The Mission Place

Remembrance of Morning Rituals

2011-07-17T09:16:00.001-06:00

For many years my "summer office" was filled with the relaxing sounds of water moving and trickling, the songs of an aviary's chorus of birds, gentle breezes carrying the fragrance of honeysuckle, roses, hints of herbs and fresh grass. All this enlivened by the alluring warmth of the morning sun. All this was at my disposal; not in some mountain get away, not a pilgrimage to secluded monastery, nor to a luxurious vacation get away.

Just my backyard.

For the past few weeks I have been coming to this place again. A small table, cheap white plastic chairs. A cup of coffee. At the back porch of my abnormally plain suburban home.

While I sit sipping coffee, I read through the Bible, write out some hopes and fears and "recreational theology", acknowledge that God is hearing everything as my prayer. God "hears" my choice of location, my posture, my awareness of what surrounds me, and my thoughts. God hears what I am doing, thinking, and seeing.

One of the thoughts that keeps coming back is one of remembrance and loss. Now I attend this little sacred getaway most mornings each week. It used to be nearly everyday. I used to enjoy this as my "summer office" for hours at a time, now for only minutes. My work office is elsewhere behind walls and a narrow window through which no fragrances nor breezes pass. So I grieve the loss of my summer office, remember the goodness of it and perform this daily ritual of prayer and hope.
Sent from my Blackberry, in other words, I'm out and about wandering in the wild world...

Fram Wisdom

2011-07-04T12:45:00.009-06:00

“You Can Pay Me Now, or You Can Pay Me Later”

There’s s a certain bit of irony: thinking intently about the importance of certain actions when you have no intention of actually doing them. Like watching a gourmet cooking show while eating fast food; watching the PX90 infomercial while in the midst of junk food splendor. There are always commercials we watch advertising certain important actions. Often we are about as likely to heed their call as we are to sprout wings.

Specifically? I’m thinking about weekend television I watched as a kid. I remember watching baseball, basketball, NFL, occasionally NHL, and “spanning the globe…the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat…Wide World of Sports.” On weekends, that’s when you would have the opportunity to get: a) lots of chores done; or b) watch a lot of sports. And for the most part choice a) and choice b) were mutually exclusive. Usually choice b) wins.

With marketing to men during sports programming, I remember the classic Fram oil filter commercials with the tag line, “you can pay me now or you can pay me later.” What struck me as odd or ironic was that there were these guys on the TV telling us to do some simple maintenance on our cars, but we were watching TV sports and we not likely to get up off the couch. Sure, we might have some fresh oil and some filters out in the garage, but that didn’t mean we’d do anything with it. At least not now.

We’d get around to it…eventually.

Fortunately, I had parents who got things done. I remember being raised with a sense of timely intervention. Little problems were dealt with so that they would not become bigger. Small disciplines were carried out daily in order to prevent a pile of work needing to be done later. I think I was raised with a Fram sensibility, i.e. “you can do a little now that is simple, or you can wait until later when it will become a hassle.” However, as I consider my screen door needing repaired, the long to-do list on my car, and the work on the lawn, I realize I have not fully incorporated the wisdom of Fram.

Getting Around to It

The Fram wisdom came to mind over the past couple weeks. I have worked with superintendents, bishops, conference ministers and presbyters. I have worked with congregations in transition, in conflict, and contemplating growth and mission. In most of these cases, I have had the privilege of helping them chart passages and identify hurdles along their way. Most of these churches were not in all out danger of collapse; they just needed some maintenance, attention to aspects of their life together that had gone unaddressed. However, with the experience of the Great Recession, most of the independent church consultants I know have not had a lot of work. Many of us have landed in other jobs. The reason has not been a lack of need, but a perceived lack of funds or lack crisis from our former clients. There are always opportunities to help congregations learn new things, engage in meaningful self-reflection, to prepare for difficulties, and create lead time for new opportunities.

One of the heart breaks I have witnessed both as a pastor, and simply as someone trying to see what’s going on, there is sometimes a sad recognition: when a problem is noticed, it may already be too late. Counselors and therapists know this. They often speak sadly of the couples ending in divorce whose relationships are beyond repair. “If only they had come in earlier.” There are the cardiac surgeons who would love to tell patients, eat right, exercise, get regular checkups. But by the time they come into a hospital with chest pains, it is too late and the bypass surgery is just around the corner. Most of the time, people know they are in jeopardy of destroying their health, their relationships, their businesses, but they feel hemmed in by limited budgets of time and money.

Over the past month, I have been contacted by former clients and been informed of congregations in crisis. Some have to do with conflict, many of the issues arise out of faulty discernment practices, there has been poor communication, and accountability has been skewed from sharing burdens to seeking blame. What a mess. While I never would want to tell them, “I told you so,” many have noticed that if they had worked on these problems earlier, this crisis would not exist now. Or, more realistically, if these problems were really inevitable, then at least one could have been more prepared for them.

Changing Filters

Changing filters is easier than changing an engine. Changing congregational practices and creating lead time is easier that changing entire boards, committees, clergy, and other leaders. Changing practices may be tedious, your knuckles might get scraped and your hands get dirty, so to speak. But the results are longer lasting. They are less prone to be quick fixes with a short shelf-life. They are less likely to be focused on problem-solving limited by a narrow, though painful, focus. Rather, simple practices, third-party consultations, learning new discernment practices are more fruitful when the engine is still working well. What kinds of investments are needed in your community to make the whole, “You can pay me now, or you can pay me later,” warning more meaningful?

Let’s get to work!

Institution And a Movement

2010-04-11T20:56:00.001-06:00

From David Bosch:
"We cannot have it both ways, then: purely and exclusively a religious movement, yet at the same time something that will survive the centuries and continue to exercise dynamic influence. Our main point of censure should therefore not be that the movement became an institution but that, when this happened, it also lost much of its verve. Its white-hot convictions, poured into the hearts of the first adherets, cooled down and became crystallized codes, solidified institutions, and petrified dogmas. The prophet became a priest of the establishment, charisma became office, and love became routine. The horizon was no longer the world but the boundaries of the local parish. The impetus missionary torrent of earlier years was tamed into a still-flowing rivulet and eventually into a stationary pond. It is this development that we have to deplore. Institution and movement may never be mutually exclusive categories; neither may church and mission".

From, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission, pg 53
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Life-Giving Fear

2010-03-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

I recently read this fine piece from Barbara Brown Taylor. It is an excellent Lenten meditation.

by Barbara Brown Taylor

Barbara Brown Taylor teaches at Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga. This article appeared in the Christian Century, March 4, 1998, page 229; copyright by the Christian Century Foundation and used by permission. Current articles and subscription information can be found at www.christiancentury.org. This material was prepared for Religion Online by Ted & Winnie Brock.
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When I was a hospital chaplain, the calls I dreaded most did not come from the emergency room, the psychiatric ward or even the morgue. They came from the pediatric floor, where little babies lay in cribs with bandages covering half their heads and sweet-faced children pushed IV poles down the hall. One day I received a call to come sit with a mother while her five-year-old daughter was in surgery. Earlier in the week, the girl had been playing with a friend when her head began to hurt. By the time she found her mother, she could no longer see. At the hospital, a CAT scan confirmed that a large tumor was pressing on the girl's optic nerve, and she was scheduled for surgery as soon as possible.

On the day of the operation, I found her mother sitting under the fluorescent lights in the waiting room beside an ashtray full of cigarette butts. She smelled as if she had puffed every one of them, although she was not smoking when I got there. She was staring at a patch of carpet in front of her, with her eyebrows raised in that half-hypnotized look that warned me to move slowly. I sat down beside her. She came to, and after some small talk she told me just how awful it was. She even told me why it had happened.

"It's my punishment," she said, "for smoking these damned cigarettes. God couldn't get my attention any other way, so he made my baby sick." Then she started crying so hard that what she said next came out like a siren: "Now I'm supposed to stop, but I can't stop. I'm going to kill my own child!"

This was hard for me to hear. I decided to forego reflective listening and concentrate on remedial theology instead. "I don't believe in a God like that," I said. "The God I know wouldn't do something like that." The only problem with my response was that it messed with the mother's worldview at the very moment she needed it most. However miserable it made her, she preferred a punishing God to an absent or capricious one. I may have been able to reconcile a loving God with her daughter's brain tumor, but at the moment she could not: If there was something wrong with her daughter, then there had to be a reason. She was even willing to be the reason. At least that way she could get a grip on the catastrophe.

Even those of us who claim to know better react the same way. Calamity strikes and we wonder what we did wrong. We scrutinize our behavior, our relationships, our diets, our beliefs. We hunt for some cause to explain the effect in hopes that we can stop causing it. What this tells us is that we are less interested in truth than consequences. What we crave, above all, is control over the chaos of our lives.

Luke does not divulge the motive of those who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices. The implication is that those who died deserved what they got, or at least that is the question Jesus intuited. "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?"

It is a tempting equation that solves a lot of problems. (1) It answers the riddle of why bad things happen to good people: they don't. Bad things only happen to bad people. (2) It punishes sinners right out in the open as a warning to everyone. (3) It gives us a God who obeys the laws of physics. For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. Any questions?

It is a tempting equation, but Jesus won't go there. "No," he tells the crowd, "but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did." In the South, this is what we call giving with one hand and taking away with the other. No, Jesus says, there is no connection between the suffering and the sin. Whew. But unless you repent, you are going to lose some blood too. Oh.

There is no sense spending too much time trying to decipher this piece of the good news. As far as I can tell, it is meant not to aid reason but to disarm it. In an intervention aimed below his listeners' heads, Jesus touches the panic they have inside of them about all the awful things that are happening around them. They are terrified by those things -- for good reason. They have searched their hearts for any bait that might bring disaster sniffing their way. They have lain awake at night making lists of their mistakes.

While Jesus does not honor their illusion that they can protect themselves in this way, he does seem to honor the vulnerability that their fright has opened up in them. It is not a bad thing for them to feel the full fragility of their lives. It is not a bad thing for them to count their breaths in the dark -- not if it makes them turn toward the light.

It is that turning he wants for them, which is why he tweaks their fear. Don't worry about Pilate and all the other things that can come crashing down on your heads, he tells them. Terrible things happen, and you are not always to blame. But don't let that stop you from doing what you are doing. That torn place your fear has opened up inside of you is a holy place. Look around while you are there. Pay attention to what you feel. It may hurt you to stay there and it may hurt you to see, but it is not the kind of hurt that leads to death. It is the kind that leads to life.

Depending on what you want from God, this may not sound like good news. I doubt that it would have sounded like good news to the mother in the waiting room. But for those of us who have discovered that we cannot make life safe nor God tame, it is gospel enough. What we can do is turn our faces to the light. That way, whatever befalls us, we will fall the right way.
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Temperaments and Expectations on Leadership

2010-01-29T12:51:00.002-07:00

The nature of leadership is fluid. Styles of leadership, as well as the focus and expectations of leadership need to be responsive to the different phases of a community's shared life. While there are many ways to define leadership, it is nonetheless still an abstract concept, in part because of the many ways in which takes shape, depending on the needs of the organization at any one time. And it may even be flexible enough to be exercised in multiple ways, by the same people, at the same time, in different parts of the organization. Thus, the idea of "leadership" as one thing with a hard and fast definition does not match with experience.

Thomas-Kilman Axis on Leadership Styles

One way to depict the changes in leadership by the context in which it is being exercised in by referring to the Thomas-Kilman Axis. This tool is usually used in relation to defining approaches to conflict, but it also is instructive on identifying five types of leadership. Each of the styles is appropriate, but not for times and situations.

The Thomas-Kilman Axis looks at leadership in relation to "Issues" (the vertical axis) and "Relationship" (the horizontal axis). Together, the axis of issues and relationships can be easily laid over Ephesians 4:15, which states, "speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

Looking at the types of leadership, five positions can be elaborated. Actually, these five types could be more finely defined with more distinctive positions all over the map. However, these exiting five set up parameters defining edges and the center.

First, in the upper left corner is "forcing" in which the issue is important and relationship has little of no impact in consideration. It could be a simple decision to buy a certain light bulb of copy-paper, or as vital as a decision to call 911 in an emergency. The point is that there is freedom to act because the issue is clearly not impactful on the quality of relationships (e.g. office supplies), or because it is of the vital importance calling for appropriate action in the midst of an emergency.

Second, in the lower left corner is "avoiding" leadership. By nature of its name, this does not even seem like a leadership quality. However, it is an "editing" kind of leadership. That is, there are times when issues are of little importance and almost no impact on relationship. These issues don't need to be dealt with and can be set aside for other more pressing concerns. Avoiding may be necessary to stuff away esoteric theological controversies, or even practical local issues, but still has to make the discernment that these are not issues vital to the community.

Third, in the middle of the map is "compromise". I chose to use a chicken as the icon for this position, only because compromise is too often misused. When misused, compromise demonstrates a lack of willingness to pursue some very difficult issues that actually need reconciliation and definition. On the other hand, it may show significant leadership to hold something in balance for a time. There are issues that are polarizing, yet neither side may have adequate information or understanding, making any action inappropriate. Compromise may work best then as a holding cell for a time.

Fourth, "collaborating" becomes a crucial leadership skill in settings of high relationship and high concern for an issue. For some, this is a default position because everything is important or because every relationship feels vulnerable and thus must be highly valued. As a default position, it may restrain leaders from taking immediately responsive steps or hinder healthy delegation and the empowerment of others to act independently in a permission-granting environment.

Fifth, "accommodating" although there is nothing wrong with highly valuing relationships, there are times when this leads toward an attitude of anything goes. This position can step over the line from creating a permission-granting environment to becoming a permissive environment. Eventually, an ideal will be violated, or a cause not championed, for the sake of relationship. Then, over time anxiety builds and implicit conflict may emerge, often in passive-aggressive ways. However, accommodation is a crucial capacity when the issues can be accurately assessed as of minor importance.

Thomas-Kilman in Action-Reflection

Read over the above mentioned types of approaches to issues and relationships. For each:

Consider the positive qualities of the approach.
1. How does this build up the community?
2. How is this capacity seen in action?
3. How might these qualities be passed on to others?
Each of these approaches have a history:
1. Tell stories of when these different approaches became apparent.
2. Consider which, if any, has become a default. When did that occur?
3. Which if any of these approaches has been especially helpful in the past? Which has been problematic?
Each of these approaches assumes that a community and its leaders can make clear discernment about issues and relationships. How do you ascertain the "high" or the "low" of the relationship or issue?

Next Steps

As a community becomes more familiar with its approaches to issues of relationships and issues, there can be greater clarity in the way choices are processed. Eventually, trust will build up within the community, due to the clarity and shared understanding of how things are discerned. To make aspects of this analysis a part of meetings and working sessions can provide needed reflection and ongoing accountability.

Within the Quaker tradition is the process of discerning the "spirit of the meeting." At the conclusion of a meeting for action, a designated person, known for the impartial discernment, is asked to describe how the spirit of the people in the meeting functioned and how the Spirit of God moved among them. Reflecting on these approaches and how they may have emerged in a meeting may be instructive.

Desperation Scripts (Re-Written)

2010-01-03T17:08:00.004-07:00

Somewhere scripts were written in our collective imagination that has led so many of us to have sought speculation for rapid growth of our resources. Now that those speculative hopes have been dashed by the recession, what will we imagine when recovery comes?

Bernanke Saw His Shadow

Somewhere in New York, or maybe Washington D.C., the Federal Reserve Chairman arose from Penn Station, or the Metro, and like Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that “the recession was ‘very likely over,’ as consumers showed some of the first tangible signs of spending again. Mr. Bernanke, who had become cautiously more upbeat in recent weeks amid signs of third-quarter growth, said for the first time that forecasters agree ‘at this point that we are in a recovery,’” (reported, WSJ, 9/15/09).

Today

According the Associated Press (1/3/10), “Some analysts worry that the Fed, which has held rates at record lows since December 2008, could be fueling a new speculative period and potentially a future economic crisis…Bernanke suggested the Fed might have underestimated the full force of the recession, which struck in December 2007…There's concern about how vigorous the recovery will be once government supports are removed later this year.”

As an economic thaw may be approaching, churches may now begin to reflect on their future and begin looking seriously at the things that may have been unattended over the past year and a half. Maybe the recession is winding down. I certainly hope so. Many churches and non-profits have been hiding out and holding tight. For some, difficult issues have been left unaddressed and organizational and missional problems grew. In many congregations, issues of conflict were set aside to help meet the immediate needs of members and those suffering through lay-offs, work reductions and foreclosures.

We’ve had important ministry taking place, meeting needs and dealing with the brokenness the recession has revealed. Yet some deeper and systemic issues continue to grow unaddressed.

How long will it take for the desperation scripts to be re-written? What are the new imaginaries the will give serve as templates to our views of jobs, economy, and community?

Yellow Feels Like Summer

2010-01-01T11:48:00.002-07:00

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Finding the Center

2010-01-01T10:15:00.001-07:00

The Philippines

2008-11-10T00:32:00.002-07:00

I am sitting downstairs in the Nazarene Mission Network office. I have had several papers to grade but decided to take a little time to update all of you on what God is doing here in the Philippines.

I arrived late, the rest of the team preceded me by two days. I was speaking at a Singles Retreat and didn't feel I could cancel. Since our arrival we have been working hard, playing hard, and basking in the grace of God.

We have visited a swatter camp that makes you feel inadequate. Fifteen, fourteen, and eighteen year old young people are sharing the gospel and training seminary students how to do it. They are growing the church in the midst of squalor and the joy of the Lord is evident on every face. Last night Ann and I went to their Sunday night service. it was something. They sang, gave testimonies, and asked us to speak. Wow, what an experience.

Sunday Morning Pastor Daryl and two thirds of the team went to New Hope, a 3 year old church plant. And Ann and I and Fern and Ron Hutter went to Living Water church. I preached on Esther. the pastor was a man of God that looked a lot like Moses coming off of the mountain. His face literally glowed with the grace and love of the Lord.

I have been working on installing baseboard in the main office area. APNTS (Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary) is celebrating 25 years next week and we are sprucing the place up.

Two days ago we had the privilege of being taken by canoe through an amazing canyon to a gigantic waterfall. Several of us rode a raft under the falls, the pressure was intense, but oh what an experience.

We have eaten at several wonderful restaurants in Manila, visited three malls and spent Christmas money.

But the highlight has been the people we have met. Always when I return from such a trip I am always humbled by how the third world lives and maintains a gracious, loving, and graceful spirit. I will write more later.

Blessings,
Gary

Community Formation

2008-10-19T14:51:00.003-06:00

Three days ago I had a great conversation which made me reflect on the value and type of communities in which I participate.

We speak of our "Sidewinder Family" and our "Gold Rush" family. But we never really looked into the dynamics of those "families." These families are composed of at least one boy about the age of 11 years and one or more parents. The Sidewinders is a traveling baseball team that's been together for over two years. The Gold Rush is a football team that's been together for three years. There are several families that overlap both of these groups.

So three days ago, one of the father's of a Gold Rush football team member was completing an assignment for a college composition class. The assignment was to interviews members of a community to find out what forms that community and what value it adds to life. Together with one other father, we discussed our values and how this experience for our boys affected us and made us want to be a part of each other's lives.

What I have realized is that we are a part of this community that is pulled together by youth sports. While youth sports can at times challenge family time, commitment to church activities, and challenge the budget, there is an opportunity to form meaningful shared bonds. We together express a desire to help our kids, and each other's kids to be good people, that is the main focus. But beyond that, we really enjoy one another's company.

Now that football is done, we have a bit of a lull. It will be interesting to see how this community will re-gather itself without or children's activities to pull us together. Will we keep up with each other, or will the tug and fragmentation of modern life keep us apart until next August when the pads and helmets start crunching and crashing again? I hope we keep in touch.

NT Wright

2008-10-17T12:03:00.002-06:00

In this Fall's Seminary Without Walls class we are reading "What Saint Paul Really Said." Wright is able to condense and pack so much into this small, very readable book. His gift of clear, simple, and concise language means that readers don't have to wade through piles of words to get to the kernel of what he is saying. His main contention is to refute the often discussed idea that Paul was the creator of Christianity. Wright posits that Jesus was the creator of Christianity, Paul was simply a humble messenger, okay at times not so humble.

Secondly, Wright emphases that Paul's basic mission was to the pagans of his world, not to the Jews, and therefore he might have something to say to contemporary paganism. (22) Paul's message of Jesus as the true God in the midst of a polytheistic, syncretistic world is his main theme. In this vein Wright offers a different understanding and interpretation of "gospel." In the Christian religious world of today, particularly in Evangelical circles, there is a major emphasis upon personal salvation as the true meaning of gospel. Wright says that he doesn't deny the value of the "order of salvation" (41) but he says he doesn't believe that is what Paul means by the term. For Paul the idea of "gospel" or "good news" is kingdom language. It relates to the message that the long-awaited release from captivity is at hand, because the King is here. The emphasis upon Jesus as the author and King of this kingdom is powerful. Therefore, gospel is the announcement of the present and coming king. For Paul this was amazing because to "announce that YHWH was king was to announce that Caesar is not. This was the 'good news' that Isaiah's heral was called upon to proclaim." (44)

Therefore the gospel is a true story about a human life, death, and resurrecton through which the living God becomes king of the world. It is not a system of how peole get saved. The announcemtn of the gospel results in people being saved, but "the gospel" itself, strictly speaking, is the narrative proclamation of King Jesus. (45)

Chew on that for a while. More to come later.

Gary

Musings

2008-08-11T08:56:00.003-06:00

I am sitting on the back porch of a friend in Lynnwood, WA. Ann and I are here preparing to fly to So. California for a week-long training for Celebrate Recovery. We are beginning that ministry at College Church.

One of the challenges that the church of today faces more than anything is the loss of the 20 and 30 somethings in the church. Their reaction to "same old church" is quite startling. They desire to have an authentic encounter with God and feel that this is missing in much of what goes on in the church today. Couple that with the church's unwillingness to change to meet their need and we have a tragedy. This is one of the reasons that I have so passionately involved myself in the missional church movement coupled with the best of the emergent village material

Often people ask me "what is missional church?" The following article will provide some light. Below is a very interesting read that my friend Robin Dugall posted on his blog. He says very clearly what I would have said.

“…the missional church…is a renewal movement. I see it as a moving of God’s Spirit within the Western church at a very critical time in its history. We find ourselves (most Christians probably agree on this) in a time of decline. Churches in the West are in trouble: internal dissensions, the failure and discouragement of leadership, loss of our youth, widespread negative perceptions of Christians by outsiders, and the death of many congregations. Just the kind of dry-bones situation where the breath of the Spirit often begins to blow!

(but)…I am impatient for the transformation, and that’s where the trouble begins . . .I imagine those of us in the missional church movement sometimes sound a bit
(critical) to believers perplexed by massive changes in the church and culture, and are not sure “missional” is the way to go. They may hear the message as, “move out of the way,” “get with the program,” “admit you are wasting your time,” or something equally uncharitable. To them the missional discussion seems like just another way to “diss” the past. When missional leaders point out current problems in the church, they often appear to have an arrogant disregard for what God has already done—as if the Holy Spirit has been totally absent for the last century and nothing of eternal significance has really been accomplished! Good people thus feel attacked and undervalued, their contributions unwelcome and unneeded. I suspect most renewal movements, whether by intention or misunderstanding, have conveyed such messages.

To those who have felt attacked, I apologize. The point is not to discredit the sincere and often productive endeavors of the past, but to ask, "How can we be faithful to the gospel in the new cultural situation of the 21st century?" Of course any attempt to answer this question involves evaluation of our current situation and some level of critique of the current state of the church. (But we)…need to remind (ourselves) that if this is indeed a movement of the Spirit of God, it will make its way among the people of God with power and certainty.

Another problem many people detect in renewal movements is a prideful spirit. In the case of the missional movement some folks have sensed a triumphalist spirit among its proponents, as if we are saying, "This is THE ANSWER, we have found THE WAY, wisdom now resides with US!" Certainly triumphalism in all its forms is divisive and offensive. To the degree that missional church leaders are guilty of this, we need to repent. Triumphalism is not helpful and does not honor the Lord or his people. However, I would like to offer a note of caution to those who think the missional church is triumphalistic and who are tempted to dismiss the movement on that basis. Part of what initially attracted me was the willingness of missional leaders to admit that they did not have all--or even many--of the answers to the problems facing the church today. The point is that this discussion is not about having all the right answers, but rather trying to identify the most important questions before the church--and working toward biblically and theologically sound answers.”

It is our purpose at the Institute for Missional Directions that we maintain a humble and yet challenge spirit. We know that we don't have all of the answers, we are on a journey of discovery. The challenge, however, is great. What will happen to the church in the next 10 to 20 years? I know, Christian history has taught us that God had a way of preserving his church. Interesting enough a thorough read of Church History announces the reality that most of this "saving" of the church takes place in reformative ways. The question before us today is whether we move into and embrace the changes needed.

I am going to try to blog more often

2008-07-30T16:37:00.002-06:00

I was told this past week from a former student that I don't blog enough. I realized that it is because of my need to have something significant to say. I will do my best to blog at least once a week if not more. I hope to still have something important to say, but perhaps they can be shorter. So hang in there with us at IMD as we continue to figure out how to be the most effective we can be.

Blessings,
Gary

What your learn when you are sick

2008-07-30T16:09:00.000-06:00

For the past month I have had a series of related illnesses that have forced me to rearrange my schedule. It is interesting that until something like this happens we are trapped by a schedule that seems brutal and controlling. But for much of the past 30 days, I was forced to remain close to home, most of the time in bed. It was interesting to me that people understood without question when I rescheduled appointments, canceled some, rearranged some responsibilities, etc. The idea was, "oh, you are sick so you have a valid excuse."

It forced me to think about who ultimately controls my life? Recently I had the privilege of attending a StrengthsFinders workshop. One of the requirements was that I needed to purchase the book, take the test online, and then bring the results to the workshop. I have taken many tests over the course of the past 25 years: TJTA, Meyers-Briggs, LIFO, Firo-B, DISC, The Flag, Spiritual Gifts inventories, Miller, Minnesota Multi-Phasic, Sanguin/Choleric/Meloncholy/Phlegmatic, Gary Smalley's test on personality, and others I can't even remember. They all seek to describe me within the context they are measuring, whether it be what kind of a leader I am? what is my personality? how do I relate to people? what are my strengths in leadership, management, interpersonal, etc.?

Interestingly enough almost all of them describe me as I believe myself to be. Whether it is that belief that skews the test so that it comes out that way, who really knows. They try to put in safe guards that create a sense of honesty even if you are trying to make yourself "look" good. I have had others take the above tests on me and they seem to come out pretty much the way I view myself. So my conclusion is that I pretty well know myself and these have given me tools in how to explain myself to others in a variety of working or leisure settings.

In the StrengthsFinders test my top one is: WOO (Winning People Over) - this was not a surprise to anyone who has known me for longer than an hour. My goal in life is to make friends with everyone I meet, and get to know them at a deeper level than superficial. This was not a surprise to me because other tests, Meyers-Briggs for one has me as an ENFP (Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving). In Smalley's tests I am an Otter, which is really a Sanguin. In the Flag test my country is "Fun Country" with "Peace Country" my support. So the fact that I came out WOO was not a surprise. But I began thinking.

Perhaps it is this WOO/Sanguin/otter/ENFP/Fun Country characteristic that is my strength and my major weakness. As I said in an earlier paragraph I am not good at controlling my calendar because primarily I don't want to let others down. And as you know people have a way of throwing guilt around pretty readily when you don't have time for them, or they feel they are not a high enough priority in your life.

This illness has me thinking that perhaps the greatest thing I can do as a WOO is take care of me. If I have a genuine illness people understand, but what about when I simply need to stop and take care of myself and my soul.

A recent discovery (which is really not new) is that when interviewed, most pastors confess that the "care of their own soul" is a high need and desire, but a low priority in their lives. I have been asked to do some work related to the "Soul Care" of clergy and when asked where would I start, my response was simply with their schedule. This caused the individual, who is BTW the one organizing the program, to look at me funny. I suppose he wanted me to talk about prayer, devotions, silence, solitude, and any number of other spiritual disciplines. But when I said to him that without this initial discipline of control of time and schedule, we can dream all we want about soul care and priorities, but until we make those priorities fit into our schedule they are highly unlikely to happen. I believe he agreed with me, we will see if he gives me any work :-).

Well that is my rambling for today.

Comments?

Gary

I've been thinking...

2008-06-25T10:37:00.002-06:00

Hans Rookmaaker, a Dutch scholar, said "Jesus didn’t come to make us Christian, he came to make us fully human." For some time this idea has been rolling around in my head. If in fact we are created in the image of God, then to be fully human would mean that we have some God characteristics. A fully human being is a human being that is intellectually, spiritually, creatively, morally, and relationally alive. In one respect this would seem like a tall order, and that not a single solitary person, except for Jesus, could ever be fully human. But the gospel seems to indicate that the role of "Jesus in me" is to to do just that--make me fully human, or make us fully human. This seems to be the challenge of Paul for us as he calls us to a life in Christ, to be like Christ. To be Christlike requires a daily surrender to his will and way. It is this relationship with him that enables us to be fully human. However, there is one aspect of being fully human that is not mentioned above, and that is free choice. What makes us alive is the ability that we have to chose to be human, to follow the call and claims of the gospel, and to seek to be like Christ.

A recent PEW study indicated that approximately 95% of American's believe in God, but only a few, less than 40%, attend worship on a regular basis. Other studies have indicated that the lifestyle of Christians is not different from the lifestyle of the majority of Americans. So what is the problem? The problem is that America is superficial both in its religion and its popular culture because we are intellectually, spiritually, creatively, morally, and relationally superficial.

Perhaps the challenge of this time is the discovery of what it means to be fully human. That discovery begins with a study of Jesus and his teachings. Now, I know this is not new, this is an old thought, but it is still true for today. It seems that we spend far too much time trying to be Christian, as understood by a majority of Americans, and less time contemplating what it means to be a follower of Jesus with all of its demands and implications.

This election campaign year has been an interesting study in what it means to be Christian. Christians seem to be playing an important role, but not because of who we follow, but as another voting bloc or another purchasing power. It is time for Christians to be more than the "political religious right." It is time that we discovered what it means to be fully human. The challenge is to step away from how the world defines Christianity and begin to discover who we are in Christ. We must dig deep to discover the claims of the gospel, and thereby discover what it means to be fully human as God intended. We cannot do this on our own, but together as we interact encourage, and support one another we will become the Church that truly is the Bride of Christ. Jesus came to make us fully human, it is time to discover what that means--enjoy the journey with its pitfalls and challenges, and its hopes and successes.

The Vision Thing Part 2

2008-05-13T15:10:00.008-06:00

So what is it we are trying to accomplish at The Mission Place with our work in the Institute for Missional Directions and Seminary Without Walls?

I was just re-reading some statistics about how many people go to church. (See, http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_rate.htm). As is stated in that article, the research tends to indicate a pretty consistent answer: about 40% of Americans say they went to religious services in the past seven days. But there appear to be discrepancies in the research analysis. The author of this article probes the effect of the "social desirability bias". This bias would tempt people to give an answer based on what would be the "right" thing to say. Generally, this affect comes in at a 2 to 1 ratio. One example is given in which church attendance rates are examined. If there were a static percentage (40%), then as the population increases, so should attendance rates in churches. But this is not the case. In fact, church attendance seems to have peaked in the 1960s.

The author then goes on to present research supporting the idea that church participation in the United States is actually around 20%-26%. So just for fun, let's say 25% of Americans go to church. Roughly, how might that break down? With about 300 million Americans, 25% would come to about 75 million attending religious services. Loosely, about that means 60 million Christians. Of that number, most likely the 80/20 rule is in affect, meaning that the leaders and influencers of the church might estimated at 12 million people.

Archimedes said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” It is these 12 million people we want to reach. These 12 million can touch the lives of about 48 million other church attenders. These people can heal broken communities; they can befriend children whose parents are out of the picture; they can speak peace to anxious living and conflicted relationships; they can give themselves to civic responsibilities; they can raise and nurture their children to carry it onward. 12 million people would make a difference.

So what is our vision? We'd like to wake the sleeping giant of 12 million people to engage in real missional transformation. So many of these church leaders may still be functioning on the old modern paradigm and wondering why the old ways don't work any longer. Some may be caught in the trap of trying to recreate the success stories of the "growing church in town". Still others may be experimenting with new ways, but not able to network and form a shared learning community to accelerate learning and discernment.

If we can move 12 million leaders into missional transformation, another 48 million might follow. But more, there will be a world that will witness Christians acting like Christ in the world. Not that this is a "strategy" for growing the church, or a new attractional program to pursue. It's just a desire to awaken a sleeping giant to bring grace, justice, peace, and love to a world needing to know that the reign of God is at hand. To move 12 million or more from just going to church, to actually being church.

So how do I put this vision into seven words?

That Vision Thing...

2008-05-12T14:41:00.003-06:00

A friend of The Mission Place today asked what our vision was. I was initially thrown off by his question. I felt like responding, "you've been with us all this time and you still don't know?" But that would have completely missed the point. He was encouraging us to be able to say what our vision is in a bout seven words. Try to say anything in seven words and you've got to do a lot of processing.

So I've been thinking of answering his question. I keep asking myself, if I keep doing what I am doing, what will the future look like? What will I envision the fruit of this labor looking like?

I know that if I spend 30 minutes with my 11-year old's split finger sinker, I can envision a nasty sinking fast ball. I can imagine the vision of seeing the ball just drop out of sight over the plate. When working with groups of people to develop healthy relationships, it feels a lot more difficult. There are so many more variables. But how much do those variables really matter? Won't the vision withstand that kind of obstacles?

Well, I find I am asking more questions than I am answering.

The Shack

2008-03-29T09:31:00.002-06:00

I just finished reading an amazing book. It is The Shack by William Young. I admit it, I love fiction. However, I particularly love fiction that is not just a story but gets under my skin. I love fiction that grabs me and makes me think. The Shack is just such a book. It has a basic story line. It is about the journey of a man whose youngest daughter is abducted and murdered while they are camping at Willowa Lake, near Joseph, Oregon.

He (Mack) is overcome for a few years by "the great sadness" of the loss of his daughter. He is ridden with personal guilt for not protecting her. And he is overcome with hatred and anger for the "scum bag" that stole her, and murdered her. One day he receives a note in his mailbox inviting him to return to the "shack" where his daughter's bloody dress was found. It was simply signed "Papa," the name that his wife and family had for God.

He decides that he will accept the invitation and return to the scene of the crime. What happens then is an amazing journey of the healing of his broken spirit. He encounters God in the three persons of the Trinity: Papa, Jesus, and Saranyu (Holy Spirit). The writer catches Mack and us off guard from the beginning--God is portrayed as a woman, interestingly enough called "Papa." And this is simply the beginning of the twists that keep you reading and thinking.

The novel is not so much a story but rather a dialogue in theology. It is not systematic theology but rather "spiritual" or relational theology. The entire encounter with God is to help Mack to heal so that he can be in relationship with Trinity, with his wife, and with his children. Each of these relationships have been significantly impaired by "the great sadness" that had ruled Mack's life. As the silent observer to the story, your emotions will cover the entire gamut or range possible.

Besides the emotional impact, readers will evaluate, argue, and review their own theological ideas about who God is and how God interacts with creation. One of the great truths in the book is that God calls us to "be" rather than to simply "do". God's desire for us is to allow Jesus to live through us and in us. This is possible by submitting to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to be Christlike.

One blogger on the Shack web site said: "This book has offered me a level of insight into the nature of God that I have never even dreamed possible. Everyone—no matter his or her relationship to Father—should read this book. Besides the Bible, this book has done more for my faith and understanding of God than anything I’ve ever consciously experienced."

While I might not go that far, I will admit that I truly found the read to be exciting, interesting, engaging, and stimulating. A great man once said that it is easy to agree with something that agrees with what you believe. Well, this is true for me of The Shack . Throughout the read, I often thought to myself "right on," "this is how I view God." The author brought me into the tale and then carefully and with great literary skill expressed my own thoughts regarding the Trinity, God's intention for creation, God's great love and desire to redeem everyone, and God's own pain when we suffer unjustly or sin or do evil.

I commend the read to you. And when you have finished, I would love to have dialogue about what you heard and how you reacted.

Blessings,
Gary Waller

The Dark Materials Trilogy

2008-03-20T13:38:00.003-06:00

I have finished the three books by Phillip Pullman. As mentioned in my previous blog, I have enjoyed the stories very much. Pullman is a gifted writer, whose ability to create imagery is unsurpassed. His ability to describe a situation, a feeling, or a landscape draws you deeply into each.

The three books of the trilogy are: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. The trilogy follows the story of two children, Lyra and Will. Fantasy characters witches, angels, and armored polar bears figure prominently in all three novels. Pullman describes himself as an atheist but he includes ideas from the field of theology as well as physics, and philosophy. Theological themes include: the nature of God, life after death, original sin, angels, and most prominently the human soul. Pullman could be criticized for emphasizing a humanistic view of these themes.

Pullman has a realistic view of the foibles and sins of the church. Although this critique of his is by far what has created the greatest stir among organized religion. His irreverence and seeming distain for organized religion comes through very clearly. The view of the three books is that the church is evil and only interested in keeping its place of authority within the world.

Another issue that has received heated debate is his view of God. It is interesting that his view of God is not different from much of early Gnosticism. In Gnosticism the "real" God of the universe is not the creator God but rather the creator God is a being much further down the chain of beings. Pullman also places the creator God, whom he calls the Authority, as an angel that happened to fool the other angels into believing that he was the ultimate Creator. He, however, is evil and interested only in his own interests.

Pullman's critique is not unlike the critique that God has received from many critics of established religion, whether it be Christian, Islamic, etc. The cruel God of the Old Testament who participates in a variety of genocide, particularly Canaanite genocide, is portrayed by many as totally different from the Jesus God we see in the New Testament. This divide has created many a debate over the centuries about the nature of God. Many in our postmodern culture prefer the God of the New Testament and struggle with the Old Testament deity. Pullman puts this conflict in the midst of the struggle that humanity is facing for ultimate survival.

In Pullman's final chapter of the trilogy, The Amber Spyglass, God dies. One of the critiques that I had heard prior to reading the stories was that the theme of the novels was to kill God. Actually, that is not the theme at all. God does die. And to tell you the truth this God who is selfish, greedy, controlling and demanding needs to die. In the trilogy the search for truth is to find it deep in the human soul. There is a hint of Process Theology in that because of Will and Lyra when people die they go into the essence of good that makes up the universe.

While I didn't agree with Pullman's conclusion, I definitely enjoyed the story. It forces one to re-evaluate a definition or understanding of God. It requires religionists to examine the horrific abuses that has been perpetrated on humanity in the name of religion, and he ultimately calls individuals to look deeply inside of themselves to discover a genuine encounter with a God of love, truth, and compassion. Pullman calls it the human spirit, I call it the real presence of a God of love. When the "real" Creator breathed into his creation of humanity and said that we became a "living soul" something happened, a bit of God was given to each of us. Pullman is close to being right, ultimately if we understood what it meant to be fully human we would treat one another better.

The novels are worth the read if for nothing else than to force us to realistically look at the kingdoms we have created and to measure them against the Kingdom that Jesus called into being.

I would love to have your comments. There is much more I could say but this is getting far too long.

Gary

The Golden Compass Revisited

2008-02-25T14:26:00.002-07:00

I have now read Volumes 1 and 2 of the Dark Materials Trilogy by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is an amazing author with the ability to paint word pictures that are magnificent as well as beautiful. I have also seen the movie, The Golden Compass, which is for the most part a realistic portrayal of the novel.

One of the issues of concern, for some, centers around the idea of each individual having a daemon. In using this language, Pullman is using imagery to talk about the human soul. In the world of The Golden Compass, individuals have souls that are external. These external souls are called Daemons. I believe that it was a purposeful choice on the part of Pullman to name them such, so as to create a bit of controversy. These souls are amazing reflections of the true nature of the individuals. If the person is evil, the daemon/soul is evil, if the person is good the daemon is good. The book postulates the idea of a number of worlds that are connected but separate. In the other worlds or universes, there are worlds where the souls are internal rather than external. Pullman's external souls have some tremendous advantages over our internal souls. The wonder of the external souls is that they are so "in your face," while the internal souls are less so.

Another issue is related to the treatment of the church and The Authority which is the Magisterium's title for God. In books 1 and 2 there is little mention of the Magisterium, the church, other than to cast a cloud of fear, control, and suspicion. The reality is that the Magisterium is a controlling body that seeks to root out anything that is counter to its teachings. The Magisterium seeks to eradicate or at the least silence those who would seek to discover anything new, or who would speak out against their control. It is not unlike reformation or inquisition persecutions of our own church past. Pullman paints a picture of the church of which I don't want to be part.

In book 2, The Subtle Knife, Pullman begins to talk about God, but it isn't until book 3, The Amber Spyglass, (which I have not as yet completed) that a picture of God is fully revealed. It was of interest to me that this God is really a Gnostic God with some variations. This God is vengeful and evil. He is not the real power behind creation but has stepped into that place to fool other angels and to control humanity. The church is his handmaiden and the church seeks to stamp out all truth. In reality it is the church of the middle ages, that was afraid of science, progress, and free thinking.

It is difficult for me to believe that a real atheist could write this book. I know that Pullman describes himself as an atheist, but I am inclined to put him in a category of a seeker. No one who totally discounts the existence of God could write what he writes. There are qualities of love, loyalty, comradeship, sacrifice, and redemption that echo throughout the pages of the books. He is against the kind of God he portrays, but frankly, so am I.

The movie, The Golden Compassdoes an adequate job of telling the story, however, it leaves out significant ideas, changes key scenes, and reorders others; it also ends far short of the conclusion of the book which is significantly important as one picks up the second in the series.

This series is worth the read if not as an interesting critique of the church and our beliefs about God. The challenge of Christianity in the twenty-first century is that the Church no longer holds the same place in the minds, hearts, and lives of people. She has become marginalized and to many she is insignificant and of little importance. A major introspection of who we are as Church, is essential as we seek to be agents of God's Kingdom in this world. Pullman's critique, while I don't believe it all, does force us to take a hard look. We must evaluate what it is that God is up to and not so much create our agenda of what we believe is the Christian thing to do.

Blessings,
Gary Waller

Interesting Facts from 2007

2008-01-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

The following is excerpted from Warren Cole Smith of the Evangelical Press. He offers "some of the more interesting, peculiar, and downright strange statistics uncovered in 2007.”

God? Yes. Religion? No.
According to a Gallop poll released in June, more than 90 percent of Americans say they believe in God. But only 46 percent of respondents said they had either a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in organized religion. The figures are among the lowest for institutionalized religion in the three and a half decades that Gallup has conducted the poll. The numbers have been in steady decline since peaking at 68 percent in May 1975.

Marriage Messes.
According to new United States Census Bureau figures, more than half of all couples throw in the towel before their 25th anniversary. The Census Bureau looked at couples that would have celebrated their 25th anniversaries since 2000. “Those who married in the (late) 1970s apparently have much more fragile marriages than we realized,” said Mike McManus of Marriage Savers. “In my view, the church is doing a very poor job of helping couples prepare for a lifelong marriage or to enrich existing ones, or to save troubled ones.”

Inerrant, or Uncertain?
Protestants are most likely to credit the Bible as the inerrant word of God, according to a Gallup Poll. The rest of the population largely said the Bible might be inspired by God, but not literally so. Gallup has been asking the question since 1991, and the answers remain mostly unchanged. About 31 percent said they believe the Bible is infallible. Forty-seven percent said they see the Bible as the inspired word of God, but not to be taken literally.

Young People More Conservative.
On controversial social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, America's young people continue to track conservative, according to a poll by The New York Times, CBS and MTV. The survey collected opinions of 17- to 29-year-olds. Sixty-two percent said abortion should be outlawed or restricted. Danielle Huntley, a student at Boston College Law School and president of Students for Life of America, said she's proud her peers are not buying into liberal rhetoric. Fifty-four percent of young adults expressed opposition to same-sex marriage.

As The Romans Do.
The Roman Catholic Church remains the largest church in the U.S. according to the 2007 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, released March 5. This annual report, issued by the National Council of Churches, has data for 2005 that was reported by the denominations during 2006. The Catholic Church, with 69.1 million members, grew by 1.94 percent in 2005, making it not only the largest but the fastest-growing church in the country. Other fast-growing religious bodies included the Assemblies of God (1.86 percent) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1.63 percent). The population growth rate of the U.S. is about 1 percent per year.

Americans Generous,
But Less So Now.
An annual study of church giving shows most church money goes to activities within the congregation collecting the money. Only a small percentage goes to outreach, evangelism, or benevolence activities outside the congregation. Sylvia and John Ronsvalle of Champaign, Illinois-based Empty Tomb Inc., released their 16th annual study on church giving in 2007. They say that Christianity in the U.S. is becoming a “maintenance organization” that—if trends continue—soon will be spending 100 percent of its resources on maintaining its current programs and activities. The study finds that while donations to churches have increased 78 percent in real dollars since 1968, income has risen 116 percent over the same period. The average U.S. congregation member gave 2.56 percent of personal income to the church in 2004, a decline for the fourth straight year. That’s down 18 percent from 1968, and below giving levels from the early 1930s at the height of the Depression. Instead, Americans spend almost four times as much on entertainment as on church giving.

Dropping Out.
An estimated 1.2 million students dropped out of high school in the last year, which means only 70 percent of students who started high school four years ago earned a diploma. Lynn Olson with Education Week said the future of kids who drop out looks increasingly bleak. “These kids are looking at the prospects of earning, on average, $13,000 a year,” she said. “That’s certainly not enough to support a family and to thrive in today’s economy.”

Abstinence In, Teen Sex Out.
Teen-sex and pregnancy rates are down, according to a National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) report released July 13. The NCHS study tracked trends among high school students from 1991 to 2005. In 1991, 54 percent of teens reported having had sexual intercourse. In 2005, that number dropped to 47 percent. The rate of teen pregnancy also showed a dramatic decline. Linda Klepacki, a conservative activist and expert on sexual health, said 1991 is a significant marker for a reason: It’s when abstinence education was adopted by some of the nation’s largest public school systems. “We have seen a continual decline since 1991, so we can infer that we’ve had an effect with abstinence education in our public schools,” Klepacki said.

Having It All Not So Great, Moms Say.
More and more working moms would rather be at home with their kids. Forty-eight percent of stay-at-home moms say they wouldn’t change a thing, according to a Pew Research Center study released this year. Although nearly 71 percent of American women work outside the home, it appears many of them aren’t happy about it. Cary Funk, one of the authors of the Pew study, said juggling work and family time is a tough act for most moms to pull off, and that those who do it most successfully have flexible schedules or job sharing arrangements.

Day 12 - Christmas Season Devotionals

2008-01-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

January 6 - Epiphany

Matthew 12:15-21

"On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Twelve Drummers Drumming."

I love the song “The Little Drummer Boy.” He had no gift to bring to the newborn king except the gift of his music. As we listen to the “barum pa pum pum, barum pa pum pum” our hearts swell as we dream of what we can give as well. I am a drummer. I love to play my Djembe, particularly in what is known as a drum circle. There is nothing like hearing all of the different beats, and rhythms as they merge into something wonderful. An act of worship that is incredibly meaningful is “Psalm drumming.” A beat is established, usually on the Djembe, and then others begin to add their form of percussion while the Psalm is being read poetically. It is a moving experience. Everyone responds to the words of the Psalm differently but each persons contribution enhances the message that is read.

The Twelve Drummers Drumming reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith. In this legend, as the children learned each of the previous eleven important elements of their faith they came lastly to the twelve points of doctrine that are found in the Apostle's Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell [the grave]. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic Church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting.

This earliest of Christian statements of faith forms a foundation of our faith. It is important to know what we believe. The Apostle’s Creed was an early attempt on the part of the Church of Jesus Christ to articulate those elements of our faith that are essential for every believer. It is upon these that we all agree. These twelve statements provide a common place for discussion and outreach.

Action Point: What points are particularly important to you? What is confusing to you?

How do you communicate the heart of your faith—are you able to use these simple points to do so?

Summary
I hope that you have found meaning and help with these short devotions related to the Season of Christmas. My prayer is that you will remember that the season is more than simply what we see on Christmas eve or Christmas day but it is to be taken into our hearts and lived all year long.

Day 11 - Christmas Season Devotionals

2008-01-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

January 5

Luke 10:1-12

"On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Eleven Pipers Piping."

The eleventh day of Christmas is a time to reflect upon Jesus’ eleven faithful disciples: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

What is incredible to remember about these faithful disciples was not only the opportunity they had to be with Jesus for three years but the privilege they had to be the first communicators of His story. They “piped” his story to the known world often at the expense of their own lives. But, no matter the risk they played on, and they taught others to play the song of Jesus. The image of eleven pipers piping is an active image. I am reminded of men like Saint Patrick who “piped” and shared his faith and changed not only Ireland but impacted all of Christianity. Men like D. L. Moody, Billy Graham, John Wesley; women like Sojourner Truth, Phoebe Palmer, and Florence Nightingale, all in their own way “piped” the story of “peace on earth, good will to all.”

We are indebted to the pipers who have gone on before, but it is imperative that we remain as equally committed to the pipers that follow us. As we play the song may we be ever aware of those coming behind us who need to learn the song. May they look back on our lives with gratitude because we taught them the greatest song of all.

The Twelfth Night
This last night before Epiphany is called “Twelfth Night.” In some traditions it was a time for feasting and the giving of presents. It was a traditional time for the removal of Christmas decorations. Some traditions included a King's Cake, as a reminder of the visit of the Magi. A special cake was baked with a bean, or a coin or almond, hidden in it. The guests would each get a piece and the one with the bean became the “king of the bean”. That person would then rule over the festivities for the evening. Customs of gift giving, an imitation of the wise men, were also part of this night. Generally, the gifts were distributed by men dressed as the three kings.

Action Point: What are you doing to honor those who have played the song, and what are you doing to help teach the song to those who follow?

Day 10 - Christmas Season Devotionals

2008-01-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

January 4

Mark 12:28-34

“On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Ten Lords A-leaping”

An important part of our history is found in what we call “The Ten commandments”:

1) You shall have no other gods before me;
2) Do not make an idol;
3) Do not take God's name in vain;
4) Remember the Sabbath Day;
5) Honor your father and mother;
6) Do not murder;
7) Do not commit adultery;
8) Do not steal;
9) Do not bear false witness;
10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17).

These ten laws set forth a way of living together within community that protects not only the individual but the community as well. They have stood the test of time, in fact a code much like this can be found in almost every ancient culture. Observance of these commands provides strength and stability. It is important, however, to remember that the foundation of our faith is not found in this law but in the law written on our hearts through the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Over the past couple of years, within our community there has arisen controversy over the Ten Commandments. This was prompted by the removal of the Ten Commandments Monument from a public park. During all of the controversy over whether we ought to move them or ought not to move them not once did I hear anyone say that these are an important part of our history but they are not objects to be worshipped. Christ through the Holy Spirit is the perfecter of our faith not the enforcer of a list of rules. Jesus told his disciples that the entire law is summed up in relationship: relationship with God and relationships with other people.

The picture of ten lords a-leaping inspires me to realize that our Christian walk is not static adherence to a code of laws, but is relational. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we discern what is right as we seek to live lives that evidence the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful for the guidance of these ancient laws and determine to live my life using them as a guide, but the primary guide in my life is found in my relationship with the Great King and is lived and monitored within a community of others who are seeking the face of God for their daily lives.

Action Point: What are the principles and guidelines that govern your relationships, thoughts, and life? How do these commands inspire you? How does God through his spirit guide you?

Day 9 - Christmas Season Devotionals

2008-01-03T13:06:00.001-07:00

January 3

Galatians 5:13-26

“On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Nine Ladies Dancing.”

The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22) are represented by the nine ladies dancing.

This icon is Rublev's famous painting of the Trinity. You will notice that they are seated around a round table, each figure has the same face but is wearing different garments. The Trinity has been referred to as a “divine dance” where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit interact with one another in a variety of movements and interactions that are interdependent. Our lives with Christ can be much like a dance, where the partners interact with one another. Usually one is the leader but they dance together as one unit. Dancing can be so light and beautiful but it requires care and harmony to succeed. My favorite dancing is ice dancing. I just love watching gifted skaters as they whirl and glide across the ice, the partners in effect being one.

The Fruit of the Spirit interacts with us as it dances and whirls from the depths of our being. The Fruit of the Spirit issues forth as the evidence of a spirit filled life. A tree that is healthy produces fruit that is good to eat. Likewise, lives that are lived under the authority and control of the Holy Spirit produce fruit that is attractive. My grandfather was a gentle, kind man. He always had a kind word for everyone, a helping hand when needed, and a dollar or two if someone was totally down and out. His life radiated the life of the Spirit that filled his every fiber. I remember him opening that big old Bible and reading it every day, I remember also, the prayers that he prayed. They were simple and yet profound. He talked to God as if he was sitting across the breakfast table and they were two old friends sharing a meal and their stories. Because of this his life produced fruit and impacted us in more ways than we can comprehend.

We are commanded to seek after and pray for the gifts of the spirit, but we are not to seek the fruit of the Spirit—we are told to seek the Spirit. My prayer for this year is that I would more and more submit my life to the control of the Holy Spirit. My hope is that in doing so others will see the fruit of the Spirit in my life and that they will see evidence of the divine dance of grace within me.

Action Point: In what ways do you see these nine ladies dancing in the lives of your friends and family? How is this dance evidenced in your life? What areas do you need to surrender to the Spirit to make room for the fruit to grow?

Day 8 - Christmas Season Devotionals

2008-01-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

January 2

Matthew 5:3-10

“On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Eight Maids A-milking.”

It's a brand new year! And with each new year comes new plans, new goals, new resolutions. The new year inspires us to assess our lives and determine areas where we desire to change. In this self-evaluation we discover areas of weakness that we determine to address. So, we break out the weights, we try on a new diet, we resolve to get more exercise, read more books and watch less television. For a while we are full of energy and vitality ready to meet all of our new goals. However, far too quickly we get bored and soon we are right back to where we were the previous year. Lasting change doesn’t materialize for a number of reasons: pace of life, lack of discipline, lack of support, etc. Our walk with Christ is not about resolutions to try harder, but it is about character.

The eight maids represent the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount: “blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, and blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.”

The Beatitudes inspire us to reflect God-like qualities that sustain us and enable us to live as followers of the Great King. This requires for some of us, change. Real change that makes a difference however, comes only when an individual becomes dependent upon the help of the Holy Spirit, submits to the loving guidance and support of a caring community, and covenants to intensify their walk with God. Different from the “gifts of the spirit” the character qualities that make up the Beatitudes are by-products of lives of daily submission and encounter with God. They come as a result of a disciplined life, committed to follow the way of Christ.

Action Point: Make your New Year's resolutions and goals but determine that you cannot do this alone. You must submit yourselves to the help of both God and community as you develop these qualities of character.

Day 7 - The Christmas Season Devotionals

2007-12-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

January 1, 2008

Happy New Year!

Romans 12:1-8

“On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Seven Swans A-swimming.”

The "seven swans a-swimming" represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and mercy/compassion (Romans 12:6-8). God's desire is to bring all things in creation, under the lordship of Christ (Ephesians 1). He gave us gifts that would enable us to work together as one body, His body (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). These gifts were given to the people of God to enhance their relationships with one another, in order to grow and be built up to do the work of God, (Ephesians 4:1-16). We as his children, are to be proactive in the use of these gifts. We are to exercise them and use them so as to participate in the vision and plan God has for the world, and to unite us together in order to stand strong in the midst of the temptations and evil that surround us.

The metaphor that surrounds the Swans is that of a swimmer. Swimmers are gifted athletes, disciplined in the pursuit of their sport. We who are the body of Christ, are to be active and disciplined in the pursuit of God’s will, love and grace. Like trained swimmers we are to be "in the pool, about our Father’s business."

Action Point: How are you using your gifts as individuals…as a community? What gifts do you see present in your faith community?

Day 6 - The Christmas Season Devotionals

2007-12-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

December 31

Genesis 1

“On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Six Geese A-laying.”

The image of six geese a-laying reminds us of the six days of creation. Genesis 1 & 2 is an early hymn of confession of God as Creator and Sustainer of the world. Often forgotten in the consumption mentality of our age is the command God gave to Adam to cultivate and care for the world. The world was given to humans as a gift of the creator. As part of the catechism of faith this reminder of our role as caretaker of God’s creation is important because of its link with the creator himself.

Action Point: During this Christmas season what promises do you wish to make to enhance your relationship to God’s creation. Discuss what it means for humans to husband or care for God’s creation.

Day 5 - The Christmas Season Devotionals

2007-12-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

December 30

Luke 2:21-40

“On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Five Gold Rings.”

What a gift! Five gold rings would provide a ring for each finger. When Abraham’s servant, Eleazer went to Haren in search of a wife for Isaac he met Rebeccah. After she had completed his special test he gave her a gold nose ring and two golden bracelets. This represented a wonderful gift. Likewise these rings in the song, represent a wonderful gift. Some legends believe the five gold rings of the song refer to the first five books of the Bible.

If we did not have these first books of the Old Testament we would not have the complete story of God’s love. Our “true love” gave to us the first five books of the Old Testament. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy make up the books known as the Pentateuch or Torah. They tell us of the history of God’s loving creation, humanity's sinful failure, and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world. The foundation of all that we believe as Christians finds its roots in the story of the children of Abraham. These books tell God's story and our story from creation to covenant, from the Fall into sin, to the promise of a redeemer and from deliverance to establishment as a people. In them we view God’s loving interaction with his creation. These truly are precious golden documents that tell us who God is and who we are.

Action Point: Find a way to communicate the extreme value of God’s over arching story. What does it mean for us to be part of a community that has been called by God to communicate his story? What kinds of things ought we to do as part of his called out ones?

Day 4 - The Christmas Season Devotionals

2007-12-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

December 29

“On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Four Calling Birds.”

Romans 1:1-6

Image from www.fashion-era.com

I remember as a child hearing birds as they chattered and whistled in the treetops. I particularly remember the Jays and the Crows who seemed to call and respond to each other. I am uncertain as to what they were saying but I can imagine that it had something to do with where to find food, or a warning such as—“watch out there is an intruder,” etc.

The four calling birds of the song refer to the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ. They tell the story of our “true loves’” plan of redemption. They tell an unlikely story—a virgin gives birth to a child that becomes the hope of the world. This child of hope, this savior of the world was not born in a palace nor did he live a life of comfort and luxury, but rather he lived among those who were the neediest of all. The gospels are a call to remember, “God so loved the world that he gave…”

Action Point: How are you proclaiming this good news? What kinds of things can you do in the upcoming year to herald the story of our “true love?”

Day 3 - The Christmas Season Devotionals

2007-12-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

John 3:1-21

December 28

1 Corinthians 13

“On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Three French Hens.”

Do you ever wonder what in the world a French hen is? I certainly have. Well, I have learned that it is a small savory fowl much like the Cornish Game Hen of which we are more familiar. It was a delicacy of the wealthy and was considered a wonderfully exquisite gift.

Paul in his letter to the Church in Corinth reminds them of three theological virtues that are special gifts from our “true love.” They are: faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Faith is the framework of all that we believe, hope is that which inspires and encourages, and love is the foundation upon which we build all of our relationships. If one is to grow into the disciple that Jesus has commanded these three virtues, must provide the pattern for living.

Action Point: Talk about the role of each of these gifts. How do we evidence the virtues of faith, hope and love in the hectic, busy, frantic world in which we live? In what ways can you determine to live out these virtues tomorrow and in the days to follow?

Day 2 - The Christmas Season Devotionals

2007-12-26T03:46:00.000-07:00

December 27

Scripture Reading: John 3:1-21

The song continues with, “On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...Two Turtledoves.”

Doves are beautiful birds. The cooing of doves is soothing and calming. White doves have for centuries represented, peace. The two turtledoves mentioned in the song, represent the Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the story of God to the world. Each of the biblical divisions has its place in revealing much about God and his human creation. We see from the opening pages of Genesis, right through the last word of The Revelation of John God's gracious love and desire for relationship.

God, our “true love,” not only gave to us his son but he provided through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit a record, a word that would be for all generations a guide to faith and practice. These ancient documents delivered through priests, prophets, and apostles provide words of comfort, instruction, exhortation, confrontation, and conviction, all intended to lead us to the Prince of Peace.

Action Point: Reflect upon the importance and value of both testaments in your life. What role have they played even this week as you continue the adventure of your life in Christ?

Day 1 - Christmas Season Devotionals

2007-12-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

Christmas Night, December 25 - December 26

Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14

The first verse of this well known Christmas song is: “On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...a Partridge in a Pear Tree.”

A partridge in a pear tree seems a very interesting image. Partridges are primarily a grounded fowl, related to quail, chukar, and pheasant. Driving down the rural roads of Idaho, one is likely to encounter a covey of quail—a mother followed by several tiny ones. She takes every opportunity to protect those little ones by either running or gathering them to her side. Besides quail one may also view the beauty of a pheasant in flight or glimpse the wiley chukar.

This image of a partridge may draw our thoughts to the passage where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and desires to care for her like a mother hen wishes to gather her chicks under her wings. This is the epitome of love—self-sacrifice and caring nurture. The image of a partridge in a pear tree is one of Jesus on the cross as the ultimate redeemer and sacrifice for sin. "The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost." You, I, and our neighbors, are His purpose. We always have been. We always will be. He came as the suffering lamb of God. The angel's pronouncement had been, " . . . and He SHALL save His people from their sins . . ." Isaiah proclaimed him “wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace,” John in the fourth gospel, reminds us that “God so loved the world that he gave us his only son…”

I have seldom seen quail, pheasant, chukar, or partridges in trees, therefore it is interesting to think about them there. The image draws our thinking to the idea of provision. Pears are nourishing and nutritious. When Jesus died on that “tree” he became the provision and sustainer of our lives.

Action Point: When you think of the image of a "partridge in a pear tree," or Christ on the cross, are their metaphors that come to your mind? What theological truth do you think you could communicate related to this image? How do we participate in the “saving role” of the great King?

The Christmas Season

2007-12-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Season
A Devotional Guide
Dr. Gary Waller

The celebration of Christmas begins with the celebration of Advent, which is the time of preparation for the coming of the Christ child. But, the time known as "The Christmas Season", in the church calendar, begins with Christmas day and continues for the following twelve days. In the Western Church Calendar the “Twelve Days of Christmas” are the twelve days between Christmas Day and the beginning of the season of Epiphany that begins on January 6th. The 12 days count from Christmas Night and December 26th until January 6th, Epiphany.

The origin of the Twelve Days is complicated. In the Western church, Epiphany is traditionally celebrated as the time the three Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). In some cultures, especially Hispanic and Latin American cultures, January 6th is observed as “Three Kings Day”, or simply the “Day of the Kings”. Even though December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in these cultures, January 6th is often the day for giving gifts. In some places it is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Since Eastern Orthodox traditions use a different religious calendar, they celebrate Christmas on January 7th and observe Epiphany or Theophany on January 19th.

January 5th is called “The Twelfth Night”, it is the last day of the Christmas Season before the celebration of Epiphany (January 6th) begins. “The Twelfth Night” often included feasting along with the removal of Christmas decorations. French and English celebrations of Twelfth Night included a King's Cake in honor of the visit of the Three Magi.

The Season of Christmas—the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, give opportunity for families and the church to continue the celebration of Christmas. It also provides an opportunity to explore the great themes of salvation, discipleship, and theology. One way this has been propagated is through the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

The song has enjoyed great popularity in modern times. Many people believe that the song is about the 12 days preceding Christmas and see it as a humorous song. There have been a variety of “take-offs.” Jeff Foxworthy’s composition “A Redneck 12 Days of Christmas,” and other such renditions provide humor but little understanding of the reason for the celebration of the 12 days of Christmas.

The song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, is often seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, there is a legend that suggests it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, containing hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. The legend asserts that the song was a mnemonic device to teach catechism to youngsters in a way that was memorable and yet secretive. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but rather, refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.

Many have questioned the historical accuracy of this interpretation of the origin of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Some, in the name of historical accuracy, have simply debunked it as an "urban myth.” There is little "hard" evidence available either way. Some church historians affirm this account as basically accurate, while others point out apparent historical discrepancies. The "evidence" on both sides is mostly rational, using logical deduction and probabilities. One internet site devoted to debunking hoaxes and legends says that, "there is no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' was created or used as a secret means of preserving tenets of the Catholic faith, or that this claim is anything but a fanciful modern day speculation..." (Snopes) What is omitted is that there is no "substantive evidence" that will disprove it either.

It is certainly possible that this view of the song is legendary or anecdotal. Without corroboration and in the absence of "substantive evidence," one probably should not take rigid positions on either side. That would violate the spirit of Christmas that the song is seeking to encourage. For the sake of historical accuracy, we need to acknowledge this uncertainty.

However, on another level, this uncertainty should not prevent us from using the song in celebration of the Christmas season. Many of the symbols of Christianity were not originally religious, including even the present date of Christmas, but were appropriated from contemporary culture by the Christian Faith as vehicles of worship and proclamation. Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more importantly is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue. Hopefully hearing the song will remind hearers in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in the world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas? The following devotions use the song and its legend as inspiration for daily family worship.

I hope that the daily devotions will be an opportunity for you and your family to continue to celebrate the meaning of this time of year where we remember how much God loved us. "For God so loved the World that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him shall have eternal life." (John 3:16)

The Golden Compass

2007-12-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Following in the footsteps of Harry Potter, and Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code, the movie, The Golden Compass, due for release tomorrow (December 7), is creating quite a furor of controversy from Catholic and evangelical circles. The Golden Compass is the first book of author Philip Pullman’s trilogy, The Dark Materials. In a recent article in Newsweek, Pullman describes himself as an atheist, but his vocation is storytelling, and his only agenda, he said, is to “to get you to turn the page.” He further says, “To regard it that I am a militant atheist, and my intention is to convert people…” is stupid, “how do they know that?” “Why don’t we trust readers? Why don’t we trust filmgoers?” (December 3, 2007, p. 58) Many who have read the book, vehemently disagree that its primary message is religious, contending that it is simply a great fantasy.

Detractors argue that Pullman's children's fantasy novel is a forceful attack on the Catholic Church and serves as a vehicle for promoting atheism to children. "You have two characters who set out to kill God," said Pete Vere, a canon lawyer and co-author of a forthcoming book entitled Pied Piper of Atheism: Philip Pullman and Children's Fantasy. Mr. Vere's book, which is critical of Mr. Pullman's work and his atheistic views, is being promoted on a website called http://www.atheismforchildren.com .

Other Catholics interpret The Golden Compass as a denunciation of organized religion dominated by a distant, imposter God. "That's his [Pullman’s] image of religion that he's doing away with and frankly, we can all do away with that image of church and religion because that's not the church in Christianity that we believe in today," said Sister Rose Pacatte, director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City, Calif. "That God that he kills off, he's doing us a favour."

The trilogy tells the story of Lyra, a girl in an alternate world who becomes a pawn in a power struggle waged by an all-powerful group called the Magisterium. That body, which many see as a fictional stand-in for the Catholic Church, seeks obedience through social control, especially of children as they reach puberty. The God figure in the novels is called the Authority.

While many Catholic school boards have pulled the books from their shelves and reading lists, some Catholic school boards believe the book is valuable for students to examine and decode. "The reality is we can't ban this book - nobody can, no school board can. The books are widely available, the film is going to go into wide release, so we're more concerned with giving our students the tools to discern what's right and what's wrong, to interpret these books, to use the Catholic faith as a means then to interpret the world around them." said Jonathan Wright, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board's religion and family life consultant. (Emphasis mine – GW)

Gisèle Baxter, a lecturer at the University of British Columbia who has taught the books in a children's literature course, said characterizing their position on religion is difficult and "almost a problem of vocabulary" because "saying that the books are anti-religious ... is not quite accurate." Instead, she said, the trilogy centers on an anti-authoritarian parallel universe where the characters are antagonistic to autocratic religious institutions.

David Bruce of Hollywood Jesus makes the following comment about the film,

"For us, this is a film that opens the door of opportunity. Think of the great discussions that can arise from this film. Also, Pullman is a wonderful man with deeply held ideas about the preciousness of humanity and the immense beauty of this world. He is committed to making this planet a better place for all of us. This, I believe, is reflected in his books. It is an idea that resonates with so many - and part of the reason why his novels are best sellers. He has an important message that should not be overlooked just because he is a committed non-religious humanist.” (www.hollywoodjesus.com)

Why can’t we criticize the Church? Why can’t we criticize authority? The movie like so many others forces us to take a good look at what has survived for 2000 years in the name of Christ. It begs us ask the question, “What is the heart of the gospel?” Is Christianity so fragile that one movie, or a series of books and movies can destroy it? I don’t think so, it has lasted over 2000 years precisely because it returns from time to time to the simple message of the gospel, which is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.” Periodically in the midst of “doing” church perhaps it is important to remember what it means to “be” the Church. I am not suggesting that we open our minds and accept everything as truth, neither do I want us to shut them off. Perhaps people like Pullman come around from time to time to bring us back to the main thing—the love of God for a lost humanity exhibited through the beautiful picture of the “Babe of Bethlehem.”

I have not had the opportunity to read the book but I plan to listen to the audio tapes as soon as they come into the Nampa Library. I will have further to say after I am finished. I will watch the movie when it shows up at the dollar theatre.

For further research:
google: The Golden Compass or check out the Christianity Today link below:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2007/goldencompass.html
or go to www.hollywoodjesus.com and read David’s entire review.

Blessings,
Gary Waller

Advent Prayer

2007-12-01T20:38:00.001-07:00

Recently a colleague of mine, with a differing eschatology, wrote the following prayer. I have adapted it to my theological understands of God's present and future reign. The changes were minor. I guess I have wanted to "mennonize" it. Nonetheless, I want to thank Mark Love of Abilene Christian University for listening to God and writing down this prayer and confession of faith.

Pictures of God's Future, Our Salvation

God has established a day in the future when all humanity will gather around one table, will constitute one family all recognizing God as Father.

This is our salvation, we belong to that day

Because of Jesus and through the power of the Spirit we experience that future today…