about Him on TV still never have.

(click the picture to watch the video)

lessons from the outside

Have you ever been sitting in a movie theatre, enjoying the latest blockbuster, when suddenly something is said or done onscreen that absolutely moves your soul? Something that is deeper, more profound, more spiritually awakening than anything you have seen or heard from the pulpit in years?

Maybe it wasn't in a movie theare. Maybe it happened while you were watching late-night TV, or reading a novel, or listening to your car radio. But regardless of the specific medium, have you ever caught a glimpse of God in something that was supposed to be "secular"?

I have. Actually, it happens pretty regularly. And really, to me, it makes perfect sense.

The Creator's fingerprint has been left on our souls. From Adam and Eve to Aristotle to Conan O'Brien, and everyone in between. There is a glimmer of Truth present in us.

But we have been taught to believe that if it doesn't come from a Christian bookstore or inside the walls of a stained-glass building, then it isn't worth reading, or watching, or listening to. And while we have been shifting back and forth, struggling to remain comfortable in our hard, wooden pews...a world of color and beauty has been spinning around outside. A dark and broken world? Yes. But within the darkness, there are flickers of light. Glimpses that, like fireflies, won't last for long.

Well, I say we pick-up out nets and head for the door. I say we find those fireflies, swing our arms and grab them while they still shine. And not for the purpose of putting one in a jar and taking it inside just to watch it loose air and fade away. No, I'd rather hold it in my hands for just a moment. Claim it as Truth and let it go; watching it fly and illuminate the darkness as it goes.

There are lessons to be learned from the world outside. And if we can let go of our illusion that something must be theologically complete and in full agreeance with our sets of beliefs before we listen...I think we would be blesssed, and frankly, amazed by what we find. That we don't have a monopoly on God. That we can't box Him in. That He lives and moves and breathes all around us.

In the next few days, I want to share with you just a few of these fireflies that I have found. Not because they are earth-shattering, or life-changing. But simply because they contain Truth.

From Plato's belief that the human soul is constantly searching for "the beautiful, the true and the good", to Hank Hill visiting a mega-church. We have a lot to learn from the world outside of our church walls.

sun-soaked and sore

Well, I got back last night from Tampa.

It was really good getting to catch up with old friends. We got to spend a lot of time on the beach and Friday afternoon went jet-skiing, which is the reason I am now sore. Although, I really shouldn't complain about being sore from jet-skiing considering the last time I was on one, I ended up with 13 stitches and on crutches for 6 weeks. So, compared to that I feel amazing.

And really, I probably should complain about being sun-soaked either. Thanks to a wife who knows a little something about sun-burns, I lathered up my face with spf 45. The other guys were like, "Oh no, I want to get some sun...I'm not using that." Suckers. Well, they got sun alright.

Anyway, I'm glad to be back (though I am flying to Chicago in the morning). I'll be posting some new stuff soon. Til then.

(the answer to my previous post is...drum roll please...Andrew Osenga.)

leaving on a jet plane

I am flying to Tampa this afternoon to visit my good friend, Dustin. He and his wife are preparing to head to Portland next month to attend Western Seminary. Two friends, who I just don't get to see often enough, are coming down as well. So I am very excited.

I tell you all of this because there is a good chance that I will be unable to post for the next few days. But before I head towards the airport, I want to leave you with something worthwhile in my absence.

First, a game of sorts. The picture below was taken at the wedding of my eldest sister, Jennifer and her husband, Mark. The date is July 29, 1995. The two gentlemen playing guitar (pay no attention to the back-of-the-head in the foreground) would later achieve moderate success in the christian music business. My sister's wedding was their first ever paid gig. You may not know the one on the right, but many of you should be familiar the floppy-haired one on the left.

Can you guess the name of this guitar wielding teenager?

(There are a handful of you who already know the answer to this question because of conversations we have had...or because you are related to me and were in attendance that day. Please don't ruin the game by giving away the answer.)

Secondly, I am attatching this link to an article in the Metro Pulse, which is a local paper here in Knoxville. The article chronicles the journey of a young woman as she went from church to church to observe "why people have religious faith, and how it manifests itself in worship". It is very interesting...insightful...disturbing...I don't know, I am still trying to digest it myself. But it is certainly worth a glance.

It is a rather long piece, though. Of course, you have a couple days to read it.

So, you can take your time.

resurrection of an old friend

Blogs are about as few and far between as Starbucks these days. But for those of you looking for a good blog to read, I have some exciting news:

emergingminister.com is back.

I know that many of you remember that blog well. But for those of you who don't, emergingminister.com was started WAY back in 2003 (its hard to believe, but back then blogs were kind of a new thing, and the word "emerging" wasn't just a catchword). The blog was quite popular and for good reason. But about 9 months ago, it began slowly fading and eventually passed quietly away in the night. The plug was never officially pulled...but for all intents and purposes, it was gone. Many people mourned, some denied the obvious, but all longed for the good old days of fake book covers and funny videos.

Well, its a good thing that the plug wasn't pulled, because apparently this was no blog-death, it was only (I apologize in advance) a 'dot.coma'.

On Thursday July 13th, emergingminster.com...well...emerged from its slumber and rejoined the world of bloggers; much like Jordan taking his sneakers down off the wall, lacing them up, and stepping back on to the court. We may have to be patient as he stretches out, tries on the #45, and struggles to regain his form. But either way, I'm happy. My friend is back.

note: This post was often tongue-in-cheek and facetiously over-dramatic, but in truth...emergingminister.com was one of my favorite sites. It was funny, entertaining, and always thought provoking. Also, it was one of the main inspirations in creating this site. So, Greg...it really is good to have you back.

note II: Again, I want to apologize for the "dot.coma" joke.

it's all for thee

(click here to listen or download)

Any seed I’ve sewn … its all for Thee
Any kindness shown … its all for Thee
Any gift I give … its all for Thee
This whole life I live … its all for Thee, its all for Thee

Its all…its all…its all for Thee
Every gift, every ounce of char - ity
Every jewel in the crown I inherit from Thee
Before for You, I’ll lay it down for etern - ity
Its all…its all for Thee

Any need I’ve met … its all for Thee
Any mouth I’ve fed … its all for Thee
Anyone I’ve blessed … its all for Thee
All my righteousness … its all for Thee, its all for Thee

Its all…its all…its all for Thee
Every gift, every ounce of char - ity
Every jewel in the crown I inherit from Thee
Before for You, I’ll lay it down for etern - ity
Its all…its all for Thee

Every good and perfect gift comes from You
Its is my joy and honor just to be used…by You
May my life redound to the glory of Your Name
May my life redound to the glory of Your Name

Its all…its all…its all for Thee
Every gift, every ounce of char - ity
Every jewel in the crown I inherit from Thee
Before for You, I’ll lay it down for etern - ity
Its all…its all for Thee

All that awaits us in heaven…the treasures, the crowns, the mansions…none of it is ours. Nor will any of it make heaven a better or more enjoyable experience for us. No, the enjoyment we will receive from the treasures, crowns, and mansions, is getting to step before the throne of God and lay it all down at His feet...getting to say,

“It was all for You, my God. You are my only Crown, my only Reward, and my only Treasure. You, and You alone, make heaven heaven. And the truth is: any good I accomplished while in life, any thing I did to further Your Kingdom or care for Your children…it was all done out of my love for You. And even more, it was all done in You and through You. So all these treasures that I have stored-up for myself here…they are all Yours. May they add to Your pleasure and may they add to Your fame. Take them, my God, for they are all for You.”

That is the purpose for the heavenly bounty that awaits us. The joy of that moment. Before the soul-satisfying beauty and unrestricted glory of the Risen Christ…who would want mansions, crowns, and the like? We will want only Him.

So we lay it down. All that we have stored up. Some of us have earned nothing more than a tiny gold star to lay before Him.

“Here it is, God. See it there? On the tip of my finger? See it? It is all Yours.”

While others, those who spent their time and energy and resources well on earth, will have truckload after truckload after truckload backing-up, dumping heaps upon heaps upon heaps of treasures at the feet of the King they served so faithfully in life.

And those are the people who will know the deep and lasting joy of getting to say,

“My God...it's all for Thee”.

what is my daily bread?

When Jesus prayed for His daily bread, he really meant it. Being homeless and a vagabond, I believe He literally meant "bread" and I believe He literally meant "today". He didn't have a house. He didn't have a pantry or a refrigerator. He didn't even have a source of income. No...instead, He had to literally pray for his "daily bread" in order to survive.

So what does that mean for you and for me? Because most of us have our daily bread well under control. So much so that, above our daily bread, we can afford a couple cars, a house or an apartment, and way too many dvds (that one may just be me). And we end up worrying about things like: "Well, I really would like a new car and we could probably afford to buy a newer one if we squeeze the finances a little and move stuff around" or "Big screens are on sale at right now at Best Buy...we can't pass this up, can we?" or "The new Will Ferrell movie came out today on DVD, but I've got no cash on me. I suppose I can just put it on the card."

So, how do we pray for our "daily bread"? Seriously.

I suppose we could always just "spiritualize" the passage, dull its edges, take it out of its historical context and effectively justify our way of life. We, Christians, are real good at doing that. But what if we didn't this time?

Jesus meant something physical, essential...the bare minimum for living. He prayed for bread. And prayed for just enough for today. How does that translate to us?

Someone will probably tell me that all that stuff could be taken away in the blink of an eye...so even if we don't realize it, we are still dependent on God for the basics of life. That is true, believe me...I saw that first hand. But still. I've got today's bread already taken care of. Heck, I have rest of the week's bread lined up, as well as all of next week's too. So how do I pray that prayer?

What is my daily bread?

Maybe Jesus was right when He said that it is easier for poor people to live out the lifestyle of the Kingdom of God than it is for rich people to. And lets be honest here. If you are reading this, that means you have some sort of roof over your head, access to a computer, electricity, probably clean clothes on your back...you are rich. And so am I. Now, I'm not saying I want to be poor. But maybe I do. I don't know. How else do I know the humility and dependence of having to pray for my daily bread, and how else do I experience the blessing of its arrival?

Any thoughts?

jamie cullum

Betsy and I saw Jamie Cullum live at the Bijou Theatre Friday night.

I'd never been to the Bijou before. So I didn't know what to expect. I must say, it was awesome. Not big, but great aesthetics and the acoustics in the room were amazing. The perfect place to see a show. I can't wait to go back. Ryan Adams is there later in this month. So I hope to be back soon.

Now on to Mr. Cullum...

The guy can not be much taller than about 5'3". No joke. And it wouldn't surprise me if he weighed under 100 pounds. He is so small...in stature.

But in talent, the man is a giant.

His voice, his song-writing, his piano playing ability...he has it all. But the most amazing thing about his show is that he is so energetic and so entertaining, that his musical prowess becomes a second-thought. He jumps around, stands on the piano, dances and struts...he's got a lot of energy for a little guy. And he plays incredibly well off the audience.

He did a lot of covers...from the Doves to "Don't Cha" by the Pussycat Dolls, Radiohead, Elton John...he played for well over 2 hours and it never got close to boring.

The highlight of the night was hands-down when he jumped off stage into the audience and sang "Nature Boy" by David Bowie from Moulin Rouge ("There was a boy..."). He walked up and down the aisle and sang, no microphone, with his hands cupped over his mouth. His only accompaniment was an upright bass (also in standing in the audience). It was by far the coolest thing I've ever seen at a concert.

So...if you get a chance to see this guy live, do it. He is well worth the ticket-price.

back from nashville

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I've been in Nashville all week with the in-laws. Good times. I won't bore you with lots of details. I'll just share with you some high-lights of the week.

1. Watching a heavily inebriated middle-aged woman trying to line dance at the Wild Horse Saloon. She was spazzing out like a crazy person, and her husband was taking a picture of her. Yeah, those are the moments you want to remember.

2. Finishing The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren and starting Confessions of a Reformission Rev. by Mark Driscoll. That's what I love about vacations...lots of time to read.

3. The Italy vs. Germany Semi-Finals World Cup game. Anyone else watch that? Man, that was one good game.

4. Pancake Pantry. Enough said.

5. Watching Leanne Rymes get mail out of her mailbox. Kind of voyeuristic, I know. But not the kind of thing you see everyday.

6. Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. Cramped. Dirty. One microphone. Bad speakers. Cheap beer. And good music. Pretty much everything it is supposed to be.

7. Our waitress at Demos Steak and Spaghetti Restaurant was...so cliche...a struggling singer/songwriter trying to break into the music biz. What are the odds?

8. Sunburn + Aloe Moisturizer + Ceiling Fan = Good Sleep.

9. Driving home on Highway 70 instead of the interstate. We had talked about doing it before and were in no kind of hurry, so we put the Elizabethtown soundtrack on and drove through country roads and small towns. It was nice.

10. Arriving to watch the fireworks on the 4th just in time to see everyone applaud, pack up their stuff and head towards their cars. At least we were the first ones out and beat the traffic.

the communion of prodigals

This morning two members of our congregation were baptized during our worship service. They are a nice couple, probably in their mid 50's, who have attended church for a long time. Last Sunday, they made the descision that they wanted to heed Christ's command, publically proclaim their faith, and be baptized.

While the communion trays were being passed up and down the rows, I was standing on stage playing something soft on the guitar. In the stillness of that moment, I looked to my left and saw something sacred; something holy. From where I was standing I could see the couple back-stage, dressed in their white robes, taking communion together...seconds before they were to be baptized.

I saw their eyes close and their brows furrow. I saw their lips move and their hands tightly hold the plastic cups of juice, as though their very lives depended on it . I saw Brian (our Senior Minsiter) standing with them, waiting patiently as that moment seem to go on forever.

I saw two people deeply in love with God; two people communing with Him through the body and the blood of His Son and their Christ. I saw two people who knew the gravity of their sin and the abundance of God's grace. I saw the communion of two prodigals.

And in witnessing that sacred event, I realized something. See, the knock on those of us who take communion every week is that, in doing so, we take something that should be holy and special, and make it routine and mundane. And the truth is, that is an accurate criticism. I agree.

But the difference is that I don't believe the only remedy is to hide our crackers and juice under lock and key 50 weeks out of the year, so that the two weeks we do allow our member to partake in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection through the physical and sensual act of communion, then become that much more meaningful.

No, I don't think the problem is that our crackers and juice are too readily available. I think the issue goes much deeper than that.

We are prodigals. Everyone of us. And it is time to return. It doesn't just happen once and then become something we grow out of and look back on. Read the story again. Enter into it. See the way the father sprints toward his broken son. That is you and that is me. Filthy, defiled and unworthy of His embrace. Yet, before we can utter our words of apology, his forgiveness washes over us like a waterfall. Because we are His and He loves us. That ought never become just a nice story we read to our Sunday Schoolers. No. That should be a picture of our every morning, our every evening...of our every waking day.

The problem is that we move too quickly, and we think too highly of ourselves. We miss the blessing of communion because we make the act of it a chore. It ceases to be something we need and becomes something we do. And so we do it, because that is what good boys and good girls do. We mindlessly bow our heads and close our eyes for a few moments every Sunday, just like everybody else, because that is how it works.

But today I caught a glimpse of something better. In the blushed faces of two people, dressed in white, holding a thimble full of grape-juice and a cracker the size of my pinky nail, I caught a glimpse of a better way.

I caught a glimpse of grace.

hank hill and the mega-church

This clip from King of the Hill is hilarious and uncomfortably accurate. That Hank Hill knows about a heck of a lot more than just propane. Enjoy.

the question of laments

Many people today (musicians, worship leaders, authors, theologians, etc.) believe that every church needs to practice and embrace the act of lamenting as a part of its regular worship service.

In case you are unfamiliar with that word, here is dictionary.com's definition:

La - ment:
1. To express grief for or about; mourn: lament a death.
2. To grieve audibly; wail.
3. To express sorrow or regret.
4. A feeling or an expression of grief; a lamentation.
5. A song or poem expressing deep grief or mourning

(The last two are probably the best definitions for what we are talking about here.)

Now the reason why they believe this is simple: the Bible contains many laments. Most notably in the Psalms, Job, and Lamentations (I know, that last one's hard to believe). So if God's people sang them back then, shouldn't God's people sing them today? We certainly have much to lament about in this day and age. And if the world around us is so dark and fallen, then why are our church songs all so happy and in major key? And with this being true, how can the church be anything but delusional and out-of-touch? Thus, songs of lament are necessary for the balanced worship of any congregation.

That is thought process as I have seen/read/heard/ it laid out to me. But I am still not convinced it is necessary to write or lead congregational songs of lament. Good, appropriate, beneficial...okay. But necessary? I don't know. And the people who are saying this are people that I greatly respect and look up to. My friend Greg blogged about this over a year ago (if you want to read it, click his name and scroll down to Friday June 3, 2005 The Lost Art of Lament...it is a short post, but the discussion among the 25 or so comments is definately worth a glance).

The reason it is on my mind today is that I am reading Inside-Out Worship by Matt Redman and Friends. And the last three chapters I have read (written by Tim Hughes, Beth Redman and Sally Morgenthaler) have all been about this very subject.

They are all convinced. I am not there yet. I'm open to it. And I'm definately interested in thinking and reading and talking more about it. But I am not yet ready to say that it is something we have to do with our congregations in order to be biblical, balanced, relevant, healthy or honest. It may well be. I just don't know.

But I would love to hear your thoughts on it?

my name is asher lev

Read this book.

Seriously.

Click the on the picture and buy it off of Amazon. Or go to your nearest Barnes & Noble. Or find Mark Nelson and borrow one of his many, many copies. But some how get your hands on this book and read it. Soon.

In the last two years, I have had many friends tell me I should read it. So it has been on my 'to read' list for awhile now. A couple weeks ago, while killing time at our nearest Barnes & Noble before seeing Lucky Number Sleven (which is a good movie, on a totally unrelated side-note), my friend Nick picked it up and said, "Have you read this? You really need to. It is amazing."

Well, that was the final nail that broke the camel's back. Or the final straw that made like a tree and got outta here. Or...something like that.

It is about a young Hasidic Jewish boy (named Asher Lev...go figure) who is born with an unparalleled ability to draw. A gift from God. A gift Asher is completely unable to supress. The book chronicles his journey from a 5 year old, whose father tells him to stop wasting his time with paper and pencils to a troubled twentysomething outcast by his family and religious community.

It is the story of passion threatening tradition. Art befuddling the religious.

It is the story of new wine breaking old wine skins.

Here are few excepts:

"He runs a great risk in becoming a member of a large society, for large bodies tend toward the leveling of individuality to a common consent, the forming and adherence to a creed."

"...every great artist is a man who has freed himself from his family, his nation, his race. Every man who has shown the world the way to beauty, to true culture, has been a rebel, a 'universal' without patriotism, without home, who has found his people everywhere."

"The artist should have a powerful will. He should be powerfully possessed by one idea. He should be intoxicated with the idea of the thing he wants to express."

Asher's own inner torment:

"Be a great painter, Asher Lev; that will bet the only justification for all the pain you will cause. But as a great painter I will cause pain again if I must. Then become a greater painter. But I will cause pain again. Then become a still greater painter. Master of the Universe, will I live this way the rest of my life? Yes, came the whisper from the branches of the trees. Now, journey with me, my Asher. Paint the anguish of all the world. Let people see the pain. But create your own molds and your own play of forms for the pain. We must give balance to the world."

Seriously. Go read it.