100th Post... Christian Skate Night

It's hard to believe I've already made 100 posts here at TTSM. I'm pretty sure Christian Skate Night is NOT worthy of such a note worthy post. Oh Well.

Tonight I was flip'n the wax as the DJ / MC / group leader for our church's annual all family skate night. Two hours of quality "christian only" music mostly done in the normal skating direction. Red Light Green Light, A Glo Skate, and a "Friend" Skate all were included. We played most of the christian skate night hits like Newsboy's "Shine" and Audio A's "Big House" but I somehow got to Cal Skate GT (our local rink) with out a copy of this. I think that qualifies as one of my most embarassing moments ever. Shame on Cal Skate for not having their own copy. We survived and a bunch of kids and students are that much closer to paying for summer camp. (Does anyone else minister in this kind of christian culture ghetto?) Thanks to all who were there. I'll try to make an anouncement here on TTSM if and when we do it again. All you locals can come out and get your groove on to "Jesus is still alright".

Also, the DJ from the rink, who specializes in "Christian Nights" did Bible Trivia all night and actually gave me this tract...

It's a zero $ bill because zero is the number of God's laws you can break if you are trying to get to heaven on your own. Like JDF, I hate it when the gospel gets reduced to a gimmick, but even if that's your gig... It's probably a safe assumption that the youth pastor heading up the "christian skate night" has already prayed the prayer. Save your bills for someone else.

Jesus Junk Award Nomination

Keep the hope Alive!

Zero Tolerance... for touching.

I remember the first time I watched Bill Cosby: Himself, the 1983 VHS edition. I laughed out loud at his outlandish comments. He tells a lot of great stories about his folks and then his own experiences as a dad. At one point, he recalls yelling at his kids in the car, on a long trip, in which they have been touching each other. "NO ONE IN THIS FAMILY IS TOO EVER TOUCH ANYON ELSE IN THIS FAMILY AGAIN! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" Hilarious!

It seems some school in Virginia thought this would make good student policy.

I'm curious what my educator friends think about this. Seems crazy to me.

Is God Green?

So I missed the broadcast. Today I came across this PBS transcript from Moyers on America. It speaks of the enviromental debate happening in evangelical circles right now.
I'll be honest. I grew up listening to Rush Limbaugh. To this day I don't recycle. I still sometimes shop at Wal Mart. And I buy Folgers coffee. I'm not sure I still have any readers at this point but I will continue.
I think the earth is getting warmer. I'm not sure if this is because of the earth's cyclical condition or because of mankind's carelessness. I netflixed Al Gore's video. I thought the scissor lift demonstration was impresive. I'm still not convinced. I do think we are using too many fossil fuels. But I want the price of gas to go down. I must admit, as much as I believe the Genesis phrase "dominion" translates better as a call to responsibility and not an excuse for abuse, I'm just not real passionate about the political cause. I probably should be, but I'm not. I don't understand how people can be against the cause though. I know there are some complexities when it comes to jobs, the economy, price of energy, etc. But seriously, Who's against planting trees and recyling? Why is it a bad thing for the NAE to address some issues outside of abortion and homosexuality? Why can't Jame Dobson get behind this... for my family's sake?

Your thoughts?

I look like Orlando Bloom...only more sexy!

I see Irony...

Everywhere!... I see irony. It is one of my spiritual gifts. My wife and I are reading Conspiracy of Kindness, a refreshing new approach to sharing the love of Jesus by Steve Sjogren. Our copy has a big red marketing sticker declaring that this is the 10 year anniversary edition. I get a little peeved when books change their names so I'm glad Regal hasn't changed the title yet. Just wondering... How many years does it take before something is no longer " a refreshing new approach"?

This is like the one pound Cheez it box that says "Family Size" on the front and "Get your own box" on the back. Which one is true? I welcome ironic, or even oxy moronic, comments.

"I-bot-a-hon-da-I-should-a-bot-a-yah-ma-ha"

Today's post has nothing to do with my lack of interest in motor cross, but it is a suggested theme for some Jesus Junk I was re-introduced to through my friend Dan.

I spent the past week at the 2007 Fellowship of Christian Assmeblies International Conference at Church for All Nations in Tacoma, WA. Not the coolest conference you could go to, but a breath of fresh air into my spirit. The theme was Live a Legacy, Leave a Legacy... and I am so thankful for the history, and legacy, and traditions, that have brought me to the place I am. I was moved by Bishop Joseph Garlington's message from the Emmaus road ( a re occuring theme in my devotinal life as well as a major launch point for the BLC retreat I did around Easter). "Dance with the one who brung you" was his application point. I get so tired of christians being wierd...especially petecostals. Like who thinks it's a good idea to print "tongue phrases" on a white t and then sale them for $50!?! I get just as fed up with the guys on TV that claim Jesus wants everybody to be healthy and wealthy. Casey Treat and Bishop Garlington, speakers at the conference, I'm sure are friends with those guys, but I did appreciate their balanced perspective and approach, at least at this conference. Somehow I left this conference realizing these weird people are my brothers and sisters, some of them are spiritual fathers and mothers, and for that...I'm happy to be connected to these weirdos!

I remember sitting in a room with Brian Mc Laren and hearing him say something to the effect of "there is nothing wrong with charasmatics, they're just like 4th graders". Like "they have a good foundation they just haven't learned the 6th grade curriculum yet." I know it wasn't his intention, but I strangely felt he was saying he was better than me. I have found heart harmony with Mc Laren and other emerging authors like Tony Jones and Len Sweet. I've been capivated by the writings of folks like Mc Manus, Bell, Nouwen, Willard. I have found friendship and grace among those in the "emerging conversations", and I have yet to meet someone who is really for moral realivitism. Many of my friends have found wholeness, peace and rest in more orthodox mainline churches. I look at the freedom, resources, and tools available to church planters in other traditions, and all of these things lead me to ask the question... "Why am I serving in the church I grew up in?" Perhaps I should not only jump ship, but like Cortez... burn the ships so I don't ever go back.

And then I spend this week at this conference. There were alot of other young people there. Granted, most of them are related to someone on the national board, but there were alot of other young people there. There was a diversity of races at these meetings. Workshops were directed at politics, cultural events, and some were specificaly focused to youth workers. Issues such as race, justice, and the excessiveness of word faith teaching were at least addressed, albeit much differently than I would have liked to seen. These are good signs. It seems like this old white gentleman's club is at least looking for a different horse than the dead one they are riding. I feel hopeful that this purposefully unorganized and non authoritive organization is moving through some exciting changes. I am hopeful that this fellowship of automous churches would begin working together to plant many new autonomous churches. I am hopefully that there will be enough grace extended to emerging thinkers like myself that the "young fellowship ministers" don't feel compelled to become Baptists or Vineyarders or Presbyters. Maybe I'll start a new group... "The Reformed FCA" or "FCA village" or maybe some cool name like "FOUTH WAVE". Maybe not. For now I am content to dance with the one who brung me. This sometimes confused "post-charasmatic" is hopeful. I am thankful to recieve a legacy of purity, faithfulness, and mystery. And I am committed to leaving a similair legacy that leaves more room for inclusion, education, diversity, disciplines, and mystery.

I think I'm going to download that old Petra song... "Dance with the one you know who got you there, Dance - with the one who brung ya, Don't change hats. You know which one you wear!" Does anyone still have the "Unseen Power" cassette?

Cobalt Season releases a new album...

Check it out here.

I spy a Gideon...with out a tie.

Friday was the California State Gideon's International Convention Pastor's Appreciation Banquet. This really is a cool thing the Gideons do at all their conventions and I've had the privilege of attending at the local, state, and national levels. It always involves a catered meal for both my wife and I. So I arrange for a sitter and make it a hot date. In all honesty there's this sweet old guy named Ray who always invites us and I just can't tell him no. My wife and I are always by far the youngest people there. It is also always an adventure in Christian sub culture. Friday night, my wife somehow got to the hotel with two left shoes. So we headed to San Berdoo's fabulous Carousel Mall (worth an entire post in itself) to search out a new pair of matching shoes. This caused us to be about 30 minutes late, and the Gideon's always start on time. Our hosts were so gracious in getting us a seat, but everyone at our table had already eaten. This set off a whole situation comedy as the other 6 people at our table communicated to the help; "These two haven't eaten", "Those two right there, they need plates", "I already told them! It should be here by now", "I'm sorry you're waiting so long...I told them you needed plates", "Can we get plates for these two?", "Who's in charge here?", "I would prefer decaf", "Does she have a dessert?", "Excuse me, they haven't eaten". It was hillarious and mildly embarassing. Makes me wonder if Christians are the service industry's worst nightmare. I'm pretty sure the wait staff was not leaving the hall talking about the graciousness of these Christ followers. Gideons are so quirky. After almost three decades of hearing Gideon presentations I'm still not sure what qualifies you as a "Christian business or professional man". Also the whole "MAN" part is a little freaky to me. The way they seemingly disciminate against women, hold the King James Versions in such high esteem, and become strangely territorial about their camps are all reasons for suspicion in my book. But despite these suspicions, I have a hard time not celebrating an orgaization that works so diligently to distribute scripture. Did I share that they usually only give away half the Bible (a testament), and that what they call "the plan of salvation" fits on two testament sized pages? Despite these additional frustrations I love these guys! They "get" the whole narrative concept... and I love to hear Gideon testimonies, when they don't put me to sleep. This last bash was so refreshing and fun because the speaker was captivating and entertaining. I found out the Gideon's were working hard to change the image of the old school boring Gideon presentations, and were actually doing some training intensives to make sure they were "on their game". Big news... they are now printing some testaments in the NKJV! Also found out some old friends of ours are part of the state leadership. She is the state president of the Gideon Auxillary (where Gideon's send their wives to pray for them and not teach men). All right I'm taking my tongue out of my cheek. Sounds like the Gideon's are getting a little bit progressive. If this wasn't enough we had the State V.P. at out church this morning for a 10 minute presentation (Thank God, they don't get the whole sermon time anymore). During our contemporary service he took off his jacket and tie! A Gideon with no tie, holding a NKJV, and nobody fell asleep, it was a beautiful morning! Why doesn't everyone go here and make a donation just because you're thinking of me?! May God Bless the Gideon's International!

Me and Los writing about the same stuff...

So there's this guy, who leads worship at this church, that is way cooler than me. What do you mean the guy or the church? Yes...they're both way cooler than me.

But he wrote this...

And I wrote this...

Makes me feel way cool! But then says cool isn't important.

My Relevant Secret...

I have a confession to make. My name is Topher and I'm addicted to Relevant. Relevant Magazine (both online and in print) has got to be the coolest thing to come out of Christian sub culture in a long time. I know Cameron Strang (founder and CEO of Relevant Media Group) would be mildly disgusted that I just identified his fine culturally sensitive publishing as part of Christian sub culture, especially since this culture has rejected so much of what he's behind and doing (When Barnes and Noble wants to pick up your books before Berean you must be doing something right!). The whole organization brings up lots of thoughts and issues to me.

Why is our Christian subculture so censored and vanilla-ized (we try to make everything the same... and it's good, just a little boring, needs chocalate and nuts). Makes me think of my friend Paul who has self published two great books but has not yet found effective distribution, largely I believe, because our christian market is not quite ready for such frank material. He deals with sexual addiction in one book and then the false hope of prosperity teaching in the next. Great books, just plenty of room to offend some folks.

Another thought... Would Cameron Strang have been able to develop such a subversive "media group" if he was not a Strang? If this name is not ringing a bell to you, his dad Stephen is founder and CEO of Charisma magazine and ministry. I'm sure he would have. However, his success, at least in the christian market, has to be partly because of daddy's success, stability, and support. This flys right inline with what I believe is happening as older traditional churches begin to plant new and different churches. Why would a church be the financial backing and suppourt of a church they don't totally agree with? Because they know and believe in and even trust people like Cameron Strang. I want everybody I know to be a Cameron Strang. The bridges from this place to the next. You feelin me?

Back to my confession... Relevantmagazine.com is not only my hopepage, but I check the slices all day. The articles often become illustrations for sermons. And many of the user submittted pieces inspire me (maybe one day I'll be an author on relevant... tear tear). Since the relevant store is moving, I have totally depleted all my family's flex money. I just have to get more free stickers and CD's! What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good deal; and now I need a new book shelf.

All confessions aside, today I read this. Deals with many questions I catch myself asking. Hugely biased self serving opinion coming soon... These are the questions I hope to be discussing more and have already been discussing at book club. Are you ready for it... How do we teach our kids about faith? almost... Do we have to take them through this detour path we all seemed to go on or is there a way that's more direct? (I can already hear the comment of JDF praising the orthodox reformed ideas of a Presbytery) just a few more lines... Maybe we should keep our kids out of church and let them decide for themselves. WATCH OUT! That has got to be the dumbest idea I've ever heard of! Isn't giving our kids something, albeit full of faults and imperfections, better than nothing? Let's take our kids along side us on our journey. Let's allow them to go at least as far as we have. Let's allow them to see and experience our faith in a honest and joyful manner. And then... lets allow them to doubt and question. Let's give them good tools to process through these things. Let's allow them to have a "crisis of faith" while they are in our home and even in our church. Let's love them through it and in it and together, may we find Truth.

I think this is officially my second rant. Sorry it took me a while to get there but the pit stops were worthwhile. Thanks for coming this far. Peace.

either/or/and... yep!

So I remember when I first started as a youth pastor, just a couple months into the adventure. This lady calls the church I was serving at that time and asks me, what is your stand regarding dating? I told her I was in a fairly serious relationship, and wasn't interested in seeing anyone else. No, no, no, she explained. Which do you teach at your church, dating or courtship? Not knowing that there had been a new book cannonized to scripture titled IKDGB by the then famous prophet Joshua Harris, I said "Neither really, we teach students to honor God and to honor their parents". I explained that we had quite the diversity of students in our ministry. I explained that I felt my calling was to be a coach and partner and whatever they labeled the process they used for trying to find that special someone, I would encourage them to do it in a God honoring, self respecting, obeying mom and dad kinda way. This lady went balistic! "SO YOU DON'T TEACH COURTSHIP!" We will not be visiting your church! click.
I was stunned!

(It is interesting that the youth pastor who came in after me did a whole series on Josh Harris' book. If "that lady" had only visited then she could have had her cake and eaten it too!)

I was remembering this story last night following our weekly youth ministry meeting. You see, I have at least eight guys in our group right now that are home schooled and then there's this other group of students who are only eighth graders and they've already been expelled from our local school district. Yet when we came together and worshiped together, did some crazy role playing about "gentleness", explored some ancient stories about a guy named moses, and ended praying with one another... we were one "group". You could call us... a community! I invited the students to come this afternoon and assist me in bus graffitti removal (if anyone is wondering "spot shot" carpet cleaner works great for removing the spray paint with out affecting the original paint). I fully intend to have a strong response from both "tribes" of boys. It brings real joy to my heart that our group is not some homogenius, vanilla only, boring club. Yet, even in my current place of ministry I see so many silly discussions that seperate the so called body of Christ. Home school/ public school, liberal/conservative, never ever drink/ occasionally responsibly drink, tradition/contemporary, modern/postmodern, ford/chevy, caff/decaff/ half caff, you get the picture! And these are just with in our church! Include believers from other churches and boy can we have some disagreements! It breaks my heart, when people who love Jesus, miss loving others, over small, silly things.

It just seems that in our efforts to be holy, some have got really stuck on the need to be right!

In my church now I know of one family that has their youngest kid in christian private school. Their oldest boy is in ASB at the public High School. Their middle schooler also goes to public school, but their daughter, who used to be home schooled, now attends non religous, private school. Could their be a different "right" educational path for different people? Yep!

Their is one pastor at our church, who drives a big gas guzzling Chevy Suburban. His wife drives a Toyota Prius and commutes to the OC every day (makes me laugh every time I pass their drive way). They also have four kids! Is it possible, that for some people, both the Prius and the Suburban could be enviromentally responsible choices? Yep!

On any given Sunday morning in our church, you are just as likely to hear the old hymnn, "How great Thou Art", as you are to hear the popular Chris Tomlin song, "How great is our God". Is it possible that guitars, piano, drums, dj mixers, silence, raising hands, kneeling, choregraphed praise, flutes, trumpets, lyres, tamburines, and spoken word are all "right" ways to worship? Yep!

This week, I watched as many as you did, the "Madame Speaker" and Vice President "seesaw" back and forth as they sat or stood during the President's State of the Union address. (I am not familliar with how either of them practice faith, but I do know people who love Jesus from both parties). Is it possible that folks could be voting republican, and others democrat because they want to apply biblical principles when they vote? Yep!

I notice this post is getting rather long, so even though I could continue, I will stop. I'm doubtful many made it this far. May we not only remember, but also live out, the Augustine maxim...

"In the essentials, unity;. in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."