Worst Worship Ever

I don't know where to even go with this theologically. All I know is this was planned. Otherwise how would they know what to play? I say we take our socks off on Sunday too...uh, nevermind.

The Slap Chop Rap

Nice!

Book Review: The Unlikely Disciple

I have just finished what I believe is a masterful look at the Christian faith by someone who is not a Christian. The book, The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose, began as an experiment. Roose would use his second semester Sophomore year as many did, studying abroad. Only his "abroad" was still in the United States.

Roose develops a plan to visit Liberty University, run by then President, Jerry Falwell as a student. He takes classes in Old and New Testament, Creation Studies, Theology, Evangelism 101, and participates in prayer groups, the church choir, and convocation every day. This is a far cry from his real Alma Mater, Brown University known for their partying image and loose morals within some circles (as he points out himself in his book).

Roose is curious about students of a Christian college. What do they learn? Do they date? Do they use Facebook? (a lot according to the references in the book) And are the students and Roose really all that different?

I recommend this book. I learned a lot about other people. I mean, I always knew the "unsaved" weren't much different than those who are saved...we're all battling daily different things. I learned that skepticism can be overcome by being a decent human being. As far as salvation goes, Roose ends up respecting the faith and morality on campus and comes near to giving his own life for Christ...I really prayed it would end up that way, anyway. He's a great writer and had me thinking he might by the last page.

In all, Roose still prays for people in tough situations, reads every now and then from his Bible, and still chats with his LU friends. I like one of the things he ends with,

"I found the distance separating my two worlds all but collapsed. Having thrown off the yoke of exaggeration and half truth, I was now free to be the same guy--the exact same guy--when talking to my Liberty friends and my Brown friends alike [...] the people at Liberty were almost completely unfazed. They saw me for who I am, and even though I'm sure they're not completely happy with it--I'm guessing they'd like me to curse less and pray more--they didn't seem altogether shocked or dispmayed that I was living on my own terms, at my own pace." (pg. 314)

We as followers of Jesus need to remember that we stand for truth, but need to extend grace and mercy and kindness to those who haven't arrived at the point we're at yet. Those who haven't accepted Jesus yet aren't disgusting people, they are sinners, like us, at a different phase in their journey. Support them in their success. Pray with them in their failure. Never abandon. The on campus pastor makes a great point about prayer from Oswald Chambers: "it is not so true that prayer changes things as that prayer changes me and I change things."

I won't spoil the book. I think it is a must read for anyone seeking to reach their world for Jesus. There is some minor offensive language, mostly by Liberty students (irony of all ironies). Read about visiting lecturers Dr. Gary Chapman, Karl Rove, and Sean Hannity. His friendships and the Christian girl Anna he falls in love with but doesn't want to hurt with his secret. Read about his exclusive interview with Jerry Falwell, the response on campus to the Virginia Tech shooting, and the response on campus when Falwell passes away a few days before graduation.

Ultimately Kevin is one of the classiest people from the words he chooses and how he describes his time at Liberty. If we all were able to muster that the world would be a better place and maybe even more people would find us Jesus freaks more irresistible.

Bravo, Kevin. I was hooked from page one. His website is www.kevinroose.com

Here's the YouTube video that got me interested:

Counterfeit Religion

I am really impressed with what Terry Rush said this morning on his blog. Here's a portion and I urge you to read the whole thing if you have time.

I'm bugged, bothered, and frustrated that a strong portion of mankind has bailed on God as if He did something wrong. Much of the peeling away from Him, in reality, has nothing to do with Him yet He is the One who gets hurt in the process.

Man has built stubborn defenses against spirituality in general because of counterfeits. This is the distant roar from the anti-church people. God has been banned from homes, offices, and schools because of counterfeits...

Counterfeit money is everywhere, yet I've never met one person who balks against the use of money...

Why won't people treat God with the same mercy?

Amen...I would add the question, if people think they are morally higher than those of us who make mistakes but are genuine in our faith, won't they treat us with this mercy as well? No one has it perfect, but if we are doing our honest best, why should we be abandoned in the process.

Read the rest of this great article HERE.

Michael Jordan - Hall Of Famer

In his first year of eligibility, Michael Jordan is selected to the Hall of Fame.

No Mo' Breakfast

This sounds like a camp song to me. Faith Quest? I just can't figure out why the woman is up there. Is she actually singing?

God Save Trinity

My friend Kevin rushed his daughter Trinity to the ER last night. She slipped into a coma for unknown reasons. The doctors still don't know why.

They have removed a lot of acidity from her system. She is in critical condition, but nearing "stable". Eyes are opening, limbs moving, but not conscious. Please pray for Kevin, Sarah, and their kids.

He is updating her condition on this blog: www.GodSaveTrinity.blogspot.com

Jay Cutler A Chicago Bear

So I don't usually have a lot to say about Da Bears other than, "Go Bears!" or "Devin Hester is amazing". It isn't everyday that the Bears compete for a franchise, Pro Bowl player like they did this week. The Bears traded for QB Jay Cutler of the Denver Broncos.

I was stunned. I don't think the Bears have had a quarterback of this caliber in decades. I could argue for Jim McMahon who was an amazing QB in the 80's, but he wasn't extraordinary and wouldn't have done as well without all the great players he had around him at the time.

I am not sure how I feel about what the Bears gave up. Kyle Orton was a great QB, but probably was only a great backup and not meant to be the starter. They also gave up their first and third round picks of this year's draft as well as next year's first round pick. The fear is that Cutler will fall apart and not perform at the level he did last year. Time will tell. To say I am not excited would not be the truth. I think we have finally figured out what it takes to compete in the NFL.

Jesus Pwn3d U!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Jesus Pwn3d U - barats and bereta

Rock Star Youth Pastor

What you do as a youth minister may not be flashy. But it is holy, pure, and exactly what your students need. Don't throw out the word of God just to be postmodern, cool, or flashy.


Ignatius from travis hawkins on Vimeo.

(ht to Josh Griffin)

Pirates vs. Ninjas

Only one of many reasons why Pirates beat Ninjas. Ninjas don't have a metal band as awesome as Alestorm...and yes I have heard Pentavia...weak. 'Nuff Said....or should I say 'Nuff Rocked?!



Alestorm rocks!

Flower Of Scotland

If this doesn't invoke some kind of patriotism toward your country, I don't know what else could. I wish we sang ours this loud and proud at our games.



Man, that was loud!

(ht to Patrick Mead)

Bizkit the Sleepwalking Dog

Bologna and Bacon

How Would You Treat Someone In Need?

And I don't mean someone who needs a few bucks or some groceries. But this minister did something to see how his church would react to a drunk man stumbling through the church parking lot.

Read the story, and see the video HERE.

I have experienced unusual people coming into a church before, even drunk people and crazy homeless people, and have never seen it handled well. This was brave and bold for him to try. He could have been massively disappointed. But, as I often thought, people are more compassionate than we tend to give them credit for. Sure there are lots of times we don't do what is right, but overall, I know that God's people are people we can be proud of. Let's not give up on the bride of Christ.

Tithe Rap

2 Thessalonians 3:16

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation..."

Texting In Youth Ministry

Here is a great article on texting I read today. I think it tells us a lot about this generation growing up in our youth groups. This is also very important for how to best communicate with our teens in our youth groups.
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You don’t have to have a degree in Youth Ministry to realize that our students are more connected than any generation before them. With that being said I, like most of you I’m sure, am always looking for better ways to communicate with my students.

Tim Elmore and Growing Leaders recently conducted a focus group of 16-24 year olds and asked them how they wanted to receive information from us. Here are the top 8 answers:

1. Text messaging
2. Internet (i.e. MySpace or Facebook)
3. iPods and Podcasts
4. Instant messaging
5. Cell phone
6. DVD/CD
7. Books
8. Email

I want you to notice a few things about this list. First, note that email is last on the list. One student described email as “a way to communicate with older people.” Second, with one exception, this list moves from more personal to less personal in nature. They want something customized not generic if they’re going to pay attention. Third, and most importantly, these students prefer a “screen” for six out of their top eight favorite methods of communication.

The fact that text messaging landed at number one on the list tells us a lot about students today. Bear with me as I venture some observations about why text messages are the preferred method of communication:

1. Text messages represent very current communication.
More so than voicemails, a text means I need to interact now about something relevant to you.

2. Text messages are generally sent from someone you know.
Unlike phones, you generally don’t get a “wrong number” or generic call on a text message.

3. Text messages are brief and to the point.
The person texting doesn’t waste words; in fact, they usually abbreviate the message.

4. Text messaging is in your control. The receiver can stop when they want to.
This kind of control is attractive to students today. They want communication on their terms.

Students today are inundated with messages, from every side. I believe they’re most likely to respond to a text message because it allows them fast, current, relevant communication with friends–but at a safe distance. They like intimacy without a lot of vulnerability.

How can we leverage this information to be more effective in reaching this generation?

Here is one way youth ministries are using text messages in their ministries: Simply TXT



(ht to Josh Griffin here and here)

Monday Morning Update

The weekend was: Wonderful. Great worship Sunday. Started some new stuff for the teens.

Where I am at the moment: Resting in the peace of God.

On my to-do list this week: Exodus curriculum for this quarter, curriculum finalized for production.

Goals: Stay focused...quit thinking about politics and news for a while.

Procrastinating about: Application...I don't know if I will meet the deadline...its a lot of work and I don't know if I want to do it now. My curriculum needs to be finished so I can get some produced to sell.

Books I’m in the midst of: The Great Omission by Dallas Willard. Breakthrough by Suzanne Somers.

Music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: "Magic" and "The Sweetest Love" by Robin Thicke, "Every Knee Should Bow" by Jennifer Davis (I finalized this arrangement finally), "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat

Movies I watched and what I thought: The Mist is a dumb movie. I don't know why I fall for horror movies. They look really good until I watch them. It was captivating until you find out what is in the mist and then it is just another cheezy sci-fi movie. Robocop 2 was just how I remembered. Not as good as the first one and lots of weak 80's CGI which is basic stop motion camera work...and you can tell it is.

Next project: Finish Exodus and finalize my curriculum to get produced.

How I’m feeling about this week: Still trying to focus on being a better dad. I am leaning heavily on Jesus right now. Ready to try to get to know my teens better.

Winter Retreat 2009

Some of you are probably wondering and asking yourself about how Winter Retreat went for us. Here are some photos Ben Cook (Oregon City youth dude) collected from people for your viewing pleasure.

Winter Retreat 2009

It was a great retreat and the 6 of us had an awesome time together. We are all pumped and on fire now, so no more slacking! Seriously though, I am blessed. I spent a weekend with 5 teens that saved me seats so I could sit with them, told me they loved me, and called me the best youth minister ever.

Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot.