How to know if know you're appreciated . . .

I got this present for pastor appreciation month . . .

Unbelievable Outreach Strategy

Be sure to read the testimonials.

Wildfires in Southern California

I have some friends in Southern California who are close to the wildfires, and are experiencing their effects. Here is a post from a friend's blog about their experience and some pictures: click me.

Let's remember to pray for those in need and those in danger and those who are Christ's hands and feet to those people.

Most Americans take Bible Stories Literally

Interestingly, over 2/3 of Americans take many bible stories literally . . .

the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Moses’ parting of the Red Sea
Peter walking on water
God creating the universe in six days
Daniel surviving his time in the lion’s den
David killing Goliath with stones and a sling shot

Original article from the Barna Group.

I'm not sure how that translates into the faith of 2/3 of the American population . . .

Excellent Book

I have been reading a book with our staff team, that has made me pump my fist in excitement and exclamation more than anything I have read for a long time. It is called Evangelism after Christendom: The Theology and Practice of Christian Witness by Bryan Stone. I am only about a third of the way through the book, but I have enjoyed the historical look at Jesus and his teachings combined with a church-focused imperative for missions. So far it has challenged many of our current notions of success, and questioning our current evangelistic strategies, as well as drawing us back to a realistic dependence on Jesus' teachings as our mission defined. We've also had some powerful discussions that are leading the way to greater actions as a church community. Be warned, it is not for theologically the faint of heart - it is a very slow read, but a very fulfilling one if you can hack it.

exerpt . . .
Because of the new order present in Jesus and because of the social, political, and subversive dimensions of that new order, "believing in Jesus" is not a private mental assent to a set of propositions about his nature, an individual experience of his person, or a legalistic performance of his teachings. Apostolic evangelism is an invitation to be formed socially by the Holy Spirit into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through incorporation into his body. Anything less can never be a full "offer" of Christ.

when the world comes together

check this out, I found it posted on a blog talking about how the people in the world "get" the kingdom of God even if they don't "believe" in it. . .

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et994A6chtM]

Where the World is in Pain . . .

I spoke on justice this past week at The Revolution. Here's a good example of kinds of injustices we as the people of God should find ways to stand against: thousands slaughtered

RADIOHEAD without a label . . .

Maybe I'm the last one to hear about this, but yesterday I heard on NPR about Radiohead selling their next album on their website without a record label. Since bands don't make a ton of money on albums anyway, Radiohead, it seems, has decided to cut out the record company all together. They're offering their album for whatever price you want to pay for it off of their own website. Here's the address if you want to pre-order a copy: click me

I always like to see someone sticking it to the man, and this is a bold (but very smart) move for a band that has had it's last few albums on the Billboards.

I've ranted on and on about this before, but back in the day that is how Keith Green (top Christian recording artist in the 70s) sold his music - pay whatever you can or whatever you want. The recording labels and the Christian Bookstores were pissed because he was one of the most popular musicians of the time. They put alot of pressure on him to "do it like everyone else" was doing - selling it at bookstores for a predetermined amount of money. But he felt that he should just sell it for whatever someone could pay, or give it away. Too bad more Christian musicians today don't see their music as a ministry and a service in the same way.

good blog

If you're looking for a good, sarcastic, thoughtful, blog about American Christian culture and much of it's absurdity, you should check this one out: Letters From Kamp Krusty